Picture: Some of machinery confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged 20 and 38 were arrested for illicit mining and possession of unwrought precious metals by the Hartbeespoort Dam K9 and Visible Policing police on Thursday.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said the police were conducting routine patrols around Ten Rooms Informal Settlement, when they noticed a group of men running away from one of the houses.
“The police proceeded to the house and found bags containing soil, three Phenduka machines and a generator. The further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects at a plot in the area.
“During the arrest, the police seized two phenduka machines, fuel containers and a jack hammer. The suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of illicit mining and possession of unwrought precious metals,” she said.
Botma said moreover, the suspects who are both Mozambican nationals, are likely to face charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. She further said investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) into the matter is underway.
Picture: The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure at Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied
The festive season is upon us, offering a chance for many to spend valuable time with loved ones. It has been a challenging year, and it is important to use this period to rejuvenate and set fresh goals for the upcoming year, 2024.
May we all take time to connect with our neighbours, especially those who may be less fortunate. Simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Let us all embrace the spirit of compassion and generosity. Let’s also take this opportunity to care for and uplift our community, whether it’s volunteering at local shelters, organising donation drives, or participating in community clean-up initiatives.
We must all reach out to the disadvantaged, the orphans, the poorest, and show them our love and affection while sharing with them in order to make this season a merry and memorable time as well.
Keep an eye out for any suspicious activities in your neighbourhood and promptly report them to your Neighbourhood Watch or local authorities. Let’s all contribute to making our neighbourhoods a better and safer place for everyone.
I strongly urge you to take note that South Africa now has new laws in place which legally obligates all citizens to report any knowledge, reasonable belief, or suspicion of a sexual offence against vulnerable individuals to the authorities.
It is our collective responsibility to foster an environment where women, children, older people, and persons living with disability in our country feel safe and respected. Let us all play our part by standing united against gender-based violence and promoting the equality and dignity of all people in our country during this festive season and beyond.
Safety on our roads and everywhere should be our utmost priority during this time of the festive season. Let us always obey the rules of the road and be vigilant while driving.
Always wear your seatbelt, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and maintain a safe distance from other cars. We appeal to all road users not to drink and drive and exercise patience and restraint against road rage. We must all make a conscious decision to reduce and end this notorious yearly carnage on our roads at this time.
May you have a refreshing Christmas season and a prosperous new year returning to your various workplaces safe and sound and ready to resume your duties with zest and renewed energy.
A modimo a reboloke rotlhe, re boe rekopane ngwaga o latelang
Ethiopian man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lichtenburg Regional Court for murder and extra 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. On 9 May 2018, Abebe Ergicho (37) entered a Shell Garage in Lichtenburg and went to the cashier to order some items. While Ergicho waiting for his order, Francois Swart, who is the deceased together with his friend, entered the shop to make a purchase.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, a few moments later, Ergicho pulled out a gun and pointed it at the cashier. Mamothame further said he then turned and approached Swart.
“He shot him at point blank without uttering a word. Ergicho then turned the gun to Swart’s friend and robbed him of his wallet and car keys. He subsequently took off with the car and items he had ordered.
“The car was later discovered abandoned near Verdwaal village. He was arrested on 17 December 2020 and denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and he once tried to flee in court during trial, but the police managed to contain him,” he said.
Mamothame added that court further declared Ergicho unfit to possess a firearm.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutors, Adv Itumeleng Boikanyo and Adv Joyce Maseko, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state as he imposed a life imprisonment to Ergicho, citing his remorseless conduct.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, Captain Michael Viljoen from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other role players for ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.
Picture: A suspected stolen laptop recovered/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged 30 were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen laptop valued at R11 000 on Friday. Two suspects were arrested during a visibility patrols and stop and search in Colesberg on Friday at around 8:30pm.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police from Kuyasa SAPS, received a tip-off regarding a stolen laptop. Shemane further said police proceeded to the identified location and on arrival, they allegedly found a man and a woman with the alleged stolen item.
‘The laptop was recovered and confiscated. The suspects were both arrested and they will appear in the Colesberg Magistrate’s Court soon.
“As the safer festive season operation progresses with more boots on the ground, criminal activities will be disrupted throughout the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe applauded the police for their swift response that led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen property. Mthukushe also encouraged the community to continuously report criminal activities anonymously to the police.
Picture: A man arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen items/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 26-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen items, including three cell phones, one black wallet, two Ritas, one bank charger, two cell phone chargers, eight memory sticks and two gold bangles.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said the suspect was arrested in Deben on Saturday after he failed to provide proof of purchase or ownership of the items to the police. Letsapa said the police were busy conducting stop and searches when they came across the suspect.
“There is a possibility that, he might be linked to various house breaking and theft cases, which were reported at Kathu Police Station. The police investigations into the matter continue.
“The suspect will appear in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon on charge of possession of suspected stolen goods,” he said.
Picture: A firearm with ammunition confiscated by police/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (48) has been arrested between Vryburg and Dryharts on N18 road for allegedly being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Friday afternoon. The suspect was arrested by the Hawks in conjunction with Vryburg K9 unit.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the members of the Mahikeng Based Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Vryburg K9 received a tip-off about a suspect alleged to be in possession of an illegal firearm who was en route from Vryburg to Taung.
‘The team acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle along the N18 highway. Upon conducting a search, the police allegedly found a firearm and ammunition under the driver’s seat. After failing to produce a licence to possess the firearm, he was arrested and charged.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 December 2023. He is facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said Mathebula.
The Guardian 