POTCHEFSTROOM – As part of stamping the authority of the State and restoring order since Saturday, 16 July 2022, until after the funeral of Andile Ndamoyi (40), a total of 20 suspects were arrested through Operation “Tlotla Molao” for various offences.
Police have been maintaining a high visibility in Jouberton to ensure general safety, since the murder of Ndamoyi on Friday, 15 July 2022. Despite a few sporadic incidents as well as intimidating and misleading voice notes and videos, which were circulated through various social media platforms in the Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein and Hartbeesfontein (KOSH) area, the place has been generally calm.
During the operation, three suspects, aged between 32 and 38 were arrested at Extension 2, Jouberton on Saturday, 23 July 2022, for Contravention of Section 9 read with 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998 (Act No. 121 of 1998) and possession of dangerous weapons. The suspects were apprehended after being found collecting money from tuck shop owners. The said money was allegedly going to be used to buy items for a “after tears party”.
In another unrelated incident on Sunday, 24 July 2022, two suspects, aged 32 and 39, were arrested for illegal possession of firearm and possession of eight suspected stolen cellular phones. The latter items were linked with cases in Sannieshof, Atamelang, Madibogo and Mahikeng. In addition, a suspect was apprehended during the funeral procession for unlawful possession of firearm.
In Orkney, five suspects were arrested for attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition on Saturday, 23 July 2022. That was after the suspects, who allegedly shot at the police, were found in possession of 511 rifle ammunition. Upon visiting the scene today, 330 more ammunition were found and four suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of five suspects at Extension 13, Jouberton, for intimidation and drinking in public.
A Toyota Yaris vehicle, which was hijacked at Stop 5, Extension 2, Jouberton was found abandoned along the N12 road near Alabama and handed back to the lawful owner.
In a separate incident and in order to avert violence, the police had to use rubber bullets to disperse members of the two rival gangs.
The police are maintaining their presence in the area and parents are still urged to allow children to go to school. Moreover, law abiding citizens are requested to continue to respect the rule of law, carry on with their daily businesses, not to take part in any illegal activities and to report any acts of intimidation or threats to the police.
The arrested suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena strongly cautioned that lawlessness and criminality will not be tolerated. He said further that those who dare the law, will be dealt with harshly.
Meanwhile, investigations into the murder of Ndamoyi are still underway and no one has been arrested.
Source: South African Police Service