By AGISANANG SCUFF
8 September 2025 – Five men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Mafenya section, Chaneng village near Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, during a tactical and crime intelligence-led operation by Phokeng K9 on Wednesday afternoon, 3 September 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the members approached a suspicious Audi Q3 motor vehicle that was found parked next to the road with the bonnet opened.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said attentive members noticed a balaclava on top of the engine cover. Myburgh said when they enquired about it, one of the three occupants fled from the scene, but they were caught.
“Further investigation led to the discovery of three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition, concealed inside the vehicle’s engine. A follow-up on the matter resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, who were hiding in the nearby bushes.
“Matamela Madupo (46), Rapula Paul Thobi (37), Mzwakhe Matoko (22), Thabang Motaung (42) and Mojabatho Sidwell Vilikazi (36), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 5 September 2025. All accused were remanded in custody until 11 September 2025,” she said.
Myburgh further said in an unrelated incident at a mine in Boitekong, Abongile Mbulawa (40), who is a mine worker, was on Tuesday afternoon, 2 September 2025, arrested by mine security after being found in possession of explosive drills. She added that Mbulawa appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, and was remanded in custody until 11 September 2025.
“Investigations into these cases continue,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The arrest of these suspects is testament of the importance of a good working relationship and proactive intelligence between the police and the public in the prevention of crime. Had it not been through the positive information received from a concerned and vigilant member of the public, who tipped off a police officer at the Phokeng K9 unit, these heavily armed criminals were intercepted, while on the way to commit a robbery which would have led to a law abiding businessman being robbed and possibly endanger his and family lives.
“That these hoodlums were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms is clear evidence of the criminal and dangerous intent in planning the robbery more so, because in almost all these robberies are committed by brazen trigger happy robbers with little or no regard to the safety of the victims, the police and the public.”
Asaneng said the SAPS is also deeply concerned about the apparent lack of proper control and safeguarding of commercial explosives, which are normally used in the mines and road construction sectors. He said this is after the arrest of a miner.
“The significance of this arrest is that explosives, that are normally sold to CIT robbers, were intercepted before they could fall into criminals’ hands. It is therefore hoped that further investigation will help lead the police to the criminal end users of these explosives,” he said.
The Guardian 