A 29-year-old Letlhogonolo Mokati was remanded in custody upon appearance in the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Monday, 18 March 2024, on charges of illegal possession of firearm and possession of electronic jamming device. He is expected to make a second court appearance on Friday, 22 March 2024, for formal bail application.
Mokati was arrested on Friday, 15 March 2024, during a Crime Intelligence driven operation by the Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), Tlhabane Visible Policing, Rustenburg Flying Squad and District Detectives, after information regarding individuals involved in a spate of hijackings around Rustenburg was operationalised. The suspects’ two Volkswagen Polo vehicles were spotted at a house in Tlhabane West where a search was conducted. Although nothing illegal was discovered, one of the men informed the team that a firearm and a jamming device were at a certain house in Rustenburg North. A follow up operation at the place resulted in the arrest of Mokati after being found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a filed-off serial number and electronic jamming device. Investigations into the matter are underway.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the members for their collaborative efforts in the fight against serious and violent crimes.
