An armed robbery suspect arrested in North West bush and this is due to the collaborative efforts of police forces from the Northern Cape and North West provinces, aided by a private drone company. This has led to the arrest of one suspect involved in the armed robbery of a tuck shop in Bonita Park, Hartswater.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has sparked an intense manhunt for the remaining four suspects, who are still at large.
Robbery at Bonita Park
The crime unfolded around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, when five armed men stormed a local tuck shop in Bonita Park, Hartswater. According to Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the suspects were armed and made off with valuables and cash from the shop. The suspects were last seen fleeing the scene in a red Toyota Corolla and heading towards the town of Taung in North West Province.
The armed robbery not only shocked the local community but also prompted an immediate and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies across provincial borders.
Coordinated Response and Drone Assistance
The quick response from law enforcement involved a multi-agency task force, including the Hartswater K9 Unit, Pampierstad Visible Policing, Detectives, and Taung SAPS, who mobilized swiftly to pursue the suspects. Their efforts were further bolstered by the deployment of a private drone company, which played a pivotal role in tracking down one of the suspects.
The aerial surveillance provided by the drone allowed the task force to effectively comb through the dense bushland near Taung, where the suspects were believed to be hiding. At approximately 6 p.m., one of the suspects, a 42-year-old man, was spotted by the drone and subsequently apprehended by the police. The suspect was armed at the time of his arrest.
Manhunt for Remaining Suspects
While the arrest of one suspect marked a significant breakthrough in the case, the search for the remaining four suspects continues. The Northern Cape SAPS Air-wing has now joined the operation to provide aerial support and enhance the chances of locating the fugitives. The suspects are considered armed and dangerous, and police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
In addition to the armed robbery charges, police are also investigating the suspects for malicious damage to property and attempted murder, as there were reports of shots fired during the robbery.
Community and Police Cooperation
The success of the initial phase of the operation is largely credited to the strong cooperation between the Northern Cape and North West SAPS, as well as the contributions from the local community. Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape SAPS, praised the seamless collaboration between the provinces and the valuable role that the community played in providing information.
“We commend the cooperation between the Northern Cape and North West SAPS, along with the efforts of the local community. It’s through this united front that we’ve managed to make significant progress in this investigation,” Lieutenant General Otola said.
The police are also calling on members of the public to come forward with any additional information that could assist in locating the remaining suspects. Those with knowledge of the suspects’ whereabouts are urged to contact SAPS at 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS App. Authorities have assured that all tips will be treated confidentially, and any information provided could prove crucial in bringing the fugitives to justice.
Continuing Investigation
As the manhunt intensifies, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects. The involvement of the drone company and air-wing support from SAPS has significantly enhanced the police’s capacity to conduct an extensive search across the rural and remote areas of Taung.
The case highlights the increasing use of technology, such as drones, in modern policing efforts, which has proven effective in situations where suspects attempt to escape into challenging terrain.
With the community’s continued cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement, police are confident that the remaining suspects will soon be brought to justice.
-IOL
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