By OBAKENG MAJE

A pastor, Lerato Raphael Mokoteli has paid R1.9 million to the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSeta). This comes after the money was fraudulently claimed from AgriSeta and constituted proceeds of unlawful activities committed between 2016 and 2019. Mokoteli made the payment on 15 June 2023 to AgriSeta as part of a guilty plea agreement with the State.

The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said, in March 2015, Mokoteli and Anthony Dywili fraudulently applied to AgriSeta for R1.9 million funding to provide training and mentoring in food garden operation in Kimberley.

Kganyago said, Mokoteli and Dywili claimed that the application was a joint venture between Business Against Crime and Dipalemo Training Strategic Services, which is AgriSeta accredited service provider. He further said, however, such a joint venture did not exist. Kganyago added that, Dipalemo was not aware of the application and did not receive a cent.

“In 2018, the SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and

maladministration in the affairs of AgriSeta under Proclamation R 4 of 2018, and recover any financial losses suffered by the State. The SIU investigation revealed that, upon receiving the R1.9 million funding, Mokoteli and Dywili concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Business Against Crime and Northern Cape Empowerment Academy led by Dipalemo, knowing very well that the academy exists only on paper.

“Between June and November 2016, Mokoteli submitted invoices totalling R1.3 million to Business Against Crime on behalf of Dipalemo. Mokoteli did not have any relationship with Dipalemo. He submitted to AgriSeta a close-up report on behalf of Dipalemo knowing very well that, Dipalemo did not render any training,” he said.

Kganyago said 50 learners were trained and received certificate of competency in food operation. He said they were paid a stipend of R219 000 and R381 564.86 was claimed to have been used for the administration of training.

“Dywili did not disclose to AgriSeta that R600 000 of the funding was unspent, in violation of the terms of the agreement. In July 2016, R317 000 of the funding was paid to a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) called Christian for Peace in Africa, which is chaired by Dywili.

“The bank account of the organisation was opened in June 2016. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU referred evidence pointing to the commission of a criminal offense to the NPA in 2019 for further action,” said Kganyago.

He said the duo together with Jeremia Sello Madiba, AgriSeta CEO, between 2008 and 2017, were charged with various counts of fraud and money laundering. Kganyago said Madiba allegedly awarded the tender without the required decision by the Board of Directors of AgriSeta, therefore, in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“He will be appearing in court on a PFMA charge on 28 August 2023. On 26 May 2023, Mokoteli entered into a guilty plea agreement with the State. In terms of the agreement, Mokoteli pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering and agreed to pay back R1.9 million to AgriSeta.

“On 14 June, Mokoteli was given a 10-year sentence for two counts of fraud and five years for two counts of money laundering. The sentence was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of similar offenses during

the period,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

An Ethiopian tuckshop owner, Eshethu Desta Defere who was illegal in the country, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Lichtenburg Regional Court for raping a girl (12). The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim told the court that, in June 2021, she went to the shop to buy some items and upon arrival, Defere (26) was alone at the time.

Mamothame said, Defere dragged the girl to a shack behind the shop and raped her. He said, the matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested three days later.

“He stayed behind bars until the completion of the trial. The incident took place at Scotland Informal Settlement in Coligny. The victim stayed with her family in the same area, and she was sent to Defere’s shop regularly to buy items. Defere was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Neo Sedumedi, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to consider. Magistrate Boitumelo Chulu agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting the victims and members of society from such violent acts, particularly women and children.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all role players for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book.

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Picture: A screengrab from a video/Daily Maverick

By OBAKENG MAJE

The deputy president, Paul Mashatile’s VIP Unit is facing a probe. This comes after the VIP Protection unit members were seen attacking civilians in a video that went viral on various social media platforms. It is alleged that the incident took place on N1 Road in Johannesburg.

The national police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said: “The process to trace the victims who are seen to be allegedly assaulted by South African Police Service (SAPS) members is underway. After being made aware of the incident captured on a video clip that is currently doing the rounds on various media platforms, the SAPS management has begun the process to trace the victims to obtain statements from them, while an internal departmental investigation is underway.

“A preliminary report indicates that the vehicles seen in the video belong to the SAPS and the men seen in the video are SAPS members. While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video, which does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of these policemen.  

“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” said Gen Fannie Masemola.

The victims are encouraged to contact Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on 0820408808 for investigation purposes.

Meanwhile, the IRR Head of Strategic Communications, Hermann Pretorius said: “This disturbing event, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, is indicative of a state that has lost sight of its constitutional and moral obligations. Regrettably, such displays of irrational state violence are not surprising to many South Africans.

“The country has witnessed, with minimal accountability, the tragic deaths of hundreds of individuals in police custody, as well as killings in public such as those of Collins Khosa and Petrus Miggels, both victims of state violence for minor breaches of Covid-19 restrictions. Other victims of fatal police brutality in recent years – whose names are less well known – include Adane Emmanuel, Robyn Montsumi, and Ntando Sigasa.”

Pretorius further said, these incidents starkly contradict Nelson Mandela’s assertion that “no form of violence can ever be excused in a society that wishes to call itself decent” in the denary of his death. He added that, the IRR echoes this sentiment and welcomes the police’s investigation into the incident.

“A harmonious, free, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa is possible. But this can only be achieved when the government respects and upholds the rights and freedoms of its citizens. For this to happen, South Africans must engage with the substance of what has gone wrong.

“Incidents like yesterday’s blue light assault are symptomatic of an arrogant state that has been indulged with ever more power at the expense of the individual freedom and, ultimately, human dignity,” he said.

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Picture: The community members of Extension 7 outside the court

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community of Extension 7 in Taung, calls for the release of Kelebogile (41) and her disabled son, Tlotliso Segwabe (21). Kelebogile and Tlotliso were arrested last week Thursday and charged with murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property after a Zimbabwean man (26) was allegedly killed during a mob justice.

It is alleged that, on Wednesday night, Tlotliso arrived at his house from a local tavern. He was allegedly attacked by the deceased person with a spade while trying to open the door. According to allegations, Tlotliso ran and screamed for help.

Some community members allegedly woke up and came to his rescue. It is alleged that, the deceased person was chased and knocked at one of the houses, but the occupants refused to open for him. The community members allegedly woke early morning and embarked on a witch-hunt.

They allegedly found the deceased person and severely assaulted him with a sjambok. He was ferried to the Taung District Hospital for medical attention but allegedly succumbed to his injuries. 

North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the deceased victim was at the suspect’s home, where he was in an altercation with the son of the accused. He was overpowered and chased by a group of people and assaulted. The two accused persons were charged with kidnapping, murder, and malicious damage to property.”

The case against the accused persons was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application. Kelebogile was ferried to Taung District Hospital after she collapsed while taken to police custody.

One of the family members, Telekelo Mahura, said they are worrisome with how the police have handled the matter. Mahura alleged that, there is a disparity in the case because the accused persons only had their day in court on Monday after being arrested last week Thursday.

“We call on the police to do their job diligently the way we expected. I am saying this because the two accused persons were arrested last week Thursday and only appeared in court on Monday. Now, the case has been postponed because the police said, they still have to go and arrest other suspects.

“However, it is not Kelebogile and Tlotliso’s responsibilities to ensure that is done. The police were supposed to arrest other suspects timeously and stop using that as an excuse. What if they have not arrested other suspects come Thursday? Kelebogile and Tlotliso will be denied bail again?” said Mahura.  

He further said, what they know is that the deceased person was allegedly attacked and killed by mob justice. Mahura added that they do not understand why would the police only arrest Kelebogile and Tlotliso. 

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the social activist, Oratile Segosapelo, who also resides at Extension 7 said: “I am so disappointed that the police arrested the mother and her son, Tlotliso who is disabled. We do not know the motive behind the arrest, but we call on the police to be competent enough. Kelebogile’s health has deteriorated, while Tlotliso is disabled.

“Yes, justice must be served, but at least if the accused persons were given a free bail due to their conditions. So, as the community members of Extension 7, we will submit a petition to the court calling for the release of the accused persons pending investigations.”

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Picture: The Engen Garage in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Taung have launched a manhunt after six armed men allegedly robbed the Engen Petrol Filling Station in Taung. It is alleged that six suspects allegedly ambushed two security guards who were on duty at the time.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Two security guards who were on duty at the Engen Garage in Taung, were ambushed by two suspects, who another four suspects later joined.

“They tried to gain access to the safe but failed. The suspects managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes. The business robbery case was opened and investigations are underway.”

Meanwhile, one of the owners of the Engen Garage, Lekwene Mahura said, the suspects allegedly tried to break down the wall to gain access, but their move was futile. Mahura further stated, however, the suspects managed to gain access to the office, where the safe is through the roof.

“I know that these suspects tried to open the safe, but failed. So, they stole cigarettes before they fled the scene. If they managed to take any cash, it was not enough. Normally, we close at around 10pm, so it is alleged that, these suspects ambushed the security guards at around 00:00am and held them hostage until around 4am.

“Firstly, they tried to break the wall, but couldn’t and used a grinder to gain access into the office, where the safe is. They tried to open the safe using grinder, but they could cut open some layers on the safe. We received a call at around 5am regarding the incident and rushed to the scene,” he said.

He added that, the suspects damaged the server of the CCTV cameras in the process. Mahura said they would like to assure their customers that, the situation has returned to normalcy and they have opened for business.

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Picture: Over 40 initiates rescued from bogus initiation school in Tsetse village, near Mahikeng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 24 and 30 were arrested for kidnapping and contravention of the Custom Initiation Act, (2021 Act No 2 of 2021) in Mahikeng and Lehurutshe on Thursday. The suspects allegedly mobilised unsuspecting young boys from villages around Mahikeng and Lehurutshe to join the initiation school.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, after recruiting these young boys, the suspects would allegedly call the parents and demand money for the safety of the victims. Funani further said the suspects were arrested after parents reported missing children at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe Police Stations.

“The investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school near or between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages, outside Mahikeng. Consequently, about 40 initiates between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued. The illegal school was closed, and the boys were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated.    

“Bongani Moatlhodi (24), who was arrested at Lonely Park by the Lehurutshe police, briefly appeared at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court in connection with the kidnapping of a boy (16). The other two suspects aged 26 and 30 are expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on Monday,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for acting swiftly to rescue the boys and arrest the suspects.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Omolemo Funerals financial service provider, Hlomelang Manare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for fraud. Manare (32) acted as a financial services provider without having a license and lured members of the public, particularly the elderly to take insurance policies from his company, Omolemo Funerals, whilst he knowing that his company is not registered.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Between 2019 and 2020, Manare registered five complainants on cashback policies in his company, Omolemo Funerals. He promised to pay his unsuspecting clients after the death of the insured, whereas he knew his company was not underwritten by any insurance company.

“Manare was convicted on one count of the Contravention of Section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory Intermediary Act 37 of 2002 and five of fraud. On count one, he was sentenced to 10 months or R20 000 and on the five counts of fraud, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.”

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that Manare preyed on vulnerable people, who lived off social grants. Mokgopa said the unsuspecting clients relied on the services of the accused in the unfortunate event of death. Magistrate Kwena Letsapa agreed with the state and remarked on the loss suffered by their complainants, as they had to borrow money to bury their loved ones, incurring debts in the process.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded Mokgopa, Captain Bantseke Partition from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all other role players, who ensured that Manare is convicted. Makhari further urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and do due diligence when dealing with financial advisors and institutions.

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Picture: The LGBTQI+ members embark on a peaceful march

By OBAKENG MAJE

The LGBTQI+ members in Taung embarked on a peaceful march to create awareness. The LGBTQI+ chairperson in Taung, Segametsi Dichomi said, they established the organisation to raise their voices against any form of discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.

“We came together as LGBTQI+ activists to galvanise one another to form one nation. The aim was to fight discrimination and stigma against LGBTQI+ members within our society. So, we encourage our members to come forward as we promise to improve capacity building.

“We hope to achieve the sustainable results from this activity. On the other hand, our organisation realised that there is a prevailing negligence amongst some members of our society, which is a matter of concern. Our mission is to build a society, where every LGBTQI+ individual attains a social well-being, resulting in a high-quality life,” Dichomi said.

She further said, their goal was to deliver high-impact, cost-effective, culturally competent, and capacity-building programs for the LGBTQI+ community, in particular to the youth. Dichomi added that, they also aim to empower LGBTQI+ individuals by sensitising information against HIV/AIDS.

“We assist to improve self-esteem within the LGBTQI+ members and help the youth to engage in self-empowerment and poverty alleviation programs. We encourage and help where possible with skills and academic development,” she said.         

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Special Programs Coordinator, Tebogo Morweng said, as the municipality, they support the LGBTQI+ community. Morweng encouraged LGBTQI+ members to come forward and ensure that they are well-represented. 

“What the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe did after ascending to the office, was to establish the LGBTQI+ forum amongst other things. So, we take this initiative very seriously and there is no way we can neglect the LGBTQI+ community. We want to send a clear message to the community at large to take the LGBTQI+ community seriously without any form of resistance.

“Each and everyone is important in front of God. We encourage LGBTQI+ members across Taung to find one another and spread love. We always encourage people not to work in silos, so that we can achieve the ultimate goal. We are expecting a program of action from the LGBTQI+ community and they must be seen. The Office of the Mayor is their point of entry if they experience any challenges,” he said.

The Health Promoter from the North West Department of Health in Greater Taung Sub-district, Keitumetse Landu said they are here to encourage LGBTQI+ members and the community at large to practice safer sex. Landu said they also educated the LGBTQI+ and community members on how to use condoms.

“As we know, the LGBTQI+ community is not supported enough, so we are here to educate them about different kinds of diseases such as STDs, HIV, and AIDS. We also provided them with lubricants. You’ll understand that dry sex can be risky during sexual intercourse as it exposes participants to diseases due to cuts that might be experienced.   

Meanwhile, Sergeant Kgalalelo Ntlolokwane from Social Crime Prevention unit at Taung Police Station said: “As the South African Police Service (SAPS), we perpetuate any form of discrimination against LGBTQI+ members. We have a great working relationship with the LGBTQI+ community and promote social cohesion.

“Any form of violence against them is condemned. We have not received any complaints or hate crimes against LGBTQI+ members thus far, and we courage our community to continue to create a safer environment for them. We also encourage members from the LGBTQI+ community to report any homophobic sentiment they endure within the community.”

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Picture: EFF ward councillor, the late Tsietsi Mohulatsi/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man from Lesotho has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) ward councillor, Tsietsi Mohulatsi. The Lesotho national, Makintane Kabelo Machete (29) was arrested by the Bojanala Trio Task Team at Bekkersdal in Gauteng Province on 26 June 2023, following an intensive investigation.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the preliminary investigation revealed that Mohulatsi was robbed during the incident and his bank card was used to buy clothes at shops in Rustenburg and Pretoria. Mokgwabone further said, as a result, Machete is also facing additional charges of kidnapping, robbery, fraud and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act 2002, (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“At the time of the incident, Mohulatsi was a ward councillor in the Rustenburg Local Municipality. The victim’s lifeless body was found inside his white Nissan Navara bakkie at Freedom Park Informal Settlement between Extension 4 and 5, outside Phokeng Township in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 4 October 2022.

“The victim’s body was spotted by passers-by, who reported the incident to the police. Machete briefly appeared at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 28 June 2023. He will remain in custody and his case postponed until 24 August 2023,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of Machete. Kwena applauded the police for following all the leads and worked tirelessly to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to book to face the full might of the law.  

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