Two suspects, a man and a woman both aged 37, on Friday 5 March 2021 appeared before the Mamelodi Magistrate Court on charges of theft, trespassing and fraud as police continue to investigate several cases opened by victims of the alleged infamous Boko Haram group that is accused of terrorising the communities and business people in and around Mamelodi.
This comes after intensified investigations by a multidisciplinary team, following an appeal by the police for people to come forward and give statements that would substantiate cases that were reported, and to assist with information that could lead to the apprehension of those perpetrators that according to Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, were holding the residents of Mamelodi to ransom.
To this end, an intelligence-led operation was launched and on Wednesday 3 March 2021, the detectives working closely with the Combat and Reaction Team of Mamelodi, arrested the two suspects on allegations of illegal collection of monies from tenants at Inkandla Hostel in Mamelodi.
The pair has been remanded in custody pending their next court appearance on 11 March 2021, while a prosecutorial-led investigation is underway towards building a watertight case. The possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out as police anticipate that more victims could come forward.
Lieutenant General Mawela has urged the Tshwane multi-disciplinary team to continue with the good work until this so called Boko Haram becomes a thing of the past, in the best interests of the people of Mamelodi. The Provincial Commissioner also commended the positive response from the residents who, after police called for their cooperation, swiftly came forward and are now working closely with the SAPS to root out criminality in and around Mamelodi.
“With this kind of collaboration, we are optimistic that several cases relating to the Boko Haram, some dating as far back as 2018, would be cracked and the suspects duly apprehended and brought to book. Those victims who withdrew their cases or previously refused to give statements or participate in identity parades, citing fear or intimidation by the Boko Haram, are encouraged to reconsider and reopen their cases so that the perpetrators get arrested and prosecuted,” remarked the Commissioner.
