Picture: The firearm allegedly confiscated from five suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Five suspects aged between 22 and 56 were arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer on Monday evening, 8 January 2024. The suspects allegedly shot and injured a police constable in Jericho village.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police officer allegedly arrived at a tuckshop in an unmarked state motor vehicle and noticed three suspects, who fired several shots of which one struck him on the left arm. Mokgwabone said the suspects allegedly fled the scene in a silver Opel Kadett.
“A quick response by Jericho police led to a car chase until at Sephai village, where the suspects’ vehicle collided with a cow. The suspects then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although a search was conducted in the bushes, that did not yield positive results.
“The first suspect was handed over to the police by a member of the community, while the other was arrested by Jericho police on 9 January 2024. The other three suspects were tracked and arrested between 9 January 2024 and the early hours of today (10 January 2024) in Mabopane and Winterveldt during a tactical operation by Brits Crime Intelligence and Trio Task Team,” he said.
Mokgwabone said, that further investigation led the police to Legonyane village, where a Norinco firearm with four ammunition was found hidden by one of the suspects at his aunt’s place. He added that the preliminary investigation revealed that, four suspects are on parole and still under correctional supervision.
“All suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon for attempted murder. One of the suspects is facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest, which he said is a clear indication that the police are committed to dismantling criminal groupings such as this one. Kwena also thanked all police officers and all other role players including private security companies’ personnel and members of the community for their cooperation soon after the incident was reported until the suspects were brought to book.
The Guardian 