NOORDWESTER - LICHTENBURG - A concerted effort between police and private security company employees culminated in the arrest of three Zimbabwean foreign nationals on Thursday, 1 August in Lichtenburg for possession of suspected stolen goods.
It is alleged that a suspicious white Ford Ranger vehicle with three occupants was spotted in Lichtenburg on Wednesday, 31 July. As a result, and utilising CCTV cameras, Lichtenburg Visible Policing, K9 Unit and CIB Security members monitored the movement of the vehicle, which headed to the direction of Mahikeng.
On Wednesday evening, 1 August, the same vehicle was spotted entering Lichtenburg with truck tyres loaded on the back. The vehicle was stopped and one passenger tried to run away, but he and two other suspects were caught. It was established that the trio had stolen the tyres from trucks at Ramatlabama Port of Entry in the policing precinct of Mahikeng.
Raymond Malefo (44), Jim Masingi (47) and Patrick Masemola (63) who are all from Mamelodi, are facing charges of attempted hijacking, pretending to be police officers and unlawful possession of a firearm. They are expected to make a second court appearance on Wednesday, 14 August. Investigations are underway as the possibility of linking these suspects with similar crimes previously committed in the area cannot be ruled out.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and thanked the team for their collaborative efforts, hard work and patience.
