By OBAKENG MAJE
Fifteen people who were arrested during the termination of the Robocop project, briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 April 2024. Itseng Mirriam Mavuma (54), Mooketsi Mavuma (44), Bhekimuzi Mawela (32), Menzi Baard (24), Samuel Pholo (44), Vuyani Mabeca (30), Mathe Konyane (43), Simane Mosime (61) Lebogang Maruapula (44), Jappie De Beer (31), Tshepiso De Beer (44), Koketso Tladi (33), Israel Motlashuping (43) and Emmanuel Makoloi (33) and Gaolahle Kenosi (35), were arrested in Wolmaranstad, Jouberton and Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said at this stage, only Kenosi has been granted R10 000 bail. Mokgwabone said the case against all accused was postponed to 2 and 3 May 2024, for bail application.
“They were arrested by the multi-disciplinary team entailing Organised Crime, Commercial Crime, Crime Intelligence and Public Order Police (POP) during a takedown operation, on Monday night, 15 April 2024.
“The accused were nabbed in connection with robbery, fraud and kidnapping cases during the termination of the Robocop project that commenced in 2021. The project was registered following incidents wherein victims from different provinces opened cases after either being defrauded, robbed or kidnapped by members of a syndicate that operated in Klerksdorp, Wolmaranstad, Schweizer-Reneke and Huhudi.
“As part of committing the crimes, the syndicate would advertise a Toyota Quantum on Facebook. Upon getting calls from potential buyers, the suspects would arrange meetings for viewing and test driving of the vehicle. The suspects would further request the victim to bring along cash for payment,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said some of the suspects who are part of the syndicate, would appear during the transaction and rob the unsuspecting victims of their cash and other valuables. He added that, in instances where victims agreed to do electronic transfer, the suspects would withdraw the money immediately and disappear without delivering the vehicle.
“Undercover investigations led to the gathering of evidence and registration of 27 case dockets, which linked the suspects with the crimes,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all the units for their patience and commitment, which led to the arrest of the suspects who have been conning unsuspecting citizens.
TaungDailyNews 