The Platinum belt Operation continues to gain successes in a bid to stabilise and normalise the area, and this became evident when five suspects were arrested for possession of drugs and possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested on Sunday, 27 and Monday 28 July 2014 at various locations in the Rustenburg’s Central Business District.
Members deployed in Rustenburg were on duty when they arrested three Nigerian nationals at Kerk Street for possession of drugs and suspected stolen goods. In the first case, the members were following information when they searched one of the suspects’ premises and found drugs (CAT) with an estimated street value of R8 500.00 hidden inside the ward robe.
In another case on the same street, a suspect (23) who was standing along the street, was searched and small packets of drugs were found in his possession wrapped with plastics with estimated street value of ten thousand rand (R10 000.00). The police also confiscated goods suspected to be stolen and they include sub-woofer, plasma television, car radio and ten cellular phones.
Still in the same street, the police arrested the third suspect for possession of drugs. This is after a follow up was made on information about drugs at a certain house. Upon arrival at the suspect’s place, a search was conducted and it led to discovery of drugs in small packs inside a sock with estimated street value of forty thousand rand (R40 000. 00).
In another separate incident, a Nigerian national aged 29 was arrested after drugs (CAT) with estimated street value of fifty thousand (R50 000.00) were found at his apartment in Kock Street. The drugs were found in his possession contained in a black sock.
In the 5th case, another 41-year-old Nigerian national was found in possession of drugs in Hoek Street. It is alleged that police were on patrol when they stopped to search the suspect who was standing outside the yard on the street. According to the information received, the suspect ran away but the police managed to catch him. They found in his possession, a sock filled with small packets of drugs. All suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear in Rustenburg Magistrates Court tomorrow, 29 July 2014.
Meanwhile, the police recovered a car at Tlhabane cemetery early in the morning today after being abandoned by unknown suspects. It is alleged that the car was robbed from the owner at gun point on Sunday, 27 July 2014 at around 20:30 at Rustenburg North. It is alleged that two unknown males arrived at the complainant’s business place, pointed him with a firearm and took his car as well as cash before they drove off. Investigation into the matter continues, and no one has been arrested.
Police members deployed for the Operation Platinum Belt that began on 16 June 2014, are making their presence felt in crime hotspots through arrests and confiscations around Rustenburg Cluster. The community is once more requested to work together with the police to ensure safety.
Media enquiries:
Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone
Cell: 082 496 9642
