Tag Archives: outside Rustenburg

Five men nabbed for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 September 2025 – Five men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Mafenya section, Chaneng village near Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, during a tactical and crime intelligence-led operation by Phokeng K9 on Wednesday afternoon, 3 September 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the members approached a suspicious Audi Q3 motor vehicle that was found parked next to the road with the bonnet opened.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said attentive members noticed a balaclava on top of the engine cover. Myburgh said when they enquired about it, one of the three occupants fled from the scene, but they were caught.

“Further investigation led to the discovery of three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition, concealed inside the vehicle’s engine.  A follow-up on the matter resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, who were hiding in the nearby bushes.

“Matamela Madupo (46), Rapula Paul Thobi (37), Mzwakhe Matoko (22), Thabang Motaung (42) and Mojabatho Sidwell Vilikazi (36), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 5 September 2025. All accused were remanded in custody until 11 September 2025,” she said.

Myburgh further said in an unrelated incident at a mine in Boitekong, Abongile Mbulawa (40), who is a mine worker, was on Tuesday afternoon, 2 September 2025, arrested by mine security after being found in possession of explosive drills. She added that Mbulawa appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, and was remanded in custody until 11 September 2025.

“Investigations into these cases continue,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The arrest of these suspects is testament of the importance of a good working relationship and proactive intelligence between the police and the public in the prevention of crime. Had it not been through the positive information received from a concerned and vigilant member of the public, who tipped off a police officer at the Phokeng K9 unit, these heavily armed criminals were intercepted, while on the way to commit a robbery which would have led to a law abiding businessman being robbed and possibly endanger his and family lives.

“That these hoodlums were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms is clear evidence of the criminal and dangerous intent in planning the robbery more so, because in almost all these robberies are committed by brazen trigger happy robbers with little or no regard to the safety of the victims, the police and the public.”

Asaneng said the SAPS is also deeply concerned about the apparent lack of proper control and safeguarding of commercial explosives, which are normally used in the mines and road construction sectors. He said this is after the arrest of a miner.

“The significance of this arrest is that explosives, that are normally sold to CIT robbers, were intercepted before they could fall into criminals’ hands. It is therefore hoped that further investigation will help lead the police to the criminal end users of these explosives,” he said.

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A man arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 January 2025- In an endeavour to address serious and violent crimes, a disruptive operation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Task Team and other role players culminated in the apprehension of a man (48), on Wednesday night, 15 January 2025, at Lethabong, outside Rustenburg, for possession of suspected stolen goods.

Eric Ngwenya was arrested after the team of Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Crime Intelligence, Bafokeng Royal Security and Bidvest Security, allegedly intercepted a grey Volkswagen Passat vehicle.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it was established on investigation that the vehicle was stolen in Garsfontein, Gauteng Province in May 2024. Manyoba further said the investigation into the matter, led the police to the accused’s residence in Lethabong, where a Nissan NP200 vehicle was discovered.

“The said vehicle was linked to cases of murder and house robbery committed in the policing area of Swartruggens in June 2024. Ngwenya briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025, for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. 

“He was remanded in custody until 20 January 2025. In Rustenburg North, where the police were tracing suspects possibly involved in theft of motor vehicles, two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested and detained for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.  

“The pair appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025,” she added.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended all the role players for their collaborative efforts and the sterling work to ensure that an apparent repeat offender is put behind bars.   

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A rapist who infected his victim with HIV sentenced to life imprisonment

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 October 2024- A man (34) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Madikwe Regional Court for brutal rape of a woman (37). On 28 October 2023, in Pella village, outside Rustenburg, the victim was walking alone to her homestead when Utlwanang Jack Thebe accosted her from behind.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said, despite her attempts to resist and fight back, Thebe overpowered her. Gunya said he strangled her and inflicted serious injuries before committing the sexual assault without her consent.

“Following the traumatic incident, the victim managed to return home, where she sought help. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that she had been infected with HIV as a result of the assault. Thebe was arrested on 6 November 2023, and he has been remanded in custody since.

“During the trial, the court heard testimony describing the severe physical and psychological toll the attack had taken on the victim. Detective Sergeant Mabule, the investigating officer, ensured that the victim attend court for both consultations and the trial, highlighting the commitment to supporting survivors of such crimes,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Tebogo Mokoka, emphasized the gravity and prevalence of rape in her arguments for sentencing. Mokoka, articulated that Thebe’s actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and safety, resulting in brutal violence and lasting trauma.

“We submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) that detailed the profound effect the attack had on the victim’s life,” she said.

In her ruling, Magistrate Lebo Raborife acknowledged the aggravating circumstances of the case, including the fact that Thebe raped the victim, while being aware of his HIV status. Raborife further pointed out that Thebe had a prior conviction for a similar offence in 2015 and deemed it necessary to remove him from society, as he had not learned from previous consequences.

Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, welcomed the life sentence and commended the dedication of the police, state prosecutors, and investigators involved in securing this conviction.

“This sentence serves as a crucial deterrent against perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in our country. We must continue to ensure justice for victims and take a firm stance against such heinous acts,” she added.

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