| 2025/04/04 |
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Media Statement
POTCHEFSTROOM – A 29-year-old David Motlatsi will remain in custody following his first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 31 March 2025. He will reappear in court on Wednesday, 09 April 2025 for a formal bail application. Motlatsi was arrested after he allegedly pointed and hit a man with a firearm in an attempt to rob him of his cellphone in the early hours of Saturday morning, 29 March 2025, in Schoemansville informal settlement near Rustenburg. According to information, four men wrestled with Motlatsi and ultimately disarmed him and the firearm was then given to their 45-year-old landlord. Reports suggest that Motlatsi left the place and came back later accompanied by his friend, who was reportedly in possession of a firearm. The pair then assaulted the landlord and took back the firearm from her. The accused subsequently went to the 35-year-old man, then shot and killed him. In addition, he fired shots that ultimately hit three other men and left the scene on foot. The police in Rustenburg worked around the clock to successfully trace and arrest the accused who was positively linked with the crimes during the identification parade. Investigations into the matter including the tracing of Motlatsi’s friend are underway. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng commends the police for the swift arrest of the suspect and is once more calling upon all law abiding citizens including Community Safety Forums to work with their local police stations to address the proliferation of illegal firearms within their communities. “It is by working together and making sure that criminals are not harboured and aided that serious and violent crime will be successfully resolved. It is only a matter of time that his accomplice will be behind bars. Anyone who has information that could lead to their arrests is requested to report to their nearest police station,” he said. Ends
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