POTCHEFSTROOM: 09 August 2023 - Two suspects, aged 29 and 39 respectively, were arrested following a Crime Intelligence driven operation conducted by the Potchefstroom Flying Squad. Police allegedly received information in July 2023, about a suspected syndicate leader. The latter was allegedly involved in several armed robberies wherein they targeted and followed victims to and from banks. The victims would then be robbed of their hard earned cash. In addition, the suspect has been under the police radar for his alleged involvement in crimes committed in North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. Furthermore, on Monday, 07 August 2023, a robbery was committed at Ventersdorp and the description of vehicles involved was given to the police and a look out was initiated.
Members started to look out for the suspect’s vehicles around Ventersdorp and at about 21:30, both vehicles were spotted driving towards the direction of Rustenburg from Ventersdorp on the R30 road. In an attempt to stop the vehicles, drivers, sped-off and a high speed chase ensued. Rustenburg Police and Patrollers were mobilised and that resulted in both vehicles being stopped. The two suspects were arrested. Upon searching the vehicles, police found a firearm with magazine loaded with 3 ammunition, that was robbed from the owner in Pretoria North in July 2022. The police further found an undisclosed amount of cash and two cellular phones. All items, including the two vehicles were confiscated. Both suspects are expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 10 August 2023, for armed robbery.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police and all external role players for working together to ensure that the suspects are cornered and arrested. He further warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated and that action will be taken against anyone who transgresses the law.