Monthly Archives: July 2024

A man assaulted his girlfriend after refusing to marry him 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (24) was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for malicious damage to property and assault GBH. Edward Emmauel Gideon Mastas went on a rampage  on 3 November  2021, when he accompanied  a victim (45) to town. Mastas bullied her to go sign and marry him at the Department of Home Affairs.  

The victim refused and the accused strangled her.  The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim escaped the ordeal and went home to Roodepan, where she met up with her daughter and her aunt (51).

“The accused arrived at the victim’s place of residence with the intention to collect his clothes. The accused was afforded entry into the house. Once the accused was inside the house, he went on a rampage by taking a knife in the kitchen and stabbing the aunt several times with the knife.

“He then broke the shanty windows and burned the victim’s clothes. The police attended the complaint and arrested the accused, who was hiding underneath the bed. On 5 November 2021, the accused appeared in court and was sent for 30-day psychiatric evaluations,” he said. 

Shemane further said Mastas was found to be fit to stand trial. He added that the Northern Cape Police Management applauded Detective Constable Noma Senye of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough and meticulous investigation. 

“The police encourage the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to take safety tips into consideration when experiencing domestic violence. They should avoid confrontations in rooms with only one exit. 

“Avoid rooms that contain many potential weapons such as kitchens. They should always carry a list of emergency numbers. Make sure that family members and friends are in possession of a copy of the protection order and warrant of arrest,” said Shemane. 

He said they should also keep money in a safe place for taxi or bus fare in case of an emergency. Shemane said they were also advised to keep an extra set of keys for the house or car. 

“The victim must have a set of clothes for the children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place. For example, at the neighbour’s house. Victim advised to leave when the partner is not around if they are planning to. 

“They should take the children with them and must make sure they are in possession of all essential documents such as the identification documents, medical cards, savings and credit cards,” he said. 

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A man sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping his ex-girlfriend

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (41) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Kuruman Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend (39). On 27 July 2023, the victim ended her relationship with the accused, Moses Leck Leier and obtained a protection order against him.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Leier went to the home of the victim and threatened to beat her with a chain. Ehlers said he then forced her to his house in Wrenchville, where he raped her. 

“The victim reported the incident to the police and Leier was arrested the next day. The accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape of which five years of the sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the period of suspension. 

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Keitshwaretswe Tshikedi from the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit,” she said. 

Ehlers said Tshikedi’s hard work and thorough investigation secured the conviction and sentence. 

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Two suspects arrested for ‘stealing’ school tablets

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Picture: Samsung tablets stolen in school/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two suspects aged 23 and 24 were arrested for possession of stolen property in Mothibistad on 12 July 2024. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding a burglary that allegedly took place at a primary school.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police confiscated 12 Samsung tablets presumably stolen at the school. Shemane said the suspects are expected to appear in Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.

“Communities are encouraged to blow the whistle on stolen goods and report suspicious individuals,” he said.

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A son sentenced to 12 months in jail for contravention of protection order 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A son (27) was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by ther Kuruman Regional Court for contravention of protection order. On 7 November 2023, a son who was staying in the same yard with his mother (58), at Promiseland, near Wrenchville, went to knock on her door. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the complainant did not want to open the door. Shemane said, however, her son started swearing at her. 

“The same day, the accused came back and forcefully opened the door of the house. The complainant had her handbag next to her on the sofa containing R600. Later on, the complainant realized that her bag was missing. She went to her son’s shanty after seeing him walking towards the gate. 

“The mother asked him where her handbag was. The accused told her to look for it in his shanty. The complainant found that R200 was missing from her handbag. The complainant, who had a protection order against her son, went to the police station to open a case,” he said. 

Shemane further said the Kuruman Regional Court convicted and sentenced the accused to 12 months imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the SAPS management applauded Detective Sergeant Jamine Melissa Armstrong of Kuruman Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her dedication that led to the conviction and sentencing of the accused. 

“The police in the province will continue to support and protect older persons, promote and advance their rights in our areas of influence,” he said.

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Delays on hospital refurbishment project a concerns 

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Picture: Gelukspan District Hospital under refurbishment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari visited the Gelukspan District Hospital to get first hand updates and evidence of the refurbishment project progress. The visit was part of Lehari’s Re Bona ka Matlho Programme, which is about visiting hospitals and clinics to get first-hand information.

The visit to Gelukspan Hospital follows a negative media report and complaints from locals over the alleged slow provision of health-care services in the area. Lehari and the management of the hospital, discussed an array of issues including the delay in the completion of the building of a theatre at the hospital.

“The project entails additions and upgrades with the scope covering upgrades to the theatre, mortuary, kitchen and laundry, as well as construction of a new MDR-TB ward. 

“It was awarded to a joint venture between Mpfumelelo Business Enterprise and Kolwana Holdings in early 2022, while the site was handed over in August 2022. We discussed challenges encountered during the first stages of project implementation,” he said. 

Lehari further said the project managers highlighted that the contractor did not perform nor provide resources as was required per the contract from the outset. He added that subsequently, the contractor was issued with four default notices between September and December 2022. 

“A recommendation to terminate the contract was prepared in mid-December 2022. However, in early January 2023, the contractor issued a default notice for late payment to the department and subsequently self-terminated the contract based on the same reason.

“The contract managers further ascertained that the payment in question was not late, but could not immediately be processed as additional information and supporting documents were requested from the contractor, which was timeously communicated to them,” said Lehari.

He said due to the limited progress the termination was not challenged. Lehari said the progress made by the time of termination is that the contractor demolished the existing theatre and mortuary, started on the ground preparing for the new kitchen and started on foundation trenches for a new MDR-TB ward.

“The project was then advertised with the scope that entails the same work as for the first project, excluding the work executed by the first contractor. The bid was awarded to a joint venture between Rembu Construction and Peregrine Multiservice in March 2024. 

“The handover of the site was done on 27 June 2024. We demand a commitment from everyone that the project be finished within the agreed time frame. I see progress here,” he said.

Lehari said they must improve in monitoring projects. He said they should also strive to deliver without delays going forward. 

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Morweng calls on law enforcement personnel to do their job diligently

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng called on all law enforcement agencies in the province to stamp authority in the fight against any form of criminality on the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC).

In his address to the hundreds of law enforcement officers prior to the four hour Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee (TKCNC) domestic operation in Rustenburg, Morweng said the objectives of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), are geared towards improving trade relations between the three member states and are also in line with the department’s mandate of providing protection to the communities.

During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. Amongst them, there was a woman who was arrested immediately on Morweng’s arrival at the operation prior to his address to law enforcement officers.

“Make sure that you deal with any kind of lawlessness that might emerge. It is in our quest to provide stable communities because it is incumbent upon us as government to make sure that there’s relative stability and that will be possible if you carry out your duties with diligence.

“Make sure that all those who are on the wrong side of the law are brought to book without thinking twice.

“We have also arrested ten foreign nationals during the vehicle stop and search exercise. A total number of 500 vehicles were searched,” he said.

Morweng further said the Home Affairs Immigration officers have initiated processes of identifying the nationalities of the said individuals and proper procedures will be undertaken. He added that as part of the operation, two stolen vehicles were recovered by the Gauteng NaTIS, 72 vehicles inspected and charged for various vehicle and driver defaults by both Provincial and Municipal Traffic officers.

“Thirty trucks were inspected and one issued with a fine by the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) for failing to complete consignment note, while the Rustenburg Fire Department charged three trucks for transporting dangerous goods without adequate protocols.

“The Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee Operation was held to promote compliance with law enforcement, promote safety and security and increase law enforcement visibility on the corridor and further to enforce laws and regulations intended to improve traffic safety and enforce related laws to transport, including weight limits and response rules to transportation of dangerous goods,’ said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the Trans Kalahari Corridor is a tripartite trans-boundary Corridor Management Institution that was established with a political and economic vision to pursue or contribute towards deeper regional integration programs of The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD.)

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More than 19 suspects arrested for illegal mining 

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Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during the raids/ Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

More than 19 illegal and undocumented suspects were arrested for trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act. The suspects were arrested by the multi-disciplinary operation team during Operation Vala Umgodi. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the team consists of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services in the Frances Baard District, was patrolling the Greenpoint and Colville mining dumps and arrested seven undocumented foreign nationals from Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia and 1 South African citizen for illegal mining.

“The focus of the operations was to trace illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining in the Northern Cape. In the Koiingnas mining area in Namakwa District, the team executed a cordon and search operation and detained 11 Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals for trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“The suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the immigration officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation. The police collaborative patrol operations continue in hotspot areas in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said. 

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Two nabbed for dealing in dagga

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Picture: Some of the dagga confiscated by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

Two suspects aged 21 and 40 were arrested for dealing in dagga in Kakamas on 11 July 2024. This comes after the members of Upington Public Order Policing (POP), were conducting high density patrols in Kakamas during which they conducted cordon and search operation at two premises. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphime Masegela said during the search at the identified house, they found dagga to the estimated value of R98 750. Masegela said they continued with the operation in the area, where they conducted another search and seizure operation at the second identified house and confiscated dagga amounting to R36 000 and undisclosed amount of cash. 

“The suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The police in the ZFM District are determined to stamp the authority of the state by fighting towards creating a drug free society. 

“This includes reducing possibilities of young people falling trap of drugs through continuous search and seizure operations, as well as visible patrols in hot spot areas,” she said.

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North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng meets with bus commuter operators

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng with bus operators/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with commuter bus operators in the province as part of a meet and greet with department’s stakeholders in Rustenburg. Morweng is set to understand the operational jurisdictions of the appointed commuter bus operators in the province.

He further appreciated the level of service that the operators have committed to deliver to the communities. Morweng added that it is important for the department to establish and strengthen working relations with bus commuter operators to ensure that all people in the province are well serviced.

“My main interest is the level of service to our communities because I report to them. We will have to work hand in glove to assist one another to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. I’m very close to the community and whenever I receive any complain from your service, I will just pickup a phone and we must be able to resolve,” said Morweng.

He said the department is currently working with Bojanala Bus Service, Atamelang and Thari Bus Services.

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Four men nabbed for possession of gold-bearing materials and illegal firearm    

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Four suspects were arrested for possession of gold bearing material in Tlhatlaganyane. The suspects were arrested separately during integrated Operation Vala Umgodi on 6 and 8 July 2024 in Tlhatlaganyane village and Rustenburg respectively.

Two of the four suspects were nabbed in Tlhatlaganyane for possession of gold bearing material. Biology Maphorisa (33) and Ishmael Dube (20), who are both Zimbabwean foreign nationals, briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were remanded in custody until 16 July 2024, for bail application. Mokgwabone said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter.

“In another incident, Galenkwane Ralenkwane (35) was found guilty for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002, on appearance in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2024. Ralenkwane, who is from Lesotho, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment or pay R1500 fine.

“Chistopher Lentswe (41) briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following his arrest on 7 July 2024. Lentswe was remanded in custody until 16 July 2024, for bail application,” he said. 

Mokgwabone said the accused is further linked with a case of robbery committed in Rustenburg in May 2024. He added that during the operations, the police seized illegal mining equipment such as motors, generators, spades and extension cords.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit activities. 

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