A fraud case against the former municipal manager at Bojanala District Municipality has been postponed for a pre-trial conference. Patrick Shikwane (51) and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa (51) were arrested by the Hawks on 26 September 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, in 2018, Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with disaster relief materials.
Mamothame said Sikwane allegedly authorised payment to the tune of over R1 million to Marole Trading without following proper supply chain processes. He further said, Marole Nameng Trading received payment, but never delivered the procured materials.
“Following an investigation, the accused were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit. Shikwane was arrested in Hartbeespoort on 26 September 2023, while Malesa handed himself over on 27 September 2023.
“Shikwane is out on R10 000 bail, while Malesa was released on R5 000. Investigations into the matter have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial. The Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court postponed the case to 30 November 2023, for further documentation to be provided to the defence team in preparation for pre-trial conferencing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, together with the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the teams from their respective entities for the progress made in the case.
The police in Northern Cape urge the public to adhere and implement safety tips to protect themselves against scams and fraud. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said phishing and fraud scams are deceitful emails and messages criminals send, which promise large sums of money or even great prizes.
He further said community members should be careful and delete these messages. Kock added that, they should also remember if they have or have not entered any competition, so it is impossible to win these promised prizes.
“Be careful of investing or giving money to persons who claim they can double your money. These criminals are targeting persons, especially those who have received retirement lump sum pay-outs and large amounts of insurance cash.
“Never respond to emails or cell phone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details. Remember, no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email,” he said.
He said community members should never provide their ID number, password, or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them. Kock said community members should not save their Internet banking passwords on their desktops or cell phones.
“Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password. Always log off or sign off at the end of a session. Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as Internet Cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
“Change your PIN and passwords frequently. Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. Always be wary and extra careful when shopping online and never send money, credit card, or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust,” he said.
An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung was postponed to Tuesday by the Taung Magistrate’s Court due to the unavailability of the state prosecutor. The trial on this matter was supposed to commenced on 16 until 18 October 2023.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.
The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for possession of drugs in Christiana. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the suspect was arrested for possession of drugs.
“The police in Christiana were busy with patrols when they noticed a suspicious-looking vehicle, which they stopped to search. The three occupants gave permission for the search.
“Drugs were found in possession of the suspect. He was arrested for possession or usage of a dangerous/undesirable dependence-producing substance (Mandrax). The suspect will appear before the Christiana Magistrates’ Court on 17 October 2023,” she said.
Picture: A woman nabbed for dealing in dagga in Amalia/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 28-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested for dealing in dagga. The police allegedly executed a search warrant at a certain premise in Amalia, outside Schweizer Reneke on 13 October 2023.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said upon the search of the premises, 2.282 kilograms of dagga were found of which some were already packaged.
“A woman was arrested for dealing in an undesirable dependence-producing substance (Dagga). The suspect will appear before the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 1 November 2023,” she said.
Picture: Some of the drugs allegedly confiscated during the search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three Nigerian nationals who were allegedly found to be in possession of drugs were arrested by the Vryburg K9 unit on Friday. Another suspect was arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a license.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, arrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the arrests were made after the members of K9 received a tip-off. Van Rooyene said they went to search premises inside the Vryburg Taxi Rank.
“During the search, three suspects aged 39, 41, and 55 were found in possession of Methamphetamine (crystal meth), that were packaged and the trio was arrested for dealing in an undesirable dependence-producing substance.
“A takeaway restaurant belonging to the fourth suspect was also searched and 64 plastic bags containing illicit alcohol called stomp with an undisclosed amount of cash were found. A further search conducted at the suspect’s residence in the storeroom produced five 25L containers with alcohol,” she said.
Van Rooyen further said the suspect (43) was arrested for selling Liquor without a license. She added that, all four suspects will briefly appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2023.
More than 50 houses across Madipelesa, Thotayatau, Losasaneng, Matsheng, Gataote and other villages in Taung, were destroyed by the heavy storm last week. According to one of the victims who did not want to be known, the hefty storm destroyed their buildings and their roofing materials were turned into ‘flying missiles’.
“Truly, the storm posed a significant hazard to our lives. We are now grappling to make ends meet and we have nowhere to go. We hoped that the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) would assist, however, we are still waiting.
“Our councillor came to assess the damages and promised to revert back to us. Most affected people are unemployed and live beyond the poverty line, so any good Samaritan can lend a helping hand.”
Another victim shared the same sentiments. She said, her house was damaged and now she is unable to buy any building materials.
“We hope that the disaster management unit from the municipality will assist us. We really need the necessary help because everything has been destroyed including my furniture. I stay with my children who attend school, but they could not go due to our situation.
“We are in a recovery process and seek shelter from our neighbours. We hope that, the government will provide us with a temporary shelter, while we still recovering because our situation is uninhabitable due to disaster-related damages.”
Meanwhile, some political parties said they will conduct an oversight inspection to assess the current living conditions of those affected and establish whether the victims have received relief grants.
The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti who is also a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) chairperson for Finance said there are embezzlement of funds and corruption allegations at the embattled municipality. Moeti alleged that, the disaster management unit at the municipality, had depleted the R3 million budgeted for disaster and now the unit has requested an additional R15 million.
“We understand that the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe was supposed to get monthly reports, but he does not request them. So, he is failing in his duties as a mayor in terms of conducting oversight. This is a burning issue and the matter is still with EXCO as we speak.
“It has not been taken to the municipal council yet. We had a R3m budget for the disaster management unit, but we were surprised last week when we received a report that the R3 million is diminished,” he said.
Moeti also alleged that, there was an ongoing project from the Human Settlement unit, but only sub-contractors from Gauteng benefitted from it. He alleged that, one sub-contractor from Baga-Mothibi, one from Taung Central, and one from Manthe were appointed.
“Mostly, those who benefitted from the disaster project are people from Gauteng. We have sent the municipal officials back to go and get the proper report with figures in order to show how they have spent that R3m.
“What is disheartening is that, these sub-contractors appointed, just built temporary structures using zinc metals. Clearly, our people have not benefitted from this project, except outsiders,” said Moeti.
*The incompetent Greater Taung Local Municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant did not respond to our media inquiry, despite being sent to him more than two weeks ago. The response will be incorporated in the article when received.
Picture: Some of the items confiscated during operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A total of 172 arrests for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, robbery aggravating, attempted murder, assault GBH, assault common, burglary, theft of/from motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, illicit mining as well as illegal migrants.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 119 wanted suspects in connection with crimes including business robbery, murder, rape, and assault GBH.
“During the execution of the operation, several items were confiscated including liquor, cash, cellular phones, computers, copper cable, counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and drugs. Operation Shanela will continue unabated on a weekly basis to address crime trends in identified hotspot areas.
“The Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high-density operation, termed Operational Shanela continues to address priority crimes in hotspot areas throughout the province,” Ehlers said.
She further said the weekly actions commenced on 12 October until 15 October 2023. Ehlers added that the police joined forces with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Traffic Department, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Transport to clamp down on crime throughout the province.
“We have executed a total number of 9116 actions with an emphasis on illegal firearms, murders, damage to essential infrastructure, crimes committed against women and children, house robbery, and housebreaking and aggravating robbery.
“The actions included the searching of persons and vehicles during stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers, visits to spaza shops and farm visits,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, encouraged the Provincial and District SAPS Management to reinforce efforts and to continue eradicating crime in the province. Otola also expressed her appreciation towards all officers and members, who contributed towards the success of the operation.
Picture: The murder-accused person, Bongane Shebi in court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against a man who is accused of killing a nurse, Iris Mohokare (47) in cold blood in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke will resume in Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court today. Bongane Shebi (25) allegedly murdered Mohokare in her rented backroom during a suspected robbery on 12 October 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her sister with her throat slit open on 13 October 2022.
“She subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating. Shebi became a person of interest after police received information while doing investigations.
“He was spotted walking on with bloodied clothes not far from where the incident took place. The police then started looking for the accused and ultimately arrested him on 15 October 2022,” Mamothame said.
He further said upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police that, he wanted to tell the truth.
Mamothame added that the accused was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing.
“Shebi alleged that he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession.
“He said they were intending to rob the deceased. However, Shebi alleged he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but the person he was with,” said Mamothame.
Mamothame said, the police have indicated that the evidence obtained at the scene, shows that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of the crime.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the brutal killing of Mohokare. Sambatha said, Mohokare was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic.
“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. As the department, we condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role.
“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.
Picture: Seven accused on an arson case back in court/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A trial on an arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung is expected to start today. The Taung Magistrate’s Court announced that, the trial will commence on 16 until 18 October 2023.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.
The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
The Guardian 