By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2024- A man (36) was arrested at Extension 9, Khuma Township, outside Stilfontein on 8 January 2025, in a joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime and Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP).
The arrest emanated from investigation, which led the Northern Cape team to the North West Province. The suspect was nabbed after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it transpired during the tracing of other suspects that three of them died during a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday morning, 6 January 2025, while driving on the N12 road on their way back to Khuma after allegedly committing a business robbery in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
“The reports suggest that three men died instantly, while one was seriously injured and is still admitted to hospital. The fifth suspect allegedly ran away from the accident scene, where some of the goods linked to the Ikageng business robbery, were found inside the suspects’ vehicle.
“Ensuing investigation into the matter, established that one of the deceased suspects was previously arrested for assault and malicious damage to property committed between 2015 and 2021, in Vuwani, Limpopo Province,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in the Northern Cape, the suspects were wanted for three business robberies, two armed robberies and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) bombing. He added that the crimes were allegedly committed in Hartswater, Warrenton and Pampierstad between October and December 2024.
“The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today for unlawful possession of a firearm,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police from both provinces for their collaboration, which led to the arrest and exposing of the suspects, who terrorised business communities.
The Provincial Commissioners pointed out that the investigation, which linked the suspects to offences in different provinces, clearly indicates that crime has no boundaries and need collaborative efforts.
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