Four suspects between the ages of 29 and 40 were arrested for murder, car hijacking and robbery. It is alleged that on 17 July 2023, the deceased, Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip when he was allegedly hijacked in Klerkskraal.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Diphephenyane was allegedly robbed of the state vehicle, cellphone and money. Mathebula further said the deceased’s lifeless body with signs of strangulation, was found dumped next to a road on 18 July 2023 in Klerkskraal.
“A multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, North West and Northern Cape Provincial Detectives, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management was assembled to work on the case.
“The information gathered led the team to Boikhutsong, Vosloorus and Brakpan, where four suspects aged between 29 and 40 were arrested between 31 July 2023 and 02 August 2023. Elvis Hlongwane and Alexander Hobjana briefly appeared in court today, and their matter was postponed to 11 August 2023 for formal bail application.
Elvis Hlongwane and Alexander Hobjana appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were facing charges of murder, car hi-jacking and robbery.
“Thabiso Phendela (29) and Sthembiso Molaba (31) have since appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 August 2023 and their matter was postponed to 1 September 2023 pending further investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has commended the team’s swiftness in tracing and arresting the suspects.
A 36-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested for allegedly killing sister-in-law. Nomsa Lephuting was arrested on 2 August 2023. On 22 November 2022, the police were called regarding a shooting incident at the Nomsa’s residence, where they allegedly found the body of Paulina Pulane Lephuting (40) in one of the outside rooms of the dwelling.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said Pulane was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds. Tselanyane further said, she was later declared dead at the scene.
“Furthermore, it was discovered that the burglar door was forced open and the wooden door slightly opened. Following the incident, a murder case was registered at Tlhabane Police Station and later transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for further investigation.
“The intensive investigation led to the tracing and eventual arrest of the suspect. Nomsa, who is married to the deceased’s brother, briefly appeared at Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until 8 August 2023 for formal bail application. The investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police and everyone involved for the breakthrough. Kwena also warned that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served.
Picture: The serial rapist, Johannes Jojo Shabangu/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who pleaded guilty to 14 charges of rape and 11 of robbery with aggravating circumstances collapsed and died, while in police holding cells at Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court. Johannes Jojo Shabangu (35) was standing trial at the North West High Court of South Africa sitting at the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court.
The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the atrocity took place while the court was in recess. Mamothame further said this was subsequent to Judge Andre Peterson receiving his guilty plea statement and found him guilty on all charges, in accordance to the guilty plea.
“The case was set for Victim Impact Statements to be read in court before sentencing could be imposed, but it was rolled over to 3 August 2023 for him to receive medical attention. It emerged in court that Shabangu was declared dead by the paramedics and a declaration certificate was presented to Judge Peterson.
“He then declared proceedings as finalised and he ordered for the death certificate to be filed with the registrar of the North West High Court. Peterson ordered for an inquest docket to be registered to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Mamothame added that, Shabangu’s court appearance emanates from incidents that took place in Winterveldt, in the Odi District, between July 2012 and December 2019, wherein he together with unknown accomplices, raped and robbed multiple women of their properties.
He said the evidence contained in the indictment, indicates that in some instances, Shabangu together with his accomplices, would confront couples coming from places of leisure in the evenings, threaten them with a firearm, beat up the boyfriends, rob them of their belongings and subsequently take turns to rape the female victims.
“In some instances, it emerged that they would break into homes and apply the same modus operandi. In other instances, they would accost a group of women and rob them before picking on one of them to rape. The youngest of their victims was 14 years of age and her ordeal took place in June 2015.
“In his guilty plea statement which was read by his attorney, he took responsibility for all the charges he was facing and asked for forgiveness to his victims,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded Adv Nangomso Goloda and Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi for their collaboration in ensuring a successful conviction amid the unfortunate passing of the accused before sentencing.
Picture: Two vehicles allegedly used during commission of crime confiscated/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Seven suspects were arrested for robbery and impersonating a police officer. Shadrack Haphane (39), Pule Meshack Nteo (50), Ben Sepato (45), Ronny Pelesane (30), Mooketsi Moses Mothi (47), Bongani Ndongane (35) and Remaketse Rosy Kobo (35) were arrested during a crime intelligence driven operation by the members of Potchefstroom Flying Squad on Tuesday.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the police received a tip-off about the suspects, who were involved in fraudulent municipality tenders, wherein unsuspecting clients were lured to avail themselves to sign tender documents.
“One of the victims was allegedly made to believe that he was going to sign a Solar Geysers contract worth R17 million. However, he was pointed with a firearm and held hostage together with his two friends at a house in Extension 17, near Tswelelang Township, in Wolmaranstad.
“Subsequent to operationalising the information, the police pounced on the suspects and confiscated several items that included cellular phones, SAPS appointment certificates, SAPS tracksuit top, SAPS face mask, SAPS bunny jacket, SAPS pocket book, 1 x 9mm magazine with 15 ammunition, undisclosed amount of cash and two vehicles (Volkswagen Polo and BMW),” he said.
Tselanyane further said the accused persons briefly appeared before the Wolmaranstad magistrate’s Court on 3 August 2023. He added that they were remanded in custody for further investigation and formal bail application.
“Their case was postponed until 10 August 2023, facing additional charges of assault, extortion and fraud. The investigation into the matter continues,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and thanked all members involved for their quick response, which led to the arrest and confiscation of the goods. Kwena said no mercy will be shown to criminals.
Banyana Banyana forward, Jermaine Seoposenwe said she believes that the crunch match against the Netherlands at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, will need the team’s complete focus as they attempt to make it past the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banyana Banyana has already marched into the history books after becoming the first ever South African national team, men and women, to make it out of the group stages of a FIFA tournament. The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team achieved the feat after they beat Italy 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon to set up the second round clash against the Netherlands in the tournament currently being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Kick-off is at 4h00am.
“I think we are definitely a lot more focused now because the situation is win or go home. (We will need) complete focus going into this match and trying to do our best to see if we get a good result.
“As professionals, you have to take the criticism just as well. At the end of the day, there are a lot of things that people say, but I think as a team, we understand what we are capable of, who we are and what we have achieved thus far,” said Seoposenwe.
She further said, if they allow all the external factors to come and create division within the team, that division will show on the pitch. Addressing the criticism the team received after their 2-2 draw against Argentina, Seoposenwe said, it did not affect the unity of the team and they will continue to fight for each other.
After reaching the second round, the African champions received well wishes from around the globe, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, COSAFA President Artur de Almeida e Silva and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, among many others.
“So many things have been said about so many players and the coach, and you still just see unity on the pitch, we fight for each other and we continue to play for each other,” added Seoposenwe.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis also stated the difference in preparing for the group stages as compared to preparing for the knockout stages.
“I think the turnaround time and the time in between is short, so you are also trying to manage the freshness as well as trying to get ready for the match. That’s the only difference I think. We travelled and we had only two sessions and the game is the next day,” Ellis said.
The Netherlands are ranked 9th in the latest FIFA rankings with South Africa at 54. On paper, the Dutch nation has the upper hand in the head-to-head stats, winning the last three fixtures against Banyana Banyana – 2-0 in a friendly match in 2016, 2-1 in a friendly match in 2019 and a 5-1 victory in 2022 just before Ellis’ side went to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stages, the Netherlands finished their group undefeated with 2 wins (1-0 against Portugal and 7-0 win against Vietnam) and a draw (1-1 against the USA). South Africa’s showing in their group included a loss (2-1 against Sweden), a draw (2-2 against Argentina) and a win (3-2 against Italy).
However, Ellis said the past results will not play a role in a tournament that is a different ball game with both teams coming into the showdown highly motivated.
Banyana Banyana’s main sponsor Sasol continues to believe in the team and Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships Nozipho Mbatha sent affirming words to the side.
“The performance of Banyana Banyana during the group stages of this year’s World Cup was beyond exceptional and deservedly earned a place in the World Cup history books. Making it to the Round of 16 speaks volumes on the determination and drive for greatness of the team to change the narrative of South African women’s football.
“This display of character, tenacity and bravery is how the team continues to live the impossible, on and off the field. As Sasol, we stand united together with 60 million South Africans to wish the team only the best of luck for tomorrow’s match against the Netherlands,” said Mbatha.
Picture: Eskom High Voltage testing equipment/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
Eskom applauded the members of Upington Detectives and Crime Prevention for recovery of Eskom High Voltage testing equipment.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the Eskom High Voltage testing equipment worth R1 001 730 was reported stolen from a vehicle in Upington.
“The Station Commander of Upington Police Station, Brigadier Peet Coetzee acknowledged the letter of appreciation from the management of Eskom, recognizing the excellent and swift investigation by the members of Upington Detectives and Crime Prevention that led to the recovery of Eskom High Voltage testing equipment.
“Upon receiving the docket, the team leader of General Crimes, Lieutenant Colonel Letlhogonolo Kanakang, assigned it to Constable Clarence Olyn and they followed up instantly.
“The description of the equipment was provided to them and they immediately dispatched crime-prevention to be on the look-out. They worked jointly on the case and information was received, which ultimately led to the recovery of the equipment at Upington taxi rank,” he said.
Picture: A missing person, Thuto Mogorosi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Galeshewe request the assistance of the public in locating missing Thuto Mogorosi (14), who was last seen on 21 July 2023 in the company of her friend, Phatsimo at 19681 Tyala Drive in Galeshewe.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane Mogorosi is a Grade 9 learner at St Boniface High School and speaks Setswana, English and Afrikaans.
“Mogorotsi was last seen wearing long blue and white tights, a blue striped white jersey and pink floppy shoes. She is described as well built, with oval brown eyes with short black hair.
“Should anyone have information about the whereabouts of Mogorosi, they can contact the Captain Sabata Tsiu at the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on 082 495 4605 or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or either sms anonymously to 32211or use the MySAPS App,” said Shemane.
He further said, all information received, will be treated confidentially. Shemane added that the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing.
A man from Jan Kempsdorp was sentenced to four years for assaulting his girlfriend. On 20 August 2022, Boitumelo Aron Brown called his girlfriend (38), who was visiting her neighbour and assaulted her for no apparent reasons.
Northern Cape spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a victim previously had a protection order against Brown. Shemane further said the matter was reported to the police.
“A case was open and the accused was traced and arrested. He was charged for contravention of a protection order. On 4 August 2023, the Jan Kempdorp Magistrate Court convicted and sentenced Brown to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of 5 years,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded D/Sgt Ntombi Rhonele Dayiya for her thorough and sterling investigation that led to the accused being convicted and sentenced. Otola reiterated that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can never be condoned as a normal behaviour in society.
Picture: The Lesotho national nabbed for dealing in drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENFG MAJE
A Lesotho national was arrested for dealing in drugs. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Hopetown visible police assisted by Kimberley K9 unit, conducted intelligence driven operations in Hopetown.
“The police received a tip-off and raided the identified location. During the operation, Tik and cash to the value believed to be the proceeds of crime was confiscated.
“The police will continue with their collaborative efforts to bring perpetrators of drug dealing to book and requested the community to anonymously report any information regarding drug dealing to the police,” said Shemane.
A 54-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to three life sentences by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping a girl (12). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the first incident took place at Seven Miles village, near Mothibistad on 25 October 2019 around 8am.
Shemane said, the aunt of a girl, was summoned by the school because the victim was having abnormal pains and was previously admitted to hospital. He further said, the victim told her aunt and teacher that, she has been raped by the accused since 2018 to October 2019.
“In the first incident, the victim reported and narrated to her aunt that, when she was sent to take food to her other aunt, she was sexually assaulted. The victim indicated that on arrival, her aunt was not home, but found the suspect at her aunt’s house.
“The suspect then grabbed her and took her to his bedroom, undressed and forcefully raped her inside his house. The suspect then threatened her with injury if she told anyone of the assault,” said Shemane.
He added that the second incident took place when the victim went past the suspect’s house. Shemane said the suspect called the victim and took her inside the shanty.
“He locked it and forcefully raped the victim. In the third incident in June 2019, a rape case was opened. The victim was taken to hospital and the suspect was arrested.
“The bail was opposed until the completion of the matter. On 3 August 2023, the Mothibistad Regional Court convicted and sentenced the accused to three life sentences. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered into the national sexual offenders’ register,” he said.
Shemane said the accused was also declared unfit to work with children.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded D/Sgt Precious Shoeman for her thorough and meticulous investigation that led to the life-long incarceration of the perpetrator. Otola said there is no place for such criminals in society.
“We will remain steadfast in ridding them from our communities. The members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) will remain committed in fighting crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups,” she said.
The Guardian 