Monthly Archives: December 2023

North West MEC Sello Lehari calls for urgent arrest on Boitekong shooting massacre

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari has condemned with strongest terms the brutal shooting and killing of nine people at Popo Molefe Informal Settlement in Boitekong, outside Rustenburg.

It is alleged that, Lesotho nationals shot dead nine Xhosa speaking people and eleven people survived, others still in critical conditions at hospital.

During his visit to the scene of the shooting, Lehari met some of those who have been discharged, including a child (9), who had already been taken through counselling. Prior to his visit to the scene, Lehari had urged the team of investigating officers to work around the clock and explore every lead for the speedy arrest of suspects.

“We need to see people getting arrested on this case. It is almost a week now since the shooting and victims needs to see suspects being arrested. They must be arrested and face the full wrath of the law for their violent killings.

“The people who are responsible for this, cannot continue roaming the streets freely as if nothing happened. Nine people is too many. We further call on the residents within the area to avail information that would assist the police for the arrest of the suspects,” he said.

Lehari added that, the police cannot conclude this case alone, but they need coporation from the community members who might have seeing or heard anything. He said, so any information is important for the investigators to start arresting.

“As department, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of nine deceased m persons and wished speedy recovery to the injured ones. According to the information divulged during the briefing of stakeholders, a conflict between the Xhosa and Sotho speaking people in the area comes a long way.

“It is reported that in September, about 40 shacks belonging to the Sotho speaking people were allegedly burned down by the Xhosa speaking people,” said Lehari.

Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner for Bojanala 2, Brigadier Mmamotsamai Ntoagae said they are experiencing a lot of contact crimes in the Boitekong area.

“We do have operations, make arrests and host crime prevention campaigns but we still experience a lot of cases on contact crimes,” said Ntoagae.

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Lekawana le leneng le batla go ipolaya le pholositswe

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Setshwantsho: Monna o leka go itseela botshelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mona wa dingwaga dile 27 yo a neng a re o tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe kwa motseng wa Dikgweng, gaufi le Mothibistad mo letsatsing la Mosopulogo o pholositswe ke sepodisi. Go begwa fa monna o, a ne a kaya fa a lapisitswe ke botshelo, mme o ne a go palama madutelo a metsi kwa godimo-dimo le go tshosetsa ka go itatlhela hatshe.

Go ya Ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Mokaptein Nomvuyo Makoloi, ba lephata la sepodisi ba ne ba itsisiwe ka tiragalo e, mme ba tabogela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Makoloi are, Warrant Officer, Pulane Monchonyane yo o rupeletsweng ka tsa dipuisano tsa go ipolaya (Suicide Negotiator) go tswa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa kwa Seven kwa Kuruman, one a betsegela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, gonne o ne a le mo Mothibistad.

“Monchonyane one a buisana le lekawana le ka katlego gore le se tseye botshelo jwa lone. Monna o, one a fologa kwa godimo ga madutelo a metsi, mme a phologa loso,” Makoloi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa John Taolo Gaetsewe, Johnny Besnaar one a akgola mapodisi a kwa seteisheneng sa Mothibistad le Monchonyane ka tiro e manontlhotlho e ba e dirileng ya go boloka botshelo.

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Lekawana le lene le batla go ipolaya le pholositswe

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Setshwantsho: Monna o leka go itseela botshelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mona wa dingwaga dile 27 yo a neng a re o tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe kwa motseng wa Dikgweng, gaufi le Mothibistad mo letsatsing la Mosopulogo o pholositswe ke sepodisi. Go begwa fa monna o, a ne a kaya fa a lapisitswe ke botshelo, mme o ne a go palama madutelo a metsi kwa godimo-dimo le go tshosetsa ka go itatlhela hatshe.

Go ya Ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Mokaptein Nomvuyo Makoloi, ba lephata la sepodisi ba ne ba itsisiwe ka tiragalo e, mme ba tabogela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Makoloi are, Warrant Officer, Pulane Monchonyane yo o rupeletsweng ka tsa dipuisano tsa go ipolaya (Suicide Negotiator) go tswa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa kwa Seven kwa Kuruman, one a betsegela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, gonne o ne a le mo Mothibistad.

“Monchonyane one a buisana le lekawana le ka katlego gore le se tseye botshelo jwa lone. Monna o, one a fologa kwa godimo ga madutelo a metsi, mme a phologa loso,” Makoloi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa John Taolo Gaetsewe, Johnny Besnaar one a akgola mapodisi a kwa seteisheneng sa Mothibistad le Monchonyane ka tiro e manontlhotlho e ba e dirileng ya go boloka botshelo.

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A body of unknown woman discovered

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A body of an unknown woman has been discovered in Number Two Section in Galeshewe, near Kimberley on 18 December 2023. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the deceased was approximately between the age of 20 and 30.

Sam further said the deceased was wearing a dark blue pyjama top and trouser, as well as black slipper shoes. He added that, the police request the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased.

“Anyone with information is urged to visit Galeshewe SAPS or contact Detective Sergeant Chrisna Vonwillieg at 082 469 0547 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially.

“The police have opened a case of inquest,” said Sam.

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A man sentenced to 15 years for murder

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (31) has been sentenced to 15 years for murder by the Upington Regional Court on 19 December 2023. The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said on 20 March 2021, the deceased, Max Loittering (66) was sitting together with the accused, Ryno Davids (31) at a residence in Straussburg. Masegela said an argument ensued between the two.

“The accused stood up and stabbed the deceased with a knife in his neck. The deceased was transported to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

“Davids was arrested and convicted for murder. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court. The Management of the South African Police Service in the ZF Mgcawu District welcomed the sentence,” said Masegela.

Meanwhile, the Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, applauded the Investigation Officer, Sergeant Vanessa Van Der Westhuisen for the excellent investigation that secured the conviction.

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Law enforcement agencies urge motorists to buckle up on the roads and avoid car accidents

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Picture: Vehicles involved in a car accident/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

As the peak of the festive season is underway, many holiday makers are travelling to various destinations across the country, thus an influx of motorists is expected and unfortunately the possibility of the occurrence of road accidents.

Now, the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, when involved in an accident, motorists or witnesses must establish the seriousness of the accident. Sam further said if serious where the drivers, passengers or pedestrians have been killed or seriously injured, the police must be contacted immediately and the emergency services also activated.

“If it is a minor or less serious accident and vehicles can move, parties must clear the road and report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours. Parties involved must exchange information for easy reference with the police or for insurance purposes.

“The police will document the incident, including taking photographs of the scene, completing an Accident Report (AR) form for each driver or pedestrian reporting an accident in accordance with the SAPS regulations,” he said.

Sam added that, the police will open a case docket when a person is killed, seriously injured or when a government vehicle is involved as well as when a serious offence is committed.

He said the public can report an accident at any police station even if it occurred in another station precinct.

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Dinku di le pedi di fitlhetswe di tlhabilwe mo mokhukhung kwa Reivilo

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Setshwantsho: Nngwe ya dinku tse di fitlhetsweng mo mokhukhung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mapodisi a kwa Reivilo a batlisisa kgetsi ya go utswiwa ga dinku di le pedi. Go begwa fa dinku di le pedi di ne tsa utswiwa kwa polaseng e gaufi mo letsatsing la Tshipi.

Go ya a sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Oficer Tryphosa van Rooyen, mong wa dinku tseo, o ne a lemoga fa dinku di le pedi dinyeletse mo letsomaneng la gagwe, mme a sala motlhala morago.

“Go begwa fa molemi-rui o, ane a sala motlhala morago go fitlha kwa mokhukhung mongwe. Fela, go begwa fa baagi bangwe ba ne ba mo kganela go tsena mo mokhukhung o.

“Sepodisi se ne sa bidiwa, mme sene sa fitlha sa bula mokhukhu o. Go ya ka dipego, mapodisi a ne a fitlhela dinku di le pedi ditlhabilwe ko teng ga mokhukhu o. Mong wa mokhukhu o ne a tlhalosa fa a sa itse sepe ka tiragalo e, ebile o ne a kaela mapodisi fa go sa dule ope mo mokhukhing wa gagwe,” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Van Rooyen are Ga go a ope o tshwerweng mabapi le tiragalo e, fela dipatlisiso tsa go utswa leruo ditsweletse.

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Police: “The second victim in Meat Brothers shooting still alive”

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Picture: The second victim, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police have refuted allegations that, the second victim in the Meat Brothers shooting has passed away. This comes after allegations that, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) who was with the deceased, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) passed away in the early hours of Monday at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg.

Kokwe and his friend, NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi, were allegedly shot at by the local businessman and owner of the Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) on Saturday night.

It is alleged that, Mdi and Kokwe were part of the patrons who visited the establishment that was packed to the rafters on Saturday. It is alleged that patrons were denied access into the venue by the security guards and bouncers who requested Identity Documents (IDs) before granting access.

However, Kokwe and Mdi allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said: “The owner of the establishment allegedly took out a gun and shot at the duo. Mdi was fatally shot, while Kokwe was rushed to the local hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

“The murder and attempted murder cases were opened against the accused.”

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, it is not true that the second victim has passed on.

“The second victim is still in hospital and it is not true that he had passed away. On the other hand, the accused briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court and he was remanded in custody until Thursday for formal bail application,” she said.

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The owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape remanded in custody

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Picture: The local businessman and owner of The Meat Brothers, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) who appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court facing murder and attempted murder, has been remanded in custody until Thursday.

Mangwegape is accused of killing NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33). 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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Nine people shot dead in Rustenburg

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape has condemned the fatal shooting of nine people at Popo Molefe Informal Settlement, near Rustenburg. According to the police, a group of individuals were sitting at a house of one of the injured people when a group of assailants opened fire on them.

Maape said in the ensuing shooting, eight people died instantly, while the ninth victim was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital. He said the attack left eight more people injured.

“We are extremely shocked and outraged at the mass killing of nine people at Popo Molefe Informal Settlement. We condemn the shooting of these people and we send our condolences to the families, relatives and friends of victims of these hideous crimes.

“I would also like to take this opportunity and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. We also applaud the police for moving with speed in assembling a team of experienced and skilled officers to investigate the matter,” he said.

Maape further said he has the confidence that the police under the stewardship of North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, will do everything in their power to follow all leads in investigating this matter. He added that, the perpetrators of this repugnant acts must be brought to book.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “According to information available at this stage, a group of mainly Xhosa speaking individuals were sitting in a yard drinking liquor when an unconfirmed number of Sesotho speaking suspects opened fire on them.

“As a result, eight people died instantly while the ninth one was certified dead on arrival at the hospital. Moreover, eight persons were reported to be injured. The motive is yet to be determined and no one has been arrested at this stage. Investigations into the matter continue.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, strongly condemned the horrific and pointless incident. Kwena also indicated that the police will work around the clock to ensure that justice is served. 

“We urge the community to remain calm and allow the police to do the investigations. We have established a dedicated team to investigate the killing of five males and four females at Popo Molefe Informal Settlement in Boitekong, outside Rustenburg. The atrocity took place on 16 December 2023 at approximately 21:15,” he said.

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