Picture: Nissan x-trail that was stolen during an armed robbery
By REGINALD KANYANE
A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property and illegal firearm. According to the North West police, three armed suspects allegedly robbed and assaulted a farmer (64) and his wife (63) at Reivilo near Taung on Saturday.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a house robbery was reported to the police at around 10am on Saturday. Mokgwabone added that the police found a farmer along with his wife tied up inside their house.
“The victims were severely assaulted by three armed robbers during the ordeal. The farmer was poured with hot water by the suspects who fled the scene after robbing them of their Nissan X-trail, cash, two cell-phones, and a bank card. The couple was subsequently admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.
“The Reivilo police in collaboration with their counterparts in Schweizer-Reneke, Bloemhof, Airwing, Schweizer-Reneke Traffic officers and the Neighbourhood Watch Farmers immediately embarked on a search. The victims’ vehicle was spotted at a vehicle checkpoint in Schweizer-Reneke. A car chase ensued towards Ipelegeng location in Schweizer Reneke after the suspects failed to stop,” he said.
Mokgwabone said the suspects ultimately abandoned the car and fled on foot. He said one suspect was arrested after being shot whilst running towards a farmer that was assisting the police.
“The suspect has been admitted in hospital under police guard. A firearm suspected to be used during the commission of the crime was found in his possession as well as a suspected stolen cellular phone. Two other men were taken in for questioning and investigation into the matter continues,” said Mokgwabone.
The suspect is expected to appear in Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court in absentia on Tuesday. The North West SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the police for their swift reaction and collaboration with other role-players which led to the arrest.
Kwena further said the involvement of relevant stakeholders in the fight against crime is key to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.
The Guardian 