A 27-year-old woman and her 39-year-old boyfriend have been apprehended following a joint intelligence-driven tactical operation in the Northam policing area on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The suspects face charges of possession of explosives and bribery.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving members of the Thabazimbi Detectives Unit, the Northam Detectives Unit, and the Rustenburg Explosives Unit.
According to police reports, authorities acted on intelligence regarding a female suspect in possession of explosives at the Northam RDP Section. Officers promptly responded to the identified residence, where they located the 27-year-old woman. A subsequent search of the premises led to the discovery of explosives, resulting in her immediate arrest.
During questioning, the female suspect informed police that the explosives belonged to her boyfriend, who is employed at a local mine.
Following her arrest, the 39-year-old male suspect approached the police officers. It is alleged that he attempted to negotiate his girlfriend’s release and promised to pay an amount of R5,000.00 in exchange for her freedom.
Police subsequently conducted an entrapment operation, which led to the arrest of the 39-year-old man after he handed the cash to the officers.
The couple is scheduled to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 02 March 2026, to face charges of possession of explosives and bribery.