STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Four suspects were arrested in Vryburg on Monday night, 8 December 2025, in connection with the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
The arrests followed information received by Crime Intelligence regarding a white Ford Ranger with unknown occupants, allegedly linked to a planned murder in the Ganyesa area. Police units from the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and Visible Policing (VISPOL) were deployed to locate the vehicle.
The vehicle was later spotted at a filling-station and subsequently stopped and searched in Market Street, Vryburg. During the search, police discovered two firearms and several rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag in the vehicle. The occupants were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation or valid documentation for the firearms, and were arrested at the scene. The suspects, identified as Tumelo Gompe (44), Tshepiso Mangate (43), Rasake Matsapa (33) and Sefatsa Ramokoni (28), appeared in the Vryburg District Court on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. The case was postponed, and the accused were remanded in custody until their next court appearance that was on Monday, 15 December 2025. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said the arrests highlighted the importance of police vigilance and intelligence-led operations. He added that the removal of illegal firearms from circulation contributes to preventing violent crime and improving public safety in the province.
