Police determined to combat lawbreakers

MOKOPANE – “I am glad to report that according to our records we have managed to reduce the crime rate during the festive season in comparison to the crime rate during the festive season in 2014. However we strongly feel that a single act of crime is still one too many and we are determined to win this fight.”

These are the encouraging words of Const Sello Leso, spokesperson of the Mahwelereng police station.

A wave of crime recently hit Mokopane and Leso said he believes the fact people are desperate for money over the festive season plays a big part.

•A local clinic in Zone 1 was targeted by two armed suspects at 21:00 on 25 December. According to Leso the two suspects demanded the security guard, Lesiba Richard Masemene (38), to hand over his 9 mm pistol with six rounds of ammunition and his cell phone. The suspects then fled in an unidentified car. “No suspects have been arrested, but a thorough investigation is ongoing,” Leso said.

•A case of housebreaking and theft was opened on 25 December after four suspects broke into a smallholding in Blankwater and stole three firearms with an unspecified number of ammunition and the owners Ford Ranger. Leso said: “The vehicle was recovered the following day, in what initially looked like a vehicle accident, but it was established that a shooting occurred between the occupants of the vehicle.One of the occupants died on the scene. An investigation in ongoing.”

•Another security guard, Lesaga Takalo (46), was overpowered by four suspects in Mapela just outside Mokopane on 29 December at 23:30. The suspects fled with his cellphone and diesel drums that are used for the drilling machines. “It is strongly believed that there is a link between this case and the house-robbery at Blankwater. No arrests have yet been made, but we are hot on their trial,” Leso told Bosveld.

•Moses Mabusela (25) was held at gunpoint in Zone 1 next to Molala Hotel on 29 December.

The suspect fled with R500 and a cell phone. “The suspect was arrested and he appeared before the Mokerong Magistrate’s court on 5 January. The case was postponed to 8 January. The suspect remains in custody.”

•Thomas Rasimathi Chauke (50) was stabbed to death on 1 January in Mapela, allegedly by a foreigner. “Investigations are underway,” Leso said.

Leso appeals to the community to transfer their money directly into their bank accounts as soon as possible.

“Do not send your children to withdraw money from the ATM as they are easy targets. Please be alert and report any suspicious activities to your nearest police station. Together we can become the change we want to see in this country,” Leso concluded.