RUSTENBURG HERALD - BOITEKONG - An intelligence driven operation executed by Boitekong Visible Policing members yielded positive results when four suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 26 February, at Dichibidung informal settlement.
The arrest came after follow-up was made on information received that people were seen loading copper cables into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee at the settlement.
The team kept an observation and eventually intercepted the vehicle at Sunrise Park. During the search, stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R424 000 were found inside the boot.
Consequently, the two occupants, aged 44 and 29 were apprehended after failing to give a proper account for possession of the copper cables. Preliminary investigation showed that one of the suspects arrested, is the owner of a reclaim scrap metal in Tlhabane.
Further investigation led the police to another address in Dichibidung, where two more suspects, aged 19 and 30, were arrested for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
Of the four suspects, two appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 February.
The pair, Mateo Simango (19) and Lucas Manave (21), who are both Mozambicans, plead guilty for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The duo was respectively sentenced to three months imprisonment or a fine of R5 000, as well as deportation to Mozambique.
The two other suspects, Aurangzeb Raja (44) and David Ngobeni (29), also appeared on the same day for possession of copper cables and were remanded in custody until their next appearance on Monday, 3 March, for a bail application.
Investigation into the matter, including confirmation of the legal status of the accused who are from Pakistan and Mozambique, is underway.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Asaneng, lauded all investigating members involved for a job well done.
