Monthly Archives: June 2026

Protocol and Vetting Officers nabbed in connection with murder

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 June 2026 – The Protocol Manager attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, Emmanuel Neverdie Mkhabela (47), appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of premeditated murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. The charges relate to the murder of Mabidi Mashaba, a Forensic Investigator attached to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said his co-accused, Eckson Jabulani Mkhonto (53), a Vetting Officer also attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, briefly appeared in the same court on 28 May 2026, on similar charges.

“It is alleged that on 7 September 2023, the deceased was driving from Mpumalanga to his residence in Pretoria. While travelling along Hardy Muller Circle in Villieria, a vehicle occupied by the two accused allegedly drove alongside the deceased’s vehicle and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene.

“Following the shooting, the deceased reportedly stopped his vehicle and contacted his supervisor, informing them that the two accused had fired several gunshots at him. He was later found on the roadside by security personnel in the area and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” she said.

Mahanjana further said following extensive police investigations, Mkhonto was arrested at a guesthouse in Mpumalanga, while Mkhabele handed himself over to the Villieria Police Station. She added that the matter was postponed to 4 June 2026, for a formal bail application for both accused.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – A man (36) from Tsakane Township, near Boksburg was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court for raping a minor (14). On 5 December 2022, the accused, Thabang Malibonwe called the complainant from her place of residence in Tsakane to come to his home so that he could send her to the nearby shops.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said upon her arrival, he instructed her to sit on his bed, pinned her down and raped her. Mahanjana said after the incident, the victim left the accused’s residence and returned home.

“On 22 December 2022, she reported the matter to the police. Following an investigation, Malibonwe was arrested on 26 December 2022 at his home. During the trial, Malibonwe pleaded not guilty and claimed that he and the victim had consensual sex.

“However, the state prosecutor Leonora Sejake presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In mitigation of sentence, Malibonwe requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“He cited that he is a first-time offender, has minor children who depend on him and has already spent time in custody. Sejake, however, argued strongly against any deviation, emphasising the extreme seriousness and prevalence of the offence,” she said.

She further said Sejake highlighted that Malibonwe showed no remorse, had abused the victim’s trust and was responsible for the revocation of his bail after interfering with witnesses. Mahanjana added that Sejake also submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Nothando Mbatha, in which the victim described the profound and ongoing psychological trauma she has suffered, including regular sessions with a psychologist since the incident.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the state that the accused showed no remorse. The magistrate emphasised that the victim was not only physically violated, but that her emotional well-being, self-worth, trust in others, education, mental health, and prospects had been severely damaged.

“The court found that the impact on the victim constituted an exceptional and weighty aggravating factor and that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” said Mahanjana.

She said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide, and reaffirms that the criminal justice system treats such offences with the utmost seriousness.

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A man defrauded R240 000 over ‘fake’ spousal support

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By STAFF REPORTER

1 June 2026 – Four accused, Tshilumela Rakhadani (46), Anza Devon Mphephu (30), Alpheus Manda Kabinde (51), and Mamello Unice Morapedi (24) were arrested for allegedly defrauding a man (60) approximately R240 000. This comes after two accused, who were employees of the Department of Justice a Maintenance Officer and a Maintenance Court Investigating Officer, colluded with a friend, who recruited his girlfriend, a member of the public and involved two additional suspects in the scheme.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the accused allegedly falsely presented the woman as the victim’s second wife. Morake said an application for spousal maintenance was allegedly completed and a court order was signed by the Maintenance Officer, authorising the bank to approve and deposit R240 000 into the account of the woman posing as the victim’s second wife.

“The victim reportedly approached the Brits Maintenance Court several times to state his case, but was not assisted until he approached the Court Manager, who initiated an internal investigation.

“This led to the opening of a criminal fraud case on behalf of the victim. Morake said the case was initially investigated in Brits and during 2024, it was transferred to the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation,” she said.

Morake further said the matter was successfully investigated and all the suspects allegedly involved in orchestrating the crime were linked to the case. She added that the preliminary investigations revealed that the two Department of Justice employees and the other public members allegedly shared the R240 000 among themselves.

“During the course of the investigation, the two D epartment of Justice employees resigned from their positions, and their pension funds are being withheld pending the outcome of the criminal case.

 “The accused have been charged with fraud and appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 29 May 2026. The accused were summoned before court and are expected to re-appear before the Regional Court on 23 July 2026,” said Morake.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for arresting the suspects, stating that their dedicated investigation will help remove criminals from communities. Naidoo urged members of the public to be cautious when sharing private information relating to their retirement funds.

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Morweng to pay homage to families of slain victims

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Picture: Slain social activist, Mokoena Letsie/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

1 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will today pay a homage to the bereaved families of people who were shot dead in Potchefstroom and Orkney. This comes after four people including a girl (15) were shot dead on Saturday evening at a local tavern in Kanana Township, near Orkney.

The North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said random shooting took place in the street near the tavern and some of the victims were passers-by. Matlou said the preliminary investigations revealed that three unidentified suspects, armed with high calibre rifles and wearing face coverings, were responsible for the attack.

“Three of the deceased have been identified as Lesotho nationals aged between 30 and 36, and two of the injured, aged 30 and 45, have also been identified as Lesotho nationals.

“Morweng will before then visit the family of community activist Mokoena Letsie in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. According to the reports, Mokoena was shot multiple times in what is suspected to be a hit. He was linked to the South African Council of Churches and also the founder of a movement called Potch4Palestine,” he said.

Matlou further said the visit will begin at Letsie family at around 12pm, and thereafter, Morweng will visit bereaved families in Kanana at around 3pm.

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Police looking for missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote

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Picture: The missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – The police in Boitekong request the community’s assistance in locating a missing girl (18). It is alleged that Olebogeng Felicia Tagote of Boitekong, near Rustenburg, was last seen by her friend on Sunday afternoon, 24 May 2026, when they left school.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Boitekong and surrounding areas without any positive results. Morake said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a school uniform (green trouser, white shirt and maroon pullover jersey). Morake said she is light in complexion, with a slender build body and black ponytail.

“The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tagote’ s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Patrick Sebelane on 060 142 0796, alternatively call your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Three suspects nabbed for pointing of a firearm

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Picture: A firearm confiscated by the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 June 2026 – Three suspects were arrested for pointing a firearm, common assault and armed robbery in Jericho. This comes after a tip-off received on 26 May 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the information received, indicated that a group of suspects had entered a site, where illegal sand mining activities were taking place and had allegedly kidnapped an African man. Morake said later the same day, information was received that the alleged kidnap victim had managed to escape and was at Jericho Police Station.

“The victim was interviewed and alleged that he had been threatened with a firearm, assaulted and robbed of cash by unknown suspects. The police proceeded to the identified location with the victim and upon arrival, they found a group of African men at the scene.

“The victim positively identified three suspects, who were subsequently arrested. A licensed firearm and ammunition were found and seized,” she said.

Morake further said three suspects were subsequently charged with pointing a firearm, common assault and armed robbery. She added that they are expected to appear before the Jericho Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their swift response and collaboration.

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Three women nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: Drugs confiscated during operation/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 June 2026 – Three women aged between 21 and 23 were arrested by the police for possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth. The arrests were effected by the Public Order Police in Extension 4 and 12 in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof during a self-initiated operation.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation was driven by information regarding alleged drug dealing activities in identified hotspot areas. Morake said in a separate incident, a man (36) was arrested for assaulting police officers, while they were performing their duties, malicious damage to state property, resisting arrest and possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth.

“The arrest followed an incident in which the suspect attacked three police officers. One police officer sustained a hand injury after being stabbed with a garden fork, while another police officer was bitten on the hand. The suspect also threw a stone at a third officer, injuring his foot.

“During the altercation, the suspect damaged a police vehicle by throwing a stone at it. All three police officers received medical treatment for their injuries,” she said.

Morake further said Naledi Rathebe (23), Masego Maseng (22), Kebuileng Itumeleng (21), and Mac Lawrence Mogolodi (36), briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 29 May 2026. She added that they were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 19 June 2026, for a bail application.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their dedication and vigilance. Naidoo said their actions demonstrate the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of members to dismantling criminal networks.

“The police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice and that communities remain safe,” he said.

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Four people shot dead at a local tavern  

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Picture: Four people killed in hails of bullets/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 June 2026– The police in Kanana Township, near Orkney are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident that was reported on Saturday night, 30 May 2026, at a local tavern. This comes after the police responded to the shooting incident and upon arrival at the scene, found four people with gunshot wounds lying near the entrance and outside the tavern.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the preliminary investigations revealed that three unidentified suspects, armed with rifles and wearing balaclavas, were responsible for the attack. Morake said during the incident, girl (15) sustained fatal gunshot wounds and collapsed near the entrance of the tavern.

“As the shooting continued, patrons scattered in various directions to escape. The other three deceased victims were identified as Lesotho nationals aged between 30 and 36. Another two Lesotho women aged 30 and 45 respectively, also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the incident and urged communities to work closely with the police by providing any information that could assist with the investigation. Naidoo said anyone with information regarding the incident is requested to contact Col Alex Lebodi from the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit on 082 338 1076.

“Alternatively, members of the public may contact their nearest police station, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or share information anonymously via the MySAPS App on their smartphones,” he said.

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