By OBAKENG MAJE

Two vehicles that were allegedly used during the commission of crime were seized by the Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team in Kimberley.  This comes after the Springbok Serious Organised Crime Investigation team received a tip-off that an alleged diamond dealer will be travelling from a diamond deal using the main road.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the police conducted a vehicle stop and search point at the identified road. Thebe further said during the search, the police found the amount of cash to the value of R510 000 on the identified accused.

“The police seized the amount and applied for preservation order, while a case dealing in diamonds is under investigation. The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley duly granted the orders.

“The Hawks secured preservation orders on two vehicles with a combined value of R230 000. The two vehicles, a VW Golf worth an estimated value of R80 000 and a Mercedes Benz C180 worth R150 000 were both seized after being used in the commission of crime in two different incidents,” he added.

Thebe said the VW Golf was seized by police during March 2023 after a tip-off regarding the transportation of drugs on N12 road. The police pounced and two suspects were arrested for dealing in mandrax to the value of R250 000.

“The main case is ongoing and the second vehicle, the Mercedes Benz was confiscated in July 2023 during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted by various policing units, which included members of Kuruman Serious Organised Crime Investigation team,” said Thebe.

“Two suspects were arrested during a buy and bust operation.  The duo was charged with dealing in endangered species after they were found with a pangolin valued at R250 000,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Kimberley, Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the team for a job well done.

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Picture: The accused person, Sibongiseni Ngubane

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the alleged killers of the prominent North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was denied bail by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) applied for bail after his arrest a few months ago in Germiston.

Ngubane was arrested by the members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He was arrested on 12 September 2023 after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail. Mamothame further said the police reports revealed that Gumbi was gunned down by men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.

“The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car, which was found a few minutes after the incident, abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets. The car was confirmed to have been stolen, and the number plates that were on the car were false.

“The accused wanted the court to grant him bail, but the state successfully opposed it. Ngubane is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi. The state argued strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer, Colonel Patric Murungwa.

“The state prosecutor, Faith Mogaki, argued that the state has a strong case against the accused. In her corroboration, she indicated that the accused’ fingerprints were discovered on the vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime and further that he was identified by witnesses in an identity parade,” he said.

Mamothame added that the state also highlighted the fact that Ngubane voluntarily did the pointing out of the scene, as well confessing, albeit his argument that he did all of that involuntary as he alleges the police assaulted him.

Magistrate Tshenolo Mekgwe agreed with the state and denied Ngubane bail. The matter was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the police investigations are still underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.

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Picture: The crime scene where the alleged drug lord was gunned down/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The alleged drug lord (41) in Vryburg has been shot dead by unknown suspects. on Tuesday. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the deceased was gunned down in Church Street, next to Boxer Store.

“The suspects fled from the scene after the shooting and the motive is unknown. A murder case was opened for further investigation. As the police, we cannot confirm whether the deceased was selling drugs or not. However, investigations are still conducted,” she said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The police in North West said they are concerned about widespread cases of fraud in the province. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said taking into consideration the approaching of the festive season which is normally characterized by criminality, it is vital that consumers and the general public exercise caution to safeguard themselves and their property including their hard-earned cash.

“The currently identified hotspots include Rustenburg, Wolmaranstad, Jouberton, Klerksdorp, Hartbeespoortdam and Brits among others. Types of fraud committed include card cloning, online, petrol card, and asset-based or vehicle sales.

“Regarding asset-based fraud, fraudsters physically visit car dealerships with fraudulent documents, then make applications for purchase. The dealers will only become aware of the fraud after collection of the cars. With online or social media, especially Facebook, swindlers would advertise and display vehicles that are for sale,” he said.

He further said upon response, unsuspecting victims would be lured to secluded places and eventually robbed of their cash and other personal belongings. Mokgwabone added that, in some instances, suspects use social media to advertise various products.

“victims would then be given account numbers to make payments, but no deliveries will be made. The victims will realise upon following up that they were conned. Therefore, members of the community are urged to be wary, if they lose their Identity Documents (IDs).

“They must report to their nearest police station and ensure the company they are dealing with is legitimate. They should also avoid isolated ATMs and use them late at night. They should never accept help from strangers when using ATMs,” he said.

Mokgwabone said when they receive suspicious emails or SMS with links, they should not click on them as they will be redirected to malicious portals that will harvest their information. He urges community members to never leave their mobile phones unattended in social gatherings, as this will cause fraudsters to easily lock them out of their social media accounts (Facebook/WhatsApp) by using OTP sent to their phones.

“They should never share their personal life on social media as fraudsters use available platforms to approach unsuspecting victims online. If they are victims of social media crime, they should always keep screenshots of the profile of the suspect as well as screenshots of how their conversations started and ended, as this will assist Cyber Crime investigators in gathering evidence.

“They should also avoid sharing intimate pictures with strangers on social media as this will lead to cyber extortion and cyberbullying. In business transactions, community members should not pay money into accounts that are received via email changing known account numbers to new ones without verifying with the company you are doing business with,” said Mokgwabone.

He said in cryptocurrency, community members should never allow anyone to trade on their behalf as this platform (BITCOIN), does not require third parties to trade on your behalf, as you will lose a lot of money that may never be recovered.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The bogus attorney, Tebogo George Letloleng (42) will briefly appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 5 October 2023 for a formal bail application. This comes after Letloleng’s arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and theft worth approximately R218 100.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the alleged commission of crime took place between July 2020 and December 2022 in Taung.

“It is alleged that Letloleng has been masquerading as a qualified, admitted, and enrolled legal practitioner, wherein he would approach accused persons and their families waiting to appear before court and convince them that, he could represent them in court for various criminal and civil cases at a fee.

“The said consultations were allegedly conducted in the court building and at his residential place. However, he failed to act as promised thus making his clients question his credibility,” she said.

Malwetse further said the meticulous investigation by the SCCI, revealed that Letloleng made several appearances in court, wherein he allegedly introduced himself on record to presiding officers as the appointed attorney.

She added that, moreover, his qualifications were verified, and found that he did not meet the requirements to be admitted and enrolled as a legal practitioner in terms of Section 26 (1) of the Legal Practice Act, Act 28 of 2014.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Letloleng will make a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the efforts of the team for their persistence in ensuring the arrest of the suspect.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 18 years by Kuruman Regional Court for raping a girl (16). On 27 February 2021, the victim was walking with her boyfriend when they were approached by an unknown person asking for matches.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said when they could not give him matches, he decided to pelt the pair with stones. Sam said the couple ran away in different directions and the accused chased the victim.

“He caught her up and dragged her to the nearby veld, where he raped her,” he said.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, lauded Detective Sergeant Jasmine Armstrong from the Kuruman FCS Unit for her dedication, hard work, and sterling investigation that ensured justice for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) victims.

Otola said that GBV is a sign of disrespect to human dignity.

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Picture: The players participating in a tournament/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Department of Education is hosting three provinces for the National Learners with Special Educational Needs Football Week held at Waterkloof – Hills Secondary School, near Rustenburg. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said North West, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Gauteng attended the event to compete with other provinces.

“Football Week is an inclusive school sports programme aimed at involving U-19 boys and girls’ learners with Mildly Moderate Handicaps (MMH) to nurture and discipline through sports.

“We appreciate other MECs who made sure that this event is a success. On behalf of the department, I would like to welcome each and everyone who attended this football tournament. I am happy that our province is hosting this tournament for the second time and it shows that our hospitality is amazing,” she said.

Motsumi also wished good luck to all the teams that are going to compete in the tournament. She further said she is confident that the North West province will ensure that the trophies remain here at home.

“Let the games officially begin. The football tournament is expected to end on 5 October 2023,” added Motsumi.

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Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi officially opened a R37 million D414 road that links Makgobistad and Tshidilamolomo, outside Mahikeng on Tuesday. Molapisi said the project created 54 job opportunities and 11 sub-contractors benefitted R5 million from the 30% target set aside during project implementation.

“The official opening and handover is a build-up activity towards the Provincial Launch of the October Transport Month (OTM) 2023. The D414 road is among eight projects, which the department will showcase during the campaign.

“This year’s OTM is celebrated under the theme “Siyakha – We are Building Better Transport Infrastructure to Grow South Africa Together”. We believe that such projects will go a long way in connecting communities across various villages,” he said.

Molapisi said on behalf of the government, he wishes to express sincere gratitude to the community and stakeholders for supporting the project. He said they ensured that there were no delays caused by unnecessary disruptions.

“I am hopeful that other communities will learn; and continue to protect our infrastructure,” said Molapisi.

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