By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 July 2026 – A man (39) was arrested by the police in Delareyville following an alleged attempted vehicle hijacking and shooting incident that occurred at approximately 1:45pm on General De Larey Street, in Delareyville on 22 July 2026. It is alleged that the complainant a courier driver (40), was offloading parcels from his Nissan NP300 when he was approached from behind by an armed suspect.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said a suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the complainant and announced that it was a hijacking. Myburgh said the complainant turned to face the suspect and a struggle ensued.
“During the altercation, the suspect allegedly fired five shots at the complainant. Fortunately, none of the shots struck him. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, while the complainant pursued him in his vehicle. The suspect was later located in Du Toit Street, where, with the assistance of community members, was apprehended and disarmed.
“The complainant contacted the police and upon arrival, they took the suspect into custody and seized a 9mm pistol with ammunition. The suspect was charged with attempted robbery, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 27 July 2026,” she said.
Myburgh further said in a second and unrelated incident in Potchefstroom, four suspects entered a takeaway shop in Wandellaan, Walter Sisulu Street on Friday evening. She added that, they allegedly threatened three employees with a knife, brutally assaulted two of them and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene on foot.
“The police responded promptly and managed to arrest two suspects aged 26 and 27, respectively. The pair are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 27 July 2026, on charges of business robbery,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the swift response of both community members and police officials. However, Naidoo reminded the public that suspects should be approached with caution and handed over to the police immediately when members of the public intervene in criminal incidents.
“The police remain committed to removing criminals from the streets and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. We commend the police officers and community members for the swift arrests of robbery suspects over the weekend. The arrests send a strong message that serious and violent crime will not be tolerated,” he said.
The Guardian 