Staff Reporter.
SA Police Services (SAPS) in the North West arrested a 38-year-old man after he was found in possession of 14 hand grenades in Khuma, Klerksdorp.
Police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh says Public Order Policing in Klerksdorp acted on a tip-off.
“Upon following up, the officer found the suspect at corner of Marumole and Lekoma Street, and searched him. A total of 14 hand grenades were found in his possession. As a result, the suspect was immediately arrested for unlawfully being in possession of explosives.”
Myburgh says the suspect, who is in the country illegally, will appear in court on Monday.
“The suspect, aged 38, will appear before the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 April 2023 and the investigation will be conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks.”
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena thanked the community for alerting law enforcement.
The vital information helped avert a possible tragedy, he said.
Meanwhile police in the North West are offering a reward of up to R100 000 for any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the murder of a retired police officer.
Fifty-three year old retired Warrant Officer Johannes Butiki Shaba was attacked and fatally shot by four attackers in May last year in Unit 5, Mogwase, whilst accompanying his 57-year-old friend.
“The friend was visiting a tenant, whilst Shaba remained in the vehicle; a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 bakkie. Upon returning to his vehicle, the victim’s friend was confronted by a suspect, who demanded his vehicle key.
“The suspect then started to assault him and Shaba came to his aid, but was shot twice by the suspects, who fled the scene in the hijacked bakkie. During the incident, a 9mm Norinco pistol and cellular phone were stolen,” Commissioner Kwena said.
Shaba was rushed to a local health centre, where he passed on the same night. The vehicle was later found abandoned at Thekwane, close to Rustenburg.
Commissioner Kwena has urged the community to come forward with information that will ensure that these ruthless criminals are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Lesego Mosimane of Mogwase Detectives on cell: 082 416 3083.
Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPSApp from your smart phone or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.