Picture: One of the firearms confiscated by police/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Six Lesotho nationals aged between 22 and 33 were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property, as well as charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. The suspects were arrested at COVID-19 and Sondela Informal Settlements in Boitekong Township, outside Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said their arrests came after the police received a tip-off regarding allegations of suspects involved in a spate of robberies. Mokgwabone further said during the arrests, the police allegedly searched and seized three unlicensed firearms, including one with a filed off serial number, 79 ammunition, 28 different cell phones.

“The police also seized the flash machines, plastics containing coins, plasma television, a scale, two magazines, several pairs of shoes/sneakers, a variety of clothes, cigarettes, bedding set and cash amounting to R24 200.

“The police investigations are underway and we cannot rule out the possibility of bringing to book additional suspects and linking the arrested ones with more cases. All the suspects, including a woman (24), are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on 22 December 2023,” he said.

Mokgwabone added that, in an endeavour to address aggravated robberies in line with one of the focus areas of the safer festive season operation Shanela, the suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Phokeng K9, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, District Operational Crime Combatting (OCCU), District Detective Task Team, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation, Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Crime Scene Investigation and Royal Bafokeng Security (RBP) on 20 December 2023.

Meanwhile, he North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their continued efforts to fight crime and sending out a clear message that the long arm of the law will neither be selective nor kind to those who commit crime.

He also thanked members of the community for their cooperation with the police to dismantle syndicates.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects aged between 19 and 47 briefly appeared before the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court for stock theft and possession of stolen livestock on 21 December 2023. This comes after the arrests of Tseko Molelekeng (19), Tshepo Mokoto (21), Lebogang Mosothoane (35) and Monesapula Puoengwe (47), while allegedly chasing the stolen sheep at the graveyard, in Chris Nahi Section on 19 December 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the police received a tip-off about the suspicious men who were seen chasing a sheep. Funani said further investigations led the police to Tswelelang Extension 17, Womaranstad, where they found the fourth suspect in possession of two suspected stolen sheep and two carcasses.

“The suspect was also arrested and charged after failing to account for the two sheep and the carcasses. They are expected to appear in Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on 27 December 2023 for formal bail application,” she added.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police and members of the community for working together to ensure the recovery of the livestock, which was returned to its lawful owner.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Six police officers including two civilians briefly appeared before Brits Magistrate’s Court for business robbery, kidnapping and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) on Thursday. The accused persons, Sgt Matlala Letsoko (43), Sgt Lesiba Kgopa, (49), Const Sejameriri Mamphekgo (34), Const Croesus Chirwa (33) Const Joy Makotla (32), Sgt Masilo  Mononyane (46), Emmanuel Lorekang (45) and Itumeleng Malebetsane (50) are attached to Pretoria Public Order Police (POP), Tshwane District Crime Intelligence and Rietgat Visible Policing respectively.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested on 20 December 2023 by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District and Mmakau Police Station Detectives regarding a business robbery committed in Mmakau on 15 December 2023.  

“It is alleged that one of the suspects was driving a marked police vehicle during the business robbery committed at a tavern in Newton Section, outside Mmakau. The complainant, who owns a tavern, was allegedly assaulted and robbed of approximately R60 000. He was further taken to Mothotlung graveyard, where the assault continued. 

“The investigations into the cases continue and the suspects are likely to face additional charges, including a business robbery allegedly committed in Hebron. They were granted R2000 bail each,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the accused persons are expected to make a second court appearance on 28 February 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his disappointment about the police officers’ conduct, which he described as unacceptable. Kwena added that the actions of the police officers are not in line with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Code of Conduct and the accused persons disregarded the role the police play in the execution of the safer festive season operations.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (19) has been sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for rape and two years for child pornography. On 29 September 2021, the complainant left her son (3) with the accused in Colville, outside Kimberley. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused sexually assaulted the victim in the absence of his mother. Shemane further said the victim told his mother what happened.

“The mother reported the incident to the police. The accused was arrested and bail was successfully opposed. The South African Police Service Management in the Northern Cape welcomed the sentence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Detective/Sergeant Juanita Lakey for her dedication and hard work throughout the investigation by ensuring that justice is served. Otola said she also made sure that justice is turning the tide against perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).

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Picture: The accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) has abandoned his bail application. Mangwegape, who is facing a murder and attempted murder case, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court, where he was expected to make a formal bail application.

It is alleged that Magwegape shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) during a commotion at the Meat Brothers Pub on 16 December 2023. Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brothers Pub that was fully packed.

It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and that allegedly prompted Mangwegape to pull out a gun and shoot at them.

Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

Mangwegape’s attorney, Isang Nakale from Isang Nakale Attorneys, informed the court that his client has decided to abandon bail application until the deceased has been buried. The case was postponed to 27 December 2023 for bail profiling and possible bail application.  

Magistrate Thataotsile Matolong has recused himself from the case. Matolong said this case has ‘drawn a lot of attention’ and raised concerns, especially on various social media platforms.

“I would like to recuse myself from this case to ensure that justice prevails. This case has raised various concerns, especially on social media platforms. So, to ensure that our people still have trust in the justice system, we will allow the magistrate who resides outside Taung to preside over the case.

“I would also encourage the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to appoint personnels who work outside Taung to deal with this matter,” he said.

Mdi’s family spokesperson, Mpho Skweit said the death of Mdi has left the family devastated. Skweit further said Mdi was still young and they expected a lot from him.

“His life has been cut short in a very barbaric manner. As a family, we are not taking it lightly and we are very angry. This thing of the magistrate and investigating officer recusing themselves from the case came from us as a family.

“They are not just doing it because they wanted to. We have put a lot of pressure and ensured that, ultimately we get justice. Actually, there is no justice because this court is rotten to the core. We are going to make sure that we root out all those elements of corruption,” he said.

Skweit added that they will ensure that people are served fairly and the wheel of justice is turning.  

“Remember, I was born and bred here and at some point, I was a leader here too. I know what is happening here and know that, the accused will be given special treatment. They have let him have his cell phone, while in police custody.

“So, we do not want any local magistrate, prosecutor and investigating officer in this case because we are not going to get justice,” said Skweit.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) who is facing murder and attempted murder, is set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application.

Mangwegape, who is accused of killing NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) has not yet arrived at Taung Magistrate’s Court from Amalia Police Station, where is incarcerated. This has forced the court to adjourned until him arrival.

Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brothers Pub that was fully packed. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and the owner of the establishment, Mangwegape, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

Mangwegape appeared in court and his case was postponed for bail profile and possible formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that they condemn violence meted against patrons at The Meat Brothers.

“It is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment. This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety.

“This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant,” he said.

Mohlomi further said they send their heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. He added that, equally so, they call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily arrest perpetrators and resolve this brutish crime.

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