The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of six men for offences ranging from possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, burglary, common robbery to attempted murder and subsequent confiscation of three firearms and more than 200 ammunition.
In Stella near Vryburg, two suspects aged 21 and 33 were arrested on Wednesday, 30 December 2020. It is alleged that a farm owner returned home on Tuesday, 29 December 2020, after Christmas holidays and realised that intruders broke a window, then gained entrance into his house where they stole a revolver and a hunting rifle with 200 ammunition from the safe. Police Investigation was conducted leading to recovery of the rifle and 200 ammunition after being found hidden in the bushes.
Investigation into the matter continues and the pair is expected to appear on Monday, 4 January 2021, in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court for burglary, theft and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In Mmabatho, a 32-year-old suspect is also expected to appear on Monday, 4 January 2021, in the Molopo Magistrates’ Court for possession of unlicensed firearm and attempted murder.
The suspect’s court appearance stems from his arrest in Magogwe-Tshepang village during the crime intelligence driven Safer Festive Season operation at about 23:00 on Wednesday, 29 December 2020. The suspect was in the course of the arrest, found in possession of a revolver, three ammunition and two empty cartridges. Preliminary investigation has since linked the suspect to a case of attempted murder committed early last month in Setlopo village in the policing area of Lomanyaneng.
In Delareyville, Taukobong Mothobi (21), Matimba Mmokwa (18), and a 17-year-old accused appeared in the local Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 31 December 2020, facing a charge of common robbery. Mothobi is facing an additional charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. All three accused were remanded in custody and will reappear on Monday, 4 January 2021..
The trio appeared in court after they were arrested for allegedly robbing a girl, aged 17, of her cell phone while walking from town with her brother. The girl and her brother were allegedly threatened with a knife by the suspects who robbed the girl of her cell phone before fleeing from the scene. Upon arrest, Mothobi who is known to the 17-year-old girl’s brother, was found in possession of unlicensed firearm (pistol) and ammunition.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police for their diligence and ensuring that the accused were apprehended and disarmed of illegal firearms. He once more reminded the public about the firearm amnesty period which will end on 31 January 2021.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
