A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death by his cousin at Lokaleng village, near Taung on 6 January 2022. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, a fight ensued between the deceased, Tiro Luanga and the suspect, Tebogo Luanga (32).
Tselanyane said, the police were called to the Taung District Hospital, where they were shown the body of the deceased lying on the bed with a stabbing wound on his collarbone.
“The man was certified dead at the hospital and a murder case was opened. The suspect, Tebogo, was arrested and appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“He was remanded in custody until 16 January 2023, where he will be formally applying for a bail. The deceased was stabbed with a sharp object and the cause of the fight is unknown yet,” he said.
A boy (12) allegedly hanged himself at Qhoo village, near Taung. According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane, Ogorogile Motlhabinyane was left home with his younger brother (7) and cousin (6) by his mother.
Tselanyane said, the mother went to the nearest farm.
“On her return, she sent the deceased’s younger brother to call him from inside the house. However, the younger brother allegedly found Ogorogile hanging from the rafters of the roof.
“The police and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called to the scene. The EMRS paramedics certified Ogorogile dead on the scene and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Tselanyane said the police have opened an inquest case and no foul play is suspected.
A well-known lawyer, Tebogo Letloleng (42) will be sentenced by the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This comes after Letloleng pleaded guilty in a stock-theft case against him.
The embattled Letloleng was arrested on 2 December 2022 for stealing two cows worth R20 600. According to information, the incident took place at Manthe village, near Taung in 2021.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police found suspected stolen cows in Letloleng’s possession. Letloleng alleged that he found those cows in his kraal and the mistake he made was to brand-mark them.
However, the prosecutor condemned Letloleng’s action and said he does not show any remorse. He said, if Letloleng was genuine, he could have returned those cows to their rightful owners.
Now, Letloleng will be sentenced on Tuesday at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) calls for a direct imprisonment for Letloleng, but his lawyer urged the court to hand him a suspended sentence. Letloleng’s defence argued that, he has five children that he is taking care of and his incarceration might also jeopardise his career as a lawyer.
The court also heard that the controversial Letloleng had a damage to property case against him that took place back in 2004.
One of the owners of the stolen cows, Moses Phakedi (65) said, rural farmers are not only facing challenges of severe drought, but stock theft as well. Phakedi further said, the nature of this scourge extremely manifests itself in rural areas because it is not fully tackled by authorities.
Another owner, Edward Sereo (40) shared the same sentiments. Sereo said, livestock owners continue to bear the brunt and that affects their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the www.scielo.org.zasaid: “Rural communities regard livestock as living wealth and they are often their only source of income and sustenance. Thus, when their livestock are stolen many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods.
“But these farmers are not the only ones who suffer on account of stock theft. It also has a serious impact on commercial farmers, and thus the red meat industry as a whole. Stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community.”
The website added that: “The research reveals that an inadequate approach in dealing with stock theft in rural areas is prevalent. And in line with the importance of livestock, these species remain an absolute credit to South African rural livestock farmers’ families at large.
“However, the extent and dark figures of this crime undermine the capacity of the police, livestock farmers, and community members. The researchers are of the opinion that rural livestock farmers in South Africa have expressed concern over the rampant cases of stock theft. Undoubtedly, the escalating stock theft syndicate activities pose a threat to the community.”
It says, the livestock farmers’ concerned claim that those who have been arrested in connection with stock theft have not received appropriate punishment and the incidences of stock thefts are rising at an alarming rate, affecting their livelihoods.
Picture: The suspected stolen cows in Zeerust/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A well-known lawyer, Tebogo Letloleng (42) has pleaded guilty in a stock-theft case against him. The embattled Letloleng was arrested on 2 December 2022 for stealing two cows worth R20 600.
According to information, the incident took place at Manthe village, near Taung in 2021. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police found suspected stolen cows in Letloleng’s possession.
Letloleng alleged that he found those cows in his kraal and the mistake he made was to brand-mark them. However, the prosecutor condemned Letloleng’s action and said he does not show any remorse. He said, if Letloleng was genuine, he could have returned those cows to their rightful owners.
Now, Letloleng will be sentenced on Tuesday at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) calls for a direct imprisonment for Letloleng, but his lawyer urged the court to hand him a suspended sentence. Letloleng’s defence argued that, he has five children that he is taking care of and his incarceration might also jeopardise his career as a lawyer.
The court also heard that the controversial Letloleng had a damage to property case against him that happened back in 2004.
One of the owners of the stolen cows, Moses Phakedi (65) said, rural farmers are not only facing challenges of severe drought, but stock theft as well. Phakedi further said, the nature of this scourge extremely manifests itself in rural areas because it is not fully tackled by authorities.
Another owner, Edward Sereo (40) shared the same sentiments. Sereo said, livestock owners continue to bear the brunt and that affects their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the www.scielo.org.zasaid: “Rural communities regard livestock as living wealth and they are often their only source of income and sustenance. Thus, when their livestock are stolen many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods.
“But these farmers are not the only ones who suffer on account of stock theft. It also has a serious impact on commercial farmers, and thus the red meat industry as a whole. Stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community.”
The website added that: “The research reveals that an inadequate approach in dealing with stock theft in rural areas is prevalent. And in line with the importance of livestock, these species remain an absolute credit to South African rural livestock farmers’ families at large.
“However, the extent and dark figures of this crime undermine the capacity of the police, livestock farmers, and community members. The researchers are of the opinion that rural livestock farmers in South Africa have expressed concern over the rampant cases of stock theft. Undoubtedly, the escalating stock theft syndicate activities pose a threat to the community.”
It says, the livestock farmers’ concerned claim that those who have been arrested in connection with stock theft have not received appropriate punishment and the incidences of stock thefts are rising at an alarming rate, affecting their livelihoods.
The North West Department of Health has launched an investigation against the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) employee, who was in the company of an alleged prostitute, while driving an official branded state vehicle. This was captured on a video that went viral on various social media platforms.
It is alleged that the EMS officer, who was using a state vehicle for his own personal reasons, was stopped by the law enforcement officers. According to the department, the incident took place during the festive season.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The incident happened during the festive season when the department needed all its available resources to respond to medical emergencies. It is for this reason that the department applauds the law enforcement officers for their vigilance in monitoring the use of state vehicles.
“The normal procedures of dealing with this matter will be followed and it includes first suspending the official in question to allow investigations to proceed unhindered, then the investigation team will be appointed. The outcome of the investigation will determine the disciplinary processes.”
Lekgethwane further said, while members of the public and specifically social media users may have their own opinions about what transpired and what actions need to be taken, the department is pleading for space to proceed with the investigation and bring this matter to finality.
Picture: The contract workers thrashed official documents at Ditsobotla Local Municipality
By REGINALD KANYANE
The smooth running operation at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg, North West was affected on Wednesday (4 January 2023). This comes after disgruntled contract workers whose contracts were terminated in November 2022, allegedly went on a rampage and trashed official documents, which they collected from municipal offices in the streets.
On Wednesday (4 January 2023), the official documents could be seen strewn on the streets in Lichtenburg town. According to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) chairperson in Ditsobotla, Makebe Kgotlhabeng, the contract workers stormed into municipal offices and demand their December salaries.
However, Kgotlhabeng said even though they condemn the actions of the contract workers, the municipality should also take full responsibility of what happened.
“These workers continued to report for duty during December month without any written or verbal communication from the municipality regarding their contracts.
“However, they were told that their contracts were terminated when they demand December salaries. There were also allegations that, some contract workers were paid their December salaries, so that has sparked this action,” he said.
The municipality spokesperson, Pius Batsile said, they have probed allegations and investigations are underway.
“There are people who continue to spread wrong information that, there are some contract workers who were paid their December month salaries. Those rumours caused some contract workers to storm into the municipal offices and demand their December salaries from the municipality.
“However, as the municipality, we want to put it on record that no contract workers were paid December salaries. We have launched investigations into the matter to get to the bottom of it. So, if there is any truth to it, the municipality will pay those contract workers who have not received their December salaries,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms an incident in Ditsobotla, in which documents belonging to the municipality were destroyed and disposed of on the streets of Lichtenburg.
“It is unfortunate that the workers reacted in that manner and has called for stricter security measures to be put in place in all municipal buildings. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour, be it from officials, councillors nor members of the
The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of South African National Civic Association (SANCO) Provincial Organising Secretary, Pasture Maremo.
Maremo was involved in a tragic accident on R556 and R511 road (Rosslyn-Brits intersection) outside Brits on Wednesday around 11pm. The SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said Maremo, who was driving a Mercedes Benz SUV, collided with a truck.
He said Maremo was reportedly driving from a SANCO Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting that was held in Rustenburg on Wednesday on route home in Damonsville when he was involved in the fatal collision.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Maremo family, his friends, comrades and communities that he served. We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Maremo.
“He was a courageous leader of the civic movement as well as revolutionary alliance who served with loyalty and dedication to the very end. Maremo leaves behind a proud legacy of selfless community service as a unifier, true patriot as well as a visionary leader,” said Sebegoe.
He further emphasised that Maremo was steadfast in his conviction to reposition SANCO as the centre of influence that represents the aspirations of communities for a people centered and community driven development. Sebegoe added that Maremo, who was also elected councillor and appointed Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health at Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, left an indelible mark.
“Maremo, who cut his political teeth through trade union activism in the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), will be remembered for his principled leadership and unwavering commitment to collectivism. He was neither a populist nor a factional opportunist.
“A fitting tribute to this revolutionary cadre who led the vanguard of our communities with passion as well as integrity would be to unite SANCO, defend the unity of the revolutionary alliance, accelerate service delivery for the benefit of our communities and end the carnage on our public roads,” underscored Sebegoe.
Picture: A cash van allegedly bombed by suspects during Cash-in-Transit heist/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police have launched a manhunt following a Cash-in-Transit heist on N12 road between Wolmaranstad and Klerksdorp on Thursday morning. It is alleged that, a group of suspects travelling in four vehicles, rammed into a cash van that was enroute to Wolmaranstad.
The police national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, the incident took place at 7am in the morning and this caused the closure of N12 road. However, the road has since been opened for traffic.
“The suspects bombed the cash van and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. They are believed to have fled in the direction of Wolmaranstad in three vehicles, including a gold vehicle and two VW Polos.
“The suspects also made off with firearms belonging to the fidelity guards and two rifles have since been recovered. The communities’ assistance is required in this regard. The communities are warned that harbouring criminals is a criminal offence,” Mathe said.
A murder case against five men was postponed by the Koster Magistrate’s Court until 9 January 2022. Five accused, Stefan Nel (54), Donovan Martin (20), Mustafa Alberrtyn (39), Wayne Schroeder (52) and Adam Barnard (24) along with Lourene Janse van Niewenhuisen were arrested on 21 December 2022 following the disappearance of Klaas Mosimanyana Jobontho (32).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Jobontho was reported missing between 16 and 21 December 2022 in Koster. The police investigations led them to a plot in Doornlaagte. Upon their arrival, they were denied access by some of the accused.
“What became more suspicious to the police officers was people running between buildings upon their arrival. The police managed to gain entry and they allegedly discovered traces of blood on the floor and a sleeping bag.”
Mamothame further said, the trails of blood led the police to a storeroom, where they found a decomposed body with hands tied and indications of severe beating. He added that two firearms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Police investigations are still underway and a post-mortem is also conducted to establish the cause of death. All five accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, where they are expected to register a formal bail application.
“The charges against Lourene Janse van Niewenhuisen were provisionally withdrawn pending the outcome of the investigations. The accused are facing a charge of murder, defeating the ends of justice and possession of unlicensed firearms,” said Mothamme.
He said an application to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West for the matter to be transferred to the high court has also been submitted. Mamothame said the case was postponed to 9 January 2023 for the appointment of a Legal Aid attorney, for accused number 2 to 4 and for further investigations.
Community members in Scotland Informal Settlement near Coligny in North West, are up in arms after the partially decomposed body of a missing Johannes Mosiatana (32) was discovered at Rietvlei Farm. Some community members believe that Mosiatana, who was reported missing on 1 January 2023, was allegedly shot dead.
The deceased’s wife, Ritah Tau (23) said Mosiatana allegedly went to fetch woods in the forest at Rietvlei Farm on Sunday (1 January 2023), which is the same farm where a teenager, Matlhomola Mosweu (16) was killed back in 2017.
Mosweu was allegedly killed for stealing sunflower heads worth R80. Two men, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte were arrested and found guilty of killing Mosweu on April 20, 2017 after they allegedly pushed him out of a moving van.
Judge Ronald Hendricks found them guilty in October 2018 of murder, kidnapping, intimidation, theft and pointing a firearm. Doorewaard was sentenced to 18 years behind bars and Schutte handed 23 years.
However, Doorewaard and Schutte appealed their case and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) overturned the conviction.
“We were surprised after he did not return home. So, On Monday, we went to the Coligny Police Station to report a case of a missing person. The police along with the community members embarked on a search, but could not find him.
“However, we were shocked after his partially decomposed body was discovered on Wednesday (4 January 2023). We call on the police to investigate what really happened to Mosiatana. We are confused because some of the people who saw his body alleged that he had a bullet wound in his head,” she said.
Tau said she doesn’t even have money for the burial and calls on any good Samaritan to assist with funeral arrangements.
One of the community members, Mokano Molefe alleged that this is the fourth person being killed in the same area and there is no accountability. Molefe calls on the National Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Fannie Masemola and Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele to visit their area and address injustices that they continue to be subjected to by white people.
“We want justice to prevail because this is the fourth murder that took place in the same area and nothing is done about that. It cannot be normal for people to continue to either go missing or be killed, while the police are folding their arms.
“What is confusing is that people will go to the same forest to fetch woods, but surprisingly, they will either go missing or be killed. So, something is wrong in that farm and we call on the police to get to the bottom of it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane refuted allegations that Mosiatana was shot dead.
“We can confirm that the partially decomposed body of Mosiatana was discovered at Rietvlei Farm. However, the body had no visible injuries and we cannot confirm that he had a bullet wound in his head as post-mortem processes are still underway. Police investigation continues in the matter,” he said.
The Guardian 