Picture: A firearm seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 December 2025- The fight against the illegal proliferation of firearms gained success this week when intelligence was received about suspects allegedly involved in serious crimes committed in Phokeng and Letlhabile. In the first incident, Phokeng Crime Combating Unit and K9 members operationalised information and proceeded to an identified address on 11 December 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said upon arrival, the police found one firearm (pistol) and 15 rounds of ammunition. Myburgh said the suspect was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation.
“As a result, Ramaeshane “Bokang” Mphunyetsane (33) appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 December 2025, on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
“In another unrelated incident in Letlhabile outside Brits, intelligence received led the local Crime Intelligence and the Brits Trio Task Team to a house in Maboloka village, where a suspect (43), was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm (revolver),” she said.
Myburgh further said the suspect was immediately placed under arrest for illegal possession of a firearm after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation. She added that Oupa Frans Mangnye (43) appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 December 2025 and was remanded in custody until 24 December 2025.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for successfully arresting the suspects and removing illegal firearms from the communities. Naidoo emphasised that illegal firearms remain a serious threat to public safety, as they are often used to commit serious violent crimes.
“Furthermore, he stated that the removal of illegal firearms from communities is a critical priority for the police, who will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to track down and confiscate these weapons and ensure that those found in possession of them are brought to book,” he said.
The Guardian 