A wanted hard core criminal, Tsogo Semadi, is feared dead in South Africa where he has been hiding for some time after he went on a spree, blasting Automated Teller Machines stealing swaths of cash.
The said suspect is linked to an armed robbery case in which P9 million was stolen from a local security company at Extension 11 in Gaborone over a year ago.
Reports from South Africa suggest he allegedly died in the middle of pursuing a criminal activity. It is reported that the alleged suspect who was part of a cross-border criminal syndicate that specialises in blasting ATMs allegedly died after trying to blast an ATM in South Africa.
It is reported that the suspect while in the middle of wiring explosives to blast an ATM, something went terribly wrong. While in the middle of trying to figure out the problem, the explosives went off and killed the suspect on the spot.
Gaborone Central Police Station Commander Superintendent Mothusi Phadi has told this publication that there are allegations that suggest one of the most wanted criminal Tsogo Semadi is feared dead in South Africa.
“It is true that there are reports that suggest that Semadi, who is among one of the most want criminal in Botswana, is feared dead in South Africa,” says Phadi. He explained that through Gaborone Interpol, Botswana Police Service (BPS) has written a letter to Pretoria Interpol in South Africa to assist them to verify Semadi’s death.
“At the moment I have not yet received any correspondence from South Africa to verify such allegations, but I am optimistic that my counter parts are working around the clock to assist us,” he says. He said he has already met with the family of the suspect.
He said Semadi is a regular customer at CPS as he is involved in a series of criminal activities that include armed robberies that occurred in Extension 11 location where P9 million was stolen from a security company some time ago.
He added that in that robbery, Semadi played a crucial part. Unfortunately, when the police were still pursuing their whereabouts the alleged suspects then crossed illegally in to South Africa for cover.
“We have not arrested anyone so far therefore we are appealing to the members of the public to assist us with any information that might lead to the arrest of the culprits,” says Phadi.
