Brits and Taung, 05 July 2024 – Two suspects, aged 37 and 44, were arrested in separate intelligence-driven operations conducted at Letlhabile and Taung, resulting in significant seizures of illegal firearms and ammunition.
In Letlhabile, near Brits, a coordinated effort by a multi-disciplinary team comprising Brits Crime Intelligence, Letlhabile Police, Hartbeesportdam Crime Prevention, and the K9 Unit led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man at a shopping complex in Zone 15 on Friday, 5 July 2024. Acting on intelligence about a man attempting to sell illegal firearms, the team apprehended the suspect who was found in possession of two 9mm pistols with obliterated serial numbers and 24 rounds of ammunition. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered two more firearms, a small box containing 13 rounds of ammunition, a courier company bag with various cell phone recharge vouchers, and a laptop.
Simultaneously, in Taung, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Vryburg Public Order Police (POP), the K9 Unit, and the Crime Prevention Units of Taung and Schweizer-Reneke arrested a 44-year-old man in New Stands, Maphoitsile village. The arrest took place after the suspect was found with a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and 11 rounds of ammunition, for which he could not provide a valid explanation.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear before the Brits and Taung Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, 08 July 2024, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspect from Letlhabile will also be charged with possession of suspected stolen goods.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the Bojanala Sub-District 1 and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati teams for their dedication, which led to these successful arrests and the confiscation of firearms often used in serious and violent crimes. He also expressed gratitude to the community members for their cooperation and support in the fight against crime.
“These operations highlight the importance of community-police partnerships and the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” said Lieutenant General Kwena.