By OBAKENG MAJE

Ethiopian man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lichtenburg Regional Court for murder and extra 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. On 9 May 2018, Abebe Ergicho (37) entered a Shell Garage in Lichtenburg and went to the cashier to order some items. While Ergicho waiting for his order, Francois Swart, who is the deceased together with his friend, entered the shop to make a purchase.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, a few moments later, Ergicho pulled out a gun and pointed it at the cashier. Mamothame further said he then turned and approached Swart.

“He shot him at point blank without uttering a word. Ergicho then turned the gun to Swart’s friend and robbed him of his wallet and car keys. He subsequently took off with the car and items he had ordered.

“The car was later discovered abandoned near Verdwaal village. He was arrested on 17 December 2020 and denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and he once tried to flee in court during trial, but the police managed to contain him,” he said.

Mamothame added that court further declared Ergicho unfit to possess a firearm.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutors, Adv Itumeleng Boikanyo and Adv Joyce Maseko, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.

Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state as he imposed a life imprisonment to Ergicho, citing his remorseless conduct.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, Captain Michael Viljoen from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other role players for ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.

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Picture: A suspected stolen laptop recovered/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 30 were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen laptop valued at R11 000 on Friday. Two suspects were arrested during a visibility patrols and stop and search in Colesberg on Friday at around 8:30pm.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police from Kuyasa SAPS, received a tip-off regarding a stolen laptop. Shemane further said police proceeded to the identified location and on arrival, they allegedly found a man and a woman with the alleged stolen item.

‘The laptop was recovered and confiscated. The suspects were both arrested and they will appear in the Colesberg Magistrate’s Court soon.

“As the safer festive season operation progresses with more boots on the ground, criminal activities will be disrupted throughout the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe applauded the police for their swift response that led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen property. Mthukushe also encouraged the community to continuously report criminal activities anonymously to the police.

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Picture: A man arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen items/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 26-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen items, including three cell phones, one black wallet, two Ritas, one bank charger, two cell phone chargers, eight memory sticks and two gold bangles.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said the suspect was arrested in Deben on Saturday after he failed to provide proof of purchase or ownership of the items to the police. Letsapa said the police were busy conducting stop and searches when they came across the suspect.

“There is a possibility that, he might be linked to various house breaking and theft cases, which were reported at Kathu Police Station. The police investigations into the matter continue.

“The suspect will appear in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon on charge of possession of suspected stolen goods,” he said.

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Picture: A firearm with ammunition confiscated by police/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (48) has been arrested between Vryburg and Dryharts on N18 road for allegedly being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Friday afternoon. The suspect was arrested by the Hawks in conjunction with Vryburg K9 unit.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the members of the Mahikeng Based Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Vryburg K9 received a tip-off about a suspect alleged to be in possession of an illegal firearm who was en route from Vryburg to Taung.

‘The team acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle along the N18 highway. Upon conducting a search, the police allegedly found a firearm and ammunition under the driver’s seat. After failing to produce a licence to possess the firearm, he was arrested and charged.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 December 2023. He is facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said Mathebula.

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Picture: The suspected stolen good confiscated/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 30-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for being in possession of gas guns and several items believed to be stolen. On 11 December 2023, the police from Northern Cape Provincial Organized Crime Investigation Unit, received a tip-off regarding possession of suspected stolen property.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police conducted a search at the suspect’s residential area. Pilane said four gas pistols, one hunting rifle and sound equipment valued at R97 000 were recovered and confiscated after the suspect could not provide ownership of the goods.

“Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a business burglary was reported and the stolen property was positively linked to the case.

‘In an unrelated matter, a man (27) was arrested with a suspected stolen laptop. The police from the Organized Crime Investigation Unit, received a tip-off and immediately initiated an investigation.  The suspected stolen laptop, believed to be the property of the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality was recovered and the suspect arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola, lauded the efforts of the community for providing the police with information that led to the arrest of the suspects. She encouraged members of the community to reject and report stolen goods.

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Picture: The impressive SA girls/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South Africa boys and girls made the country proud on the first day of the 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe after comfortable wins on Thursday.

The regional tournament will run for the next three days, where the top young boys and girls in the Under-15 age-group will be competing in Harare. The South African boys are top of Group B after beating Angola 7-0 and then getting a walkover after Zambia failed to arrive.

The SA girls coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo said the girls were equally impressive in front of goal after beating their Angolan counterparts 14-0. Khumalo further said the South African girls also benefitted from a walkover after the Zambians failed to arrive.

“The action continues on 15 December 2023 and I am happy with my team’s performance on the first day. Today was the first day of the tournament and we did very well. I’m looking forward to Friday’s games.

“We would like to win and go to the finals. We want to defend our championship title and proceed to the CAF tournament. I’m also very proud of the girls for playing according to our plan. I would like to thank the people who are behind me, who support me, the management, our Federation, SAFA,” she said.

Khumalo added that, again, without the parents and the coaches who are working with young girls in the country, she does not think their journey would be as good as it has been.

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Picture: Cables allegedly stolen from healthcare facility in Kimberly/Supplied

By OBAKEG MAJE

Three suspects aged 23, 43 and 52 were arrested for tampering with essential infrastructure. This comes after the Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit attended to a crime scene at a medical facility in Kimberly during the early hours of the morning on 13 December 2023.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is believed that, the cables were linked to a nearby sub-station that provides electricity to the facility. Ehlers further said the police investigation led them to a house in Club 2000, where three suspects were arrested.

“The police also identified a suspicious vehicle, which is believed to be used in the commission of crime. The tools that were found in a vehicle such as hand saws, spanners were confiscated,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their vigilant conduct. She warned that criminal elements involved in the damage to or tampering of essential infrastructure will feel the wrath of the law.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

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Picture: The nine suspects arrested for fraud and extortion/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Nine suspects were arrested for alleged fraud and extortion in Schweizer Reneke on 12 December 2023. The suspects (eight men and one woman) aged between 39 and 49 were alleged to be connected to fraud and extortion cases in other provinces.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson in Kimberly, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said the suspects who are from Bloemfontein, Christiana, Gauteng, Kimberley, and Schweizer Reneke, were arrested by a multi-disciplinary crime intelligence-driven operation led by the North West Crime Intelligence and Kimberley Detectives.

“The suspects were arrested on Tuesday in Schweizer-Reneke we received a tip-off. During the arrest, 14 cellphones were confiscated and four suspected diamonds were found in the possession of the suspects,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, applauded the police for their diligent service in ensuring that the suspects were arrested. The suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A serial rapist (30) has been sentenced to four lives imprisonment for four counts of rape and 45 years for three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances by the Mmabatho Sexual Offences Court. Karabo Zacharia Maeza was also sentenced to extra 10 years for one count of rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said these offences were committed around Lonely Park, Signal Hill, and Molelwane villages in Mahikeng between May 2014 and May 2022.

Mamothame further said Maeza and his unknown co-perpetrator, accosted women who were walking from taverns at night and threatened them with knives before dragging them into open fields and bushes and rape them.

“They would subsequently rob the complainants of their belongings before fleeing the scene. He was arrested on 30 June 2022 and the court denied him bail. Maeza was linked to the offences through DNA samples and he pleaded not guilty to all the charges,” he added.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Kefentse Diseko, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Diseko further alluded to the emotional and physical trauma suffered by the complainants.

Magistrate Christel Mathews agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in removing the accused from society, owing to his actions. The court also ordered that Maeza’s name be included in the national register of sexual offenders.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the prosecutor, Captain Charles Montshiwa from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all role players who ensured that justice was served.

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urged schools to ‘unconditionally’ release the reports of learners. This comes after some parents raised concerns alleging that, some schools are withholding learners’ progress reports.

Motsumi further said that the department reminds school principals that demanding payment for report cards is strictly prohibited and it violates the South African Schools Act (SASA) 84, Sections 40 and 41.

“We emphasize the importance of transparent communication with parents and guardians. Progress reports are crucial for monitoring student development and it bring timely support, where needed.

“Denying access to these reports is unacceptable and undermines the learning process. The department urges all schools to immediately release learner progress reports without any financial conditions. Principals are advised to review relevant Sections of SASA 84 for clear guidance on school fees and report distribution,” she said.

Motsumi also offered encouragement to learners and wished them good luck in their new endeavour.

“I wish you continued success in your academic journey. For those who have not advanced to the next grade, remember that setbacks are growth opportunities. So, stay motivated and keep striving for your goals.

“The department also expresses its gratitude to teachers across the province for their dedication throughout the year. We commend their commitment to quality education and their tireless efforts in supporting our learners,” said Motsumi.

She encouraged them to enjoy the upcoming holiday season and return refreshed and ready for the new year. Motsumi added that she is looking ahead to matric results and the festive season.

“The department remains confident that, the Class of 2023 will continue to excel and anticipates positive matric results on 19 January 2024. We encourage all matriculants and learners to prioritize safety and responsible behavior during the festive season,” she said.

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