Daily Archives: March 17, 2025

AFU secures a preservation order of R2.2m related to the FDG Group of companies founded by Louis Liebenberg

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 March 2025- Pretoria’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), obtained a preservation order in the Pretoria High Court on 12 March 2025, to preserve a house in Hartbeespoort, North West worth R2.2 million belonging to Johannes Jakobus Badenhorst aka Hannes Badenhorst and his wife, Christelle Badenhorst. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the house was purchased in May 2022, for an amount of R2.2 million and registered in the names of Johannes Jakobus Badenhorst, aka Hannes Badenhorst, and his wife, Christelle Badenhorst, who are still residing in the house.

Mahanjana said investigations by the AFU revealed that the funds used to purchase the property originated from Tarioco (Pty) Ltd, which is one of the companies founded by Louis Petrus Liebenberg as part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group of companies (FDG group of companies). She further said Hannes Badenhorst was one of the Directors of Tarioco.

“They ran a syndicate where members of the public were enticed to partake in a Joint Venture agreement with the FDG group of companies by purchasing diamond parcels, which would supposedly be sold by the FDG group of companies and the profits shared. The joint venture partners were then promised high returns on their investments.

“However, evidence revealed that the scheme was fraud, the diamond parcels did not exist, and the investors’ funds were used to purchase a mine and properties for the directors,” she said.

Mahanjana added that evidence revealed that incoming investors were paid with the investments of existing investors, which carries the hallmark of a classic Ponzi scheme. She said the house that is preserved does not form part of the assets seized by the liquidators of Tariomix.

“The next step is to apply for a final forfeiture order, when granted the house will be sold on public auction and the proceeds paid into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.

“The criminal case against the two and others implicated Liebenberg, and 9 others will appear on 8 July 2025, at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court,” said Mahanjana.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Pretoria AFU, advocate Martin Mafojane, welcomed the preservation order and wants to assure the public that the AFU remains committed in confiscating proceeds of crime.

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A man nabbed for business robbery, while appearing in court

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 March 2025- A man (30) who was arrested for business robbery will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 27 March 2025. The accused, Steven Ndlovu, briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 March 2025, on three counts of business robbery.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, Ndlovu was arrested in Johannesburg on 6 March 2025, where he was appearing in court. Mokgwabone said this was after he was linked, through forensic leads, to business robberies allegedly committed in Rustenburg between August 2016 and December 2024.

“Subsequent to the arrest, the accused was brought to Rustenburg, where he was linked to three cases. The accused is also facing two charges of business robbery committed in Hillbrow and Roodepoort.

“Investigations into the matter continue and the possibility of linking him to other cases cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded the police for the arrest, which he said will serve as an indication that nothing will deter the police from tracing and arresting those who commit crime.

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Admission of guilt fine for failure to submit tax returns

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 March 2025- The Director of A John T/A, Albert Vervoer (83), briefly appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court, facing 15 counts of contravening Section 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011. This comes after Vervoer allegedly failed to submit tax returns.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that, between March 2012 and June 2024, Vervoer allegedly failed to submit Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns, despite telephonic reminders from SARS on 1 April 2022, and subsequent written notices. Gunya said his court appearance follows the work of the Honey Badger Project, a collaborative initiative between the NPA, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks), and SARS.

“The project seeks to enhance compliance by holding individuals and entities accountable for tax non-compliance through legal action. In court, Vervoer paid an admission of guilt fine of R15 000 for failure to submit tax returns.

“This is the third matter, where an accused has been brought before the court for failure to submit tax returns. The two other matters were finalized in Orkney Court, where the accused Bongani Mafuleni (58), the director of TFBS Funeral Parlour and Highway Supermarket, paid admission of guilt fines of R3000 and R19 000, respectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, has welcomed the finalisation of these cases and emphasized the importance of enforcing compliance with South Africa’s tax laws and ensuring that justice is upheld. Makhari said the NPA and DPCI reaffirm their commitment to addressing non-compliance and ensuring adherence to the law under the Honey Badger Project.
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Four suspects arrested for fraud, money laundering and corruption

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

17 March 2025- Four suspects aged between 38 and 53, were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Serious Corruption Investigation in collaboration with Hawks’ Head Office Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), for alleged fraud, money laundering and corruption.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mthebula said the reports indicate that in 2018, a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a municipality in Rustenburg, allegedly colluded with a service provider to have her company, which was not on the municipality’s database, claim payments for services using a company, which was registered on the municipality’s database.

Mathebula said investigation revealed that payments for alleged services rendered were allegedly paid into the bank account of a service provider that was not on the database. He further said these payments, amounting to over R25 million, were allegedly made between December 2018 and May 2019.

“Further probe uncovered that funds were transferred from the service provider’s bank account into the bank accounts of three municipal employees, the CFO, Secretary to the Municipal Manager, and a municipal councillor.

“It is further alleged that three non-municipal employees and their entities also received funds from the service provider’s bank account. The suspects were charged with multiple counts of fraud, money laundering and corruption,” said Mathebula.

He added that the suspects will appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2025. Mathebula said the former Municipal Manager and two service providers are still at large.

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Lomas granted a R2million bail

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Picture: The corruption accused, Michael Lomas 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 March 2025- The Johannesburg High Court granted Michael Lomas bail of R2 million with stringent conditions.  The court ordered that his United Kingdom passport and his South African Identity document are surrendered to the investigating officer.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Lomas is barred from applying for travel documents. Mamothame said he will reside at a care home, where he will be provided with the necessary assistance.

“The details of the home to be provided to the investigating officer, source a smartphone with location monitoring facility to be monitored by the investigating officer and should not leave the Gauteng jurisdiction without informing the Investigating officer,” he said.

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Monna wa kwa Modutung o boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Mopitlwe 2025- Monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Modutung kwa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao. Molatofadiwa, Thabiso Nkwane o ile a tshwarwa mabapi le polao ya ga mmagwe, Masego Irene Nkwane (56).

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga thefosano ya mafoko magareng ga moswi le mmelaelwa. Go ya ka dipego, mmelaelwa one a tsaya garawe le go kgenetha mmagwe ka yone.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are, kegtsi e butswe, mme mmelaelwa o lebagane ke kgetsi ya polao.

Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ne a lebotsa phokoje morago ga tiragalo. Sepodisi se ile sa mo tshwara ka Laboraro.

Kgabagare, baagi ba ikuela go puso go ka tlhoma seteishene sa sepodisi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gonne o fetogile kgapamadi.

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ANC in North West succumb to ANCWL’s pressure as Tswaing Local Municipality mayor, Norah Mahlangu returns to work  

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Picture: The Tswaing Local Municipality mayor, Norah Mahlangu 

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2025- The ANC in North West has succumbed to the ANCWL’s pressure as suspended Tswaing Local Municipality mayor, Norah Mahlangu returns to work. The ANC in North West, suspended Mahlangu after she was seen in a scandalous nude video that went viral, where she was found to be in a compromising position.

In the video, Mahlangu was seen taking off her bra and tights and playing with her punani. The video was immensely shared across various social media platforms.

This prompted the ANC in the province to put Mahlangu on a month-long suspension for putting the party into disrepute.

However, the ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) in North West came out guns blazing in defence of suspended Mahlangu. The ANCWL PTT coordinator, Nombuyiselo Adoons said they will not leave this matter lying down.

Adoons said Mhlangu is a victim here and she cannot be victimised.

“We wish to express our deepest concern regarding the recent victimization of Mahlangu, who found herself at the centre of a distressing situation following the unauthorized leaking of her private, intimate video by individuals once considered close friends.

“Such conduct is a blatant violation of her privacy and dignity, and constitutes a serious infringement on her rights. It is disheartening that, despite being the clear victim in this matter, Mahlangu has been instructed to take a special leave,” she said.

Adoons said they believe this decision not only undermines her position as mayor, but also perpetuates a harmful culture wherein victims of privacy violations are punished rather than supported. She said Mahlangu has already demonstrated good faith and accountability by submitting an apology to the ANC and to the community of Tswaing and the province.

“We call upon the ANC to treat this letter with the gravity it deserves and to recognise that Mahlangu’s actions and statements illustrate her commitment to the party and the community she serves.

“We therefore demand that the ANC withdraw its letter calling for Mahlangu’s special leave with immediate effect. We urge the organisation to stand firmly by its commitment to protect and empower women and to uphold the rights and dignity of its members,” said Adoons.

She said the leaking of private material without consent is a criminal act and must be addressed as such. Adoons said victims should be supported, not further traumatised through administrative or disciplinary measures.

“We stand in solidarity with Mahlangu and call on all relevant authorities and party structures to take decisive steps against the perpetrators.

“We further request that the ANC institute clear protocols to support members, who fall victim to such invasions of privacy, ensuring that survivors are not isolated or re-victimised,” she said.

Now, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said: “They are pleased to announce the return of Mahlangu to her position as the mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality following her special leave. We welcome her back with open arms after an unfortunate mishap and look forward to her continued leadership and dedication to the community.

“Mahlangu has been a steadfast advocate for the residents of Tswaing, demonstrating unwavering commitment to service delivery, community engagement, and local development. Her return comes at a crucial time as the municipality faces various challenges that require experienced and compassionate leadership.”

Diremelo further said the ANC is confident that Mahlangu’s leadership will bring renewed energy and focus to the municipality and they encourage all residents to support her in her efforts to improve the lives of the people of Tswaing. He added that they also extend their gratitude to the acting leadership during her absence for their service and dedication to the municipality.

“The ANC remains committed to ensuring that our municipalities are responsive and accountable to the communities they serve,” said Diremelo.

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NWU students shut down university over delayed NSFAS allowance

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Picture: Striking students block the entrance of NWU (Mafikeng campus)  

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 March 2025- The students at North West University (Mafikeng campus), said they will intensify their protest, until the management heeds their call. On Monday, the students blocked the entrance during a protest as they demanded food and 50% book allowance amongst others.

According to the Chairperson of Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) at the NWU, Lesego Sekgabetlele, the remaining food and book allowance was supposed to be disbursed on 28 February 2025, but nothing happened. Sekgabetlele said the day came and passed by without any communication from the management.

“So, we realised that they did not take us seriously hence we went to the streets in demonstration. The strike will continue until what is due to us is paid in full. It is difficult without that 50% book allowance because it is for necessities needed during teaching and learning processes.

“We are requested to buy laptops and some books for other modules. However, if you do not have that money as a student, then you are going to suffer. We do have students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and they are heavily reliant on these funds,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NWU’s Communication Manager (Mafikeng campus), Oscar Mosiane said: “As the university, we had a consultative engagement with various stakeholders, including Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Student Command and South African Students Congress (SASCO), to map way forward regarding the challenges raised by students. However, the issue is about non-payment of food and 50% book allowance amongst others by NSFAS.

“So, we have also engaged NSFAS and they promised to make some payments for the first batch starting from 1pm today until Friday. We have 394 students that still need to receive the money. However, we have an initiative as the university to give meals to those who are in need until this matter is resolved.”

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The country mourns the death of Rosemary Mangope

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Picture: The deceased, MmaKgosi Rosemary Mangope of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyaane at Motswedi village/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has on behalf of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), expressed sadness at the passing of MmaKgosi Rosemary Mangope of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyaane at Motswedi village in Lehurutshe, Zeerust. Rosemary is the wife of Kgosi Kwena Mangope, who is also the leader of Action SA in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).

The Action SA president, Herman Mashaba said in a statement that, it is with profound sadness that they announce the passing of the beloved Rosemary Nishebo Mangope, the Queen of Bahurutshe boo Manyane, who departed this life on Saturday following a battle with cancer. Masahaba said Nishebo, as she was affectionately known, was not only a loyal and trusted member of the political party, but also a beacon of hope and progress in community development across South Africa.

“Mmakgosi’s remarkable legacy spans decades of selfless dedication to service and upliftment communities. A highly educated leader, she held multiple degrees including a BA in Social Science, Honours in Sociology, and an MA Social Science from the then University of Bophuthatswana, now the North West University (NWU).

“Her passion for education saw her obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from the Indira Gandhi Open University in New Delhi. Amongst some of her remarkable achievements was founding the Mmabana Arts Cultural Centres that have produced numerous prominent South African artists,” he said.

Mashaba further said throughout Nishebo’s career, she held several prestigious positions, including Chief Director at the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, Divisional Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and CEO of the Arts Council until her retirement in April 2022. He added that, up until her passing, Mmaarona Mmakgosi remained committed to community development projects through her signature initiatives including Ikanye & Moito Projects.

“Her campaigns embodied her philosophy of self-reliance and empowerment, captured in the saying “Mphe mphe o a lapisa, motho o kgonwa ke sa gagwe” (Believe in yourself, believe in your own strength). We have lost several very dear people in Action SA over the relatively short period of our existence as a party.

“All of them are a great loss to us and to South Africa, mindful of their contribution to our political journey. To my family – especially to Connie, my dear wife, Ntshebo was a lot more than a colleague, but a friend,” said Mashaba.

He said they are deeply saddened by her passing and they hold her husband and their dear friend, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, close to their hearts. Mashaba said Nishebo’s passing is another big loss to the country.

“Nishebo is survived by her two children, two grandchildren and her husband, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, the leader of the Bahurutshe Boo Manyana Traditional Community. Action SA calls upon all South Africans to keep Kgosi Kwena Mangope and the entire Mangope family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“Her warm personality, infectious energy, and dedication to community service will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” he said.

Mokgosi said an academic in her own right, MmaKgosi Mangope was an astute administrator who left an indelible mark in the country’s Arts and Culture fraternity as well as youth development.

“In relation to the latter, she was the founder of the Mmabana Arts Foundation centred on giving opportunities to young people in rural and periphery communities to excel in arts and sports.

“A life-long commitment which produced globally recognised stars in music, dramatic arts and gymnastics among others,” he said.

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Illicit cigarettes worth R5.4m seized

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Picture: The illicit cigarettes/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 March 2025- The police in Northern Cape seized alleged illicit cigarettes worth R5.4 million. This comes after Kimberley SAPS Public Order Policing unit and Platoon 5 members, followed up on information of a truck allegedly transporting illicit goods.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said after conducting patrols on the N12 road in the vicinity of Shell Ultra City garage in Kimberley. Kock said subsequently, the police stopped the truck fitting the description on 14 March 2025, and seized alleged illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R5.4 million.

“On 14 March 2025 at approximately 14:25 the truck was spotted at a petrol station with two male security officials. Police searched the vehicle and discovered the boxes of illicit cigarettes and confiscated the Isuzu truck as it was allegedly utilized in the commission of crime.

“No arrests have been effected, however the police are investigating an enquiry into the matter. The police are urging the community to continue being the   ears and eyes of the police and report criminal activities via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. All information will be treated confidentially and the investigation continues,” he said.

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