By REGINALD KANYANE

A business robbery case against three men that took place at a Shoprite store in Taung was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 22 September 2022 for further investigation.

It is alleged that, on 1 August 2022, three accused, Belcarid Salvadon Malate (39), who is a Mozambican and illegal in South Africa, Mosimanegape John Sebolao (49), and Monnapula Tshabadira (32) entered the store, while it was about to close and held staff captive.

They allegedly robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of money and some belongings. However, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the police in Taung quickly reacted after receiving a call about a business robbery in progress at the store.

“The Community Service Centre and Crime Prevention Unit members were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival at the scene of the crime, the police found three suspects who were about to exit the store.

“The suspects were immediately arrested and the stolen property was confiscated and a case of business robbery was opened,” van Rooyen said.

According to information presented before a court, the accused have other pending cases of business and armed robberies committed in Klerksdorp and Vesselsbron in Free State respectively. 

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the police for their swift response, which led to the arrests of these suspects.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022 for a formal bail application. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022. He is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.

Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation. The case is still on trial.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Department of Education said teaching and learning will not be affected at Tshwaraganelo Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. This comes after the fire gutted the school on Saturday.   

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The school classroom caught fire and furniture including books burnt were burnt to ashes. However, teaching and learning will not be affected as learners will be combined, while planning to procure another mobile to replace the burnt one.

“The district’s Learner Teaching Supply Material (LTSM) official and Circuit Manager, will verify the shortages and address the needs. Also, top-up orders will be done urgently. Assessment is recorded in South Africa’s School Administration and Management System (SAMS), where necessary re-assessment will be written.”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, who is a foreign national, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine worth R2.2 million in South Africa. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, the multi-disciplinary team was conducting a cross-border operation on 28 August 2022.

“Resultantly, the suspect was arrested after a taxi travelling from Botswana to South Africa was searched and three bags of cocaine were allegedly found hidden in false compartments of his two backpacks.

“The Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng and officials of the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry arrested him. He will make his first appearance before the Lehurutse Magistrate’s Court on 30 August 2022, where he will be facing charges of Contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992,” she said.

Rikhotso said, the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the excellent work by the police.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents of Huhudi Township near Vryburg welcomed the Community In Blue patrollers in their areas. This comes after the alleged high rate of crime being experienced in the area recently.

One of the community leaders, Samma Sibi said, they are grateful to launch this initiative as it aims at achieving more effective crime control, reducing fears of crime, improved police services through proactive partnerships and programs with the police. 

Sibi further said, they are working in partnership with the Huhudi Police Station in a quest to solve safety problems.

“The initiative is supported by the South African Police Services (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995 that mandates all station commissioners to establish these forums at the station level. So, we are happy that the Huhudi Police Station has launched this initiative for the very first time.

“The safety of our community is our concern, so we started at Huhudi stadium and we will be here until tomorrow morning. There is an ongoing North West Traditional Doctors conference currently taking place here too,” Sibi said.

He urged people to support this initiative to make their township a free crime zone. Sibi further said, those who have questions or need any clarity can call the Huhudi Police Station at (053) 928-4066.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said in order for this community policing to be achievable, South Africa has in its Constitution Act 108 of 1996 entrenched the establishment of Community Police Forums (CPFs).

“The Community in Blue Patrollers program was formulated and is in line with the community policing approach and national development plan. The aim of the program is to motivate communities to play an active role in community safety by reporting criminal activities such as suspicious behaviours and actively joining the police in preventing crime through visibility.

“So, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Huhudi Township managed to launch their Community In Blue patrollers and commenced with their patrolling duties under the supervision of the Huhudi Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mbotho,” she said.

Van Rooyen added that, the program was not specifically started because there is a high rate of crime in the area, but this is a national program, that must be rolled out at all police stations throughout South Africa.

She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) needs the community to come on board in ensuring safer communities for all and this program will help to achieve that goal.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A fraud case against a former bookkeeper at RK Henderson & Associates, Lazarus William Meas (48) has been transferred to the Kimberley Specialized Commercial Crime Court.

Meas, was served with the summons to appear in court after he allegedly unlawfully and with the intent to defraud, misrepresented to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner, and submitted a nil income tax return.

However, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said, the accused allegedly knew that he received an amount of R2 294 699, and SARS suffered actual prejudice amounting to R856 609.  

“It is further alleged that, during 2013, the accused did unlawfully and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to the SARS commissioner, and submitted an income tax return of R914 650.

“Meas allegedly knew that, he received an amount of R2 212 934 and an amount of R914 650.00. The SARS commissioner suffered actual prejudice amounting to R810 506.74.,” Thebe said.

The accused appeared before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022 and the case was postponed to 2 November 2022.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A case of arson against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung will resume at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) who are out on R500 bail each, were nabbed two months ago by the police during an intelligence-driven operation.    

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses, and a vehicle, including looting alcohol from Disoufeng tavern. They accused the tavern owner and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) of murder.

It is alleged that Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

Upon arrival, the group of men allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. Subsequently, the accused allegedly transported Mothibedi to Manthe clinic where he was declared dead on his arrival.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each. They are expected to appear in court on 21 July 2022 and investigations into the matter continue.”   

Meanwhile, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng, who is representing all seven accused confirmed that, his clients were charged with three counts of arson including looting.

“When we discuss the matter from a legal point of view, there is what we call a recent possession. For example, you burn the house now and you are arrested immediately. However, the incident took place three months ago, and only now, have the police arrested my clients.

“In actual fact, it took them three months to make arrests. All along, the police went out to look for statements, which might be true or not,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) will be back in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022 for a formal bail application. This comes after Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station working for a stock-theft unit, was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen goats on 20 August 2022.  

According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police, while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search. 

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody and he is expected to make a formal bail application today.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

South African athlete, Morena Tete Dijana won the prestigious Comrade Marathon in 2022. Dijana, who was born in Lonely Park village, near Mahikeng, puts on a masterclass to clinch the title in 5:30:36 minutes time.

Dijana is working as a security guard at the North West University (NWU) from Mahikeng campus but took a leave a few months ago in preparation for the Comrade Marathon. He has been running from an early age, whilst a learner at Lapologang Secondary School. 

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said: “Dijana’s story personifies tenacity. The people of the province personify what I said in my maiden State of the Province Address (SOPA) when I quoted Nigerian author and Poet, Ben Okri.

“We are people who have the capacity to endure and turn around our lives no matter the challenges confronting us. This continues to demonstrate that the province is abundant with talented people.”

Hot on Dijana’s heels, was another athlete, Edward Mothibi, who hails from Sekhing village in Taung. Mothibi was the Comrade Marathon’s defending champion in the men’s category.

Maape also congratulated a female athlete, Adele Broodryk from Potchefstroom, who obtained 3^rd position in the women’s marathon. The mother of two who is also a Lecturer at the North West University (NWU) was competing for the first time in the Comrades Marathon. 

“We have been working hard in resuscitating and promoting sports in various parts of the province and our efforts are now paying dividends. Plans are already underway to give the champion and all those who participated in the marathon a heroic welcome,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The Women’s African Cup of Nation (WAFCON) champions, Banyana Banyana are set to square it up against the Copa América Femenina winners, Brazil in a two-match encounter. The first match is scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium on 2 September 2022 (kick-off is at 6pm), while the second leg will take place three days later at a venue to be confirmed.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the team to face Brazil. Ellis turned to the players, who won the WAFCON title last month, and they will test themselves against the Samba girls.

She said this match is part of the SASOL-sponsored side’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next year.

“The preparations [for the World Cup] have started very well. We are very grateful to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SASOL for getting us such quality opposition.

“You always want to test yourself against better opposition. We could not have asked for better opposition. There is a rich history between South Africa and Brazil. We played against them before in Rio and Bafana Bafana have played against them before,” she said. 

Brazil won Copa América Femenina after beating hosts, Colombia 1-0 in July, while Banyana Banyana clinched WAFCON’s biggest prize after beating Morocco 2-1 last month. Both sides have qualified for the Women’s World Cup next year.

The squad is assembling for camp on 28 August 2022 at the Holiday Inn, Johannesburg (Sunnyside Park Hotel).

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