Alleged nine diamond investment scammers nabbed  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of the alleged diamond investment scammers/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October2024- The alleged nine diamond investment scammers, Louis Petrus Liebenberg (60) his wife Desiree Liebenberg (50), Magdelena Petronella Kleynhans (54), Johannes Petrus Badenhorst (41), Helena Dorothea Amy Schulenburg (59), Adriaan Dewald Strydom (35), Christelle Badenhorst (42), Nicolize van Heerden (58) and Walter Niendinger (55), briefly appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on 23 October 2024. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the accused are facing charges of 42 counts of fraud (alternatively theft), 5 counts of racketeering, 6 counts of money laundering and various statutory offences, including contraventions of the Companies Act. 

Mahanjana said more counts will be formulated and added at a later stage.

“It is alleged that Louis Liebenberg registered 15 companies where his ex-girlfriend, Kleynhans and the rest of the accused who are either family members or have close relations, were directors. 

“In 2020, Louis Petrus Liebenberg and Magdelena Petronella Kleynhans, registered a company styled Tariomix where they were both directors. Another company, Forever Zircon, was registered in 2021,” she said.

Mahanjana further said both these companies were purportedly involved in buying and selling diamonds. She added that potential investors were lured through social media and radio interviews to invest in the buying and selling of diamonds and were also promised high returns over a short period of time using a cashless platform called AE Switch.

“Thousands of investors made payments into the platform amounting to approximately R4.5 billion. The accused utilised the proceeds of the diamond investment scheme to purchase movable and immovable assets, including 2 mines.

“They also purchased various motor vehicles, to wit a Ford Bakkie, BMW 230i sport, Toyota Agya, Kruger rands and silver coins and pay for Liebenberg’s lavish wedding and honeymoon in Greece,” said Mahanjana.

She said various immovable properties, including an office block was purchased. Mahanjana said when some investors did not receive the promised payments, they became suspicious and reported the matter to the police suspecting that they were defrauded. 

“The investigation is conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), together with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) and the NPA’s Organised Crime Unit.

“The multi-agency approach to the prosecutor-guided investigations yielded the important breakthrough in this syndicated commercial crime. The matter falls within schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act,” she said.  

Mahanjana said, however, the state did not oppose bail in respect of Kleynhans, Schulenburg and Niedinger. She said accused 2 and 4, were released on R20 000, while accused 8 was released on 100 000 with condition that they surrender their passports to the investigating officer.

“The matter has been remanded to 31 October 2024, for a formal bail application in respect of other accused. This case is an example of what can be achieved when stakeholders participate in the fight against organised crime,” said Mahanjana.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two nabbed for being in possession of pangolin

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police seize a pangolin from the suspects/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 October 2024- Two people who were arrested for dealing in endangered species in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, briefly appeared in Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

On 12 October 2024, Odireleng Makutle (22) and Mpho John Lebese (38), were arrested by the members of Mahikeng-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, after they received a tip-off about two men, who were in possession of a pangolin in Maiyaiyane village and looking for a potential buyer.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said: “The information was operationalised and on 23 October 2024, the duo was arrested after selling a pangolin to a buyer.

“They appeared in court and were each granted R500 bail. Their matter was postponed to 4 December 2024, for further investigation.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramaphosa congratulates Russian president Vladimir Putin on chairing a successful BRICS Summit

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The president of RSA, Cyril Ramphosa and Russia president, Vladimir Putin

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 October 2024- The President of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the Russian Federation and President, Vladimir Putin on chairing a successful BRICS Summit, as well as leading them all on adopting an excellent declaration. Ramaphosa said the BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the Greater Global South and emerging markets.

He further said they should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement. Ramaphosa added they should use the BRICS platform to contribute to the social, economic and cultural development of their people.

“We welcome the Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening a number of BRICS countries through the various networks aimed at improving the future of BRICS countries’ transport networks and connectivity under the theme: ‘Innovation and Digitalisation of Transport’.

“This will help us find ways to integrate and deepen our inter-connectedness in new and imaginative ways. Work has already begun in this regard through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor, which is a multimodal transportation corridor established from St Petersburg to Mumbai,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this corridor is an opportunity for this region to unlock new trade flows and trade routes in an increasingly multipolar world. He said on the African continent, the African Continental Free Trade Area will unlock opportunities for trade and investment for local and global businesses.

“It will create a number of opportunities that will lead to an integrated and connected continent. The Single African Air Transport Market is another flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063.

“This is an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to support the continent’s economic integration. For BRICS and friends of BRICS, we need to use these projects to further connect the greater Global South,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the promotion of greater regional connectivity and trade facilitation can only succeed in an environment of peace and stability. Ramaphosa said South Africa is concerned about the military aggression by Israel against the people of Gaza, which they have characterised as genocide.

“This genocide led South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice with a view to stopping the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza. We believe the world cannot sit by and watch the suffering.

“The world cannot afford a region-wide escalation of the conflict. South Africa has been unwavering in advocating for a two state solution that would see an independent Palestinian state along the borders set out in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this would be in line with UN resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. He said they call on the international community and the UN Security Council in particular to address the spiralling conflict.

“On our own continent, Sudan enters its second year of horrific conflict and devastation. This is another conflict the world seems to have forgotten about. The protracted conflicts in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions in Africa persist.

“We must find lasting solutions to all these conflicts. We must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue. We must safeguard the ability of states to pursue independent foreign policy,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they must safeguard the multilateral system, because it is the cornerstone of international relations, and foster an environment of peace and development. Ramaphosa said existing global institutional mechanisms need to be both strengthened and reformed to play a constructive role in international peace and security.

“We cannot allow conflicts to continue in perpetuity. We need to find paths to peace. In our quest for a more interconnected, just and prosperous world, we have the ability to foster an environment of peace through a focus on sustainable development.

“We must continue to support nations and peoples who seek to end the cycle of conflict and choose the path of peace,” said Ramaphosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Fraud and corruption case against Panday postponed  

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

24 October 2024- The Durban High Court postponed the case against Toshan Panday and eight of his co-accused to 18 November 2024, for Justice Khosi Hadebe to make a ruling on the state’s leave to appeal a court order compelling it to disclose certain information to the accused and on the s342A of the Criminal Procedure Act application by the accused, requesting the court to investigate the alleged unreasonable delays in the case.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the accused face charges of fraud and corruption relating to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“Meanwhile, Panday’s tax matter, wherein he is facing 27 tax fraud charges amounting to approximately R7.5 million, also appeared before the Durban High Court.

“The matter was also postponed to 18 November 2024, for the disclosure of the case docket,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The police are looking for missing woman

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The missing Johanna Letlhaku

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 October 2024- The police in Lehurutshe request community assistance in locating a missing woman, Johanna Letlhaku (59), who resides in Unit 1, Welbedacht, near Lehurutshe. The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Letlhaku was last seen at Ntsweletsoku village on 19 October 2024, at around 10am, walking next to the road and wearing a yellow t-shirt and brown skirt.

“Letlhaku is mentally challenged. She is 1.6-metre-tall, dark in complexion and slender. Efforts were made by the police and the community to search for her, but with no luck. Anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts is requested to contact Detectives Branch Commander, Captain Letshoo on the following number:082 373 9682.

“They can also call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip off can be communicated via the My SAPS App from one’ smartphone,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three Mozambican nationals nabbed for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- Three suspects who were arrested for conspiracy to commit rhino poaching and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, were remanded in custody.  Sarmento Guilvica (45), Armando Chongo (35) and Donald Devesse (39), briefly appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 October 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the case against the accused persons, who are all Mozambican foreign nationals, was postponed until 25 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the trio was arrested during a crime intelligence led operation in Lichtenburg on Saturday afternoon, 19 October 2024.

“After intelligence was operationalised by the Lichtenburg Visible Policing, K9 Unit and members of Omgee Neighbourhood Watch. The suspects’ white Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie was ultimately spotted near Lichtenburg town on the R52 road (Koster/Lichtenburg).

“The suspects were taken to Lichtenburg Police Station together with their vehicle for a search. During the search, four ammunition were found. In addition, the team discovered a hunting rifle with filed off serial number, 10 ammunition, two knives and a cooler box,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the preliminary investigation into the matter revealed that Guilvica has a pending case of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. He added that the second accused, Armando Chongo, was released on parole on 15 August 2024, whilst serving seven years imprisonment for rhino poaching.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the police for their commitment in the fight against rhino poaching and illegal proliferation of firearms.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Deputy Minister to give update amid cholera break allegations in North West

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo visiting Vaalharts canal in Hartswater

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 October 2024- The Deputy Minister OF Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo will meet different stakeholders and the executive mayors of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Francis Baard and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities, to assess their progress in implementing recommendations made by the department to comply with the required standards of effluent before it is being discharged into the water courses.

The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said Seitlholo will also assess the conditions of the water treatment works and waste water treatment plants in Bloemhof and Christiana, under Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Mavasa said the Department of Water and Sanitation recently issued a warning about the presence of cholera bacteria in raw water along Harts and Vaal rivers, following a routine raw water sampling at 5 monitoring sites, Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir. 

“The presence of environmental non-toxic Cholera (Vibrio Cholerae) has also been confirmed at Wentzel Dam and Harts River, near Schweizer Reneke and Pampierstad. The department has identified possible pollution sources to be from the discharge of wastewater treatment works effluent into the rivers.

“Seitlholo will also release a latest report following the tests that were conducted at the water courses. The first session will be a meeting with multi-stakeholders at Lekwa-Teemane Council Chambers (Bloemhof) on 24 October 2024,” said Mavasa.

He said the second session will be a site inspection visit to Bloemhof Dam at 11:20am. Mavasa said this will include Christiana Waste Water Treatment Works at 1:20pm, and Bloemhof Water Treatment Works at 2pm.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng donates food parcels to Grade 12 camps

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 October 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng on Wednesday, embarked on a criss-cross visit to engage with learners from Mothelesi, Totonyane and Seoleseng Secondary Schools in Taung.

The schools are located in the most rural and remote part of Taung and rely on the department’s scholar transport services.

Morweng, who donated food parcels, shared words of encouragement with the Grade 12 learners, who are currently in camp as part of their final examination season that started this week. He also donated food packs to the schools to ensure that they have enough supplies to sustain them until exams are over.

“Today, I came here with the belief that all of you belong in the categories of champions. You are the fearless generation and there is no doubt that you will become excellent future leaders. So, use this as an opportunity to implement what your teachers have taught you in the preparation phase.

“Conquer and lead your schools to the victory they deserve. The government remains determined to ensure that the necessary support is given to learners throughout their schooling journey and more so in matric,” he said.

Morweng further said he was once in their position and coming from a very rural area, he can tell them that the decision to remain focused will pay off ultimately. He added that they should grab the opportunity to learn with both hands, because education is the greatest equaliser.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Probe into SASSA Social Relief of Distress launched

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: SASSA card

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls on the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe to conduct an investigation into the weaknesses identified in the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment system.

These weaknesses have created a loophole that enabled fraudsters to illegally apply for and receive the grant using the ID numbers of unsuspecting South African citizens.

Chairperson of the Committee, Bridget Masango received a briefing from Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai (First-year University of Stellenbosch students). Masango said the two students identified vulnerabilities in the SRD grant application and payment system through an informal on-campus survey they conducted after they realised that they were unable to apply for the grant.

“The system reported that they had already applied for and received the grant, even though they did not apply for this grant nor receive any payments.

“The students emphasised that they had conducted the survey and published their findings out of concern that the fraud in the system robbed the poor and vulnerable, particularly the youth, out of the social protection they need,” she said.    
 
Masango further said they applaud Cedras and Gosai’s bravery in coming out with their findings, which they view in a very serious light. She added that the committee members pointed out that they had raised these challenges with SASSA and the department on several occasions over the years.

“Other members of the public had also alerted SASSA to this challenge, but no action was taken. These weaknesses in the system exclude deserving people from applying for the grant, committee members acknowledged.
 
“Due to the seriousness of the students’ findings, the committee resolved to give the department and SASSA 30 days to conduct a full investigation into the matter and to thereafter present a detailed report to the committee, as per the request of the Minister,” said Masango.

She said as public representatives responsible for overseeing the department and SASSA, it is important that they ensure that these allegations are investigated and SASSA is given an opportunity to respond to them. Masango said the committee welcomed the commitment from Tolashe to initiate an investigation into the matter.

“It recommended that SASSA should conduct vulnerability assessments and testing of the SRD grant system to ensure that weaknesses are addressed,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two men nabbed for stock theft

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Two men arrested for stock theft/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- Two men aged 24 and 30, were arrested for stock theft. The Eagles Traffic Unit police were on their normal routine when they stopped a blue Nissan Bakkie on the Zeerust to Mahikeng road, near Manyane Game Reserve.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, they found a carcass of a bull that is suspected to be stolen. The vehicle driver and passenger were arrested for stock theft.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said it is believed that there are more cattle that the suspects have stolen in a farm somewhere and slaughtered in Bakkerville. Morweng said another cattle was found in the quarries around bushes of Bakkerville on the trace of other suspects, where a Lesotho National was also arrested.

“More suspects are expected to be arrested and the officers together with the police are busy with the investigation. A case of stock theft will be registered at Lichtenburg Police Station. Those arrested are expected to appear before court soon.

“I would like to applaud The Eagles for their sterling work and reiterated that this will send a strong message to those who share the same motive,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com