By REGINALD KANYANE

North West police said they have arrested two suspects over kidnapping and hijacking in Kuruman on Monday. Three suspects allegedly masqueraded as hitch-hikers and stopped a 38 year-old motorist under false pretence.

Tshepiso Monyadiwa from Kuruman said he is grateful that he is still alive. Monyadiwa said he was driving his red Hundai 120i on Sunday late on his way to Kathu when he picked three suspects.

“They hitch-hiked me and pretended to be going to Kathu. Along the way, one of the suspects drew a firearm and pointed it at me. They ordered me to get off the road before they tied me up and squeezed me in the boot of my car.

“They drove with me to Taung and we arrived at around 4am on Monday. They robbed me off my belongings including my cellphone, before releasing me. They dropped me at Taung circle and ordered me to walk away. I rushed to the nearest garage and assisted by good Samaritans,” he said.

North West police spokesperson, Lt Col Adele Myburgh said: “The police arrested a 35 year-old man on Monday and he was ferried to Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Another suspect was arrested in the early hours of today (Wednesday) in Taung. A 38-old man was found to be in possession of a firearm and he will appear at Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

“The second suspect is linked to other two cases. He is linked to an armed robbery and bank robbery that took place in Taung. He might be also linked to other criminal cases too.”

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Dr Ruth Mompati region applauded the police for their swift arrest. ANCYL regional secretary, Crespo Menyatso said: “We want to commend the police for leaving no stone unturned. Crime is affecting the livelihoods of our people in Taung. We urge our people to be cautious especially that we heading towards festive season.

“There are so many criminal activities taking place in Taung recently. However, we need work together to curb this pandemic. We urge our people to report criminals because they live within our communities. We cannot let them run criminal activities and not be challenged. There are Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in our areas and we need to utilise that.”

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