21 January 2025- A man (23) from Letlhabile village, near Brits, briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court. Kagiso Stock Malematje is facing charges of two counts of murder and a count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
It is alleged that in the early hours of 16 January 2025, the accused, along with three other men, targeted a tuck shop in Maboloka village. The group reportedly robbed the deceased of cash, cigarettes, airtime, and two cell phones before fatally shooting them in front of their two minor children.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said on 17 January 2025, a witness reported the incident to the police. Mahanjana said Malematje was subsequently identified and arrested on the same day.
“Another suspect believed to have been involved in the crime was also arrested, but did not appear in court. The case has been remanded to 17 February 2025, to allow for further investigations,” she said.
Picture: Some of stolen items seized by the police/Supplied
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.
A shop owner (44) briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 July 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of a man (19). It is alleged that a couple from Masenkeng Section in Oukasie Township, near Brits, saw Nhlakanipho Ndwandwe lying unconscious with multiple injuries on their driveway at around 7:30am on 1 July 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said they then called the police. Funani said upon arrival, the police summoned an ambulance and the victim was transported to a local hospital.
“A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was registered. The case was later changed to murder after the police received a phone call that the victim died. As part of the investigation, the police looked for the people who were last seen with the victim.
“Consequently, one of the suspects’ friend who was also assaulted, disclosed what occurred early that day. The suspect was ultimately arrested on Monday evening, 1 July 2024, at his shop and was charged with murder. The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and unidentified accomplices assaulted the victims after accusing them of robbing people who visit his shop,” she said.
Funani further said more arrests are imminent.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Brits Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspects. Kwena also thanked the community for working together with the police to ensure justice.
He added: “I gave instruction that no stone should be left unturned to ensure that everyone involved is put behind bars.”
The Guardian 