Monthly Archives: June 2024

Ten men arrested for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002

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Picture: Ten accused arrested for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002

By OBAKENG MAJE

Ten accused who were arrested during the Operation Vala Umgodi in Hartbeespoort Dam, were remanded in custody until 18 and 20 June 2024, for interpreters respectively. The accused appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s on 11 June 2024, for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested during the operation conducted between 9 and 10 June 2024. Funani said the suspects included Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals. 

“The police seized illegal mining equipment that included a phenduka machine and motor, chains and hammers. In Mogwase, nine suspects who appeared in court for Contravention of the Immigration Act 2002 and illicit mining on 10 June 2024, were all remanded in custody until 19 June 2024.  

“The suspects were arrested in Tlhatlaganyane village on 6 June 2024, and they comprised six Lesotho and two Zimbabwe foreign nationals, as well as a South African. During the arrest, the police confiscated a tipper truck, generators, hammers, jack hammers, water pumps and many other equipment,” she said. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (21) has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mmabatho Regional Court after he raped a girl (4). On 25 September 2019, the child was walking together with her two siblings aged 6 and 7, coming from the shop when they met the accused. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the latter grabbed the girl and walked to the nearby bushes and raped her. Funani said the accused then ran away after the incident. 

“The neighbours heard the minor crying and called the mother. She was informed that her daughter was raped. The victim was transported to the local hospital, where a rape was confirmed.

“Following investigations, the accused was traced and the child managed to identify him as the man who raped her. On 25 September 2019, the man was arrested. It was established that the accused was on parole when he committed the crime,” she said. 

Funani further said on sentencing the accused, the court also ordered that his name be added in the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Ouma Enocencia Mokgobinyane as well as the prosecutor, Advocate Ben Diseko and all other role players for their concerted efforts that resulted in the maximum sentence.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (30) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vryburg Regional Court for rape. Tiroyaone Gwai raped a woman (31) on 7 December 2020. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said a woman was about to sleep at her residence in Ganyesa, outside Vryburg, when she heard a knock at the door. Funani said on realising that the woman was not responding, Gwai called her by her nickname and she recognised the voice. 

“Although Gwai was told to leave, he broke the window and gained entrance into the house. He then assaulted and strangled the woman before raping her three times. The victim called the police after the accused fell asleep next to her,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the life sentence handed down to the accused by the Vryburg Regional Court. 

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Bafana beat Zimbabwe at a boisterous Free State Stadium

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players in celebratory mood/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Bafana Bafana rewarded the thousands of fans, who descended on Free State Stadium with a top-class performance as they beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in a pulsating 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. 

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ charges signaled their intentions very early in the game when Iqraam Rayners scored the opening goal of the match inside the first minute. 

Free State Stadium erupted into pandemonium as the fans celebrated the home team’s dream start to the game. But Zimbabwe responded a minute later when Tawanda Chirewa scored the equaliser to momentarily put a damper on the celebrations. 

The home side went in search of the goal that would have restored their lead, but could not find the breakthrough they needed. The two teams went into the break still deadlocked at 1-1.

The South African senior men’s team returned with more purpose in the second period and substitute Thapelo Morena regained the lead with his strike in the 55th minute. Morena put the game beyond the visitors when he scored his second of the night and the third for Bafana Bafana when he scored in the 76th minute.

The Bloemfontein fans delivered a memorable night from the stands for the Bafana Bafana players and technical staff as they sang their lungs out, cheered the team and gave fervent support from the stands.

The South Africans are now second in qualifying FIFA World Group C with seven points. They are level on points with group leaders Rwanda due to goal difference.

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Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs seized by the police during raids/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A Nigerian man (35) was arrested for dealing in drugs. Those comes after the Marydale SAPS Visible Policing unit followed up on a tip-off and pounced on an unsuspecting Nigerian National with drugs amounting to approximately R10 200.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the house in Marydale, was raided and the police confiscated the Mandrax and Crystal Meth.

“The police also executed raids at two separate houses in Marydale, where they confiscated buckets containing home-brewed concoction.

“Both women aged 38 and 46, who are homeowners, were issued with R400 fines for illegal manufacturing and selling of liquor without a license,” he said.

Kock further said the suspect is expected to appear in court soon. He added that the investigation continues.

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North Premier elect to be sworn-in on Friday

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The swearing-in ceremony of the North West Premier elect will be presided over by the North West Division, Judge President Ronald Hendricks on 14 June 2024 at Garona Building, Mahikeng.

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the swearing-in of the Premier elect will be followed by the handing over of the North West Provincial Government’s 6th administration report by the former acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to the new Premier, who will thereafter deliver the inaugural speech.

“The details for the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Garona Building, Finance Boardroom, Ground Floor, North Wing on 14 June 2024, at 2pm,” he said.

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A woman nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen property of the deceased

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A woman (34) has been arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after four suspects allegedly entered a farm, outside Swartruggens 11 June 2024 and killed a woman (60), who was alone in the house.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said victim’s husband (70)was also accosted by the suspect upon arrival. Funani said they allegedly took him to the main house, which they ransacked and loaded household items onto two bakkies.

“They then kidnapped the husband, put him in one of the bakkies and left the place. The household items were taken to a shack belonging to woman at an Informal Settlement, outside Swartruggens.

“The victim managed to escape by jumping out of the moving vehicle, then fled and alerted nearby farmers, who contacted the police. Subsequent to investigation, the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 12 June 2024, after being found in possession of suspected stolen items,” she said.

Funani said the suspect is expected to appear before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on14 June 2024. She said the search for four other suspects is still underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, instructed the investigation team not to leave any stone unturned to ensure that the four suspects are arrested. Kwena also congratulated the police for the swift response that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen property.

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Breaking News: Two police officers nabbed for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition

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Picture: One of the police officers nabbed for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two police officers were arrested for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and Highway Patrol, led to the arrest of two police Sergeants based at Petrusville Police Station for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition.

“Both suspects are expected to appear before Phillipstown Magistrate’s Court on 13 June 2024,” said Mnisi.

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The Hawks secure a forfeiture order to the value of R349 000

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation in collaboration with Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) successfully secured a forfeiture order to the total value of R349 090 against Agrieneth Mdluli (42) on 23 May 2024.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the forfeiture order was granted by the North West High Court in Mahikeng.

She said the reports revealed that in June 2021, the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Team, received a tip-off regarding Lesotho nationals who were busy refining unwrought gold at an identified address in Khuma Township, in Stilfontein.

“The information was operationalised and seven suspects were arrested. During the arrest, gold bearing material, four gold nuggets, medicine as well as mining equipment to the total value of R349 090 were seized,” said Malwetse.

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A police procurement corruption case against fifteen accused postponed

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Picture: Some of the 15 accused in police procurement corruption case/TimesLive

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge has postponed the case against Kishene Chetty and 15 of his co-accused to 1 August 2024, for them to provide instructions to their legal representatives. Other 11 accused in the same matter, are expected back in court on 4 July 2024, to confirm the completion of their applications for legal aid.

The Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the bail was extended to 24 of the accused, while a warning was issued to one accused who is out on a warning, to return to court on the two court sittings.

“The accused are facing charges of fraud, corruption, forgery and theft relating to payments of legal fees to a firm of attorneys to benefit those who were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). At the time, they were arrested for a separate corruption case that is sitting at the Pretoria High Court.

“The accused are set to appear in court on 14 June 2024. Proceeds of unlawfully awarded PPE contracts valued at approximately R8m to companies linked to Chetty, were allegedly used to pay for the gratifications,” he said.

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