A man was arrested for being in possession of carcasses of suspected stolen cattle in Vryburg. The accused, Tshokolo Alfred McCarthy (40) was arrested on 4 January 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said this comes after the police of Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) and K9 Unit, received a tip-off pertaining a possible theft of livestock. Mokgwabone further said, the police kept an observation until the suspects’ vehicle (GWM bakkie) was spotted in the early hours of Thursday morning in Market Street, Vryburg.
“Consequently, the bakkie was stopped at a petrol filing station for a search. Although two passengers evaded arrest, the driver was nabbed. At the back of the bakkie, the police found the carcasses, which were later positively identified by the Farm Manager through serial numbers on ear tags.
“The suspect’s vehicle was seized and the carcasses were handed over to the lawful owner. McCarthy was arrested and briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods on 5 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
He added that McCarthy was remanded in custody, while his case was postponed to 10 January 2024 for further investigation and possible bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for rapid response and patience that resulted in the arrest relating to stock theft, which is a concern, especially in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Picture: The police conducted a stop and search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested separately for dealing in dagga, house breaking and theft in Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the police allegedly arrested a suspicious looking woman (55) with dagga at a hiking spot in Campbell.
Kock further said, the police searched her sports bag and confiscated seven plastic bags with dagga worth around R5000. He added that, the suspect allegedly fought with the police and a charge of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer was added.
“In a separate incident, the SAPS D-Relief members of Britstown, received a tip-off about a residential burglary that allegedly took place on the 3 January 2024 in Britstown.
“A suspect (23) was arrested for house breaking and theft. The stolen goods were recovered by the police. The suspects will appear in court soon and the investigation continues,” said Kock.
Picture: Three farm workers killed by a lighting/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three farm workers aged 19, 26 and 51 were allegedly killed by a lightning in Barkly West in Northern Cape. On 3 January 2024, two men aged 26 and 51 were allegedly struck and killed by lightning on a farm, while five others sustained injuries.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, again on 5 January 2024, another farm worker (19) was allegedly struck and killed by a lightning.
“The police have noted with concern the recent tragedies of people being struck by lightning in the province. The police in Barkly West are investigating inquest cases.
“All three people were declared deceased on the scene by paramedics. The police advise communities, farm dwellers, farm workers and farmers to take the necessary precautions during thunderstorms by taking shelters in safe places,” he said.
Shemane further said they should also avoid operating farm equipment, avoid open fields and hilltops and stay away from tall, isolated trees or from other objects. He added that, they should avoid touching electrical equipment.
“As the police, we urge the communities to be cautious during thunderstorms. The investigations continues,” said Shemane.
Picture: An artist and socialite, Kay Angelface Mo/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A call for the arrest of a local socialite, Kagiso Moepetsang who is affectionately known as Kay Angelface Mo, is gaining momentum. This comes after Kay Angelface Mo allegedly raped his neighbour (19) in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa on 30 December 2023. One of the social media influencers, Ontiretse “Mama Onti” Thomas, alleges that, Kay Angelface Mo gave his neighbour a lift to a local tavern, where he went to look for his friends.
“However, it is alleged that, the neighbour could not find his friends and informed Kay Angelface Mo. He allegedly convinced the neighbour to chill with them and offered him drinks. Later on, the alleged victim went to the bathroom, leaving his drinks behind.
“In his return, he allegedly sipped his drink again but felt dizzy afterwards. He allegedly requested to be taken home because he was not feeling well. This raised suspicions that, his drink might have been spiked,” she said.
Thomas further alleged that, Kay Angelface Mo offered to take the alleged victim home. She added that, what was surprising is that, one had to pass by the alleged victim’s home first before reaching Kay Angelface Mo’s house.
“However, Kay Angelface allegedly opted to go to his house, instead of dropping the alleged victim off at his home. Later on, there was a commotion outside, where some of the family members of the alleged victim heard him screaming. They allegedly went outside to investigate and found Kay Angelface Mo holding bloody sheets with faeces and urine on them.
“At that time, the alleged victim was heard accusing Kay Angelface Mo of raping him. The rape case was opened against Kay Angelface Mo, but no arrest was made thus far,” she said.
On 2 January 2024, Kay Angelface Mo released a statement saying they are actively engaged in addressing these allegations and ensure that, they are thoroughly investigated.
“We are fully aware of the situation and we are cooperating with the authorities who have been informed. We take these allegations seriously and emphasize the importance of due process. While this investigation progresses, we kindly request your understanding and patience.
“Our commitment lies in allowing the legal system to operate fairly and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved. We implore everyone to avoid speculation or spreading unverified information during this sensitive time,” he said.
Kay Angelface Mo said their priority is to maintain transparency and any developments in this matter will be communicated promptly by their legal representatives or the designated team. He said he is committed to protecting the integrity of the brand.
“As such, during this period, our attorney and team will represent Angelface until further notice. We apologize for any disruption this may cause and assure you that updates will be provided as soon as they arise,” said Kay Angelface Mo.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The said case has been registered and is under investigation in consultation with prosecution. The incident took place in Ganyesa.
“No arrest has been effected at this stage. The incident allegedly occurred on 30 December 2023, but it was reported to the police on 31 December 2023.”
Meanwhile, another social media user by the name of Sir Shane wrote on his wall and alleged that, four years ago, he was confronted with the same inevitable reality of what that young boy in Tlakgameng experienced. He said the incident happened at Lanzito’s.
“What happened was, Kay Angelface Mo came where I was standing and at that time, I was talking to a friend whom he threatened to leave my sight. With the aggression in his face, I told this friend of mine to leave and go back to her table, where she was seated before and I remained there, standing with Angelface and listening to him redirect his threats to me,” said Sir Shane.
He said that even though there was a confrontation, he was not threatened at all because ntwa gase bothata to him.
“Wena today ke tsamaya le wena, ebile heta re tsamaye kgale ke go galela ke sa go kreye” were his words to me. I told him that I do not play for both teams (I’m a straight gent), turned around and walked away, going back to Thabang’s car because ne re dutse ha morago ga yone.
“When I walked past the car wash port, he came and grabbed my hand, pinned me to the corner and started getting violent. I’m not a violent person and I avoid violence by all means, even those who know me will attest to this,” he said.
Sir Sahane said, that while he was pinned to the corner as angry as he was, his friend, Tlhokomelo came to him. He said at first, Tlhomelo did not notice what was happening.
“Upon his arrival, he noticed and tried to call Kay Angelface Mo to order, but he threatened him as well. So, I asked Tlhokomelo to go and call Cecs for me, which he did.
When Cecs arrived, things had escalated and Angelface had torn my t-shirt. Fortunately, Cecs rescued me from all that was happening. The following day, I wrote on Facebook about my ordeal,” said Sir Shane.
He said, however, his post became a joke to many and that forced him to delete the post.
Picture: The police during roadblocks across the province/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 13 foreign nationals were arrested in roadblocks that were conducted through five districts in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said this was done to curb criminal activities along major routes throughout the province.
Ehlers further said the roadblocks were held on the N12 and urban areas in the Frances Baard District, the R31, N14 in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the N1 in the Pixley Ka Seme District, the N14 and routes through Grobblershoop and Lime Acres in the ZF Mgcawu District and the N7 in Springbok in the Namakwa District.
“During the roadblocks, a total of 2 527 vehicles and 4 617 persons were stopped and searched. Fines to the amount of R154 450 were issued for various traffic violations.
“Dwellings in the Namakwa District were searched and 13 foreign nationals were arrested. Equipment believed to be used during illicit mining activities were also confiscated,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who led the roadblock on the N7 in the Namakwa District, commended the police and other law enforcement agencies for their commitment during the Safer Festive Season Operation.
She said their continued dedication to the prevention of crime is imperative. Otola further encouraged the police to be vigilant at all times and to adhere to police safety measures to ensure that they are operationally ready and safe at all times.
Picture: The local businessman and owner of the Meat Brother Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The judgment on a bail hearing against a local businessman and the Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape’s attempted murder and murder case has been postponed to 19 January 2024. This comes after both the defense and state completed their head of arguments in the bail application at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 5 January 2024.
Mangwegape’s arrest comes after he allegedly 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 17 December 2023.
Mdi and Kokwe were among the patrons who visited the well-packed establishment to have fun. 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 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 for medical attention.
According to the state prosecutor, Ntebaleng Khula, Mangwape (41) should not be granted bail because of his conduct. Khula told the court that, Mangwegape had a previous attempted murder case, where he shot and injured an individual with his firearm. She said that even though the case was withdrawn, there was an attempt by the alleged victim to reinstate it.
“Section 60 (11) (b) of Act 51 of 1977 provides that, in Schedule 5, but not in Schedule 6, the court shall order that the accused be detained in custody until he or she is dealt with in accordance with the law, unless the accused, having been given a reasonable opportunity to do so, adduces evidence which satisfies the court that the interests of justice permit his or her release.
“So, the accused said nothing that can convince this court that, he is eligible to be admitted for bail. He had an attempted murder case, where he shot and injured an individual at the same establishment, where he allegedly committed the crimes he is facing now,” she said.
Khula further said this shows that, Mangwegape is a danger to society and he may commit other crimes or interfere with investigations while on bail. Khula added that, the community also shows displeasure and it is evident through the petition it submitted to the court.
“Over 300 people signed the petition and this shows how outrageous the community is. Even the accused who took the stand said, he would have reacted the same way. So, the court should consider the concerns of the community when making a ruling on this matter.
“We understand that, no amount of jail time could justify the committed crimes or bring back the deceased, however, the justice system has a responsibility to ensure that, there is restoration of peace by removing perpetrators from the society,” she said.
Khula said the accused has given the court three addresses from different provinces, where he will reside at when granted bail. She said, however, it will be difficult to monitor him and that might give him the edge to evade the case due to the distance.
However, Magwegape’s defense attorney, Isang Nakale refuted Khula’s reasoning as pure speculation. Nakale said Mangwegape is a predilection person, who attends courts without any hassle.
“When we look at the petition signed by the community members, there are no signatures, no addresses, and even some names are duplicated. There is a proven track record that, the accused attend courts regularly without fail.
“He does not have any pending cases against his name and all cases he faced were finalized. You cannot say my client might commit crimes while on bail so he must be kept incarcerated. I must warn the court that it is equivalent to anticipatory punishment,” he said.
Nakale said Khula should substantiate her reasons with evidence because his client showed unambiguously that he attends court cases. He said the ballistic tests report might take long and that, should also be taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, the magistrate, Botsile Thaga said he would hand over the judgment on 19 January 2024 after applying his mind on the matter.
Bafana Bafana is in high spirits as the team assembles for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024. The South African senior national men’s team gathered in Kempton Park, Johannesburg on the first day of camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this month.
The Bafana Bafana players and team personnel joined the camp and then traveled to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape on 5 January 2024 in preparation for the continental tournament to be held in Côte d’Ivoire from 13 January to 11 February 2024.
The Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos named his final 23-man squad in late December and the wine lands – at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape – will now be the venue for the start of the preparations ahead of the event.
“I am happy that all the players are present with three (Jaden Adams, Oswin Appollis, and Mihlali Mayambela) joining us in Cape Town and we will then have a full squad. I’m confident in my team, the upbeat spirit among them and the big smiles presented on arrival in camp are encouraging.
“If this is anything to go by, it is the start of what is going to be a successful campaign. But we have hard work ahead of us, there is no doubt about that. The team will be based in Stellenbosch from 5-9 January 2024,’’ he said.
Broos further said they will travel back to Johannesburg on the morning of 10 January to play a friendly match against Lesotho behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. He added that they will then head to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on 11 January and finally settle at their base camp in Korhogo on 12 January 2024 ahead of the start of the tournament on the following day.
Picture: The coffin of the slain traffic officer, Motshidisi Mokotedi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A slain traffic officer, Motshidisi Mokotedi who was attached to the newly-established Eagles Unit as the Provincial Inspector, was laid to rest at Boikhutso village, outside Ventersdorp on Friday. Mokotedi was allegedly murdered a week before Christmas by her partner. According to the North West police, Mokotedi’s lifeless body was found after she reportedly failed to show up for work. The discovery was made by the police after her colleagues went on a search mission following her unusual disappearance.
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari vowed to get justice for Mokotedi. Lehari who was speaking at the funeral service of Mokotedi further said that, the perpetrator of this heinous crime will face the full might of the law.
“The only way that we can all get closure is if justice takes its course. What happened to Mokotedi, who was a dedicated law enforcement officer, should not go unpunished.
“We will ensure that, this case is followed to the latter. The department will continue to engage the family and give support throughout the process,” he said.
Lehari added that, it is not only that she has departed, but also how her demise came. He said this is unsettling and should be condemned.
“Our society has no place for this kind of brutality towards women, children, and the vulnerable,” he said.
The Road Traffic Management Director, Paul Stone said: “Mokotedi was a dedicated official, who has been with the department for over a decade. Her path was always set for greater heights. You could see it even in her conduct at work, which is why we had to act fast when she went missing because that was unlike her.
“She was always on time and reliable at all times, especially during the festive seasons, when all traffic officials go beyond the call of duty to serve our communities.”
Meanwhile, the funeral was attended by senior management of the department, including the Head, Dr Hans Kekana, Chief Director, Molefi Morule under whom Mokotedi served and fellow traffic officers from all the districts.
The Guardian 