Northern Cape Police Arrest Five Men in Connection with House Robbery, Rape, and Armed Robbery

130

Northern Cape Police

The Northern Cape Police successfully arrested five men aged between 23 and 39 on Saturday, 7 September 2024. These arrests are linked to two serious but unrelated criminal cases: one involving house robbery and rape, and the other concerning an armed robbery.

According to Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, spokesperson for the office of the Provincial Commissioner in Northern Cape, the suspects were apprehended by the combat team of Operation Vala Umgodi, led by Captain Neo Maeneche. Acting on information about the suspects’ involvement in a violent house robbery and rape incident in the Madibapark informal settlement in Galeshewe, police quickly mobilised forces, including members of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Unit, Kimberley Public Order Police, and Galeshewe SAPS.

The five men were allegedly armed with a pistol and knives during the house robbery and rape, which left the community shaken. During the operation, police recovered a 9mm pistol replica, which further linked the group to a previous armed robbery in Kimberley North on 14 July 2024. Pilane confirmed that all five suspects had been positively identified as participants in both crimes and would soon appear in the Kimberley Magistrates Court.

The swift response by the police team is being lauded for their efforts in ensuring that the suspects are taken off the streets. The arrests have been a significant victory in the ongoing battle against violent crime in the region. Authorities have also urged community members to continue providing information that could help with crime prevention initiatives.

Operation Vala Umgodi, which was instrumental in the arrests, has become a key initiative in tackling serious crimes in the Northern Cape. The coordinated efforts of various police units and community involvement have been credited for the success of this operation. The arrests come in the context of broader policing efforts in South Africa aimed at combating violent crime, as highlighted by other recent successful operations across the country .

Central News Weekly Edition 071 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “Lesufi Leads Tribute to Pandor and Dlamini Zuma for their roles in South Africa’s Liberation”

⬇️⬇️