The third suspect linked to the theft of 51 rhino horns at the North West Parks Board offices on 26 June 2023, has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the suspect (46) was arrested in Rustenburg on 14 July 2023.
Mathebula further said the information led them to Rustenburg, where a suspect was arrested for the alleged theft of rhino horns. He added that this brings the number of arrests made thus far to three.
“The suspect is due to appear in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2023, where he will be facing a business burglary charge. Meanwhile, Lindani Mthombeni (32) and Elias Mangande (40), the accused in the alleged theft of rhino horns, made a brief appearance in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 13 July 2023.
“The pair will be back in court on 21 July 2023 for bail application,” said Mathebula.
Picture: A hijacking case opened in Rustenburg/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The alleged hijacker has been arrested and is set to appear at Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Abraham Alexander Mkhabela (31) is linked to three hijacking cases and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Sun City, Phokeng, and Mogwase and Mogwase.
These cases were reported between June 2016 to June 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said in the last hijacking case reported at night on 3 June 2023 in Sun City along the R565 road, a motorist (33) was allegedly driving in a silver Mercedes Benz.
“He stopped to pour petrol at a filling station in Ledig. He just pulled out of the filling station when he was allegedly approached by three armed men, who were also driving a Mercedes Benz. They allegedly pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to get out of his vehicle.
“Furthermore, he was allegedly robbed of his vehicle and personal belongings. The victim was allegedly left unharmed next to the road. Mkhabela was arrested by the Rustenburg Public Order Policing (POP), Visible Policing, and Crime Intelligence police on 9 July 2023, while asleep at his flat,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police also seized a police reflective jacket. She added that Mkhabela’s first court appearance was on 10 July 2023, where he was remanded in custody.
Picture: The explosives allegedly found in possession of two occupants/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged between 39 and 47 were arrested by the police consisting of Brits and Hartbeespoortdam Crime Prevention Units, Hartbeespoortdam K9, Brits Crime Intelligence, and Lethlabile Visible Policing at the corner of the R566 and New Road, in Brits for unlawfully being in possession of explosives.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police allegedly cornered a white Toyota Conquest with two occupants after receiving a tip-off.
Myburgh further said the vehicle was searched and police allegedly found two electrical shock-tube initiators, two lengths of blasting cables, one battery, and one full blasting cartridge with an estimated street value of R25 000.
She added that, as a result, the duo was immediately arrested for unlawfully being in Possession of Explosives, thus contravening Section 128 of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956).
“The incident occurred on Friday and the suspects will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their speedy reaction and bravery. Kwena also thanked the community for being the eyes and ears of the police and said that their positive response averted crime.
Picture: The clothes belonging to the missing Kgalalelo Naledi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The family of a missing elderly woman in Cokonyane village near Taung said, they are dejected regarding the snail pace the police investigations are going through. This comes after Kgalalelo Naledi (79) went missing on 10 October 2022. According to the police, Kgalalelo allegedly left her house and never returned.
Now, one of her daughters, Patricia said, they were hopeful that the police will make a breakthrough after making a gruesome discovery a few months ago. The police discovered the human skull and bones along with Kgalalelo’s clothes in a grazing field in Modimong village, near Taung four months after she went missing.
“We are still waiting for the forensic outcome after the police discovered the human skull and bones along with my mother’s clothes. However, there is nothing positive that is coming out of that discovery.
“The police are still mum on the matter and it has been almost nine months since our mother went missing. We have done almost everything including bringing in traditional healers and sangomas to the house in quest of locating her, however, all that was futile,” she said.
Patricia further said, her family is not coping anymore as they do not know the whereabouts of their mother. She added that they only pray for her safe return.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said an inquest case is still underway after the police discovered a human skull on 9 February 2023 in a grazing field.
“Furthermore, human bones and clothes were also discovered on 13 February 2023 in the same field. The bones were found far apart and the spine and hand bones are missing from the corpse. The DNA results are still awaited and the investigation continues.”
Myburgh said no one has been arrested in the matter.
Meanwhile, Taung DailyNews’s highly-placed source said: “It is highly impossible for that skull and bones to belong to someone, who died nine months ago. Even the forensic unit said, there is nothing they could do in identifying who might the skull and bones belong to.
“There was no single muscle on the skull and bones. So, there is a high possibility that those bones do not belong to the missing Naledi. What is surprising is that community members including shepherds have been grazing in that field, but did not see these bones. But, suddenly, the clothes of Naledi and these bones appear.”
A murder case against five accused was postponed by the North West High Court in Garankuwa to 18 September 2023. Mamokgethe Gertrude Mashimbi (41) was charged with murder of her husband, the former policeman, Thomas Mashimbi, along with other four accused, Thandi Margaret Khumalo (38), William Maluleka (32), Nicholas Malope (35) and Jan Chauke (28).
Five suspects were arrested and charged with murder, two counts of conspiracy or incitement to commit murder, housebreaking with intent to kill, murder with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fraud on accused one only, and perjury on accused one only.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The police investigations reveal that between 7 and 24 January 2018, Mashimbi approached two individuals, now state witnesses, and incited them to commit a planned robbery at their marital home in Lebanon, near Winterveldt.
“The two then failed to commit to the proposition, but reported the matter to the police. She then approached Khumalo, who arranged a meeting with the other three accused. Reports reveal that meetings were conducted between 7 and 24 February 2018, to plot the execution of the plan to murder Mashimbi.”
Mamothame further said, on 21 February 2018, Mashimbi allegedly ensured that the gates and kitchen door were not properly closed to facilitate entry into the premises. He added that Mashimbi allegedly went to the police on 10 November 2017 and complained that her husband was abusing her, thus requesting a protection order.
“The order was granted and Mashimbi’s firearm was confiscated as a result, pending the outcome of the SAPS internal process to ascertain his fitness to possess a firearm. The state argues that this was part of the plan to disarm the deceased, to prevent him from defending himself when the attack is executed.
“It is alleged that, on 21 February 2018, Maluleka, Malope, and Chauke entered the house and shot at the deceased, subsequently escaping the scene with two cellphones, a TV set and money estimated at R20 000. It is alleged that Gertrude and two of their children were in the house when the plan unfolded,” said Mamothame.
According to information, Gertrude was unharmed during the commissioning of the crime. The suspects were all arrested between 18 and 19 September 2019.
Mamothame said the state has completed its leading evidence with an expert from the cell phone network provider, who demonstrated the link in communication between all accused persons in plotting the murder. He said the defence attorneys have also completed cross-examining the witness.
“The state is expected to call more witnesses, including the investigating officer when the matter resumes in September. The five will remain in police custody until the matter is concluded,” he said.
The 47 suspects who have been on the run from the police for various crimes such as murder, business robbery, theft of firearm, assault GBH, housebreaking and theft, assault common, malicious damage to property, domestic violence, and contravention of protection orders were arrested.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Timothy Sam said these suspects have been evading court appearance dates and others violated court orders.
Sam further said, the Detectives from various Police Stations in the Pixley Ka Seme District, embarked on a wanted suspects tracing operation between 13 and 14 July 2023.
“The suspects were arrested at their respective residences in Strydenburg, De Aar, Sunrise, Hopetown, Prieska, Colesberg, Kuyasa and Carnavon and will be appearing in the respective Magistrate’s Courts soon.
“The Detectives also took numerous warning statements from suspects that must be presented to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for decision to prosecute and summoned those with cases that were struck off the court and reinstated on the court roll to face offences that they were charged for,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe lauded the police for bringing wanted suspects to book and encouraged the public to keep on assisting the police by reporting any criminality.
Two men were arrested at the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry in Motswedi village, near Lehurutshe, whilst trying to leave South Africa by climbing over a fence. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Bright Denvo (29) was arrested for contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
Myburgh further said Mogakolodi Macala (40) was found in possession of 1.8 kg CAT (drugs) with an estimated street value of R300 000. She added that the incident took place on 15 December 2022 at around 4pm.
“Denvo briefly appeared at Lehurutshe Regional Court, where he was sentenced to two years imprisonment that was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of contravening the Immigration Act during that period.
“Macala was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992 and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Five years is wholly suspended on condition that the accused is not found guilty of contravening the Drug Trafficking Act during that period,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the excellent investigations done by the Provincial Organised Crime Detectives, Warrant Officer Martin Papke and Sergeant Thapelo Pelele, while assisted by the State Prosecutor, Neo Sedumedi.
Kwena said these sentences will definitely send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.
Four illegal miners were sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp for killing Joseph Lebone Maputla. According to evidence heard before court, Maputla (44) and his family were attacked at their house in Chris Hani Street, Extension 8 in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein on 23 August 2018.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the atrocity took place in the early hours of the morning. Myburgh further said Maputla tried to flee, but sustained multiple injuries on his head.
“His wife was also assaulted and their house was ransacked. On arrival at the scene, the police found Maputla unconscious in the yard of a neighbour and he was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motive of this attack was for a rival group of illegal miners to secure a bigger mining territory.
“Excellent investigations by Warrant Officer Etienne Fourie of Khuma Detectives lead to the arrest of five suspects. With further assistance of Me Leanne Veldskoen, the State Prosecutor, the accused were sentenced accordingly. Matla Shea (45) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property,” she said.
Myburgh further said, Lebitso Thapelo Shea (35) was also sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, five years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
She added that Peete Shea (30) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
“Ramatlad Mabae Phooko (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property, while Lubabalo Godfrey Sihluku (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
“Accused 1-4 was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, Act No. 60 of 2000,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari welcome the life terms handed down to four illegal miners.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba Manokwane ba kaya fa ba patelesega go nwa metsi le diphologolo/Twitter
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung ba kaile fa tlhokego ya metsi ele tlhoba-boroko. Baagi ba re metsi a tswa mo dipompong tsa bone, a masetlha fa ka nako enngwe a tlhola ekare a tshetswe lokwane. Mongwe wa baagi, Thamsanqa Latlha are, seemo se ba tshelelang mo go sone ga se se sentle le eseng.
“Re lekile go lwantshana le bothata jwa tlhokego ya metsi go tshimolola ka ngwaga wa 2005. Re tlile ra bona metsi a phepha go tswa kwa setlamong sa metsi sa Sedibeng Water, fela ha e sale setlamo se sa Magalies Water se tsena, re itemogela metsi a leswe. Metsi a tswa mo dipompong tsa rona a mahibidu, ebile le dikgamelo tse re gang metsi ka tsone di setse di fetotse mmala.
“Jaanong, re bone go le botokwa go ka tla go ga metsi mo kanaleng e e mo motseng. Fela, re itemogetse gore gona le dilo tse dintsi tse di latlhelwang mo go yone jaaka ditshwa tse di suleng ga mmogo le mengato ya bana. Re bone gore re ge metsi fa, mme re a bedise pele ga re ka apaya ka one,” Latlha wa tlhalosa.
Are, jaaka ele baagi, ba tshwenyegile thata ka ntlheng ya seemo se ba se itemogelang. Latlha are, batho ba le bantsi ba tlhokafetse kwa motse-setoropong wa Hammanskraal kwa Gauteng mo dikgweding tse di fetileng, ele ka ntlheng ya Cholera.
“Jaanong, re tshogile gore gongwe seo se ka tloga se re diragalela le rona jaaka baagi ba Manokwane. Ke maswabi go bona ekare re boela kwa pusong ele ya maloba. Re ne re solofetse fa puso eno e ntsha ya kgololosego, e ka dira botokwa, mme re bona go tshwana fela, gonne ga gona ditlhabologo.
O mongwe wa baagi, Eddie Mogorwe le ene o kaile fa ba ikuela go tona ya lefapha la metsi le kgelelo-leswe, Senzo Mchunu go ka tsereganya.
“Bothata jwa tlhokego ya metsi ga se fela mo motseng wa Manokwane, gonne metse yotlhe ya Taung ka bophara e itemogela tlhokego ya metsi. Jaanong, re ne re kopa Mchunu a etele motse o wa rona go tla go bona seemo se retshelelang mo go sone. Re rometse selelo sa rona kwa masepaleng wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, ga mmogo le masepala rona wa selegae wa Greater Taung Local Municipality, fela ga go nko e e tswang lemina,” Mogorwe wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, molekgotlha o o ikarabelang mo go tsa mafaratlhatlha (Infrastructure) kwa masepaleng wa selegae o mogolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe are: “Jaaka masepala wa selegae, re tlile ka toga-maano le go netefatsa fa baagi ba bona metsi a phepha le fa ese maikarabelo a rona jaaka masepala, gonne o tla gopola gore, masepala o o nang le dithata tsa go neelana ka metsi ke wa sedika.
“Re na le kgwetlho mabapi le mafaratlhatlha a rona a rebolang metsi. Re na le porojeke e eneng e baakangwa ya Taung Water Treatment Plant kwa motseng wa Lokaleng. Fa ene e ka bulwa, bontsi jwa baagi ba ne ba tla unngwelwa mo go yone. Porojeke eo, e setse e tserwe ke lefapha la kgelelo-leswe le metsi (Department of Water and Sanitation).”
Maribe are jaaka masepala, ga bana ditlabakelo tse di lekanang, fela ba leka ka natla go netefatsa fa baagi ba bona metsi. Maribe are ba setse ba nnile le tumalano le masepala wa sedika gore masepala wa selegae o tla neela baagi ba Reivilo ga mmogo le ba motse-setoropo wa Boipelo metsi, mme metse yotlhe ya Taung, e tla bona metsi go tswa kwa masepaleng wa sedika.
“Gape re tlile go nna le tumalano ya gore, fa masepala wa selegae o thuse masepala wa sedika mo o sa kgoneng teng, ebe re lefelwa go dira seo. Re tlile go nna le kopano eo mo dibekeng tse pedi tse di tlang go ka nna le tumalano eo.
“Jaaka puso, re na le maikarabelo a go neela baagi ditirelo, go sa kgathalesege gore ke maikarabelo a masepala ofeng. Baagi ba rona ga ba itse gore ke maikarabelo a ga mang go neelana ka metsi. Go fitlha ga jaana, re setse re na le mafelo are a totileng, gonne a itemogela mathata a metsi,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.
The Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Ministers of Education have adopted a Ministerial Declaration which makes firm commitments on the areas identified as education and training priorities for the BRICS Member States.
The declaration was adopted at the 10th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education, held in Mpumalanga, as part of the build-up to the 15th BRICS Summit scheduled to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023, in Johannesburg.
During the meeting, BRICS Member States identified eight thematic areas as education and training priorities, and these include climate change, entrepreneurship development, skills for the changing world, mutual recognition of qualifications, out-of-school youth, labour market intelligence, early childhood development and university global ranking.
The meeting was held in parallel with the BRICS Network University and BRICS Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cooperation Alliance, which both culminated in the declarations, where the Member States committed to working together on matters of mutual interest for the prosperity of the nations.
The meeting aimed to deepen cooperation and exchanges to improve the responsiveness and relevance of education and training in the current global context amongst BRICS Member States.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, said the Ministers’ Declaration is premised on a shared vision of mutual respect and understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and consensus.
Through the declaration, the Member States commit to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, which is to combat climate change and its impact.
“This commitment to develop an alternative system includes exploring the development of an evaluation system that emphasises the quality (as opposed to quantity) of research outputs of universities and their diverse contributions to inclusive development of all humanity. Such a system would also seek to integrate cultural and indigenous knowledge of each country, respecting our member states’ diverse cultures,” Mnisi said.
The members also committed to strengthening entrepreneurship development at all levels of education and training amongst BRICS Member States, and impart the requisite skills for students to consider self-employment as a valuable career path. – SAnews.gov.za
The Guardian 