By OBAKENG MAJE
Eight men aged between 25 and 48, were arrested for attempted armed robbery in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp in the early hours of Saturday. It is alleged that the suspects used various social media platforms to advertise the sale of a Toyota Avanza vehicle.
Last month, after responding to the advert, the unsuspecting potential buyer and those who accompanied him, were taken to a house in Jouberton for a transaction. However, it was during the transaction that a group of unidentified people and some pretending to be police officers, entered and tried to rob them.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, however, a child ran out of the house and screamed for help. Mokgwabone said the suspects left without committing the robbery.
“The crime intelligence interviewed victims following an attempted armed robbery. Soon after the establishment of the team, a tip-off was received regarding the gang’s conspiracy to rob another unsuspecting buyer.
“On 22 March 2024, under police surveillance, the suspects tried to scam and rob the potential buyer, who responded to the advertisement of the same Toyota Avanza. However, the vigilant team consisting of Rustenburg and Provincial Crime Intelligence, Provincial Organised Crime, Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP) and Potchefstroom Flying Squad, pounced on them in the early hours of Saturday,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, one of the suspects was found in possession of a police officer’s appointment card. He added that all the suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024, facing charges of armed robbery and impersonating a police officer.
“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of linking the suspects with other cases cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their commitment to ascertain that organised groups such as this one are dealt with decisively.
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