Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects who allegedly stormed a house where 16 women were collecting their year-end stokvel contributions, making off with approximately R30,000 in cash and several cellphones.
The robbery took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at around 8am in Musiphana village, within the Letsitele policing area in the Mopani District.
According to police, the women were gathered at a homestead to collect their savings when three unknown men entered the house, one of whom was wearing a balaclava.
Two of the suspects were allegedly armed with pistols, which they pointed at the women while demanding money.
Armed suspects flee after firing shots
Police said the suspects allegedly seized the stokvel contributions before searching the women and robbing 11 of them of additional cash collected from other stokvel groups, as well as their cellphones.
Before escaping, the suspects reportedly fired several shots.
They then fled in a red sedan without registration plates, allegedly driven by an unidentified woman.
Police and other relevant stakeholders responded to the scene, where several spent cartridges were recovered.
A case of business robbery has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.
Police warn stokvel groups against keeping large amounts of cash at home
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers condemned the robbery and warned stokvel groups about the dangers of keeping large sums of money at private residences.
“We urge community members to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures when handling money. Stokvel groups should consider safer alternatives, such as banking their contributions, rather than keeping large sums of cash at homes, where they may become targets for criminals,” Scheepers said.
He assured residents that police would intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.
“We will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are identified and brought to justice,” he said.
Police appeal for information as manhunt continues
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information about the robbery or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
Information can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App.
The three armed suspects remain at large as police continue their investigation.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
