A crime intelligence operation by members of Tlhabane Police Station resulted in the arrest of five suspects (four Lesotho nationals and one South African), aged between 18 and 39. The suspects were arrested at the Yizo-Yizo informal settlement, GG Section in Tlhabane and Lefaragatlhe village, in connection with house robbery, murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The suspects’ apprehension emanated from a house robbery allegedly committed in Tlhabane, whereby unknown males entered the house, threatened the male occupant with a firearm and robbed him of his cash and a cell phone. According to information from the police, another incident was reported later the same night wherein a 20-year-old woman and her nine-month-old baby were shot and burned to death in their shack.
After investigations, information was received about possible suspects. During the operation, five suspects were arrested and some recoveries linked to the incidents were made. The weapons found include an okapi knife, suspected stolen cellphones, and an unlicensed firearm (revolver) loaded with five rounds of ammunition and suspected to have been used during the commission of the murder.
Of the five suspects; four are Lesotho nationals while one is South African. All Lesotho nationals are also facing charges relating to contravention of Section 49(1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) - entering or remaining in the Republic illegally. The fifth suspect, aged 18, was arrested for possession and dealing in drugs.
All five suspects appeared in before the Tlhabane Magistrate's Court this year week. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded members of the police for their collaboration that led to the arrests, which he said will serve as a warning that the police will not allow criminals to brazenly terrorise members of the community.
