Category Archives: NEWS

North West MEC lauds Traffic Officers who go beyond duty call

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Picture: Traffic officers on duty/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari applauded the two provincial traffic officers for going beyond the call of duty in ensuring compliance with the law. Lehari said, last the Lehurutshe-based Provincial Inspector (PI), TC Pule got a report that there was a stolen vehicle passing through Zeerust on N4 towards the border.

“The law enforcement officers went on the lookout and later apprehended the foreign national, who was taken to the Zeerust Police Station. It was during the standard questioning referred to in the law enforcement parlance as debriefing that he spilled a motherlode of information.

“He indicated that there was another stolen vehicle on the way to the border en route to Zambia and gave a precise description. Several days later, an off-duty PI, Pule saw the vehicle speeding dangerously through the Zeerust CBD. Initial inspection by an observant officer, showed that the vehicle not only matched an account given by an arraigned suspect, but the original manufacturer’s markings were tampered with,” he said.

Lehari further said calling for a backup from law enforcement, another foreign national was arrested and further inspection proved that indeed, the vehicle was stolen in Kempton Park in Gauteng.

“We have always encouraged our officers to be vigilant and attentive and it is even more laudable as he was off duty but had the presence of mind to see that there was something wrong with the vehicle.

“In another development, Principal Provincial Inspector (PPI), MD Van Staden based at the Potchefstroom Station, arrested a police impersonator. He and his colleagues were on a law enforcement operation on Friday on N12 between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp when they stopped a vehicle clocking 140 kilometres per hour in an 80-kilometre zone,” said Lehari.

He added that the traffic officers stopped the driver and activated the blue flashing light used by law enforcement. Lehari said the PPI, Van Staden asked the man (35), if he was a law enforcement officer to which he replied he is a police reservist.

“Suspecting something as the blue light emitted from a concealed compartment of the vehicle, he was asked to identify himself, of which he failed. On further questions from PPI Van Staden on whether he was on duty and whether there was an emergency that justifies the high speed, he conceded he was impersonating the police and his day job is as a security officer. 

“He was taken to the Potchefstroom Police Station, where the case of impersonating a police official, reckless and negligent driving was opened. The vehicle was impounded and the suspect did inform the law enforcement officers that he bought the blue light at the foreign-owned shop in Pretoria, but did not disclose the name nor its exact location,” he said.

The suspect is expected to appear at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Lehari said this is exemplary work by officers on two of the busiest provincial arterial roads.  

“We committed to having law enforcement visibility on all roads. This visibility is largely responsible for the reduction of road fatalities so far. We are proud of our officers and what they did is both commendable and admirable,” he said.

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The late Dixson Ngamlane was described as a crime-fighting patriot

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Picture: The North West Chairperson of Community Policing Forum, the late Dixson Ngamlane/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chairperson of Community Policy Forum, the late Dixson Ngamlane has been remembered as a crime-fighting patriot, a passionate and astute fighter, who championed resources needed to assist community policing structures to assist the work of the police.

The national police commissioner, General Funnie Masemola said Ngamlane was a Board Member of the CPF for the past 23 years. Masemola further said Ngamlane served as the Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum in Mahikeng cluster and later served as the provincial chairperson of the CPF, which is a role he held until his passing.

Ngamlane and his wife were buried in Mahikeng on Saturday after they died in a car accident in Fochville, Gauteng earlier last week.

“On behalf of management, we want to pay tribute to the North West Community Police Forum Chairperson (CPF), Ngamlane. He was a dedicated and humble volunteer. Ngamlane was not just the Provincial Chairperson of the Community Policing Board in this province, he was a significant stakeholder in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“A gallant man, who was dedicated to the fight against crime. The SAPS, the community of North West and indeed the country at large, has lost one of its dedicated servants. His contribution to the formation of CPF structures in the North West is a legacy that will forever be remembered,” Masemola said.

He said the SAPS has set aside R70 million for the resourcing and capacitation of CPF structures in this financial year.

The Chairperson of CPF in Limpopo, Frans Kgasago said: “On behalf of the CPF members and community of blue patrollers across the country, Ngamlane was firm and selfless. We need more people in our communities to assist the police to fight crime.

“Police cannot fight crime alone. Communities need to come on board and play an active role in sharing information,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “Ngamlane was selfless and he was among the first people to volunteer during the establishment of a previously unheard of structure called Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“The purpose of this structure was to support and work with local police stations in the fight against crime. He had been part of the Provincial Community Policing Forum for 23 years and was appointed the Chair of the Board in 2016. Just a few days before his untimely departure, we had a meeting regarding resources needed to strengthen the CPF.”

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Two dead pangolins found in plastic bag, suspects arrested

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Picture: Two dead pangolins allegedly found in a plastic bag/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four men briefly appeared at Brits Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of dead pangolins. Morewell Mpofu (34), Simon Gwenzi (26), Phineas Mchuma (46) and Taurai Zhou (35) were arrested during a crime intelligence driven-operation on 4 July 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the Brits Trio Task Team members operationalised information received about four men who were seen selling two dead pangolins. Tselanyane further said the police reacted swiftly and Mpofu, Gwenzi, Mchuma and Zhou, who were allegedly found in possession of pangolins, were cornered in Wagpos in Brits. 

“The pangolins were found inside plastic bags and they were all arrested. The accused were charged with possession of endangered species, which is in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA), 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

“Mpofu, Gwenzi, Mchuma and Zhou were remanded in custody for further investigation. Their case was postponed to 14 July 2023 and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

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More than 300 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela!

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 300 suspects were nabbed during Operation Shanela in the weekend. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the 340 suspects were arrested for various offences included four for rape, 74 for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and assault common, 19 for robbery aggravating, 40 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 12 for illegal dealing in liquor, seven for burglaries at residential and business premises, 13 for possession of drugs and four for dealing in drugs. 

“During the operations and execution of various actions, 1 344 persons and 1 056 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to inspection of 118 licensed liquor premises, 86 second-hand goods dealers and 15 recyclers/scrapyards.

“Furthermore, seven unlicensed liquor premises were closed while 39 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. The liquor, various drugs (crystal meth, mandrax and nyaope), five cell phones and three vehicles were confiscated during the operation,” Mokgwabone said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for the commitment they displayed, since the inception of the operation, which have so far netted more than 1 800 suspects.

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Kgetsi ya go tlola melawana ya bofaladi kgatlhanong le motswa-kwa e buseditswe morago ka ntlheng ya go tlhoka moralonudi  

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Setshwantsho: Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgetsi ya go tlola molao wa bofaladi kgatlhanong le monna mongwe wa naga ya Zimbabwe, Dito Aurelio Chongo (39) e buseditswe morago go fitlha 11 Phukwi 2023. Seno Se tla morago ga gore go se nne le moralonudi kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung. Chongo one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Chongo one a tshwarwa mo kgweding e e fetileng kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung ga mmogo le motswa-kwa jaaka ene, Vusi Ndlovu (37) mabapi le go tlola melawana ya bofaladi.

Chongo o buseditswe kwa ntlo-lefitshwaneng go fitlhela a boela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo gape. Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung, e arogantse banna ba mo kgetsing, mme e kaile fa mongwe le mongwe a tla lebagana le ditatofatso kgatlhanong le ene ka nosi.

Fela baagi ba ba shakgetseng ba kwa Manokwane, ba dumela fa Ndlovu ga mmogo le Chongo, ba amega mo polao ya basadibagolo ba le babedi ba ba ne ba lobelwa dintshi kwa sekgweng kwa Manokwane fa bane ba ile go rwalela dikgong mo kgweding e e fetileng.

Go begwa fa Kelebogile Mirriam Mokgalagadi (70) le Mapulana Polinah Mmusi (80), ba ne ba tlhaselwa le go bolawa ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng. Go ya ka dipego tsa sepodisi, Mmusi le Mokgalagadi ba ne ba tswa kwa malapeng a bone go ya go rwalela dikgong kwa nageng.

Fela, ba masika a bone ba ile ba se nnisege fa Mmusi le Mokgalagadi ba palelwa ke go boela gae ka tlatlana.

Baagi ba ile ba tswa letsholo la go ba batla, mme ene ya re ka ura ya bongwe masigo a sa, bane ba bona masetlapelo. Go kaiwa fa ditopo tsa bone tse dineng di na le dikgobalo tse di masisi dine tsa bonwa kwa nageng. Gape go kaiwa fa baswi ba ka tswa ba beteletswe gonne, ditopo tsa bone di ne di sa apara marokgwe a kha teng.

Gone ga tshwarwa banna bale bararo ba batswa-kwa, kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga go bopaki jo bo ba golaganyang le kgetsi e ya polao.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Col Adele Myburgh wa tlhalosa: “Ga gona ope yo o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana mo dikgetsing dile pedi tsa polao kwa Manokwane. Re le ba sepodisi, re sentse re ikuela go baagi go ka re thusa ka tshedimosetso e ka lebisang kwa go tshwarweng ga balatofadiwa mo kgetsing e.

“Mongwe le mongwe yo o nang le tshedimosetso, a ka letsetsa mobatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Warrant Officer, Peace Babe mo dinomorong tse di latelang 0824438680. Gape ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa 08600 10111. Mongwe le mongwe o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe a ka romela molaetsa go MySAPS App.”

Mongwe wa baagi, Eddie Mogorwe are se ba se itseng jaaka baagi ke gore, balatofadiwa ba ba tshwerweng ba golagangwa le kgetsi ya polao ya bagodi ba. Mogorwe are, Manokwane Community Forum e ne ya tsamaya le mapodisi go ya go tshwarwa balatofadiwa bao.

“Re tlhaloganya gore diaparo tsa mongwe wa balatofadiwa di ne di na le madi. Gona le bopaki jo bo tsepameng jo bo ba golaganyang le dipolao tse. Gape go dilo di le dintsi jaaka dipolao tse di diragalang mo Taung, mme rele baagi, re tshwanetse go ema ka dinao.

“O mongwe wa balatofadiwa, o ntshitswe kwa kgolegelong mme ga re itse gore jang. Gape gona le mme mongwe o o neng a tlhaselwa le go bolawa kwa sekgweng kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile mo dikgweding tse di fetileng.

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The Chairperson of Community Policing Forum, Dixson Ngamlane, wife laid to rest

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Picture: The Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), the late Dixson and his wife/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

Mahikeng- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari described the late Dixon Ngamlane as selfless. Ngamlane, who was the chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), died two weeks ago along with his wife after being involved in a horrific car accident on N12 junction with Fochville.

They were laid to rest today in Mahikeng.

In his message, Lehari said: “Ngamlane was among the first people to volunteer during the establishment of a previously unheard of structure called Community Policing Forum (CPF). The purpose for this structure was to support and work with local police stations in the fight against crime.

“He has been part of the Provincial Community Policing Forum for 23 years and was eventually appointed as the Chairperson of the Board in 2016. Just a few days before his untimely departure, we had a meeting with him, where we discussed resources needed to strengthen the CPF.”

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing his girlfriend to death!

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Rustenburg- A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for killing his girlfriend. In 2021, Nkosiyazi Zibambele (43) stabbed his girlfriend, Ncebakazi Mdingi to death.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said Zibambele and Mdingi were at a shebeen in Sondela Informal Settlement, outside Rustenburg on 17 October 2021 evening, when Mdingi asked for a beer from another man.

“Zibambele got agitated, then drew a knife and stabbed Mdingi several times.  Mdingi was rushed to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The police were informed and Zibambele was traced. He was later arrested and charged with murder.

“Subsequent to the court appearance, Zibamele was granted bail, but he absconded. He was ultimately re-arrested and his bail was successfully opposed. Zibambele remained in custody until his trial and sentencing,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the court also declared Zibambele unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, and the Director of Prosecution in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Sethunye Tobokane of Boitekong Detectives, and the prosecutor in this case, Aubrey Mataboge and all other role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that Zibambele was brought to book and sentenced.

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A man arrested for allegedly being in possession of two pangolins!  

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Picture: Two pangolins allegedly discovered in a water crib/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Kuruman- A man has been arrested for allegedly having an endangered species. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off about two pangolins that are being kept at a cattle post in Heuningvlei, near Perth.

Sam said, on arrival, the police found the suspect and requested permission to search the place, which was granted.

“The police allegedly found two pangolins inside an unused water crib. The suspect was arrested and charged with The suspect was arrested and charged for possession of an endangered species under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 10 of 2004.

“He is expected to appear at Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The John Taole Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johny Besnaar applauded the police for reacting timeously on information provided by the public. Besnaar said, crimes happening in specific places that the police cannot immediately reach, need local safety strategies spearheaded by the Community Safety Forums (CSF),” he said.

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Young people incorporated in crime prevention initiative

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Picture: The newly-appointed Northern Cape Youth Crime Prevention Desk members/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Upington- The Youth Crime Prevention Desk has been launched in Northern Cape. The two-day event which was held at Tol Speelman Community Hall in Upington, aims to empower the youth to become self-sufficient and actively involved in crime-fighting initiatives.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the Head of Ministry for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Vincent Diratsele, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers.

Otola said the Provincial Community Police Board, District Community Police Forums and the youth were also part of the initiative.

“The five integrated youth strategy pillars including the Community Policing, Moral Fibre Investment, Youth Empowerment and Development, Disabled and Vulnerable Youth Empowerment and International Relations were discussed.

“We deliberated on what the youth should do in regard to fighting crime in our communities. Not only in certain places in the province, but they must include rural areas as well. Remember, Maya Angelou once said, you may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them,” she said.

Manwilhe Qwetywa was appointed as the chairperson, Thabang Mocwagole as deputy chairperson, Vusumzi Mocwagole as secretary, Jasinta Sal as deputy secretary, while Obakeng Nikwe was appointed as public relations officer. The additional members included Dimakatso Gaotlhope, Charmone van Schalkwyk, Lihle Gweyi, and Hernrich Jacobs.

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Another suspect linked to theft of 51 rhino horns nabbed!  

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Picture: The rhino horns/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The second suspect linked to the alleged theft of 51 rhino horns at the North West Parks Board two weeks ago has been arrested. Lindani Mthombeni (32) briefly appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court today, facing a business burglary charge.

The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mathebula said Mthombeni was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit assisted by the Rustenburg Public Order Policing, Tactical Operations Management Section, Tracker Connect and Insurance Crime Bureau in Brits on Wednesday.

“The team followed up on information after the suspect was allegedly spotted in Brits driving in a Range Rover Evoque, which is suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime. He was traced to Brits, where he was arrested and charged with business burglary.

“Mthombeni, along with Elias Manganda, who was arrested last week for alleged theft of rhino horns, appeared in court today and their matter was postponed to 13 July 2023 for bail application. The duo was remanded in custody,” Mathebula said.

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