Daily Archives: March 10, 2025

Former policeman sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for fraud and defeating the ends of justice

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Picture: The former policeman, Sergeant Godfrey Setatwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 March 2025- Former policeman, Sergeant Itumeleng Godfrey Setatwe from Choseng village, near Pudimoe Township in Taung, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court, for fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

In 2018, Setatwe signed an affidavit for one of the accused persons in an armed robbery and murder case that was committed in Pudimoe, that he lost his Identity Document (ID) and personal belongings prior the commission of crime. However, the vigilant Investigating Officer requested postponement to confirm the validity of the affidavit.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this came after the Investigating Officer became suspicious of his colleague’s involvement. Myburgh said the Anti-Corruption Unit was as a result informed. 

“Subsequently, a handwriting analysis confirmed that the affidavit was written and signed by Setatwe. He was charged for fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Setatwe who was attached to Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), was dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after internal investigations were concluded,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the Provincial Anti-Corruption for recently achieving an excellent sentence.

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Alleged gun-wielding man nabbed

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Video: The accused, Azharudin Bhaiyat/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 March 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it would like to request possible victims and witnesses to come forward after an alleged incident was observed on social media regarding a gunman, who entered a mosque in Brits and allegedly threatened people on 2 March 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said anyone who would like to come forward or assist the police with information, can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Hosia Sebatjane of the Brits Detectives on Cell:082 557 0671. Myburgh said the victims or witnesses can also and anonymously report crime by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111 or via the mySAPS App from their smart phones.

“The video was captured and circulated following an incident wherein a man (55), was allegedly assaulted and pointed with an firearm at around 5pm at his house in Central Street, Brits.

“Following the incident, police arrested Azharudin Bhaiyat (36) later the same evening and seized two firearms. Bhaiyat appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 4 March 2025, and was released on a warning until 31 March 2025,” she said.

Myburgh further said Bhaiyat was ordered to report twice a week at Brits Police Station.

Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest and indicated that negligent handling of firearms is a concern and cannot be tolerated taking into considering the last released provincial crime statistics, that showed that firearms were mostly used to commit murders.

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Couple nabbed for possession of dagga and ammunition

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Picture: The police search a plant, where dagga and ammunition found/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 March 2025- The husband (38) and his wife (36), will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, for unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as cultivating and dealing in dagga. In an effort to curb trafficking of drugs and illegal proliferation of ammunition, the police obtained a search and seizure warrant and were operationalised by the Drug Task Team, accompanied by Potchefstroom Flying Squad.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police proceeded to an identified address at a small holding in Wilgeboom, Potchefstroom. Myburgh said during the search, the police found numerous and different rounds of ammunition and a hydroponic dagga lab, with dagga, dagga plants and dagga cigarettes with a value yet to be determined.

“Investigation into the matter including the processing of the crime scene by a Forensic team is underway,” she said.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for the success, which he said will send out a strong message that crime does not pay. Asaneng said the police will continue to work hard to curb drug peddling and rid communities of drugs.

“The public is advised to report crime including through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Two suspects nabbed for allegedly stealing cars

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Picture: The stolen vehicles seized by the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 March 2025– Two suspects aged 42 and 18, are expected to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Monday, for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. The police said in an endeavour to address property related and other serious crimes, they have arrested suspects and confiscated two suspected stolen vehicles, vehicle registration documents and vehicle parts during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted in Tlhabane, outside Rustenburg on 7 March 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the Provincial Investigation Unit, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), Rustenburg Flying Squad and Bojanala Crime Intelligence, collaborated to recover two stolen vehicles, a Volkswagen Craft (22-seater) and Hyundai Atos. Myburgh said moreover, various vehicle parts, number plates, vehicle registration documents and tyres were also confiscated.

“The vehicles and parts have an estimated joint value of more than R1.3 million. The preliminary investigations revealed that, the Volkswagen was reported stolen in Makapanstad in November of 2024, whereas the Atos was stolen in Boksburg in June 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded everyone involved in the operation for their collaborative efforts that led to these successes.

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Eskom suspends loadshedding

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Picture: The Eskom logo 

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 March 2025- Eskom said it has suspended load shedding on Sunday. This comes after the recovery of more than 3 000MW of generation capacity and the replenishment of sufficient emergency reserves.  

Eskom’s Group Executive Generation, Bheki Nxumalo said coal operations at Kusile Power Station are at optimal levels. Nxumalo said all units that were offline as of Friday, are now back in service.

“Progress on the recovery of Koeberg Unit 2 is well underway. Eskom reassures the public that Koeberg Unit 2 remains safe. Planned maintenance outages are aimed at preparing for winter and meeting regulatory and environmental licensing requirements.

“The team is working diligently to restore 4 091MW back to service by Monday. We maintain that load shedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. While baseload capacity remains constrained, our generation recovery plan is addressing this challenge,” he said.

Nxumalo further said the dedicated efforts of our highly skilled staff remain unwavering. He added that Eskom will communicate further when it is necessary.

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