16 December 2024- The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed the case against four businessmen, Allan Wayne Tichauer, Sudesh Premchand Rocharam, Yaasien Mahomed, Rafael Bricker and their companies on charges of money laundering defined under The Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said their matter was postponed to 28 January 2025 to add another accused. Mamothame said the four were granted R50 000 bail each, with stringent conditions that includes surrendering of their passports to the investigating officer and reporting to their nearest police station once a week.
“Their court appearance emanates from a tender of relocating the assembling point of locomotives from Pretoria to Durban, following the awarding of a tender to manufacture 1064 electric and diesel locomotives.
“These accused allegedly misrepresented the relocation costs to Transnet, which allegedly amounted to over R76 million. It was further discovered that none of the companies had established their manufacturing plant in Pretoria prior to the decision to relocate the plant in 2015,” he said.
Mamothame said following the payment from Transnet into the account of CNR, which were contracted for the relocation, it is alleged that money was laundered through different companies owned by the other accused.
Picture: The Platinum North West TV delegation after being awarded a licence/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- The North West-based community television, Platinum North West TV (PNW-TV), has successfully been granted a broadcasting license by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
This comes after an extensive process that was undertaken by the regulator as part of the Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) for Community Television Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences.
The PNW-TV CEO, Jonathan Ramotsei said, the extensive process includes the project being moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2, as well as a public hearing that was held in Mahikeng on 16 May 2024, and ultimately being granted a licence on 11 December 2024.
Ramotsei said the process saw Platinum North West TV being the only remaining applicants out of 37 and 20 that were reviewed in Phase 1. He further said the station was the only applicant that met the pre-qualification criteria and advanced to Phase 2 of the licensing processes.
“This significant achievement marks a new era for the North West province, which has been without a television station dedicated to telling its stories. Platinum North West TV is expected to close the gap that has been in existence for many years.
“Our motto reads: thus Our People, Our Community, Our Stories. This challenges us as the project to prioritise the people of the North West. We promise to do that with distinctions now that the regulator has issued this licence,” said Ramotsei.
He added that they are excited to continue with their mission of being a key player in the industry, showcasing innovative content that meets modern-day life needs and serves as a voice for the underserved.
Ramotsei said the Platinum North West TV has been playing a critical role in the development of young people, especially those in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, who have been beneficiaries of the internships and learnership programs the station offers.
“The licence now allows the project to extend these opportunities to other districts of the province with a clear focus on the communities with less opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the founder and chairperson of the Board, Isaak Tshabalala shared the same sentiments. Tshabalala said they are happy after patiently waiting for years.
“This was not our first attempt and we have learned a lot in the process on how to build a community television station that will serve our people in our province. We call upon the people of this wonderful province to rally behind us and support the future television channel.
“As the Board of Platinum North West TV, we will in due course announce the dates for the first historic broadcast of the channel,” he said.
Tshabalala said while the channel has been granted a licence to broadcast on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Platform as a free-to-air channel, it will also try its best to maximise its broadcast by joining other broadcast platforms that will ensure its accessibility to all corners of the province.
Picture: Police conducting stop and search across Northern Cape/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- The Safer Festive Season Operations is in full swing in all five districts in the Northern Cape. The operations encompass high-density operations that include regular roadblocks, stop and searches, the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and the heightened police visibility.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police visibility aimed at preventing, combating serious and violent crimes during this holiday season and beyond.
Sam further said the weekly multi-disciplinary high density operations which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, executed resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 458 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items.
He added that the police actions included vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks that were conducted across the province during which a total of 5226 vehicles and 13 155 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed.
“Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 414 suspects for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, theft off or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, rape and possession of dangerous weapons,” said Sam.
He said this includes dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, illicit mining, possession of precious metals, stock theft and other crimes. Sam said the police in Niewoudtville, Garies and Springbok in the Namakwa District, arrested criminal elements for drugs and non-ferrous metal crimes.
“In Petrusville, Pixley Ka Seme District, police nabbed a drug dealer with drugs concealed in a “Spookie” packet of chips and seized all exhibits. More than 44 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.
“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime and closed 37 unlicensed liquor premises,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to the District Commissioners for taking a lead in ensuring all boots are on the ground during this festive season and applauded all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. She also urged all to be alert, vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the SAPS 08600 10111 number, the MySAPS app and or inform a friend or security.
Picture: Children receive Christmas gifts/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 December 2024- The Upington Community Police Forum in conjunction with Upington Social Crime, Karos-Hoek Solar Plant and Upington TVET College, brought a smile to the innocent faces of the children in Karos during the Kids Christmas Drive on 12 December 2024.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said this collaborated initiative was aimed at reaching out to underprivileged children to create a Christmas feeling for these holidays.
“The team provided the kids with a meal, toys, and snacks while having fun and playing outdoor games with them.
“Personal safety hints were shared with the kids, particularly focusing on child abuse, drowning, and trafficking in persons,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Station Commander of Upington SAPS, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, and his team wished the children and their families a wonderful and safe festive season. Coetzee also acknowledged and appreciated Karos-Hoek and Upington TVET College for their continuous commitment towards partnering with the SAPS in ensuring that we give back to the community.
15 December 2024- Six suspects were arrested for business robbery in collaborative efforts by members of the community, private security company and police. The accused, Orphan Pokane (25), Bohlokwa Molapo (23), Pitso Makhoane (34), Peter Fuzani (42), Makabelo Maboe (38) and Johannes Hlabanelo (50), were arrested on Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024, in Luka village near Phokeng in Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests stemmed from an incident wherein four men armed with firearms stormed the shop and forced the shopkeeper to lie down flat on the ground.
Mokgwabone said they then allegedly robbed him of cash, cigarettes and cell phones.
“The accused then locked the victim inside the shop and fled in a silver grey Ford Figo vehicle. Unbeknown to the accused, the shopkeeper went out through an unlocked back door and alerted a colleague and together with a law abiding citizen, pursued the suspects.
“The chase ended up at a cul-de-sac, where the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. A swift response by the Royal Bafokeng Reaction Force members and the police led to the arrests,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the accused were remanded in custody upon appearance in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court until 15 January 2025. He added that, investigation into the matter continues and the possibility of linking the accused with other cases cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all parties involved for their cooperation that culminated in the success.
15 December 2024- The Postmasburg police are investigating a missing person case. This comes after the disappearance of San Marie Rossouw (14), in Postmasburg on 12 December 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police are investigating the circumstances that led to Rossouw’s disappearance and request anyone who have information that might assist the police in the investigation, to contact the Postmasburg Police Station and Detective Constable, Sylvester Sehako on 082 302 0391 or 08600 10111 and or use the police MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Police investigations are continuing,” he said.
Picture: Some of firearms seized during raid/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 December 2024- A man (45) was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024, at Nooitgedacht Farm, near Delareyville. The suspect was arrested after the Lichtenburg K9 and Mahikeng Flying Squad members operationalised a tip-off received from Pudimoe Crime Intelligence regarding a man suspected to be in possession of unlawful firearms.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police allegedly received information and executed a search and seizure warrant. Mokgwabone said during the search, five rifles, two other firearms and 83 ammunition were found.
“The accused was as a result, arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition, after failing to give a proper account for the possession. Josephus Johannes Muller briefly appeared in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024.
“Muller was released on R1000 bail until 30 January 2025. The police in the province also confiscated 50 firearms and 1524 ammunition, since the commencement of the safer festive season Operation Shanela on 1 October 2024, to date,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the firearms include seven rifles, 42 handguns, and one self-made firearm. She added that 52 individuals were nabbed for unlawful possession of firearms and 49 were held for unlawful possession of ammunition.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded all members involved in the arrest of Muller for their patience and commitment that led to the discovery of the firearms.
15 December 2024- The police said they have noted the increase in cash deposits and bulk purchases by stokvels and society clubs, especially during festive season. The police urge the public to adhere to safety hints in order to prevent economic crimes targeting these clubs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the public should refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high risk days, such as month end. Ehlers said they should arrange the club’s pay-out to be electronically transferred into each member’s personal account or choice of account.
“Arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account, instead of collecting cash contributions. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person and remember, your safety is our priority.
“So, be vigilant and be safe. Criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.
Picture: A person of interest, Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- The Delportshoop police request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest, following the death of Peter Joseph Mathebula (57), at Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital in Kimberley on 4 November 2024.
The preliminary investigations indicate that, the deceased was admitted to hospital with a stab wound that was allegedly inflicted by the suspect on 2 November 2024, and who fled the scene. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police are interested in locating Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala, who can assist with the investigation.
“The person of interest was last employed in Prieska. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Boitumelo Marosela at Delportshoop Police Station or contact him at 082 448 4850 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa polao, Kabelo Mogongwa
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
15 Sedimonthole 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, Kabelo Mogongwa (47), e buseditswe morwgo go fitlha di 5 Ferikgong 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung. Mogongwa yo a begang fa a tlile go ipuelela mo kgetsing e, o ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tsa gore o thuntsitse lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38).
Go begwa fa lekawana le le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo a rotseng tiro ga jaana, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.
“O kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi a le mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.
“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,” Botma wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 