Escapee who was arrested for business robbery, attempted murder nabbed  

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Picture: Escapee, Tebogo Mahlangu arrested/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

16 April 2025- The accused, Tebogo Mahlangu (40), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing charges of escape from lawful custody. Mahlangu was arrested in Witbank by the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on 11 April 2025, following his escape from lawful custody in September 2019.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused and his four accomplices, were arrested in November 2015, on charges of theft of motor vehicle, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after they allegedly collided with a Toyota Hilux bakkie, while travelling in an A4 Audi vehicle near Katboschfontein, outside Wolmaranstad on the N12.

Gunya said the Toyota Hilux, which was transporting diamond gravel overturned, its driver was accosted by armed Audi A4 occupants, who robbed him of diamond gravel, pistol and other personal belongings. 

“It is further reported that whilst the robbery was still in progress, an Isuzu bakkie, which was passing by, stopped in an attempt to assist the accident victims as the occupants were not aware it was robbery. 

“The Isuzu occupants were also accosted and the Isuzu bakkie as well as cell phones and other personal belongings of its occupants were stolen. The community members who tried to chase the suspects were shot, however they managed to run to the nearby fields,” he said. 

Gunya further said the swift response by the police led to the arrest of suspects, the firearms and other valuables stolen were also recovered. He added that, they made several court appearances before court, however, on September 2019, while Mahlangu and his co-accused were loaded in a bakkie, Mahlangu allegedly took out a firearm and pointed at a police officer working at court and this led to the escape of all five accused.

“His co-accused persons were all re-arrested and were sentenced except Mahlangu, who has been on the run since the escape. Following a lengthy investigation, he was rearrested at Witbank Court, where he was attending a separate case.

“He appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 8 May 2025, for consolidation of all his cases,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the acting Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure they leave no stone unturned in locating suspects who have contempt for the laws of this country.

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Uncle sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for raping his niece 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 April 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court sentenced a man (39) from Olievenhoutbosch to two life terms for two counts of rape and five years direct imprisonment for the sexual assault of his niece (14). In January 2021, the complainant and her uncle were at a family gathering in Hammanskraal when he approached her in the kitchen while washing dishes and began touching her breasts and private parts. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said in January 2022, the uncle invited the complainant to his place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch and during the night while sleeping in the same bed, he began to rape her. Mahanjana said in the same month, the accused lured the complainant to his place of residence by informing her that her friend was looking for her. 

“On arrival at his place of residence, he undressed the complainant and raped her. In May 2022, as the mother of the complainant was going through the complainant’s phone, she saw WhatsApp messages from the accused asking her why she attended school, instead of visiting him and sleeping over. 

“The mother confronted the complainant and during the confrontation, she informed her about the incidents. The following day, a case was opened against the accused, who was subsequently arrested on 26 May 2022,” she said.

Mahanjana said in court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. She said, however, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. 

“During sentence proceedings through his legal representative, the accused asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences because he is a first-time offender and was employed at the time of his arrest. 

“However, the state prosecutor Anton Burger, argued that he abused his position of trust as a close family member and instead of looking after the complainant, he abused her,” said Mahanjana.

She said, furthermore, Burger emphasised the seriousness of the crimes he committed and how these crimes affected the complainant, resulting in her repeating a grade. Mahanjana said Burger further asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, stating that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.

“In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Pierre Wessel, agreed with the state that the accused abused his role as a caregiver and preyed on the vulnerability of the complainant. Furthermore, he said that the crimes he committed were brutal, and he showed no remorse for his actions. 

“Moreover, he said that the sentence handed down will reaffirm the commitment of the court to hold perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) accountable, especially those who betray familial trust,” she said. 

Mahanjana said, therefore, the Magistrate said he found no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences. She said the NPA welcomes the sentence and hopes that it reaffirms to society their unwavering commitment to hold such perpetrators accountable and condemns such heinous acts of GBV.

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Six suspended magistrates cost taxpayers R31m

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Picture: Suspended magistrates cost taxpayers millions/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 April 2025 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice today raised its grave concern regarding the payment of magistrates on suspension, as seven such magistrates have already cost the country over R31 million.

The Chairperson of Committee, Jane Mananiso, said one such magistrate has been on suspension with full remuneration since September 2018, having received over R8 million since then for doing nothing. Mananiso said it cannot be that these suspensions continue indefinitely. 

“This is taxpayers’ money that could have been used for much-needed programmes. The Magistrates Commission, a regulatory body for the Lower Court Judiciary, updated the committee today on disciplinary proceedings and measures to reduce the length of time these disciplinary proceedings take. 

“The committee also received a briefing on progress in addressing systemic challenges. The meeting follows the tabling of a report in Parliament by the Minister of Justice on the recommendation of the Magistrates Commission dated 11 February 2025,” she said. 

Mananiso further said the report confirmed the suspension of Ms R Govender, Magistrate at Lenyenye in Limpopo and submitted in terms of the Magistrates Act. She added that the report was referred to the committee for consideration. 

“The established procedure is for the commission to brief the committee, and the committee can then pose questions to the commission on the process, details of the report and disciplinary process. 

“It is then for the committee to decide in terms of the Act, whether or not the restoration to his or her office of a magistrate so suspended is recommended,” said Mananiso.

She said the committee heard that the suspension of six magistrates between 2018 and last year cost taxpayers over R31.3 million. Mananiso said this includes the remuneration for Mr E Nzimande, suspended since 27 September 2018, of over R8.1 million, Ms Bodlana, over R8 million since July 2020, Mr Mkantsi’s R7.3 million since May 2020, and Mr D Nair’s R5.5 million since February 2020.

“The committee heard that disciplinary hearings have started in all instances. The commission told the committee that, because of the legislation governing them, none of them are full-time and must deal with these matters in their own time.

“The public money cannot continuously be used to fund suspended magistrates. You can clearly see that there has been an outcry due to its impact on the public purse,” she said.

Mananiso said the commission conceded that not all postponements of the disciplinary hearings were due to the suspended magistrates. She said sometimes, it was because presiding officers retired, or the evidence leaders were unavailable.

“The committee noted the concession but maintained that cases dragging back to 2018 and 2020 were not acceptable. The committee also heard nine trials for suspended magistrates have been concluded since 2022, and three magistrates have been removed from office. 

“Six magistrates have resigned during the disciplinary hearings. The committee also noted that 223 District Court Magistrate posts were filled in 2023,” said Mananiso.

She said in December 2024, 139 posts of Senior Magistrates (including those who will be dedicated to performing Quality Assurance), District Court Magistrates, and Regional Court Magistrates were advertised. Mananiso said the commission indicated that it anticipated finalising appointments of Regional Court Magistrates by July 2025, and the rest in November 2025.

She said the committee also made a strong case for the vetting of magistrates before appointment. Mananiso said they felt strongly that the vetting could assist magistrates in not finding themselves on the wrong side of the law and to promote the culture of ethical conduct. 

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Two men sentenced to a combined 35 years imprisonment for raping a minor 

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Picture: ANCWL members of picketing outside court/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 April 2025- Two men were sentenced to a combined 35 years imprisonment by the Colesberg Regional Court for rape. This comes after the accused raped a girl (15), back in 2016. 

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, on 27 February 2016, the victim was visiting with her male friend at his residence and decided to spend the night. Pilane said during the night, she was awakened by the male friend and three other individuals, who took turns raping her before fleeing the scene.

“The victim reported the incident at the Kuyasa Police Station and was taken to a local hospital for medical examination. A case of rape was subsequently opened and all four suspects aged between 18 and 28, including the male friend, were arrested and charged. 

“The case was assigned to seasoned investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Ilse Fan of the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Through her thorough and meticulous investigation, all suspects were positively linked to the crime,” he said.

Pilane further said two of the accused later passed away during the course of the investigation, leaving two remaining suspects to stand trial. He added that the accused were found guilty and sentenced to 20 and 15 years’ direct imprisonment, respectively. 

“Both were also declared unfit to possess a firearm and their names will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Pilane. 

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentences and commended Detective Sergeant Fan for her dedication and commitment in securing justice for the victim. 

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Rustenburg mayor, Sheila Mabale-Huma reshuffles her committee  

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Picture: The executive mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Sheila Mabale-Huma

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 April 2025- The executive mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Sheila Mabale-Huma has today after careful assessment and evaluation, reconfigured the mayoral committee. Mabale-Huma said the reconfiguration of the mayoral committee, which includes appointment and or reshuffling of the members of the executive, is the prerogative of the executive mayor, as outlined in Section 60(1) (a) of the Municipal Structures Act.   

She further said the area of responsibility of the mayoral committee mirrors that of the executive mayor and the mayoral committee’s primary task is to assist the executive mayor in the exercise of her executive duties. Mabale-Huma added that, it is in essence an extension of the office of the executive mayor.  

“The provision of quality basic services is and will not be negotiable. Furthermore, we will ensure that the committee is held accountable for its collective duty to serve the residents of Rustenburg. 

“Each member will be expected to perform their duties with diligence and integrity, upholding the highest ethical standards to bring about meaningful change in the lives of the people of Rustenburg,” she said. 

Mabale-Huma said the new members of the mayoral committee are as follows:   

Budget and Treasury Office: Merriam Nono Phalole, Directorate Community Development: Abisai Seleka, Directorate Corporate Support Services: Maleho Gaonakala, IDP,PMS and Legal Services: Isabella Macone, Directorate Local Economic Development: Thabang Rampou, Directorate of Planning and Human Settlements: Poppy Lebethe, Directorate Public Safety: Boipelo Marekoa, Directorate Roads and Transport: Selebaleng Pule, OEM IGR and Special Projects: Virginia Mputle, Directorate Technical and Infrasture Services: Karabo Phutu. 

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping a woman while asleep

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Picture: A man nabbed for rape/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

16 April 2025– A man (30) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape. On 18 December 2022, the victim (20) was raped while sleeping in a room at a social gathering in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.

 The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the victim lost consciousness during the ordeal and awoke the following morning to find the unknown perpetrator beside her. Kock said a thorough investigation conducted by the police led to the arrest of Tshwaro Sebogodi, whose DNA was found to match evidence collected at the scene.

“He was convicted and sentenced by the Kimberley Regional Court to 15 years imprisonment for rape. In addition, Sebogodi has been declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name has been entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

“Detectives attached to Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units in the Northern Cape remain committed and steadfast in their quest to get justice for the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended Detective Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for his diligent investigation. Ngubelanga also extended his appreciation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their effective collaboration, emphasizing that the justice system remains resolute in combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). 

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Severe weather condition expected during Easter weekend

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Picture/ The severe weather conditions

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 April 2025- South African Weather Service (SAWS) said most of the south-western interior currently enjoying pleasant weather conditions, cloudy and cold conditions with heavy rains and thundershowers persist in the east on 16 April 2025, affecting KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, where a warning of disruptive rainfall has been issued to enable the public to plan accordingly.

The SAWS spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said the severe weather is expected for Easter weekend. Segalwe said the Easter weekend is traditionally a time for travelling long distances, either to their religious conventions or just going for a holiday and holiday makers are advised to always remain aware about the weather conditions.

“The rainfall will start to ease off in most parts of the country with isolated showers and thundershowers still expected in places over the north-eastern parts on 17 April 2025, with light showers and rain along the east and southeast coast.

“Similar weather conditions will persist on Friday and Saturday. A surface trough, supported by an upper-air trough, will be situated over the western interior on 20 April 2025, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the western interior and the southern and south-eastern parts of the country on Sunday and Monday,” he said.

Segalwe further said the temperature will remain cool to warm throughout the long weekend. He added that the SAWS will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.

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A total of 1080 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 April 2025– A total of 1080 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes ranging from robberies, murders, attempted murders, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing and possession of drugs, selling of liquor without license, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition during Operation Shanela.

During weekly joint law enforcement operations conducted under Operation Shanela, 111 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act and are currently being processed through the courts before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 538 out of the 1080 suspects, were circulated wanted after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Myburgh said Gender Based Violence (GBV), including domestic violence, continues to be a serious problem and a cause for serious and Violent crimes as evident by a tragic love triangle murder that took place in Blydeville, Lichtenburg on 7 April 2025.

“A man (35) was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend (32), after apparently arriving home and finding the deceased in the company of another woman. The suspect, Mmadira Catherine Monyane, was arrested and appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 April 2025, charged with murder, where she was granted R500 bail. Her case was postponed until 29 May 2025.

“Members of the public are constantly warned and advised to be vigilant and to take their personal and others safety and security seriously,” she said. 

Myburgh further said on 9 April 2025, Detectives arrested two suspects in Extension 1, Itsoseng. She added that, the arrest of the two suspects aged 25 and 41, follows an earlier incident, which started in Bodibe village, next to Itsoseng, when a girl (20), who was waiting for public transport was offered a lift in a vehicle in which the two were travelling in.

“It is alleged that after driving for a few kilometres and not far from her home, the passenger, who was sitting at the back, suddenly threatened the victim with a firearm before robbing her of her handbag and other belongings,” said Myburgh.

She said the victim, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, opened the window and screamed for help, whilst the driver sped off only to drop the victim far away and unharmed. Myburgh said unbeknown to the suspects, one alert member of the public had identified the make, colour and registration number of the suspect’s vehicle and the information was shared with the police, who were already in the area, leading to the suspect’s vehicle being stopped and the immediate arrest of the suspects.

“The accused, Tebogo Peter Monare (25) and Molefe Samuel Motshabi (41), were immediately arrested and charged with robbery. They have been remanded in custody after their first court appearance before the Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court.

“They are expected back in court on 22 April 2025. The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.

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The appeal of two teachers who were fired after being implicated in cheating scandal at Reivilo High School dismissed  

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Picture: Reivilo High School

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 April 2025- The North West Department of Education said it has dismissed the appeal launched by two teachers from Reivilo High School in Taung, who were fired after being implicated in a cheating scandal. It is alleged that six Grade 12 learners were found to have cheated during the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and colluded with some teachers, who demanded R3000 in return.

This led to the North West Department of Education to withhold their results. Some of the affected learners, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, cited that even though they cheated during the final examinations, these teachers aided them.

“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork out R3000 per learner. So, I’m still sitting at home without knowing my fate. It is true that our results were withheld and the department said, we will only be eligible to write the accounting question paper in November 2025.

“We are prohibited from writing the subject for two years. They said we will only be allowed to write the examination once the sanction period has expired,” she said.

She further said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the issue regarding learners found cheating during the National Senior Certificate examinations two years ago at Reivilo Secondary near Taung has been resolved. Molokwane said as part of this resolution, two teachers who recently filed an appeal with the department have been dismissed.

“This decision underscores the education department’s commitment to maintaining integrity and addressing misconduct within schools across the province,” he said.

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Deputy Minister in Presidency, Kenny Morolong engages with community media in Taung 

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Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 April 2025- Community media continue to serve as a vital tool for local information sharing, community engagement and empowerment, often acting as an alternative to public and commercial media. It fosters localism, storytelling, empowerment and diverse participation, enabling communities to address local issues, raise awareness, and foster a sense of belonging.

This was shared by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong during his engagement with community and small commercial media in Taung on Monday. Morolong engaged with community and small commercial media house representatives to reflect on their challenges. 

“The meeting with community and small commercial media, particularly in Taung, was a resounding success. We met inter alia to reflect on challenges confronting community or small commercial media. 

“We were joined by the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, who made an insightful reflection of the state of the community media in Taung,” he said. 

Morolong further said they also had the pleasure of having the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in our midst as the entity responsible for the promotion and support of the community and small commercial media. He said the aftermath of this engagement will result in a workshop that will take place in six weeks, where all community and small commercial media houses will gather under one roof in the district to reflect on the state of the community media. 

“We will discuss the funding models of community and small commercial media and all interventions that will ensure that community media as an entity, performs optimally. 

“We are impressed with the feedback we received from different media house representatives. The first impression is that, media houses continue to promote local content through reporting,” said Morolong. 

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaoraelwe said they were grateful as the municipality to form part of the engagement. 

“Collectively, we paved the way forward in order to address their challenges. We have said on record that we are going to assist these media houses in order for them to encapsulate a forum that will be under the Office of the Mayor. 

“We are going to assist them in terms of linking them with necessary departments and arm of government, including assisting them financially to facilitate their day-to-day business,” he said.

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