Four people arrested for ‘defrauding’ municipality R4.4 million 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four people who were arrested for alleged fraud and money laundering, briefly appeared at Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 July 2024. Thabo Molefe (39), Sello Molefe (42), Mmabatho Modiba-Molefe (43) and Sibusiso Mogale (44), were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in collaboration with the Cash-in-Transit Task Team on 27 and 28 July 2024, in Rustenburg, Vereeniging, and Pretoria. 

On July 2022, it is alleged that the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, registered a fraud case following an internal audit that uncovered irregularities with payments to a mobile network provider. The audit allegedly discovered a loss of R1.7 million suffered by the municipality, which occurred between 2017 and 2020. 

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, upon conducting an investigation, the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation, established that the municipality suffered a loss of over R3.8 million, which was paid to a fraudulent account. Mathebula said it was further established that the fraudulent account belonged to Matsempe Holdings (Pty) Ltd, which Sello Molefe, the former employee of the municipality, is the sole director.

“Further probe revealed that over R1.4 million was transferred from Matsempe Holdings (Pty) Ltd to Remoikantse Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, which Sibusiso Mogale, the former employee of the municipality is the sole director. The two former employees reportedly worked in the Information Technology department. 

“It was further revealed during the investigation that the municipality was allegedly billed over R675 000 by Remoikantse Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd. The investigation also established that Sello Molefe transferred money from his company’s bank account into the bank accounts of his two family members, Thabo Molefe and Mmabatho Modiba-Molefe,” he said. 

He added that as a result, the municipality suffered a loss of R4.4 million. Mathebula said following an investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued against the four suspects and was executed over the weekend. 

“The quartet has been charged with fraud and money laundering. All four accused were released on bail. Sello Molefe and Sibusiso Mogale were granted R20 000, while Mmabatho Modiba-Molefe and Thabo Molefe were granted R10 000. Their matter was postponed to 15 August 2024,” said Mathebula. 

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. They have lauded the collaborative work by the investigation and prosecution team. 

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Four suspects nabbed in Kanana killings

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Picture: The situation outside a local tavern in Kanana Township, in Orkney

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the Kanana killing incident. This comes after eight people were shot and killed, and 13 others injured in a tavern in Kanana Township, Orkney in the early hours of early Saturday. 

The suspects reportedly arrived at the tavern looking for Basotho nationals, then randomly fired shots and instantly killed seven people. The suspects then allegedly took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table. 

It is alleged that the suspects further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled from the scene. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Murder & Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Kanana Detectives. 

“Four suspects who are all Lesotho foreign nationals, aged between 24 and 38, were arrested in Klerksdorp and Kanana Township respectively. During the arrests, the team seized a Toyota Hilux Double Cab bakkie and more than 82 ammunition of different calibres. 

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 30 July 2024, facing eight counts of murder, 13 of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest of the suspects. 

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Opinion: Protect our rivers and streams

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By KATLEGO BOLOKANG

American anthropologist and educator, Loren Eiseley once said that “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”. This is corroborated by the Department of Water and Sanitation mantra – ‘water is life, sanitation is dignity’.

Water is the central phenomenon attached to life because water gives rise to life for the humans and all living organisms – those living on the land and in water. Therefore, water is critical and indispensable for human life. 

From a very young age, we are taught to drink eight glasses of water. Therefore, water is a very critical component to maintain our lives. 

Without water -you die, period. The fierce demand for water in our country has proven that water is very valuable. However, in our busy lifestyles, especially in cities, we fail to understand that water does not come from the tap, but it comes from rivers and dams.

Today, the value of rivers and dams including their surroundings are continuously degraded and disregarded due to the continuous pollution. Our rivers, streams, lakes are the most important resources of water.

The water coming from our taps is the same water that has originated in those resources. The same water from the rivers, streams, and lakes underwent crucial treatment to bring it to the end product that comes from our taps.

Therefore, we need to give value to water from our rivers as much as we value water coming from our taps. We should stop throwing plastics, cans, and different debris into or near our rivers and streams because they are not dumping sites.

Let us start protecting them, instead of polluting them. Polluting our rivers and streams can change the biological and quality of our water. 

The process of treatment of raw water and bring it to the required SANS 241 standard, has become costly due to the detrimental quality of water in our rivers and even dams because of pollution of the sources by members of the community. The Department of Water and Sanitation appeals to the communities, especially those that reside along water courses to protect our rivers and lakes and not to pollute them. 

The department has been fostering volunteerism in all sectors of our societies, may it be communities, schools, municipalities and even churches to join hands and adopt rivers and streams to ensure that they are free from pollution and are in a good quality to ensure that fresh and clean water always runs from their taps.

Please, play your part and report all illegal dumping into our rivers, streams and dams to the Department of Water and Sanitation on toll free 0800 200 200.

(Note: Ms Katlego Bolokang is a Communication Officer in the Department of Water and Sanitation. The views raised in this article belongs to the author and does not represent Taung DailyNews and its associates)

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More than 800 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

More than 820 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said out of 820 arrested suspects, 288 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common and other crimes such as house robbery and business robbery. 

Funani further said 388 suspects were held during detective suspect raiding operations. She added that 108 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and tracing of wanted suspects, among others.   

“The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, four ammunition, a firearm, liquor and six vehicles. During the operations, three illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, units and other law enforcement agencies for successful operation Shanela that resulted in the arrests of 820 suspects for various crimes in the province between 22 and 28 July 2024. Kwena thanked the law enforcement agencies for always putting first the safety of people and for dedicating their time to Operation Shanela.

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NWU Digital Marketing Manager and socialite, Sam Mbatha’s killer sentenced to life imprisonment  

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Picture: The late NWU Digital Marketing Manager and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Three men who were arrested for killing North West University (Mafikeng campus) Digital Marketing Manager and socialite, Junior Sam Mbatha, were sentenced to life imprisonment each by the North West High Court sitting in Ga-rankuwa. 

Author Khonza (22), Nkuna Mahlatsi (24) and Thatho Masetla (25) were also sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for kidnapping, 10 years for malicious damage to property and 7 years for defeating the ends of justice. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, 

Sivenathi Gunya said that all sentences will run concurrently with the sentence of life imprisonment imposed on count number one.

Gunya said the incident occurred in Phutha Section, near Klipgat on 16 June 2021. He further said through the intensive investigation by the police following reports of missing Mbatha, three accused were linked to his murder. 

“Mbatha went missing and was last seen in a local tavern with Masetla. During the trial, the court heard that the police found bloodstains on the floor, on top of the bed, as well as on the carpet in the house, where Masetla was residing. 

“The court heard that an axe was found on top of the roof, where bloodstains were discovered and the axe was used during the commission of this gruesome act. The body of the deceased was found inside a Hyundai 120 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section,” he said. 

Gunya said Mbatha was burnt beyond recognition. He added that the DNA samples assisted the investigating team to easily identify the burnt body and it was identified as Mbatha. 

In aggravation of sentence, the Advocate Nangamso Goloda said: “The sentences that should be imposed must be fit to their brutal savage. The accused did not only kill the deceased, they burnt him to ashes and took away his dignity whilst he was alive. 

“All three accused participated in this brutal murder with a common purpose, so they must be sentenced to nothing less than a life sentence.”

Meanwhile, the DPP in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the good work done by the police, state prosecutors and other role players. Makhari welcomed the sentence and believed that it will send a strong message to anyone out there who thinks that they can easily get away with crime.

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A man sentenced to double life for two counts of rape 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (31) was sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Moretele Regional Court on two counts of rape. The first incident took place in Ramotse on 20 December 2016, where the accused, Mogomotsi Motshabi was residing.

Motshabi met with complaint (17), and took her to his place of residence, where he repeatedly raped her. The victim was physically assaulted by the accused, as she was refusing to be in the house.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said a case was opened and Motshabi was released on bail later. Gunya further said on 6 June 2017, he met another victim (15) and lured her to his backroom and raped her as well.

“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor urged the court not to deviate from the imposed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She further emphasised the scourge of violence against women and children in the country and the court must protect the victims.

“The acting Magistrate, Edmond Humphrey, agreed with the state on the scourge of violence against women and children and the impact this has in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victims and their families.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for murder 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (23) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for murder. On 1 April 2024, the police received a complaint about a woman, who was stabbed in Bonteheuwel, Carnarvon. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival, they found a woman with a stab wound to her chest. Shemane said Cheredene Vlok was subsequently arrested for the murder of Katrina Susanna Moos (64). 

“Detective Warrant Officer Alrick Ford steered the investigation and ensured that the accused was convicted and sentenced,” he said. 

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Presidency welcome UNESCO inscription of Human Rights Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites

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Picture: Mosi oa Thunya World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe

By REGINALD KANYANE

The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites. The inscription follows the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India held from the 21 – 31 of July 2024.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said inscribed sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which is a serial property, comprises of 14 components that are located in four provinces and seven municipalities across South Africa are, the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf, Sharpeville (comprising three component parts), Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Mathews House (Comprising two component parts), Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange.

“Collectively, this serial property demonstrates the events and ideas that served as the core of South Africa’s liberation struggle, which continue to inspire humanity and the embrace of reconciliation, a quarter century later.

“The 14 components exemplify strong memories and beliefs in the triumph of human rights, liberation and reconciliation. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee further inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites as recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour,” he said.

Magwenya further said the second South African serial site inscribed is The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa. He added that the sites are located in the Western Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal.

“The three sites are Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay, Western Cape, Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal. The inscription of these two serial properties, increases South Africa’s list of World Heritage Sites to 12.

“The two newly inscribed properties join the Robben Island, Vredefort Dome, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and iSimangaliso Wetland Park,” said Magwenya.

He said this includes the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Cradle of Humankind /Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, Maluti Drakensberg Park and The Khomani Cultural Landscape. Magwenya said the Union Buildings joins global sites like the Kremlin, Kasubi Tombs, Mosi oa Thunya, Taj Mahal, The Vatican and others onto the World Heritage List.  

“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, the presidency wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 46th session committee for the honour bestowed to the country, its history and rich legacy.

“The presidency also acknowledges the members of the Africa Group and most importantly, the African World Heritage Fund, which is an intergovernmental organisation created in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO to address challenges faced by the African State Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, specifically the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites,” he said.

Magwenya said the fund is hosted by the Government of South Africa on behalf of the African continent. He said the presidency would like to recognise the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture team that worked tirelessly for months preparing this nomination and the contribution of the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

“The presidency calls on all South Africans, spheres of Government, management authorities and heritage stakeholders to work in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that these precious treasures of humanity are safeguarded and optimally deployed to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development in communities and further entrench the values of human rights, freedom, peace and reconciliation,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for robbery and theft 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (41) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for house robbery and theft.  On 25 April 2023, two elderly citizens, Hendriena Janetta Jacobs (78) and Pieter Daniel Jacobs (80), were attacked, assaulted and robbed in their home at Magrieta Prinsloo street, Carnarvon.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time of the incident, the accused, Martiens Koopman, was wearing a balaclava mask covering his face. Shemane said during the commotion in the house, Pieter Daniel Jacobs struck the accused with a knob-kerrie on the head in an attempt to defend himself. 

“The accused fled the scene with valuable items and a cell phone. The victims managed to escape and drove to the hospital to receive medical treatment and alerted the police.

“During the same day, the police received a complaint from a community member about a man, who was selling a cell phone in Bonteheuwel, Carnarvon and swiftly responded. The suspect, who had a wound to his head, was identified and the cell phone reported stolen was found in his possession,” he said.  

Shemane further said Koopman was subsequently arrested. He added that the complainant positively identified the cell phone, as well as the other valuable items taken by the accused during the robbery.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members of Carnarvon Visible Policing for their swift response, as well as the community members, who provided the police with valuable information. Otola applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Ashton Seekoei and the Prosecuting team for securing the conviction.

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More than 400 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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Picture: Police during Operation Shanela/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

More than 400 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The intensified police operations commenced on 22 until 28 July 2024. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela remains assertive with more boots on the ground for combatting contact crimes, drug dealing, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and squeezing the space for criminals to operate.

Kock said numerous police actions and activities were executed during this period, which included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and tracing operations by detectives. 

“During the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, 2621 vehicles and 5457 persons were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, mines as well as farms. 

“Numerous patrols were executed at shopping complexes, malls and in hotspots to intensify police visibility with 2661 normal and high visibility patrols executed. Suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle and malicious damage to property,” he said. 

Kock further said this includes dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants, as well as Contravention of the Second Hands Goods Act.

He added that detectives in the five districts traced 219 daily wanted suspects, who have been evading the police, while 178 persons were arrested for other serious crimes. 

“The police actions also resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal shebeens, as well as livestock and suspected stolen property in hot spot crime areas,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, extended her gratitude and appreciation to the police, the community and all external role players and law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration in the execution of disruptive actions in an effort to prevent and combat crime collectively. 

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