A man (55) was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for rape. The accused raped his granddaughter (15).
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the victim was staying with her grandparents. Masegela said during the night of 13 August 2023, she was at home and went to use the toilet around 00:30 when her grandfather raped her.
“The victim reported the incident to her grandmother the next morning and reported it to the police. The accused was arrested the same day and charged with rape. He was denied bail and remained in custody during the period of trial,” said Masegela.
Meanwhile, Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Otola welcomed the sentence and applauded the investigating officer on the case, Sergeant Lucky Malepe, for the meticulous investigation, which resulted in the victim feeling safe again.
A man was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Hopetown District Court for contravention of the protection order issued against him. A protection order was issued against Warren Vivian George (33) following a dispute against his grandmother (80).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said George contravened the conditions set out by the court in a domestic violence protection order reported by the victim.
“On 10 March 2024, the accused assaulted and insulted his grandmother, who was in possession of a protection order against him.
“The court found the accused guilty as charged and imposed three years prison sentence for contravention of a protection order and also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Katlego Chabagae for ensuring that the terms of a protection order are respected and perpetrators of elderly care rights are brought to book.
Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1. Mokgoro, who was an esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said in recognition of Mokgoro’s distinguished career and contribution to the nation, Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
“The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country from 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 23 May 2024.
“Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course. Mokgoro was one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994. She was also the first black woman judge of the apex court,” he said.
Magwenya further said during Mokgoro’s legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He added that she was a member of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association.
“In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” said Magwenya.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape said Mokgoro’s partner, David Mmelesi might face charges of culpable homicide. This comes after she was horribly injured in a car accident near Warrenton in Northern Cape last year.
This forced her to withdraw from any public engagement to focus on her recovery. However, she passed away recently and Mmelesi, who was allegedly the driver during a car crash, was charged for reckless and negligent driving.
Mmelesi is currently out on warning.
The NPA spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “He is criminally charged and facing one count of reckless and negligent driving. There is a possibility of amending his charges to culpable homicide following the death of the judge.
“The accused will be back in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on 30 May 2024. Mmelesi briefly appeared on a J175 and is currently on warning.”
Picture: Police conducting search during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The police in Northern Cape said the ongoing Operation Shanela, which is a high density operation, was executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly apprehended 266 criminals.
Ehlers said 100 out of 266 suspects were wanted for evading the police. She further said the suspects were wanted in connection with murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.
“Other arrests include possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.
“Roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 7 429 persons and 3 276 vehicles were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were also conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets,” said Ehlers.
She added that this resulted in the closure of four unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said in an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.
“Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cable. Several awareness campaigns and community interactions were led in the province to address priority crimes.
“Police in Frances Baard District, visited areas such as Greenpoint, Pampierstad, Galeshewe, and Roodepan, were visited to promote mental health and child safety. The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, engaged with the communities in Tsineng and Kathu, where bullying was addressed at schools, as well as awareness pertaining to the prevention of robberies.
She said schools were visited in Rietfontein, which falls under the ZF Mgcawu District, in support of the Women Against Crime campaign.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all commanders, members and relevant stakeholders, who contributed towards the successes achieved, as well the communities for their cooperation.
Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.
“The Rate Our Service online survey can be used by scanning the QR code to comment on the services provided by the SAPS in the Northern Cape,” she said.
A primary school teacher (47) in Leeudoring, near Wolmaranstad, was arrested for allegedly raping siblings aged 12 and 14. This comes after the principal and mother of the two learners registered cases at the Wolmarastad Police Station on Tuesday.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the incident took place in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad. Funani said the suspect allegedly would ask the two minors to help him carry books or go and fetch something at his office, where he performed sexual acts.
“He was arrested at the school on 16 May 2024. The teacher was remanded in custody until 21 May 2024, for formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said it is sad that the victims were allegedly abused by someone, who was supposed to protect them.
Pictures: Criminal allegedly hijacking a vehicle/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape said it has noted with concern that perpetrators allegedly threaten victims with realistic looking toy firearms. The police urge community members to adhere to precautions to ensure personal safety.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said individuals must always be vigilant and stay alert. She further said they should always stay with a group when possible.
Enhlers added that if there is a fight or argument, people should stay out of it and get help.
“When traveling by vehicle, lock all doors and close windows, especially at night. Tuck shops and small businesses must adhere to operating times and not remain open until late at night.
“Do not transport valuable items in your vehicle. Also, avoid unlit and secluded intersections, when traveling at night or early morning. Do not slow down or stop your vehicle when approached by strangers and always check, if you are not being followed,” she said.
Enhlers said people should check their streets when approaching their homes. She said they should also be aware when parking their vehicles.
“Keep alert when entering your vehicle and have your vehicle key ready. Try to remain calm at all times,” said Enhlers.
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 29 May 2024, the country will hold elections for national and provincial government. He said many of them remember the historic Election Day in 1994, when they voted for the very first time for a democratic government of their choice.
“We all remember how we felt as we stood in long queues patiently waiting to cast our vote for a government of our choice. As we cast our votes, we were mindful of the weight of history.
“We were mindful of the fact that so many people had struggled and sacrificed for this right to vote and many had lost their lives in the cause of freedom. The right to vote has been the cornerstone of our democratic order and is enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” he said.
Ramaphosa further as the people cast their ballot, firstly through special vote on 27 and 28 May 2024, and many of them on 29 May 2024, they will be demonstrating their faith in the democratic order. He added that, by placing their crosses on the ballot papers, they will be executing a responsibility that history has placed on their shoulders.
“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourself the direction that our country should take and determining the path that we should follow to get there. By voting, you are taking responsibility for your future and the future of your community.
“Your vote is important and it counts. As the election campaigns have unfolded, we have shown that we are a diverse, tolerant, and free society where different views can be heard and are respected. Let us continue in this way and all work together to ensure that we have an election that is free, fair, and peaceful. I call upon you to go and vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Co-Chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said: “We are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.
“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.”
Mosikili said while measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of them. She said it is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home.
Picture: The slain nurse, Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare/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, will resume today at the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp. Bongane Gregory Shebi is facing a charge of murder and robbery after he allegedly killed Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare in cold-blood at her rented home in Ipeleng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on 12 October 2022.
The then National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her landlord on 13 October 2022, with her throat cut open.
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 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 the pre-trial conference, the state and the defence attorney confirmed that consultations were completed and all the necessary documents were provided by the state,” said Mamothame.
Picture: The acting National Assembly speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli/Google
By REGINALD KANYANE
In his last major public engagement in his constituency in the Free State Province before retiring from parliament after 25 years as a parliamentarian, the acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli, relaunched his newly relocated Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) in Botshabelo Township.
Tsenoli said the PCO has recently been relocated to a more publicly accessible address at the Reahola Shopping Centre in Botshabelo, to better address the service delivery needs of that community. He further said the PCOs are crucial resources that provide a platform for Members of Parliament (MPs) as public representatives to avail themselves to the public and provide feedback on the work of parliament.
The relaunch, which is part of parliament’s outreach programme to communities that need developmental interventions to improve the quality of their lives, was attended by, among others, community members, ward councillors, representatives from the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), and Community Development Workers.
Tsenoli said: “The relaunch of the PCO represents the opening of a new chapter to improve these offices and their value to communities. The relocation of the office was aimed at ensuring improved access and impacting the lives of the people in the area.
“We have come to a place situated right in the middle of where people are. This is a busy complex and, therefore, convenient for a PCO that often serves as an adviser, providing communities with a variety of information concerning challenges they encounter.”
He said PCOs, among others, are critical in strengthening the oversight role of Parliament over the Executive through interacting with citizens and ensuring ongoing engagement with the public on issues affecting them. Tsenoli said the office will be instrumental in building partnerships with communities in the law-making processes and will be fully resourced to work for the benefit of the communities.
“PCOs are also among the crucial mechanisms of parliament to ensure it realises its vision as an activist and responsive People’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures enduring equality in our society.
“The office will also be key in improving cooperation with local government representatives and ensuring local officials are responsive to the needs and questions raised by the community,” he said.
Tsenoli said they request that councillors and government departments respect officials from these offices when they come looking for information because they will be asking in the interest of the people.
Tsenoli said during the 6th parliamentary term, the Botshabelo PCO bagged several successes, including a donation of 100 wheelchairs to people living with disabilities in the area. He said another success was informative feedback to locals through circulating a monthly newsletter to report on progress on service delivery issues raised by community members who visited the office.
“Parliament has embarked on a programme of reimagining, remodelling, and repurposing PCOs as strategic points to build partnerships with communities. These PCOs enable Members of Parliament to engage people in unmediated dialogue on their concerns and aspirations.
“The launch of the Botshabelo PCO was part of the ongoing implementation plan undertaken by the 6th parliament. In terms of the constitution, Sections 59 and 72, parliament has a duty to promote public access and meaningful participation in parliamentary processes and activities to strengthen South Africa’s participatory democracy and help accelerate the development of the people,” said Tsenoli.
Meanwhile, also present at the launch was the local councillor, Dikololo Matshepe, who welcomed the relocation of the PCO and appreciated the role the office will play – through its proximity to the public – in strengthening the relationship between the people and parliament.
Members of the public can visit Parliament’s website at www.parliament.gov.za for more information about the work of Parliament and PCOs in their respective areas.
Picture: Some of stolen items confiscated by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Two suspects aged 25 and 28, were arrested for burglary residential and business burglary, respectively. This comes after employees at a local coffee shop in Prieska allegedly reported for work on 16 May 2024, and noticed that the cash register and money had been stolen.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, upon further inspection, they allegedly found that a window had been broken.
“On 17 May 2024, the members from the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit, embarked on a tracing operation. Both suspects were traced and arrested, and the stolen goods were recovered.
“In a separate incident, the complainant allegedly returned home after leaving his home locked and secure. He allegedly discovered that the door had been forced open and several items were missing, including a flat screen television, laptop, and groceries,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their swift action and continued efforts towards policing property related crimes.
The Guardian 