An armed gang pulled off a bold and brazen theft of a Caterpillar grader late on Monday night, 30 June, along the R71 in Polokwane. The incident unfolded around 23:46 when six armed suspects held security guards at gunpoint and made off with the heavy-duty grader.
The suspects loaded the stolen machinery, a Caterpillar 140GC Motor Grader, onto a low-bed trailer before fleeing the scene. The grader’s registration number is LX87ZFGP, and the VIN is CAT00140CW9202196.
The attackers reportedly arrived prepared, executing the heist with military-like precision, giving rise to suspicions that the operation was carefully planned. No injuries were reported during the robbery.
The public has been urged to be on the lookout for the missing grader.
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Wandile Jiyane, the contact person in the case, has appealed to anyone with information to come forward. He can be reached at 066 139 3883.
Police have confirmed that a case docket has been opened. Authorities are urging the public and transport operators to be on alert, especially at weighbridges and borders.
Anyone who spots the grader or has dashcam footage from the R71 area on the night in question is urged to assist.
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