Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says the suspects' court appearance on Monday followed their apprehension on 7 January, in Phatsima Village, Kroondal and Sunrise Park for an alleged burglary committed at one of the farms in the vicinity of Koster.

Mokgwabone says “according to reports, the farmer was away on holiday when the suspects allegedly broke the window and gained entrance into the house which they ransacked. The suspects then managed to open the safe and took several firearms”.

After becoming aware of the incident, the caretaker of the farm, together with the farmer’s brother, reported the matter to the police for investigation. Subsequent to the investigation conducted, Sanele Dlamini (37), Thapelo Ravele (44) and Ofentse Senokwane (32) were apprehended. 

A fourth suspect was arrested on 9 January 2021 in Gauteng for the unlawful possession of firearms after seven rifles were found at two different locations in Soweto. Mokgwabone says this suspect was not linked to the case, thus the police cannot disclose his name. The charge against the fourth suspect was withdrawn.

The three are remanded in custody until their next court appearance which is scheduled for Monday 18 January in the same court.

OFM News/Blaine Jones