A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing investigation into serious violent crimes in Limpopo. A 29-year-old suspect, Bazali Mathebula, appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 23 May 2025, following a successful intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary operation. The operation led to the recovery of four unlicensed firearms and 218 rounds of ammunition – some of which have been linked to the brutal farm murder of Robert Scholtz in Roossenekal earlier this May.
The suspect was granted bail of R4, 000.00, and the case was remanded to 23 June 2025 for further investigation.
The joint operation was conducted on 20 May 2025 between 05:00 and 18:00 and involved members of the Sekhukhune Tracking Team, Roossenekal supported by BMO Security Company.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding a firearm reportedly stolen during a farm attack, officers were led to a farm in the Laersdrift area, within the Roossenekal policing precinct. There, they apprehended a male suspect and recovered a disassembled shotgun. Investigations later confirmed that the firearm had been brought to the location by one of two previously arrested suspects linked to the Scholtz murder case.
A further search of the suspect’s residence yielded a substantial weapons cache, including: One rifle with a magazine and ammunition, two shotguns, one pistol with ammunition and a total of 218 rounds of ammunition in various calibres
Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered shotgun, pistol, and rifle were the property of a private security company based in Thulamashe, whose director is now deceased.
This operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and strong inter-agency collaboration in tackling serious crimes impacting rural communities.
The investigation into the murder of Robert Scholtz remains ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out as the probe continues.
Major breakthrough as Limpopo Police recover firearms and ammunition cache, including linked to the murder of Robert Scholtzhttps://t.co/pxL6cuiRLI#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/oTRazBN3Qe
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 24, 2025
