‘Mokgoro will be remembered as a defender of constitutional democracy’ 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the passing of retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, is a profound loss for South Africa. Mokgoro passed away on 9 May 2024. She was injured after being involved in a terrible car accident in 2023. 

DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and MP, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach said the DA extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mokgoro. Breytenbach further her passing is a profound loss for South Africa, as she leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and immense contributions to our nation’s legal landscape.

“As a pioneering member of the Constitutional Court and the first black female Justice to serve on that esteemed bench, Mokgoro blazed trails and shattered barriers, embodying the spirit of equality and justice for all. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law have left an indelible mark on our society.

“We mourn the tragic loss of Mokgoro and join countless others in honouring her remarkable life and legacy. May her family find solace in the knowledge that her impact will endure for generations to come. She will be deeply missed,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo and the acting National Assembly (NA) speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, said the passing of one of South Africa’s most distinguished jurists and academics was a devastating loss, not only to her family but to the entire nation. 

“Starting her career as an administrative clerk, Mokgoro studied part-time. Her tenacity and hard work paid off as she eventually became an intellectually distinguished academic with two master’s degrees.

“Mokgoro was part of the first generation of black woman judges at the Constitutional Court. She served on the apex court for 15 years until her retirement in 2009. She was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and fought tirelessly for their recognition in society,” said Tsenoli.

Masondo further said Mokgoro’s have both sharp and impeccable judicial prowess. Masondo added that her judgments, an acute moral and social consciousness, were restorative and progressive. 

“They were aimed at social redress and defending human rights. She was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Bronze by former President Jacob Zuma in 2015, in recognition of her excellent contribution to law and the administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

“Mokgoro will be remembered as a defender of our constitutional democracy who used her skills and influence to advance the voice of the voiceless. Her dedication and patriotic contributions to South Africa and work ethic will forever be etched in our minds and is worth emulation by all.  May her soul rest in peace,” he said.

Masondo said parliament sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mokgoro and wishes that they find solace and comfort during this difficult time.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted rape 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Colesberg Regional Court for attempted rape. On 26 September 2022, at around midnight, the victim was sleeping alone in her house when Daniel Williams, entered and forcefully tried to remove her clothes to rape her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the victim fought back and screamed for help. Kock said a neighbour came to her aid and the police were called. 

“Williams was arrested on the scene. The accused received bail, but evaded court appearances and was re-arrested in Petrusville in December 2023. He was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment by the Colesberg Regional Court on 8 May 2024 and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence. Otola also commended the D/Sgt Eric Ngcapayi of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, for his meticulous investigation that led to the successful conviction of a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) perpetrator.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

20 undocumented Lesotho nationals nabbed in Kimberly during Operation Vala Umgodi

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Alcohol allegedly confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 20 undocumented Lesotho nationals aged between 24 and 49, were arrested on Friday during the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi at Samaria Informal Settlement in Kimberly. The police in Northern Cape allegedly went out in full swing to address issues of undocumented persons, illegal firearms, drugs and illicit mining. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police also confiscated liquor from unlicensed liquor outlets, which were regarded as ‘generators of serious crime’ in the area. Shemane said this resulted in the arrests, as well as fines for illegally dealing in liquor, were issued to two South African men aged 33 and 40. 

“Numerous tools and equipment believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaboration between the different Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Clusters in intensifying the fight against illicit mining activities in the district. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man arrested in Vryburg after allegedly tried to sell a stolen firearm to its owner

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 50-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2024, for possession of a suspected stolen firearm and defeating the ends of justice. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect who works at a firearm dealership, was arrested in Vryburg on Friday evening (10 May 2024), while attempting to sell a firearm stolen last month in Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, back to the lawful owner. 

“It is alleged that after the lawful owner’s legal representative became aware that the suspect was in possession of the stolen firearm, they engaged Vryburg K9 and Bela-Bela Detectives about the matter. 

“The lawful owner met with the police upon arrival in Vryburg and all went to the dealership, where the Manager showed the lawful owner his firearm and demanded R45 000,” said Mokgwabone. 

He further said it was at that stage that Vryburg K9, Visible Policing and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members arrested the suspect. The firearm worth R160 000 was seized.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended everyone involved for their cooperation that resulted in the success. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The firearms that were confiscated by the police in Vryburg/Supplied  

A security guard disarmed and killed with his own firearm 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Seven suspects were arrested at Khayakhulu village, near Madikwe, following a fatal confrontation on Thursday morning. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the District and Madikwe Detectives, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Madikwe Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Madikwe Visible Policing, Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), Madikwe Stock Theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Rustenburg and Zeerust Local Criminal Record Centres (LCRC). 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that, a man and the local Chief’s guard went to the suspects’ place to enquire about suspected missing and/or stolen cattle. Mokwabone said following a confrontation that ensued, the guard was disarmed of his firearm. 

“Consequent to several shots fired after the robbery of the firearm, the guard and his companion sustained serious injuries.  They were taken to Mabeskraal Health Centre, where the guard succumbed to his injuries. The other victim was subsequently transferred to Moses Kotane Hospital. 

“The suspects, a woman and six men aged between 21 and 63, are expected to appear in the Madikwe Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2024, for malicious damage to property, robbery, attempted murder and murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the team for their rapid and collaborative response, which led to the arrest of the unruly suspects, who blatantly took the law into their own hands. Kwena said the arrest will certainly sound a warning that lawlessness cannot be condoned.          

taungdailynews@gmail.com

South Africa dominant at the inaugural COSAFA Awards

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The inaugural COSAFA Awards/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

South Africa dominated the inaugural COSAFA Awards held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday night with local coaches and players taking centre stage. It was a fantastic night for South African football and Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, led the way when she won the Women’s Coach of the Year Award. 

Ellis saw off competition from Zambia’s Bruce Mwape and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Jerry Tshabalala to win the award.

“When I was the captain of Banyana Banyana, we won our first ever trophy at the COSAFA Cup in Zimbabwe. And 15 years later as the coach of Banyana Banyana, we won it again in Zimbabwe. My journey started then, but there are so many people that I have to thank. 

“We thank the South African Football Association (SAFA) for being visionaries, for taking the chance on us female coaches, not just myself, but also our youth teams. To the Banyana Banyana players, I thank you and it’s an attitude of gratitude for everything that you’ve done because I am because you are,” she said. 

Ellis further said they are the ones that go onto the field and make them look good. She added that, to the coaches that have come before, that have laid the platform, to the players that have come before and to her fellow nominees, Bruce Mwape has done fantastically for Zambia and congratulations to them for qualifying for the Olympics. 

“To coach Jerry Shabalala, he’s shown on the continent and at club level there’s no one other than him,” said Ellis. 

Bafana Bafana forward, Percy Tau walked away with the Men’s Player of the Year, Ronwen Williams was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Andile Dlamini won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Thapelo Maseko won Men’s Most Promising Player and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, Rulani Mokwena, took home the Men’s Coach of the Year.

The Egypt-based Tau was not present at the awards and SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan accepted his accolade on his behalf. Jordaan said the COSAFA region has made great strides in the last few years.

“COSAFA has made the most progress last year, which culminated in the recent AFCON, where COSAFA had five representatives. Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, represented our region and made sure that we contributed to the overall success of the African Cup of Nations. 

“When people say that this was the best African Cup of Nations ever, COSAFA and its teams contributed to both the success, the commercial viability and the enjoyment of the tournament. We want to say congratulations to those who were there to share that moment with us,” he said.

Jordaan said in women’s football, the current African champion comes from COSAFA. South Africa, Zambia and Botswana represented COSAFA in the last African Cup of Nations. He said South Africa and Zambia qualified for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and made progress to the last group of 16. 

“In our own region, our men’s competition, the COSAFA Cup, Zambia finished top with 19 appearances. Zimbabwe at 12, South Africa 10, Mozambique 8 and Angola 7. Angola also has made it to the final of the recent FUTSAL tournament, and we want to congratulate them for making it to the final and finishing second in that tournament.

“In the COSAFA Women’s Championship, the Malawi senior women’s team are the current champions. Malawi has competed in every single women’s championship 10 times, tied with Zimbabwe and South Africa and then Botswana and Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” said Jordaan.

He said this showed COSAFA’s balanced approach not only on men’s football, but also in the pursuit and the development of women’s football. Jordaan said, so let them celebrate the achievement together.

Meanwhile, the SAFA Referees Committee Chairperson, Victor Gomes, was named COSAFA Referee Legend, former Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk received a Lifetime Achievement for services as a player. 

Fran Hilton-Smith was awarded a Lifetime Achievement in services to women’s football and veteran journalist, Mark Gleeson was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement in services to the media.

FULL LIST OF COSAFA AWARD WINNERS

MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Percy Tau (South Africa)

WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)

MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Rulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Dr Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

MEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies & South Africa)

MEN’S MOST PROMISING PLAYER

Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

WOMEN’S MOST PROMISING PLAYER

Leticia Chinyamula (Ascent Academy & Malawi)

COSAFA BEST MALE REFEREE

Jerson Dos Santos (Angola)

COSAFA BEST FEMALE REFEREE

Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)

COSAFA MOST PROMISING REFEREE

Tsiaro Randriambololoma (Madagascar)

COSAFA REFEREE LEGEND

Victor Gomes (South Africa)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT FOR SERVICES AS A PLAYER

Janine van Wyk

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO REFEREEING

Felix Tangawarima

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Fran Hilton-Smith

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO COACHING

Sunday Chidzambwa

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO THE MEDIA

Mark Gleeson

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A SERIAL RAPIST GETS THREE LIFE TERMS IN PRISON 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man has been sentenced to three life terms imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane for rape. Tshepo Tshwagong (31) was linked to three cases of rape committed between February 2018 and November 2020 in Phokeng and Boitekong, near Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Tshwagong dragged a woman (29) into the bushes at Rafreddy Section on 7 February 2018, then strangled and raped her. The evidence led in court revealed that, he also raped the second victim (35), on Friday morning (4 May 2018), at Seraleng after dragging her also into the bushes and strangled her. 

“The victim was at the time of the incident, going to work.  In the third incident on Monday morning (11 May 2020), the convict raped a woman (32) at Rafreddy Section, in Phokeng. 

“Similarly, the accused dragged the victim into the bushes, then strangled and raped her. The long arm of the law caught up with the accused on 6 January 2021, for three separate cases of rape and robbery,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said Tshwagong was sentenced to two life terms, 20 years imprisonment for rape and 12 years for robbery. He added that, while serving the sentences, he was linked through the DNA with the 2018 and 2020 cases. 

“Due to overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three life terms. Count two and three will run concurrently with count one,” said Mokgwabone.

In aggravating for sentence the state prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, indicated that Tshwagong is a serial rapist and that he ruthlessly targeted his victims whom he strangled and raped. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, praised the Investigating Officer, Sgt Obakeng Rasego and Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, for their diligence and cooperation, which culminated in the successful prosecution and imposing of maximum sentences on the accused.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso honoured after ‘cracking’ a case 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A passionate K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso, was handed a Commendation Certificate, while his Fire Detection dog, Erin received a medal for dedication, commitment and appreciation for canine services. The handing over took place during a weekly Operation Shanela parade at Westpol Square parking on Friday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the memorable moment for Mabaso and his dog began when they assisted in solving a robbery, murder and arson case. Mokgwabone said the crimes were committed in Tlokweng village, Madikwe on 10 October 2018. 

“It was reported at the time of the incident that four suspects stormed into Sunrise shop, then robbed the shop owner of an undisclosed amount of cash and thereafter set the shop on fire. As a result, the victim sustained serious burn wounds and later died at the hospital.

“The Potchefstroom-based Mabaso and his fire investigation dog were called to join the investigation team to determine the origins and cause of the fire.   Investigations were done and evidence collected from the scene and sent to the laboratory for chemical testing. 

“The evidence was later presented in court and all four accused were found guilty in November 2021 and were each sentenced to life for robbery, arson and murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Deputy Police Commissioner for Support Service, Major General Ganasen Naidoo, applauded Mabaso and other team members for their dedication and loyalty they displayed during the investigation process. Nadioo further said this is exemplary and part of positive results they get when proper procedures are followed, investigative aids and resources are efficiently utilised during investigation processes.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of retired ConCourt Judge, Yvonne Mokgoro  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the passing of a retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Jenifer Yvonne Mokgoro. On 3 April 2023, a South African jurist, was seriously injured in a car accident in the Northern Cape. 

After she was discharged, her family announced that she would step back from her public engagements in order to focus on her recovery. However, she died on 9 May 2024, at the age of 73. 

According to Wikipedia, Mokgoro served on the Constitutional Court of South Africa from October 1994 to October 2009. She also chaired the South African Law Reform Commission between 1995 and 2011. 

“Mokgoro qualified as a lawyer in the former Bophuthatswana and was a legal academic before she was appointed to the bench by President Nelson Mandela. She was born in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberly. 

“Her parents had only a primary education, and she was the first of her siblings to complete high school after matriculating at the local St. Boniface High School in 1970. Her first jobs were as a nursing assistant, a retail salesperson, and then as a clerk in the Bophuthatswana Department of Justice,” said Wikipedia.

It further said in Mokgoro’s early 20s, she was arrested for obstruction of justice after she intervened to object when the police arrested a young man for loitering. Wikipedia added that, although the charge against her was dropped after a brief detention, she was represented by political activist Robert Sobukwe, a family friend who was banished to Kimberley and was one of the few black lawyers in the town. 

“According to Mokgoro, Sobukwe encouraged her to become a lawyer, and she enrolled part-time in legal study shortly afterwards. Balancing her legal study with her full-time work and young children, Mokgoro attended the University of Bophuthatswana (now the North West University), where she completed a BJuris in 1982 and an LLB in 1984.

“On campus, she was active in the South African Students Organisation (SASO) and African National Congress (ANC), which are both anti-apartheid organisations,” said Wikipedia.

It says while studying for her LLB, Mokgoro worked at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court as a maintenance officer and public prosecutor. 

Wikipedia says after receiving her LLB, however, she was appointed a lecturer in the University of Bophuthatswana’s Department of Jurisprudence, where she worked until 1991, rising through the ranks to become an associate professor.

Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said: “The NWU community mourns the passing of Mokgoro – an outstanding alumna, and respected law practitioner. Among her various qualifications, Mokgoro obtained her B Juris Degree (1982) and Bachelor of Laws (1984) from the University of North West (now the North West University).

“The NWU honoured her with an Alumni Excellence Award at the inaugural NWU Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony in 2013. She was an exemplary alumna of the NWU, whose outstanding work has been recognised and celebrated by many institutions in South Africa and abroad.” 

Tyobeka said Mokgoro held membership of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC) and the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and the South African Women Lawyers Association.

“Law has been her passion and her endurance to ensure that all South Africans have access to fair treatment in our courts, made her even more special. She raised the NWU flag very high. 

“Our current students and other alumni can learn from her determination and achievements. We join her family, former colleagues, and friends in mourning her passing, and celebrating her contributions to South Africa and her people,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A love triangle leaves a man dead  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man who killed a Zimbabwean national, Nelson Malumbo (33), was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment by the Keimoes Regional Court. On 20 December 2022, Dingisweni Siphozonke (29), asked Malumbo to accompany him to the veld, where he wanted to gather his sheep. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said upon arrival in the veld, Siphozonke attacked Malumbo, robbed him of his cellphone and stabbed him multiple times in his chest. 

“He left the lifeless body of the deceased in the veld and was discovered the following day. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused assaulted his girlfriend, whom he accused of being in a relationship with the deceased.

“Siphozonke was arrested in Port Saint Johns in the Eastern Cape Province on 18 January 2023. He was remanded in custody during the trial. Siphozonke was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment for murder and robbery,” said Masegela. 

She said Siphozonke was sentenced to 6 months for assaulting his girlfriend. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentencing and lauded the partnership of the investigating officers, Warrant Officer William Mouers and Sergeant Anwor Titus, who assisted him in the investigation.

taungdailynews@gmail.com