Video: The accused, Azharudin Bhaiyat/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 March 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it would like to request possible victims and witnesses to come forward after an alleged incident was observed on social media regarding a gunman, who entered a mosque in Brits and allegedly threatened people on 2 March 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said anyone who would like to come forward or assist the police with information, can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Hosia Sebatjane of the Brits Detectives on Cell:082 557 0671. Myburgh said the victims or witnesses can also and anonymously report crime by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111 or via the mySAPS App from their smart phones.
“The video was captured and circulated following an incident wherein a man (55), was allegedly assaulted and pointed with an firearm at around 5pm at his house in Central Street, Brits.
“Following the incident, police arrested Azharudin Bhaiyat (36) later the same evening and seized two firearms. Bhaiyat appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 4 March 2025, and was released on a warning until 31 March 2025,” she said.
Myburgh further said Bhaiyat was ordered to report twice a week at Brits Police Station.
Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest and indicated that negligent handling of firearms is a concern and cannot be tolerated taking into considering the last released provincial crime statistics, that showed that firearms were mostly used to commit murders.
The Guardian 