The men, aged 19, 30, and 36, face charges including possession of a hijacked vehicle and illegal possession of explosives. They were arrested during a coordinated effort by the police’s crime-combating unit. 

Officers acted on intelligence-driven information that led them to the Snake Park informal settlement on the outskirts of Rustenburg, said North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh. The operation began with the arrest of two suspects found in possession of a vehicle that had been reported stolen.

Initial investigations led officers to another address in the area, where a third suspect was apprehended. Photo: Saps

Following the initial arrests, the investigation continued. Information obtained from the first two suspects led officers to a second location in the same area, where a third suspect was apprehended. 

“Initial investigations led officers to another address in the area, where a third suspect was apprehended. Furthermore, he was found in possession of explosives,” said Myburgh. 

Committed to province-wide security

Acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo praised the unit for their swift and decisive action. He said the recovery of both a hijacked vehicle and dangerous explosives highlights the critical role of intelligence-led policing in modern law enforcement.

As court proceedings began on Wednesday, police reaffirmed their commitment to community safety. The three suspects remain in custody pending their court appearance, during which the state is expected to present the preliminary findings of the operation.

Further charges may be added as the forensic investigation into the explosives and hijacking continues.

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