By REGINALD KANYANE
29 September 2026 – A man (48), briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2026, facing charges of business robbery, kidnapping and possession of suspected stolen property. The accused, Pepukai Tsatsi was arrested on 23 September 2026, following a business robbery at premises in Makapanstad at about 10:30am.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said it is alleged that a complainant (33) and two employees were offloading wardrobes at a storeroom when two masked men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, entered the premises. Skalkie said the suspects allegedly demanded the victims’ cell phones and instructed them to remove their shoelaces, which were used to tie their hands.
“They then allegedly searched the storeroom and loaded three deep freezers, one double-door refrigerator and two single-door refrigerators onto a company bakkie. The company driver was allegedly forced to drive the vehicle to nearby bushes, where the stolen property was offloaded.
“He was then instructed to drive towards the Industrial Site, while one suspect remained behind. The driver returned to the business premises and alerted the police, informing them that the suspects and stolen property could possibly still be in the bushes,” she said.
Skalkie further said the police proceeded to the area with the complainant and spotted a white bakkie allegedly transporting the stolen property. She added that the vehicle was pursued and stopped.
“One suspect fled on foot, while Tsatsi, the driver, was arrested. The police recovered some of the allegedly stolen property and the victims’ cell phones. Tsatsi was reportedly unable to provide proof of purchase or a satisfactory explanation for the fridges found in his possession.
“The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026, for a formal bail application and Tsatsi remains in custody. The investigation is continuing, while police are still searching for the suspect who fled the scene,” said Skalkie.
She said the swift response by the police led to the recovery of the stolen property and the arrest of one suspect. Skalkie said the investigation remains ongoing as members continue to pursue the outstanding suspect.
“The police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying and locating the outstanding suspect to contact Detective Sergeant Donald Mametse on 079 881 9938, the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.
