In a series of intelligence-driven operations, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province have made significant arrests, underscoring their commitment to combating crime in the region. The operations, conducted in Boitekong and Lichtenburg, led to the apprehension of multiple suspects involved in copper cable theft, immigration violations, and burglary.
Boitekong Copper Cable Theft and Immigration Violations
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Boitekong Visible Policing members acted on a tip-off regarding suspicious activity at the Dichibidung informal settlement near Rustenburg. According to Captain Mpho Manyoba, SAPS North West spokesperson, “The team received information that individuals were seen loading copper cables into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. They maintained surveillance and intercepted the vehicle at Sunrise Park, where they discovered stripped copper cables valued at approximately R424,000 in the boot.”
The two occupants, Aurangzeb Raja (44) and David Ngobeni (29), were arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the cables. Captain Manyoba added, “Further investigation led us to another address in Dichibidung, where two additional suspects, Mateo Simango (19) and Lucas Manave (21), were arrested for contravening immigration laws. Preliminary findings suggest that one of the initial suspects owns a scrap metal reclaim business in Tlhabane.”
On Friday, February 28, 2025, Simango and Manave appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to immigration violations. Both were sentenced to three months imprisonment or a fine of R5,000 and will be deported to Mozambique. Raja and Ngobeni, who face charges of possession of stolen copper cables, were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Monday, March 3, 2025, for a bail application. Investigations into the legal status of the accused, who are from Pakistan and Mozambique, are ongoing.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Asaneng, praised the officers involved for their diligent work. “These arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in tackling crime,” he said.
Lichtenburg Burglary Arrest
In a separate operation on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Lichtenburg Crime Prevention members arrested a 35-year-old man for possession of housebreaking implements. Captain Manyoba explained, “The arrest was based on actionable intelligence linking the suspect to a series of business burglaries in Kieserville, Lichtenburg. He was apprehended on Beyers Naude Street, where he was found carrying a backpack containing tools allegedly used in burglaries.”
The suspect, who has a pending burglary case, was linked to a recent business burglary in Kieserville. He is scheduled to appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 3, 2025. Major General Patrick Asaneng commended the team for their efforts in apprehending a repeat offender. “This arrest highlights our commitment to ensuring that habitual criminals are brought to justice,” he stated.