Staff Writer / Tue, 16 Dec 2025
A 65-year-old Botswana national was robbed, kidnapped and forced to withdraw money from her bank account after being hijacked while travelling in the North West province. The victim was driving her Toyota Yaris along the road between Nooitgedacht and Mooifontein, near Mahikeng, at about 10:00 when she was accosted by suspects travelling in a white vehicle.
However, the suspects including two men aged 29 and 30, and a 17-year-old female were arrested on Monday, 15 December 2025, shortly after 17:00 in Potchefstroom following a sting operation.
According to the police spokesperson, Adéle Myburgh, the suspects allegedly blocked her path, pointed her with a firearm, threatened her with a knife and forced her into their vehicle.
“The victim was then driven to Itsoseng and Mahikeng, where she was coerced into withdrawing cash from several automated teller machines (ATMs). After the withdrawals, she was abandoned in Mahikeng. Her cellphones were also stolen during the ordeal,” Myburgh said
Following the report of the incident, a coordinated operation involving Crime Intelligence, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Flying Squad, the Provincial Drug Task Team and various private security companies was activated, leading to the suspects’ arrest in Potchefstroom.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests, praising the swift and effective collaboration between law enforcement units and private security.
“The arrest of these suspects demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that criminals are brought to book and that communities, including visitors to the North West province, are protected,” Naidoo said.
He added that police would not tolerate acts of violence and intimidation on the roads, particularly during the Festive Season when traffic volumes increase.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 December 2025, on charges including hijacking, robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen property. The 17-year-old will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.
Police confirmed that a firearm, a knife and stolen property were seized during the operation.
News Junction (Gold Standard)