Housebreaking suspects arrested in Brits

Brits – A tip-off to the police by members of the Bokfontein community led to the arrest of five suspects who were allegedly planning to rob a businesses and homes near Brits.

Prosper Ndebele, Kingdom Makgetha, Given Shumba, Ezekiel Matlala and Thulani Sithole have since appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as possession of housebreaking implements. Police spokesperson colonel Adéle Myburgh said the five were apprehended on Friday 21 August in Bokfontein outside Brits after police were informed about their intentions to commit business and house robberies in Mooinooi.

Acting on this information, police members of the Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Rustenburg Flying Squad located and cornered a white Nissan minibus that the suspects were travelling in. “The vehicle and the occupants were searched. Consequently, a revolver was found in possession of one of the accused. A 9mm pistol and a magazine loaded with ammunition was also found in the minibus,” Myburgh said.

A huge bolt cutter, hand gloves, a baton and pepper spray were among the housebreaking implements that were also found inside the vehicle during the search. “All six occupants were arrested and further investigations to determine if the suspects may be linked to other crimes are being carried out,” Myburgh concluded.