Five arrested for armed robbery and assault at Northern Cape wind farm

An armed robbery and assault incident occurred at the Kareebos Wind Farm in Sutherland, Northern Cape, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, November 4.

Five men were arrested following a swift police response that showcased excellent cross-border collaboration between police members from the Northern Cape and the Western Cape.

According to reports, security personnel from a private security company were on duty when three unknown men approached the guardhouse and threatened them with firearms at approximately 2.30am. The assailants allegedly assaulted the security personnel and forced them to the site office, where they broke a window and stole radios, diesel, and cellphones belonging to the complainant.

The suspects fled the scene in a truck, which was later spotted by a security transport vehicle. Police in the Western Cape were alerted, and the truck was tracked to the Touwsrivier area. With the assistance of Lainsburg SAPS, the truck was intercepted, and members of Touwsrivier SAPS apprehended and arrested the five male suspects, aged between 29 and 44.

Toy guns used by the suspects in the robbery were confiscated during the arrest. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of armed robbery and assault.

District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the members for their swift reaction and collaboration between the two provinces, which led to the arrests. The investigation is ongoing.