Phokeng, North West Province – A 25-year-old police officer has died after drowning while pursuing a suspect in a dam during routine patrol duties.
Constable Gift Mota, attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng, was on duty with colleagues when a community member reported sighting a suspect connected to local robbery and burglary cases. The incident occurred in a bushy area between the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, near a dam in the Phokeng policing area.
According to details from the North West Province police, the officers accompanied the community member to the location and spotted the suspect. A chase ensued, during which the suspect entered the dam. Constable Mota followed by swimming after the individual but disappeared from view shortly afterward. The police diving unit later recovered his body from the water.
An inquest docket has been opened to examine the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Constable Mota had been transferred to the Phokeng unit in November 2025 and originated from Ermelo in Mpumalanga Province.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, issued a statement expressing condolences to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues. “We have lost a dedicated police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community,” Naidoo said. “Constable Mota’s bravery and commitment will not be forgotten. The police stand with his family during this painful time and will ensure that they receive the necessary support.” Naidoo also urged communities to collaborate with law enforcement to combat crime and highlighted the risks faced by officers in their daily duties.
Two Suspects Apprehended After Armed Robbery and Shootout at Mabopane Store
MABOPANE, Gauteng – Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with an armed robbery at a local store in Mabopane, following a confrontation that escalated into a shootout with security personnel. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and involved a group of five suspects who allegedly targeted the business establishment.
According to details from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, the robbery unfolded when the suspects entered the store and carried out the crime. Security guards at the scene engaged the group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During this altercation, two of the suspects were subdued and taken into custody. The remaining three managed to escape initially, fleeing the area in a white Polo vehicle.
Law enforcement recovered the getaway vehicle shortly afterward, abandoned in nearby bushes within Mabopane. A search of the scene and the vehicle yielded three handguns, which are believed to have been used during the robbery and shootout. The SAPS has confirmed that these firearms were unlicensed, adding to the charges against the apprehended individuals.
The two arrested suspects sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment while under police supervision. No reports indicate any harm to the security guards or other individuals present at the store. Specific details about the items taken during the robbery have not been disclosed by officials.
In response to the event, the SAPS has registered a case encompassing business robbery and the possession of unlicensed firearms. An active investigation is in progress to locate and apprehend the three fugitives who evaded capture. Authorities emphasize that the probe is ongoing, with efforts focused on gathering evidence and witness statements to build a comprehensive case.
The public has been encouraged to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp. This appeal underscores the SAPS’s commitment to community involvement in combating crime in the region.
Incidents like this highlight ongoing challenges with armed robberies in Gauteng, where law enforcement continues to prioritize rapid response and suspect apprehension to ensure public safety. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation develops.
Attempted Courier Van Heist Foiled by Armed Resident in Sebokeng
SEBOKENG, South Africa – An attempted robbery of a courier van in Zone 14 turned violent when a local resident intervened with gunfire, injuring two suspects and preventing the crime.
The incident unfolded when two men targeted a vehicle belonging to Ram couriers. According to reports, the suspects approached the van with the intent to rob it, but their plan was disrupted by a community member who opened fire on them.
Both suspects sustained injuries during the confrontation. One of the wounded individuals required urgent medical attention and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter for treatment.
Local authorities have not yet released further details on the identities of the suspects or the community member involved, but the event highlights ongoing concerns about crime in the area. The shooting effectively halted the robbery attempt, with no reports of successful theft from the van.
This marks another instance of community intervention in criminal activities in Sebokeng, where residents sometimes take matters into their own hands amid rising security challenges. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.
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Suspect Apprehended in Tembisa Following Tip-Off on Robberies and Hijacked Vehicle
Tembisa, Gauteng – In a targeted operation, Gauteng Traffic Wardens acted on intelligence linking a suspect to multiple armed robberies, the possession of a suspected hijacked motor vehicle, and an unlicensed firearm.
The wardens proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Tembisa, where they conducted a thorough search of the premises. During the search, authorities discovered a black rifle along with 11 rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody following the discovery. This arrest contributes to ongoing efforts under the #GrowingASaferGauteng initiative to enhance community safety in the province.
No further details on the suspect’s identity or the specific robberies have been released at this time.
