By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 November 2024– Four men were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of housebreaking implements during the ongoing Vala Umgodi operation in the Bojanala Platinum District. This comes after the police stopped a white Nissan bakkie and arrested four men at Tlhatlhaganyane village, near Sun City in Rustenburg on 5 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects, including an undocumented Zimbabwean foreign national, were searched together with their vehicle. Mokgwabone said during the search, the police allegedly found a backpack containing two firearms and ammunition.
“A further search led to the discovery of two bolt cutters, a breaking tool and hand gloves. One of the suspects admitted that they were on their way to commit a business robbery.
“That prompted the police to conduct a search at two of the suspects’ places at Bapong village, where they found suspected stolen goods that included five cell phones, a replica firearm, gas bottles, and a document with the particulars of a Pakistani foreign national,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the suspects were placed under arrest after failing to account for the items found in their possession. He added that the accused persons, Freeman Mahembe (47), Elvis Mogoe (50) Thabo Monyatse (29) and Jacob Kgaswane (55), were charged with unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of housebreaking implements.
“A Zimbabwean foreign national will also be facing a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. The accused briefly appeared in Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 6 November 2024, and were remanded in custody until 14 November 2024, for legal aid.
“The operation also led to the arrest of five undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho and Swaziland, aged between 23 and 45. During the operation, items such as five generators, jack hammers, hammers and many others were seized,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello General Kwena, commended the police for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit economy.
The Guardian 