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Crime & Accidents News
05 July 2024

Suspects remanded in custody

Rustenburg – In a shocking breach of security, Lucky Mdluli (33) and Keabetswe Jan Sikwa (43) have been remanded in custody after their separate court appearances on Friday, 28 June 2024, for burglary and possession of suspected stolen firearms.

The daring theft took place in January 2024, when the detectives’ offices on Fatima Bhayat Street in Rustenburg were broken into. Thieves blatantly made off with laptops, electrical equipment, and two firearms stored in a safe – right from within a police station.

It is unacceptable and deeply concerning that such a breach could occur within a police station. The theft of firearms from law enforcement custody is a serious matter that compromises public safety.
According to colonel Adéle Myburgh, following an intensive investigation, Lucky Mdluli was identified as a suspect. He was spotted and arrested at a café near the detectives’ offices on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. His arrest led to the apprehension of Keabetswe Jan Sikwa.

Further investigation directed police to a house in Dinokana Village, near Zeerust, where they found two firearms with ammunition. One firearm had its serial number filed off, while the other was confirmed as one of those stolen during the break-in.

Lucky Mdluli, charged with burglary, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody until Thursday, 18 July 2024. Keabetswe Jan Sikwa, charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, was remanded in custody until Wednesday, 3 July 2024, by the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court.

Lieutenant general Sello Kwena, the police provincial commissioner, commended the team for their hard work in apprehending the alleged perpetrators and recovering the stolen firearms. He stressed the grave danger posed by firearms in the wrong hands.

This incident underscores a dire need for improved security measures within our police stations to prevent such embarrassing and dangerous breaches. 

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