MRM in North West describes Dlavane sentencing as a victory against fraud and corruption

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Picture: Former Municipal Manager at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Advocate Abbey Dlavane/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 April 2025- Former Municipal Manager at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Advocate Abbey Dlavane (61), was on 25 April 2025, sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for theft and contravention of Section 173 (1)(a) of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court.

This comes after Dlavane, who was employed as the Municipal Manager for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality between January 2009 and March 2010, allegedly instructed the credit controller to issue a cheque amounting to R550 000 to Kumekucha Investment for services not rendered to the municipality.

The matter was reported to the Klerksdorp-Based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. The investigation revealed that Dlavane was the sole member of Kumekucha Investment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said it was further established that the accused failed to follow proper Municipal Supply Chain Management policy processes as he authorized such payment without implementing a competitive bidding process resulting in the municipality suffering a loss worth R550 000. Gunya said following a series of court appearances, the accused was found guilty on one count of theft and one count of Contravention of Section 173 of MFMA.

“Dlavane was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on charges of theft and 3 years imprisonment on charges of Contravention of Section 173 (MFMA), which was wholly suspended for 5 years,” he said.

The acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence. They lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting corruption in the municipalities as they said this will serve as a stern warning to public servants to serve with integrity and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West described a sentencing as a victory against fraud and corruption. The Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, commended the Hawks Serious and Commercial Crime Investigation Directorate and the National Prosecution Agency for the successful prosecution and called for the asset forfeiture processes to follow in order to recoup the money lost to the municipality.

“This should serve as a deterrent to send an unequivocal message that officials that are entrusted with public resources will be held responsible for succumbing to greed and corruption as their actions are a betrayal of the trust of communities that are yearning for improved service delivery.

“The roll-out of the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) Code adopted after MRM’s extensive engagement with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (SALGA), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Ethics Institute and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) will contribute towards strengthening the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy,” said Kgwele.

He further said the municipalities will only reposition themselves for effective service delivery, as well as prudent financial management if they adopt zero tolerance to corruption, rid themselves of unscrupulous individuals, promote ethical leadership as well as good governance and accountability. Kgwele added that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that MRM had recently signed with SALGA during its Annual Assembly held in Limpopo, will bring civil society on board as regards strengthening partnership with municipalities to intensify the fight against corruption and building values driven communities.

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Two men who allegedly killed a woman remanded in custody

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Picture: The Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- A kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case against two accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 7 May 2025. The duo was arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).

It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Kudunkgwane village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that, Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search was commenced.

The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.   

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.

“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 7 May 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.

The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.

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Telkom Netball League has a shaky start

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- The Netball South Africa (NSA) said it is aware of the issues raised by the Gauteng Jaguars around the accommodation logistics, which have ended up affecting yesterday’s game between Gauteng Jaguars and Zambesi Eagles.

The NSA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said they worked with the team and Sun City regarding the issue surrounding the accommodation for the team. Mokgalagadi said that issue has since been resolved.

“Netball South Africa has further resolved the issue around the game that had to be called off, and has been rescheduled for 3 May 2025, at 9am.

“We would like to extend our sincere apologies to the players and all parties involved for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

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More than 10 vehicles damaged in car accident between a truck and a bakkie

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Picture: More than 10 vehicles destroyed in an accident/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 April 2025- The truck plunged into various vehicles at Blue Diamond Auto Sale car dealership in the early hours of Saturday morning. The truck with the trailer left a ‘trail of destruction’ after it rammed into them.

The Manager of the Blue Diamond Auto Sale, Willie Du Preez said they received a phone call at around 4am in the morning. Du Preez  said the call informed them that the truck had been driven into Blue Diamond Auto Sales.

“Our family of four braved the cold and darkness not knowing what devastation awaited. A truck has driven through 10 of our vehicles. One of the vehicles landed in the building and palisades was scattered throughout.

“The vehicles were completely destroyed, glasses were shattered and walls collapsed. Our income, our pride and joy that we worked so hard for is on its knees,” he said.

Du Preez further said they remembered God’s provision in the past. He added that they are thankful that no one was hurt.

“The team does not understand the word give up. The family and friends’ messages, including their prayers surrounded us. Our community sprang to action to lend a helping hand too.

“People showed up to support us. For our employees who were there almost as soon as they assisted where they could, just read Hebrews 11:1, which talks about applicable in our lives,” said u Preez.

He said Blue Diamond Auto Sales is at its brink of collapse, but they are not lying down. Buoyed Du Preez said they will come back stronger and better than before.

“We are wounded, but the doors will remain open for business as usual. Amazing stock is still available and there is new stock coming soon. Watch this space.

“Kindly feel free to come and visit us at 198 Market Street, Vryburg or give us a call on 0790182992,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm an accident that occurred in Market Street, Vryburg at around 4am, on 26 April 2025.

“According to information, a Ford Ranger bakkie collided with a truck trailer on Market Street. Consequently, the truck hit a car dealership building and several vehicles were damaged.”

Mokgwabone said the driver of the bakkie allegedly left his car and fled from the scene on foot. No injuries have been reported.

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21 accused arrested for illegal mining

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Picture: Some of items seized by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 April 2025- In continuous efforts to address illegal mining and related offences, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates Courts on 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The suspects aged between 21 to 41, were arrested during the Vala Umgodi operations executed in Witrandjie village, near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits on 23 and 24 April 2025 respectively.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court. Mokgwabone said they were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000, wholly suspended.

“The court ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin (Mozambique and Malawi).  The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts on different dates between 29 April and 24 June 2025.

“In the course of the arrests and as part of eradicating illegal mining, the police confiscated equipment used to mine illegally such as a water pump, jack hammer and electric extension cords,” he said.

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Three Mozambican men nabbed for house robbery

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Picture: Three Mozambique nationals arrested for house robbery

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 April 2025- Three men arrested for house robbery in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. It is alleged that two men forced entry into a woman’s house at Phetoane Section, Kanana village, near Boitekong, outside Rustenburg, on Sunday evening, 20 April 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused then allegedly threatened the victim with knives. Mokgwabone alleged that in spite of her screaming, the accused nevertheless robbed her of her cash, two cell phones and a blanket.

“A prompt and thorough investigation resulted in the arrests and recovery of all the robbed items. The accused, Musa Santos Mthimkhulu (24), Django Salvador (21) and Jedo Mashaba (31), were traced to Plastic View Informal Settlement, where they were arrested.

“Mthimkhulu, Salvador and Mashaba, were arrested during collaborative efforts between the police and members of the community. The trio briefly appeared at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 25 April 2025,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said their case was postponed until 19 May 2025, for bail application. He added that the investigation has since established that all three accused are undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique. 

“They will therefore be facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002,” said Mokgwabone.

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A missing woman found buried in a shallow grave

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Picture: The deceased, Motlalepule Kau buried in a shallow grave in the bushes/Screengrab 

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 April 2025- A body of a woman was discovered by the police in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane villages, near Ganyesa on Thursday. The body was positively identified by a next-of-kin as that of Motlalepule Kau (43), who was reported missing at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area. Mokgwabone said investigations into the case are underway.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the brutal killing of Kau. Asaneng said that at this point in time, the real motive for the gruesome murder is unknown, but the police are looking for a person of interest in whose residence some of the deceased’s items of clothing were recovered. 

“The suspect who apparently portrays himself as a traditional healer has since disappeared from his house. However, the police are hot on his tracks and hope to find him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kau was seen in a video that went viral walking in the streets of a village and said she does not even know the name of it. She jokely requested people not to ask her where she is as life will humble you.

However, she promised to tell people where she was when she came back before ending the video.

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ANC, DA meet to discuss way forward amidst VAT increase reversal

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Picture: ANC, DA meet to discuss way forward amidst VAT increase reversal

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said its delegation led by John Steenhuisen, met with the negotiating delegation of the ANC today, as part of ongoing discussions relating to the Government of National Unity GNU). The DA said discussions were forthright and constructive, focusing on the way forward on matters ranging from the budget to a strategy for economic growth.

The DA Chairperson of Federal Council, Hellen Zille said: “Similar meetings will continue on a regular basis as we seek to address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa in the Government of National Unity.”

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) said its leadership led by Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, had a follow-up meeting with the leadership of the DA as previously agreed. Mbalula said this meeting was held following the announcement of the withdrawal of the VAT hike in the joint media briefing with other political parties yesterday.

“The meeting forms part of the ANC’s continued commitment to the principles of dialogue, nation-building, and consultation in addressing the urgent budgetary processes in the national parliament.

“In all discussions, the ANC remains rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation. South Africa must come first,” he said.

Mbalula further said, as leaders, they owe it to the people of this country—black and white, young and old—to rise above narrow political interests and work together in the spirit of unity and shared progress.

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ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership

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Picture: The ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 April 2025- The ANC in the Northern Cape has set the tone and held its 10th Provincial Conference successfully. The ANC top 5 was elected unopposed in the inquest of bringing stability.

The newly-elected ANC Provincial Chairperson, and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said when they commenced with their 10th Provincial Elective Conference, they had the ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa in their midst. Saul said actually Ramokgopa delivered the keynote address and led the ANC deployees who were deployed as convenors to the province.

“Let me thank the national leadership for their support and enabling us to have a successful conference in the province. Post 2024 General National Elections, this is the first provincial conference to be held by the ANC in the country.

“We only believe that we are setting the tone on how we should approach the issues of conferences and manage the internal contradictions within the movement around issues of leadership,” he said.

Saul further said they are going to write a letter of appreciation to the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, regarding the pivotal role the ANC deployees played. He added that he does not think they would have managed to host the conference of this magnitude without their support.

“They worked tirelessly to ensure the conference became a success. We are also grateful to the ANCYL president, Collen Malatji, for the support. Malatji even told us that 60% of our population is young people.

“So, he was impressed by how we conducted our conference. We appeal to the ANC to roll-out programmes that will enable us to address one of the major challenges such as unemployment, especially amongst young people,” said Saul.

He said they had a successful conference and highly appreciate all media houses, which came to cover the conference. Saul said what was displayed inside the conference is unparalleled.

“We saw the display of unity. We addressed various challenges amicably. During this moment, the party is confronted with an enormous crisis and that means ANC is in ICU.

“If we do not act now, we will not have any ANC left to speak about,” said Saul.

Meanwhile, the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, applauded the ANC in Northern Cape for hosting a successful conference. Mbalula said this should be a catalyst for many provinces.  

“I want to congratulate the newly-elected provincial leadership and the entire additional members. Future looks bright here in this province. As the ANC, we have deployed some of the most experienced deployees to the province. That shows how serious we take this province.

“We have given Northern Cape the best and we are happy with how things turned out regarding the conference. The province delivered a successful elective conference and that will go down in the ‘anus of history’,” he said.  

Mbalula said the unity that was displayed in the elective conference will enhance their quest for renewal within the ANC. He said this gives them a clear view on how ANC conferences should be conducted.

“It gives us a break from bad experiences. The ANC in the Northern Cape has produced the leadership and resolution for this province to support the provincial government and municipalities.

“Delegates stayed in the conference throughout, despite different ideologies on the leadership. So, that is how the ANC should conduct its business and we are proud. As we move forward intensifying the renewal, other provinces should take note,” said Mbalula.

He said ANC is now a 40% party, but they are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Mbalula said in the Northern Cape, the fight is on to change that narrative.

“Saul fought for the movement and served the people of Northern Cape with distinction. We are excited to come to the province, where comrades highly appreciate each other.

“The biggest issue is how we deepen social transformation. We are in a Government of National Unity (GNU) because voters wanted so. So, the Northern Cape is one of the leading provinces regarding political education,” he said.

He urged ANC members to continue to conduct themselves in a good way that reflects the ANC’s code of conduct. Mbalula said the ANC in Northern Cape has done good to project the party in a good manner.

“It does not mean there were no challenges, but it shows that they wanted to do things right to preserve the reputation of the party and deepen social transformation,” he said.

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Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder

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Picture: Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 April 2025- On 5 June 2020, at approximately 6pm, a community member reported a murder to the police in Pampierstad following the discovery of a female body in an open veld outside the town, near Pampierstad. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Phindiswa Mdityelwa.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time, the identity of the suspect was unknown. Shemane said on 13 March 2023, a 29-year-old man, Refilwe Diseko, voluntarily presented himself at the police station and admitted to robbing and killing Mdityelwa, stating he used a knife in the commission of the crime.

“The accused was arrested and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, where he made a formal confession under oath. Bail was successfully opposed throughout the court proceedings until conviction and sentencing.

“On 23 April 2025, the Taung Regional Court found Refilwe Diseko guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery and twenty years for murder,” he said.

Shemane further said the sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective 30-year term of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mogomotsi Galodikwe, for his dedication and commitment in ensuring justice was served. Ngubelanga assured the community that the SAPS remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and will not turn a blind eye to violent crimes.

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