Six suspects are expected to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of attempted murder. This follows an attack on a smallholding in the Potchefstroom district, where a businessman was shot ten times in his legs. Police and other stakeholders,  however, acted swiftly and six suspects were arrested on Thursday in connection with the attack on André Marais last Tuesday. Police spokesperson, Adele Myburgh, says an integrated operation was launched, following the incident. Here is Myburgh...

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She says the Potchefstroom drug task team, trio task team, security companies, and Carletonville detectives joined in the operation after information received was followed up in the earlier hours of last Thursday.  

During the operation, four suspects were traced to several houses and arrested for attempted murder, theft of a firearm, and for being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Khutsong near Carletonville. Police seized three firearms during the arrest as well as a replica pistol (toy), resembling a 9mm pistol. Another suspect was arrested at Oos-Driefontein, also close to Carletonville and another suspect was arrested on a farm in Muiskraal. All six suspects are between the ages of 30-40.

The arrest follows after an incident was reported on Tuesday night at about 18:00 on a farm in Muiskraal in the Klerkskraal area.  Myburgh says Marais was shot 10 times in his legs and feet after his dog started barking and he went to investigate. 

The dog started barking profusely after a 68-year-old gardener, Amos Mahlaba, screamed for help. He was overpowered by three armed suspects, whilst sitting outside his house.  Mahlaba was tied up and taken inside his house, not far from the farmhouse. 

Marais was also robbed of his .22 pistol and knife, before the suspects fled the scene. He was taken to a local hospital.

Neighbouring farmers, after hearing gunshots, immediately mobilised and assisted to patrol the roads in the area.

Another victim, aged 34, was found next to a road in Muiskraal, and at that stage, he indicated that he was allegedly robbed by the same suspects earlier at the Carletonville Mall. He also indicated he was kidnapped, ordered to lie down in a vehicle and dropped off next to an unknown road, where he was found by the patrolling farmers. Investigations later revealed that the victim was indeed part of the attackers and the vehicle used during the commission of the crime, was found in his possession. He was charged for perjury.

The suspects are also charged for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition while the 34-year-old suspect faces a charge of perjury.

OFM News