48-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF STOLEN VEHICLES IN RUSTENBURG
Rustenburg – A focused operation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Task Team, along with several key partners, led to the arrest of 48-year-old Eric Ngwenya on Wednesday evening, 15 January 2025, at Lethabong, located just outside Rustenburg. Ngwenya was apprehended for possession of suspected stolen goods, following an extensive investigation into serious and violent crimes in the region.
The operation, involving the Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Crime Intelligence, Bafokeng Royal Security, and Bidvest Security, saw the interception of a grey Volkswagen Passat vehicle. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle had been stolen in Garsfontein, Gauteng Province, in May 2024.
Captain Mpho Manyoba confirmed that the investigation led the team to Ngwenya’s residence in Lethabong, where a Nissan NP200 vehicle was found. This vehicle was linked to a series of crimes, including a murder and house robbery in Swartruggens in June 2024.
Ngwenya appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 January 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. He was remanded in custody.
The acting provincial commissioner of North West, major general Patrick Asaneng, praised the collaborative efforts of all involved, commending their dedication to ensuring that a repeat offender is brought to justice.
