MOREBENG, Limpopo — The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo are hunting four men who allegedly posed as police officers and raided a farm in the Morebeng area on 13 August, leaving the owner and workers bound and traumatised, police said.
What happened on the farm
According to police statements, the four suspects arrived at the property wearing police uniforms and reflective jackets, with their faces covered. They approached a farm worker, held him at gunpoint and tied him up before waiting for the farmer to return with two other employees.
The suspects confronted the group and demanded access to a safe. When the owner initially said there was no safe on the premises, the attackers assaulted him with a pick and a sjambok. Police reported the suspects then used a side‑cutter to cut the farmer’s fingers in an effort to force him to reveal the safe key.
The group remained on the farm for about three hours. After gaining access to the safe, they stole several firearms, a pistol, ammunition and an undisclosed amount of cash. They also took a bank card and four cellphones. The victims were tied up and one shot was fired during the incident, police confirmed.
Items taken and getaway
SAPS said the suspects left the scene in a white 1999 Toyota Hilux double‑cab bearing registration BHY 893 L, which the attackers had reportedly stolen from the property to use as their getaway vehicle. No arrests have been made and the suspects remain unidentified, police added.
| Stolen items (police report) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Five rifles | Make and models not specified by police |
| One pistol | Details withheld |
| Ammunition | Quantity not disclosed |
| Undisclosed cash | Amount not provided |
| Bank card and four cellphones | Cards and devices taken from victims |
| White 1999 Toyota Hilux double‑cab (BHY 893 L) | Used as getaway vehicle |
Police response and investigation
SAPS Limpopo confirmed the incident and said an investigation is under way. Officers are conducting follow‑up inquiries and searching for the vehicle and suspects, the police statement said. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Police appealed to anyone with information about the suspects, the stolen vehicle or the whereabouts of the firearms to contact the investigating officers. Neighbours and community members were urged to be vigilant and to report any sightings of the Hilux or suspicious activity to their local police station.
Community impact and safety context
Farm attacks have long caused deep concern in rural communities across South Africa, not only because of the physical violence but also due to the theft of firearms and vehicles that can be used in further crimes. Stolen rifles and pistols, in particular, pose a broader public safety risk when they enter illegal markets or are used in other violent offences.
Local residents expressed shock at the brutality described by police and worry about the level of planning shown by the suspects, who wore official clothing and used intimidation tactics to control victims for several hours. Police impersonation raises particular alarm because it undermines public trust in law‑enforcement visibility on farms and in rural towns.
- If you have information: Contact your nearest SAPS station or the investigating officers named by Limpopo police.
- Spotting the vehicle: Be alert for a white 1999 Toyota Hilux double‑cab, registration BHY 893 L; do not approach suspects, call SAPS immediately.
- Reporting firearms: If you are offered firearms or notice suspicious activity around firearm sales, report it to SAPS or the nearest Crime Stop number.
Investigations remain active and SAPS asked anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV or phone videos from the Morebeng area around the time of the robbery to hand them to investigators. The matter is a reminder of the importance of secure firearm storage and rapid reporting of violent incidents in rural areas.
Further updates will follow as police release more details and if arrests are made.
