Tag Archives: murder

Mozambican man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder, attempted murder and armed robbery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 October 2025- The Vryburg Regional Court has sentenced Osvaldo Julia Cumbane (32), a Mozambican national, to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit an offence, murder, attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, two counts of pointing a firearm, and possession of ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court heard that on 2 May 2022, Cumbane left Welkom in the Free State, where he was residing, and travelled with a group of men to Ganyesa in the North West. Gunya said upon their arrival, they conspired to commit a robbery.

“The police investigations led by the Warrant Officer Calvin Koope from the Mahikeng Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Hawks), revealed that on 4 May 2022, the group proceeded to Tlaakgameng Trading Store to execute their plan to rob a Fidelity Security Services cash-in-transit vehicle.

“When the vehicle arrived at the store, the robbers ambushed the guards. During the robbery, gunfire was exchanged, and one of the security officers, Lebogang Leager Kakgola, was shot. He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Following intensive investigations, Cumbane was arrested on 15 January 2024,” he said.

Gunya said he was denied bail and remained in custody throughout the trial. He said during proceedings, Cumbane pleaded guilty to all charges in terms of a plea and sentence agreement with the state.

“Advocate Ayanda Mzamo told the court that the accused was driven by greed when he planned to rob the cash-in-transit vehicle, an act that resulted in the senseless loss of an innocent life performing his duties. The court sentenced Cumbane seven years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit an offence, 25 years’ imprisonment for murder, 7 years imprisonment for attempted murder and 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“He was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of pointing a firearm and 7 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition. In accordance with Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, some sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25 year term of imprisonment,” said Gunya.

Welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and the investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

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Nine suspects in court for kidnapping, murder and malicious damage to property

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025 – Nine suspects including a woman (54), believed to be a mine operator, her son (20) and six others believed to be her security enforcers from KwaZulu-Natal are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, on charges of kidnapping, murder, assault, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.

The eight suspects were arrested on 2 and 3 September 2025, by a multidisciplinary Investigation Team comprised of Provincial Murder and Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Sun City Detectives, which was established by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng following the killing of five men at an open cast mine in Tlhatlaganyane on 2 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects’ charges relate to the case of kidnapping and murder that was reported to the police in Sun City on 17 July 2025, where a victim was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to take the suspects to a person they were looking for, who was eventually shot and killed.  

Myburgh said out of nine suspects, two were positively linked with another case opened in Sun City on 14 August 2025, and they will face additional charges of malicious damage to property, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

“The police investigations are ongoing and there are possibilities for more arrests, including further charges against the suspects,” she said.

In reacting to the arrests, Asaneng said: “It is through the excellent and expeditious work by the multi-disciplinary team that was tasked to investigate circumstances that led to the killing of the five men at a chrome mining site in Tlhatlaganyane that has led to the arrest of these suspects and it is hoped that their arrest will help bring some semblance of stability and normalcy in the highly contested and violent and crime ridden chrome mining sector in that area, especially because they are linked to previously reported cases that were reported to the police in that area. 

“These arrests should send a stern warning to others who are still engaged in illegal mining and brazen lawlessness that they will soon face the full might of the law.”

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871 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 July 2025 – The police in North West, working together with other law enforcement agencies, said they will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela. This comes after suspects were apprehended between 30 June and 6 July 2025, for various crimes.

The police said the suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault common and with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary on business and residential premises and many others.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said additionally, 30 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Myburgh said out of 871 suspects, 319 suspects were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.

“The police were able to shut down 20 unlicensed taverns/liquor stores and arrested 41 suspects for driving under the influence of liquor.  The fight against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continues to be a primary objective of the police, whereby 27 suspects were arrested for rape, 52 for possession of dangerous weapons and 218 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common assault around the province.

“In the province, a total of 96 arrests were made for possession of drugs. At Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on Friday evening, 4 July 2025, information received led police to a house in Extension 5, where a man (37) was arrested after nearly 2kg of dagga was found in his possession,” she said.  

Myburgh further said the dagga and cash were seized by police. She added that, the suspect appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2025, on a charge of dealing in dagga.

“As part of the actions executed during the operations, 330 premises, 2884 persons and 948 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, ten firearms, 144 rounds of ammunition, a variety of drugs and cash,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the weekly High Density Operations, which are coordinated, conducted and commanded by District Commissioners and Senior Officers in the province, are gradually decreasing the high levels of crime particularly in the Province’s High Contact Crimes and Priority Crimes Police Stations with a few of the North West Police Stations now featuring on the National Top 30 high crime volumes Stations.

Asaneng said these targeted, intelligence led operations in identified hotspots are intended to address the proliferation of drugs, dangerous weapons, illegal firearms and liquor related crime.

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George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial

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Picture: George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 March 2025- The accused, George Barnett Peters and 16 others aged between 21 and 36, are expected to appear in the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for trial. The trial is scheduled to take place from 17-28 March 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the group is facing numerous charges of aiding and abetting of criminal gang activities, 350 charges of money laundering, racketeering, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, insurance fraud, kidnapping, rape, assault, conspiracy to commit murder and contravention of Section 9 Act 121 of 1998 Gang related offenses.

Thebe said Chane Adams (28), Shawnwin Smith (25), Henry Blom (28), Estee Sade Lawan (25), Bincent Rosen (37), Michael Peters (30), Semone Rose (30), Thabo Sekopano (36), Stephanie McAnda (22), Britney Arends (21), Janine Plaatjie (22) and Abigail Van Wyk (24), were arrested on 4 and 6 May 2023, in a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, Provincial Serious Organized Crime team and Crime Prevention.

“The accused persons were arrested in Kimberley and Kuruman simultaneously. It is alleged that between August 2020 and March 2023, a well-known gang from Kimberley was engaged in the above-mentioned criminal activities.

“During the arrest, one of the accused was found in possession of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of money, which were confiscated for further investigation. An additional case against the accused (Shawnwin Smith) was registered for dealing in drugs,” he said.

Thebe further said members of Kimberley Serious Organised Crime Investigating team managed to successfully oppose bail against the group and only two (Chanaaz Mentor and Henry Blom) of the accused managed to be granted bail in October 2023, after a lengthy bail application process. He added other members of the group whom were arrested at different times and locations, include accomplices Deon May, Clive Peters, Nico Hofuza, Pameston Mentoor and Tshepo Malimbi.

“The case continues before the Northern Cape High Court sititng in Kimberley on 18 March 2025,” said Thebe.

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More than 1000 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 March 2025 – More than 1227 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the 1227 arrested suspects, 424 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and common, as well as house and business robberies. Mokgwabone said they were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.  

“Furthermore, a total of 28 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. 

“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 14 March 2025, a fine of R1000 was imposed on a man (33), after he was found transporting liquor without a delivery note. Moreover, a joint roadblock on the R509 (Potchefstroom/Carletonville) road, resulted in the issuing of fines worth R6200 to eight motorists for road traffic related offences,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said items such as 95 ammunition, three firearms, three vehicles and a variety of drugs, were confiscated during the operations. He added that Operation Shanela will continue to bring more perpetrators to book as part of ensuring that the communities are and feel safe.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants.

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More than 1000 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 February 2025- More than 1051 suspects were arrested for various crimes around the North West province during the high density Operation Shanela that was conducted between 3 and 9 February 2025. The operations conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies, led to the arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said this includes possession of drugs and theft out of/from motor vehicles, among others. Manyoba said of the 1051 arrests, 430 were affected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. 

“Additionally, 65 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by immigration officials after failing to prove their legal status in the country.

“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, the operation by the provincial office and Ikageng Police Station personnel, as well as BIU Security on 7 February 2025, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and confiscation of drugs that included mandrax and crystal meth,” she said.

Manyoba further said, liquor was confiscated after two illegal liquor outlets were shut down at Sonderwater and Extension 9. She added that, all operational arrests were effected through the execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs), visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.

“We also conducted a search on second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, liquor, seven dangerous weapons, a hand gun, 150 cell phones, vehicle parts, unwrought precious metals, tobacco products and three vehicles,” said Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated members, units and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ascertain that citizens are and feel safe.

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More than 241 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: The police during raids/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2025- More than 2141 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela, the multi-disciplinary high density operation, which commenced on 3 until 9 February 2025. The police across the Northern Cape province in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies, robustly and boldly addressed priority crimes including drugs, firearms, murder, rape and robberies and other categories of crime.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said disruptive actions, which also included suspects’ raiding by detectives, resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 241 persons across the five districts in the province. Kock said 10 996 disruptive actions, including roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions resulted in the search of 5287 persons and 2420 vehicles.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers.  Various community engagements and school visits were conducted during this period.

“Drugs, copper cables, home-made brew, alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during Operation Shanela. Otola reiterated that no one will be left behind when it comes to fighting crime as it involves the robust involvement and support of community structures.

“Communities are encouraged to share valuable information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators and to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals. Information can be reported via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” he said.

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More 1567 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 January 2025- More than 1567 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, aggravated armed robberies, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and many more others. Moreover, detectives conducted raids to nail wanted suspects for business robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and house robbery. 

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said in total, 405 suspects were arrested. Manyoba said as part of the operations, 197 premises, 2879 persons and 1244 vehicles were searched. 

“Furthermore, 253 high visibility patrols were conducted including 292 stops and searches. More than 102 second-hand goods dealers and 18 licensed liquor premises were visited for compliance and inspections.  

“The police were focused and able to execute 5901 actions in different crime focus areas. Police visibility was heightened through spontaneous roadblocks, stop and searches and other actions, whereby the authority of the state was once more stamped,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, reiterated that police and other law enforcement agencies across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals when responding to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela, which is focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating.

Asaneng said they welcome the results achieved and urged police to be consistent and dedicated to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in this province.

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More than 228 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Some of suspects arrested by the police during raid/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape have stamped the authority of the state as learners returned back to school throughout the province. The disruptive actions across all five districts in the province secured the arrest of 228 suspects for serious crimes including dealing in drugs, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of drugs, attempted murder, business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said this includes the arrest of five wanted suspects, who were traced by detectives and successfully apprehended. Ehlers said collaboration between the police and other government departments to address priority crimes, resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs such as dagga, Tik and mandrax as well the seizure of alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“A total of 5687 persons and 2777 vehicles were stopped and searched at roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols and stop and search actions. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers.

“More than 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during these inspections. In an effort to promote rural safety, several farms and mines were visited. The police, in partnership with other government departments and Community Police Structures (CPS), embarked on numerous back to school awareness campaigns in all five districts to promote school safety and address significant issues such as bullying, dangerous weapons and drug abuse,” she said.

Ehlers further said the engagements at schools will continue. She added that communities are encouraged to assist the police, share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.

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More than 1194 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 January 2025- More than 1194 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested by the police in the North West for working together with other law enforcement agencies and role players.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests were executed between 6 until 12 January 2025. Mokgwabone said the suspects were among others, arrested for illicit mining, murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common and dealing in drugs.

“This includes illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises and driving under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, 115 suspected undocumented persons were also taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Of the total arrests, 614 were effected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. The arrests include an Angolan national (36), who was arrested in Vryburg on 10 January 2025, for possession of crystal meth,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said a Nigerian national (35), was detained after being found in possession of crystal meth and 91 mandrax tablets. He added that in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng, the operation which began with a roadblock, led to the shutdown of an illegal Second-Hand Goods Dealership.

“That after information was operationalised that the dealer was operating without a registration certificate. The dealer was as a result, issued with a fine. As part of the operations, 307 premises, 3 888 persons and 1 197 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, 250 licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections. The operation further led to the confiscation of liquor, 55 ammunition, five firearms, jewellery, nine cell phones, a variety of drugs and many other items,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police and other law enforcement officials for their persistent hard work in ensuring the general safety and security of the communities.  

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