Tag Archives: murder

More than 580 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. 

“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.

She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.

“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations. 

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More than 768 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

More than 768 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for crimes such as for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 768 suspects, 314 were wanted and arrested during detective suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 44 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected during execution of various actions that included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, to mention a few. During the operations, goods such as drugs, 40 ammunition, three firearms, liquor and seven cell phones.

“As part of the operations, two suspects were arrested in Delareyville and Lichtenburg for dealing in drugs on 21 June 2024. The pair was found in possession of mandrax and crystal meth separately. The estimated street value of drugs is R7000. The police in the province working together with other role players continued with high density operations between 19 and 24 June 2024, to prevent and combat crime,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all role players for their continued efforts in the fight against crime to ensure safer communities.

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More than 258 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 258 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested by multi-disciplinary teams in all five districts for crimes such as illegal possession of firearms, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and burglary.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 103 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

Ehlers said the multi-disciplinary teams conducted the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks, and vehicle check points.

“A total of 21 863 persons and 11 436 vehicles were stopped and searched. Twelve unlicensed liquor outlets were closed, and over 2 000 litres of alcohol was confiscated. A considerable amount of drugs, counterfeit goods, and dangerous weapons were seized during the actions.

“Operation Shanela will not relax efforts to combat priority crimes in hotspot areas in order to secure the safety of all inhabitants and essential infrastructures in the Northern Cape,” she said.

Ehlers further said the Operation Shanela said was executed from 17 to 23 June 2024, throughout the Northern Cape to address priority crimes, including illegal firearms, contact crimes, trio crimes and aggravating robbery.

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More than 242 suspects nbbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police conducting searches during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 242 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela in Northern Cape. Detectives traced and arrested 112 wanted suspects in connection with business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said multi-disciplinary teams also arrested 130 suspects for crimes such as dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, attempted murder, assault GBH and burglary.

“The police actions included the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks and vehicle check points.

“The police also visited farms in rural areas to address crimes related to stock theft. The stock theft awareness campaigns were hosted in the Frances Baard and Pixley Ka Seme Districts,” she said.

Ehlers further said a total of 5 679 persons and 2 764 vehicles were stopped and searched. She added that five unlicensed liquor outlets were closed and a significant amount of alcohol was confiscated.

“A considerable amount of drugs and counterfeit goods were also seized. In support of Youth Month, an awareness campaigns, community engagements and school visits in conjunction with relevant external stakeholders were conducted in all districts, where several schools and communities were visited.

“Priority issues such as the prevention of human trafficking, bullying, sexual offences, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and school discipline were addressed,” said Ehlers.

She said Operation Shanela will continue with disruptive actions during the next week to ensure that priority crimes are addressed in hotspot areas,” she said.

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More than 800 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 800 suspects have been arrested for various crimes during a weekly high density operation, Operation Shanela, which was conducted between 18 and 21 April 2024. The suspects were arrested amongst others, for rape, murder, assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said this includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Funani further said of the 843 arrested suspects, 335 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do GBH, assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 363 were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.   

“In addition, 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises. 

“The action includes raids at the second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.  The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, 13 cell phones, copper cables, six live rounds of ammunition, three firearms, liquor and three vehicles,” she said. 

Funani added that during the operations, 13 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. 

She said in Mahikeng, a cordon and search operation was conducted at the Bradford Park Taxi Rank on 19 April 2024, where 42 suspects were apprehended for possession of drugs, selling liquor without licences, possession of dangerous weapon, possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of suspected stolen property, assault GBH, assault common, rape, malicious damage to property and burglary business and residential.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all the units and other role players. Kwena reiterated that those who commit crimes will not be spared.

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A judgement on a murder case of NWU employees and socialite, Sam Mbatha set

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Picture: The NWU employee and socialite, Sam Mbatha, who passed away

By OBAKENG MAJE

The murder case against three accused persons, Arthur Khoza (19), Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) and Thato Mosetla (22), has been postponed by the North West High Court sitting in Ga-Rankuwa to 7 March 2024 for judgement. Khoza, Nkuna and Mosetla, are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, these charges are linked to the gruesome death of the North West University (NWU) employee and socialite, Sam Mbatha (24).

Mamothame further said the trio was arrested following an intensive investigation by the police, linking them to the murder of Mbatha. He added that, the police investigations led them to a house in Phutha Section, near Klipgat on 21 June 2021, where they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed, as well as on a carpet.

“Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime was found on top of the roof of the house. DNA samples positively identified Sam Mbatha as the deceased person, whose body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle, at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2021.

“Mosetla was denied bail on 7 July 2022, after he initially abandoned it after his arrest. Meanwhile, Khoza and Nkuna are out on R500 bail each,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state, through Adv Nangamso Goloda, closed its case after leading evidence through its witnesses, who testified on incidents leading to Mbatha’s death.

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More than 600 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela in North West!

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Picture: The police nabbed 689 suspects during Operation Shanela/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested for various crimes including dealing in drugs, business robberies, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assaults, fraud, and burglaries.

Funani said eight wanted individuals were amongst the suspects. She further said 51 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, and many others.

“The operation also culminated in the confiscations of various drugs, four handguns, one rifle, 30 ammunition, two computers, liquor, and copper cables. Operation Shanela that is aimed at fighting crime and ensuring that the citizens feel safe, keeps on producing good results,” said Funani.

She added that, 689 suspects were arrested across North West between 14 and 17 September 2023.

“In one of the operations on Friday, the Detectives and Support Personnel, Provincial Organised Crime operationalised information regarding alleged drug dealing activity in Zakhele, Ikageng. A search warrant was applied for and executed at the identified place. 

“During the search, a man was spotted attempting to flush down the drain 12 mandrax tablets. A further search in the tuckshop led to the discovery of 14 bags, 60 litres of dagga, and 116 mandrax tablets, all with estimated street value of R173 00,” said Funani.

She said all four suspects aged between 19 and 38, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Funani said in Klipgat, a tactical operation by the local detectives and Brits Crime Intelligence on Friday, resulted in the arrest of two suspects for house robbery.

“The suspects were arrested after the team followed up on information about wanted suspects. The first suspect was arrested at Lekgema Section and found in possession of suspected stolen cell phone. Further investigation led to the recovery of suspected stolen goods such as plasma television, gas stove, blankets, a pair of shoes and music system at Sofasonke Section,” she said.

According to Funani, the other two suspects were successfully traced and arrested in Madidi village. She said one of the suspects was found to be in possession of unlicensed firearm and three ammunition. She said the suspects aged 33, 37 and 40 are expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court today. 

All other arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts between today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their continuous hard work and ensure that, perpetrators are put behind bars.

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WIFE ARRESTED F0R COP MURDER TLABANE

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BY Obakeng Maje

The cold body of a 53-year-old warrant officer was found at the back of his house in the early hours of Saturday 02 June 2012 at about 5:00 in Tlhabane.

According to the information that was received from the wife at the time was that the police officer left his house on the evening of Friday 01 June 2012. She claimed that he told her he was going to pay someone that he owed money. 

 

The deceased Warrant officer, Patric Lesele, who worked at Tlhabane court never, returned home, she informed the police.

 

 “The deceased police’s wife alleged that she made an attempt to call him but his phone rang inside the house.   According to her she woke up the following day to go and hang her laundry in the wee hours of Saturday morning, only to find the body of deceased husband lying on the ground at the back door of their house with a wound next to his right eye” Brigadier Ngubane said. 

The woman informed her son to call the ambulance and when the ambulance arrived at the scene the police officer was certified dead. 

 

 The police were called to the scene for investigations and the police crime scene expects, suspected foul-play and also found loose ends on the information given to the police.  This led to the arrest of the deceased police’s wife along with her boyfriend this morning.

They will appear before the Magistrate’s Court in Rustenburg on 6 June 2012 on the count of murder. 

 

 

 

Three men bust for ‘muti’ murder

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girls muti murder_dv

By Mandilakhe Tshwete

A mother’s agonising search for her daughter has come to a tragic end.

On Thursday, Ntombizodwa Ntsabo, 28, got the devastating confirmation she has been dreading – that bones found a month ago are, in fact, the remains of her darling daughter.

Police have three suspects in custody and are investigating whether Asemahle Ntsabo, six, was murdered for muti after she vanished on January 21 this year.

The six-year-old was last seen close to her Mbekweni home while her mother was busy doing someone’s hair.

Then early last month, shocked residents made a grisly find – a skull and some bones scattered along a railway line about 600m from her home.

 

On Thursday, police confirmed that DNA tests prove the bones belong to the missing girl.

Three men have been arrested for her abduction and murder and have appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court.

Songezo Mpitolo was the first to be arrested three weeks after she went missing.

Witnesses say he had been seen walking with Asemahle days before her disappearance.

While cops were investigating Mpitolo, they got a lead that Langa Mbijana was involved.

Shortly after picking Mbijana up, he allegedly confessed to police that he had killed the girl.

He even showed cops where he hid the body but the remains were not found.

Then, on Wednesday, Phumelele Nodede was arrested.

It is alleged that Asemahle was killed in Nodede’s shack which has since been destroyed.

The place where Asemahle is believed to have been killed is about 30 metres from her home.

All three men face charges of kidnapping and murder.

Police spokesman Warrant Officer November Filander says while they cannot speculate whether the girl was killed for muti, it will form part of their investigation.

The case has now been postponed to June 28 so a High Court or Regional Court date can be set.

“I can’t believe no one heard her scream because there are shacks all around,” says the victim’s distraught mom.

She says during her search for Asemahle that she often found herself outside the shack where she is alleged to have been killed.

“I had a weird feeling when I was close to that shack. I even went to knock even though I saw a big padlock, I still tried my luck,” she says.

 

“Every time I walked past there I just got a feeling that my child was either there or something happened while she was there.

 

“It’s difficult accepting her death, but since I have found her bones, I will bury her and try to move on.”

*This article was published in the Daily Voice

Let me bury her, pleads murder accused

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killer bishop may 24

An Archbishop wants out of jail so he can bury the woman he is accused of killing.

On Wednesday, Vumile Gwadela, 66, appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court for a bail information hearing.

He is accused of kidnapping and killing his lover, 32-year-old Nonesi Mdekazi.

Family members informed the Daily Voice Gwadela had expressed his wish to be released on bail so that he can bury Nonesi.

Outraged by the statement, one of the victim’s relatives, Sibongile Mkwambi, says: “He can provide us with access to this money he talks about so that we can lay her to rest.

“But we don’t want him out on bail.

“The community is too upset and there is no telling what they are capable of if they could get their hands on him.”

Nonesi’s aunt, Noluthando Mdekazi, 39, says she is relieved the elderly man did not get bail.

 

“I just wish he can tell the truth so that we can bury Nonesi and find peace,” she says.

“We want to bury her in the Eastern Cape next week if the State would have released her body by then.”

The elderly Archbishop has admitted to police that he hired hitmen to kill his young lover from a Cape Flats township.

It is alleged the Zionist cleric scoured the township of Philippi seeking out men willing to to carry out the murder for a measly R3 500.

After a scramble to locate Gwadela’s new attorney proved fruitless, the matter was postponed by Magistrate Francis Makamadela to June 18.

He remains behind bars until the bail application in over three weeks from now.

Mfuleni residents came out in their numbers to protest outside the court, chanting that Gwadela should not get bail. Inside, community members packed the small courtroom in the hope of catching a glimpse of the frail accused.

Gwadela was arrested nearly two weeks ago by Cape Town police in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape, on a charge of kidnapping.

He fled to the rural area immediately after Nonesi mysteriously disappeared in April.

A mere four days after his arrest, he led police to a mountainous slope on the outskirts of Stellenbosch where Nonesi’s decomposing body was discovered.

A charge of murder was then added to the case.

 

*This article was published in the Daily Voice