By STAFF REPORTER
6 July 2026 – An intelligence-led operation conducted by Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, with support from Sun City and Phokeng Visible Policing, resulted in the arrest of nine Lesotho migrants in connection with two alleged murders that took place at an illegal mining site in Witrantjie, near Sun City on 4 July 2026. The suspects are also believed to be irregular migrants.
The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said this follows a tip-off to police about suspects traveling from Witrantjie to Rustenburg. Mokgadi said a white Toyota Quantum was stopped around 6:45am on the R565 road between Boshoek and Phokeng, where seven men and two women were detained.
“Initial investigations have allegedly linked three of the suspects to the fatal stabbing of a Lesotho man reported on 3 July 2026. In what is believed to be a retaliation attack, another Lesotho man was shot dead, with his body found in a mining pit with multiple gunshot wounds on Saturday morning, 4 July 2026, also in Witrantjie.
“The remaining six individuals will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their immigration status,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Police Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, praised the arrests and commended the police for their quick response. Mamotsamai stated that the arrests demonstrate the police’s dedication to fighting illegal mining and related violent crimes.
“The police will continue to pursue all those involved and ensure they are brought to justice. Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are possible,” she said.
The Guardian 