A man (23) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for murder. On 1 April 2024, the police received a complaint about a woman, who was stabbed in Bonteheuwel, Carnarvon.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival, they found a woman with a stab wound to her chest. Shemane said Cheredene Vlok was subsequently arrested for the murder of Katrina Susanna Moos (64).
“Detective Warrant Officer Alrick Ford steered the investigation and ensured that the accused was convicted and sentenced,” he said.
Picture: Mosi oa Thunya World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe
By REGINALD KANYANE
The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites. The inscription follows the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India held from the 21 – 31 of July 2024.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said inscribed sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which is a serial property, comprises of 14 components that are located in four provinces and seven municipalities across South Africa are, the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf, Sharpeville (comprising three component parts), Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Mathews House (Comprising two component parts), Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange.
“Collectively, this serial property demonstrates the events and ideas that served as the core of South Africa’s liberation struggle, which continue to inspire humanity and the embrace of reconciliation, a quarter century later.
“The 14 components exemplify strong memories and beliefs in the triumph of human rights, liberation and reconciliation. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee further inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites as recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour,” he said.
Magwenya further said the second South African serial site inscribed is The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa. He added that the sites are located in the Western Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal.
“The three sites are Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay, Western Cape, Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal. The inscription of these two serial properties, increases South Africa’s list of World Heritage Sites to 12.
“The two newly inscribed properties join the Robben Island, Vredefort Dome, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and iSimangaliso Wetland Park,” said Magwenya.
He said this includes the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Cradle of Humankind /Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, Maluti Drakensberg Park and The Khomani Cultural Landscape. Magwenya said the Union Buildings joins global sites like the Kremlin, Kasubi Tombs, Mosi oa Thunya, Taj Mahal, The Vatican and others onto the World Heritage List.
“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, the presidency wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 46th session committee for the honour bestowed to the country, its history and rich legacy.
“The presidency also acknowledges the members of the Africa Group and most importantly, the African World Heritage Fund, which is an intergovernmental organisation created in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO to address challenges faced by the African State Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, specifically the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites,” he said.
Magwenya said the fund is hosted by the Government of South Africa on behalf of the African continent. He said the presidency would like to recognise the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture team that worked tirelessly for months preparing this nomination and the contribution of the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.
“The presidency calls on all South Africans, spheres of Government, management authorities and heritage stakeholders to work in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that these precious treasures of humanity are safeguarded and optimally deployed to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development in communities and further entrench the values of human rights, freedom, peace and reconciliation,” he said.
A man (41) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for house robbery and theft. On 25 April 2023, two elderly citizens, Hendriena Janetta Jacobs (78) and Pieter Daniel Jacobs (80), were attacked, assaulted and robbed in their home at Magrieta Prinsloo street, Carnarvon.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time of the incident, the accused, Martiens Koopman, was wearing a balaclava mask covering his face. Shemane said during the commotion in the house, Pieter Daniel Jacobs struck the accused with a knob-kerrie on the head in an attempt to defend himself.
“The accused fled the scene with valuable items and a cell phone. The victims managed to escape and drove to the hospital to receive medical treatment and alerted the police.
“During the same day, the police received a complaint from a community member about a man, who was selling a cell phone in Bonteheuwel, Carnarvon and swiftly responded. The suspect, who had a wound to his head, was identified and the cell phone reported stolen was found in his possession,” he said.
Shemane further said Koopman was subsequently arrested. He added that the complainant positively identified the cell phone, as well as the other valuable items taken by the accused during the robbery.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members of Carnarvon Visible Policing for their swift response, as well as the community members, who provided the police with valuable information. Otola applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Ashton Seekoei and the Prosecuting team for securing the conviction.
More than 400 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The intensified police operations commenced on 22 until 28 July 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela remains assertive with more boots on the ground for combatting contact crimes, drug dealing, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and squeezing the space for criminals to operate.
Kock said numerous police actions and activities were executed during this period, which included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and tracing operations by detectives.
“During the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, 2621 vehicles and 5457 persons were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, mines as well as farms.
“Numerous patrols were executed at shopping complexes, malls and in hotspots to intensify police visibility with 2661 normal and high visibility patrols executed. Suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle and malicious damage to property,” he said.
Kock further said this includes dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants, as well as Contravention of the Second Hands Goods Act.
He added that detectives in the five districts traced 219 daily wanted suspects, who have been evading the police, while 178 persons were arrested for other serious crimes.
“The police actions also resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal shebeens, as well as livestock and suspected stolen property in hot spot crime areas,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, extended her gratitude and appreciation to the police, the community and all external role players and law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration in the execution of disruptive actions in an effort to prevent and combat crime collectively.
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has condemned the killing of eight people at a tavern in Extension 13, Kanana Township, near Orkney. According to North West police, the suspects arrived at the tavern, looking for Basotho nationals, then randomly fired shots that instantly killed seven people.
One of the several injured patrons succumbed to injuries in hospital. It is alleged that the suspects then took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table.
The Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the suspects further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled from the scene. Kgwele said the civil society-led movement described the brutal attack as a senseless and barbaric act.
He further calls on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous and ghastly act that has sent shivers across the province and nation are behind bars. Kgwele added that those who do not subscribe to peaceful co-existence must be removed from society to ensure that communities are safer.
“We cannot afford a Zama-Zama turf war or a pushback after successful Vala Umgodi operations conducted in the area. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the attack and wish those hospitalised a speedy recovery.
“No one will be safe until the marauding heartless murderers are disarmed and apprehended. We therefore urge our communities to assist police, who have launched a manhunt in pursuit of the murderers in their investigations,” he said.
Kgwele appealed to the communities to unite in action against the cycle of violence prevalent in the area by reclaiming their activism in order to promote and harness collective responsibility among communities within the spirit of Ubuntu. He said no effort must be spared to tackle the tide of violent crime threatening communities in Matlosana.
“The rule of law must be established in order to regain confidence in the criminal justice system,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, the ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific killing of eight individuals at a tavern. This brutal act is an assault on the safety and security of our communities. The actions of the suspects, who not only took lives but also robbed the establishment and patrons, are reprehensible and must be met with swift justice.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The ANC stands in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time.”
Godlimpi said they call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. He said it is imperative that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
Picture: North West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka calls for policies and approaches that make sure that government’s actions are focused on the needs and well-being of communities. Tyobeka said this should be done, while fostering a culture of trust and engagement between the government and its citizens.
He was a keynote speaker at the Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture at the Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng on 24 July 2024. The memorial lecture was organised by the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), where Mahikeng Chapter was also launched.
“Before we seek sustainable solutions that can take our country forward, we have to first discuss what is wrong. We need to look at the importance of the South African Constitution of being service-oriented and growth-driven to achieve the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“The month of July is appropriately designated as ‘moral regeneration month’ as it coincides with the birthday of Nelson Mandela on 18 July. The late president, Dr Nelson Mandela, rightly understood that we can’t transition from apartheid to a new constitutional dispensation without a fundamental moral re-orientation,” said Tyobeka.
He further said that is why he supported former Deputy Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, to form the Moral Regeneration Movement. Tyobeka added that he also emphasised the need for improved accountability and transparency in financial management practices within the province.
“The Auditor General’s consolidated report on the national and provincial audit outcome for 2022/2023, reveals several challenges and shortcomings in financial management within the province. These issues are related to irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and non-compliance with Supply Chain Management processes,” he said.
Tyobeka also emphasised the role of public administration as a catalyst for a developmental state. According to Tyobeka, without state capacity, a developmental state remains a pipedream.
“While lectures and discourses are critical in sharpening our minds, we also need to create innovative programmes that help and restore hope in our government.
“The NWU is committed to foster meaningful partnerships that have the potential to effect positive change within both the province and its broader geographical scope,” he said.
Tyobeka said the theme of the lecture was: – “Confronting unethical behaviour that undermines the fundamental objectives of the National Democratic Revolution – Nelson Mandela 1977”.
Meanwhile, some of the panellists include Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Reverend Thami Mbambo and Prof Kedibone Phago. The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and Member of Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure, Billy Davids, were part of the event.
Eight people were allegedly shot dead in a tavern in Kanana Township, Orkney in the early hours of early Saturday. The suspects reportedly arrived at the tavern looking for Basotho, then randomly fired shots and instantly killed seven people.
North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the eight people died in hospital. He said the suspects killed six women and two men, while several others were injured.
“The suspects then took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table. The suspects further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled from the scene. The police are still combing through the scene.
“The motive is yet to be determined and no arrest has been effected,” said Mokgwabone.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi condemned the mass killing of eight people. Mokgosi said the preliminary investigation indicates that five men entered the tavern, refused to be searched at the entrance and a scuffle ensued.
“On entering the tavern, lights were switched off and random shots were fired as some of the patrons scampered out. Twelve other people were seriously injured and are receiving treatment in hospital.
“Of the deceased, four are South Africans and two are from Mozambique and Lesotho respectively. We urge the police to follow all possible leads in the arrest of the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he said.
Mokgosi further said they are saddened and extremely shocked by this incident, which left eight people dead. He added that they want to urge the police to do everything in their power to investigate this matter to its logical conclusion and bring to book all responsible for these dastardly acts.
Seven suspects aged between 21 and 30, were arrested for murder and possession of suspected stolen goods, including a firearm belonging to an elderly man (65). The suspects were arrested in Klerksdorp on 25 and 26 July 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said three suspects (two women and a man) allegedly went to the victim’s place on 24 July 2024, at Elands Heuwel, Klerksdorp and pretended to be looking for a job. Funani said the suspects allegedly overpowered the victim, who was staying alone and severely assaulted him with an unknown object.
“Furthermore, four other suspects entered and ransacked the house, looted some household items, then fled the scene leaving the old man lying down. The police were called by members of the community, who noticed the suspects leaving the victim’s place.
“Sadly, the police found the victim dead at the scene. Ensuing investigations led to the arrest of two suspects on 25 July 2024, while trying to sell the victim’s belongings at the taxi rank. They allegedly led the police to other suspects, who were also arrested,” she said.
Funani added that all seven suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 29 July 2O24, for murder and possession of suspected stolen goods and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident, which he said is inhumane and uncalled for. Kwena applauded the Klerksdorp Detectives for the swift response in ensuring that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: Some of the suspects arrested for robbery/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Four suspects were arrested for stealing five vehicles separately. The suspects were arrested during a disruptive operation conducted between 23 and 24 July 2024, in and around Klerksdorp by different Vehicle Crime Investigation (VCI) units.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police recovered five vehicles. Mokgwabone further said in one of the cases, Hugo Stevenson (49), briefly appeared in court after being arrested at Colerviller, in Klerksdorp on 23 July 2024, for possession of a suspected stolen Chevrolet Aveo vehicle, which was reported stolen in June 2023.
He added that the matter was postponed to 29 July 2024, for bail application.
“In Stilfontein, Nadjibo Bugimirabagabo (44) and Elvis Emanuel (age still unknown), were arrested for truck hijacking and kidnapping that was committed on N12 road, near Stilfontein earlier this month.
“The truck was recovered together with groceries. The accused persons briefly appeared in court on 25 July 2024. They were remanded in custody until 1 August 2024, for bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
He said in another separate case in Klerksdorp, Rapuseletso Leepile (45), appeared in court on 25 July 2024, for perjury. Mokgwabone said this comes after Leepile allegedly opened a false case earlier this month that his Ford Fiesta was hijacked.
“The matter against him was postponed until 6 August 2024, for further investigation. The vehicle is linked to a business robbery allegedly committed in Orkney earlier this month. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of Toyota Etios and Nissan NP 200 vehicles, which were found abandoned near a mall in Jouberton.
“The preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicles’ engines were tampered with. In addition, the Toyota Etios was linked with the theft of a motor vehicle case reported in February 2023, in Roodepoort, Gauteng Province,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for the successes.
Five people were shot and killed in Phase 1, Freedom Park, outside Rustenburg on Saturday at approximately 10pm. The victims (four men and a woman) were found along the street with what appeared to be gunshot wounds on their heads.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said at this stage, there is no information regarding the suspects except that they fled the scene driving in a white Toyota Quantum. Mokgwabone further said according to information available at this stage, four of the victims were declared dead at the scene, while the fifth one, died at Job Shimankane Tabane Hospital.
“The motive of the incident is unknown and investigations are underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, instructed detectives to leave no stone unturned to ensure the arrest of suspects.
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