By OBAKENG MAJE

19 January 2025- Three men were arrested by the police in Meriting village, near Rustenburg, for forgery and uttering. The men were arrested during a crime prevention-driven operation on 15 January 2025.

 The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused, Takalani Netangule (45), Sphelele Bangiso (34) and Bangani Anele (38), briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court and were granted R2000 bail each on 17 January 2025.

“They will reappear before the court on 23 January and 13 February 2025 respectively. The accused were arrested after the members of the crime prevention unit followed up on a tip-off from members of the community during the back to school campaign operation at one of the local schools.

“As a result, a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed at the identified place. During the search, forged documents and fake certified copies, certification stamps bearing the names of Rustenburg Station and Boitekong Vispol Commander were found,” she said. 

Manyoba said in addition, there were certified copies with false persal numbers of police officers, a doctor’s blank sick notes, pay slips, mine and South African Revenue Services (SARS) certificates. She further said it transpired that members of the community were issued with fake medical and mine qualifications related certificates produced at the internet cafe.

“The preliminary investigation conducted with one of the mines confirmed that the pay slip was false. All the equipment including computers used to reproduce

 fake medical and mining certificates were confiscated.

“Investigation into the matter continues and police request members of the community to come forth with information that can assist in the investigation by calling the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Otladisang Moremi on 060 987 8626,” added Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, appreciated the work the police carried out jointly with the public. Asaneng reminded the communities that they are the eyes and ears of the police and that safer communities are enhanced by working together towards the fight against crime.   

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