A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping a woman while asleep


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

16 April 2025– A man (30) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape. On 18 December 2022, the victim (20) was raped while sleeping in a room at a social gathering in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.

 The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the victim lost consciousness during the ordeal and awoke the following morning to find the unknown perpetrator beside her. Kock said a thorough investigation conducted by the police led to the arrest of Tshwaro Sebogodi, whose DNA was found to match evidence collected at the scene.

“He was convicted and sentenced by the Kimberley Regional Court to 15 years imprisonment for rape. In addition, Sebogodi has been declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name has been entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

“Detectives attached to Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units in the Northern Cape remain committed and steadfast in their quest to get justice for the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended Detective Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for his diligent investigation. Ngubelanga also extended his appreciation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their effective collaboration, emphasizing that the justice system remains resolute in combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). 

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Seven accused jailed for brutal murder 


By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 March 2025- Seven accused persons were sentenced to hefty sentences by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for the brutal murder and robbery of a prominent businessman, Piet Els (86). On 24 January 2018 at around 5am, Els (86) and his female partner (67), were brutally assaulted and tortured on the Carters Ridge Farm, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Els sustained traumatic head injuries and died 111 days later in hospital. Kock said Els’ partner was sexually and physically assaulted in the attack.

“The accused, Morapedi Rankali (28), Motlalalentwe Qhautse (37), Lizbeth Ndlala (56), Themba Lawrence Maja (68), Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane (44), Samson Sam Mbokane (63), and Jabulani Wilson Zuma (62), fled with money, jewellery, Krugerrands, two firearms, cell phones, a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.

“The police followed up on information and the stolen vehicle as well as other valuables were recovered.  The accused were arrested in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Kimberley, respectively between 2018 and 2020,” he said. 

Kock further said Morapedi Rankali was sentenced to three years imprisonment for theft, but it was wholly suspended for five years. He added that Motlalalentwe Qhautse sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for house breaking with the intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances, 5 years for sexual assault and life for murder.

“Lizbeth Ndlala received 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery. Themba Lawrence Maja was sentenced to 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery. Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane was sentenced to 20 years for house breaking with the intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances, 5 years for sexual assault and life for murder. 

“Samson Sam Mbokane received 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery, while Jabulani Wilson Zuma was sentenced to 20 years for house breaking with the intent to rob and robbery,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the investigating team, as well as the NPA for the impeccable investigation and prosecution of the case. Otola said the team ensured that justice was served, despite a life being lost in the process. 

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Several suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 March 2025- Five suspects were arrested separately for various offenses during Operation Vala Umgodi. A foreign national (27), was arrested for dealing in drugs in Greenpoint, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Sam said another suspect (55), was arrested in Lerato Park, for possession of drugs.

“The team further arrested three suspects aged 30, 40 and 47 respectively, at the Otties Koppies Mining Dumps for illegal mining, as well as tresspassing. Drugs including dagga, mandrax and tik as well as several mining implements were confiscated during these operations.

“Two suspects were detained and fined for riotous behaviour and contravening the Road Traffic Management Act. The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team tasked to combat illicit mining activities, will continue to execute these actions,” he said.

Sam further said these suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. He added that, if community members see something, they should say something.

“Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.

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Two men jailed for business robbery


 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 December 2024- Two men aged 22 were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Regional Court for business robbery in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said two accused, Senzo Bhekizitha Kokobe and Katlego Zar Tshukudu, walked into the spaza shop, threatened the owner with a panga and knife, then stole cigarettes, as well as cash and fled the scene. 

“The court imposed a 10-year direct prison sentence on each of the accused for business robbery and both were declared unfit to possess firearms,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Leslie Everyday for the sterling investigation that led to the conviction of the duo. Makgari said, the direct imprisonment is as a result of the police’s efficient investigative capacity and will send a stern message to criminal elements that continue to rob the communities of their belongings. 

“We urge all communities to rate the police efforts by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said. 

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A father sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his daughter 


By REGINALD KANYANE 

A father (40) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Regional Court for raping his daughter (6). On 29 April 2017, the victim was visiting her grandparents in Promised Land in Kagisho Township, near Kimberley. 

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane, she went to sleep in her grandparents’ room. Shemane said, ghowever, the victim woke up during the night when the accused picked her up from the bed and placed her on the floor, and raped her.

“The victim was too afraid to report the incident and only told her mother on 3 May 2017, when she was experiencing pain. A rape case was opened and during the medical examination, the doctor confirmed that the child was raped.

“The accused fled and a warrant for his arrest was obtained. On 7 October 2019, the police received a tip-off regarding his whereabouts. The police traced and arrested him,” he said. 

Shemane further said bail was denied and the accused remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing. Shemane added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the sterling work of the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Boats Botha and prosecutor, for ensuring that the perpetrator of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) was brought to book. 

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Two men jailed for assault GBH and attempted rape


By OBAKENG MAJE

Two men were found guilty for attempted rape and assault GBH by the Galeshewe Regional Court recently. On 17 October 2020 at around 00:05, Sinethemba Sisilana (29) and Mawande Jongile (23) accosted a woman (22) and her brother (35), who were walking home in Phomolong Township, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, the accused persons, severely assaulted the brother until he lost consciousness and then attempted to rape his sister, but she managed to escape.

Kock said both suspects were arrested hours later by the police. He said the Galeshewe Regional Court found them guilty on 19 January 2024.

“Sisilana and Jongile, were sentenced to three years for assault with the intent to commit Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Only Sisilana was found guilty for attempted rape and sentenced to a further 5 years in prison,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, lauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Oageng Moilwa for his meticulous investigation that led to the sentences.

“GBVF remains a priority crime for the police and we will continue to sharpen their responses to crimes committed against the vulnerable in society,” she said.

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