Picture: The lifeless body of a man found lying in the streets/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Schweizer Reneke said they request assistance of the public to identify the man, who was found dead in the streets on Thursday. According to North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the deceased was found a passerby.
“The police are investigating an inquest case that was reported on Thursday at around 7am. The incident was reported by a passerby. Apparently, a body of a man was found lying in the streets.
“The deceased is estimated to be 30 years-old. His identity is currently unknown and it seems he was one of the kids in town. The deceased has no visible injuries and has two marks on his right arm. The police investigations are continue,” said Myburgh.
The Olifantshoek police are requesting assistance in tracing the missing man, Moleki Moses Mokabelo (27). It is alleged that, Mokabelo was last seen leaving his work at a farm, near Olifantshoek on 15 January 2024 at around 9:25am.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Mokabelo was allegedly on his way home to Newtown in Postmasburg when he went missing.
“He is of medium build, approximately 1.6 metre tall and was wearing grey overalls, orange t-shirt, black cap and blue tekkies. Anyone with information can contact D/Sgt Dannyboy Kgatlane on 082 302 0395. The investigation continues.
“The public is reminded that, there is no waiting period for reporting a missing person,” he said.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: The missing Moleki Moses Mokabelo/Supplied
A man who was arrested for fraud, Jean Pierre Van Niekerk (25), was granted a R5000 bail by the Kimberley Serious Commercial Crime Court today. Van Niekerk was arrested by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime members for fraud alternative theft.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Van Niekerk, who was employed by the Northern Cape Cricket Union as the Financial Manager, allegedly committed these crimes between July 2022 and March 2023.
“The payments that were due to service providers, were deposited to his personal bank account. The entity suffered an actual loss exceeding R400 000 plus interest.
“The accused is out on bail and the case is postponed to 1 February 2024,” said Mnisi.
Picture: Some of the equipment believed to be used in illicit mining seized/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four undocumented persons between the ages of 27 and 49 were arrested. This comes after the police conducted Operation Vala Umgodi that was executed on 18 January 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, the police seized the equipment to the value of R190 000 believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining. She said this includes generators, sieves, a jack hammer, drills, fire extinguishers, hand hammers and pickaxes.
“The Namaqua District continue to be affected by illicit mining activities. The police also searched a tavern operating in the area. The owner was fined for operating without a permit and a significant volume of alcohol was seized.
“The operation focusing on the prevention of illicit mining continues,” said Ehlers.
Picture: The former Meat Brothers owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A bail hearing judgement against a local businessman and the former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, who is facing attempted murder and murder case has been postponed to 22 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court.
Mangwegape briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He 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.
The presiding magistrate in this case, Botsile Thaga was not available today in court due to other commitments in Bray Magistrate’s Court. The interim magistrate, Jenny Manxeba postponed the matter to 22 January 2024 to allow Thaga to be available.
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.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players ready to face Namibia after a disappointing loss
By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana shifted focus to Namibia ahead of crunch AFCON match. This comes after the Bafana Bafana camp has put the disappointment of losing their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations this week to Mali behind them and they are now looking forward to the next assignment on the tournament calendar.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges lost 0-2 to Mali on 16 January 2024 and will hope to bounce back from the setback when they face neighbours, Namibia on 21 January 2024 at the same Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns FC player, Teboho Mokoena said, the players understand what is at stake on Sunday and what is expected of them.
“We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us. It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach,” he said.
Sphephelo Sithole said he has cast his eye on the match against the Namibians and feels that a victory is a must to avoid putting pressure on the South African senior men’s team in a group that also has Mali, Tunisia and Namibia.
“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win. We have to win it because a result means that our chances are better. So, for me, we have to win. For me, we have to win every game.
“So far, we have been treated well. We have all we need to be comfortable away from home and to focus solely on football,” said Sithole.
Namibia will go into this game against their neighbours on a high after beating Tunisa 1-0 on Tuesday.
Picture: The police embark on Back2School campaign/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in the Northern Cape addressed parents and learners on school safety, discipline, school attendance as well as the consequences of becoming involved in criminal activities. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said the police embarked on “Back to School” awareness campaigns at several primary and secondary schools in rural and urban areas, across the province.
“The District Commissioners, Senior officers, and Station Commanders led the campaign in all five districts. The campaign was conducted in conjunction with Government Departments, the Community Police Forums, and other structures.
“The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, and the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, accompanied by the District Commissioner of John Taolo Gaetsewe, Major General Jonny Besnaar visited schools in the district,” said Ehlers.
She further said, that the Northern Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, visited schools in the Prieska area. Ehlers added that the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, urged parents to execute their parental responsibilities and to refrain from substance and alcohol abuse within the family structure.
“The School Safety Campaigns will continue throughout the province during the academic year,” she said.
The Guardian 