Two siblings were arrested in Mahikeng after a dramatic attempt to flee from the police during routine festive season patrols. On the night of Friday, 29 November, officers from Mahikeng’s Visible Policing unit, supported by local reservists and the Community Police Forum, were on the lookout for suspicious activity when they encountered two men on Station Road. Upon spotting the officers, the pair tried to flee, but their escape was short-lived as they were swiftly apprehended.
The suspects, identified as Zithembe Zondi (27) and Sthembiso Zondi (43), were searched following their capture. During the search, police uncovered a 9mm Glock pistol with five rounds of ammunition hidden in one of the men’s bags. The pair were unable to provide a valid explanation for their possession of the weapon and were immediately taken in for questioning. Police spokeswoman Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed the arrest and the discovery of the firearm.
Further investigation revealed a chilling connection to an earlier crime. The Glock pistol found in the men’s possession was identified as belonging to one of two security officers who had been found dead near Danville in Mahikeng on 17 November 2024. This discovery raised immediate suspicions that the two siblings may have been involved in the security officers’ deaths. A follow-up search at the suspects’ rented rooms yielded more evidence, including six additional rounds of ammunition and a holster.
Zithembe and Sthembiso Zondi, both of whom had previously worked with the deceased security officers, were charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police have made it clear that the investigation is ongoing, with further inquiries expected to uncover more details surrounding the officers’ deaths and the suspects’ involvement. The siblings’ arrest has brought a sense of relief to the local community, which had been shaken by the deaths of the security officers.
The Zondi siblings made their first appearance in court on Monday, 2 December, at the Molopo Regional Court in Mmabatho. The case was postponed to Wednesday, 4 December, allowing the prosecution time to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the stolen firearm and the suspicious activities of the suspects. The court proceedings have attracted attention, as residents eagerly await the results of the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation progresses, the Mahikeng community remains on edge, hoping that justice will prevail. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents during the festive season. With the discovery of critical evidence and the swift action of the police, authorities are determined to bring those responsible for the tragic deaths to justice.
