By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 February 2026- Six suspects aged between 35 and 67, were arrested in connection with attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a violent attack on a farm in the Swartruggens policing area. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at a farm in the Lindleyspoort area, Swartruggens.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that a group of armed suspects gained access to the farmhouse and confronted the occupants, a husband (43), his wife (43) and their two sons aged 14 and 13, while they were asleep. Myburgh said the suspects demanded cash and during the incident, shots were fired.
“The complainant sustained slight injuries, while defending himself and his family. No property was stolen. The farmer’ wife took her two sons and fled to her parents-in-law, who is staying a short distance away, to get help.
“A coordinated and intelligence-driven operation involving Swartruggens Detectives, Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, the K9 unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (Forensics), local farmers, the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the farm neighbourhood watch, led to the swift tracing and arrest of the first two suspects.
“Drone technology was utilised during search operations, resulting in the arrest of these two suspects, who were hiding in nearby bushes. Information indicating the vehicle utilised in the commission of the crime were followed up, leading to the arrest of a third suspect close to Boons,” she said.
Myburgh further said more suspects were traced to Koster, where a firearm and ammunition believed to have been used during the commission of the crime was recovered and will be subjected to forensic analysis. She added that on 4 February 2026, the last suspect was traced to Carletonville and arrested.
“Five accused, Buti Joseph Seqele (47) , Nkosinathi Thembinkosi Mduli (41), Jankie Nnebe (44) from Mozambique, Locus Samuel Masiane (46) and Sibusiso Vusi Tembe (35), briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2026, and the matter was postponed to 11 February 2026.
“The last accused, Zolile Nicholas Nkomane (67) appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’ Court on 6 February 2026. He was also remanded in court until 11 February 2026,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the swift response and cooperation between police and the farming community. Naidoo said attacks in rural areas remain a serious concern and police will continue to prioritise rural safety through visible policing, intelligence-led operations and strong partnerships with farming communities.
“We would like to warn criminals that the police will respond decisively and those who threaten the safety of rural residents, will be hunted down and brought to justice,” he said.
The Guardian 