Picture: Three of accused persons in a murder case
By OBAKENG MAJE
7 November 2024- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), has been postponed by Taung Regional Court until 14 January 2024.
The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood. This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
7 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, has been postponed to 11 November 2024.
Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).
“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house. He added that goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze.
“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.
Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Picture: Some of the metals seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 19 and 39, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods and cable consisting of controlled metal of which the cover has been burnt. The suspects were arrested by the SAPS Second Hand Goods sub-component, the Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) in conjunction with Eskom and Transnet.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police conducted compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Petrusville and Hopetown. Sam said the multi-disciplinary compliance inspections focused on illicit metals, contrabands, stolen cables, batteries, concealed business activities and combating transit crimes.
“The team confiscated burnt Transnet and Telkom copper cables, elbow fittings, pipes, solar panels, geysers and manhole covers, valued at approximately R350 000. Two other dealers were issued with official warnings and one was issued with a fine for contravening of the second-hand goods statutes.
“Pamphlets with safety hints and tips were shared amongst the employees and clients of the different dealers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and stakeholders involved. Otola cited that the proliferation of non-ferrous metals remains the priority of the police and requested the public to report any criminality.
“They can report them to the police or anonymously contact the SAPS at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App,” he said.
7 November 2024- The Hawks Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and Asset Forfeiture Unit, successfully secured a final forfeiture order of a Mercedes Benz against Neo Tongwane (59). The forfeiture order was granted by the Kimberley High Court on 6 November 2024.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said this comes after the accused was arrested in July 2023, during an intelligence driven-operation by members of Kuruman Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Tactical Response Team (TRT).
“A buy and bust operation was conducted in Kuruman whereby four suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in endangered species (pangolin). The matter was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for detailed asset forfeiture investigation.
“A final forfeiture order was granted for a Mercedes-Benz with an estimated value of R150 000,” she said.
Picture: Former Daily Sun photographer, Lucky Morajane
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 November 2024- The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) said Lucky Morajane worked for the Daily Sun for several years. SANEF Chairperson, Nwabisa Makunga said Morajane left the newspaper a few years back.
Daily Sun editor Amos Mananyetso said Malaczen, as Morajane was affectionately known, was just more than a colleague. Manayetso further said that they talked about anything and everything related to life and its challenges.
“He was one of the most talented photographers I have ever known, humorous too. He had an eye for a news picture and never argued much. A lot of young reporters learned a lot from him as he was a good teacher.
“Morajane was one of Daily Sun’s greatest ambassadors because he knew our purpose. He knew the Daily Sun story and the readers and the Sun People were close to his big heart. Away from work, Morajane was a father, who loved his two daughters with everything he had,” he said.
A veteran photographer, Siphiwe Mhlambi said: “Morajane knew what he was doing. He was always searching for knowledge and someone who admired the older generation. We are all shocked to learn of his passing. He was a gentle giant and soul and I always made time for him.
“Whenever we met at gigs, we always had time for quick chats. Morajane is too young to die and he never stopped talking about his two little girls. The news of his passing is saddening. Morajane was bright and understood the news industry is not for sissies, especially when you are a freelancer as you are also searching for knowledge and upskilling. He was never shy to ask.”
Former Daily Sun news editor Nahima Ahmed said Morajane was a true all-rounder in both photography and videography. Ahmed further said from breaking news and political briefings to football matches and entertainment events, he excelled in every aspect of visual storytelling, capturing each moment with remarkable skill and precision.
“I had the privilege of working alongside him for nearly two decades, witnessing his dedication and talent first-hand, which earned him my utmost respect and admiration. He was more than just an artist.
“Morajane was a generous mentor. He guided young photographers and videographers with the same care he extended to the late Chris Moagi, leaving a legacy that shaped many careers,” she added.
Ahmed said Morajane’s sense of humour was unforgettable and he insisted we call him “Dr Morajane” in the newsroom- a name that many of them happily used. She said her heart goes out to his daughters and family, who have lost an extraordinary father, friend and mentor.
“His influence and spirit have left an indelible mark on us all. My deepest condolences to his family,” said Ahmed.
Meanwhile, former colleague and photographer, Robert Tlapu shared the same sentiments. Tlapu said “Dr Morajane” as he used to address himself, was one of the easy-going ex-colleagues he had shared a working space with.
“He was very polite, but sometimes very impatient, especially if he was assigned to do a job he did not like. Morajane loved his job, but sometimes, he preferred to sit back and relax in his office like a Dr he was.
“You will miss the “Doctor of Photography”. Rest easy Lucky Morajane,” he said.
7 November 2024- The Northern Cape police appeal to the public at large to be vigilant and alert to ensure personal safety as they approach the festive season. The police said parents and guardians are prompted to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said it is important to know that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Shemane said the people should remember that, when a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfil the mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa.
“It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. The public can assist the police when reporting a missing person by providing a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
“Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer. To complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form,” he said.
Shemane further said this form safeguards the police from hoax reports and indemnifies them to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person. He added that to obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and send any additional information that might become available.
“If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Person’s that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.
“Report a missing person at the nearest police station immediately. Let us be vigilant and work collectively to keep families together and safe during the festive season period and beyond,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said he is extremely concerned by growing reports of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) turning people away when they try to open a missing person report, on the basis of a non-existent 24-hour rule.
Cameron said the committee has in recent weeks been inundated with reports that SAPS members continue to refuse to open a missing person report before 24 hours has elapsed from the start of the disappearance.
“We must reiterate that there is no 24 or 48-hours rule that precludes members of the public from opening a missing person report. A missing person report must be opened and investigated immediately.
“The refusal to open a missing person report is irresponsible and runs counter to the directive issued by the National Commissioner of the SAPS. This is serious dereliction of duty and amounts to undermining of the SAPS code of conduct,” said Cameron.
He also highlighted that the prevention of filing such reports is concerning in the context of the increased prevalence of kidnappings in South Africa. Camron has emphasised that the reporting and investigation of missing person reports might be the difference between life and death.
“It is important for station-level leadership to enhance training of members to ensure that they are able to provide adequate service to the people. The people require quality service and this must be provided.
“It is also important for members of the public to have greater awareness of their rights. So, we encourage station-level leadership to have an open-door policy to enable people to escalate matters to them in instances where officers insist on not opening a missing person report,” said Cameron.
7 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today. This comes after a court recording device malfunctioned on Monday and the magistrate decided to postpone the matter.
Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).
“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house. He added that goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze.
“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.
Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
7 November 2024- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), will today resume at Taung Regional Court. The case was postponed due to a malfunctioning court recording machine.
The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood.
This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Picture: The Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School gutted by fire/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 November 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West calls for an in-depth probe into the fire that gutted six Grade 12 classrooms at Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. MRM described it as a crisis that points to the need for safety, fire prevention protocols and equipment at schools to be reviewed.
MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu expressed relief that, there were no casualties to learners and educators or fatalities in the Monday incident that caused extensive damage that could run to over a R1 million.
“We commend the swift response of the Rustenburg Local Municipality Fire and Emergency and urge law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned.
“Recent trends of destruction of public infrastructure in our province cannot rule out treacherous acts of sabotage or nefarious acts whose motive might be aimed at creating chaos and instability,” he said.
Kgwele shared the North West MEC FOR Education, Viola Motsumi sentiments that the incident is a significant drawback given the huge inherited school infrastructure delivery backlog that the province has to deal with. He further expressed concern about the extent to which the destruction of the classes, Head of Department ‘s Office and toilets will impact on exams at the school and the time that it would take to renovate the gutted classrooms.
“We appeal to our communities to jealously guard and protect their facilities as well as assist police in their investigations. We also urge local churches to assist with provision of temporary relief for the school to use their facilities for internal examinations.
“Sound community values that promote and harness collective responsibility within our communities as espoused by the Charter of Positive Values must be entrenched in order to promote responsible freedom, as well as the rule of law as well as zero-tolerance to crime and violence,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “No injuries have been reported as all learners and staff were able to evacuate the premises safely. This tragic event, which has destroyed a vital section of our school infrastructure, is a significant setback.
“This unfortunate event destroying a block of classrooms, is incredibly distressing and represents a significant setback, particularly as Grade 12 candidates are currently undertaking their final exams.”
Motsumi added that this will undoubtedly affect the school’s operations and efforts. She said that they are also facing a significant backlog in school construction and maintenance projects, which will be addressed in the 2024–2025 financial year.
“We must prioritise the rebuilding of a safe and functional educational environment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” said Motsumi.
The SASAS conference delegates: Working together to take on climate change/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 November 2024- The world is 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in preindustrial times. A threshold has been breached and the times they are a-changin’.
When the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences (SASAS) president, Prof Francois Engelbrecht opened the 38th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North West University (NWU), he did so in a sombre tone, even with a sense of disbelief.
Engelbrecht said because history has been made for the wrong reasons. He further said it is the first time that SASAS conference has taken place when the world’s average temperature has been 1,5 °C higher for more than a year, since official recordings began.
“When the Paris agreement was signed in 2016, the aim was to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 °C. It has failed. The consequences have already been dire and if temperatures keep rising, the consequences will be catastrophic.
“Heat waves, wildfires, flooding cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes have been some of the hallmarks of climate change that have devastated the globe in 2024. The effects cannot be reversed, but an escalation can be stopped,” said Engelbrecht.
He said from 29 to 30 October, SASAS members discussed the pertinent question of climate change at hosting venues across the NWU (Potchefstroom Campus). Engelbrecht called for an increased focus on climate change adaptation, including developing early warning systems capable of handling unprecedented future extreme weather events.
“The atmospheric sciences community to collaborate with colleagues in different fields and engage with stakeholders to ensure early warnings reach vulnerable communities. In this changing environment, SASAS allows, and encourages, delegates to share research, build networks, develop young scientists, and form lasting collaborations.
“During the conference, Prof Stuart Piketh from the NWU was awarded the SASAS Medal, the highest honour in South African atmospheric sciences, recognising significant contributions to the field. Prof Piketh’s work has advanced the understanding of atmospheric processes and their implications for local and regional pollution transport, environmental policy and community health initiatives,” he said.
Engelbrecht said other highlights included the keynote address by Prof Paola Formenti, whose work on atmospheric aerosols in southern Africa is crucial to improve climate models and their understanding of cloud process. He said a panel discussion led by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), a national research facility that manages long-term environmental observation programmes, included discussions on collaborations, sharing of data and community involvement under the theme: “Science and Society”.
“SAEON plays a crucial role in atmospheric science by providing high-quality environmental data and infrastructure essential for research and monitoring. Their involvement emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing the understanding of atmospheric processes and environmental change.
“The 38th SASAS conference highlighted the critical role of atmospheric sciences in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. As global temperatures continue to rise, the insights and innovations from the SASAS community are vital. The collective efforts of the delegates demonstrate a commitment to advancing atmospheric sciences for societal benefit.”said Engelbrecht.
He said, however, the SASAS, together with partners such as the NWU, cannot fight the climate change battle alone. Engelbrecht for the first time in 130 years, there is no snow capping Japan’s Mount Fuji.
The Guardian 