Tag Archives: Tactical Response Team (TRT)

Police unearthed motor vehicle theft syndicate 

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Picture: A car hijacker pointing passenger to open the door/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

3 February 2025- Two suspects who are part of an alleged motor vehicle theft syndicate, have been arrested by the police. This comes after a multi-disciplinary Task Team comprises of the Provincial Investigation Unit, Rustenburg Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, (VCIU) Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), unearthed an alleged syndicate that has been operating mainly in Tlhabane and the surrounding areas. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a syndicate, among others, allegedly stole a police officer’s private car in Tlhabane on 15 December 2024. Mokgwabone said further probing into the matter revealed that the group operates in the provinces of North West and Mpumalanga, and sells stolen cars to clients in Mozambique and South Africa for prices ranging from R20 000 to R35 000.  

“The team also discovered that the syndicate consists of a former employee of a tracking company, a signal jammer operator, remote controlled gates specialist and a police officer. The investigations and efforts to arrest more suspects and recover stolen vehicles are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked the team members for the enthusiasm they displayed to ascertain that those who unlawfully dispossess the citizens of their property are dealt with effectively.  

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71 illegal immigrants nabbed during Vala Umgodi operation

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Picture: The equipment allegedly confiscated by police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Seventy one immigrants were pounced on by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9, Visible Policing and Mine security were also part of the task team. She said this took place during multidisciplinary and crime intelligence driven, Vala Umgodi in Hebron and Rustenburg respectively that was conducted between 16 and 20 February 2024.

“In Hebron, five illegal miners aged between 18 and 40, were arrested on 16 February 2024 after the police received a tip-off. This resulted in the discovery of an illegal wash plant at Bangladesh Section.

“Lovemore Sithole (40), John Sithole (34), Shadrack Mhlanga (32), Lazarus Sithole (20) and Matthew Sithole (18), briefly appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 19 February 2024. They were remanded in custody until 5 March 2024,” she said.

Picture: An excavator seized by the police/Supplied

According to Myburgh, equipment as well as gold bearing material, were confiscated by the police.

She further said, in a second operation conducted in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg on 20 February 2024, 71 illegal immigrants were arrested as well as three illegal miners. Myburgh added that, all accused persons who are mainly Lesotho and Mozambique foreign nationals, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 February ‪2024.

“Sixteen 16‬ illegal immigrants were found guilty for Contravention of Section (41) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) and sentenced to pay a fine of R3000. Only four could pay the fine and the other 12 remained in custody, whilst one immigrant was deported.

“Fifty four 54 illegal immigrants were remanded in custody until 26 February 2024 and 6 March 2024. Three men who were charged with illegal mining, Poncho Motlalepula (26), Petros Mosia (41) and Andries Madire (44), were also remanded in custody until 29 February 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the team for their dedication, which resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that the police, working with other stakeholders, will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.

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94 undocumented suspects arrested for illegal gold-mining

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Picture: Some of materials seized during arrests/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 94 undocumented suspects were nabbed during a multi-disciplinary and crime intelligence driven, Operation Vala Umgodi that was conducted in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9, Visible Policing, ER24 and Harmony Gold Mine security, pounced on 94 undocumented ‘illegal’ miners on 1 February 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested at a mountainous part of the farm, where illegal gold mining was reported to be taking place. Mokgwabone further said during the arrest, the team seized large quantities of gold-bearing material and 139 generators worth R1.3 million.

“Additionally, 24 grinders, 95 jackhammers, hammers, chisels, pick-axes, shovels, cutting torches, gas bottles, electric mills, phendukas and explosives were seized.

“The suspects who are mainly Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals, are expected to make a first appearance before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the team for their commitment and cooperation that resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that, the police working with other stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.

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