Picture: A missing man, Ephrahim Kgotlaetsile Tele/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 November 2025 – The police in Brits request the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Ephrahim Kgotlaitsile Tele (56), who is residing at Vuka Section in Oukasie, near Brits. Tele was last seen by his sister on 30 August 2025, at around 8am, when she went to work.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said when she returned after work at around 6pm, Tele was missing. Myburgh said a search was conducted around Oukasie village, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black skinny jean, black long sleeve t-shirt and black and red tekkies that looks like all-star tekkies. He is mentally disabled, dark in complexion, weighs 60kg, 1.6m tall, with a slender build. He has black, short hair, with a black moustache and short beard.
“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Maiphitlo Lenard Thobaka on 071 674 8763. Alternatively, you can also contact your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
21 July 2025- Three individuals accused of business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2025. The trio was arrested in Soweto Township, in Johannesburg on 12 July 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane alleged that on 10 July 2025, at around 8am, a victim (36) was with his employees at his business premises in Moruleng village when two vehicles arrived, a white Kia sedan and a white VW Jetta. Tselanyane said the Kia vehicle was allegedly used to block the entrance of the business premises, while the VW Jetta occupants entered the premises and were all armed with firearms.
“Both vehicles had four male occupants each. They then proceeded to rob the victim of a cell phone, took cash from the till and forced him into their vehicle and drove away.
“Following this incident, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Mogwase and Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) Detectives, Provincial and National Crime Intelligence, Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), as well as the Hostage Negotiator were established,” he said.
Tselanyane further said on 12 July 2025, the team managed to identify the two vehicles used in the commission of crime and an intelligence-led operation was conducted to intercept a white Jetta with the assistance of Gauteng Police and security officers at Protea Glen Mall, Soweto wherein one suspect was apprehended. He added that later the same evening, the team proceeded back to Gauteng Province to trace outstanding suspects.
“The team proceeded to a certain house in Molapo in Soweto and managed to arrest another suspect. They confiscated a white Kia vehicle in the process. The second suspect led the team to his parental home as well as to a family member’s house, where firearms were hidden.
“Upon arrival at the premises, the family member was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, a Lorcin 9mm and another pistol. The family member was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and appeared in Soweto,” said Tselanyane.
He said the vehicles and firearms were confiscated. Tselanyane said three accused, Joseph Thabang Makgala (52), Lemmy Elias Nku (47) and Sello Gift Khasu (34), briefly appeared at Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 22 July 2025, for a formal bail application.
“Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These arrests are a strong warning and message to criminals that no matter where they are, they will be tracked down relentlessly and they will not be afforded the time and space to enjoy and benefit from their criminal ventures.”
The Guardian 