By BAKANG MOKOTO
31 October 2026 – The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams has commended the Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue and private security companies as part of E2 (Eyes and Ears of Police) for their swift response and invaluable assistance in identifying and tracing three suspects following a bank robbery reported in Sannieshof on Friday morning, 30 October 2026. Adams said the robbery reportedly occurred at approximately 10:30am when three armed suspects, travelling in a white Toyota Corolla, entered the bank.
He further said one suspect remained outside while the other two entered the premises. Adams added that one of the suspects proceeded to the Manager’s Office, pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to cooperate.
“The suspects allegedly forced the Bank Manager into the strong room, where he was instructed to place money into bags. The suspects subsequently fled with the money.
“Following the robbery, police activated a multidisciplinary operation involving E2, the Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue, Sannieshof Visible Policing, Biesiesvlei Visible Policing, Sannieshof Detectives, Lichtenburg and Coligny Police Stations, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC),” he said.
Adams said the role played by the E2 and Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue proved instrumental in the successful tracing of the suspects. He said through an established network of surveillance cameras monitoring roads leading into and out of Sannieshof, farmers and camera operators assisted police by sharing crucial footage and real time information about the suspects’ movements.
“The surveillance footage assisted police, who followed up on the information and proceeded along the Ottosdal Road, where they spotted a white Hyundai with three occupants. The three suspects aged between 47 and 49, were apprehended and one of the bags and clothing used in the commission of the crime were recovered.
“The suspects will appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 2 November 2026, facing charges of bank robbery. The white Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the robbery was subsequently recovered abandoned in Sannieshof,” said Adams.
He said a drone operator and Lichtenburg K9 Unit were activated to assist in searching the area for more evidence. Adams said the case will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
“The collaboration between the SAPS and the greater farming community is truly inspiring and portrays the true spirit of ubuntu. The brave and selfless response by ordinary compatriots to a serious crime in progress is sincerely appreciated.
“The members of the SAPS in the North West, during my tenure, will be urged to continuously strive to meet the expectations of our demanding but also very responsive and always helpful community. I appreciate the contribution of everyone which led to the apprehension of the three suspects,” he said.
