Picture: The City of Matlosana offices/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Eight men have been arrested for public violence, trespassing, malicious damage to property and intimidation in Klerksdorp. It is alleged that approximately 15 men stormed into Matlosana municipal offices in Klerksdorp on Wednesday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said they allegedly forced their way to the boardroom, where they found the Mayor, Municipal Manager, Human Resources Manager and other officials in a meeting.

“The intruders who identified themselves as members of the so called 1818 gang from Kanana Township, near Orkney, demanded to be employed. Upon being informed that there were no vacancies, they apparently insulted the Human Resources Manager and hurled chairs at municipal officials leading to bodily injuries and damages to property.

“Consequent to the incident, a crime intelligence led operation by the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) was conducted. As a result, eight suspects handed themselves to the police. The accused, David Mbeloane (35), John Mokhele (38), Lehlohonolo Kgiba, Thabang Mpotle (36), Katiso Mokgatsi (37), Thabo Mafohla (39), Jabulane Sebeko (39) and Ephraim Mpedi (37) were all remanded in custody upon appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2023,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said their case was postponed to 4 August 2023 for formal bail application. He added that, the investigation into the matter including tracing of other suspects is underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said the arrest for this brazen act of lawlessness displayed by the accused, cannot be tolerated and will definitely serve as a deterrence to the would-be gangs. 

Kwena urged the community to report acts of this nature to the police for necessary steps to be taken as gangs cannot be allowed to disrespect the rule of law and in the process terrorise the law abiding citizens.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects between the ages of 29 and 40 were arrested for murder, car hijacking and robbery. It is alleged that on 17 July 2023, the deceased, Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip when he was allegedly hijacked in Klerkskraal.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Diphephenyane was allegedly robbed of the state vehicle, cellphone and money. Mathebula further said the deceased’s lifeless body with signs of strangulation, was found dumped next to a road on 18 July 2023 in Klerkskraal.

“A multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, North West and Northern Cape Provincial Detectives, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management was assembled to work on the case.

“The information gathered led the team to Boikhutsong, Vosloorus and Brakpan, where four suspects aged between 29 and 40 were arrested between 31 July 2023 and 02 August 2023. Elvis Hlongwane and Alexander Hobjana briefly appeared in court today, and their matter was postponed to 11 August 2023 for formal bail application.

Elvis Hlongwane and Alexander Hobjana appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were facing charges of murder, car hi-jacking and robbery.

“Thabiso Phendela (29) and Sthembiso Molaba (31) have since appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 August 2023 and their matter was postponed to 1 September 2023 pending further investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has commended the team’s swiftness in tracing and arresting the suspects.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 36-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested for allegedly killing sister-in-law. Nomsa Lephuting was arrested on 2 August 2023. On 22 November 2022, the police were called regarding a shooting incident at the Nomsa’s residence, where they allegedly found the body of Paulina Pulane Lephuting (40) in one of the outside rooms of the dwelling.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said Pulane was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds.  Tselanyane further said, she was later declared dead at the scene.

“Furthermore, it was discovered that the burglar door was forced open and the wooden door slightly opened. Following the incident, a murder case was registered at Tlhabane Police Station and later transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for further investigation.

“The intensive investigation led to the tracing and eventual arrest of the suspect. Nomsa, who is married to the deceased’s brother, briefly appeared at Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until 8 August 2023 for formal bail application. The investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police and everyone involved for the breakthrough. Kwena also warned that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served.

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Picture: The serial rapist, Johannes Jojo Shabangu/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who pleaded guilty to 14 charges of rape and 11 of robbery with aggravating circumstances collapsed and died, while in police holding cells at Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court. Johannes Jojo Shabangu (35) was standing trial at the North West High Court of South Africa sitting at the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court.

The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the atrocity took place while the court was in recess. Mamothame further said this was subsequent to Judge Andre Peterson receiving his guilty plea statement and found him guilty on all charges, in accordance to the guilty plea.

“The case was set for Victim Impact Statements to be read in court before sentencing could be imposed, but it was rolled over to 3 August 2023 for him to receive medical attention. It emerged in court that Shabangu was declared dead by the paramedics and a declaration certificate was presented to Judge Peterson.

“He then declared proceedings as finalised and he ordered for the death certificate to be filed with the registrar of the North West High Court. Peterson ordered for an inquest docket to be registered to determine the cause of death,” he said.

Mamothame added that, Shabangu’s court appearance emanates from incidents that took place in Winterveldt, in the Odi District, between July 2012 and December 2019, wherein he together with unknown accomplices, raped and robbed multiple women of their properties.

He said the evidence contained in the indictment, indicates that in some instances, Shabangu together with his accomplices, would confront couples coming from places of leisure in the evenings, threaten them with a firearm, beat up the boyfriends, rob them of their belongings and subsequently take turns to rape the female victims.

“In some instances, it emerged that they would break into homes and apply the same modus operandi. In other instances, they would accost a group of women and rob them before picking on one of them to rape. The youngest of their victims was 14 years of age and her ordeal took place in June 2015.

“In his guilty plea statement which was read by his attorney, he took responsibility for all the charges he was facing and asked for forgiveness to his victims,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded Adv Nangomso Goloda and Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi for their collaboration in ensuring a successful conviction amid the unfortunate passing of the accused before sentencing.

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