Picture: Four men nabbed for armed roobery/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 January 2026 – Four accused briefly appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 21 January 2026, on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. This comes after a victim (30) was allegedly robbed of his belongings in the early hours of Sunday, 18 January 2026, at Lonely Park village, outside Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that the victim was sleeping inside his Tata vehicle when he was approached by four men. Tselanyane said one of the suspects allegedly produced a knife and threatened the victim.
“The suspects reportedly took his belongings, including the vehicle keys and a cellular phone, before fleeing the scene. After a short while, two of the suspects allegedly returned, prompting the victim to run into a nearby tavern to seek assistance. The suspects then allegedly drove off in the victim’s vehicle.
“The police were informed and a case docket was registered at Mahikeng. While following up on leads, members of the Mahikeng Flying Squad recovered the vehicle during the same day at a house in Signal Hill village. Furthermore, on 19 January 2026, members of the Signal Hill community apprehended the suspects, who are allegedly believed to be linked to a spree of thefts from motor vehicles in the area,” he said.
Tselanyane further said during questioning and a search, a set of Tata vehicle keys was found in the possession of one of the suspects, who allegedly indicated that the keys belong to a vehicle that has been hijacked at Lonely Park village. He added that the police subsequently recovered the stolen vehicle wheels, which had been sold.
“The accused, Vusumzi Mahaba (27), Barnabas Ngwenya (33), Katlego Mere (23) and Katlego Ditshipi (41), were remanded in custody until 28 January 2026, for a formal bail application. Investigations into the matter continue,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests, stating that this would help deter criminals from preying on law-abiding citizens. Naidoo also expressed his appreciation to all role players and community members for their cooperation and urged them to continue working closely with the police and Community Police Forum (CPF) structures, while cautioning against taking the law into their own hands.
The Guardian 