| 2025/03/01 |
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Media Statement
POTCHEFSTROOM – Intelligence driven operation executed by Boitekong Visible Policing members yielded positive results when four suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, at Dichibidung informal settlement in Boitekong close to Rustenburg. The arrest came after a follow-up was made on information received that people were seen loading copper cables into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee at Dichibidung informal settlement. The team kept an observation and eventually intercepted the vehicle at Sunrise Park. During the search, stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R424 000.00 were found inside the boot. Consequently, the two occupants, aged 44 and 29 were apprehended after failing to give a proper account for the copper cables. Further investigation led the police to another address in Dichibidung informal settlement where two more suspects, aged 19 and 30 were arrested for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. Preliminary investigation showed that one of the first two suspects to be arrested is the owner of a reclaim scrap metal in Tlhabane. Of the four suspects, two appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 February 2025. The pair; Mateo Simango (19) and Lucas Manave (21), who are both Mozambicans pleaded guilty for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The duo was respectively sentenced to three months imprisonment or fine of R5000.00 and deportation to Mozambique. The other two suspects; Aurangzeb Raja (44) and David Ngobeni (29), who also appeared on the same day for possession of copper cables, were remanded in custody until their next appearance on Monday, 03 March 2025, for a bail application. Investigation into the matter including confirmation of the legal status of the accused who are from Pakistan and Mozambique, is underway. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Asaneng lauded all members involved for a job well done. Ends
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