Picture: The Operation Shanela conducted in Kimberley/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police said a multi disciplinary operation conducted in the Greater Kimberley area continues to clamp down crime. The Operation Shanela was conducted by the police from Galeshewe, Kagisho, Roodepan, Kimberley , Public Order Police, Border Police, Provincial Visible Police, Flying Squad, Search and Rescue, Traffic, Sol Plaatje Municipal Peace Officers, and Environmental Health.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said the operation commenced with a parade conducted by Kimberley SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana as the operational commander and Brigadier Monica Sibili of Operational Response Services.
She said Brigadier Simon Bopape from Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) Head Office also participated in the operation.
“A number of Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted in Kagisho, Roodepan and Galeshewe, where 1713 persons were searched, 491 vehicles stopped and searched, 83 traffic fines valued at R61100 issued, four warrants of arrest valued at R8000 issued and one firearm checked.
“Brigadier Bopape visited local tuckshops for compliance inspections with the Sol Plaatje Municipal Peace Officers and health inspectors. Five tuckshops were closed down for non-compliance and two fines to the value of R3000 were issued,” said Gopane.
She further said during the second phase, Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Johan Bean, joined the operation during which high visibility and blue light patrols were conducted in the Kimberley area, including foot patrols in the Central Business District (CBD) and at the Malls.
Gopane added that, the operations will continue beyond the festive season.
Picture: Two rifles allegedly found in possession of one of the suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and business burglary on 5 January 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said on Friday morning, the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team and BIU security officers, received a tip-off regarding a suspect, who had firearms in Extension 3, Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom.
Mokgwabone said the police went to the identified place for a search. He further said upon being asked if there was something he needed to declare before the search, the suspect informed the police that there were guns underneath the bed.
“As a result, the bed was lifted and three rifles fell to the ground. The suspect was then arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and 72 different ammunition. The operation also led to the apprehension of the suspect’s friend in connection with a burglary business that was allegedly committed at a bar in Ikageng Township.
“Further investigation linked the firearms with a break-in committed last month in Potchefstroom. The suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 for unlawful possession of firearm and burglary business respectively,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that, in Swartruggens, the police also received a tip-off on 3 January 2024, regarding a man who was in possession of a firearm. He said Kgotlaetsile Selebogo (22) was eventually questioned and took the police to his friend in Extension 4, Borolelo Township.
“Selebogo’s friend took the police to a neighbour’s place, where a 9mm pistol with the magazine was found under the tree. He was arrested and successfully linked with a burglary committed in Swartruggens on 23 December 2023.
“Selebogo briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 5 January 2024 for unlawful possession of a firearm and burglary residential. Selebogo was remanded in custody and his case was postponed to 10 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all members involved, including security officers for swift and collaborative efforts to remove the firearms from the wrong hands.
Six accused persons were arrested for poisoning 44 cattle in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa on 4 January 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the arrests come after the establishment of a task team by the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, to investigate the existence of a stock theft syndicate in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Mokgwabone said the accused persons, Lobelo Setlhabetsi (48), Moses Monchusi (47), Karabo Ditlamelo (31), Tshepiso Masite (32) Sarel De Lange (21), and White Basime (42), are all linked with malicious damage to property case, in which Keobakile Kenosi is the accused.
He further said the accused persons were arrested in Morokweng and Ganyesa for theft in general, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of firearms, and malicious property damage.
“The crimes were committed between August 2022 and January 2024. Four of the six accused persons are facing a charge of theft general after they allegedly stole a JoJo water tank worth R5 500 in Boshoek between 23 and 27 August 2023.
“The other two accused persons are facing separate charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful possession of a firearm. They were arrested in Ganyesa and Morokweng respectively after being found in possession of ammunition and a shotgun on 4 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
He added that, at the time of the arrest, the police were looking for the suspects in connection with malicious damage to property cases allegedly committed in Boshoek in August 2022. Mokgwabone said that one of the accused is facing an additional charge of malicious damage to property committed in October 2023.
“The reports suggest that the suspects intentionally bumped a private security company’s vehicle from the rear and pelted it with stones. During the arrest, the police confiscated a Toyota Hilux D/Cab bakkie, ammunition, and two firearms.
“They all appeared in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 5 January 2024 and remanded in custody until 9 January 2024,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their diligence and ongoing delivery of their mandate to ensure that, alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: Some of the goods recovered during arrests/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four suspects were arrested for armed robbery and possession of presumably stolen goods. It is alleged that, the truck driver and the owner were in the truck with a cargo in Flamwood, near Klerksdorp when approached by two men. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said one of the men, allegedly pointed the driver with a firearm and pushed him aside before driving the truck to Jouberton Township, outside Klerksdorp, where the victims were dropped off.
Mokgwabone further said the victims were also robbed of their personal belongings.
“The suspect then drove the truck to a house in Extension 7 to offload the goods. However, the police received a tip-off and proceeded to the place, and four suspects were arrested. The truck and goods worth R180 000 were recovered.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that, one of the suspects was out on bail for robbery aggravating allegedly committed in December 2023. The suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 for armed robbery and possession of presumably stolen goods,” he added.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their reaction time that culminated in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the truck, including the goods as part of combating aggravated robberies.
Picture: The 9mm firearm allegedly found beneath the spare wheel/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged 30 and 36 were arrested for armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition during a tactical crime intelligence-driven operation by the Brits Trio Task Team and Operational Coordination Centre on 5 January 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of the suspects involved in a robbery committed at a butchery in Mmakau. Mokgwabone further said the suspects were apprehended in Mabopane Block B and Beirut.
“The police also confiscated a white Toyota Yaris vehicle, which was seemingly used during the commission of the crime. During the search of the said vehicle, a black 9mm Vector firearm with five ammunition was found in the boot underneath the spare wheel.
“Further investigation into the matter, linked the suspects with a business robbery allegedly committed in Garankuwa in December 2023, as well as similar offences committed in and around Soshanguve and Akasia,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that, the suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 for armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their collaboration and their valuable role in sending out a clear message through arrests that those who commit crimes will not be spared.
A man was arrested for being in possession of carcasses of suspected stolen cattle in Vryburg. The accused, Tshokolo Alfred McCarthy (40) was arrested on 4 January 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said this comes after the police of Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) and K9 Unit, received a tip-off pertaining a possible theft of livestock. Mokgwabone further said, the police kept an observation until the suspects’ vehicle (GWM bakkie) was spotted in the early hours of Thursday morning in Market Street, Vryburg.
“Consequently, the bakkie was stopped at a petrol filing station for a search. Although two passengers evaded arrest, the driver was nabbed. At the back of the bakkie, the police found the carcasses, which were later positively identified by the Farm Manager through serial numbers on ear tags.
“The suspect’s vehicle was seized and the carcasses were handed over to the lawful owner. McCarthy was arrested and briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods on 5 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
He added that McCarthy was remanded in custody, while his case was postponed to 10 January 2024 for further investigation and possible bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for rapid response and patience that resulted in the arrest relating to stock theft, which is a concern, especially in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Picture: The police conducted a stop and search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested separately for dealing in dagga, house breaking and theft in Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the police allegedly arrested a suspicious looking woman (55) with dagga at a hiking spot in Campbell.
Kock further said, the police searched her sports bag and confiscated seven plastic bags with dagga worth around R5000. He added that, the suspect allegedly fought with the police and a charge of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer was added.
“In a separate incident, the SAPS D-Relief members of Britstown, received a tip-off about a residential burglary that allegedly took place on the 3 January 2024 in Britstown.
“A suspect (23) was arrested for house breaking and theft. The stolen goods were recovered by the police. The suspects will appear in court soon and the investigation continues,” said Kock.
Picture: Three farm workers killed by a lighting/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three farm workers aged 19, 26 and 51 were allegedly killed by a lightning in Barkly West in Northern Cape. On 3 January 2024, two men aged 26 and 51 were allegedly struck and killed by lightning on a farm, while five others sustained injuries.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, again on 5 January 2024, another farm worker (19) was allegedly struck and killed by a lightning.
“The police have noted with concern the recent tragedies of people being struck by lightning in the province. The police in Barkly West are investigating inquest cases.
“All three people were declared deceased on the scene by paramedics. The police advise communities, farm dwellers, farm workers and farmers to take the necessary precautions during thunderstorms by taking shelters in safe places,” he said.
Shemane further said they should also avoid operating farm equipment, avoid open fields and hilltops and stay away from tall, isolated trees or from other objects. He added that, they should avoid touching electrical equipment.
“As the police, we urge the communities to be cautious during thunderstorms. The investigations continues,” said Shemane.
Picture: An artist and socialite, Kay Angelface Mo/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A call for the arrest of a local socialite, Kagiso Moepetsang who is affectionately known as Kay Angelface Mo, is gaining momentum. This comes after Kay Angelface Mo allegedly raped his neighbour (19) in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa on 30 December 2023. One of the social media influencers, Ontiretse “Mama Onti” Thomas, alleges that, Kay Angelface Mo gave his neighbour a lift to a local tavern, where he went to look for his friends.
“However, it is alleged that, the neighbour could not find his friends and informed Kay Angelface Mo. He allegedly convinced the neighbour to chill with them and offered him drinks. Later on, the alleged victim went to the bathroom, leaving his drinks behind.
“In his return, he allegedly sipped his drink again but felt dizzy afterwards. He allegedly requested to be taken home because he was not feeling well. This raised suspicions that, his drink might have been spiked,” she said.
Thomas further alleged that, Kay Angelface Mo offered to take the alleged victim home. She added that, what was surprising is that, one had to pass by the alleged victim’s home first before reaching Kay Angelface Mo’s house.
“However, Kay Angelface allegedly opted to go to his house, instead of dropping the alleged victim off at his home. Later on, there was a commotion outside, where some of the family members of the alleged victim heard him screaming. They allegedly went outside to investigate and found Kay Angelface Mo holding bloody sheets with faeces and urine on them.
“At that time, the alleged victim was heard accusing Kay Angelface Mo of raping him. The rape case was opened against Kay Angelface Mo, but no arrest was made thus far,” she said.
On 2 January 2024, Kay Angelface Mo released a statement saying they are actively engaged in addressing these allegations and ensure that, they are thoroughly investigated.
“We are fully aware of the situation and we are cooperating with the authorities who have been informed. We take these allegations seriously and emphasize the importance of due process. While this investigation progresses, we kindly request your understanding and patience.
“Our commitment lies in allowing the legal system to operate fairly and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved. We implore everyone to avoid speculation or spreading unverified information during this sensitive time,” he said.
Kay Angelface Mo said their priority is to maintain transparency and any developments in this matter will be communicated promptly by their legal representatives or the designated team. He said he is committed to protecting the integrity of the brand.
“As such, during this period, our attorney and team will represent Angelface until further notice. We apologize for any disruption this may cause and assure you that updates will be provided as soon as they arise,” said Kay Angelface Mo.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The said case has been registered and is under investigation in consultation with prosecution. The incident took place in Ganyesa.
“No arrest has been effected at this stage. The incident allegedly occurred on 30 December 2023, but it was reported to the police on 31 December 2023.”
Meanwhile, another social media user by the name of Sir Shane wrote on his wall and alleged that, four years ago, he was confronted with the same inevitable reality of what that young boy in Tlakgameng experienced. He said the incident happened at Lanzito’s.
“What happened was, Kay Angelface Mo came where I was standing and at that time, I was talking to a friend whom he threatened to leave my sight. With the aggression in his face, I told this friend of mine to leave and go back to her table, where she was seated before and I remained there, standing with Angelface and listening to him redirect his threats to me,” said Sir Shane.
He said that even though there was a confrontation, he was not threatened at all because ntwa gase bothata to him.
“Wena today ke tsamaya le wena, ebile heta re tsamaye kgale ke go galela ke sa go kreye” were his words to me. I told him that I do not play for both teams (I’m a straight gent), turned around and walked away, going back to Thabang’s car because ne re dutse ha morago ga yone.
“When I walked past the car wash port, he came and grabbed my hand, pinned me to the corner and started getting violent. I’m not a violent person and I avoid violence by all means, even those who know me will attest to this,” he said.
Sir Sahane said, that while he was pinned to the corner as angry as he was, his friend, Tlhokomelo came to him. He said at first, Tlhomelo did not notice what was happening.
“Upon his arrival, he noticed and tried to call Kay Angelface Mo to order, but he threatened him as well. So, I asked Tlhokomelo to go and call Cecs for me, which he did.
When Cecs arrived, things had escalated and Angelface had torn my t-shirt. Fortunately, Cecs rescued me from all that was happening. The following day, I wrote on Facebook about my ordeal,” said Sir Shane.
He said, however, his post became a joke to many and that forced him to delete the post.
Picture: The police during roadblocks across the province/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 13 foreign nationals were arrested in roadblocks that were conducted through five districts in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said this was done to curb criminal activities along major routes throughout the province.
Ehlers further said the roadblocks were held on the N12 and urban areas in the Frances Baard District, the R31, N14 in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the N1 in the Pixley Ka Seme District, the N14 and routes through Grobblershoop and Lime Acres in the ZF Mgcawu District and the N7 in Springbok in the Namakwa District.
“During the roadblocks, a total of 2 527 vehicles and 4 617 persons were stopped and searched. Fines to the amount of R154 450 were issued for various traffic violations.
“Dwellings in the Namakwa District were searched and 13 foreign nationals were arrested. Equipment believed to be used during illicit mining activities were also confiscated,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who led the roadblock on the N7 in the Namakwa District, commended the police and other law enforcement agencies for their commitment during the Safer Festive Season Operation.
She said their continued dedication to the prevention of crime is imperative. Otola further encouraged the police to be vigilant at all times and to adhere to police safety measures to ensure that they are operationally ready and safe at all times.
The Guardian 