By REGINALD KANYANE
26 August 2025- Two accused persons aged 33, briefly appeared before the Ga-rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery and extortion. The accused court appearance stems from their arrests on Sunday morning, 24 August 2025, following investigations into the reported case of business robbery.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the reports suggest that the suspects entered a tuck shop owned by a foreign national at around 7pm on 23 August 2025, at Extension 2, Mothotlung village, outside Brits and accused the owner of selling liquor. Mokgwabone said one of the suspects allegedly demanded money from the tuck shop owner.
“The pair then took various food items and cold drinks worth R650 and fled from the scene. The incident was reported to the police and that led to the arrest of the suspects after being linked to the crimes,” he said.
In reacting to the incident, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Asaneng said: “The South African Police Service would like to send a strong message and warning with these arrests that lawlessness, vigilantism and extortion by anyone will be dealt with decisively regardless of who is involved.
“The SAPS recognises and encourages communities to be part of their local Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and not unlawful extra judicial structures such as Operation Dudula, which seek to usurp the work of the police and to undermine the authority of the state.”
Asaneng said while the constitution of the Republic recognises and guarantees freedom of association and the right to protest, it must be equally clear that these rights are not extended to vigilante or criminal groupings and gangs whose main objective is to promote anarchy, insurrection and to undermine the rule of law.
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