Tag Archives: near Mahikeng

A woman who allegedly tried to kill her own daughter denied bail

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 May 2025- A woman (47) from Majemantsho village, near Mahikeng, briefly appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder and child abuse involving her daughter (14). It is alleged that in the early hours of 22 April 2025, the mother arrived home and asked the child to accompany her to an outside bedroom.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya, she then allegedly poured acidic liquid on the child’s face. Gunya said the court heard that after committing the act, the mother transported the child to a local hospital.

“She was subsequently arrested and has remained in custody since then. During her bail application, the accused submitted an affidavit claiming she had no previous convictions, no outstanding warrants of arrest, and would not interfere with the complainant.

“However, the state opposed bail, submitting an affidavit from the Investigating Officer, which detailed prior incidents where the accused had allegedly threatened the victim’s life,” he said.

Gunya further said the prosecution argued that releasing the accused on bail would endanger the safety of the child, given that she is the biological mother and the primary alleged perpetrator. He added that, the state prosecutor also emphasised the trauma and fear the child experienced during the incident, urging the court to prioritise the victim’s protection.

“The court concurred with the state and ruled that the accused is not a suitable candidate for bail. Bail was denied and the matter was postponed to 1 July 2025, for further investigations,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the identity of the accused is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor victim.

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Two men who are facing kidnapping, aggravated robbery , rape and murder are back in court

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Picture: One of the accused in a murder case

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 May 2025- Two men who were allegedly arrested for kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case are expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court today. The accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), were arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).

It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Kudunkgwane village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search commenced.

The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.

“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 7 May 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.

The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.

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Two men who allegedly killed a woman remanded in custody

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Picture: The Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- A kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case against two accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 7 May 2025. The duo was arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).

It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Kudunkgwane village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that, Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search was commenced.

The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.   

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.

“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 7 May 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.

The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.

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A learner dies after allegedly consuming suspected poisoned snacks

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

15 April 2025- A learner from Podile Primary School in Ramosadi village, near Mahikeng, died after suspected food poisoning. On 11 April 2025, two learners, who are siblings, Ogone (8) and Gofaone Sedupelele (10), were ferried to a clinic in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, after allegedly consuming snacks they bought from a street hawker. 

It is alleged that, a Grade 3 learner, Ogone died on 12 April 2025, while her sister, Gofaone was ferried to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for medical attention. The Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality was allegedly summoned to the scene, where the snacks were bought. 

According to information, the inspection was conducted at the house, where the snacks were packaged. The bucket containing the snacks was seized so that samples can be taken to the forensic laboratory. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi is set to visit the family of the deceased at Extension 38 on Wednesday. Motsumi’s visit is aimed at offering support to the bereaved family and school community during this difficult time.

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A corruption case against Botswana policeman postponed

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Picture: Botswana policeman, Mompolloki Boitshoko nabbed by the Hawks/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2025- A Botswana policeman, Mompolloki Boitshoko (42), whowas arrested for corruption and conspiracy, briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court.The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 25 November 2024, near Mahikeng, where the accused allegedly offered a SARS official an amount of R100,000, for him to release an impounded truck at the border.

During his bail application, which was held on 5 December 2024, evidence presented in court revealed that there was a truck that was detained by South African Revenue Services (SARS) at Skilpadshek Border post that had cigarettes worth over R1 million.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the driver of the truck was apprehended for contravention of the Customs and Exercise Act 91 of 1964. Gunya said the alleged truck, cigarettes, and trailers, were seized.

“The Botswana policeman allegedly phoned one of the SARS officials to pay him so that the truck can be released. An entrapment was set, which resulted in his arrest by the members of the Mahikeng-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

“The case has been adjourned until 12 March 2025, for the accused to appoint an attorney and further investigations. The bail of R20,000 has been extended until his next court appearance,” he said.

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200 households receive food parcels  

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Picture: Food parcels and garden tools handed over in efforts to improve and attend to household food security matters in Madibogo Pan/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 November 2024- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development handed food parcels to 200 indigent households in Madibogo Pan village, near Mahikeng, as part of the commemoration of the Provincial World Food Day on 30 October 2024.

Head of Department (HoD), Thupi Mokhatla said this initiative will assist them to improve and attend to household food security matters.

Mokhatla said this initiative highlights the ongoing battle against food insecurity that many families in the community face and the importance of access to nutritious food for all. He further said the World Food Day event, celebrated under: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, serves as a reminder of the global effort to end hunger and improve nutrition.

“The food parcels handed over included staple foods and nutritious items to households identified as most in need and mainly child and female headed. This endeavour is part of the department’s mandate in promoting food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

“This is the role of the government in addressing food scarcity in the province. Today’s distribution of food parcels is a vital step towards ensuring that our vulnerable communities have access to essential food supplies,” said Mokhatla.

He added that they recognize the struggles faced by many households, and they are committed to providing relief and support. Mokhatla said in addition, the department handed over vegetable seeds and garden tools to 15 households.

“Communities were urged to engage with various agricultural programs available through the department, aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability, while emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience.

“The objective of WFD is to stimulate agricultural production and trade in the marginalised and poorer areas within the provinces through cooperation and collaborations with other relevant stakeholders.”

A dietician, Goitsemodimo Senna, talked on the importance of eating healthy, nutritious foods and reading food labels, including expiry dates.

“Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and other health related issues, having access to nutritious foods supports the immune function, whilst reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting your overall well-being,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Rebecca Monwana said: “The initiative of the department is greatly appreciated to assist in improving household food insecurity as the majority of the community members are unemployed and there are no economic activities in the village.”

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2024 NSC Final Examinations Kick-off To A good Start In North West  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during her visit at Tlamelang Special School in Gelukspan/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 October 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations kicked-off to a good start today. Motsumi said there are no major disruptions recorded across the province.

She visited Tlamelang Special School in Gelukspan and Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Mmabatho, near Mahikeng, to oversee the administration of the first NSC paper. Motsumi further said NSC candidates across the country began their exams today with the morning session dedicated to English Paper III.

“Tlamelang Special School, which caters to learners with special needs, has 13 candidates sitting for the NSC exams at three different centres. These learners are provided with accommodations and concessions, including among others, an additional 20 minutes per hour, as well as a scribe and a reader, depending on the severity of their needs.

“These provisions are in line with the South African Schools Act of 1996, the National Education Policy Act of 1996 and SAIS policy. In 2023, Tlamelang Special School achieved a commendable 77% pass rate, and the department hopes to see similar success this year,” she said.

Motsumi added that, at Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary, 149 candidates across four centres also began their exams without any disruptions. She expressed her satisfaction with the smooth start of the examination process at both schools.

“It is encouraging to see that our learners, especially those with special needs, are receiving the support they need to succeed in their exams.

“We wish them continued success as they progress and we remain committed to ensuring that every learner has a fair and equal opportunity to achieve their academic goals,” said Motsumi.

This afternoon, candidates sit for a three-hour Afrikaans Paper III from 2pm.

Meanwhile, the provincial Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “In appealing for support and no disruption, MRM wished all learners who started with their examinations the very best and urged them to stay focused and not to be distracted from the task at hand.

“We urge communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment. The sacrifices and extra effort they have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams.”

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A man who is believed to be alleged rapist and murderer nabbed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2024– A man (50), who is believed to be an alleged serial rapist and murderer, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Mahikeng Detectives, Mahikeng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and North West Phycology Investigation Unit, during multi-disciplinary investigation on 27 September 2024.

The suspect was arrested at his residential place in Makhubung village, near Mahikeng, in the early hours of the morning on Friday.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspect was arrested after he was linked to the rape and murder case of Neo Kgabanakgosi (42). Myburgh said according to the initial reports, Kgabanakgosi’s naked and lifeless body, was discovered by a passerby in the bushes at Danville Township, in Mahikeng, on 7 September 2024.

“The passerby immediately alerted the police. Kgabanakgosi was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). The investigations revealed that, there is a witness who saw the suspect picking-up the victim with a car during the late hours of Friday night, 6 September, a day prior to when she was found killed.

“Furthermore, four more victims, who allegedly survived sexual and physical assaults by the same suspect, came forward and reported it to the police. Any person with information that can assist the police with the investigations, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boitumelo Motsamai of Mahikeng Detectives on cell: 079 881 9905,” she said.

Myburgh further said the possibility of linking the suspect to multiple cases of the same nature, where females were found raped, murdered and their bodies dumped in the bushes around Mahikeng, cannot be ruled out.

She added that the suspect is expected to appear before Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2024, for the alleged murder and rape Kgabanakgosi.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their diligence and working around the clock to arrest the suspect. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals face the full might of the law.

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Intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at school 

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Picture: A panga allegedly being used during a confrontation/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she strongly condemns the violent trespassing incident at Boitshoko Secondary School in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng, where intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at the beginning of August 2024. According to Motsumi, this disturbing event highlights the urgent need for enhanced partnership between the department and communities.

“This collaboration, particularly in high-risk communities plagued by gangsterism, will return discipline to the learners. We strongly condemn the trespassing into the school properties. The activities of trespassers seriously jeopardize departmental initiatives to raise learners’ achievement in the classroom. 

“We are losing important infrastructure in our schools due to this criminal activity, which is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it also belittles the diligent efforts of all law-abiding citizens,” she said. 

Motsumi further said that education is a societal matter, therefore, all stakeholders should take part in ensuring that learners get quality education.

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Four learners arrested for intimidation and trespassing

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A group of boys who were allegedly armed with pangas, stormed into a Secondary School in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng, and roamed around the school premises, intimidating the school learners. The police were immediately informed and quickly rushed to the school.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said upon seeing the police, the boys allegedly fled the scene, leaving behind three pangas. She further said the police investigations led to the arrest of four boys aged between 16 and 20 on the same day.

“They all appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 8 August 2024, for trespassing and intimidation. Two of the boys under 18 were dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act, and diverted to a juvenile detention facility for a period of six months.

“The other two accused, Thato Tsoeu (20) and Tshepang Ntai (20), were granted bail of R300 each. Their next court appearance will be in September 2024,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police officers and detectives for their swift response that led to this arrest. Kwena said a school is a place of learning, where children should be safe and protected.

“We condemn this conduct in the strongest possible terms,” said Kwena.

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