Picture: Over 40 initiates rescued from bogus initiation school in Tsetse village, near Mahikeng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 24 and 30 were arrested for kidnapping and contravention of the Custom Initiation Act, (2021 Act No 2 of 2021) in Mahikeng and Lehurutshe on Thursday. The suspects allegedly mobilised unsuspecting young boys from villages around Mahikeng and Lehurutshe to join the initiation school.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, after recruiting these young boys, the suspects would allegedly call the parents and demand money for the safety of the victims. Funani further said the suspects were arrested after parents reported missing children at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe Police Stations.

“The investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school near or between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages, outside Mahikeng. Consequently, about 40 initiates between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued. The illegal school was closed, and the boys were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated.    

“Bongani Moatlhodi (24), who was arrested at Lonely Park by the Lehurutshe police, briefly appeared at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court in connection with the kidnapping of a boy (16). The other two suspects aged 26 and 30 are expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on Monday,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for acting swiftly to rescue the boys and arrest the suspects.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Omolemo Funerals financial service provider, Hlomelang Manare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for fraud. Manare (32) acted as a financial services provider without having a license and lured members of the public, particularly the elderly to take insurance policies from his company, Omolemo Funerals, whilst he knowing that his company is not registered.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Between 2019 and 2020, Manare registered five complainants on cashback policies in his company, Omolemo Funerals. He promised to pay his unsuspecting clients after the death of the insured, whereas he knew his company was not underwritten by any insurance company.

“Manare was convicted on one count of the Contravention of Section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory Intermediary Act 37 of 2002 and five of fraud. On count one, he was sentenced to 10 months or R20 000 and on the five counts of fraud, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.”

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that Manare preyed on vulnerable people, who lived off social grants. Mokgopa said the unsuspecting clients relied on the services of the accused in the unfortunate event of death. Magistrate Kwena Letsapa agreed with the state and remarked on the loss suffered by their complainants, as they had to borrow money to bury their loved ones, incurring debts in the process.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded Mokgopa, Captain Bantseke Partition from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all other role players, who ensured that Manare is convicted. Makhari further urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and do due diligence when dealing with financial advisors and institutions.

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