By Obakeng Maje

Schweizer Reneke- The fight against contact crimes gained success when two suspects were apprehended with assistance of the farming community on Wednesday at approximately 07:00am in Schweizer-Reneke, North West police said.

“It is alleged that four suspects arrived at one of the farms in Amalia earlier in the morning where they found an elderly woman outside the house and pretended to be buying sheep. Three of them allegedly went inside the house while the other one remained behind with an elderly woman. The remaining suspect allegedly pointed the woman with a firearm and forced her inside the house” Captain Pelonomi Makau said. 

The suspects went inside the house when the woman’s son-in-law allegedly emerged and realised what was happening.  He allegedly fired two shots that hit two suspects on the upper body and face respectively. 

Makau said all suspects fled the crime scene and eventually got into a black Nissan Navara bakkie and a chase ensued while other farming communities were mobilised.  

The suspects were just about to reach Schweizer-Reneke when they stopped and fled on foot. The police managed to arrest two injured suspects while the other two managed to escape.  The arrested suspects were admitted at one of the local hospitals under police guard for medical treatment. 

“The North West Provincial Commissioner; Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo commended cooperation of the community with the police that led to arrest of the two suspects.  “We want to send a strict warning to those who terrorise the community that we will do anything to ensure that they get arrested and face the full might of the law”, said Lt Gen Zukiswa Mbombo. 

The suspects, aged 38 and 34 are due to appear in Schweizer-Reneke Magistrates Court soon.

Police are appealing to anyone who has information that may lead to arrest of the suspects to contact Amalia Police Station on 053 964 0869 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be done through Crime Line SMS no. 32211. 

-TDN

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