NOORDWESTER – ZEERUST - Collaborative efforts by the police in Zeerust, Phokeng and Rustenburg led to the apprehension of two suspects on 4 December for a spree of business and house robberies. The crimes were allegedly committed in Zeerust, Madikwe, Boitekong and Rustenburg in May, November and December this year.
The arrest of the duo stems from an incident wherein two shops were broken into and several cellular phones stolen at Autumn Leave Mall in Zeerust. It is alleged that four suspects forced entry into the mall and broke into two stores, where they stole cellular phones in the early hours of Thursday, 4 December.
Security guards attempted to stop the suspects who fled from the scene with a white Suzuki sedan, but did not succeed.
The police followed leads and traced the suspects’ vehicle to East End in Rustenburg and arrested two suspects; a Malawian (33) and his Mozambican girlfriend (29). A search was conducted in the suspects’ room and led to the discovery of suspected stolen goods that included cellular phones, explosives, household items, a television, cutlery and bedding, which were all confiscated together with the vehicle.
The duo appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 December, on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods and possession of explosives. The accused will also face additional charges of contravening section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Investigations into the matter are underway, and the possibility of linking the suspects to other crimes cannot be ruled out.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all the members and security officers for their collaborative efforts and said that the arrest will serve as a stern warning to criminals who think that they can easily flee from the long arm of the law and evade justice.
