By OBAKENG MAJE

A man from Amalia was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for murder, while his friend, Tseko Maine was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder. This comes after Tshepiso Mafoko (28) and Maine (35) were found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

The duo robbed Aobakwe Kgosima (31) in the early hours of Saturday morning in Amalia village, near Schweizer Reneke on 10 February 2018.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, Kgosima who was from Taung, was visiting his friend in Amalia when he went to a local tavern. Funani said the evidence indicated that the Maine and Mafoko followed Kgosima when he went back to his friend’s place.  

“Kgosima was about to open the door when the convicts approached and dragged him outside the yard. Mafoko stabbed him with a knife, while Maine took his cell phone and wallet, then fled the scene. A neighbour, who witnessed the incident called the police. The latter called an ambulance and the victim was found still alive and lying on the ground.

“He managed to identify the suspects, who were part of the bystanders, and informed his friend who tipped the police. Kgosima was ferried to the hospital, where he died on his arrival. In the ensuing investigation, Mafoko and Maine were arrested on 13 February 2018. They have been in custody since their arrest,” she said.

Funani further said Mafoko was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, while Maine was sentenced to 20 years for the same offense. She added that, both Maine and Mafoko were sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and the sentencing will run concurrently.

“They were both declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). Mafoko was also sentenced to 18 years each imprisonment for two counts of rape that he committed before killing Kgosima.  

“He was linked to two counts of rape after he raped two minors in September 2012 and October 2014. According to information, Mafoko was on parole for a case of house-breaking and theft, which he committed in 2017,” said Funnai.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence and congratulated the Amalia Detectives and the Prosecutor for working together in securing the conviction, which he said will certainly serve as a deterrence.

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Picture: The Kumba Iron Ore Mine/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

A former plant manager of Sishen Iron Ore Company at Kolomela mine, Mr Johan Breedt (53) pleaded guilty to 12 counts of corruption and 10 counts of money laundering at the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 3 July 2023. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, Breedt was arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in December 2020 along with his two sentenced accused, Anthony Meyer and Theunes Burger.

“In April 2016, the accused nominated Burma Plant Hire to load and haul the final dense medium separation product to the plant production beds. The company was awarded a tender to work at Kolomela Mine for the period July 2016 and July 2017. Between July 2016 and December 2016, the accused demanded monthly payments of R40 000 and gifts from Burma Plant Hire to ensure that the company continues to get work at the mine.

“The accused, through his unlawful activities, benefitted R627 370 in cash and gifts from the company. The case was remanded to 19 September 2023 for sentencing, whilst the case against Burma Plant Hire is remanded to 4 July 2023,” Thebe said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Almost 549 155 people are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS in North West. The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the most affected individuals are between the age of 35 and 39 at 93 640, followed by the age group of 30 to 34 at 83 077.

“As the department, we have used Naomi and Thembisa model estimates. As a way of improving the quality of life and increasing the life expectancy of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV), the department is implementing a test and treatment strategy to ensure that all people are traced and linked to care.

“However, the department is implementing different strategies to prevent new infections. These strategies include advocacy, communication, and social mobilisation using different media platforms, HIV and AIDS testing campaigns in collaboration with other departments, developmental partners, NGOs, CBOs, and Civil society,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said they also use index testing, implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP), condom distribution for both males and females and programs targeted interventions for vulnerable groups e.g.  LGBTQI, adolescents, and young women. He added that, for the past years, the HIV positivity rate has been reducing gradually.

“In 2020/21, infections were reduced by 2.6%, in 2021/22 by 2.1%, and 1.7% in 2022/23. According to studies conducted in Ekhuruleni, Gauteng province, the excessive drinking of alcohol, multiple sexual partners, violent behaviours and unprotected sex are contributing factors to HIV infections, especially among the youth.

“Another study conducted in Africa also indicates almost the causes and/or contributing factors such as alcohol consumption, multiple sexual partners, low schooling, black ethnicity, inconsistent use of condom and early sexual onset,” said Lekgethwane.

He said in the province, 199 754 males are infected and account for 36% of infections, while 332 725 females account for 61% of infections according to the Naomi and Thembisa estimates.

“Treatment interruption by clients and loss to follow up, non-compliance to condom usage by sexually active persons, especially young people, use of alcohol and substance abuse is also a contributing factor to unprotected sex. Of the 549 155 estimated PLHIV, Bojanala Platinum accounts for 283 257. Over 350 000 people are currently on ARVs,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A pastor, Lerato Raphael Mokoteli has paid R1.9 million to the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSeta). This comes after the money was fraudulently claimed from AgriSeta and constituted proceeds of unlawful activities committed between 2016 and 2019. Mokoteli made the payment on 15 June 2023 to AgriSeta as part of a guilty plea agreement with the State.

The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said, in March 2015, Mokoteli and Anthony Dywili fraudulently applied to AgriSeta for R1.9 million funding to provide training and mentoring in food garden operation in Kimberley.

Kganyago said, Mokoteli and Dywili claimed that the application was a joint venture between Business Against Crime and Dipalemo Training Strategic Services, which is AgriSeta accredited service provider. He further said, however, such a joint venture did not exist. Kganyago added that, Dipalemo was not aware of the application and did not receive a cent.

“In 2018, the SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and

maladministration in the affairs of AgriSeta under Proclamation R 4 of 2018, and recover any financial losses suffered by the State. The SIU investigation revealed that, upon receiving the R1.9 million funding, Mokoteli and Dywili concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Business Against Crime and Northern Cape Empowerment Academy led by Dipalemo, knowing very well that the academy exists only on paper.

“Between June and November 2016, Mokoteli submitted invoices totalling R1.3 million to Business Against Crime on behalf of Dipalemo. Mokoteli did not have any relationship with Dipalemo. He submitted to AgriSeta a close-up report on behalf of Dipalemo knowing very well that, Dipalemo did not render any training,” he said.

Kganyago said 50 learners were trained and received certificate of competency in food operation. He said they were paid a stipend of R219 000 and R381 564.86 was claimed to have been used for the administration of training.

“Dywili did not disclose to AgriSeta that R600 000 of the funding was unspent, in violation of the terms of the agreement. In July 2016, R317 000 of the funding was paid to a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) called Christian for Peace in Africa, which is chaired by Dywili.

“The bank account of the organisation was opened in June 2016. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU referred evidence pointing to the commission of a criminal offense to the NPA in 2019 for further action,” said Kganyago.

He said the duo together with Jeremia Sello Madiba, AgriSeta CEO, between 2008 and 2017, were charged with various counts of fraud and money laundering. Kganyago said Madiba allegedly awarded the tender without the required decision by the Board of Directors of AgriSeta, therefore, in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“He will be appearing in court on a PFMA charge on 28 August 2023. On 26 May 2023, Mokoteli entered into a guilty plea agreement with the State. In terms of the agreement, Mokoteli pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering and agreed to pay back R1.9 million to AgriSeta.

“On 14 June, Mokoteli was given a 10-year sentence for two counts of fraud and five years for two counts of money laundering. The sentence was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of similar offenses during

the period,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

An Ethiopian tuckshop owner, Eshethu Desta Defere who was illegal in the country, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Lichtenburg Regional Court for raping a girl (12). The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim told the court that, in June 2021, she went to the shop to buy some items and upon arrival, Defere (26) was alone at the time.

Mamothame said, Defere dragged the girl to a shack behind the shop and raped her. He said, the matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested three days later.

“He stayed behind bars until the completion of the trial. The incident took place at Scotland Informal Settlement in Coligny. The victim stayed with her family in the same area, and she was sent to Defere’s shop regularly to buy items. Defere was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Neo Sedumedi, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to consider. Magistrate Boitumelo Chulu agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting the victims and members of society from such violent acts, particularly women and children.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all role players for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book.

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Picture: A screengrab from a video/Daily Maverick

By OBAKENG MAJE

The deputy president, Paul Mashatile’s VIP Unit is facing a probe. This comes after the VIP Protection unit members were seen attacking civilians in a video that went viral on various social media platforms. It is alleged that the incident took place on N1 Road in Johannesburg.

The national police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said: “The process to trace the victims who are seen to be allegedly assaulted by South African Police Service (SAPS) members is underway. After being made aware of the incident captured on a video clip that is currently doing the rounds on various media platforms, the SAPS management has begun the process to trace the victims to obtain statements from them, while an internal departmental investigation is underway.

“A preliminary report indicates that the vehicles seen in the video belong to the SAPS and the men seen in the video are SAPS members. While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video, which does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of these policemen.  

“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” said Gen Fannie Masemola.

The victims are encouraged to contact Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on 0820408808 for investigation purposes.

Meanwhile, the IRR Head of Strategic Communications, Hermann Pretorius said: “This disturbing event, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, is indicative of a state that has lost sight of its constitutional and moral obligations. Regrettably, such displays of irrational state violence are not surprising to many South Africans.

“The country has witnessed, with minimal accountability, the tragic deaths of hundreds of individuals in police custody, as well as killings in public such as those of Collins Khosa and Petrus Miggels, both victims of state violence for minor breaches of Covid-19 restrictions. Other victims of fatal police brutality in recent years – whose names are less well known – include Adane Emmanuel, Robyn Montsumi, and Ntando Sigasa.”

Pretorius further said, these incidents starkly contradict Nelson Mandela’s assertion that “no form of violence can ever be excused in a society that wishes to call itself decent” in the denary of his death. He added that, the IRR echoes this sentiment and welcomes the police’s investigation into the incident.

“A harmonious, free, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa is possible. But this can only be achieved when the government respects and upholds the rights and freedoms of its citizens. For this to happen, South Africans must engage with the substance of what has gone wrong.

“Incidents like yesterday’s blue light assault are symptomatic of an arrogant state that has been indulged with ever more power at the expense of the individual freedom and, ultimately, human dignity,” he said.

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Picture: The community members of Extension 7 outside the court

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community of Extension 7 in Taung, calls for the release of Kelebogile (41) and her disabled son, Tlotliso Segwabe (21). Kelebogile and Tlotliso were arrested last week Thursday and charged with murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property after a Zimbabwean man (26) was allegedly killed during a mob justice.

It is alleged that, on Wednesday night, Tlotliso arrived at his house from a local tavern. He was allegedly attacked by the deceased person with a spade while trying to open the door. According to allegations, Tlotliso ran and screamed for help.

Some community members allegedly woke up and came to his rescue. It is alleged that, the deceased person was chased and knocked at one of the houses, but the occupants refused to open for him. The community members allegedly woke early morning and embarked on a witch-hunt.

They allegedly found the deceased person and severely assaulted him with a sjambok. He was ferried to the Taung District Hospital for medical attention but allegedly succumbed to his injuries. 

North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the deceased victim was at the suspect’s home, where he was in an altercation with the son of the accused. He was overpowered and chased by a group of people and assaulted. The two accused persons were charged with kidnapping, murder, and malicious damage to property.”

The case against the accused persons was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application. Kelebogile was ferried to Taung District Hospital after she collapsed while taken to police custody.

One of the family members, Telekelo Mahura, said they are worrisome with how the police have handled the matter. Mahura alleged that, there is a disparity in the case because the accused persons only had their day in court on Monday after being arrested last week Thursday.

“We call on the police to do their job diligently the way we expected. I am saying this because the two accused persons were arrested last week Thursday and only appeared in court on Monday. Now, the case has been postponed because the police said, they still have to go and arrest other suspects.

“However, it is not Kelebogile and Tlotliso’s responsibilities to ensure that is done. The police were supposed to arrest other suspects timeously and stop using that as an excuse. What if they have not arrested other suspects come Thursday? Kelebogile and Tlotliso will be denied bail again?” said Mahura.  

He further said, what they know is that the deceased person was allegedly attacked and killed by mob justice. Mahura added that they do not understand why would the police only arrest Kelebogile and Tlotliso. 

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the social activist, Oratile Segosapelo, who also resides at Extension 7 said: “I am so disappointed that the police arrested the mother and her son, Tlotliso who is disabled. We do not know the motive behind the arrest, but we call on the police to be competent enough. Kelebogile’s health has deteriorated, while Tlotliso is disabled.

“Yes, justice must be served, but at least if the accused persons were given a free bail due to their conditions. So, as the community members of Extension 7, we will submit a petition to the court calling for the release of the accused persons pending investigations.”

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