Picture: A murder and fraud accused, Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The accused who is facing a murder, two counts of fraud and one of defeating the ends of justice, Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho (49) was remanded in custody by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court until 11 January 2023 for formal bail hearing. It is alleged that Setshwantsho killed her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Setshwantsho was allegedly traced and arrested in Centurion, outside Pretoria  during a takedown operation led by Sergeant Kheshi Mabundad on 16 November 2023. 

He said this was done in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company.

“The police further reported that, in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives have been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of the suspect. Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case.

“According to the police report, the murder that was initially ruled a natural death, happened in Mmabatho in the North West, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023. The investigations have revealed that the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder,” said Mamothame.

He said the police are conducting further investigations with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused. Mamothame added that the state is expected to re-examine Mabunda after the defence attorney completed its cross-examination.

“The state is also expected to call on its second witness from the correctional facility, where the accused is detained. It emerged in court that this witness received death threats from the accused and investigation is being conducted by the Hawks.

“Meanwhile, the accused will remain in police custody pending the outcome of the bail application,” he said.

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Picture: The police confiscated dagga and fireworks/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 47 and 53 were arrested for illegal possession of drugs. This comes after the police who were on patrol, allegedly saw the suspicious-looking delivery truck on N14 road during the early hours of the morning on 20 December 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police from Mothibistad Police Station were conducting routine patrols when they observed a suspicious delivery truck. Ehlers further said, they allegedly stopped and searched the truck.

“They discovered several bags of dagga with an estimated value of R15 750 as well as fireworks. It is alleged that the truck was en-route from Johannesburg,” she said.

Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Johnnie Besnaar commended Sgt Kagisho Gopetse and Const Moemedi Gaosenkwe for their vigilant conduct and ensuring that drugs are not transported via our national roads.

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Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the end of the year is a special time for everyone as it marks the end of the journeys they have traversed throughout the year. Maape said it is a time to reflect on the commitments they made and the personal goals they have set for themselves.

“The accomplishments and challenges we have endured during this year, should serve as an inspiration to focus on new possibilities and future endeavours. Over the last 12 months, we have worked together as government, opposition parties, business, labour and civil society to try and overcome challenges of socio-economic concern bedeviling our developmental trajectory.

“|As we note the many milestones we have reached and celebrated, we also acknowledge the enormous sufferings of our people due to worsening socio-economic conditions in the province,” he said.

Maape further said in dealing with these challenges, their provincial government Executive Council adopted a comprehensive and aggressive investment promotion programme to create jobs and change the development landscape of the province.

He added that, through this initiative they have garnered investment pledges amounting to R132.4 billion for various projects.

“Of the original 30 projects, 15 have been confirmed and are at different stages of readiness. The confirmed projects have a total value of R45 398 billion. Five projects are ready for implementation and will be rolled out in the next three months, while four projects will be ready in the next 6 to 12 months.

“Several more projects will be processed in the next two years. We also acknowledge the concerted efforts we have implored as the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to our people. In achieving this we have intensified our Accelerated Service Delivery programme through Thuntsha Lerole to reach all areas of our province to resolve service delivery related challenges,” said Maape.

He said through this initiative, they are also deepening social solidarity with different segments of the society, tackling poverty, unemployment, inequalities as well as social ills such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).

Maape said this initiative is gaining traction every day and continues to resonate with residents of the province across many and diverse communities.

“We recognise that in parts of our province, the challenges facing our people far exceeds the interventions we have made thus far. Much more will be required to make an impact in order for our people to see real change.

“As we celebrate the end of a productive year and recharge for the New Year, let us do so responsibly. I would like to take this opportunity and call on all our people to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our communities,” he said.

Maape said as they go into the new year, let them continue to work together towards building a prosperous and peaceful province. He said on behalf of the NWPG leadership, he wishes all residents and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Picture: The artist, Asa Dengana/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most carousers are expecting hit songs from South African artists as the country is entering into festive season. One of the hit songs that is expected to create waves and keep music lovers intrigued is the Nkqo Nkqo single, which is a hit song featuring Asa Dengana.

The KwaZulu-Natal-based record company, SixNine Rekords said it is thrilled to announce the release of a single hit, Nkqo Nkqo featuring Asa. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SixNine Record company, Mthokozisi Mgobhozi, the song is available on all music platforms.

Mqobhozi further said, Nkqo Nkqo song is a hit single that has just been released to keep Deep House and Afro Soul music lovers on their toes. He added that, Nkqo Nkqo song was released at the right time, especially as the music lovers are getting into a festive mood.  

“Remember, South Africans are expecting artists to bring them new tunes for entertainment over festive season and beyond. A relationship between SixNine Rekord and Asa comes a long way since 2019.

“This release was long overdue and we are delighted that it finally happened. The SixNine Rekords company was officially registered by Sithembile Mbuthuma and I. We are eager to bring change and elevate the music industry to the next level by unearthing talented artists in Mzansi,” he said.

Mqobhozi said the release of a single, Nkqo Nkqo with Asa, attests how South Africa has abundance of talent. He said this also displays the intentions of the SixNine Rekords company, which is to enrich the standard of music in the country.

“We have long invited her to the studio, but I guess the distance between the two parties has dragged us so long. However, when she finally arrived in the studio, there was no more turning back. She worked her magic and boom, this is what we came up with.

“We hope the South African music lovers will love the song and support us. What we can say is that a lot is still to come because it has always been my dream to find our niche within the music industry,” said Mqobhozi.

He said even though he had been in the music industry long enough, he had never pulled through to this point. Mqobhozi said he guesses this is God’s perfect timing and he is pleased that it is finally happening.

“As SixNine Rekords, we have confidence because Asa is a talented and experienced artist. We are excited to have an artist of her calibre as part of our stable.

“With her, we are a formidable team and a lot is still to come. We can assure Mzansi music lovers that they should expect more vibes from us. So, they should keep intrigued,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asa Dengana said: “Thank you to SixNine Rekords because this is a dream come true. With this kind of relationship, we are still going to bring more for South Africans and Africa at large.”

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SixNine Rekords is a vibrant record label that was established in 2019 by Mthokozisi Mghobhozi and Sithembile Mbuthuma. He said they are already making waves in the music industry and their record label has collaborated with a number of incredible artists, including none other than Judas, Vintage, Nico, Aleganto, and Zipho.

Mqhobhozi said they are eagerly looking forward to releasing more music in the near future, including a highly anticipated song with Nico called Sponono and Amahalanjonjo – Izinkinga Zothando, among many others.

He said Nkqo Nkqo can be downloaded on the following platforms: Spotify, Deezer, SoundCloud Go, Tidal, Anghami, Line Music, iHeartRadio and Claro Musica.

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