An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung was postponed to Tuesday by the Taung Magistrate’s Court due to the unavailability of the state prosecutor. The trial on this matter was supposed to commenced on 16 until 18 October 2023.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with 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, Bakang Katong (32) 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 (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for possession of drugs in Christiana. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the suspect was arrested for possession of drugs.
“The police in Christiana were busy with patrols when they noticed a suspicious-looking vehicle, which they stopped to search. The three occupants gave permission for the search.
“Drugs were found in possession of the suspect. He was arrested for possession or usage of a dangerous/undesirable dependence-producing substance (Mandrax). The suspect will appear before the Christiana Magistrates’ Court on 17 October 2023,” she said.
Picture: A woman nabbed for dealing in dagga in Amalia/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 28-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested for dealing in dagga. The police allegedly executed a search warrant at a certain premise in Amalia, outside Schweizer Reneke on 13 October 2023.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said upon the search of the premises, 2.282 kilograms of dagga were found of which some were already packaged.
“A woman was arrested for dealing in an undesirable dependence-producing substance (Dagga). The suspect will appear before the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 1 November 2023,” she said.
Picture: Some of the drugs allegedly confiscated during the search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three Nigerian nationals who were allegedly found to be in possession of drugs were arrested by the Vryburg K9 unit on Friday. Another suspect was arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a license.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, arrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the arrests were made after the members of K9 received a tip-off. Van Rooyene said they went to search premises inside the Vryburg Taxi Rank.
“During the search, three suspects aged 39, 41, and 55 were found in possession of Methamphetamine (crystal meth), that were packaged and the trio was arrested for dealing in an undesirable dependence-producing substance.
“A takeaway restaurant belonging to the fourth suspect was also searched and 64 plastic bags containing illicit alcohol called stomp with an undisclosed amount of cash were found. A further search conducted at the suspect’s residence in the storeroom produced five 25L containers with alcohol,” she said.
Van Rooyen further said the suspect (43) was arrested for selling Liquor without a license. She added that, all four suspects will briefly appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2023.
More than 50 houses across Madipelesa, Thotayatau, Losasaneng, Matsheng, Gataote and other villages in Taung, were destroyed by the heavy storm last week. According to one of the victims who did not want to be known, the hefty storm destroyed their buildings and their roofing materials were turned into ‘flying missiles’.
“Truly, the storm posed a significant hazard to our lives. We are now grappling to make ends meet and we have nowhere to go. We hoped that the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) would assist, however, we are still waiting.
“Our councillor came to assess the damages and promised to revert back to us. Most affected people are unemployed and live beyond the poverty line, so any good Samaritan can lend a helping hand.”
Another victim shared the same sentiments. She said, her house was damaged and now she is unable to buy any building materials.
“We hope that the disaster management unit from the municipality will assist us. We really need the necessary help because everything has been destroyed including my furniture. I stay with my children who attend school, but they could not go due to our situation.
“We are in a recovery process and seek shelter from our neighbours. We hope that, the government will provide us with a temporary shelter, while we still recovering because our situation is uninhabitable due to disaster-related damages.”
Meanwhile, some political parties said they will conduct an oversight inspection to assess the current living conditions of those affected and establish whether the victims have received relief grants.
The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti who is also a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) chairperson for Finance said there are embezzlement of funds and corruption allegations at the embattled municipality. Moeti alleged that, the disaster management unit at the municipality, had depleted the R3 million budgeted for disaster and now the unit has requested an additional R15 million.
“We understand that the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe was supposed to get monthly reports, but he does not request them. So, he is failing in his duties as a mayor in terms of conducting oversight. This is a burning issue and the matter is still with EXCO as we speak.
“It has not been taken to the municipal council yet. We had a R3m budget for the disaster management unit, but we were surprised last week when we received a report that the R3 million is diminished,” he said.
Moeti also alleged that, there was an ongoing project from the Human Settlement unit, but only sub-contractors from Gauteng benefitted from it. He alleged that, one sub-contractor from Baga-Mothibi, one from Taung Central, and one from Manthe were appointed.
“Mostly, those who benefitted from the disaster project are people from Gauteng. We have sent the municipal officials back to go and get the proper report with figures in order to show how they have spent that R3m.
“What is disheartening is that, these sub-contractors appointed, just built temporary structures using zinc metals. Clearly, our people have not benefitted from this project, except outsiders,” said Moeti.
*The incompetent Greater Taung Local Municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant did not respond to our media inquiry, despite being sent to him more than two weeks ago. The response will be incorporated in the article when received.
Picture: Some of the items confiscated during operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A total of 172 arrests for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, robbery aggravating, attempted murder, assault GBH, assault common, burglary, theft of/from motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, illicit mining as well as illegal migrants.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 119 wanted suspects in connection with crimes including business robbery, murder, rape, and assault GBH.
“During the execution of the operation, several items were confiscated including liquor, cash, cellular phones, computers, copper cable, counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and drugs. Operation Shanela will continue unabated on a weekly basis to address crime trends in identified hotspot areas.
“The Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high-density operation, termed Operational Shanela continues to address priority crimes in hotspot areas throughout the province,” Ehlers said.
She further said the weekly actions commenced on 12 October until 15 October 2023. Ehlers added that the police joined forces with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Traffic Department, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Transport to clamp down on crime throughout the province.
“We have executed a total number of 9116 actions with an emphasis on illegal firearms, murders, damage to essential infrastructure, crimes committed against women and children, house robbery, and housebreaking and aggravating robbery.
“The actions included the searching of persons and vehicles during stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers, visits to spaza shops and farm visits,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, encouraged the Provincial and District SAPS Management to reinforce efforts and to continue eradicating crime in the province. Otola also expressed her appreciation towards all officers and members, who contributed towards the success of the operation.
Picture: The murder-accused person, Bongane Shebi in court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against a man who is accused of killing a nurse, Iris Mohokare (47) in cold blood in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke will resume in Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court today. Bongane Shebi (25) allegedly murdered Mohokare in her rented backroom during a suspected robbery on 12 October 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her sister with her throat slit open on 13 October 2022.
“She subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating. Shebi became a person of interest after police received information while doing investigations.
“He was spotted walking on with bloodied clothes not far from where the incident took place. The police then started looking for the accused and ultimately arrested him on 15 October 2022,” Mamothame said.
He further said upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police that, he wanted to tell the truth.
Mamothame added that the accused was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing.
“Shebi alleged that he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession.
“He said they were intending to rob the deceased. However, Shebi alleged he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but the person he was with,” said Mamothame.
Mamothame said, the police have indicated that the evidence obtained at the scene, shows that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of the crime.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the brutal killing of Mohokare. Sambatha said, Mohokare was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic.
“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. As the department, we condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role.
“It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals, who prey on women and young girls,” he said.
Picture: Seven accused on an arson case back in court/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A trial on an arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung is expected to start today. The Taung Magistrate’s Court announced that, the trial will commence on 16 until 18 October 2023.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with 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, Bakang Katong (32) 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 (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Picture: The deceased, Thabiso Mothibedi who was killed in cold blood/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against four accused persons has been postponed to 21 and 22 February 2023 by the Taung Regional Court. The case was supposed to be heard on 12 October 2023, however, the matter was postponed due to the absence of the lawyer of the defense. A convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
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. The magistrate, Buti Zulu has excused himself from the case. This comes after Zulu sentenced Bakang to eight years imprisonment in a rape case a few months ago.
A new magistrate has taken over the case.
Meanwhile, the court also 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.
Picture: Athletes from North West who represented the country at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany
By OBAKENG MAJE
Athletes from North West who represented South Africa at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany said they are losing hope in receiving their incentives. This comes after the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation promised each athlete including coaches and team manager R25 000 each.
More than 16 athletes from various schools across the province took part in the competition and performed exceptionally well.
One of the learners from Sebitloane Special School, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have lost hope in getting our money. The department promised us incentives and it has been almost three months and we are still waiting.
“When we inquire about the money, they are sending us from pillar to post. That money will come in handy as we are learners with special needs. In most cases, we rely on our handwork skills for survival.
“So, we would create businesses that could bring money in order for us to survive.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has supported 16 athletes for the Special Olympics in Berlin on the 11 June 2023 for international participants. For their qualification, the department also supported the team for national participation in Polokwane in order for them to qualify for international participation.
“The mandate of the department is to develop and support athletes and communities in the province to excel in sport and recreation programs. Upon return, the department also did a welcome ceremony to celebrate those who participated and did great during the Special Olympics.”
Sebolecwe further said proper documentation was requested from the affected athletes as well as the coaches in order to process the incentives. He added that, however, there was a delay in the finalization of the budget internally.
“The documents have been compiled and will soon be processed for payments. There is a process to be followed internally when it comes to payments of the participant’s incentives. The delay is caused by the verification of documents as well as the budget finalization,” said Sebolecwe.
He said the total number of athletes to benefit from the incentives is 16, one team manager and four coaches.
Meanwhile. On 3 October 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa had lunch with all athletes from South Africa and commended them for their outstanding performance. Ramaphosa said they were competing against 7,000 athletes from over 180 countries and the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver, and seven bronze medals.
“Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.
“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society.
He said having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of the government’s celebration of outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, he expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.
“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.
The Guardian 