Angolan man nabbed for kidnapping, human trafficking  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

An Angolan man (46), who was arrested for kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion and Contravention of Section 29 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court. 

Higino Da Silva Cruz’s arrest comes after the National Crime intelligence allegedly received a tip-off regarding the kidnapping of a Brazilian national (39) in Klerksdorp. The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the team consisting of Provincial Organised Crime and Anti-Gang Unit, was mobilised and attended to the matter.  

“The team proceeded to a guesthouse in Oudedorp, Klerksdorp, where the search was conducted. During the search, two non-South African men were found. One of them was the kidnapping victim, who is a Brazilian, while the other with Portugal, Angola and Namibia citizenships, was guarding the victim.  

“The latter was successfully rescued and attended by paramedics. According to information, the victim and the suspects arrived at the guesthouse on 17 May 2024, after being offered a job on 2 April 2024, as a Diamond Expert in the country,” she said. 

Myburgh further said Cruz allegedly entered the country through Angola and Namibia, then met the suspect who then took his passport and bank cards. She added that the victim was ultimately kidnapped and the suspects started to demand ransom.

“The accused was remanded in custody for further investigation. The case was postponed until 28 May 2024,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded both the National and Provincial Units involved in the operation for their dedication that led to the arrest and rescuing of the victim.  

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‘A strong DA can rescue the Northern Cape’

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Picture: The DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said for 30 years, his party has worked tirelessly to defend the democracy from the onslaught of corruption and stealing. He said the DA has worked to ensure that the dreams are not completely destroyed, so that there will be something left to rebuild with when the ANC’s time runs out.

Steenhuisen, who addressed the DA supporters in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Monday said, just a few days from now, the ANC is set to lose its majority for the first time in the democratic history of South Africa.

He further said while ANC leaders may still be in denial, they all know why the people are about to kick them out. Steenhuisen added that the fact that ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has not even realised yet that the people are about to vote his ‘thieves’ out of power, just shows how out of touch he has always been with the people of this country.

“The people of the Northern Cape are about to vote the ANC out, because they are tired of unemployment. They are ready for a new DA government that will bring an end to the outrageous electricity tariffs and urban decay in Kimberley, which has destroyed the many small businesses that once flourished here.

“They are ready for a new DA government that will end load shedding and the crippling water cuts affecting this province,” he said.

Steenhuisen said for eight years, these school grounds were flooded from the reservoir next door and the ANC-led government ignored the problem. 

“But when a new DA government takes over this province on 29 May 2024, led by new Premier, Izak Fritz, the days of ignoring people’s problems will be over. And it won’t only be at this school. 

“Because of ANC corruption, the people of Kimberley, and many other towns, are even forced to spend Christmas without water. The water crisis in the Northern Cape is an assault on the dignity of the people of this province,” said Steenhuisen.

He said: “At the very same time that residents no longer have drinking water, Sol Plaatje Local Municipality is drowning in sewerage. A vote for the DA on 29 May 2024, is a vote to clean up the lakes of sewerage around this town.

“We know that the last ANC Premier of the Northern Cape, Zamani Saul, recently admitted on Carte Blanche that it will take his corrupt party 500 years to upgrade Kimberley’s infrastructure,” he said.

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Three suspects nabbed for stock-theft 

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Picture: The police confiscated sheep carcasses/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Three suspects were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen sheep carcasses. On 17 May 2024 at around 5pm, a motorist allegedly gave three suspects a lift to Victoria West. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the driver allegedly noticed the suspects carrying a bag and there were bloodstains on their jackets, hence he drove to the police station for assistance. 

“One man was arrested at the police station, the police confiscated the stolen sheep carcasses worth approximately R3000. The two other suspects fled on foot and one handed himself over to the police on 20 May 2024.  

“The Victoria West police with the assistance of De Aar Public Order Policing, pursued the third suspect for approximately 5km on foot in the veld and also arrested him on 20 May 2024,” he said.

Kock further said the suspects are expected to appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court soon. He added that the investigation continues. 

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SA U15 teams in Zanzibar for CAF African Schools Championships  

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Picture: The SA Under 15 team/Google 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The South African U15 National Teams arrived in Zanzibar on Monday morning ahead of their participation in the CAF African Schools Championships for the third year in a row.

The Schools Championships will be held from 21–24 May 2024, and the South African girls’ and boys’ national teams will once again be looking to emerge triumphant and bring home the trophies. 

The two teams will represent South African after winning both girls and boys COSAFA Schools Championships, which were held in Zimbabwe in December 2023.

Head Coach of the girls’ national team, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, expressed her excitement at representing the country for a third consecutive time.

“I believe we have a world class group of players who can dominate youth football on the continent. We have had a great week of training and believe that we will showcase the quality of football we have in South Africa. 

“This group is very special and they keep getting better every day, so we are looking forward to competing in the 2024 CAF African Schools Championships. We believe that we can win the tournament and also build a squad that will represent us in the next group of U17 Women’s National Team,” she said.

U15 Girls Squad: Asanda ZIQUBU, Andiswa ZUMA, Thando MOKGABUDI, Siphumelele ZIBULA, Alwande MBATHA, Lethuthando MTHEMBU, Akhona SIMAMANE, 

Nomfundo NZUZA, Londiwe ZIKALALA, Katlego MALEBANE, Rethabile MOLEFE, Khwezi KHOZA, Okuhle SITHOLE, Mpumelelo MAZIBUKO

U15 Boys Squad: Sabrie LOSPER, Aidan FEBRUARY, Hayden BOOYSEN, Bomibethu MANGCAKA, Callen ROBINSON, Joshua LANGEVELDT, Inganathi SIMAMA, 

Akhanani HLAHATSI, Ishaam TILLING, Jordan HOPE, Rhys FERGUSON, Someleze MSWELI, Connor FRANSMAN, Reece FILANDE, Cayden Cole MARTINS, Tristen O’MALLEY and Jordan SMITH

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The state seeks the North West High Court to revoke a R50 000 bail of a murder accused, Sibusiso Kula

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Picture: ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula who is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi

By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp will on Tuesday, submit an application to revoke the bail of ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula (34). Kula is out on R50 000 bail for allegedly killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi on 27 November 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement that: “The application comes after Kula allegedly contravened his bail condition. He allegedly approached witnesses and persuaded them to change their statements provided to the state.”

The North West High Court has set a trial date for 13-17 May 2024. 

The then National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said during pretrial, where the matter made its first appearance, the state and the defence attorney confirmed their readiness to proceed with the trial, as all the necessary documents had been provided to the accused attorney.

Mamothame said Kula is currently out on R50 000 bail after being granted by the North West High Court of South Africa, following his appeal on the Orkney Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail. 

He further said Kula was ordered to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station, provide the investigating officer with his work itinerary, report to the Investigating Officer, if he must move outside his residential jurisdiction and have no direct or indirect contact with his children. 

“His bid to have the case struck off the roll was previously rejected by the court. The police reports reveal that, Kula’s wife, Jennifer Motlhomi, was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery. She was found with a stab wound on her back, but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. 

“The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention. The accused told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred,” he said. 

Mamothame added that, following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023 and charged with murder, defeating the ends of justice, contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, making false statements and affidavits and conspiracy with any other person to aid or procure the commission of murder.

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A man jailed for raping a woman 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (36) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping a woman (19). On 27 October 2018 at about 1pm, the victim and the accused, Phenyo Kolwane, were drinking at a friend’s house in Dikweng village, near Kuruman.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Kolwane and the victim then left with his car to buy beers. He said the accused stopped and raped the victim in a veld. 

“Kolwane was arrested on 28 October 2018, and was sentenced on 8 May 2024 to 10 years imprisonment of which two years is suspended for five. He was also declared unfit to carry a firearm and his name was registered with the National Register for Sex offenders,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Const Tholakele Majola from the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for the meticulous investigation, which led to the imprisonment of the perpetrator. Otola said detectives in the province will remain steadfast in their quest to bring Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrators to justice. 

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A Zimbabwean man nabbed for allegedly raping his cousin sister  

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A Zimbabwean man (19) was arrested for allegedly raping his cousin sister (10). The mother of the alleged victim and the mother of the accused are siblings. 

The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the alleged victim had visited her aunt, where the accused also resides. Mahanjana further said during the night time on 13 April 2024, the alleged victim and the accused, slept on the floor, while the aunt slept on the bed in the same room. 

“At about 11pm, after the aunt switched off the lights, she allegedly noticed movement on the floor, where the two were sleeping. The aunt then allegedly uncovered the two and she saw her son naked and the victim with no underwear. 

“When she asked what was happening, the alleged victim told her that the accused raped her. The aunt then called the mother of the victim and told her what had happened and reported the matter to the police the following morning,” she said. 

Mahanjana further said the accused was arrested on 14 April 2024, after he handed himself over in the presence of his mother and the mother of the victim. She added that in court, the accused denied committing the offence. 

“Through his legal representative, the accused asked to be released on bail because he is still a school-going learner doing grade 11 at Oceans Private School. He also argued that his further incarceration will affect him negatively and he will miss writing his exams and will not be able to continue with his schooling.   

“He further told the court that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges. However, the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma, opposed the accused release on bail and told the court that the accused was a flight risk because he was illegal in the country,” said Mahanjana.

She said furthermore, the accused is known to the victim and can therefore influence her to withdraw charges.

Mahanjana said the magistrate agreed with the state that the accused was a flight risk, therefore bail was denied. She said the matter was postponed to 3 June 2024, for further investigations.

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Moithuti wa kwa sekolong sa St Paul’s o beteletswe

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Setshwantsho: Moithuti o beteletswe kwa sekolong se se potlana sa St Paul’s 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa baithuti ba le batlhano ba ba latofadiwang ka go betelela moithuti jaaka bone kwa sekolong se se potlana sa St Pauls mono Taung, ba tlile go latofadiwa semmuso mo letsatsing la Labobedi. 

Go begwa fa baithuti ba, ba ile ba betelela moithuti wa dingwaga di le 13 kwa sekolong ka di 17 Moranang 2024. Fela, go ya ka dipego, sekolo ga sa itsise motlhokomedi wa mongongoregi ka tiragalo e, gonne se ne se batla go e dira pipanapipe.

Fela, go begwa ka di 23 Moranang 2024, mosi one wa tswa ka sekhurumelo fa motlhokomedi wa mongongoregi ane a longwa tsebe. Go begwa fa motlhokomedi o, ane a tsena kwa sekolong a shakgetse, ebile a angwa fela ke tse a neng a di apere.  

Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane o tlhalositse fa dipatlisiso mo morerong o, di tsweletse. Molokwane are lefapha le paletswe ke go bona tharabololo mo morerong o, mme kgang e, e ile ya fetisediwa kwa sepodising. 

“Gone go na le tlhakatlhakano mo dintlheng mabapi le tiragalo e, mme re ile ra bona fa go le botokwa gore re letle sepodisi go ka dira tiro ya sone jaaka ele bomaitsanape mo morerong o, ga mmogo le go batlisisa bo nnete jwa kgang,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa e ile ya bulwa ka di 3 Motsheganong 2024. Go tlhatlhobiwa ga baithuti bano, go tlile go diriwa ka di 21 Motsheganong 2024, mme morago ga moo, batla latofadiwa semmuso. 

“Fela, ba tlile go bewa ka fa tlase ga tlhokomelo ya batsadi ba bone, gonne ba santse ba le kwa tlase ka dingwaga.”

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Murder accused, Bongane Shebi ‘fired’ his legal aid lawyer 

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Picture: The murder accused, Bongane Gregory Shebi

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against a man (24), who allegedly killed a nurse at Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke back in 2022, has been postponed until Tuesday. This comes after Bongane Gregory Shebi, who was represented by the legal aid lawyer, opted to hire his own private lawyer. 

The magistrate gave the accused time to appoint and engage with his own legal team, before the case could resume. Shebi is facing a charge of murder and robbery after he allegedly killed Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare in cold-blood at her rented home in Ipeleng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on 12 October 2022.

The then National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her landlord on 13 October 2022, with her throat cut open.

Mamothame further said the landlord subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating the cause of her death.

“The accused became a person of interest after police received information, while doing investigations, that he was spotted not far from where the incident took place, walking with bloodied clothes. A search for him ensued and he was ultimately arrested on 15 October 2022.

“Upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police of his intention to confess. He was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that the accused alleged he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession, that he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said Shebi alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person whom he was with.

“The police have indicated that, evidence obtained at the scene, indicated that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of this offence. Investigations have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial.

“Meanwhile, Shebi will remain in police custody until the completion of his trial after his bail application was rejected. During the pre-trial conference, the state and the defence attorney confirmed that consultations were completed and all the necessary documents were provided by the state,” said Mamothame.

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ANCYL urges young people to go and vote 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The former ANCYL president, Collen Maine said he is adamant that young people across the North West will vote for the ANC during General National Elections (GNE) on 29 May 2024. Maine, who is also a candidate to be a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), engaged with young people at Da Boggies Pub in Taung on 19 May 2024.  

He further said the ANCYL has organised this program as part of its social engagement. Maine added that they have decided to come to the Da Boggies Pub inquest of engaging with young people. 

“The ANCYL is aware that young people like socialising and this is the place to find them. Our presence here is to motivate them to take part in the upcoming elections and vote for the ANC. 

“As the ANC, we believe that we are the only organisation that can take South Africa forward. We admit that there are challenges, however, we must all agree that Taung and South Africa at large, is a better place to be as opposed to pre-1994,” he said.  

Maine said the government has introduced many programs that talk to youth development. He said they also encourage young people to take their education seriously as is paid by NSFAS.

Meanwhile, ANCYL spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Amogelang Maretela said: “We had a successful turnout. This was initiated by the ANCYL in Taung Sub-region. Part of this engagement was to recruit young people and encourage them to rally behind the banner of the ANCYL.

“The ANCYL is vibrant and can recruit young people anywhere at any time. ANC is a broader church and we want to make sure that there is high visibility of the ruling party ahead of the much-anticipated elections.” 

Maretela said they want to make sure that the ANC wins the elections with high margins. He said they would like to encourage young people who have registered and eligible to vote, to go out in numbers to the polls. 

“We would like to remind them that their vote is their voice. So, it is pivotal to go and exercise their rights. They can go and vote for any political party of their choice, but we would like to remind them that the ANC has created many opportunities, especially for young people. 

“Some of young people are being ignorant, hence the low margin of voter’s registration. They should go and vote to raise their voice,” he said. 

Maretela said they urge young people to form co-operatives and go to TVET colleges to learn essential skills. 

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