Author Archives: The Guardian

A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and robbery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 November 2025- A man (22) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for rape and robbery. The police said the incident occurred on 8 August 2020 at approximately 2:10am, when the victim (20) was attacked by an unknown man, while walking home alone.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused, Lebogang Joseph Van Wyk dragged the victim behind the Kimberley Correctional Services premises, where he demanded her cell phone and took her handbag. Shemane said Van Wyk then sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

“The traumatised victim immediately reported the incident at the Kimberley Correctional Services control room, after which the police were notified. She was taken to hospital for a medical examination. The following day on 9 August 2020, the victim accompanied police to the crime scene, where her cell phone was recovered.

“Subsequent forensic investigations positively linked the accused to the crime scene, leading to his arrest on 19 January 2021. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until the finalisation of the case,” he said.

Shemane further said on 30 October 2025, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced Van Wyk to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years imprisonment for common robbery. He added that the accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Sergeant Shaun Boer of the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, as well as state prosecutor, advocate Shareen Links, for their dedication and teamwork that ensured justice for the victim. Otola reaffirmed the SAPS’s commitment to eradicating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and urged community members to prioritise their personal safety.

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Three men nabbed for illegal hunting

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Picture: Some of animals killed during illegal hunting/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 November 2025- The police in Northern Cape said illegal hunting poses a serious threat to wildlife populations, contributes to biodiversity loss and can result in significant economic losses for the hunting industry. The police said on 1 November 2025, police in Loxton received information from community members regarding a suspicious vehicle, a navy blue Ford Bakkie, traveling on the R63 Road between Loxton and Carnarvon.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding the vehicle matching the description. Shemane said the vehicle was stationary along the roadside when the police tactically approached it.

“Upon inspection, the police saw blood on the load bin and discovered eight slaughtered steenbok and two slaughtered rabbits. Knives covered in blood and two dogs were also found in the back of the bakkie.

“The three men aged 19, 40, and 53, could not provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the animals and failed to produce any valid hunting permits. They were subsequently arrested for illegal hunting,” he said.

Shemane further said the knives and the vehicle were confiscated as they are believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the police for their swift response, which led to the arrests and expressed gratitude to the community members for their unwavering support in the fight against crime.

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Double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi abandons bail

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Picture: The double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 October 2025- The double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi (38) from Extension 17 in Mamelodi East, has abandoned his bail application at the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2025. Mnisi is facing two counts of premeditated murder, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlawful ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that during the early hours of 26 October 2025, at approximately 2am, the accused shot and killed his girlfriend, Tshiyamo Sweetness Moramaga (22) and her cousin, Boleseng Mirandah Moramaga (21). Mhanjana said Mnisi also allegedly attempted to kill their friend, Desmond Semang (27), who was with the two women at Small Konka Tavern in Mamelodi East that night.

“Following police investigations, the accused was arrested at a garage on Solomon Mahlangu Drive on 27 October 2025. In court, Mnisi abandoned his bail application, and the matter was postponed to 19 January 2026 for further investigation. He remains in custody pending the finalisation of the case.

“The NPA condemns acts of gender-based violence and femicide and remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law,” she said.

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A man accused of defrauding Ford granted bail

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By OBAKENG MAJE

31 October 2025- A fraud case against the accused, Richard Vincent Zitha (40) was postponed by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court to 19 November 2025. The case was also transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court that will sit in Klerksdorp.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Zitha is charged with one count of fraud. Gunya said it is alleged that on 13 November 2024, Zitha falsely presented himself as an employee of Apex Edge Construction (Pty) Ltd when applying for vehicle finance at Ford Finance Service in Klerksdorp.

“Investigations revealed that he allegedly forged an employment contract and submitted other fraudulent documents as part of his application for a Ford Ranger Double Cab 2024 model. His application was approved and he subsequently entered into a finance agreement with Ford Finance to purchase the vehicle valued at R760 177.25.

“On 15 November 2024, he signed an online contract with the dealership. The employment contract he submitted stated that he was employed as a Manager at Apex Edge Construction from 1 November 2024. The state alleges that Zitha knew the representations were false and intended to mislead the complainants to their prejudice. In court, Zitha was granted bail of R15 000,” he said.

Gunya further said as part of his bail conditions, Zitha is expected to report to the Tembisa Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 6am and 6pm. He added that he was also instructed to refrain from interfering with witnesses and inform the investigating officer of any change of address.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the collaborative efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement stakeholders, which led to the swift arrest and court appearance of the accused.

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Amajimbos determined to make an impact at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar

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Picture: Amajimbos determined to make an impact at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

31 October 2025- The South African Under-17 men’s national team insists that they are not going to the FIFA U17 World Cup just to make up the numbers, but to make a huge impact and be competitive. Coach Vela Khumalo’s charges departed from South Africa on Thursday afternoon on their way to line up against the best U17 national teams in the world in the global event to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) hosted a farewell breakfast for the team on Thursday and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, CEO Lydia Monyepao, NEC Member Job Mchunu, the Association’s staff members and members of the media were on hand to wish Amajimbos well ahead of their adventure in Qatar.

“The whole team thanks you for the support and we hope and pray that we will represent the country very well in Qatar,” said Khumalo.

Captain Kamohelo Mareletse and his teammates said they are going to the tournament to compete, starting in their opening match against Bolivia on Monday.

They said they were inspired by the exploits of the Morocco team that stunned Argentina 2-0 at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile, to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup a week ago.

The Gauteng Premier presented the team with the South African flag and said the players will be carrying the aspirations of millions of fellow citizens.

“On behalf of the South African government, we are wishing you well, so go there and make us proud. I have no doubt that you will make us proud,” said Lesufi.

Meanwhile, SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said: “You have a big responsibility but also a very big opportunity. We want you to go and enjoy yourselves, focus, be disciplined and seek glory for the country, for yourselves, for the teams you come from and for SAFA as a national Association.”

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Galeshewe FCS request public assistance in tracing a person of interest

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By BAKANAG MOKOTO

31 October 2025- The Galeshewe Family Violence, Children and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit request the assistance of the public in tracing John Kock alias “Poempoe”, a person of interest in solving an attempted murder case that occurred at Willy Jansen Street, Phuthanang on 26 October 2025. The police said the person of interest who is believed to be residing at Promise Land, Phuthanang, can assist with the investigation of the assault of a female victim (16) at her home in Phuthanang.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kock, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Duppie Dupplessis on 082 359 9230 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

“All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Lesotho man sentenced to 12 years for killing his countryman

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 October 2025- A man (27) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for the murder of his fellow countryman. On 7 September 2024, the victim, Tsietsi Motlaopa (32), a Lesotho national, was at the accused Tumisang Maleke’s residence in Cassel village when an argument broke out between the two men.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the altercation escalated into a physical confrontation during which the accused stabbed the victim in the upper body with a sharp object. Pilane said the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel later declared Motlaopa dead on the scene.

“The matter was reported to the Bothithong Police Station and the suspect was swiftly arrested. He was charged with murder and Detective Constable Lucky Mabuthwane was assigned to investigate the case. His diligent work and successful opposition to bail ensured that the accused remained in custody until sentencing.

“The court ultimately found Maleke guilty and sentenced him to 12 years for murder with an additional 2 years for contravention of Immigration Laws and also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloi, commended Mabuthwane for his commitment and thorough investigative efforts that led to the successful conviction.

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A man sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for killing his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

31 October 2025- The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape said it continues to appeal to members of the public to report incidents of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to support victims in coming forward. The police said these crimes often occur behind closed doors and public cooperation remains critical in preventing domestic violence-related murders.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 1 December 2024, the police in Colesberg responded to a murder scene in Masiphakame, Kuyasa, where the lifeless body of a woman was discovered inside a house. Shemane said the preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had sustained burn wounds.

“Information received by the police led to the swift tracing and arrest of the suspect, identified as the deceased’s boyfriend, who had fled the scene after committing the crime. The accused was arrested on the same day and made several court appearances until the case was finalised.

“On 28 October 2025, the Colesberg Regional Court found Thembalethu Bok (28) guilty of the murder of Sinesipho Makhaza (18). Bok was convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts between Detective Warrant Officer Thabiseng Vokonqo of Kuyasa and state prosecutor, Philisiwe Khosa, for their dedication and commitment in ensuring justice for the victim and her family.

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Three men sentenced to a combined 45 years imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure

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By OBAKENG MAJE

31 October 2025- Three accused, Letlhogonolo Selaledi (34), Thabang Kgalapa (33) and Kenneth Chauke (34), were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for damaging essential infrastructure. Selaledi, Kgapala and Chauke were convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and each received 15 years of direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 12 May 2024 in Pudimoe Township, near Taung, where police received information that three men were digging up copper cables near the Pudimoe Police Station. Gunya said acting swiftly, the police proceeded to the scene and found the accused removing copper cables and loading them onto a truck.

“The stolen cables were valued at R151 778.28. When questioned, the men claimed they had been contracted by Openserve. However, upon verification, the company’s Area Manager confirmed that no such contract existed between Openserve and the accused. The men were immediately arrested on the scene. During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty to the charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.

“The state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, led evidence from the Openserve Area Manager, who refuted any employment or contractual relationship with the accused.

In aggravation of sentence, Mokgopa emphasised the seriousness of the offence and its broader impact on society, highlighting that the destruction and tampering of infrastructure disrupt essential services such as electricity supply, contributing to challenges like load-shedding,” he said.

Gunya further said in delivering judgment, Magistrate Buti Zulu concurred with the state, describing the accused’s actions as selfish and detrimental to the residents of Pudimoe. He added that Zulu subsequently imposed a sentence of 15 years imprisonment on each of the three men.

Welcoming the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mokgopa, the investigating officer and all stakeholders for their dedication in securing the conviction.

“The NPA remains committed to combating crime and upholding the rule of law. We hope this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent and help safeguard essential infrastructure that is vital to community livelihoods,” said Dr Makhari.

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Embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality offices in Mahikeng raided amidst corruption, fraud and maladministration allegations

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Picture: The embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality offices

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 October 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force members have confiscated some documents from the embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in Mahikeng on Thursday morning. The STF members stormed into the municipal offices and closed the gates before conducting a search.

Even though the details surrounding the search are still sketchy, the SAPS national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the search was part of ongoing investigation regarding corruption, fraud and maladministration at the municipality.    

“The operation was led by the national SAPS cold case investigators and the Special Task Force (STF) members related to search and seizure. The operation is about allegations of an ongoing investigation on corruption, fraud and maladministration in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. This is a first of many operations to come in addressing these allegations.

“The investigations are at the advanced and sensitive stage,” she said.

There are irregular expenditure allegations regarding R10 billion allocation for water and sanitation.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said in a statement that they can confirm that the South African Police Services (SAPS) conducted a search and seizure operation informed by allegations levelled against officials. Molefe said the municipality sincerely apologised for the inconvenience caused to critical municipal services, but they had to allow due processes to unfold.

“Therefore, all municipal officials are required to resume duty on 31 October 2025, at 7:45am and allow the law enforcement processes to speak,” he said.

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