BONUS - MADIKWE - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 32-year-old Omphile Moatshe, following a business robbery at Sesobe Village.
The swift action by police officers, together with active Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, ensured that justice was served and highlights the importance of community and police collaboration.
According to information received from Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi, Rustenburg police spokesperson, on 8 September 2024 at approximately 12:00, a 21-year-old Bangladesh national reported that he had been robbed at his shop in Sesobe Village. An unknown suspect forcefully entered the shop through unlocked burglar gates and threatened the victim with a knife, demanding cash. The frightened victim surrendered a cash box containing approximately R 7 000. The suspect took only the bank notes and attempted to flee.
The victim, however, used a pepper spray to chase the suspect, who managed to outrun him. A neighbour who witnessed the incident assisted the victim and alerted CPF members, who then contacted the police. The suspect was positively identified with the assistance of witnesses and was later spotted at a shebeen in Ramotlhajwe Village, where he was found buying crates of beer and entertaining patrons. Upon arrest, only R3 400 was recovered. The suspect was detained and his bail application was denied pending trial.
On Monday,18 August 2025, Madikwe Regional Court sentenced Mr Moatshe to three years direct imprisonment.
The Acting District Commissioner, Brig Mamotsamai Ntoagae, commended the conviction.
"This successful outcome is a result of the swift response and collaboration between CPF members and dedicated police officers, as well as the thorough investigative work of Det Sgt Marumo. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that crime does not go unpunished, Ntoagae said."
