Daily Archives: December 4, 2024

Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and theft

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 December 2024- Two men were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Koster Regional Court for the brutal murder of a farmer (71). Two accused persons, Wahasele Hazekiel Majoro (33) and Tumelo Martin Katali (41), were convicted of murder and theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said each received life imprisonment for murder and 10 years for theft, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. Gunya said the tragic event occurred on 4 April 2022, at the victim, Ephraim Diloro’s home in Koster.

“Investigations revealed that one of the accused had worked as a herd boy on the deceased’s farm. On the night of the murder, the two accused visited the victim’s home, where they initially borrowed R200 from him.

“They then demanded more money, and when Diloro refused, they strangled him to death. After the murder, they stole his bakkie and attempted to flee to Lesotho. At the Lesotho Border Post, police officers stopped the accused and, upon inspection, discovered the bakkie was likely stolen,” he said.

Gunya said attempts to bribe the officers failed and further investigations confirmed the vehicle belonged to the deceased. He added that the accused were arrested and linked to the murder through further evidence.

During sentencing, the state prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema argued against any deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the prevalence of farm murders in the district. Magistrate Segakweng Moeng, in his judgment, emphasised the court’s duty to protect vulnerable members of society. Segakweng noted that the two accused acted in common purpose, committing a heinous crime against an elderly man.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecutorial teams, stating that the sentence will send a strong message to would-be offenders that justice will prevail. Makhari said those who commit such crimes will face the full might of the law.

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Seventeen illegal suspects arrested by police

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Picture: Seventeen illegal suspects arrested by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 December 2024- Seventeen illegal suspects aged between 24 and 48, were arrested by the police during Operation Vala Umgodi. On 3 December 2024, the police together with the Department of Home Affairs, acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about undocumented persons who were allegedly working at a certain business establishment without documentation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the identified premises in Kenilworth, outside Kimberley, 17 suspects were found working at the premises.

“The suspects could not produce any documents that allowed them to be in the country legally. The suspects were confirmed to be illegal in the country after their status was verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Officer.

“The suspects were subsequently arrested and the owner of the business establishment was issued with a fine. The police warn the public that the harbouring of undocumented persons is a crime and subjected to a fine or incarceration,” he said.

Shemane further said the police continue with their efforts towards policing illegal mining and related activities through the execution of crime prevention operations, stop and search actions, vehicle and foot patrols. He added that, incidents can be reported via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.

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‘Inadequate funding for provinces a concern’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 December– The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said it has received a briefing from the Minister of Cooperative Governance, and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa on several key issues on Tuesday evening.

The committee said this includes inadequate disaster funding to provinces, an update on resetting electricity meters, the department’s role in regulating spaza shops, and the Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Bill that is still not in parliament for processing.

The Chairperson of Committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize said they heard that the department made a submission to the National Treasury for disaster funding for five provinces most affected by disasters, and only one province – the Western Cape – received an allocation. Mkhize said the committee then invited the National Treasury and the department to clarify this issue.

“On Tuesday, the minister told the committee that the department asked for R11.9 billion from the National Treasury to assist five provinces hit hard by disasters, but only R1.6 billion was received. According to the minister, the National Treasury decides how much to allocate and where.

“In a letter, the Minister of Finance said that the National Treasury has initiated a review of the assessment and recommendation process for disaster funding and allocation and has contracted the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) to assist,” he said.

Mkhize further said as the process is underway, the Finance Minister asked for the meeting to be deferred to a later date. He added that the committee noted that a further process is underway but remained concerned that there is still no adequate explanation for the decision.

“The fact that there is another process to address problems is welcomed, but it is not quite a response to the issue that we are raising. So, if the Treasury and the Minister of COGTA cannot explain that, it is a matter that remains hanging for us.

“Committee members also sought more information about disaster funding from previous years and issues raised by the department regarding the provinces’ ability to spend the money. We also asked that this information be provided in the new year,” said Mkhize.

He said they need more clarification, and if the matter needs to be corrected, they need a corrective approach.

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