By REGINALD KANYANE
14 November 2026 – Two suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing 25 bags of sunflower seed worth more than R100 000. The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted on 8 November 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the operation followed a request for assistance received on 7 November 2026, from the Provincial Overt Intelligence Collection Office regarding the theft of sunflower seed in Koppies, Free State. Myburgh said the members of the Provincial Overt Intelligence Collection Office, working together with the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the South African Polygraph and Investigation Service (SAPIS), gathered intelligence that helped trace the suspects and their alleged movements.
“Initial information suggested that the sunflower seed was being transported to Lichtenburg. However, further intelligence indicated that the suspects were travelling towards Setlagole via Sannieshof. The police subsequently alerted Sannieshof SAPS and local civilian safety structures to be on the lookout for a white Nissan vehicle believed to be transporting the stolen produce.
“The vehicle was later spotted and intercepted by members of the Provincial Overt Intelligence Collection Office, Sannieshof SAPS and Sannieshof civilian safety structures. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 25 bags of sunflower seed suspected to have been stolen,” she said.
Myburgh further said the two occupants, identified as Kagiso Motsaathebe (32), and Richard Amon (44), were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. She added that the recovered sunflower seed was subsequently linked to the theft case reported in Koppies.
“The suspects appeared before the Sannieshof Magistrate’s Court on 9 November 2026, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property. They were remanded in custody until 17 November 2026.
“Investigations are continuing,” said Myburgh.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams had commended all the units and stakeholders involved for their successful collaboration and dedication. Asams commended Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Overt Intelligence Collection Office, Mahikeng Tactical Response Team, Sannieshof Community Service Centre, Sannieshof Community Safety Structures under E2, and SAPIS for their excellent cooperation and intelligence-driven approach, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the stolen property.
“I would like reiterate that SAPS remains committed to working closely with farming communities and other stakeholders to combat rural and agricultural crime.
“I would also like to warn individuals involved in the theft and illegal trade of agricultural produce that they would be brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” he said.
