Picture: A woman raped by the uncle of her boyfriend/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
5 August 2025- A man (55) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Galeshewe Regional Court in Kimberley for rape. The victim (26) and her boyfriend were asleep when the victim awoke to find someone raping her.
The incident took place in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 18 September 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said upon opening her eyes, she recognised the perpetrator as her boyfriend’s uncle. Sam said realising that she was awake, the accused immediately fled into another room.
“The victim alerted her boyfriend and subsequently reported the incident to the police. The accused, Boitumelo Simon Mokomela, was arrested, convicted of rape, and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
“The court further directed that the offender’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended Detective Warrant Officer Tanya Serfontein for her dedication, expertise and professionalism in ensuring justice for the victim and reinforcing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Picture: Some of the suspects arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
5 August 2025- The police in Northern Cape said Operation Basadi continues to intensify its efforts to combat property-related crimes across the province with increased police visibility during Women’s Month 2025. The police said in the Pixley Ka Seme District, members of the Public Order Police (POP) Unit in De Aar, while conducting patrols under Operation Basadi in the Sunrise area, acted on intelligence regarding the possession of suspected stolen copper by three foreign nationals at a local dumping site.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said upon arrival, the suspects attempted to flee in different directions. Sam said the police officers gave chase and successfully apprehended all three individuals.
“Copper cables, valued at approximately R3428.10, were seized. The suspects were arrested and charged with damage to essential infrastructure and for contravening immigration laws. In a separate incident, Britstown police responded to a reported housebreaking and theft.
“Acting on information received, officers traced a suspect to a residence in Britstown. A search of the premises led to the recovery of a stolen television, electronic equipment and groceries. A man (26) was arrested,” he said.
Sam further said all suspects will appear in their respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining heightened visibility during and beyond Women’s Month. Mtukushe emphasized that community support is vital in enhancing police efforts to safeguard lives and property.
“The continued partnership between the community and the police remains instrumental in fighting crime. The SAPS appreciates the public’s cooperation and encourage them to remain vigilant and proactive,” said Mtukushe.
5 August 2025- A man (48) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The accused, Kabelo Ishmael Mogongwa was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for the murder of his intimate partner, Tsholofelo Juliet Emphokile (38).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mogongwa was also sentenced to an additional five years imprisonment for possession of a firearm.
“Both sentences are ordered to run concurrently. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 2 February 2024, in Khibicwane village, near Taung, where Mogongwa and Emphokile had returned from a local tavern after consuming alcohol.
“Upon arriving at the accused’s residence, an altercation ensued during which Mogongwa became aggressive towards the deceased. A witness, who is Mogongwa’s nephew, testified that the couple locked themselves in a room and continued arguing,” he said.
Gunya further said moments later, he heard a gunshot coming from the room. He added that fearing for his life, the nephew fled to seek help from neighbours.
“Upon their arrival, Emphokile’s lifeless body was discovered in the room, having sustained gunshot wounds. The police were called to the scene and Mogongwa was arrested the following day.
“He was denied bail and has remained in custody since. Mogongwa pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, during sentencing, state prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that the court should impose a life sentence, stating that no substantial or compelling circumstances had been presented by the defence to warrant a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Gunya.
In delivering judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Bhuti Zulu highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse and confirmed that there were no valid reasons to depart from the mandatory sentence. Zulu emphasised the court’s duty to protect victims and deliver strong messages of deterrence for crimes of this nature.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended Mokgopa and the investigative team for their dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“The NPA will continue to ensure that justice is served and that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” She said.
5 August 2025 – Three Nigerian nationals sentenced to a combined 35 years by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for dealing and possession of drugs. The accused, Oluebedu Okeke (42), Chierota MGbekutha (47) and Ekene Eze (44), were arrested in August 2023, following an elaborate undercover organised crime investigation in which they were positively linked to numerous incidents of dealing in and distribution of drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the trio first came into the radar of the police in March 2022, after a tip-off regarding a certain unidentified individuals who were peddling and selling drugs in Fochville, Gauteng Province, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp. Manyoba said in the process, a variety of drugs such as kat, crystal meth and ecstasy with an estimated street value of R550 000 were seized.
“Okeke, MGbekutha and Eze, who have been in custody since their arrests, made several court appearances until they pleaded guilty and were sentenced on 4 August 2025. Okeke was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for dealing in drugs and possession of drugs and MGbekutha was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for possession of drugs.
“Eze was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. He was given an additional one-year imprisonment for the second count of dealing in drugs. The court ordered that the accused be deported to their country of origin after serving their jail terms,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed a combined 35 years imprisonment handed down to three Nigerian nationals. Asaneng said the arrests and lengthy sentences imposed on the drug peddlers is welcomed and it must send a strong message to others like them, who have out greed and total disrespect, turned our towns, townships and villages into havens and playgrounds for peddling and destroying the youth with drugs.
“I am still calling upon all law-abiding citizens including parents, educators and landlords to be vigilant in making sure that they do not harbour or allow criminal syndicates to rent or use their premises for criminal enterprises, but to immediately notify their trusted local police,” he said.
5 Phatwe 2025- Kopo ya beile mo kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 11 Phatwe 2025. Modise one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.
“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa Modise gape a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa gabedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagwe wa Picong le go fitsetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.
Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.
5 Phatwe 2025- Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e boela kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mo letsatsing la gompieno, Modise o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile.
Modise one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.
“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa Modise gape a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa ga bedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagwe wa Picong le go fitsetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.
Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.
5 Phatwe 2025- Monna o latlhetswe dingwaga di ke 15 kwa kgolegelong morago ga go bolaya tsala ya gagwe ka mohinyane. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka di 10 Phatwe 2024, kwa Upington.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa ZF Mgcawu District, Sarasanta Omphile Masegela, molatofadiwa Lrikou Nomgojo wa dingwaga di le 34, one a dutse kwa ntlung ya gagwe ga mmogo le tsala ya gagwe, Lucky Dondolo wa dingwaga di le 36 fa gone go runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga bone. Masegela are Nomgojo one a tlhasela moswi, Dondolo ka mohinyane, mme dipaki tse di boneng ka matlho di ile tsa leka go tsereganya, fela Nomgojo one a angwa fela ke tse a di apereng.
“Dipaki tseo, di ile tsa go batlana le thuso, fela mo go boweng ga bona, ba ile ba fitlhela setopo sa ga Dondolo se gogetswe kwa mmileng. Ba ile ba itsise sepodisi ka matlhotlhapelo ano. Molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa le go bonwa molato wa polao.
“Molatofadiwa o ile a atlholelwa dingwaga di le 15 kwa kgolegelong,” Masegela wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa ZF Mgcawu, Major General Monica Sebili, o akgotse mmatlisisi mo kgetsing eno, Sarasanta Bahedile Nkwadipo go tswa kwa lephateng la sepodisi le le batlisisang dikgetsi tse di tseneletseng tsa bosenyi kwa Upington. Sebili are katlholo e, e bontsha fa babatlisisi ba dikgetsi tsa bosenyi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone ba ipiditse sehuba mo tirong ya bone le go netefatsa fa bosiamisi bo diragala.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Ogorogile John Motsoathebe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
5 Phatwe 2025- Kgetsi ya petelelo le polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 26, Ogorogile John Motsoathebe, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa go fitlha kgwedi ya Phatwe e tlhola matsatsi a le 28. Go begwa fa Motsoathebe a beteletse le go bolaya mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 6, Bokao Gaseimelwe kwa motseng wa Tseoge, gaufi le Ganyesa ka di 28 Phukwi 2025.
Go begwa Gaseimelwe a ne a tsamaya le mmagwe ka Lamatlhatso fa sejanaga se ba neng ba se palame se ne se ema kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi ya Hlokoloza.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa mmagwe ngwana a ile a lemoga fa mosetsanyana o a seo, mme ba tshimolola go batlana le ene. Mokgwabone are tiragalo e ke ya bosigo jwa 28 Phukwi 2025.
“Se, se bontsha fa go nnile le itlhokomoloso ya ngwana, mme sepodisi se tlile go samagana le kgetsi eo. Re ikuela go baagi go se itseele molao mo matsogo, mme mmelaelwa ene o tshwerwe ka Labobedi.
“O lebagane le tatofatso ya petelelo le polao. O tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la maabane. Dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di a tswelela,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Setopo sa ga Gaseimelwe se seneng se sa apara ka bontlhabongwe, se bonwe kwa ntlwana boithusetso mo letsatsing le le latelang.
4 August 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he has recently re-launched the North West Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at Orbit TVET College in (Mankwe Campus) in Mabele-A-Podi village, near Rustenburg. Mokgosi said the primary objective of the Council is to harness the provincial skills base as a vehicle for socio-economic development to address the scourge of unemployment and poverty in the province.
He further said it forms part of the reconceptualised national HRDC strategy and Master Skills Plan to align the country’s education and training systems with labour market demands. Mokgosi added that the Council will be a multi-sectoral advisory and coordination platform that brings together government departments, municipalities, Higher Education and Training institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Organised Labour and Business, Civil Society and Community Stakeholders.
“The Council will serve as both a strategic and catalytic platform that will accelerate human capital development in the province. Of critical importance is to commit to skills development as part of the province’s continued endeavours to empower young people to grow the economy and create jobs.
“While the province is endowed with natural resources, the low skill levels have deterred the ability of the province to fully exploit its economic potential. We have recently adopted the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy which has identified key economic drivers such as Mining, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Tourism, Renewable Energy and Green Economy, and Infrastructure Development as our key economic drivers,” he said.
Mokgosi said, however, none of these sectors can grow without the right skills base. He said the HRDC will therefore serve as the engine that drives skills planning, coordination, and implementation to support these sectors.
“The Council which among others will be tasked with strengthening artisan development and technical skills training, expanding workplace-based learning, internships and learnerships, as well as empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities through targeted programmes is composed of MECs and District Executive Mayors.
“This includes the Economic and Investment Advisory Committee under the stewardship of Professor John Lamola and Professor Raymond Parsons, representatives of Institutions of Higher Learning through the capable leadership of Prof Bismark Tyobeka and Dr Pradheep Balkrishen, as well as organised Labour, Business and Civil Society which will be represented by Mr Kabelo Kgoro, Mr Benedict Modise and Ms Dieketseng Diale respectively,” said Mokgosi.
He urged Council Members to lead with integrity, transparency and urgency and ensure that skills development budgets are better spent and better targeted.
4 August 2025- A man (26) was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). On 26 March 2023, at approximately 7am, the accused, Ronald Steenkamp was seen urinating against the fence of a residence on Kgatlane Street in Chris Hani Park, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a victim (15), who was at home at the time, reprimanded Steenkamp for his behaviour. Shemane said later that evening at approximately 8pm, the accused encountered the victim in the street and stabbed him behind the ear with an okapi knife.
“The victim, accompanied by his parents, reported the incident to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. The case docket was transferred to the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation. The Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court finalised the matter and sentenced Steenkamp to six years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“The police in Northern Cape remain steadfast in their commitment to combating crimes against women and children. The SAPS Management commends Detective Warrant Officer Lesego Oliphant of the Galeshewe FCS Unit for his thorough investigation and for helping bring closure to the victim and his family,” he said.
The Guardian 