Monthly Archives: May 2021

‘Outstanding DNA results delay Hartswater triple murder case’

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Picture: Five suspects arrested for Hartswater triple murder

By OBAKENG MAJE

A triple murder case against five accused was postponed by the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court today. Donald Seolesang (20), Tshepo Visagie (36), Realeboga Manyedi (19), Kgomotso Mpumlwana (43), and Tshepaone Melato (19) were arrested in July 2020, following the abduction and murder of an elderly couple, Breggie (73) and Danie Brand (83) and their daughter, Elizabie (54).

According to the police, the suspects allegedly robbed the deceased of their belongings like laptops and money on their farm before they fled the scene. They allegedly kidnapped Elizabie and dumped her body in Takaneng village near Taung.

The suspects were arrested by police in Pudimoe Township in Taung on N18 road while driving the SUV vehicle belonging to the deceased.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mohale Ramatseba said: “Police have recovered a Sahara laptop and Samsung J5 cellphone which was pawned at a shop for R400 at Vaaltyn village in Taung.

“The recovered items belonged to the member of the Brand family who was brutally murdered in Hartswater. Police also recovered a handbag at one of the suspects’ home, Mpumlwana.

Ramatseba added that the handbag contained different kind of cards including driver’s licenses, identity document and shop cards.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Annette van Wyk lambasted the police and accused them of failing the justice system. Van Wyk said the ‘outstanding DNA results’ continue to delay proceedings in the case.

“While the trial was meant to start today, the murder trial is now on hold until 8 July 2021, in the hopes that almost one year after the murders, the DNA results will have been received.

“Today’s postponement, which is not the first, has once again failed to bring any true consolation to the remaining family, the local community, and especially the farming community,” she said.

Van Wyk further said instead, this rural community continues to bear the brunt of poor police visibility in their areas, as farm murders and farm attacks, are allowed to go unpunished, while the failure of SAPS to harness the potential of scientific evidence in the form of DNA results, allows justice to be delayed.

“This further creates an enabling environment in which violent crime can thrive. According to the latest information, there is currently a backlog of more than 200 000 DNA case exhibits at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL).

“This has been caused by the ongoing lack of basic consumables and the lack of maintenance of highly sensitive equipment, stretching back more than two years. For the sake of combatting violent crime, the situation needs to become the top priority for the SAPS,” said van Wyk.

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Netball SA and Twizza launch new Netball Club Competition

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Picture: Netball players/Mail&Guardian

By REGINALD KANYANE

Netball South Africa and Twizza have launched a new Netball Club Champions across the country. The Netball South Africa president, Cecilia Molokwane said this initiative will take netball back to the people. Molokwane said their quest to grow the game seems to be finally coming to fruition.

“It is always a pleasure to work with partners that understand the vision that we have as Netball South Africa and see the value in investing towards the growth of the sport. We are grateful to Twizza for throwing their weight behind this club netball tournament.

“This will help us to begin the journey of giving more players access to the sport. We believe that this is the start of greater things to come. I would like to urge all players to get involved in this tournament and challenge districts in making sure that we make this possible,” she said.

Molokwane further said the Twizza Netball Club Championships will be played over a four-month period between May and September 2021, and will be broken down into districts, provincial and national levels.

She added that the formation of the tournament will bridge the gap in the netball pyramid and help them to unearth talent at a local level.

“This tournament will provide players, coaches, umpires and administrators with the opportunity to showcase their abilities at a competitive level, and to contend for selection for the SPAR National Championships, followed by The Telkom Netball League, and eventually the SPAR Proteas.

“Event organisers are hoping to see about 52 districts hosting their own leagues with about 20 clubs per district participating. The top two teams from every district will compete at an inter-provincial netball competition which will run between July and August,” said Molokwane.

She said the winners of each provincial tournament will then compete in a national competition to determine the best club in South Africa and these finals will take place between the 23 and 26 September 2021.

Molokwane said growing the sport and making it professional is not an overnight job, neither is it a task that they can do alone.

“The federation has a 2025 vision themed ‘Magnificent 3M’ which seeks to have at least three million netball people registered, irrespective of whether they are coaches, players, umpires, or administrators, she said.

 Meanwhile, the Twizza’s Group Marketing Manager, Lance Coertzen said: “Sport is one of the world’s greatest unifying forces and one that as a country we can all get behind. As a proudly South African company, we are honoured to sponsor the rising young stars of the netball courts.

“We’ll also, be seeing many memories and Twizza moments being made in every match.  The competition seeks to attain a few objectives which are to ensure that we develop grassroots netball at a club level.”

Coertzen said this will assist the league to unearth netball talent across the country and most importantly, provide consistent competition for all players across South Africa.

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A girl (4) raped, strangled to death in Kgomotso village

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Picture: The deceased, Tshimologo Lotshabeng/ Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A body of a girl was found dumped in the bushes in Kgomotso village near Pampierstad on Wednesday. According to information, Tshimologo Lotshabeng (4) went missing on Saturday.

North West police spokesperson, Lit Colonel Amanda Funani said on Friday evening, the girl’s mother (32) took Tshimologo to her friend’s place, where she left her with six other children and went to a local tavern.

“It is alleged that the mother came back drunk in the early hours of Saturday morning, accompanied by two friends. The mother, who found the children sleeping, apparently slept in her friend’s room.

“She woke up in the morning and realised that her daughter was missing. As a result, she went to her residential place to look for Tshimologo but did not find her. A missing person inquiry was ultimately reported on Saturday,” Funani said.

She said subsequently, the search was conducted in the area, and the girl’s naked body was found in the bushes on Sunday. Funani further said the preliminary investigation revealed that the young girl was allegedly raped and strangled to death.

“Investigation into the matter continues and the police request anyone who may have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to call the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Akanyang Pitsonyane on 082 378 3262 Alternatively, SAPS Crime Stop can be called on 08600 10111,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe condemned the incident and urged the community of Kgomotso to work with the police to ensure that the perpetrator is arrested. 

She further conveyed her condolences to the family and advised parents to be cautious with their children and not to leave them unattended.

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North West Health department to commemorate ‘The Move for Health Day’ campaign

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha will visit Potchefstroom to commemorate The Move For Health Day on Thursday. North West Health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the departmental employees and community at large will be part of the commemoration.

“This is in commemoration of The Move for Health Day and 2021 is commemorated under the theme: Every step counts. The 10th of May is commemorated internationally as an annual global initiative to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. 

“The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the importance of this day which formally got underway on May 10 2003, with broad links to communities around the world,” Lekgethwane said.

He further said the initiative was called for by the WHO Member States and since then member States have been urged to celebrate a Move for Health Day each year to promote physical activity as essential for health and well-being.

Lekgethwane added that the main objectives of the “Move for Health” campaign are to facilitate the development of sustained national and local physical activity initiatives, policies and programmes.

“The campaign also aims at increasing population-wide participation in physical activity, to increase participation in physical activity through sport organisations, events and other socio-cultural forums,” said Lekgethwane.

He said the campaign also promote healthy behaviour and lifestyles and also address health-related issues through sports and physical activity such as no tobacco use, healthy diet, reduction of violence, stress and social isolation.

Lekgethwane said this year’s campaign is to be undertaken under strict COVID-19 regulations.

“The programme aimed to promote and activate the adoption of a healthy lifestyle behaviours and the co-creation of wellness enabling environment by all members of the society.

“Objectives of the 2021 World Move for Health Day are to facilitate the re-activation of the NOW groups and establishing new local physical activity groups to be part of the NOW initiative,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said this will increase population-wide participation in physical activity through sport organizations, events and other socio-cultural platforms too.

 He said the activities will take place at the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) at 7am.

“The department will use this opportunity to further urge the eligible individuals on Phase 2 of the vaccine to register for vaccination including the healthcare workers and Traditional Healthcare Practitioners,” said Lekgethwane.

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A man nabbed for unlicensed firearm, ammunition and explosive gel

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 34-YEAR-OLD man arrested in connection with possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and explosive gel. North West police Lit Colonel Amanda Funani said the suspect is expected to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Thursday.

“The suspect’s court appearance emanates from his apprehension on Tuesday after the vehicle that he was in was intercepted near Rietvellie graveyard in Phokeng outside Rustenburg.

“Police received a tip-off from members of the community regarding a conspiracy to commit house-breaking at a farm in the vicinity of Swartruggens. Consequently, the Tactical Team of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 acted swiftly by following the leads and interrupted the vehicle, a Toyota Prado,” Funani said.

She said two of the three occupants managed to flee while the suspect was arrested. Funani added that the police found 9mm, live ammunition, magazine, and explosive gel inside the vehicle.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe congratulated the Sub-District Tactical Team for their hard work that led to the arrest of the suspect. Molefe also emphasised that there will be no rest until the two remaining suspects are nabbed.

“We would like to thank the members of the community who came up with the information that assisted police in preventing the robbery,” said Molefe.

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A girl (17) raped, but no arrests yet!

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 17-YEAR-OLD girl from Mokgareng village near Taung was allegedly raped by a well-known employee of the North West Health Department at Taung District on Saturday night.

According to information, the alleged victim and her friends were hitch-hiking from Mokassa to Mokgareng village when they were picked up by the suspect.

It is alleged that the suspect dropped the friends of the victim and took her to Tamati’s storeroom in Mokgareng village, where the alleged rape took place. The alleged victim went home afterwards and allegedly informed her uncle about the ordeal.

A rape case was opened at Taung Police Station on Sunday morning. However, the North West police spokesperson, Lit Colonel Amanda Funani said: “Even though a rape case has been opened, no one has been arrested yet because of some technicalities in the evidence.

“We still have to conduct an identification parade. Police cannot just go out and arrest without following procedure, but please check with me on Monday and see if there is any development around this case.”

It is alleged that the police have also failed to go to the crime scene and collect evidence. Investigation continues.

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Two brothers sentenced to life imprisonment for killing relative over rental money

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Picture: A generic picture

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two siblings were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder by the North West High Court on Tuesday. Gopolang Maoka (36) and Moleko Maoka (37) were arrested for plotting Segwagwa Modiegi’s death.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the accused who are related to Modiegi (64), were charged with murder, robbery and two counts of fraud.

“The Maoka brothers worked and stayed together in Kathu near Kuruman. The investigations revealed that the two were renting from the deceased and upon retirement, he moved to Seoding village where they all originate from.

“Modiegi left his premises under the care of Maoka brothers and among other things, they were responsible for collecting rental money from other tenants to send it to the deceased,” he said.

Mamothame further said upon realising the amount of money accumulated from rentals, the two brothers driven by greed, convinced each other to operate the business for themselves. He said the accused felt that the deceased was an obstacle in their quest to own his business and they conspired to kill him.

“On 7 January 2017, the accused arranged a meeting with the deceased under a false pretense of a family meeting in Seoding. They then left Kathu on the set date after knocking off from work and went to Seoding, where their plan was to be executed.

However, their cousin back in Seoding where the meeting was supposed to take place was not aware of their presence in the village. As planned, they called the deceased person to meet with him at their cousin’s house where the family meetings are usually held,” said Mamothame.

He said the accused waited for Modiegi in the bushes where he was supposed to pass through and they gruesomely murdered him by bashing his head with a huge stone and robbed him off his two cellphones.

Mamothame added that the deceased was discovered the following day with his face and head crushed and brain scattered.

“Evidence led in court by the investigating officer, revealed that a few months prior to executing the murder, the accused insured the deceased person with Nedbank as well as Assupol with an intention of cashing up on the two policies after murdering him.

“The family of the deceased was instructed by the police to refer anyone who requested the death certificate to the police. Following this instruction, investigations led to the arrest of Moleko Maoka on 17 January 2017 whilst making inquiries about the death certificate of the deceased with the intention of claiming from the insurance companies,” Mamothame said.

He added that Moleko eventually disclosed his reasons for inquiring about the death certificate and he also confessed to the entire plot of murdering the deceased to make financial gains on his rental property.

Mamothame said investigations further led the police to Kathu village on 23 January 2017 and the rented apartment belonging to the accused was searched and a blood stained pair of shoes were seized by the police.

“The forensic results positively matched the bloodstains to that of the deceased.

The two were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery. They were however acquitted on the two charges of fraud. Judge Gura emphasized that in killing the deceased who was 64 years at the time, their conduct was motivated by greed and as such an innocent life was lost.

In mitigating for maximum sentence, Advocate Cain Nontenjwa argued that this dreadful murder was premeditated and driven by greed, therefore warranted a maximum prison term, to which the judge concurred.

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Mokgareng man missing!

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Picture: A missing man, Barupile Modisagaarekwe

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 64-YEAR-OLD man went missing in Mokgareng village in Taung on Sunday. According to the North West police spokesperson, Sgt Tryphosa Van Rooyen, Borupile Frank Modisagaarekwe who stays alone in a house was last seen on Sunday.

“Anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of Modisagaarekwe can contact the investigating officer, Constable Kagiso Maje of Taung Detectives on ‪0824690369,” Van Rooyen said.

She further said people can also call the Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111 and send anonymous tip-offs via MySAPS App.

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Cwaile to address backlog on housing projects

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Mmoloki Cwaile

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile said his department is committed to redressing and restore dignity in the lives of poor communities in the North West.

Cwaile made these commitments during the roundtable discussion with Newszroom Afrika TV channel on Tuesday.

“Our department will continue to build houses according to the needs of beneficiaries, making examples of people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. We are mindful of the different circumstances our beneficiaries are faced with. So, as a department, we conduct due diligence in every project we engage in.

“Quality assurance and accountability form part of our contract with service providers.

We are also enrolled with the National Housing Builders Regulatory Council, which ensures quality and compliance within the industry,” he said.

Cwaile further said his department is committed to unblock blocked projects and to make sure that contractors that left shoddy work in their projects are engaged to rectify their mistakes. He added that the department would make sure that it blacklists contractors who continue to do substandard work or leave projects incomplete.

“We have a contract with the people of the North West. We committed to building houses for them, which will bring and restore their dignity. We are selfless in approach and committed to housing our people in habitable homes with basic amenities,” said Cwaile.

He said there are many other projects his department is planning to embark on. Cwaile further said that issues such as mining towns, farming houses, land acquisition, capacity building for both internal and external houses will be at the helm of departmental agenda this financial year.

“Many families are continuing to be evicted in most farms within the province and government will not fold its arms and watch people left homeless. The department is in the process of developing township across the province which mostly will be in mining towns.

“Our main target will be Marikana, where immediate intervention is needed. The department is also intending to ensure that in every development, there are bulk services, which will ensure that when people occupy those houses, services will be up and running,” he said.

Cwaile said the department will further strengthen relations with local and district municipalities to ensure that services are delivered to local communities. He said they have an obligation to bring development in the 623 villages, 12 towns and 23 townships in the province.

“We do all this because we are mandated by the constitution and the outcome of the National Development Plan (NDP). Our young democracy is now 27 years-old in this year and the achievements of the government have managed to change the lives of the people of our country for the better,” concluded Cwaile.

Meanwhile, many housing projects were abandoned across the province and were left incomplete. Recently, the department was under fire for returning unused R100 million to the National Treasury in 2019/2020 financial year.

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Have you seen him?

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Picture: A missing Rain Arthur Mfulwane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Majakaneng village near Mooinooi is missing. It is alleged that Rain Arthur Mfulwane was last seen on 29 April 2021 at around 5am.

Police spokesperson, Maria Nkabinde said: “Mfulwane was last seen wearing a navy blue T-shirt with white stripes, black trousers, and a pair of navy blue sneakers. He is medium built, tall in height, and has short black hair.

“In addition, he is light in complexion with a scar on the nose. Mfulwane was acting flamboyant and told his mother that he is going out, but he never returned home,” Nkabinde said.

She said anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating  Officer, Detective Sergeant Justice Maselesele  of Mooinooi Detectives on 082 416 2415 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App.

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