By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is concerned about the alarming Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and how they are being handled. SANCO provincial spokesperson, Palesa Zizi said they express deep concern over the escalating cases of GBV in the province and the perceived inadequacies in the justice system’s response. 

‘The North West province, has regrettably become a breeding place for criminal activities, particularly in the realm of GBV, Femicide and violence against children. The disturbing reality is that criminals operate with apparent freedom and seem to be well-connected within law enforcement and the justice system.

“It is truly disheartening for SANCO and communities to witness GBV&F cases being dismissed, with courts citing insufficient evidence and allowing perpetrators to be roaming freely on the streets, while victims’ families grieve and prepare for the burials of their loved ones,” she said.

Zizi further said, according to the South African Police Service crime statistics report from July to September 2023, there are 13090 sexual offences (10 516 rape, 1 847 sexual assault, 559 attempted sexual offences and 168 contact sexual offences) reported in South Africa.

She added that, SANCO Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, noted six GBV cases in Klerksdorp since the beginning of this year, which received the necessary support from the REC and its branches.

“These distressing cases ranging from child rape to violent assaults, include that of Soso from ward 8, a 13-year-old child who was raped by their father in ward 11, as well as victims such as Mapule from ward 9, Modiegi from ward 37, Tshegofatso from ward 5 and a 12-year-old child who was raped in ward 7.

“SANCO is worried by the perceived leniency of the courts in granting bail to GBV perpetrators, seemingly prioritizing the rights of offenders over the right to life of victims. The disjuncture between the courts and the SAPS in handling GBV cases is deeply worrying and demoralising not only to victims and their families, but also to the dedicated SAPS personnel,” said Zizi.

She said the police are making arrests, while the courts are releasing perpetrators and this leaves communities with lots of questions. Zizi said the most upsetting being what amount of evidence is required by the courts for the prosecution and arrest of GBV perpetrators.

“Seeing offenders being released on bail or cases of GBV being not handled properly and being withdrawn erodes community trust in the law enforcement. We emphasize the need for the government to take decisive action in addressing the high prevalence of GBV.

“The organisation calls for a review or strengthening of existing laws. If that is where the loophole is, we urge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps. SANCO has frequently been in support of the victims of GBV, protesting outside magistrate courts, calling for the magistrates to refuse bail for these perpetrators,” she said.

Zizi said, however, they remain committed in their efforts to persistently advocate for the right to life of the victims, a right that the courts in North West seem to insufficiently protect. She said as SANCO, they will always step up to the occasion where the rights of society are violated and their interests are neglected.

“It is our responsibility to the community of North West and likes to make it clear that we will stop at nothing in safeguarding and defending the rights of ordinary citizens, often overlooked by the courts. 

“SANCO in 2024, will be launching the Bua Moagi GBV March as part of its efforts to intensify the call for the government to do more to address GBV and Femicide, specifically targeting law enforcement agencies, lawmakers and judicial system in the province,” said Zizi.

She said they call on all SANCO members across the province to prepare themselves for the march and actively stand against any form of GBV in their respective areas, ensuring that no women, children or persons with disabilities are being assaulted under their watch. 

Zizi said to enhance support for GBV victims, SANCO urges the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to repurpose all government buildings, which have been turned into white elephants into shelters for GBV victims.

“We cannot have a government that is unable to take charge or seems to not know what to do with lots of neglected buildings, whereas they can be repurposed for good use. Let these structures serve a meaningful purpose by becoming shelters for victims of GBV and others be turned into SMMEs business precincts or manufacturing hubs. 

“As a civic organisation dedicated to the community’s wellbeing, SANCO undertakes to continue its fight against GBV and calls on the judiciary to prioritise the rights of ordinary citizens over those of criminals,” she said.

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Picture: The ammunition allegedly found in possession of one of the suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. In the first incident, the police in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp, arrested Ditaba Matjobe (32) on 27 December 2023 for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the police received a tip-off regarding the suspect in possession of illegal firearm and ammunition. Tselanyane further said that led the police to a house at Extension 11 in Jouberton Township. 

He added that a search was conducted at the place and the police arrested the suspect, who is a Lesotho national after being found in possession of a firearm.

“He briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2023. He was remanded in custody for verification of his status in the country and formal bail application. Matjobe’s case was postponed to 5 January 2024.

“In another unrelated incident in Potchefstroom, the police arrested two suspects aged 43 and 25 for possession of suspected stolen property and ammunition. The duo were seen by the private security company’s personnel walking along Steve Biko Street in the Central Business District (CBD) carrying bags at around 4:10am on 29 December 2023,” said Tselanyane.

He said upon being stopped and searched, several items including 80x live R1 rifle ammunition, 15x 9mm ammunition, antique Ball Bearing (BB) gun, electrical plugs, smoking pipe and numerous other goods were found in their possession. 

Tselanyane said the suspects were immediately arrested and are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024.

“Still in Potchefstroom, on 29 December 2023 at around 11:30, the police were busy with routine patrols around town when they arrested a man (29) at a house in Thabo Mbeki Street. The police allegedly went to the address to conduct a search, when they found a man in one of the rooms.

“During the search, they found four 9mm ammunition in a bag. The suspect was arrested after failing to give a reasonable account of the possession. He is also expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024 on a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved for their vigilance that led to the arrests and seizures.

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Picture: The woman allegedly stabbed her ex-boyfriend to death/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman (42) has been arrested after she allegedly stabbed her ex-boyfriend to death. According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane, at around 5pm, the deceased, Andries Segweng (37) went to his girlfriend’s shack at Geluksoord in Christiana on 30 December 2023. 

“Segweng allegedly found his former girlfriend asleep. He allegedly woke her up and a fight ensued between the two. The two allegedly took their fight outside the shack, where the deceased allegedly drew a knife.

“However, Segweng was allegedly overpowered and disarmed by the ex-girlfriend. She allegedly stabbed him in the upper body. The police were called, including Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS),” he said.

Tselanyane further said, Segweng was certified dead on the scene. He added that the suspect was arrested and is expected to appear before the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024 for murder.

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Picture: A Peugeot vehicle that was stolen at Dj Nation Annual Bash event in Taung/Facebook   

By OBAKENG MAJE

Criminals have now turned the Dj Nation Annual Bash event into their ‘crime haven’. This comes after widespread allegations that some revellers were robbed off their cell phones and personal belongings on 28 December 2023.  One of the revellers, Kabelo Kolwane’s metallic grey Peugeot vehicle with Gauteng Province registration number was also stolen in the process.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane, Kolwane (41) allegedly left the stadium at around 00:30 to check-up on his dog that was in the vehicle.

“According to his statement, he was in the company of a dog and left it in the vehicle. At around 00:30, he went to feed it in his car. While he opened the car for his dog to pee, he allegedly saw one of his friends sitting in the other car, not far from his.

“Unfortunately, he left the car keys on the driver’s seat and went to greet his friend. He allegedly sat in his friend’s car and forgot that he left his car unattended. After some time, he went back to check on his car, but it was nowhere to be found,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the owner of the vehicle allegedly went to the Taung Police Station on 29 December 2023, to open a theft of a motor vehicle case. He added that, however, the case could not be opened because the complainant was ‘still under the influence of alcohol’.

“The case was only opened on 30 December 2023 and investigations are underway,” said Tselanyane.

One of the patrons who attended the Dj Nation Annual Bash event and refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “Truly speaking, we do not feel safe anymore at the Dj Nation Annual Bash event. I am the victim too after losing my phone. I do not think there are enough security guards at the event, especially in the dark areas.

“To compound the matter, the security guards were not helpful and their subsequent lack of sense of urgency and problem-solving left one with a sour taste in the mouth.”

Another patron whose cell phone was also snatched, calls on the Dj Nation Annual Bash event organisers to ensure that the safety of patrons becomes their priority.     

“We cannot leave our homes to enjoy ourselves at the event and we are robbed of our personal belongings. Even if one had a Very Important Person (VIP) ticket, the treatment is sub-standard. The VIP section was overcrowded, hence we were also robbed.

“I humbly call on the organisers to increase security because this will affect the reputation of the event in the long run. I once heard challenging complaints, but I never thought it would happen to me,” she said.  

Meanwhile, the Dj Nation Annual Bash organiser, Blondie Mokgwabone and his Communication Manager, Kgalalelo Letshabo, are mum on the matter and did not respond to the media inquiry sent to them before publishing this article.

*Their response will be incorporated in the article when received.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Northern Cape said they will remain on high alert ahead of the New Year’s Day 2024 celebrations. They said as part of the Safer Festive Season “Operation Shanela, More Boots On the Ground”, together with other law enforcement agencies, they will ensure that, the public strictly adheres to the restrictions issued with regard to the consumption of alcohol and the setting off fireworks during New Year’s celebrations to prevent any injuries or loss of lives.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the public is reminded that the police will not tolerate nor condone any form of public drinking and disorderly behaviour during New Year’s celebrations.

He further said the police also call on liquor operators in the province to comply with the conditions of their liquor licenses and to take up their share of responsibility towards the safety of their patrons.

“The police will have a strict zero tolerance for people drinking in public. Those found drinking in public will be arrested and their liquor confiscated. The use of fireworks in South Africa is regulated by the by-laws under the Explosive Act, 1956.

“So, we urge the members of the community to abide by these laws and report any resistance to the police. Do not allow or permit children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks without adult supervision,” said Shemane.

He added that, fireworks should not be sold to children under the age of 16 years and any use or explosion of any fireworks within 500 metres from any explosive magazine, petrol or gas depot is prohibited,” said Tselanyane.

He said fireworks should not be used or exploded in any building or any public thoroughfare. Shemane said no fireworks should be used or exploded in any public place or resort.

“Anyone who wishes to sell fireworks must have a valid license. Fireworks must be used in designated areas. Never use it in crowded areas, never use them indoors and see to it that your pets and those of your neighbours have been well secured.

“Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report it to SAPS by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially, he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Eight suspects allegedly belonging to the SVK gang briefly appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 29 December 2023. The accused persons, Tebogo Shadrack Bonokwane (42), Buhle Kotokwane (19), Tshediso Frank Lekitlane (33), Thabang Pana Maseko (26), Rankabi Mohlomi (35), Kholisile Petrus (36), Lesedi Sekhonyane (19) and Thabang Selebalo (25) were arrest in the early hours of Thursday morning (28 December 2023) in Kanana Township, near Orkney.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that a man (25) was walking home when he was robbed of his cell phone by some of the gang members at around 9pm on 16 December 2023. Tselanyane further said the suspects allegedly threatened the victim with knives and knobkerries.

“However, he managed to flee and ultimately went to one of the gang members’ home accompanied by his two brothers to demand the cellular phone back. The trio came across the suspect in the street and when they asked him about the cellular phone, he ran home.

“Thereafter, the trio told the suspect that they were proceeding to the police station to lay a charge. They were walking back home when they met with other SVK gang members, who allegedly chased the victim and his two brothers,” he said.

Tselanyane added that in the process, the complainant was allegedly stabbed with a knife on the face, while his brothers were also stoned and sustained injuries. He said the gang members allegedly proceeded to the victims’ place and pelted it with stones.

“This resulted in damaging the windows and a door. The suspects allegedly fled the scene afterward. A case with charges of robbery aggravating and malicious damage to property was laid with the police and transferred to Anti-Gang Unit for further investigation

“On 28 December 2023, members of the unit conducted a suspect raid around Kanana Township, where eight suspects were arrested and detained. They were remanded in custody and their case was postponed until 5 January 2024 for a formal bail application,” said Tselanyane.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Anti-Gang Unit members for their prompt reaction that resulted in the arrest of the accused persons. Kwena said this will send out a clear message that crime does not pay.

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Picture: The deceased, Moseki Patrick Dipheko/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Dipheko family in Ipelegeng Township, outside Schweizer Reneke said it is reeling in shock after the death of their uncle, Moseki Patrick Dipheko (45).

The family spokesperson, Kelebogile Agnes Dipheko said Patrick was admitted at Schweizer Reneke Hospital on 17 December 2023, but they were jolted when they received a call from the police informing them that their uncle was found dead and floating in Wenzel Dam.  

“Our uncle had a knee injury and he was admitted to hospital for medical attention. However, it was detected that he had Tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately, we were surprised to receive a call from the police informing us about his passing.

“We do not know how he left the hospital and ended up at Wenzel Dam. We have not received any call from the hospital to inform us about his disappearance. So, as a family, we are really disappointed and demand answers from the hospital,” she said.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said an inquest case has been opened.

“Yes, the police are aware of the matter. The investigation indicates that the deceased went missing from the Schweizer Reneke Hospital. The police were alerted of a body floating in a river on 23 December 2023,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “Dipheko was a treatment defaulter and brought in by an ambulance from home. He was admitted to the hospital on 15 December 2023.

“On 17 December 2023 at around 2pm, the patient had a brief psychotic disorder/acute and was in confusional state. Dipheko absconded on 17 December 2023 at around 9:30pm and he was found dead on 23 December 2023 at Wenzel Dam, which is a Holiday spot near the hospital.

“The police were notified the same night and requested assistance to search for the patient. The Nursing Manager who was on call that night, tried to call the family on the two cell phone numbers on the patient’s file, but they both went on voicemail,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said the following morning on 18 December 2023, the Manager handed over the report to the Nursing Manager in charge of day duty. He added that, on 19 December 2023, a family member came to visit the patient and a staff member, who the family member could not identify, informed her that the patient was missing.

“On 22 December 2023, a neighbour came to visit the patient and the staff member who met her, notified her that the patient is missing. On 23 December 2023, the acting Nursing Services Manager went to the family and informed them that the patient was missing (after an unidentified body was found by the police in the veld),” said Lekgethwane.

He said the family was formally notified after the picture identification by the police on 25 December 2023.

“On 27 December 2023, the police took the family to the Forensic Mortuary for a physical identification,” said Lekgethwane.

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