Picture: Pudimoe man, Oratile Mangwekea (23) went missing
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West police request the public to assist them in locating Oratile Mangwekea (23) of house no. 397 Matlhako II village near Pudimoe. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Mangwekea went missing on 26 December 2020.
“He was last seen near Randos tavern in Pudimoe wearing a dusty pink t-shirt, with light blue jeans, black cap, and Puma takkies. Police are appealing to anyone who may have information about Mangwekea’s whereabouts to contact D/Sergeant Nombulelo Segosapelo on 082 416 2133 or call South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111,” Mokgwabone said.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Mmoloki Cwaile
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Community of Ntswanahatshe village and its neighbouring areas such as Moretele and Maganeng said it is fed up with the lack of water. Now, the community members threatened to barricade N18 road that links Vryburg and Kimberley in protest.
One of the community leaders, Mothusi Dikwelane said it has been months without water. Dikwelane further said they have tried to engage with the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), North West Office of the Premier and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, but their plea fell on deaf ears.
“We will engage in a consultative meeting with community members to map a way forward. All these villages are affected by lack of water and it’s been months. What is very surprising is that our reservoir is full, but we continue to experience water scarcity.
“We have been trying to engage with Sedibeng Water as the service provider for years, but we do not get any lasting solution. We have also engaged with various government departments since last year, but we only get a temporary solution,” he said.
Dikwelane added that around April 2020, the government introduced the tinkering system to try and resolve water shortage water, but only two tanks were allocated for the whole area and it is not enough. He said the government also failed to ensure that those tanks are always filled with water.
“It’s been months since they filled those tanks with water. What is worse, our area was allocated only two tanks which are not enough to cater for the whole village.
“How come our government encourages people to constantly wash their hands in a fight against COVID-19, but they failed to ensure that there is a provision of water?” he asked.
Another resident in Tlapeng village near Pampierstad shared the same sentiments.
Emmanuel Tong said: “What we need from the Coghsta department is only bulk water for those pipes at the Pampierstad reservoir. The Coghsta department promised us the bulk water since 2010 and last year at Mankuroane council meeting, they said our bulk water project has been approved.
“They were supposed to deal with that issue last year, maybe that could have delayed the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area. So, in the meantime, we need Jojo tanks while they are still busy processing this bulk water issue.”
However, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Mmoloki Cwaile said they are working around the clock to redress the water scarcity across the province.
Cwaile said he had engaged in a consultative meeting with all municipalities, Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Boards, Salga, and many other various role players to come up with a lasting solution to the water challenges.
“Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continues to experience challenges on and around the issues of provision of water. However, we can assure you that the Department of Water and Sanitation has committed that the Bona Bona Water project would find expression in their next financial year plans.
“The Greater Taung Water Treatment Plant is being completed and it is on and around 90%. However, the project was delayed due to tribal leadership and also disruptions by the local businesspersons for almost the period of two years,” said Cwaile.
He further said they will ensure that they provide water for human consumption, industrial use and for food security. Cwaile added that they already have irrigation system in place around Ga-Maraga and Taung that just need to be connected to supply water for the purpose of irrigations and the water will be available for consumption.
“We have the project that relates to Bloemhof water scheme and it is planned for the medium-term expenditure framework period and we are in an agreement that should be implemented on a multiple-year period.
“Mamusa Bulk Line, there were plans in place but they were not able to be implemented due to the unavailability of funds. The provincial department had used its own provincial Infrastructure Grant (PIG) at some extent to refurbish water treatment plant,” he said.
Cwaile said they have also taken into consideration that in other areas there is no underground water hence they implemented a tinkering system as other means. He also applauded the efforts made by the Department of Agriculture after drilling on and around 16 boreholes in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region for purposes of livestock.
“This will serve a positive purpose as they provide a form of relief. The water will be available for animal use and plantation. The challenge surrounding the leaking of pipes for the supply of Naledi, are being redressed by Sedibeng Water even though there is an issue around payments between Sedibeng Water and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“We hope this matter will be resolved and there will be alternative means for the reservoirs in Naledi to be filled with water. This includes the new developmental areas and we are making a difference there,” said Cwaile.
He said they will continue to speed up the process of implementing other interventions including how they will mitigate against the water losses due to leaks or poor workmanship, the aging of pipes, and vandalism.
Cwaile further said they have also realised that there is unaccounted water because of un-metered water supply to new extension areas due to expanding communities. He added that there is also another issue of dysfunctional meters that needs to be recalibrated.
“We are working on a process of utilising the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG). Support agency has deployed its capacity in more than 19 municipalities and they are assisting us in various areas including water, roads, electricity and maintenance of plants.
“On water, they are dealing with leaks as a short term and equality of water in medium-term, while they intending to increase the availability of water in a long term process. They have also developed 40 frameworks that can be used by the municipality to support the Supply Chain Management processes,” said Cwaile.
He outlined that one of their challenges was planning and implementation of projects and the usage of cash flow. Cwaile said the usage of cash flow does not necessary supporting the basic services but they are making a redress and establish their own understanding in making this intervention work.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation is having its own internal infrastructure directorate that we are hoping that they are working on increasing their capacity. Salga has also presented a progressive program on how we can intervene on non-revenue water and we are in agreement.
“We will have them available for our purpose. We will continue to use the tinkering system even if we discourage it and we believe it should not be permanent. Vandalism indicates that there is a syndicate, but we hope to bring interventions to resolve those challenges,” he said.
COVID-19 infection cases continue to soar in the North West as the province surpasses 40 000. According to statistics, the province has a total number of 40 185 confirmed cases and recorded 664 cases in the last 24 hours.
However, the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro who is also the chairperson of the North West Provincial Coronavirus Command Council (NWPCCC) said they have met recently to reflect on the provincial approach to managing the spread of the virus, including how the provincial government will coordinate the return to work in January.
Mokgoro said the NWPCCC also discussed how the province will respond swiftly to disasters that could emanate from the above-average rainfalls expected during this period.
“In welcoming reports from various departments including Social Development, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Community Safety and Transport Management, Agriculture and Rural Development, Education and Health, the Command Council agreed to locate all government activities responding to the surge within the District Development Model, and ensure that structures such as Community Policing Forum, Community Health Workers and Community Development Workers continue to play an essential role in curbing the spread.
“The Command Council raised a concern about the continuing non-adherence to health protocols particularly at various post offices where Covid-19 social relief of distress grants are collected and directed the law enforcement and compliance officers to closely monitor these areas during this period, and enforce compliance,” he said.
Mokgoro added that as all types of social gatherings are during alert level 3 prohibited, the law enforcement and compliance officers were also directed to monitor community behaviour and adherence to the set regulations, including the number of people attending funerals and adherence to the curfew hours.
He said with the number of hospital cases steadily increasing in Bojanala Platinum District which is now a hotspot, the Command Council received a report on the department of Health’s state of readiness to respond to the surge, including the continuous monitoring of hospitals’ capacity to admit patients.
“I would like to emphasise the need for communities to adhere to the set alert level 3 regulations. The pressure that health workers are going through can be reduced, if we could all stay home, respect all health protocols, and observe the rules of the road when traveling during this holiday period.
“The Command Council welcomed a report by the Department of Social Development on the appointment of additional Social Workers and Community Development Practitioners for COVID-19 related interventions, and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide activists for department’s 365 programs,” said Mokgoro.
He further said the department also reported on its readiness in so far as social relief of distress is concerned, saying additional food parcels have been arranged for distribution where needed across the four districts of the province.
Mokgoro said the Command Council also stressed the importance of public communication and awareness, saying reminding people that COVID-19 is upon us remains critical.
“More than ever before, we have to maintain our vigilance and prevention behaviours. The prevention measures include the wearing of masks when in public spaces, washing of hands regularly or using an alcohol-based sanitizer and maintaining social distance, remain as critical now as they have ever been.
“The Provincial Command Council will continue to meet on weekly basis to receive progress reports from various departments, including those from the District Command Councils,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Command Council virtual meetings were attended by Ministers and Deputy Ministers deployed to the province as National District Champions, the MECs, Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Chairperson of SALGA, SAPS, Heads of Department, and Section 100 Administrators.
South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities created amid COVID-19. In his statement, Ramaphosa said even though there is no corner of the earth, nor any part of the country that has been unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic, there are abundant opportunities out there.
“I call on entrepreneurs of our nation to seize the abundant opportunities that this historic development will present to explore new markets and build new partnerships.
“This is an opportunity to empower the women of Africa through special trade arrangements, financial inclusion, and preferential access to government and private sector procurement. This year will require our greatest effort and resilience,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the country enters a New Year ready to rebuild the economy, revive businesses and restore jobs. He further said they will continue their drive for new investment.
“Working together in partnership, we are undertaking an ambitious recovery plan to build new roads and water projects, human settlements, and power generation plants.
“We have made important progress in vital economic reforms to ensure we have a secure supply of affordable energy that we have cheaper, faster, and more accessible broadband, and that our ports and railways are more efficient and more competitive,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they are creating public employment opportunities that contribute to the betterment of people’s lives, and providing greater support to the small businesses that drive growth and create jobs.
Ramaphosa further said they are also accelerating the redistribution of land and improving the support provided to beneficiaries too.
“Through this work, we are transforming our economy, enabling more black people, women and young people to participate in, and benefit from, activities from which they had previously been excluded.
“Due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, we have had to learn to work, to learn, to trade, and to socialise in new and different ways. We have harnessed technology as never before to keep our economy working,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the country need to use the great advances it has made to shape a new world of work that is more productive, more efficient, and more focused on the needs of people. He also said the birth of the African Continental Free Trade Area will fundamentally change the economic fortunes of our continent.
“It is the start of a new era of trade between African countries, when the continent will produce the goods and services it needs when its economies will grow, industrialise and diversify, when it will realise the great potential of its abundant natural resources.
“The pandemic has demonstrated people’s great capacity for cooperation, solidarity, and shared endeavour. The country is facing the resurgence of COVID-19, which may be even worse than the first wave,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, while they are greatly encouraged by the progress made in developing an effective vaccine, they know that it will be some time before the pandemic ends.
“The past year has shown what we are capable of when we are united and when we work together for the good of all. It is this spirit that will carry us into the New Year, and which will enable us to prevail and to prosper.
“I wish you a happy and healthy 2021 and it will be challenging and difficult. The coronavirus has devastated lives and destroyed livelihoods, caused great pain, and left many people hungry and destitute,” said Ramaphosa.
He said at the same time, the pandemic has brought people together. Ramaphosa said globally, the countries of the world have worked together to share information and resources.
“Our continent, under the leadership of the African Union, came together to develop a common response to this pandemic, and found an innovative way to ensure all countries have access to essential medical supplies.
“We have gone out to the rest of the world to advocate for debt relief and to mobilise funds for Africa’s coronavirus response and for its economic recovery. In the face of this unprecedented crisis, South Africans have demonstrated the true meaning of ubuntu,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the people have taken responsibility for each other’s welfare, by donating their time, energies, and resources. He said South Africans have mobilised the nation’s resources under difficult conditions and in a very short space of time to support poor families, protect jobs, and keep businesses afloat.
AFASA president, Jacob Mthembu said: “If we are to enjoy the fruits of our harvest and the rewards of our toil, we need to be alive, we need this economy to function. We need the customer to be there to buy our produce. Government is not perfect.
“It has and continues to do its best and so should we. We call upon all of us to take our national duty and responsibility seriously. After all, we are our brother’s/sister’s keeper. We owe it to ourselves, to our kids, and succeeding generations.”
Picture: Taung community members embark on a peaceful march amid GBV and Femicide atrocities
By OBAKENG MAJE
Taung community says is living in fear after recent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) atrocities. This comes after Thando Valebyi (30) was stabbed to death allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, Neo Kgwapi (23).
It is alleged that Valebyi was approached by Kgwapi while sitting at Teachers’ Tavern (TT) at Lokaleng village near Taung on Friday. The commotion ensued between the two and Kgwapi allegedly left. According to the reports, Kgwapi returned at a later stage armed with a knife.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Funani said: “The suspect stabbed the woman with a knife on the neck. The victim died while in transit to the hospital. The suspect was also taken to hospital after being assaulted by two males who saw him stabbing the victim.
“The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.”
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident which occurred within the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
Meanwhile, the community of Taung led by the Taung Men against GBV and Femicide chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane submitted a memorandum of demands to the Taung Police Station today. Mokgejane said they have embarked on a peaceful march to address various issues.
“Most of community members are often dissatisfied because of poor service rendered by the Taung Police Station. We, therefore, demand a proper and improved service from the SAPS to the community.
“Police often take time to respond when GBV matters are reported. SAPS must improve its response when GBV incidents are reported. They must also increase social crime officers to improve quick response and give much-needed attention to GBV cases,” he said.
Mokgejane added that the police must also ensure that the evidence collection is done thoroughly within 24 hours of the incidents. He said case investigators must improve their communication with the victims too.
“There is a murder case of Onalenna Chiocha, who was murdered more than two years ago and there is no update on this case until today. We demand a full investigation report and progress made in this case.
“There is a rape case of a 10-year-old girl, which the case was opened on Monday. We call for no bail for the arrested suspect and also demand the immediate arrest of the other suspect. We urge the justice system to ensure that both suspects get harsher sentences,” said Mokgejane.
He also urged the police to ensure that no dockets go missing as that will result on unsuccessful prosecution of the perpetrators. Mokgejane further said there is an attempted murder case of Nthabiseng Lekaota, which the docket was lost and the case was struck off the roll.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of this case and police must provide a detailed explanation to the victim about the lost docket. State resources must also be used only for SAPS matters and not personal so that the limited resources are stretched to cover our area and its demands.
“We request that new police stations be built in other areas. We cannot have four police stations serving over 100 villages with an average distance of 10km with poor access and public transport,” he said.
Mokgejane said they would appreciate if their demands are auctioned and responded to within 14 days.
Taung Police Station deputy Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Anah Makame said: “I would like to appreciate you, the community of Taung for taking a stand and addressing your grievances. I would make sure that this memorandum reaches the relevant people and respond accordingly to your grievances within scheduled time.”
The murder case against Kgwapi was postponed to 18 December 2020 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application.
Dealsville-born gospel artist, Nyakallo Bangiwe is over the moon after his music continues to receive a high rotation across the country. Bangiwe (25) who has just released an enormous single called Ngihamba No’ Jesu where he featured the world-renowned gospel artist, Dumi Mkokstad, said his music is well-executed and provides that redemptive act.
“It was my dream as an upcoming artist to feature Dumi Mkokstad in one of my singles one day. So, when my manager, Tshidiso Moreane came up with the idea, I was over the moon. I do not how Moreane knew that my dream was to record a single with Mokstad, but I believe God works in mysterious ways.
“We met with Mkokstad in Middleburg at a funeral and both parties had a consultative engagement. I was happy when we reached an agreement with Mkokstad’s management team,” he said.
Bangiwe added that they left for Durban a few weeks after that. He said they were actually supposed to record another single with another well-known gospel artist, Lindani Gumede but things did not work out accordingly.
“Unfortunately, when we arrived in Durban, we found Gumede gravely-ill and we could not record a single with him. However, we managed to record a single with Mkokstad titled Ngihamba No’ Jesu. I believe that God was on our side hence we managed to fulfill our dream,” said Bangiwe.
He further sent his regards to his fans across the country, especially to Taung fans. According to Bangiwe, he received unwavering support from his supporters while visiting the area recently.
“Currently, what is happening in my life is because of God’s work. Remember, when God shows up, he shows-off. So, I would like to encourage anyone who is either facing some difficulties in his/her life not to lose hope because God is in charge.
“I have received unwavering and enormous support from the people of Taung. I love them so much and may almighty continue to bless and protect them. Taung is my second home and some of the fans jokingly said they have now adopted me,” he said.
Bangiwe said his music has received a high rotation play across all radio stations in the country and that is a great achievement for him. He has recently performed in various areas like at Bojanala FM and also held a ‘Night of Worship’ in Mokgareng village, in Taung.
“The event was held as a worship and prayer ceremony to ensure that God gives us the strength to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also heading towards the festive season and we also like to invite God to be with us all the way.
“Let us all adhere to COVID-19 regulations and ensure that we overcome the pandemic. I would also like to encourage our society to ensure that we take part in a fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” said Bangiwe.
He said the country is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children and he encouraged men to take a stand and be counted.
Meanwhile, Are Goleng Music production stable owner and a humanitarian, Tshidiso Moreane said: “Bangiwe is an amazing person to work with. He is one artist that produces art that is true. I always say Christian artists must produce art that corresponds to Christianity.
“We have a project where we will be collaborating with one of the powerhouse gospel artists in Kwazulu-Natal and we are upbeat about that. Bangiwe is spiritually gifted and people enjoy his music. My dream is to see his music appealing internationally and breaking all barriers.”
Moreane said it has only been three years since he met Bangiwe but they have achieved a lot together. He added that Bangiwe has released two albums such as Hao Motswalle A Fetang Jesu and Araba Jesu and they are doing well.
“Bangiwe’s music has received a high rotation on various radio stations and gospel TV channels. His CDs are also selling like hotcakes and we are happy. Our people in Taung showed us some love and bought most of our CDs.
“To get Bangiwe’s music, our people can download it online. We are planning to release the new album, but we still need to engage few female artists to release more singles before the album,” he said.
Wolmaranstad cop has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless/ negligent driving. This comes after the ‘drunken’ cop wearing a full police uniform seen in a video that went viral on social media platforms struggling to stand steady on his feet to inspect the state motor vehicle.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The South African Police Service (SAPS) management is appalled by an unprofessional and unbecoming conduct of a constable stationed at Wolmaransstad in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
“The video was captured by the members of the community in Wolmaranstad on Saturday. In the video, a drunken constable in full uniform is seen struggling to stand steady on his feet to inspect the state motor vehicle and check what appears to be a scratch.”
Mokgwabone said the damage was apparently caused by a collision of the state vehicle with a fence at Extension 10 in Tswelelang Location in Wolmaransstad. He added that the police was a driver at the time of the incident.
“Subsequent to the incident, a case of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless and/or negligent driving was opened for investigation, while the constable was detained.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the constable is not authorised to drive a state motor vehicle. As a result, he will also face an additional charge of use of a motor vehicle without owner’s consent,” said Mokgwabone.
He said the departmental investigation will also be instituted against the police officer in terms of SAPS Discipline Regulations.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena expressed his disapproval of the cop’s conduct. Kwena said that all SAPS members are obliged at all times to conduct themselves in a professional manner and adhere to the code of conduct including using available resources responsibly and to take into account the needs of the community.
The constable was released on R500 bail and is expected back at the Wolmaranstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West reacted with shock to the acquittal of two Coligny farmers, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte who was previously found guilty of killing a teenager, Matlhomola Mosweu (16) after accusing him of stealing a sunflower heads back in 2017.
In March 2019, the North West High Court sitting in Mafikeng found Schutte and Doorewaard guilty of murder and sentenced them both to 23 and 18 years in jail respectively.
However, in November 2019, the duo took their matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein and were granted R20 000 bail pending leave to appeal against their conviction and sentence.
On Friday, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturns convictions and sentences against them.
Now, the SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “The civic organisation described the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) overruling the conviction of Doorewaard and Schutte as a probable miscarriage of justice.
“The ruling which effectively frees the alleged murderers convicted for Mosweu’s ghastly murder gives credence to the assertion that “black lives do not matter” and that there is seemingly no justice for the poorest of the poor who are facing worst atrocities in rural communities.”
Sebegoe further said the perceptions that perpetrators of violent crimes will walk scot-free, while victims are buried six-feet under will continue to haunt the historically marginalised until those responsible for the teenager’s gruesome murder are behind bars. He also expressed concern that the appeal ruling which was delivered in the wake of resurgence of racism will heighten racial tensions.
“This will undoubtedly reopen wounds that were beginning to heal in the hope that justice had been served,” he said.
Meanwhile, Civil rights organisation AfriForum, which funded the appeal case, has welcomed the acquittal, TimesLive reports.
“We are very thankful for the acquittal of Schutte and Doorewaard. AfriForum has said from the very beginning that the state’s only witness lied and, therefore, the organisation decided to finance the application for appeal.
“AfriForum has covered the full costs of the application for appeal because we believed in their innocence and today justice was served,” said Kallie Kriel, AfriForum CEO.
AfriForum had previously criticised the NPA’s failure to consider cellphone records which would have shown that the witness could have not seen what happened, given the distance away he was at the time of the incident.
Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) called for united action against the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide. This comes after the Atamelang Regional Court sentenced Buti George Lebitsa (43) to 15 years imprisonment for murder of his girlfriend, Thembi Lobakaeng (32).
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the duo had an argument on 29 September 2019 in their shack at Senthumule Extension 8, Delareyville. Myburgh said Lebitsa was seen leaving their home the following morning and upon further investigation, the neighbours found Lobakaeng’s lifeless body lying on her bed with head injuries.
“She was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Excellent investigative work by Sergeant Ofentse Petrus Molusi of the Delareyville Detectives led to the arrest of Lebitsa a day later. Bail was successfully opposed, thus, Lebitsa has been in custody since his arrest,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the detectives for their tireless efforts that ascertained that the accused is convicted.
MMF Chairperson, Senior Pastor Moss Tlalang said: “The inter-denominational fraternal of five-fold ministries described the GBV pandemic as an abomination that must be confronted wherever it raises its ugly head.
“The the deafening silence of the church and traditional institutions around interpersonal GBV often being committed by intimate partners and known acquaintance is a betrayal of women and children who have had to endure worst atrocities at the hands of unrepented perpetrators.”
Tlalang also challenged the REAL men to stand up to be counted in the 365 days campaign. He said men must embrace the responsibility to model authentic values for the neglected boy children.
“The 16 days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign should therefore be a heightened awareness programme that supports the festive season crime prevention effort.
“We also, call for a concerted effort in partnership with churches to reach out to women and girl children who are the most vulnerable. The new normal must usher a season of hope, open dialogue and respect for the rights of women and children and translate into safer homes, protected neighbourhoods for our women to reclaim their streets,” said Tlalang.
Seven suspects aged between 23 and 38, were arrested by the North West police in Swartruggens for being in possession of suspected stolen goods and burglary. According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the police received information about a syndicate conspiring to commit a burglary at a store in Swartruggens recently.
“The suspects’ safe house was identified at Borolelo Location outside Swartruggens. Later at night, the suspects allegedly broke and gained entrance into a clothing store as well as a nearby supermarket. However, the suspects fled from the scene to the safe house after the activation of the security alarm.
“An intelligence-driven operation by the police resulted in the arrest of the suspects after keeping observation of them. The police entered the house and arrested them after they were found inside the house with wet and muddy clothes,” Myburgh said.
She added that subsequently, suspected stolen clothes and groceries were found. Myburgh further said the suspects appeared in Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 26 November 2020 and charged for being in possession of suspected stolen goods and burglary.
They will remain in custody until their next court appearance on 4 December 2020.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for their collaborative efforts that led to the success.
