The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended two off-duty Constables for their courage that resulted in the arrest of five armed robbery suspects on Wednesday, 10 February 2021 near Damdoryn outside Brits.
According to reports, Constable Gomolemo David Phiri and Constable Moses Moshwadiba were in Mooinooi at about 15:50 when they noticed five armed males running out of a cellular phone shop and driving off in a silver Toyota Etios vehicle. The brave and unarmed duo, followed the Etios using Constable Moshwadiba’s private vehicle. While following the suspects’ vehicle, they called for back-up from neighboring police stations.
The duo was joined by Brits and Hartbeespoortdam police members near Damdoryn, where the suspects’ vehicle was intercepted. The suspects were ordered out of the vehicle for a search and two pistols, one revolver, ammunition, cellular phones, and cash were found. The preliminary investigation linked the suspects, aged between 25 and 54, with armed robbery allegedly committed at the cellular phone shop, just before they were noticed by the off-duty police officers. It is alleged that the suspects pretended to be interested in buying a cellular phone. However, they allegedly robbed the sales assistant of cellular phones and cash before fleeing from the scene.
All five suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court today on charges of business robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The Provincial Commissioner thanked all members for their cooperation that resulted in the success. He further extolled the off-duty Constables for their fearlessness, which clearly reaffirms the commitment of creating a safe and secure environment by bringing to book those who commit a crime.