A 45-YEAR-OLD man, who is a foreign national, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine worth R2.2 million in South Africa. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, the multi-disciplinary team was conducting a cross-border operation on 28 August 2022.
“Resultantly, the suspect was arrested after a taxi travelling from Botswana to South Africa was searched and three bags of cocaine were allegedly found hidden in false compartments of his two backpacks.
“The Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng and officials of the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry arrested him. He will make his first appearance before the Lehurutse Magistrate’s Court on 30 August 2022, where he will be facing charges of Contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992,” she said.
Rikhotso said, the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the excellent work by the police.
Picture: The Community In Blue patrollers in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The residents of Huhudi Township near Vryburg welcomed the Community In Blue patrollers in their areas. This comes after the alleged high rate of crime being experienced in the area recently.
One of the community leaders, Samma Sibi said, they are grateful to launch this initiative as it aims at achieving more effective crime control, reducing fears of crime, improved police services through proactive partnerships and programs with the police.
Sibi further said, they are working in partnership with the Huhudi Police Station in a quest to solve safety problems.
“The initiative is supported by the South African Police Services (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995 that mandates all station commissioners to establish these forums at the station level. So, we are happy that the Huhudi Police Station has launched this initiative for the very first time.
“The safety of our community is our concern, so we started at Huhudi stadium and we will be here until tomorrow morning. There is an ongoing North West Traditional Doctors conference currently taking place here too,” Sibi said.
He urged people to support this initiative to make their township a free crime zone. Sibi further said, those who have questions or need any clarity can call the Huhudi Police Station at (053) 928-4066.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said in order for this community policing to be achievable, South Africa has in its Constitution Act 108 of 1996 entrenched the establishment of Community Police Forums (CPFs).
“The Community in Blue Patrollers program was formulated and is in line with the community policing approach and national development plan. The aim of the program is to motivate communities to play an active role in community safety by reporting criminal activities such as suspicious behaviours and actively joining the police in preventing crime through visibility.
“So, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Huhudi Township managed to launch their Community In Blue patrollers and commenced with their patrolling duties under the supervision of the Huhudi Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mbotho,” she said.
Van Rooyen added that, the program was not specifically started because there is a high rate of crime in the area, but this is a national program, that must be rolled out at all police stations throughout South Africa.
She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) needs the community to come on board in ensuring safer communities for all and this program will help to achieve that goal.
A fraud case against a former bookkeeper at RK Henderson & Associates, Lazarus William Meas (48) has been transferred to the Kimberley Specialized Commercial Crime Court.
Meas, was served with the summons to appear in court after he allegedly unlawfully and with the intent to defraud, misrepresented to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner, and submitted a nil income tax return.
However, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said, the accused allegedly knew that he received an amount of R2 294 699, and SARS suffered actual prejudice amounting to R856 609.
“It is further alleged that, during 2013, the accused did unlawfully and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to the SARS commissioner, and submitted an income tax return of R914 650.
“Meas allegedly knew that, he received an amount of R2 212 934 and an amount of R914 650.00. The SARS commissioner suffered actual prejudice amounting to R810 506.74.,” Thebe said.
The accused appeared before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022 and the case was postponed to 2 November 2022.
Picture: Two houses and a vehicle that was allegedly torched by accused
By OBAKENG MAJE
A case of arson against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung will resume at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022. 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) who are out on R500 bail each, were nabbed two months ago by the police during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses, and a vehicle, including looting alcohol from Disoufeng tavern. They accused the tavern owner and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) of murder.
It is alleged that Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Upon arrival, the group of men allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. Subsequently, the accused allegedly transported Mothibedi to Manthe clinic where he was declared dead on his arrival.
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. They are expected to appear in court on 21 July 2022 and investigations into the matter continue.”
Meanwhile, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng, who is representing all seven accused confirmed that, his clients were charged with three counts of arson including looting.
“When we discuss the matter from a legal point of view, there is what we call a recent possession. For example, you burn the house now and you are arrested immediately. However, the incident took place three months ago, and only now, have the police arrested my clients.
“In actual fact, it took them three months to make arrests. All along, the police went out to look for statements, which might be true or not,” he said.
Picture: A former policeman, Itumeleng Godfrey Setatwe/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) will be back in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022 for a formal bail application. This comes after Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station working for a stock-theft unit, was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen goats on 20 August 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police, while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.
“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.
“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.
Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody and he is expected to make a formal bail application today.
Picture: The Comrade Marathon winner, Morena Tete Dijana/Twitter
By REGINALD KANYANE
South African athlete, Morena Tete Dijana won the prestigious Comrade Marathon in 2022. Dijana, who was born in Lonely Park village, near Mahikeng, puts on a masterclass to clinch the title in 5:30:36 minutes time.
Dijana is working as a security guard at the North West University (NWU) from Mahikeng campus but took a leave a few months ago in preparation for the Comrade Marathon. He has been running from an early age, whilst a learner at Lapologang Secondary School.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said: “Dijana’s story personifies tenacity. The people of the province personify what I said in my maiden State of the Province Address (SOPA) when I quoted Nigerian author and Poet, Ben Okri.
“We are people who have the capacity to endure and turn around our lives no matter the challenges confronting us. This continues to demonstrate that the province is abundant with talented people.”
Hot on Dijana’s heels, was another athlete, Edward Mothibi, who hails from Sekhing village in Taung. Mothibi was the Comrade Marathon’s defending champion in the men’s category.
Maape also congratulated a female athlete, Adele Broodryk from Potchefstroom, who obtained 3rd position in the women’s marathon. The mother of two who is also a Lecturer at the North West University (NWU) was competing for the first time in the Comrades Marathon.
“We have been working hard in resuscitating and promoting sports in various parts of the province and our efforts are now paying dividends. Plans are already underway to give the champion and all those who participated in the marathon a heroic welcome,” he said.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating after winning WAFCON/Google
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Women’s African Cup of Nation (WAFCON) champions, Banyana Banyana are set to square it up against the Copa América Femenina winners, Brazil in a two-match encounter. The first match is scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium on 2 September 2022 (kick-off is at 6pm), while the second leg will take place three days later at a venue to be confirmed.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the team to face Brazil. Ellis turned to the players, who won the WAFCON title last month, and they will test themselves against the Samba girls.
She said this match is part of the SASOL-sponsored side’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next year.
“The preparations [for the World Cup] have started very well. We are very grateful to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SASOL for getting us such quality opposition.
“You always want to test yourself against better opposition. We could not have asked for better opposition. There is a rich history between South Africa and Brazil. We played against them before in Rio and Bafana Bafana have played against them before,” she said.
Brazil won Copa América Femenina after beating hosts, Colombia 1-0 in July, while Banyana Banyana clinched WAFCON’s biggest prize after beating Morocco 2-1 last month. Both sides have qualified for the Women’s World Cup next year.
The squad is assembling for camp on 28 August 2022 at the Holiday Inn, Johannesburg (Sunnyside Park Hotel).
North West police said the investigation in a murder case of Mojorosi Lecholo,27, from Majaneng village, near Taung, is still underway. The police spokesperson in North West, Capt Aafje Botma said this comes after the discovery of the body of the deceased with head injuries in a watercourse on 19 August 2022.
“The police divers assisted with the search and recovery of the body of a man approximately aged 27 in the Hartsriver near Magojaneng village. He was discovered in a stream of water at about 3:30pm.
“A post-mortem will be done to determine the cause of the death. The deceased had head injuries and subsequently, a case of the inquest was opened. However, it was changed to murder after preliminary investigations,” she said.
Picture: The missing Magdeline Mashao Nthunya/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 58-YEAR-OLD woman from Phase 3 Section, in Hebron near Ga-Rankuwa who is mentally retarded went missing. The police in Hebron request the community’s assistance to locate Magdeline Mashao Nthunya (58), who was last seen on 22 August 2022.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Nthunya was last seen by her daughter at around 10am. Funani said according to information, the missing person was left at Bosman Street in Pretoria Central Business District(CBD) by her son, but she never returned home that day.
“A search was conducted, without any success. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a multi-colored dress, a grey jacket, a pair of black sneakers, and a black hat. She has a fair complexion, a slender body structure with a gold tooth and a beard on the chin.
“In addition, she is mentally challenged. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Lucky Makhubele of Hebron Detectives on Cell: 076 510 8235. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
Picture: North West model, Taahirah Zungu after being crowned Miss Intercontinental SA 2022
By OBAKENG MAJE
When the North West model, Taahirah Zungu (21) began her journey in the modelling industry, she showed some great traits and pedigree to conquer the world. Now, twelve years later, she can now count her endless achievements.
Zungu, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022 last week, displayed her unmatched experience and pedigree during a fiercely contested competition.
“It was an honour to be crowned by Miss South Africa 2010, Mrs Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala. I am so excited to start my reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022. The pageant competition was promoted on social media and I was scouted on 16 March 2022.
“I have always looked up to my sisters, while growing up. They always took care of themselves and I liked how confident they were. They both have a history in the modelling industry,” she said.
Zungu said, even though there were challenges along the way, they never deterred her because she kept her eyes on the bigger picture. She further said challenges will always be there, but what is important is to be persistent.
“Remember, those challenges do not bring you down, but only nurture you and make you stronger. You know, I would sometimes doubt myself and overthink a lot.
“However, the enormous support that I received from my family was amazing. I also managed to complete my studies at the North West University (NWU) in Mahikeng campus,” said Zungu.
The founder of Taahirah Modelling Academy (TMA) has a Degree in Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Human Movement Sciences. She has won 17 pageant titles under her name as a model and now mentors up to 40 aspiring models across North West.
“A few months ago, I did a TMA presentation to President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Imbizo, while visiting the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub. The academy does not only focus on runway, pageantry, or photo-modeling. We also focus on life skills training and public speaking.
“We live in a digital world and technology is growing with time. So, that is why TMA is in partnership with the Hub in a quest to implement 4IR to the academy by means of holograms and virtual rooms,” said Zungu.
She added: “This is set to be completed in five years and is a great opportunity for the Ngaka Modiri Molema youth as it will give the participants an opportunity to participate in 4IR programs.
“We also have various projects under the Hub and one of them is being the Face of Ngaka Modiri Molema, which started in 2021. It is a beauty pageant that aims to empower and grow the youth. It lays a solid foundation for them to be ready for the world and stimulate their power.”
Speaking about Women’s month, an enthusiastic Zungu said, she is proud to be a woman because women are fighters. She added that, she will continue to vanguard for women and fight patriarchy within the society.
Meanwhile, the Mahikeng Local Municipality mayor, Tshepiso Mphehlo said: “We want to congratulate Ms Zungu on her achievements. She will be representing South Africa at the Miss Intercontinental competition, which will be held in Egypt later this year.
“Zungu aims to bring on board the local and district municipalities to the various youth projects she will be focusing on during her reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa.”
The Guardian 