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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