The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the brutal killing of a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. Iris Mohokare, 47, who was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found murdered at her rented place on Thursday last week with her throat slit open.
The North West MEC for Department of Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the atrocity and said Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role.
“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. We condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. We also appeal to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged killer to contact the police.
“It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals, who prey on women and young girls,” he said.
Sambatha sent his heartfelt condolences messages to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.
“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”
A 39-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery and kidnapping by Vryburg Regional Court. On August 2021, William Mustafa was arrested after he followed a business owner (38), who just closed his business in Vryburg Central Business District (CBD) until he reached his home in Kismet Park, Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The business owner, who was accompanied by his brother, realised that they are being followed. They were about to enter their yard when they were approached by three unknown men, who pointed them with a firearm.
“They instructed them to get out of their vehicle. The accused tied them up, then forced the victims into their vehicle and drove off with them to the direction of Stella along the N18 road. A vehicle was stopped after approximately 5 kilometres and the victims were instructed to get out before being robbed of their cell phones.”
Van Rooyen further said the victim’s brother was left with one of the suspects to guard him. She added that the business owner was taken back to his residence in Kismet Park, where he was robbed of R28 000.
“The victim managed to report the incident to the police the same evening. During the investigation, the accused was positively linked to the incident through fingerprints and ultimately arrested at a business robbery scene.
“The business owner’s cell phone was also found in his possession. He was arrested for business robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods including kidnapping. Mustafa, who has been in detention since his arrest was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.
Mustafa was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Eric Jacobs of Vryburg Detectives and prosecution for their collaborative efforts that led to the sentence, which he said will serve as a deterrent.
Picture: Some of the livestock affected by runaway fires/North West Times
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Over 80 000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fire in Ganyesa and other parts of Northern Cape. The hectares of agriculture were destroyed following runaway veld fires that started last week.
The chairperson of Tsa Bophirima Farming Corporation, Tebogo Mokgejane said, farmers have lost most of their grazing camps and livestock due to the uncontrollable veld fires.
“Some of Tsa Bophirima farmers are affected and it is a great loss to us as well. The effect of these fires will have a significant bearing on our livestock production program. We sympathise with all affected farmers and we would like to call upon our government to assist them.
“We also urge the government to assist with firefighting equipment and prevention programs. We would like to send our sincere appreciation to everyone who assisted in extinguishing these fires since Thursday and all support provided,” he said.
Mokgejane further said, they saw people as far as Wolmaranstad, Taung, Vryburg, and Kuruman flocking into the affected areas around Ganyesa and offering assistance. He added that farmers will overcome this turbulence like many other farming challenges they faced.
“Let us not be demoralised as we have a great responsibility for food production and security. As difficult as it is, let’s soldiers on and we also appeal to the public to help us prevent these fires by avoiding deliberate fire setting, children playing with matches, improper household ashes disposal, smoking, and throwing cigarettes on and near the dry veld,” said Mokgejane.
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said as part of ongoing efforts by his government to contain fires ravaging various parts of the province, they have deployed three helicopters and one spotter to battle the runaway fires. Maape said this was done in collaboration with Working on Fire.
“The team arrived on 13 October 2022 and six fire teams Working on Fire from Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces are also part of that. The government is monitoring the situation and will on a continuous basis, provide updates to affected areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development is set to meet with the North West chairperson, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “We have learned with sadness about the devastating veld fire that has burnt down over 80 000 hectares of grazing land in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality areas and other parts of the Northern Cape.
“Fence lines, poles, kraals, and six water sources such as pipes and water tanks were damaged by the fire. We appeal to the NWPG to move with speed in containing veld fires as this will result in an increased loss of agricultural produce, reduced availability of food for both humans and animals, a reduced growth rate of vegetation, and threatening livelihoods.
“Most importantly, the committee pleads with the government and civil society to assist farmers with food for livestock. Most farmers use grass to feed their livestock, which has been affected by the fire.”
Picture: A nurse, Iris Mohokare found murdered in Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A nurse was found murdered in her rented room in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. The lifeless body of Iris Mohokare, 47, who was a Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found on Thursday with her throat slit.
According to information, the gruesome event was discovered by the deceased’s landlord in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.
“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”
The Guardian 