Local News

Collaborative efforts to address aggravated robberies result in the arrest of six suspects

POTCHEFSTROOM - In an endeavour to address aggravated robberies in line with one of the focus areas of the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela, a tactical operation by a multidisciplinary team comprising of Phokeng K9, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, District Operational Crime Combatting (OCCU), District Detective Task Team, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation, Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Crime Scene Investigation and Royal Bafokeng Security (RBP) worked tirelessly to arrest six suspects on Wednesday, 20 December 2023.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 33, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property as well as charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The suspects who are all Lesotho nationals, were arrested at Covid-19 and Sondela informal settlements in Boitekong. That after information regarding suspects involved in a spate of robberies was received and operationalised.

During the arrests, the team searched and seized three unlicensed firearms including one with a filed off serial number, 79 rounds of ammunition, 28 different cell phones, flash machines, plastics containing coins, plasma television, a scale, two magazines, several pairs of shoes / sneakers, a variety of clothes, cigarettes, bedding set and cash amounting to R24 200.00.

Investigations are underway and the police cannot rule out the possibility of bringing to book additional suspects and linking the arrested ones with more cases. All the suspects including a 24-year-old woman, are expected to appear on Friday, 22 December 2023, in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the team for their continued efforts to fight crime and sending out a clear message that the long arm of the law will neither be selective nor kind to those who commit crime. He also thanked members of the community for their cooperation with the police to dismantle syndicates.

Story by: SAPS