Monthly Archives: February 2024

A murder case of a nurse in Schweizer Reneke ready for trial

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Picture: The accused, Bongane Gregory Shebi in court/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against a man (24), who allegedly killed a nurse at Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke back in 2022, has been postponed to 20 May 2024 by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp. Bongane Gregory Shebi is facing a charge of murder and robbery after he allegedly murdered Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare in cold-blood at her rented home in Ipeleng township, near SchweizerReneke on 12 October 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her landlord discovered on 13 October 2022, with her throat cut.

Mamothame further said the landlord subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating the cause of her death.

“The accused became a person of interest after police received information, while doing investigations, that he was spotted not far from where the incident took place, walking with bloodied clothes. A search for him ensued and he was ultimately arrested on 15 October 2022.

“Upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police of his intention to confess. He was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that, the accused alleged that, he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession, that he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said Shebi alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person whom he was with.

“The police have indicated that, evidence obtained at the scene, indicated that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of this offence. Investigations have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial.

“Meanwhile, Shebi will remain in police custody until the completion of his trial after his bail application was rejected. During pre-trial conferencing, the state and the defence attorney confirmed that consultations were completed and all the necessary documents were provided by the state,” said Mamothame.

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Three suspects arrested for being in possession of ‘illegal’ firearm and ammunition

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Picture: A firearm allegedly found in possession of the suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects suspects were arrested for being in possession of firearm and ammunition during the multi-disciplinary illicit mining operation, Operation Vala Umgodi in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs on 16 February 2024.

“The operational team received a tip-off regarding suspicious unknown men, who have been sleeping in the veld around the mining areas. The team operationalised the information and executed a search plan to monitor the movement of the unknown persons.

“The suspects were approached and apprehended. The police searched the suspects and found one black and grey firearm, one magazine and three live rounds. The three suspects were charged for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition, as well as the Contravention of the Illicit Mining Act,” he said.

Sam said the suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, appreciated the efforts of the multi-disciplinary team and thanked the public for providing information to the police ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from criminals.

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Three suspects arrested for allegedly stealing goat

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Picture: The goat carcasses seized by the police/supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 31, 38 and 71 have been arrested for theft and possession of livestock. It is alleged that, the police received a tip-off regarding the goat carcasses in a certain house in Kwa Nonzwakazi Township, near De Aar on 17 February 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police apprehended two suspects. Sam further said the suspects also pointed out a third suspect, who is residing at Barcelona Township and allegedly bought goat carcases from them.

“The three suspects charged for stock theft, as well as possession of alleged stolen live stock produce. They will appear in the De Aar Magistrate’s Courts soon,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the public for providing information to the police and issued a stern warning to those who are buying stolen goods, that the theft of property will not be tolerated. Otola said the public is urged to reject and report stolen goods offered for sale, as it is an offence.

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Police need your assistance to identify unknown body

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Lichtenburg is requesting members of the community to assist with the identification of an unknown body of a man estimated to be between age group of 20 and 29. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the body was found lying next to the road in the grass along the Lichtenburg/Mahikeng Road, close to De Paarl farms on 6 April 2023.

“He was dressed in a grey and orange “hoody” top (the shoulder and cap parts of the “hoody” are orange and the rest is grey), long grey tracksuit pants, with black and white tekkies. Anyone who may have information that can assist in this regard, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Willem Nortman, on 082 416 0897.

“Alternatively you can contact your nearest police station or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Anonymous Tip-offs may also be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smart phone,” she said.

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North West govt to implement renewable and alternative energy sources to fight load-shedding

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said his government, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), is coordinating extensive intervention efforts to assist municipalities in the province to implement renewable and alternative energy sources.

Maloyi made this announcement on 20 February 2024, while delivering the 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).

“In an effort to end load-shedding, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation to construct R16 billion gas to electricity power stations at both the City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities.

“The first phase of this project will see the City of Matlosana producing 198 megawatts of electricity. The construction is earmarked for a maximum of 90 days per 100 megawatts. This latest development, is part of the continuing efforts to ensure support and interventions in municipalities and will go a long way in resolving electricity supply challenges,” he said.

Maloyi further said challenges facing municipalities, include electricity supply challenges as a result of aging infrastructure faults, vandalism of transformers and load-shedding impact on infrastructure and water supply leading to a collapse in service provision. 

He added that, with the new power stations, they should resolve these problems. Maloyi said municipalities such as City of Matlosana and JB Marks, are also to insource road maintenance and pothole patching on an ongoing basis as a municipal function undertaken by municipal employees. 

“This initiative will be emulated in other municipalities across the province. Furthermore, there is an on-going effort to provide dedicated support to all municipalities to improve financial management through the implementation and monitoring of the Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs).

“The Executive Council has approved the appointment and deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) to implement financial recovery plans for identified municipalities, under the joint coordination of Provincial Treasury and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA),” said Maloyi.

He said progress has been registered by the intervention team deployed to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, however, it is not significant enough to reverse the extent of the governance collapse in the municipal administration. 

“The Ditsobotla Local Municipality requires constant and sustained support and intervention from Provincial Government before full recovery can be declared. 

“EXCO has deployed a team of experts and other seconded officials to the municipality to assist with capacity we remaining hopeful that we will make the municipality to function better,” said Maloyi.

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Baagi ba Dryharts ba itumeletse korong morago ga gowa ga terena e tsamaisang dithoto

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Setshwantsho: terena e tsamaisang dithoto e wele kwa Dryharts

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Baagi ba motse wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung, ba re le fa ba lela le setlamo sa puso sa Transnet ka go senyegelwa, fela bone ba itumeletse gore ba bone korong ya mphiwa fela. Seno se tla morago ga gore, terena e tsamaisang dithoto e wele gaufi le motse wa bone mo letsatsing la maabane.

Baagi ba, ba ne ba tswa ka dikgamelo go ya go rwala korong eo, mme ene ya nna seboa-boane sa banyana ba Picong, go fitlhela badiri ba setlamo sa Transnet ba goroga kwa lefelong la kotsi. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe sebakwa sa kotsi, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.

Mongwe wa baagi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe wa tlhalosa: “Nnyaa, tota rona morago ga go utlwa gore terena ya dithoto e wele, mme korong e gasame mo fatshe, rene ra itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Mme ke nnete re fitlhetse gontse fela jalo. Jaanong go goroga ga rona, ga ra botsa le gore go diragetseng, mme ra tlatsa dikganelo ka korong.

“Re maswabi gore re be re tseile korong ya setlamo sa Transnet, fela botlhoka-tiro bo ile kwa godimo. Gape, re tlhasetswe ke bohuma, jaanong re tla dika re rekisitse korong, mme ka letsenonyana leo motho o tla bona gore o reka eng.”

O mongwe wa baagi are ene o utlwile modumo o makatsang, mme ene ya re fa a latlhela bofofu kwa modumo o tswang teng, one a bona tlhogo ya terena e kalakatlega e le nosi, mme mmele wa yone o wele.

“Tota ga ke itse gore kotsi e, e ka tswa e bakilwe ke eng. Fela ke belaela go nnile le bothata fa seporong. Ke belaela ka gongwe sene se kgaotswe, gonne modumo o ne o utlwala kgakajana.

“Jaanong, baagi ba ile ba goroga le go itseela korong e eneng e tshologa go tswa mo tereneng e tsamaisang dithoto. Sepodisi se ile sa bidiwa ga mmogo le ba ditirelo tsa potlako. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa terena e, a iponetse dikgobalo tse di botlhotshwana ga mmogo le mothusi wa gagwe. Ba ne ba rwalelwa kwa bookelo kwa Vryburg go bona thuso ya potlako,” monna o wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, ga se a boele go Taung DailyNews ka dintlha ka botlalo.

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A driver nabbed for being in possession of unwrought gold

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Picture: A vehicle allegedly confiscated by police at the border/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A driver (42) has been arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen unprocessed gold Vioolsdrift Border on 20 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien said, a vigilance of members at the Vioolsdrift Border post resulted in the apprehension of a man and the confiscation of a suspected stolen vehicle, including unwrought gold.

Gamieldien said during routine duties at the Vioolsdrift Boarder post between RSA and Namibia, the police searched and screened a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie leaving RSA and enroute to Namibia. She said upon screening the vehicle, the police discovered that the driver presented fraudulent documents.

“After searching the bakkie, they found unprocessed gold with an estimated value of R9 500. The confiscated vehicle is valued at R1,1 million. The suspect was charged with possession of suspected stolen vehicle and fraud.

“An enquiry has been registered in relation of the unprocessed gold. The suspect will soon appear in the Springbok Magistrates Court,” said Gamieldien.

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A man nabbed with copper cable worth R2000

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Picture: A man allegedly arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cable/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (39) has been arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cable. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said the police in Springbok were conducting a roadblock on the N7, when they recovered a significant amount of copper cable.

She said the copper cable recovered weighed 14,03kg with an estimated value of R2 050 was confiscated. Ehlers said also a total of 139 vehicles and 182 persons were searched during the roadblock.

“The police issued a stern warning that the theft of copper cables and the damage to essential infrastructure will not be tolerated,” she said.

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Rural Safety Work session conducted in Kimberley

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Picture: The Rural Safety Work session in Kimberley/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape police held a Rural Safety Work session at the Kimberly SAPS Gymnasium in Kimberley on Tuesday. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, the session was attended by representatives from the Provincial Pro-Active Policing, Station Commanders from JTG, Frances Baard and Pixley Ka Seme Districts, Kimberly VCIU, Stock theft and Endangered Specied units.

He said this includes representatives from National Visible Policing and Operations (rural safety and stock theft prevention, Northern Cape Agri representative, Mr Joe Scholztz, Petrus Sitho from National Rural Safety Task Team and Stop Farm Murder and Morgad Sesloka from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

“In her welcoming address, the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Brig Irene Kopeledi reiterated the importance of addressing Rural Safety as a collective because it is impossible for the SAPS to fight crime alone without the external role players.

“Brig Charmine Muller from the National office when outlining the purpose of the work session, mentioned that the Minister of Police instructed the SAPS National Commissioner to come up with the National Police Action plan and hence Rural Safety strategy was drafted,” said Letsapa.

He further said Muller informed the delegates that Rural safety is all about safety of farm dwellers, farm workers and their mutual cooperation with the SAPS as well as the importance of implementing the Rural Safety strategy by all parties and roleplayers.

Letsapa added that, the police were capacitated with more knowledge as to how to deal with stock l-theft related cases and the rights of the farming communities such as land rights, grazing rights, burial rights and basic rights.

Meanwhile, Captain Gibson Manong from Kimberly VCIU encouraged Station Commanders to ensure that, safe storage of the exhibits in SAPS 13 is taken care of. Manong said vehicles booked in as exhibits.

“In conclusion, Muller indicated that farming communities are the eyes and ears of the police in fighting crime, hence there must be mutual understanding and cooperation between the SAPS and them,” he said.

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Banyana arrive in Tanzania ahead of crunch Olympic qualifier 

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players

By SAFA

Banyana Banyana arrived in Tanzania on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the crunch Third Round Olympic qualifier against the East African country on Friday (23 February 2024).

With all eyes set on the Paris Olympic Games later this year, there will be a lot at stake and the away leg against Tanzania will be crucial to amplify the South African senior women’s team’s confidence ahead of return leg at home. Midfielder Thalea Smidt, who makes her return to the Sasol-sponsored team after having last featured in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, said the players want to play in the Olympic Games.

“I would say the Olympics are on every player’s list and it’s important to focus on this first leg game against Tanzania,” said Smidt.

“Everyone has been working hard, the intensity has been high and we know what is expected from us.”

The overseas-based Jermaine Seoposenwe, Linda Motlhalo and Noko Matlou joined up with the team on Tuesday, while Hildah Magaia is expected to join the Banyana Banyana camp on Wednesday. 

Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges had a light gym session soon after arrival and will have the first official training session in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday morning. 

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