By OBAKENG MAJE
3 August 2025- In a significant progress in this case, the fourth person linked to business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, was nabbed in Randburg, Gauteng Province on 30 July 2025. The accused briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 1 August 2025 and remanded in custody until 6 August 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said three suspects accused of business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, appeared before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on 15 July 2025. Tselanyane said the trio’s court appearance stems from their arrest in Soweto Township, near Johannesburg on 12 July 2025.
“It is alleged that on 10 July 2025, at around 8am, a victim (36), was with his employees at his business premises in Moruleng village, when two vehicles arrived, a white Kia sedan and a white VW Jetta.
“The Kia vehicle was used to block the entrance of the business premises, while the VW Jetta occupants entered the premises, all armed with firearms. Both vehicles had four male occupants each,” he said.
Tselanyane further said they then proceeded to rob the victim of a cell phone, took cash from the till and forced him into their vehicle before driving away. He added that, following this incident, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Mogwase and Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) Detectives, Provincial and National Crime Intelligence, Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) as well as the Hostage Negotiator was established. Furthermore, on 12 July 2025, the team managed to identify the two vehicles used in the commission of crime and an intelligence led operation was conducted to intercept a white Jetta with the assistance of Gauteng Police and security officers at Protea Glen Mall, Soweto wherein one suspect was apprehended.
“The suspect led the team to a place, where the victim was allegedly kept at Mogono Section, Luka village, near Phokeng. Upon arrival at the premises, the victim was not found, but the place was thoroughly searched and forensic evidence obtained.
“Thereafter, the team received information that the victim was released and is safely back at his business premises. Upon interviewing the victim, he mentioned that the suspects demanded ransom for his release,” said Tselanyane.
He said later the same evening, the team proceeded back to Gauteng Province to trace outstanding suspects. Tselanyane said the team proceeded to a certain house in Molapo, Soweto, and managed to arrest another suspect and in the process also confiscated a white Kia vehicle.
“The second suspect led the team to his parental home as well as to a family member’s house, where firearms were hidden. Upon arrival at the premises, the family member was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, a Lorcin 9mm and another pistol.
“The family member was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and appeared in Soweto. The vehicles and firearms were confiscated,” he said.
Tselanyane said three accused, Joseph Thabang Makgala (52), Lemmy Elias Nku (47) and Sello Gift Khasu (34), briefly appeared in Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 6 August 2025, for a formal bail application. He said investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These arrests is a strong warning and message to criminals that no matter where they are, they will be tracked down relentlessly and they will not be afforded the time and space to enjoy and benefit from their criminal ventures.”
The Guardian 