By OBAKENG MAJE
Four people who were arrested for common robbery and impersonating a police officer, were remanded in custody until 9 April 2024. The accused, Rojase Ngatana (26) Eugene Sebakeng (34), Patrick De beer (39) and Cleopas Msipa (49), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 April 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused were formally charged by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit members on 1 April 2024. Mokgwabone said this comes after the complainant and witnesses identified them during the identification parade held on 28 March 2024.
“The complainant and his companions allegedly met a man who introduced himself as Thomas at Tower Mall in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp in February 2024. He allegedly informed the victims that Simon, who arranged the meeting, was waiting for them at his place to discuss and finalise the transportation tender contract.
“They all went to a house at Extension 21 in Jouberton Township, where they met a man who introduced himself as Simon. Whilst in the house, seven men entered and introduced themselves as police officers and one of the men produced a police appointment card,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the victims were ultimately searched and put into separate rooms. He added that, the complainant was coerced to unlock his cell phone and the suspects used a banking App to transfer themselves R70 000.
“They later gave the victim R750, apparently to use it to fill up his car. Following the release, the victims went to Jouberton Police Station to register a case, which was taken by the Anti-Gang Unit for investigation. Further probe led to the identification parade after the suspects were arrested on a separate case with similar modus operandi,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, extolled the Anti-Gang Unit members for their meticulous investigation that resulted in the linkage. Kwena said this will certainly curb organised crime in the area.
TaungDailyNews 