By REGINALD KANYANE
1 March 2025- Four suspects from Dichibidung Informal Settlement, near Boitekong in Rustenburg, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation executed by Boitekong Visible Policing members, for being in possession of copper worth over R400 000.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the police received a tip-off regarding the people, who were allegedly seen loading copper cables into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Dichibidung Informal Settlement. Manyoba said the police kept an observation and eventually intercepted the vehicle at Sunrise Park.
“During the search, stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R424 000, were found inside the boot. Consequently, the two occupants aged 44 and 29, respectively were arrested after failing to give a proper account for the copper cables.
“Further investigation led the police to another address in Dichibidung Informal Settlement, where two more suspects aged 19 and 30, were also arrested for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002,” she said.
Manyoba further said the preliminary investigation showed that one of the first two suspects to be arrested, is the owner of a reclaim scrap metal in Tlhabane. She added that, of the four suspects, two appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 February 2025.
“The duo, Mateo Simango (19) and Lucas Manave (21),
who are both Mozambicans, pleaded guilty for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
“The duo was respectively sentenced to three months imprisonment or fine of R5000 and deportation to Mozambique. The other two accused, Aurangzeb Raja (44) and David Ngobeni (29), who also appeared on the same day for possession of copper cables, were remanded in custody until 3 March 2025, for a bail application,” said Manyoba.
She said the investigation into the matter, including confirmation of the legal status of the accused who are from Pakistan and Mozambique, is underway.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded all members involved for a job well done.
The Guardian 