| Acting Provincial Commissioner congratulates provincial murder and robbery team following five arrests | |
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| Date Published: | 2026/04/30 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has congratulated the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, supported by the Provincial Tracking Team, Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, Mahikeng Detectives, and the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT), for their meticulous investigations and effective collaboration that led to the arrest of five suspects following a recent case of double murder and business robbery in Mahikeng. Police were called to a shooting incident at a Pub in Golfview on Friday evening, 24 April 2026. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body of a 57-year-old female, Maria Gomez, lying on the ground. She was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, Manual Gomez (59) had also been shot and had already been transported to a local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries that same night. It is reported that the couple allegedly rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their 35-year-old son was being robbed at their business, which is situated on the same premises. Upon entering the business, the couple were confronted by six armed suspects wearing masks. The suspects allegedly entered the premises, proceeded to the lounge, and forced the victims to lie on the floor. The victims were threatened, assaulted and robbed of several cellphones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop, and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle. On Saturday morning, 25 April 2026, the stolen vehicle was recovered abandoned in Magogwe village. Some of the stolen cellphones were also found discarded in the veld. Five days after the incident, on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, information received was operationalised, leading to the arrest of four suspects in Magogwe village, aged between 21 and 37. Police recovered four firearms with ammunition; one pistol belonged to the deceased victim, while another was identified as a fake/toy pistol. The four accused appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 April 2026, facing charges of murder, business robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They remain in custody are expected to appear again on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, for a formal bail application. Due to the sensitivity of the case, their identities cannot be disclosed at this stage. Furthermore, a fifth suspect, aged 32, was arrested on Thursday, 30 April 2026, in Itsoseng. He is expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 May 2024, on similar charges. More arrests are eminent. Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said this breakthrough demonstrates the value of coordinated policing and intelligence-driven operations. He commended the members for their dedication and swift action in bringing the suspects to book and said police will remain committed in ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are traced, arrested, and successfully prosecuted. Members of the public who may have information that could assist the police investigation are urged to contact Colonel Kgosi Dehimo of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit on 082 773 0630, their nearest police station, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App from your smartphones. Ends
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