The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attempted house robbery and attempted murder at a farm in the Swartruggens policing area. The suspects, aged between 35 and 67, also face charges for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 03 February 2026, at a farm in the Lindleyspoort area. According to police reports, a group of armed suspects gained entry to the farmhouse while the family—a 43-year-old man, his 43-year-old wife, and their two sons, aged 13 and 14—were asleep. The assailants confronted the occupants and demanded cash.
During the confrontation, shots were fired. The male homeowner sustained slight injuries while defending his family. No property was stolen. His wife managed to flee with their two sons to seek help from his parents, who live a short distance away.
A coordinated, intelligence-driven operation was launched involving Swartruggens Detectives, Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, the K9 unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (Forensics), local farmers, the Community Police Forum (CPF), and the farm neighbourhood watch. Utilizing drone technology during search operations, authorities located and arrested the first two suspects hiding in nearby bushes.
Following information on the vehicle used in the crime, police arrested a third suspect near Boons. Two more suspects were traced to Koster, where a firearm and ammunition, believed to have been used in the attack, were recovered for forensic analysis. The final suspect was traced and arrested in Carletonville on Wednesday, 04 February 2026.
Five of the accused—Buti Joseph Seqele (47), Nkosinathi Thembinkosi Mduli (41), Jankie Nnebe (44), Locus Samuel Masiane (46), and Sibusiso Vusi Tembe (35)—appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 05 February 2026. The case was postponed to Wednesday, 11 February 2026, for further investigation.
The sixth suspect, Zolile Nicholas Nkomane (67), appeared before the same court on Friday, 06 February 2026, and was also remanded in custody to appear again on 11 February 2026.