By OBAKENG MAJE 

Four men who were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition were remanded in custody until 17 July 2024. The accused, Thembinkosi Mbatha (30), Motsaathebe Kopano (51), Gareng Dikgang (35) and Fikile Darala (51), briefly appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 10 July 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Darala, Dikgang and Mbatha, were arrested in Klerksdorp at around 9:50am on 8 July 2024, by the members of Tactical Response Team (TRT). 

“The arrests came after the members who were on patrol, spotted a Toyota Condor of which the occupants allegedly committed business robbery in Ottosdal. It is alleged that before coming to a halt, the occupants of the car threw out a firearm through the window. 

“During the search, the members found a magazine loaded with eight ammunition and two police appointment cards belonging to Motsaathebe Kopano.  The accused were then arrested and preliminary investigation revealed that Motsaathebe Kopano, is a former police officer, who was dismissed a few years ago,” he said.   

Mokgwabone further said at this stage, the possibility of the accused facing more charges cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved in the arrests for their alertness and quick reaction, which resulted in the successes. Kwena also thanked security officers for their efforts in the fight against crime. taungdailynews@gmail.com