A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 15 years by Kuruman Regional Court for murder. Moeketsi Nkoane stabbed Onewang Edwin Booysen (32) with a knife at Loopeng village, outside Kuruman in 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said: “Nkoane stabbed Booysen over the money he owed him. Letsapa further said Nkoane was remanded in custody until the completion of the case.”
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johnny Besnaar lauded the investigating officer, Sgt Khumoetsile Setlhauno for the meticulous investigation.
Besnaar further commended the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice, and Home Affairs for their respective contributions made during the investigation and prosecution of the case.
Picture: The pangolin skin confiscated by police/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man was sentenced to five years by the Upington Regional Court for being possession of pangolin skin. Zandray Dawids (40) was arrested in January 2021 at a truck stop on N14 road in Upington.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said Dawids was charged with possession of endangered species, transportation and trading in endangered species as well as money laundering.
“On 27 September 2023, the Upington Regional Court imposed a fine of R50 000 for possession of pangolin skin. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for transportation and trading in endangered species, which was suspended for five years.
“On money laundering charge, Dawids was sentenced to five years imprisonment, also suspended for five years. All this comes after the state and Dawids successfully negotiated a Section 105A plea,” he said.
Picture: The vehicle that GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe was allegedly driving/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly involved in a car accident again. It is alleged that, on 26 September 2023, Gaoraelwe borrowed a Polo vehicle belonging to his official personal driver and went to Mahikeng for personal reasons.
Gaoraelwe who was allegedly drunk, bumped a driver (39) of a Toyota Hilux bakkie from behind. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the accident was reported to them.
“Yes, the case was reported to the police and there is an accident report. There were no blood samples taken because no criminal case was opened,” he said.
It is also alleged that Gaoraelwe ordered his official personal driver to go and pick him up in Mahikeng, using the official municipal vehicle. On 25 September 2023, Gaoraelwe allegedly damaged the engine of the municipal bakkie, while in Bloemfontein.
He was allegedly picked up by a municipal employee also using an official municipal vehicle.
There are allegations that Gaoraelwe continues to misuse the municipal vehicles and does as he pleases without any accountability. Last year, Gaoraelwe has involved in an accident just 10km outside Schweizer Reneke, where he damaged the municipality’s luxury BMW X3 worth R750 000.
Gaoraelwe then allegedly took the municipal vehicle, Isuzu Double Cab belonging to the Community Safety unit and used it. However, later on, it was allegedly found out that, the bakkie was actually being used by his wife who resides in Carletonville, Gauteng Province.
The BMW X3 was eventually repaired almost eight months after the accident to the tune of R280 000. It was handed back to Gaoraelwe on 7 July 2023, however, it was damaged again a few months later. It is alleged that Gaoraelwe’s wife was constantly using the BMW X3 and she was behind the wheel when it was damaged.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was expected to meet with protesting Itireleng residents over the construction of the 2.5km paved road to the tune of R10 million but failed. The residents of Itireleng are currently up in arms and demanding the construction of the road.
The municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our questions at the time of publishing the article. The response will be incorporated in the article once received.
Picture: The alleged illegal miners arrested in Stilfontein/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Eighteen alleged illegal miners aged between 18 and 43 were arrested by the Hawks at the Margaret shaft in Stilfontein on 27 September 2023. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining continue to bear fruit.
Mathebula further said the arrests were effected during a disruptive operation, which comprised the Klerksdorp Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Klerksdorp District Illicit Mining Task Team, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Provincial Explosives Unit and Harmony Gold.
He added that, items seized during the operation include a 9mm pistol, 14 AK47 live ammunition, explosives, and other mining paraphernalia.
“All suspects facing charges of illegal mining, will appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2023,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcomed the arrests and lauded the team’s relentless efforts in fighting the scourge of illegal mining in the province.
Picture: Some of the learners who participated in the Expo International Science Fair/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 40 learners from North West will attend the Expo International Science Fair, which will be held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from 3 – 6 October 2023. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the Eskom Expo, is the national initiative in South Africa and the biggest in the continent.
Motsumi said through this initiative, learners are encouraged to do research projects and then enter them into the competition. She further said then the best projects are selected for entry into the International Science Fair, where some winning projects are selected to represent the country on an international stage abroad.
“Winning projects at Expo stand to receive medals, laptop computers, bursaries, and other many exciting prizes. The province is sending 43 learners from the four districts across the province. These learners in their preparations for these competitions, took part in the Science Olympiads conducted by the South African Mathematics Foundation, Science Week, and many other activities which took part in different districts.
“Participating in this competition will inspire and motivate other learners. The entire country is faced with a shortage of skilled personnel in science and technology in order to improve the livelihood of the community at large. I believe that participating in this Expo has the potential to harness the scientific skills needed by every learner in this rapidly changing world,” added Motsumi.
She said this is a platform where learners can gain valuable experience in the field of science. According to Motsumi, their learners will be equipped with research and experimentation skills that bridge the gaps between theory and practice.
“I do not have any doubts that this exercise will improve our academic performance. I would like to further congratulate all learners for reaching the National Finals of the International Expo Science Fair,” she said.
Picture: Another policeman has been arrested for corruption in Schweizer Reneke/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Another police officer has been arrested for corruption at Schweizer Reneke Police Station. Captain Kagiso Peace Maiketso (59), who was working as Detective Commander, has been implicated in a corruption case, where another police officer, Sergeant Thomas Moleme (45) also stationed at Schweizer Reneke Police Station was arrested on 29 August 2023.
Moleme, who was working as a Detective, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) after soliciting bribery from a suspect who was arrested for assault.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him and introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.
“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.
“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Another accused, Captain Kagiso Peace Maiketso was added and charged with corruption. There was also another charge of corruption added against Moleme.
“Maiketso was released on R7000 bail and the case is postponed to 25 October 2023 for further investigation.”
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.
The bogus attorney, Tebogo George Letloleng (42) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 26 September 2023 following his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and theft worth approximately R218 100. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the alleged commission of crime took place between July 2020 and December 2022 in Taung.
“It is alleged that Letloleng has been masquerading as a qualified, admitted, and enrolled legal practitioner, wherein he would approach accused persons and their families waiting to appear before court and convince them that, he could represent them in court for various criminal and civil cases at a fee.
“The said consultations were allegedly conducted in the court building and at his residential place. However, he failed to act as promised thus making his clients question his credibility,” she said.
Malwetse further said the meticulous investigation by the SCCI, revealed that Letloleng made several appearances in court, wherein he allegedly introduced himself on record to presiding officers as the appointed attorney.
She added that, moreover, his qualifications were verified, and found that he did not meet the requirements to be admitted and enrolled as a legal practitioner in terms of Section 26 (1) of the Legal Practice Act, Act 28 of 2014.
“His case was adjourned to 28 September 2023 for formal bail application,” said Malwetse.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the efforts of the team for their persistence in ensuring the arrest of the suspect.
Picture: former municipal manager of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Shikwane, and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former municipal manager of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Shikwane (51), and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa (51) briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 27 September 2023 for fraud.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, that in December 2018, Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with Disaster Relief materials. Mathebula further said the accused allegedly authorised payment to the tune of over R1 million to Marole Trading without following proper supply chain processes.
“Marole Nameng Trading, which Moses Malesa is the Director of, received payment but never delivered the procured materials. Following an investigation, the accused were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit.
“Shikwane was arrested on 26 September 2023 in Hartbeespoort, while Malesa handed himself over this morning, 27 September 2023. The pair briefly appeared in court and were granted bail. Shikwane was granted R10 000 bail, while Malesa was released on R5 000,” he said.
Mathebula added that, Shikwane and Malesa’s fraud case was postponed to 16 October 2023 for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution for their collaboration on the case.
They have vowed to continue working together to stamp the authority of the state in the province.
Picture: The North West Department of Education employee, Simon Nenzani/Sourced
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of Ncedile Simon Nenzani, who was working for the North West Department of Education in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Nenzani (58) was attached to the Learner Social Support Services in the district.
The District Director at North West Department of Education, Mojakhumo Dithejane said in a letter: “It is with deepest sympathy and heavy hearts to share the devastating news on the passing of Nenzani, who was involved in a car accident this morning.
“Nenzani was attached to Learner Social Support Services in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. The funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Our sincere condolences are conveyed to the family and colleagues. May they find comfort and peace during this time.”
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the accident took place on N18 road, near Dryharts in the morning of 27 September 2023. She further said, that two vehicles which were involved in the accident, were travelling in opposite directions.
“The other one was driving towards Pudimoe direction, while the other one was driving towards Vryburg direction. On passing each other, the vehicles collided by sides.
“The impact caused the drivers to lose control resulting in one of the drivers being slung out of the vehicle. One person died on the scene of the accident and another one suffered serious injuries,” she said.
The warrant of arrest has been issued by the Rustenburg Regional Court against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale for allegedly failing to appear in court. Diale (52) was arrested for allegedly stealing approximately R700 000 belonging to Road Accident Fund (RAF) beneficiaries.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011.
“She was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. This comes after the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.
“The claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the payout and subsequently reported the matter to the police for investigation. The Legal Practice Council has since struck Diale off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney,” said Mamothame.
He further said the trial for the matter was set to start on 26 September 2023 and Diale provided no reasons to the court for her absence. Mamothame added that all necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for the trial, as she opted to represent herself.
“A new trial date will be set following her arrest,” he said.
The Guardian 