Four suspects were arrested for dealing in rhino horn. Raher Mahomed (27), Joao Seven (39), Abraham Khoza (49) and Usuf Mikilo (51) were arrested in Rustenburg on 15 March 2024, following a sting operation.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col Tinyiko Mathebula said, the police received a tip-off regarding four suspects, who were reportedly planning to sell a rhino horn for R65 000. Mathebula further said the information was operationalised and the police pounced on the suspects soon after making a transaction.
He added that they have been charged with dealing in rhino horn under National Environmental Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
“All four suspects briefly appeared in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 20 March 2024 for bail application,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the North West Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrest and lauded the members’ swift action on the information received.
South Africa’s chances of a semi-final place at the ongoing COSAFA Beach Soccer championship are still alive after they beat islanders Seychelles 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the South Beach Arena in Durban.
In an entertaining match, Seychelles opened the scoring in the first period through Stephen Lajolie but the hosts found the equaliser in the second period with a blistering long-range shot from Ntutuko “Phoyisa” Mbutho.
However, Seychelles took the lead again before the end of the second period.
South Africa fought hard to find the equaliser in the last period with a goal from Siyabonga Mkhize, which saw South Beach Arena erupt into a frenzy as the crowd sensed something special.
Abongile Gcuda responded to the crowd’s expectations when he scored the winning goal for South Africa which ensured three points. Siyabonga Mkhize was awarded Man of the Match award for his influential role in Monday’s crucial win.
The hosts face Saudi Arabia in their final group match on Wednesday at 14h30.
The police in Moeka Vuma request the community’s assistance in locating Masego Moremi,28, who is residing at Zone 3, Moeka village, near Temba. Moremi was last seen on 13 March 2024 at around 7:30am by her mother at their home.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said she took her child to preparatory school, but never returned home. Myburgh said a search was conducted around the neighbourhood and the vicinity of Moeka village, without any success.
“Moremi was wearing a blue jean, black T-shirt and a pair of black and white sneakers at the time of her disappearance. She has a slender body structure, is tall, brown in complexion, with a gap between her front teeth.
“Her hair has black and maroon braids. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, Detectives Warrant Officer Matthews Mabokela of Moeka Vuma Detectives on 082 846 117 or your nearest police station,” she said.
Myburgh further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Two Mozambique nationals aged 36 and 33 were arrested for kidnapping and murder. The duo was in Lenasia in Gauteng and Potchefstroom in North West on 16 and 17 March 2024 respectively.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, they were arrested by an investigation and tracing team composed of Ikageng Detectives and Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT).
Mokgwabone said the first suspect aged 36, was arrested in connection with the murder of Nomakephu Thoma (31), who was initially reported missing by a family member on 27 February 2024. He further said, Thoma was taken by her ex-boyfriend, who later sent messages to the family to demand ransom.
“The investigation team pieced information together and through other investigative aids, it traced the first suspect to Lenasia, where he was finally arrested.
“The suspect admitted to being responsible for the victim’s murder and took the police to the scene between Ikageng Extension 7 and Promosa, where the victim’s body was allegedly burnt by a person he hired,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that a further probe into the matter led to the arrest of the second suspect in the early hours of Sunday morning at an informal settlement, commonly known as Hashtags, outside Ikageng Township, in Potchefstroom. He said both suspects are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 19 March 2024.
“The possibility of more charges including Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002, being added cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the team members for their commitment that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. Kwena also pointed out that the arrest will without a doubt send a warning that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a real threat, especially to women and children.
“Those who perpetrate it, will be shown no mercy,” he said.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa nageng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa Taung se shupileng fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore, go bonwe marapo a motho kwa sekgweng se se gaufi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele o kaile fa marapo ao, a bontsha ana le dikgwedi di balwa a ntse a le foo. Are, go ya ka pono ya gagwe ya matlho, dinama di ne di sentse di tshologile, ebile go bontsha fa moswi a ntse a ijewa ke dibatana tsa naga.
“Re bone setlhako se le sengwe, le borogwe jo go bontshang fa ele jwa basadi, fela hempe yone e bontsha ele ya monna. Jaanong ga re itse gore a moswi ke mosadi kgotsa ke monna go fitlha ga jaana.
“Se re se itseng ke gore, ka fa letlhakorile le la rona la Roma, ga ese re utlwe ka mongwe o nyeletse. Jaanong, re nagana gore gongwe motho o, a kane a tswa gologongwe. Ke maswabi thata gore go fitlhelwe marapo a motho, mme go seka ga itsewe gore ke mang,” Maratahelele wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mosedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, marapo ao a tla isiwa go ya go tlhatlhobiwa gore ke a ga mang (DNA analysis).
“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga re itse gore moswi ke mang. Fela, dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The desperate customers outside Eskom office in Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The stranded customers outside Eskom office in Taung said they are disappointed by the treatment they continue to receive from the power utility. This comes after security guards allegedly denied customers access into the office alleging that the management has implemented that policy.
According to Kgakgamatso Motebe from Mocweding village, she visited the office because her meter box was rejecting the token. However, Motebe said, she was disenchanted when she was denied access by the security guards.
“I am so disappointed because the security guards said we are not allowed to enter the premises. Yesterday, I bought a 20-digit token and tried to load electricity, but it was rejected. So, I came here to check what might be the problem.
“I double-checked my 20-digit recharge token, but still the problem persisted. Unfortunately, I could not be assisted because the security guards alleged that there is no one who is available to assist us,” she said.
Motebe further said they asked the security guards, when will the relevant persons be available to assist them, but they said they do not know. She added that there is a serious challenge of communication breakdown at the Eskom office.
Another customer, Zone Tika Kgatlhane from Modimong village, shared the same sentiments. Kgatlhane said it has been two weeks since he is experiencing ‘error codes’ on his meter box.
“I have been coming to this office almost every day. However, my actions were futile as there is no one who is willing to listen to our challenges. I am getting error messages from my meter box and I do not know what to do.
“It’s been two full weeks of staying in the dark because of this. I visited these offices numerous times without getting any assistance. I am flabbergasted how we continue to be ill-treated like this,” he said.
“The only people we can communicate with here are security guards. We cannot get into the office because we are not allowed. I do not refuse to buy electricity, but the meter box is faulty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eskom Customer Relations Manager in North West, Matsheng Ezekiel Baruti said: “The new communication channel method being introduced still stands for customers to embrace. Currently, Eskom is dealing with a shortage of resources in the Taung office, as a result of employee turnover.
“We are working on replacing the employees in order to close the gap. In addition, Eskom will engage the local councillors to coordinate and streamline the escalation process.”
Baruti said, the security guards at the gates are utilised to control influx of people into the offices until the changes are accepted and understood by customers. He said as a result, Eskom deploys service representatives to empower communities on the usage of channels.
“Customers are encouraged to use the Eskom escalation process that is displayed at Eskom entrances in Taung. The security guards are equipped to do their designated job, however, customers hand over forms after filling them, and the customer service agent will collect the forms from security guards,” said Baruti.
Picture: The ivory allegedly discovered at a house in Geelhoutpark, outside Rustenburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (23) was arrested for being in possession of ivory in Geelhoutpark, outside Rustenburg on 15 March 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the suspect was arrested during a crime intelligence-led operation.
“The raid was conducted on Friday afternoon. The police conducted a search at the house and discovered ivory to the estimated value of R50 000.
“The suspect was as a result, arrested for Contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) after failing to give a satisfactory account of the possession,” said Myburgh.
She further said the suspect is expected to appear at Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2024.
A policeman (42) is expected to appear at Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court for corruption. Lucas Sereetsi, who is a Sergeant attached to Bloemhof Detectives, originally appeared in court on 26 January 2024, after being arrested in Vryburg on 25 January 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Seetsi was apprehended after he allegedly took R1000 from a detainee, who was arrested for assault and Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
“Although Sereetsi allegedly took the money for bail purposes, the detainee remained in custody until released on warning by the court. Consequent to that, the accused immediately enquired about the money he paid.
“Seetsi was immediately called to court, but denied the allegations. The matter was then reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (AICU). Subsequent to the investigation, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and a decision was taken to prosecute him,” said Mokgwabone.
He further said Seetsi was ultimately granted R1000 bail.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and thanked members of the ACIU for their continued efforts in the fight against corruption. Kwena also reiterated that unethical employees will not be condoned in the service.
Setshwantsho: Lebenkele le le tseetsweng madi mo Mokgareng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya kgothoso e e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Mokgareng, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa lebenkele le le bediwang kwa ga Motlhatlhwa, le kgothositswe madi a seatleng a sa totobadiwang.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, go begwa fa banna ba ba neng ba tlhometse, ba ile ba itatlhela kwa lebenkele leo, mme ba shupa mong wa lona ka sethunya le go mo laela gore a ba neele madi.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Ga gwa totobadiwa gore madi a tshotsweng ke bokae,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Sejanaga se se tsamaisang borotho
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa Taung se supile fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya kgothoso go tlhometswe. Seno se tla morago ga gore sejanaga se se tsamaisang borotho se kgothusiwe madi a kanang ka R15 000 ka Lamatlhatso.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga seo se se tsamaisang borotho, a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba le babedi ba baneng ba tlhometse, ebile ba rwele dithiba-difatlhego.
Go begwa fa ba ne ba mo shupa ka tlhobolo, mme ba mo pateletsa go emisa sejanaga seo.
“Tiragalo e, e diragala fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga a ne a tsena ka motse wa Mokgareng, le go leba kwa Jan Kempdorp. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi yo, ane a setse a fesitse go tsamaisa marotho.
“Go begwa fa banna ba, ba tshabile ka madi a seatleng a kanang ka R15 000, mme ga se go tshwarwe ope. Go fitlha ga jaana, dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Van Rooyen was tlhalosa.
The Guardian 