By OBAKENG MAJE
17 November 2024– Three men were arrested for house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that in the early hours of Thursday morning, 7 November 2024, at Wildebeesfontein Farm in Assen, near Brits, an elderly woman (64), was sleeping in her house when accosted by Loyd Ngobeni (31), Mark Ratau (40) and Alex Tivan (22), who is a Mozambican citizen.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel AdeleMyburgh said the trio allegedly forced entry into the farm house and overpowered her. Myburgh said the victim was assaulted with a firearm over her head and tied up with shoe laces and masking tape.
“The suspects ransacked the house and left with items that included clothing, jewellery, tools, cellular phones, a laptop and camera, among others. A collaboration between the Brits Trio Task Team and Crime Intelligence, led to the identification of the vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo, used during the commission of the crime.
“The owner was identified and it was established that the vehicle was borrowed to Ngobeni, who was traced to Extension 18, in Mamelodi East. He was found and arrested on 11 November 2024,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police seized the stolen laptop, jewellery and the Volkswagen Polo. She added that the second suspect, Tivan, was traced to Group 10 at Sanddrift in Assen.
“He was arrested and the police seized cellular phones found in his possession. The third suspect, Ratau, was traced and arrested next to the R511 road at Assen.
“Upon searching him, police found a 9mm pistol with obliterated serial number and a magazine with 36 ammunition. They briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024,” said Myburgh.
She said the trio was remanded in custody until 20 November 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers for their cooperation and dedication that led to the arrests.
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