15 people arrested during the termination of Robocop project appear in court 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Fifteen people who were arrested during the termination of the Robocop project, briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 April 2024. Itseng Mirriam Mavuma (54), Mooketsi Mavuma (44), Bhekimuzi Mawela (32), Menzi Baard (24), Samuel Pholo (44), Vuyani Mabeca (30), Mathe Konyane (43), Simane Mosime (61) Lebogang Maruapula (44), Jappie De Beer (31), Tshepiso De Beer (44), Koketso Tladi (33), Israel Motlashuping (43) and Emmanuel Makoloi (33) and Gaolahle Kenosi (35), were arrested in Wolmaranstad, Jouberton and Vryburg.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said at this stage, only Kenosi has been granted R10 000 bail. Mokgwabone said the case against all accused was postponed to 2 and 3 May 2024, for bail application.

“They were arrested by the multi-disciplinary team entailing Organised Crime, Commercial Crime, Crime Intelligence and Public Order Police (POP) during a takedown operation, on Monday night, 15 April 2024.

“The accused were nabbed in connection with robbery, fraud and kidnapping cases during the termination of the Robocop project that commenced in 2021. The project was registered following incidents wherein victims from different provinces opened cases after either being defrauded, robbed or kidnapped by members of a syndicate that operated in Klerksdorp, Wolmaranstad, Schweizer-Reneke and Huhudi.

“As part of committing the crimes, the syndicate would advertise a Toyota Quantum on Facebook. Upon getting calls from potential buyers, the suspects would arrange meetings for viewing and test driving of the vehicle. The suspects would further request the victim to bring along cash for payment,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said some of the suspects who are part of the syndicate, would appear during the transaction and rob the unsuspecting victims of their cash and other valuables. He added that, in instances where victims agreed to do electronic transfer, the suspects would withdraw the money immediately and disappear without delivering the vehicle. 

“Undercover investigations led to the gathering of evidence and registration of 27 case dockets, which linked the suspects with the crimes,” said Mokgwabone. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all the units for their patience and commitment, which led to the arrest of the suspects who have been conning unsuspecting citizens. 

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Ward councillor shot dead, manhunt launched

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Picture: The ward councillor, Poppy Morapedi shot dead/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A manhunt has been launched for suspects linked to a ward councillor’s murder in Rustenburg on Friday. The ward councillor, Poppy Morapedi (54) at Rustenburg Local Municipality, was allegedly walking home with her cousin from the shop in Photsaneng village, outside Rustenburg when the atrocity happened. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Morapedi and her cousin were approaching the gate when one of the four unknown men who were following them, got closer and allegedly fired two shots. Mokgwabone said the victim’s cousin ran into the yard and screamed for help.  

“As a result, the victim’s brother got out of the house and spotted the suspects running away and eventually fled from the place with a BMW vehicle. Morapedi, who was allegedly shot below the left ear and forehead, was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Services (EMS).

“The motive of the incident is yet to be established and investigations are underway. No arrest has been effected,” he said.

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A murder case against a convicted rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong postponed

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Picture: The accused persons in a murder case

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against alleged murderer and convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), has been postponed to 19 June 2024. The accused persons were nabbed two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. 

Meanwhile, the court heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.

It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.

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Five suspects in court for kidnapping, house robbery

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Five Suspects have been arrested for house robbery, kidnapping, extortion and unlawful possession of firearms in Stilfontein on 26 April 2024. 

The suspects were arrested during the multi-disciplinary team comprising of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives and Hostage Negotiators, Khuma Detectives, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, District Illicit Mining Task Team, Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Harmony Gold and BIU Security employees. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests stem from an incident wherein, four armed men allegedly stormed into a house in Extension 6, Khuma Township on Thursday evening, 25 April 2024. Mokgwabone further said the suspects allegedly threatened the mother, then robbed her of R6 500 cash and took her son (19)’s cell phone.

“Furthermore, the son was kidnapped and put in the family’s silver Toyota Corolla, which they also used to flee from the scene. Soon after the incident was reported to the police, the suspects used the son’s cell phone to call the family demanding ransom. 

“With the involvement of hostage negotiators, a drop-off point was agreed upon after the suspects reduced the ransom amount. The team tactically kept an observation until a man was allegedly spotted walking from a panel beat workshop, then took the money and ran back,” he said.  

Mokgwabone added that, the police finally arrested two suspects and recovered the state money and seized a silver Volkswagen GTI suspected to have been used during the commission of the crimes. He said the preliminary investigations led the police to Extension 3, Alabama Township in Klerksdorp, where two men got out of a white Toyota Camry and ran away when they saw the police. 

“However, the police chased and apprehended the pair after one of them was shot on the leg. The kidnapping victim’s cell phone was discovered in the vehicle, while he (the victim) was found unharmed in the boot of the Camry. 

“The injured suspect was taken to hospital, where he is under police guard. Investigations further led the police to a house in Extension 13, Kanana Township in Orkney, where two 9mm Glock pistols and a 38 special revolver, all with serial numbers filed off, were seized,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms. Mokgwabone said moreover, the family’s Toyota Corolla was found abandoned near Rex Flats at Extension 2 in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp. 

“Three Mozambicans and two South Africans aged between 29 and 38, are expected to appear in the Stilfontein and Orkney Magistrate’s Courts on 29 April 2024. The police are also verifying the legal status of Mozambican nationals in the country,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for working around the clock to arrest the suspects, reunite the kidnapped victim with the family. Kwena also lauded the police for confiscating illegal firearms that are often used to commit violent and serious crimes.

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Off duty police officer shot dead, suspects nabbed 

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Pictures: Off-duty policeman, Constable Mogoro Clement Makola/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 40 and 44 were arrested in connection with the murder of the late Constable Mogoro Clement Makola (31). Makola was allegedly shot and killed in Lekgalong village, near Marikana in Rustenburg on Monday evening.

It is alleged that the late Makola who was declared dead on arrival at Kanana Clinic after being shot several times, was laid to rest in Jane Furse, Limpopo Province on Saturday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects, aged 40 and 44, were arrested in Ramochana village, outside Rustenburg on Friday during a crime intelligence-driven operation by Brits Trio Task Team and Marikana Visible Policing. 

“This comes after Brits Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), provided the Investigating Officer with information after one of the suspects was identified through fingerprints. 

“The police arrested the first suspect at a liquor restaurant and allegedly implicated his accomplice, who was also arrested at the same place. On further questioning by the Investigating Officer, the suspect took the police to a house where a 9mm firearm with obliterated serial number, a magazine and four ammunition were found,” he said.

Mokgwabone said the suspects, who are both Mozambican foreign nationals, are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 April 2024, for murder. He said the case is now investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, extolled all members and units involved, including the Hawks for their determination and collaborative efforts, to ensure the arrest of the suspects.

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More than 140 ‘illegal miners’ nabbed

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Picture: More than 140 suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

An integrated Vala Umgodi operation conducted in Tlhatlaganyane village outside Rustenburg by various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) as well as Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental and Rustenburg ER24, resulted in the arrest of 141 suspected undocumented foreigners, mainly from Lesotho and Zimbabwe. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were allegedly arrested at an illegal mining site in Tlhatlaganyane village, outside Rustenburg. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly confiscated 59 x generators, 46 x jack hammers, five gas cylinders and 49 x wheel barrows. 

“This includes 21 x shovels, 30 x spades, 13 x pickaxes, one fork spade, 27 x hammers, four saws, one roll of extension cord, three heater pumps, cylinder pipe, one tools box, three x 1 litre grease cleaners and two chisels.

“All suspects are expected to appear in the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court in Mogwase on 29 April 2024, facing charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their commitment towards addressing illegal mining activities.

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The newly-built Borolelo Primary School to assist in curbing overcrowding  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over Borolelo Primary School project/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the construction of the Borolelo Primary School project in Koster, will alleviate overcrowding in schools. Motsumi handed over the school worth R103 million to the community on Saturday as part of 30 years of democracy.

“The Borolelo Primary School boasts of modern facilities, including 21 classrooms for Grade 1-7 learners, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block, an ICT-equipped lab, science lab for Grade R through 7, multipurpose room, ablution facilities, change rooms for both boys and girls, fully equipped NSNP kitchen, an administration block and a library among other facilities. 

“Our department is committed to address the strain faced by towns grappling with school overcrowding. As a result of high rates of in-migration, this is realised with the handover of the newly constructed school,” she said. 

Mosumi further said, as they celebrate 30 years since the dawn of democracy, the opening of Borelelo Primary School signifies a vital step towards securing a brighter future for our children. She added that they constructed the school in response to overcrowding at the existing Kgetleng Primary School. 

“As the department, we understand nurturing young minds needs a conducive environment that allows learners to be free and empowered to reach their full potential. We cannot leave behind the upliftment of our communities through job prospects that come from these constructions. 

“This is the true essence of the freedom we celebrate today – the freedom to learn, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to our nation. The handover of Borolelo Primary School marks a significant milestone in the province’s education sector, solidifying the government’s resolve to create an environment, where every child has the chance to excel,” said Motsumi.

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North West traffic officers to receive new uniform

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Picture: The traffic officers during parade/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, will be leading the distribution of the traffic uniform for all officers. The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said the event will be preceded by a joint law enforcement operation at the Lehurutshe Traffic Station at 11am. 

“There will be an opportunity for one-on-one interviews after each event,” said Mothibedi. 

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All systems go for Grade 12 mid-year examinations in North West 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is ready to administer the June exams, which start on 29 April 2024. Motsumi said to ensure a ‘smooth and fair’ process for all involved, the department has prepared 73 examination centres registered for the 2024 May/June examinations, including 39 NSC examination centres.

“The capturing of entries has been fully completed with any remaining entries. Additionally, all centres have been categorized into low, moderate, and high-risk categories, and a thorough risk profile of each examination centre has been completed.

“Furthermore, the storage of question papers has been carried out with utmost care, adhering strictly to criteria for evaluation and undergoing rigorous audits to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process,” she said.

Motsumi added that she has confirmed the readiness with parents and the education community at large. She said the May/June examination is an important milestone for the learners and they want to assure them and their parents that they have taken every measure to maintain the standards set in the October/November 2023 examinations. 

“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for all learners to demonstrate their abilities and achieve success. We urge all learners to approach these examinations with confidence and determination, knowing that the department is dedicated to support them in every step of the way,” said Motsumi.

She said the department extends its best wishes to all learners undertaking these examinations, encouraging them to showcase their knowledge and skills with confidence and integrity.

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MDDA welcomes the appointment of new Board Members

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Picture: The newly-appointed MDDA Board members/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The newly-appointed Board at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), is expected to ‘hit the ground’ running. This comes after the incoming Board members were officially appointed by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The MDDA Board Chairperson, Prof Hlengani Mathebula, has voiced confidence in the recently appointed members. Mathebula said their appointments came after a rigorous selection and interview process by the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies.

“The Board members, Jayshree Pather, Thembelani Mpakati and Qondile Khedama, bring a broad set of skills, ranging from legal, accounting, research, policy and capacity building, as well as media and communications to the Board. 

“This will enhance the oversight function role of the Board. Pather is a development and community media expert with over 25 years of experience, working on the intersection of development and the community media sector,” she said. 

Mathebula further said Pather as an independent consultant for the past ten years, her experience spans research, policy, training/capacity-building, and materials development for a range of national, regional, and international organisations. She added that, since 2014, Pather has been a trainer at Wits Radio Academy, where she leads a foundational course on media policy and legislation for the Advanced Radio Certificate program. 

“In 2020/2021, she oversaw a training program on digital campaigning tools for 50 African participants across 18 countries in collaboration with US-based Social Movement Technologies (SMT) on behalf of WoMin.

“Pather was also the first Project Director at the MDDA between 2006 and 2009 and has served on the boards of Sonke Gender Justice Project and ABC Ulwazi. She has several published articles, including a Future Proofing Guide for Community Radio for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB),” said Mathebula.

She said Pather had a briefing note on community radio for SANEF’s Independent Panel of Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility and chapters on community radio in the State of the Newsroom (2014 and 2024). Mathebula said she has a MSc in Development Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand.

“Mpakati holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree and a National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting (CCMA) from UNISA and Walter Sisulu University respectively. He has worked at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and National Treasury, amongst others. 

“He is the Director and Founder of Mpakati Attorneys based in Pretoria. Mpakati has gained good experience in litigation, investigations, legal compliance, good governance, audit, and risk management,” she said.

Mathebula said Mpakati served as a Parole Board Member of the Free State and Northern Cape Regions under the auspices of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). She said he also served as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) in Tshwane. As a practicing attorney and human rights activist.

“He has acquired sufficient skills to be able to represent members of the public and actively mediate in terms of applicable rules and legislation,” said Mathebula.

She said Khedama holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Management from the Central University of Technology, a Programme in Management Development for Municipal Finance, as well as Developmental Communications. Mathebula said he holds a variety of other certificates covering Digital Marketing, Public Relations and Leadership, Feature Writing, Newspaper Management, Project Management and Events Managements among others.

“He is currently Head of Communications for the Mangaung Metro Municipality and a contributor to the PAN African Foundation (PAN), University of the Free State, Centenary Public Lectures as well as Eyewitness News (EWN). 

“During the course of his career, he has won a number of awards, including, PMR Best Marketed 2016 Municipality, 2017 SADC Media Award. So, I would like to indicate that their presence and expertise will go a long way in advancing the work of the MDDA Board,” said Mathebula.

She said their collective expertise and presence are poised to significantly bolster the Agency’s mission of establishing itself as a formidable force in championing development and diversity within the community media sector. Mathebula said they remain committed to exercising due oversight of the Agency, including promoting good corporate governance and financial prudence as we continue to undertake our fiduciary duties. 

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