Illegal foreign national arrested after eyewitnesses link jacket to murder

South African Police Service officers in Brits arrested a 41-year-old illegal foreign national after eyewitnesses identified a jacket they say linked him to the killing of a 60-year-old Mozambican national, the police said.

How the arrest unfolded

Crime intelligence members gathered information and identified witnesses on Monday, then followed up on Wednesday when new information about the suspect’s whereabouts emerged. Investigators established the suspect’s address in Majakaneng and confirmed he was at his workplace in Bokfontein.

That information was shared with an operational team made up of the Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Trio Task Teams, who carried out a tactical operation at the workplace and arrested the suspect.

Evidence and court appearance

During the operation, task team members seized a jacket that witnesses allegedly identified as the garment worn by the suspect during the commission of the crime. The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court today.

Investigation ongoing

Police said the investigation into the murder of the 60-year-old Mozambican national is still underway. Detectives are following further leads to identify and trace other suspects who may be linked to the killing.

Police response and public appeal

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the eyewitnesses who came forward and provided information that helped advance the investigation and identify a suspect. He also urged members of the public to continue working with police by providing information that can assist in investigating and preventing serious and violent crime.

Reporting: Caslian Scott. Published 2 October 2026, 09:47.