Daily Archives: November 13, 2025

Conveyancer in court on allegations of theft and money laundering

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

13 November 2025- A conveyancer, Leanne Sullaphen Macleod (55) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on charges of theft of funds and money laundering. Macleod briefly appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 12 November 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said it is alleged that during the period 2021 to 2024, the accused who is an admitted attorney and conveyancer practicing in Kimberley, misappropriated the funds of clients kept in the trust. Thebe said the funds are for a sole purpose and mandate of buying and selling of houses on client’s behalf.

“The accused failed to fulfil some client’s mandate or refund them back from the trust account. Furthermore, Macleod unlawfully and intentionally stole/misappropriated the clients’ funds for her use by transferring funds to her personal account.

“Various clients suffered a loss to the value of R4 638 357.30. Kimberley Magistrate’s Court released the accused on R500 bail. The matter was postponed to 28 November 2025, for the case to be transferred to Serious Commercial Crimes Court,” he said. 

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Former North West Development Corporation CFO sentenced for fraud

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Picture: The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Kudakwashe Mpofu

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 November 2025- The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Kudakwashe Mpofu (33), was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Molopo. This was in terms of Section 276(1)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Act for fraud.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mpofu received an additional three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension. Gunya said Mpofu was arrested in January 2025 by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit following probes into the use of a fraudulent South African permanent residence permit.

“The court heard that in March 2021, the NWDC advertised a position of Asset Manager based at its head office in Mahikeng. Mpofu applied for the post and submitted all required documentation, including a fraudulent permanent residence permit.

“He was appointed on 1 May 2021 and later promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position on 1 June 2023. Investigations revealed that the permit submitted by Mpofu had never been issued by the Department of Home Affairs,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Mpofu pleaded guilty to both counts of fraud.

In aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau argued that fraud remains a serious and prevalent offence in South Africa, particularly within the jurisdiction of the court. Mudau said the accused failed to disclose how he obtained the fraudulent document and benefited financially, earning over R3 million during his tenure at the entity.

Welcoming the outcome, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mudau for bringing the matter to a finality. Makhari said these sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to combating and prosecuting commercial crimes that undermine public trust and institutional integrity.

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Police are looking for missing Mogapi

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Picture: The missing Shiyane Maolean Mogapi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 November 2025 – The police in Mabeskraal request the community’s assistance in locating a missing Shiyane Maolean Mogapi (75), who is residing at Mosidi Section in Mabeskraal. The police said according to information received, Mogapi was last seen on 17 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said a search was conducted around Mabeskraal, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. Myburgh said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a blue two-piece overall.

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a medium build body, 1.8m tall, with long black and grey hair. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Mosimanegape Mosothwane on 082 772 4009, your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.

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Company fined for failure to submit tax returns

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

13 November 2025- The Kgabanyane Mining and Projects (Pty) Ltd, represented by its Director, Tidimalo Christopher Kgotlhang (43), was found guilty by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court for failure to submit returns. The company faced 56 counts of contravening Section 234(2)(d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said between December 2021 and October 2024, the company failed to submit Value-Added Tax (VAT), Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), and Company Income Tax (CIT) returns, despite several telephonic reminders from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), including one on 25 November 2024. Gunya said in court, Kgotlhang opted to pay an admission of guilt fine totalling R56 000 for neglecting his tax obligations as the company’s director.

“This outcome underscores the diligent work of the NPA’s Specialised Tax Unit (STU), which promotes accountability and compliance by pursuing legal action against those who fail to adhere to tax laws. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the imposition of a substantial fine,” he said.

Welcoming the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Advocate Dineo Mathule for her diligence in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Makhari also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in ensuring that justice was served.

“The NPA, through its Specialised Tax Unit, remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing tax compliance and ensuring accountability. Criminal prosecution continues to be a vital instrument in addressing deliberate non-compliance with tax legislation,” she said.

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