Tag Archives: Lieutenant Colonel

SAPS making inroads in fighting GBVF

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it is continuing to accelerate its response to combat and prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through its intensified nationwide operations across the country. The SAPS said these operations and police actions carried out between 30 June 2025 to 6 July 2025 led to the arrest of 99 suspects for rape, Gauteng leading at 26 arrests.

The police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Vincent Mukhathi said in addition, police arrested 73 wanted rape suspects as well as 16 individuals tracked down for sexual offences in various provinces. Mukhathi said the SAPS is also focusing on community mobilization, enhancing better response, and strengthening collaboration with other government departments and community-based organisations in the fight against GBVF in the country.

“This week, the SAPS effected the key arrests for perpetrators of GVBF including arresting a man (29) in Limpopo for the alleged murder of his girlfriend (33) in Nailana village. He allegedly assaulted his girlfriend with sticks to death.

“He has already appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2025, facing charges of murder. In a separate case, Sanele Fakudze (37), Eswatini foreign national, was arrested in connection with a murder of a girl (4) and her 28-year-old mother found unconscious next to the road in Kaapmuiden, Mpumalanga Province,” he said.

Mukhathi said in addition, 8 July 2025, a man (40) was arrested for allegedly raping his ex-girlfriend (39) in Thohoyandou on 16 June 2025. He said the accused appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2025, on charges of rape.

“These arrests form part of the SAPS’s intensified 90-day blitz to combat and prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) across the country. Moreover, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) members successfully secured notable convictions during this period,” he said.

Mukhathi said in the months of May and June 2025, Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit detectives secured 21 life term sentences and an additional 1 420 years’ imprisonment to 40 accused for crimes committed against women and children. He said an accused (22), was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of the repeated rape of an 11-year-old girl in Mdantsane in August 2020.

“In Northern Cape, Calvinia Regional Court sentenced accused (40) to life imprisonment after being found guilty of raping three siblings aged between 4 and 11 years in October 2022.

“On 4 July 2025, the Burgersfort Regional Court sentenced a well-known hip-hop artist Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane (42) to three life terms imprisonment for three counts of rape of a boy (9) in Driekop village in November 2020,” said Mukhathi.

Mukhathi said the accused, Mosala Benito Ellester (22) sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a woman (64) in Phelindaba, Bloemfontein in December 2023. He said the police will continue to conduct their targeted operations to address criminal activities, including GBVF, and ensure safe and security of communities, especially women, children and vulnerable groups.

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Three separate road accidents on R31 road under investigations

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2025- The South African Police Service in Barkly West is currently investigating three separate motor vehicle accidents that occurred within a 24-hour period on the R31 road, near Barkly West, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said first accident took place on 6 April 2025, at 16:35, approximately 5km outside Barkly West, near Pniel.

Kock said an Isuzu mini-truck reportedly overturned and came to a halt off the roadway.

“Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered.

“Roughly an hour later, at around 17:30, a second collision occurred on the R31 near Gong-Gong, where it is alleged that an Audi and a BMW were attempting to overtake when they collided with a truck,” he said.

Kock further said a truck overturned and came to a standstill on its side in the middle of the road. He added that vehicle had a single occupant.

“Tragically, the driver of the Audi was declared deceased on the scene. The drivers of the BMW and the truck sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. The road was closed to traffic until approximately 3am on 7 April 2025.

“A culpable homicide investigation is underway by Barkly West SAPS. The third incident occurred early this morning, 7 April 2025, at about 05:30, approximately 15km, outside Barkly West on the R31,” he said.

Kock said a stationary truck, which had reportedly broken down on the roadside, was struck by another truck. He said the driver of the stationary vehicle was outside the truck at the time.

“The driver and passenger of the second truck sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered. The road was reopened at approximately 09:30 this morning.

“The police urge all motorists with any information related to these incidents to contact Barkly West SAPS Detectives at 082 458 9670,” said Kock.

He said motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling in wet weather conditions. Kock said they should refrain from speeding and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

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Police urge public to be vigilant this festive season

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 December 2024 – The police in the North West request the community to be vigilant during this time of the year (festive holiday season), which is known for specific crime dynamics ranging from alcohol abuse to more serious and violent crimes. In addition, schools have now been closed and families are preparing to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the public is therefore urged to be vigilant and adhere to safety hints. Tselanyane said they would like to advise the public to keep their homes safe in their absence.

“Ask your neighbours to take out the post. Post left in the mailbox says that nobody is home. Make sure you have good lighting. Do not leave the outside lights on during the day.

“Do not let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those whom you trust. Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars. If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately,” he said.

Tselanyane further said if they are going on a road trip, they should buckle up. He added that they should not drink and drive.

“Keep a safe following distance and they should not use up their energy on activities, which will increase their fatigue. Get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours. Plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight.

“Make sure your car is road worthy and ensure that you have a spare wheel and that it is in good condition with the necessary tools to change a tyre. Make sure your luggage is in the boot and that is closed properly,” he said.

Tselanyane said those who are driving should stop every two hours and take 15 minute breaks. He said if they feel tired or restless, they should pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little while.

“If you are travelling at night, be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles. Know where you are going, do not use unfamiliar routes to get home. Lock your doors and close windows.

“If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety. Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates. Do not wait for your passengers, drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors,” said Tselanyane.

He said they should never pick up hitchhikers. Tselanyane said drivers should not get out to assist someone, who seems to be in trouble but they should inform the police.

“To ensure your safety while shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of money. Do not leave valuable belongings in the trolley. Do not have your wallet or purse visible. Do not let money be too visible, especially large amounts,” he said.

Tselanyane urged the parents to hold their children’s hands and be alert of them at all times. He said they should always accompany them to the bathroom.

“If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money to share it, rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

“If you are a farmer, remember stock theft is one of the crimes that tend to escalate during this period. Farmers and livestock owners are urged to be vigilant and to apply safety hints,” said Tselanyane.

He said farmers should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect the livestock. Tselanyane said the employment of a specially trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling to see to it that holes in and under fences are repaired at once.

“However, inspect these repairs yourself. Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times. If you consider buying an additional farm, remember, absentee landlords gather no crops. Rather try and buy close to your residential farm.

“Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS,” he said.

Tselanyane said livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner him/herself, at least once a week. He said many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals.

“If an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should properly mark their livestock, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.

“Be particularly watchful during the full moon, weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from your own experience, when stock thefts (slaughtering for the pot) occur,” said Tselanyane.

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1200 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 December 2024- Over 1200 suspects were nabbed during the High Density Operation Shanela. The weekly multidisciplinary operation, which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, focused on the enhancement of crime reduction and combatting within the North West.  

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the police actions executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols.

Tselanyane said this includes, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.

“The prevention of drugs and other commodities smuggling were also prioritized. During the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, a total of 1466 vehicles and 3415 persons were stopped and searched.

“As a result of these operations, among others, 141 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 19 for murder and attempted murder, 109 for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act,” said Tselanyane.

He said 50 suspects were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 94 for possession of drugs and 69 for illegal dealing in liquor. Tselanyane said in the efforts to eradicate the proliferation of firearms, 10 firearms that included 3 handguns and 7 rifles were confiscated.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their endeavours in ensuring that there was a significant reduction in reported crime incidents in some areas where the operations were carried out.

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A man killed in a car accident

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 December 2024- The Galeshewe police appeal to the public to assist in locating the family (next of kin) of an unknown deceased man. The unknown pedestrian was fatally injured during a recent motor vehicle accident in Barkly Road in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating his family/relatives. Kock said the deceased is about 45 years old, 1.7 meters tall, dark in complexion, with short black hair and of medium build.

“He apparently goes by the name of “Eric Moncho”. He has been residing in Colville in Kimberley, but is said to be from the Hartswater or Pampierstad area, hence its believed that he has no relatives in Kimberley.

“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielligh on 082 469 0547. The investigation continues,” he said.

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More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles stopped and searched

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 December 2024- More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles were stopped and searched during the Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela.   The disruptive actions across the province commenced on 2 until 8 December 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Segio Kock said the police and other law enforcement agencies executed numerous actions that included, random stop and searches of 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles.

Kock said actions also included visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.

“During the operations, 247 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods and possession of drugs.

“This includes robbery, assaults, house-breaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.

Kock further said the police detectives traced and arrested several daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.

He added that the police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated.

“Tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed. Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the safer festive season operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers, that led to the arrest of the criminals.

Otola also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated that the police are ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this festive season and beyond.

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Three suspects nabbed for ‘stealing’ Telkom batteries

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Picture: Telkom batteries seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 20 and 30, were arrested for possession of alleged stolen Telkom batteries worth approximately R15 000 on Monday. The suspects were arrested during the execution of safer festive season operations by the Prieska SAPS Crime Prevention members.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the police allegedly spotted three suspicious looking men carrying boxes and a backpack, whilst conducting patrols in the Prieska CBD. Kock said the police stopped and searched the suspects.

“They recovered 30 Telkom batteries that were allegedly stolen at a nearby Telkom building. The suspects are expected to appear in the Prieska Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods.

“The police will intensify operations and have more boots on the ground during the festive season and beyond to ensure everyone is and feels safe,” he said.

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Former Ditsobotla Local Municipality official and businessman nabbed for alleged fraud

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Picture: Former Ditsobotla Local Municipality official, Tsietsi Shema and the Director of Tiro Attorneys, Thabe Tiro, nabbed for alleged fraud/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Director of Tiro Attorneys (PTY) LTD, Thouret Mampe Thabe Tiro (41), and the then acting Director of Corporate Services at Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Tsietsi Isaac Shema (54), briefly appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 5 September 2024, facing charges of fraud. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel, Tinyiko Mathebula said the accused were arrested earlier on Thursday in Lichtenburg by members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

Mathebula said their arrest follows an investigation into allegations of fraud relating to the procurement of legal practitioner’s services for the municipality.

“In May 2021, Tiro allegedly submitted a request for payment to the municipality for legal services he had rendered. It was revealed during the investigation that Tiro Attorneys did not render any services and that Shema and another suspect, who is still at large, allegedly approved the request for payment.

“As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of over R460 000 for services that were never rendered. The pair has appeared in court facing four counts of fraud and an alternative theft charge. They have been remanded in custody and their matter was postponed to 6 September 2024, for formal bail application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. They have assured the public that the Hawks and NPA will not hesitate to act against public officials who are involved in fraud and corrupt activities.

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