RUSTENBURG – Five suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 May 2022, in connection with an alleged armed robbery that was reported at a certain shop in Koster on Tuesday, 16 May 2022 at about 08:20.

According to information received, it is alleged that Koster police were doing their daily patrols, when they received information of a robbery in progress at a business premises. The police reacted immediately and the victims gave a description of the get-away vehicle that was used by the suspects. This information was shared with nearby stations and units.

Whilst Phokeng Highway patrol members were on patrol on the N4, at Spitskop, close to Rustenburg, the suspicious vehicle and occupants were spotted.  The vehicle was stopped by police and the five suspects, aged between 32 and 52, and their vehicle were searched. Two firearms, with serial numbers filed off, were found inside the vehicle.  A further search in the boot of the vehicle led to the recovery of false number plates, as well as mobile phones, suspected to have been robbed from the business in Koster.

The suspects were immediately arrested and they are facing charges of armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 May 2022.

Further information was followed up by members from Rustenburg Mounted Unit and Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, which resulted in the discovery of a “safe house” in Rustenburg North, where three more suspects, aged between 21 and 43, were apprehended.  A vehicle, a charcoal/grey VW Polo, believed to have been used during the commission of crime was recovered.

The three suspects were charged for armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.  They are expected to appear in the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 May 2022.  

The suspects will be profiled to establish any linkages to other robberies.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated Bojanala Sub District 2 police for working together and acting fast in arresting the suspects, he said police will continue to work hard to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.    

Source: South African Police Service