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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