The Welkom Public Order Police (POP) Platoon 5 arrested five suspects, aged between 21 and 28, following an intelligence-led operation in Wesselsbron. This follows an alleged theft that occurred on a farm in Wesselsbron between 24 September and 20 October 2026. During the incident, an undisclosed amount of money was allegedly stolen.
On Thursday, 29 October 2026, at about 14:00, members received information from Welkom Crime Intelligence about a farm employee who was allegedly in possession of suspected stolen money. The information was operationalised and led members to an informal settlement in Monyakeng.
According to information gathered following the alleged theft, the main suspect had reportedly spent the money on purchasing a vehicle, clothing items and new furniture, and building a new shack, all of which were allegedly paid for in cash. He further spent the money by lending it out.
The alleged suspect was spotted and intercepted while driving a white Toyota Tazz. Permission to search the vehicle was requested and granted. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered substances suspected to be drugs, including 12 ziplock bags containing crystal meth and five full Mandrax tablets. He was subsequently arrested for possession of suspected drugs.
Further investigations led members to the alleged suspect’s place of residence, where cash amounting to R28 500 was recovered hidden beneath a newly purchased wardrobe.
Two more suspects were also arrested at the identified residence.
Police proceeded with investigations, which then led them to a farm dwelling identified by the main suspect. Upon arrival, members were directed to a male who had allegedly received R20 000 from the main suspect. He had only R2 700 remaining. He was subsequently arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
Members then followed up on information that more drugs were allegedly hidden. Upon arrival at the informal settlement, they were directed to a shack where a female was found in possession of substances suspected to be drugs.
Police confiscated 38 full Mandrax tablets and two medium ziplock bags containing crystal meth. The seized vehicle, drugs and money were booked in as evidence for further investigations.
The five arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Wesselsbron Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and possession of suspected drugs.
