CI, Welkom TRT arrest trio for planned robbery – suspects found armed

The Welkom Tactical Response Team (TRT) arrested three men after operationalising information received from the Crime Intelligence (CI) about a planned robbery in Theunissen on Wednesday, June 28th.

According to the Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, the police identified a white Toyota Rav4 during the operation.

“This vehicle had North West number plates and three male occupants while at Caltex petrol station,” informed Thakeng.

Following its identification, the police team tactically intercepted the vehicle and searched it along with its occupants.

During the search, the police found two firearms, the first – a CZ P99 pistol with a visible serial number and 16 live ammunitions in the magazine; the second firearm was a PX4 Storm pistol, with seven live ammunitions in the magazine. Both guns were hidden in the air filter box within the engine compartment.

“As a result, the police arrested trio suspects from Stilfontein and Orkney for possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunitions. Their vehicle was seized for further investigation,” said Thakeng.

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All three suspects aged 29, 44 and 45 will appear before the Theunissen Magistrate Court on Monday, July 3rd.

Lejweleputswa’s acting district commissioner, Brigadier Mzondi Mojafi, expresses his gratitude towards the Theunissen residents for giving the police intel. Furthermore, both Crime Intelligence and Welkom TRT also received praise for excellent work done.

“This will send a clear cut message to criminals that residents are sick and tired of criminality in their space,” concluded Thakeng.