A man arrested for being in possession of firearms

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Picture: Some of firearms seized during raid/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 December 2024- A man (45) was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024, at Nooitgedacht Farm, near Delareyville. The suspect was arrested after the Lichtenburg K9 and Mahikeng Flying Squad members operationalised a tip-off received from Pudimoe Crime Intelligence regarding a man suspected to be in possession of unlawful firearms.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police allegedly received information and executed a search and seizure warrant. Mokgwabone said during the search, five rifles, two other firearms and 83 ammunition were found.

“The accused was as a result, arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition, after failing to give a proper account for the possession. Josephus Johannes Muller briefly appeared in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024.

“Muller was released on R1000 bail until 30 January 2025. The police in the province also confiscated 50 firearms and 1524 ammunition, since the commencement of the safer festive season Operation Shanela on 1 October 2024, to date,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said the firearms include seven rifles, 42 handguns, and one self-made firearm. She added that 52 individuals were nabbed for unlawful possession of firearms and 49 were held for unlawful possession of ammunition.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded all members involved in the arrest of Muller for their patience and commitment that led to the discovery of the firearms.

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Police urge stokvel members to adhere to safety measures  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 December 2024- The police said they have noted the increase in cash deposits and bulk purchases by stokvels and society clubs, especially during festive season. The police urge the public to adhere to safety hints in order to prevent economic crimes targeting these clubs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the public should refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high risk days, such as month end. Ehlers said they should arrange the club’s pay-out to be electronically transferred into each member’s personal account or choice of account.

“Arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account, instead of collecting cash contributions. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person and remember, your safety is our priority.

“So, be vigilant and be safe. Criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.

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Police are looking for Tshabalala after the death of a patient

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Picture: A person of interest, Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 December 2024- The Delportshoop police request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest, following the death of Peter Joseph Mathebula (57), at Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital in Kimberley on 4 November 2024.

The preliminary investigations indicate that, the deceased was admitted to hospital with a stab wound that was allegedly inflicted by the suspect on 2 November 2024, and who fled the scene. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police are interested in locating Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala, who can assist with the investigation.

“The person of interest was last employed in Prieska. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Boitumelo Marosela at Delportshoop Police Station or contact him at 082 448 4850 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

“All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Mogongwa e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa polao, Kabelo Mogongwa

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

15 Sedimonthole 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, Kabelo Mogongwa (47), e buseditswe morwgo go fitlha di 5 Ferikgong 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung. Mogongwa yo a begang fa a tlile go ipuelela mo kgetsing e, o ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tsa gore o thuntsitse lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38). 

Go begwa fa lekawana le le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo a rotseng tiro ga jaana, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.

“O kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi a le mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.

“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,” Botma wa tlhalosa.

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A man killed in a car accident

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 December 2024- The Galeshewe police appeal to the public to assist in locating the family (next of kin) of an unknown deceased man. The unknown pedestrian was fatally injured during a recent motor vehicle accident in Barkly Road in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating his family/relatives. Kock said the deceased is about 45 years old, 1.7 meters tall, dark in complexion, with short black hair and of medium build.

“He apparently goes by the name of “Eric Moncho”. He has been residing in Colville in Kimberley, but is said to be from the Hartswater or Pampierstad area, hence its believed that he has no relatives in Kimberley.

“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielligh on 082 469 0547. The investigation continues,” he said.

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A centre receives early Christmas

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Picture: The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 December 2024- The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 11 December 2024.

This event followed the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Colour Walk earlier in the morning. The event commenced at Galeshewe Police Station with a motorcade led by the Kimberley CC Riders motorcyclists.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her entourage, Traffic Department, SAPS members and the Community Police Forums, were part of the event. The school principal of Kimberley Boys High School, Xolile Taba pledged their continued support to SAPS, especially as the country concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

“We need to stand together against GBVF. We also encourage men to become actively involved in advocating for gender equality, preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“We need to change our belief on gender norms, taking an active stand against domestic and sexual violence, and sustaining these changes in their personal lives – all of which contribute to reducing the rapid spread of HIV,” he said.

Meanwhile, Otola reiterated in her keynote address that they acknowledge that elderly citizens are often targeted by criminals and they want to assure them that SAPS is doing everything in their power to prevent and combat these heinous crimes.

“We value the wisdom, experience and contributions the elderly citizens bring to the community. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we want to take this opportunity to appreciate and honour our elderly as we vow to work tirelessly to keep them safe and secure this Festive Season and beyond.

“We handed out Christmas gifts to all the elderly and enjoyed an early Christmas lunch with all the attendees at the event. The day was concluded with Christmas carols, and a vote of thanks by Colonel Sebe Qunta of Proactive Policing,” she said.

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SPAR Proteas and men’s team reign supreme at Africa Netball Champs

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Picture: The SPAR Proteas and SA Men’s Netball Team at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on 14 December at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 December 2024- South Africa achieved a historic double victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, with both the SPAR Proteas and the men’s team crowned champions on Saturday at the MTC Dome. The SPAR Proteas showcased their dominance in the women’s final, defeating Uganda 65-50 in what was a tense game.

The South African ladies displayed exceptional court coverage, intercepting key passes and forcing turnovers throughout the match against a Ugandan team that fought gallantly.

The SPAR Proteas’ accurate shooting and fluid movement through the court, particularly in the midcourt where they consistently gained advantage, proved too much for Uganda to handle.

They established an early lead, winning the first quarter 16-12. SA extended their advantage in the second quarter to go into the halftime break ahead by 30-24 goals.

The SPAR Proteas continued to pull away in the third [50-33], ultimately securing a convincing 65-50 victory.

SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk expressed immense pride in her team’s performance following their triumphant victory at the Africa Netball Cup. Van Dyk highlighted the team’s dominant third quarter as a key factor in their success.

“I’m a very happy coach. The players made us proud today,” she admitted. What the players accomplished today was one of our goals to be African champions.

“A massive third quarter for us, 20 for us and 9 for them, was crucial in securing the victory. It was a really quite hot week, very physical and hard,” she said.

Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana expressed immense relief and pride in the team’s performance.

“We knew there was a lot of pressure on us after the disappointing World Cup result against Uganda. We had to overcome that hurdle. We wanted to get rid of that monkey on our back and prove ourselves.

“It was a really tough week. No match was easy and we had to adapt to each opponent’s unique style of play. “I’m extremely proud of the way the troops handled the weeks,” she said.

Meanwhile the SA men’s team also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Eswatini 60-39 to defend their Africa Netball Cup title. The South African men displayed a powerful and aggressive style of play, dominating the centre court and feeding their shooters with pinpoint accuracy.

Eswatini struggled to contain the South African attack, with their defence unable to withstand the relentless pressure.

SA men dominated throughout the match, winning each quarter convincingly: 17-12, 32-23, 46-29 and 60-39.

SA men’s coach, Jabulani Vilane, credits teamwork and strategic planning for their victorious Africa Netball Cup campaign.

“We are the Champions of Africa Netball Cup. Our boys played very well and were on top of their game. We gave them time to relax and think, as well as recap about the mistakes that their opponents are making and we managed to stick to all our game plans.

“I’m very happy with what the boys did and with the management that I’m working with,” he said.

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Former Deputy Director of Statistics SA in court for fraud

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2024- A fraud case against the former Deputy Director of the Department of Statistics South Africa Phakane Moses Masukela (43), has been transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Molopo Regional Court to 24 February 2025.

Masukela briefly appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court, facing two counts of fraud and alternatively two counts of theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that the total amount of approximately R90 000 was lost in the process. Gunya said Masukela is out on R1000 bail.

“During proceedings, it was disclosed that Masukela was employed by the Department of Statistics South Africa in the capacity of a Deputy Director: Programme Officer. It is alleged that on 5 April 2024, he accepted employment from Ratlou Local Municipality in the capacity of a Senior Manager: Corporate Services.

“It was revealed that on 2 May 2024, he commenced employment with the municipality. However, he commenced employment without having resigned from his position with the Department of Statistics South Africa and without having informed either Statistics South Africa or Ratlou Local Municipality that he was gainfully employed by them simultaneously,” he said.

According to Gunya, investigations revealed that Masukela received a salary from the Department of Statistics South Africa on 15 May 2024, and on 24 May 2024, he received his salary from the Ratlou Local Municipality. He further said in court, it was revealed that when the accused had to be at work with both employers, he would submit leave forms to be at one place of employment at a time.

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Legal Aid SA dismisses Mdluli’s appeal for legal representation  

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Picture: Former Intelligence Boss, Richard Mdluli 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2024- The Pretoria High Court postponed the corruption case against Richard Mdluli and his co-accused to 14 April 2025, for trial. This follows the dismissal of his appeal to Legal Aid South, after they rejected his application for legal aid.

The Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Mdluli confirmed in court that he will source the services of a private attorney to represent him in the trial.

“Mdluli, together with the former South African Police Service (SAPS) Supply Chain Manager, Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer, Solomon Lazarus, are facing charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the police’s secret slush fund from the time they were employed by the SAPS in the Crime Intelligence Services, between 2008 and 2012,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron said: “We have noted that the long-awaited trial date for former Gauteng crime intelligence boss, Richard Mdluli, is set for April 2025.

“Mdluli and his cohorts have been accused of corruption, fraud, and theft during his tenure as the head of Crime Intelligence in Gauteng in that he allegedly dipped into the entity’s secret service slush fund.”

Cameron said after his successful efforts to discredit the now-defunct Scorpions in the 2000’s, Mdluli has tarnished the reputation of SAPS’s critical Crime Intelligence division ever since. He said not long after, Mdluli was also convicted of kidnapping and assault.

“The senior ranks of SAPS crime intelligence have been riddled with allegations of impropriety for years. The latest revelations regarding Major-General Tiyo’s dismissal from, and as-yet unexplained sudden reinstatement to, his position as the Western Cape crime intelligence head has only deepened the serious failures at SAPS crime intelligence.

“SAPS still has a great deal of work to do in cleaning up the mess that Mdluli left behind, not to mention the internal struggles which continue to plague the division,” said Cameron.

He said bringing breakers like Mdluli to justice gives heart to those men and women in blue, who remain committed to building a peaceful and prosperous South Africa. Cameron said those in SAPS who continue to ensure discipline, accountability, and fairness are the cornerstone of our law enforcement services.

“The DA will continue to monitor this case carefully and continue in its work in Parliament to ensure that this critical component of our law enforcement complement is brought back on its feet and capable of doing the work to keep South Africans safe and secure,” said Cameron.

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Three nabbed for dealing in dagga

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Picture: A consignment of dagga confiscated by police/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 December 2024 – Three suspects were arrested for dealing in dagga on separate occasions in Potchefstroom and Bloemhof respectively. The suspects were arrested following a tip-off regarding unknown suspects alleged to be transporting a large quantity of dagga between Gauteng and North West Provinces. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, consequently, intelligence-driven operation was conducted on 9 December 2024, by the police and other role players, including a private security company. Mokgabone said during the operation, a Toyota Hilux with two occupants was stopped in Potchefstroom and found loaded with 440 kilograms of dagga.

“The two occupants, a woman and a man, were arrested. The second Toyota Hilux was stopped on the N12 road in Bloemhof and a man was arrested after the vehicle was found loaded with 259 kilograms of dagga. 

“It was established that both vehicles were in transit to Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province. The police are still looking for the fourth suspect who attempted to bribe a police officer by depositing R20 000 into the member’s account,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the police have confiscated both vehicles as instrumentality used in the commission of the crimes. He added that Monica Mnyakeni (60) and Gerald Mnyakeni (25), briefly appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024.

“They were remanded in custody until 18 December 2024. In Bloemhof, Khumbo Mahlalela (24), appeared in court on 11 December 2024. He was remanded in custody until 23 December 2024, for bail application. 

“Investigations into the cases are underway. This is a success in an effort to fight against illicit drug trafficking,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North west Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all the members, who ensured the arrests of alleged drug traffickers.   

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