POTCHEFSTROOM: 23 October 2023 - A Crime Intelligence driven operation by members of Tlhabane police station resulted in the arrest of five suspects, aged 18, 39, 35, 24 and 23, on Friday, 20 October 2023. The suspects were arrested at Yizo-Yizo informal settlement, GG Section in Tlhabane and Lefaragatlhe village for house robbery, murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of a dangerous weapon. The suspects’ apprehension emanated from a house robbery allegedly committed in Tlhabane on Sunday, 15 October 2023, whereby unknown males entered the house and threatened the male occupant with a firearm and robbed him of his cash and a cell phone.
According to information, another incident was reported later the same night wherein a 20-year-old woman and her 9-month-old baby were shot and burned to death in their shack. Subsequent to investigations, information was received about possible suspects on Friday, 20 October 2023. During the operation, five suspects were arrested and some recoveries linked to the incidents were made. They include an okapi knife, suspected stolen cell phones, and an unlicensed firearm (revolver) loaded with five rounds of ammunition and suspected to have been used during the commission of the murder.
Of the five suspects, four are Lesotho nationals while one is South African, all Lesotho nationals are also facing charges relating to contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) - entering or remaining in the Republic illegally. The fifth suspect (18) was arrested for possession and dealing in drugs. All five suspects are expected to appear today before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the members for their collaboration that led to the arrests, which he said will serve as an warning that the police will not allow criminals to brazenly terrorise members of the community.