An intelligence-driven operation led by the Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), with support from the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Security, and Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, resulted in the arrest of a 29-year-old suspect who was found in possession of explosives in Meriting on Monday, 29 June 2026.
Police acted on information received about an individual allegedly in possession of explosives who was attempting to secure a buyer.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is employed at a local mining operation. The information was operationalised, leading to the suspect being intercepted and found in possession of three explosive gel cartridges. He was unable to provide a lawful explanation for possessing the explosives and was immediately arrested and charged with contravening Section 28(1) of the Explosives Act, 1986 (Act No. 26 of 1986).
The Acting District Commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, welcomed the arrest and commended all members involved in the successful operation.
She said the illegal possession of explosives poses a serious threat to public safety and critical economic infrastructure, and police will remain committed to disrupting criminal activities through intelligence-led operations and strong partnerships with all stakeholders. She also reiterated that the arrest demonstrates police’s determination to prevent explosives from falling into the wrong hands and being used to facilitate criminal activities.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Wednesday, 01 July 2026.
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