Bloemhof man nabbed for ‘killing’ three family members over insurance claims

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By OBAKENG MAJE

29 August 2024 – A man (62) who was arrested for allegedly killing his three family members by poisoning them, briefly appeared before Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court. Initially, three family members, who died over a period of three years, were buried and considered to have died due to natural causes.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said in all three cases, Daniel Mokwai successfully claimed from his insurance policies. Myburgh said, however, family members reported him to the police after becoming suspicious that he murdered their relatives by allegedly buying all three of them pies.

“They would then get sick after eating the pie and eventually die. The bodies of all three deceased were exhumed and pathology reports confirmed that they were poisoned, leading to the murder investigations.

“In the first incident, reported on 5 December 2020, a boy (16), died at midday between Phuduhudu and Gopane, near Bloemhof. The boy was the relative of Mokwai’s wife,” she said.

Myburgh further said the second deceased (17), who was also the relative of the wife of the accused, died on Wednesday night,1 December 2021, in Boitumelong Township, outside of Bloemhof. She added that the last victim, Mothibi Alpheos Mokwai (31), was the accused’ son.

“He died on Sunday afternoon, 9 October 2022, at his house in Mathyse Street in Bloemhof. Mokwai was remanded in custody until his second court appearance on 4 September 2024, for legal representation. Through prosecution led investigations, police identified Mokwai as a suspect and obtained a warrant of arrest that was effected on 26 August 2024,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said it is unacceptable that young children were murdered by someone they trusted. Kwena reiterated that the police will continue to work hard to remove criminals such as this one from society.

“We call upon insurance companies and members of the public to report cases, where they suspect foul play or criminal activity when they process insurance claims,” he said.

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Portfolio Committee on Youth and Persons with Disabilities engages with NYDA on its APP

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities received a briefing today from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on its annual performance plan (APP) and budget for the 2024/25 financial year. The committee heard that for the 2024/25 financial year, the budget allocation for the Department for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is R791.3 million.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Lindelwa Dunjwa said the budget includes a significant portion earmarked for youth development programmes, although it reflects a decrease from the previous year’s budget. Dunjwa the APP outlines specific targets, including support of youth-owned enterprises, job creation and the facilitation of skills development programmes.

“The committee praised the comprehensive presentation provided by the NYDA and commended their ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing South Africa’s young people. Throughout the discussions during the meeting, several important themes emerged.

“Firstly, there was consensus among committee members about the urgent need to address the high levels of youth unemployment. Many members highlighted the importance of aligning education systems with the demands of the job market,” she said.

Dunjwa further said the committee believes entrepreneurial skills should be integrated into the school curriculum to better prepare young people for future employment opportunities. She added that the committee had concerns about the accessibility of NYDA services, particularly in rural areas.

“The committee members said it is crucial for the agency to enhance outreach efforts to ensure that young people, especially those from marginalised communities, have access to vital information and resources that the NYDA has to offer.

“Members suggested exploring partnerships with local organisations and using mobile units to reach young people who may face transportation barriers. Regarding the NYDA’s budget, members of the committee noted discrepancies between the agency’s reported allocations and the figures obtained from the National Treasury,” said Dunjwa.

She said this discrepancy warrants closer scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of resources. Dunjwa said the committee recognised the significant reduction in funding for various programmes and indicated that it is eager to understand how the NYDA plans to sustain its initiatives under these financial constraints.

“The committee noted in the presentation that the upcoming financial year marks the last for additional funding of R250 million for the National Youth Service programme, which raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such initiatives.

“The committee also inquired about the effectiveness of the NYDA’s programmes, specifically regarding the distinction between job opportunities created and actual long-term employment. The committee indicated that it is keen to understand the sectors that have benefited most from these opportunities and the sustainability of the jobs created,” she said.

In addition, Dunjwa said the issue of inclusivity for persons with disabilities within the NYDA’s programmes was highlighted. She said while the NYDA has made strides in developing a disability strategy, the committee encourages further efforts to ensure that programmes cater to the diverse needs of all young people, including those with disabilities.

“Finally, the committee expressed a desire for more detailed reporting on the performance of board members and the mechanisms in place for evaluating their contributions. It is essential that we hold ourselves accountable and ensure that our leadership remains effective in driving the NYDA’s mission forward.

“The committee is committed to supporting the NYDA in its mandate to empower young people across South Africa. We look forward to continued engagements that will enhance our collective efforts to address youth unemployment and promote socio-economic development,” said Dunjwa.

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Mogokgo wa sekolo potlana sa Matlape o betswe thoko mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go tsaya pipa-molomo go morutabana

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

29 Phatwe 2024- Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, le beile mogokgo wa sekolo potlana sa Matlape kwa Coligny kwa thoko go simolola ka 23 Phatwe 2024. Lefapha le tlhalositse fa tshwetso eno, e ne ya dirwa morago ga gore go begwe fa mogokgo wa sekolo se, a amogetse pipa-molomo ya go thapa morutabana.

Mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Viola Motsumi are tiragalo e, e diragetse morago ga kgang e e tshwanang le eno kwa sedikeng sa Dr Kenneth Kaunda, koo mookamedi wa kgaolo le mogokgo wa sekolo ba neng ba tlosiwa mo tirong. Motsumi o rotloetsa badiri botlhe go bega ditiragalo tsa bobodu.

“Mo boemong jwa lefapha leno, ke ikuela go mongwe le mongwe go begela lefapha ka ditiragalo dingwe le dingwe tsa bonweenwee tse di dirwang. A molao o diragatswe go batho botlhe ba ba amegang mo ditiragalo tsa bonwenwe.

“Bokaedi jwa badiri bo tla tswelela ka thulaganyo ya kgalemo, le go tlhomamisa ka botlalo gore ditatofatso tsotlhe di a batlisisiwa le go sekasekwa,” Motsumi wa tlhalosa.

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NUMSA to march against non-compliant security companies

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2024- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) will today embark in a joint march to the Office of the Premier in the North West. NUMSA said the march is against non-compliant security companies.

NUMSA National spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said they will be participating in a picket to demand that the Treasury get all security companies to comply with the payment of benefits for workers in the security sector.

“The Provincial Treasury department is located in the Office of the Premier. We will be handing over a memorandum of demands to the Office of the Provincial Treasury and we have been informed that the Premier will also receive the memorandum of demands. 

“Companies that do business with the government must comply and they should not be granted government tenders, if they are participating in the fraudulent looting of workers’ monies,” she said.

Hlubi-Majola said NUMSA will be participating in a joint picket with other unions in the security sector. She further said unions like South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), Abanqobi Workers Union (AWU), Kungwini Amalgamated Workers Union (KAWU) and the South African National Security and Allied Workers Forum (SANSAWF), are going to march and they will hand a memorandum of demands.

Hlubi-Majola added that they will also name and shame security companies that do not comply by paying benefits like the pension fund and medical insurance. She added that thousands of workers in the security sector have been robbed of their benefits because greedy employers are pocketing this money for themselves. 

“For example, Mjayeli Security is one of the many companies that we are complaining about. It was fined more than R100 000 by the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) for non-compliance, because it is alleged that it deducts money from workers for provident funds, but does not pay it over to the service provider.

“Mjayeli is taking the decision of the bargaining council on review. They have a terrible reputation and unfortunately, many workers are complaining that the company is not complying,” she said.  

Hlubi-Majola said this is a campaign that NUMSA has been involved with since 2023 to name and shame security companies that are refusing to comply with the main collective agreement in the security sector. She said whether a security company is a member of the bargaining council or not, they are bound by the terms of the agreement and they have no choice, but to pay medical insurance, provident funds.

“They must pay the minimum hourly rate as stipulated in the wage agreement. The gathering spot will be at Montshioa Stadium and Garona Building will be our final destination,” said Hlubi-Majola.

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Manthe arson case accused back in court

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Picture: Seven accused persons in an arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Regional Court, where some of accused persons are expected to take the stand. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022, during an intelligence-driven operation. In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family.

They accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Police a looking for a person of interest in a rape case

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Picture: The person of interest in rape case/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 August 2024- The Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating the alleged rape of a girl (15). The incident took place on 13 June 2024, at approximately 3pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehler said it is believed that, the victim was walking home, when she was accosted by an unknown man who covered her mouth with a cloth, resulting in her losing consciousness.

“She woke up on the ground a short time later. Anyone who has information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable Majola at 076 016 7859. All information will be handled confidentially,” she said.

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Community members encouraged to join CPFs

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Picture: Community members attending community engagement/Suppliee

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 August 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, MEC Bentley Vass, together with the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, hosted a community engagement at the Kagung Community Hall in Mothibistad on 28 August 2024.

The engagement was attended by relevant heads and representatives of entities, including Commissioner, Subashni Moodley, the Regional Commissioner for Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape, SAPS District Commissioners and Provincial Heads, Advocate Mpho Tau from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the chairperson of District Community Policing Forum, Tebogo Kedithibetse.

Vass said the focus of the engagement was to encourage stronger relationships between the community and law enforcement in order to address challenges faced by the police and the community alike. He further said this platform created an opportunity to regain the trust of the community in the police and the modelling of a dialogue between SAPS and relevant government departments.

“We need to promote the fostering of solidarity within the community to instil an overall sense of security. The community structures play a vital role and we encourage communities to join community structures and neighbourhood watch sectors.

“Crime against children remains a priority and swift action must be taken. A zero tolerance approach must be followed towards Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related offences. The community members were afforded the opportunity to voice concerns and share information with the panel of guests, who provided responses accordingly,” added Vass.

Ngubelanga furnished remarks and emphasized the importance of sound partnerships. He encouraged the community to reclaim their streets and not be afraid of criminals.

“We need to highlight the danger of substance and alcohol abuse as they are the generators of crime. So, we urge the community to utilise the services offered by the SAPS Inspectorate component, when lodging complaints relating to services delivered by SAPS.

Meanwhile, Kedithibese said: “The community engagements will continue to be conducted throughout the district to address concerns and strengthen partnerships.”

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Three suspects nabbed for possession of suspected stolen goods

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Picture: The suspected stolen laptops recovered/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2024- Three suspects aged 36, 61 and 68, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after the members from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit followed up on a tip-off regarding a house-breaking and theft case that was reported.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the identified premises in Mogul Park, a man was found on the premises and questioned. Shemane said he informed the police that he knew where the suspected stolen goods were sold.

“He led the police to a house in Stokroos Street, Squarehill Park. The house was searched and industrial power tools were found, which were allegedly stolen. Two suspects were arrested and then informed the police where the other goods were stored.

“The information provided led the police to Tswelopelo Correctional Service, where a member was approached and he took police to his house, where they found a suspected stolen 55-inch plasma television and subsequently arrested the suspect (61),” he said.

Shemane said upon further investigation, the police recovered laptops, a cell phone, electrical equipment, and a television worth approximately R45 000.

Meanwhile, the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, applauded members for their continued efforts in responding swiftly to information received and recovering suspected stolen goods that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. Mtongana said the public is urged not to buy stolen goods offered for sale as it is a criminal offence.

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A man sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 August 2024- A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend (19). On 6 February 2024, at around 1am, the victim was stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend, Samson Malote and died on the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Malote was arrested and police opposed bail successfully. Kock said he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Colesberg High Court.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, is delighted with the recent life sentence that was handed down to Malote. Ngubelanga commended the police Detectives of Colesberg, Warrant Officer Thandisizwe Magade, Sergeant Thembumzi Mbatiwe and Constable Johan Kleinhans, for their relentless commitment that led to this outstanding GBVF conviction during Women’s Month.

“We appreciate the collaboration between SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for securing this significant sentence and assuring the public that justice will be served for crimes committed,” she said.

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A policeman sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his daughter

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 August 2024- A policeman was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Galeshewe Regional Court for raping his daughter (9). The policeman was charged with rape further read with the provisions of Section 51(1) of Part 1 in Schedule 2 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on the night of the incident, 4 July 2023, the accused, the victim and the stepmom slept on the same bed. Senokoatsane said during the night while they were all asleep, the victim felt someone pulling down her underwear and when she tried to pull them up the person kept on pulling them down.

“When she looked at who was pulling her underwear, she noticed that it was her father. Due to his strength, the accused finally managed to address his daughter and began to rape her. She tried to reach out to her stepmom, but the accused grabbed her hand preventing her from reaching out to her stepmom.

“The victim later told the court through her testimony that she was afraid to scream hence she never screamed for help. In the morning when her grandmother came to fetch her from the accused home, the victim informed her grandmother about what her father had done to her,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the victim was taken for medical examination at the Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre and the Forensic Nurse found/noticed that the victim had indeed been victimised. He added that the assistance of a medical doctor was sought and a second examination was undertaken for a second opinion.

“The doctor’s conclusion was also consistent with penetration. The accused, a police officer attached to one of the specialised units within the police service was arrested and charged with rape of his daughter.

“The NPA envisions that these types of sentences will provide some justice and closure to the victims, as well as their families when these violent criminals are removed from our streets. All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA will continue to aggressively prosecute these types of cases,” said Senokoatsane.

During the trial, the state prosecutor Advocate Shareen Theresa Links argued that the accused betrayed his own daughter, in that instead of being her protector he became her abuser. Links said as a police officer, he should have been a model citizen.

“He should have known that his actions were unbecoming of an officer of the law. The prosecution further argued that the court should sentence the accused to life sentence as he had shown no remorse and that a clear message had to be sent to other perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly those who are entrusted with protecting and upholding the law, that no one is above the law.

“The victim testifying via Intermediary Services and through a Victim Impact Statement compiled with the assistance of Court Prep Officer, Thandi Kraai, detailed and comprehensively described what happened to her on the day and what her father did to her.

“When sentencing the accused, the court found the disgraced police officer and a father guilty of raping his daughter and the court sentenced him to life imprisonment. The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court also made an order for the accused name to be entered into the National Register of Sexual Offenders,” she said.

Meanwhile, the accused was also declared unfit to work with children.

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