POTCHEFSTROOM — North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Wessels Morweng and Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo say two suspects linked to an alleged armed robbery have been arrested following a viral video that appears to show a traffic officer being attacked.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the MEC and provincial commissioner said the incident captured on the video allegedly occurred on Monday afternoon, 15 December, on the R503 between Klerksdorp and Hartbeesfontein.

According to preliminary investigations, the incident followed an alleged armed robbery that happened shortly before the video was recorded. Police said two male suspects, aged 44 and 26, were allegedly apprehended by members of the public. A traffic officer on patrol was stopped by community members, and the suspects reportedly ran for cover inside a traffic vehicle, where they were then attacked by their pursuers.

The traffic officer called SAPS, who responded quickly, but the community members reportedly fled the scene. The two suspects—described as having been severely beaten—were taken to hospital under police guard.

A firearm and ammunition, believed to have been used in the alleged armed robbery, were also handed to the traffic officer. The weapon has since been seized as part of the investigation.

Police said the suspects will appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as soon as they are discharged from hospital. The 26-year-old will also face a charge for allegedly contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

Meanwhile, SAPS is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events shown in the video, and said further action will follow depending on the outcome of investigations.

Morweng and Naidoo condemned vigilantism and urged residents to allow police to conduct investigations without interference, warning against the spread of unverified information that could fuel misinformation or alarm.

-The VIP Team

-NW COSATMA 

-NW SAPS