After months of intense investigation, Rustenburg Police, in conjunction with members from Head Office Crime Intelligence Tracing Unit, managed to clamp down on an extremely dangerous gang of criminals, linked with a startling 41 cases, ranging from murder, hi-jacking, robbery, and rape. 

The ruthless gang, consisting of 4 to 7 African males, between the ages of 25 and 48 years, would pounce on unsuspected victims who park their vehicles in the undeveloped areas in Rustenburg. These ruthless criminals would smash the front or side window of the vehicle with rocks or panga’s, drag the women out of their vehicles and severely assaulting the male occupant.  The would further drag the ladies into the field, and repeatedly rape them.

On 26 December 2012 two suspects, Charles Dielele(42) and  Justice Moseki(29) were arrested in “Plastic View”, Rustenburg. On Thursday evening, the 5th of January 2012, at about 18:00, the third suspect, and notorious “ring leader’s” luck ran out, as Police arrested 32-year old Lucky Chabalala in the Bapong, Majakaneng area. 

After interrogation of Chabalala, the group resumed the search for the other  suspects on Friday, the 6th of January 2012 at about 19:30.  Police arrested another three suspects  at Paardekraal, Rustenburg, namely: 32-year old Bongani Sambo, 43-year old Kaizer Mtibane and 25-year old Baruke Antonio.

 On Sunday morning, the 8th of January 2012, the seventh suspect, namely the 48-year old “Rasta” Piet Moguadi, was arrested at Sondela, Kanana.

Further investigation revealed that these suspects were also involved in the murder of a police official, W/off Tlhaole from Boitekong and the rape of a lady reservist, en route to her house in Boitekong. W/off Tlhaole was severely beaten with rocks, injuries which subsequently led to his death. 

The suspects appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate Court on the 9th of January 2012 as well as 18 January 2012 and the case was remanded to 25 January 2012 for a formal bail application. 

Rustenburg Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Asaneng has expressed his profound relief as the suspects are finally brought to book.  Community members still need to be extremely cautious and take care of their safety even though these dangerous criminals have been arrested.  Avoid dark and isolated areas.  

“Police officials involved have been congratulated for displaying tenacity and exceptional investigative skills.  The community of Rustenburg and the Cluster in general, will not be held hostage by ruthless criminals.  We will leave no stone unturned in our quest for safety for our people” the General said.

“Prevention of Domestic Violence:  Don’t look away – Act today”