Picture: A firearm seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 July 2026 – A man (32) from Magogong village, near Taung is expected to appear before Taung Magistrate’s Court for possession of a firearm without a licence. The suspect was arrested on Friday during an intelligence-driven operation on 17 July 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said the coordinated operation was conducted after intelligence was received regarding an alleged planned robbery targeting a delivery vehicle servicing local tuckshops in Magogong. Bobelo said at approximately 12:30pm, the police intercepted the suspects.
“One suspect was arrested, while the other one fled. During the operation, the police recovered a 9mm pistol from the arrested suspect. A pellet gun believed to have been discarded by the second fleeing suspect was later recovered in the village.
“The preliminary investigations indicated that the recovered 9mm firearm is linked to a robbery involving a cash-in-transit security vehicle in Taung back in 2024, during which a substantial amount of money was stolen and firearms belonging to security officers were stolen,” he said.
Bobelo said the firearm will undergo further forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation. He added that the case is investigated by the Organised Crime Unit.
“The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of a firearm without a licence. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses,” said Bobelo.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said police remain committed to disrupting violent crime through intelligence-led policing. Naidoo encouraged the members of the public to continue providing information that assists police in preventing and combating crime as community cooperation remains a critical component in ensuring safer communities.
The Guardian 