13 October 2025- Four men briefly appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, fraud, robbery with aggravating circumstances, impersonating a police official, unlawful possession of an automatic firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
It is alleged that on 10 October 2025, at approximately 10am, the accused who were wearing Hawks T-shirts, stopped a vehicle in which the victim (42), was travelling. They allegedly pointed a rifle, forced him out of his vehicle, handcuffed him, covered his head with a T-shirt, and drove off with him in a white Golf GTI.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng,
Lumka Mahanjana said while driving along the R80 highway, members of the Tshwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) noticed the suspicious-looking Golf GTI with four occupants and the victim. Mahanjana said upon inspection, the officers discovered that the registration number on the Golf belonged to a different vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, several rounds of live ammunition, dashboard blue lights, cable ties, a vehicle siren, and T-shirts with police emblems.
“The police immediately arrested all four suspects and rescued the victim. The matter was postponed to 20 October 2025, for bail information,” said Mahanjana.
11 July 2025- A man (34) sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court for murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This comes after the accused, Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe was convicted.
The Nationals Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said convictions relate to a violent incident that occurred on 7 April 2021 at Dr Steenkamp’s surgery in Block A, Mabopane. Gunya said Tshiovhe, along with a group of men, stormed the surgery in broad daylight and robbed the doctor and patients of their valuables.
“During the robbery, one of the patients was fatally shot and died at the scene from a gunshot wound. As the situation escalated, Dr Steenkamp, acting in self-defence, used his licensed firearm and shot Tshiovhe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
“Witnesses reported seeing Tshiovhe bleeding as he fled the scene with his accomplices in a white Toyota Quantum parked outside. The next day, police followed up on information obtained from a witness and visited Odi Hospital to investigate the Quantum,” he said.
Gunya further said surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of Tshiovhe and another suspect. He added that on 5 May 2021, an identification parade was conducted, during which some victims positively identified both individuals.
“Furthermore, blood samples collected from the scene were forensically linked to Tshiovhe through buccal sample analysis. The case against the co-accused was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Tshiovhe pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“However, in aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana argued that the gravity of the offences and the lack of substantial and compelling circumstances warranted the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Gunya.
He said the court concurred and imposed life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. Gunya said all sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence.
“Tshiovhe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Welcoming the judgment, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Tlatsana, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.
“These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.
2 July 2025- Two police officers, Sergeant Piet Matsoso (38) and Sergeant Siyabonga Kunene (31), stationed at Evaton Police Station, appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court alongside their friend, Hofney Morobe (36). The trio faces charges of murder of police officer Constable Gift Mokoena, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the ends of justice, and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
It is alleged that on the evening of 16 May 2021, the two police officers were off duty and driving around the Golden Gardens area with Morobe. They spotted a vehicle suspected of involvement in a house robbery and began pursuing it. The car stopped at a nearby BP petrol station, where the accused confronted and allegedly assaulted the four occupants.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said after the assault, they took one of the complainants’ cellphone and car keys from one of the complainants. Mahanjana said Morobe, accompanied by Matsoso and Kunene, allegedly drove the victims around before handing them over to members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
“It is further alleged that during this time, Morobe and Mokoena, who had joined the community members, began to assault the victims. In the midst of the assault, Morobe allegedly walked away from the group, took Matsoso’s service firearm from the vehicle, and fatally shot Mokoena.
“The victim was rushed to Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, where he succumbed to his injuries. The accused handed themselves over to Sebokeng Police Station on 30 June 2025,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the bail application, the state did not oppose their release. She added that prosecutor submitted an affidavit by the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Nyongwana, confirming the accused’s cooperation with police, their verified addresses, and their voluntary surrender.
“The affidavit further indicated that the investigation is complete and that the witnesses are not known to the accused people, therefore posing no risk of interference.
“The court granted bail of R1000 each with no additional conditions. The matter was postponed to 4 September 2025 for a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
11 March 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50), and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were sentenced by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng. The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, where Molete and Ntsekeletsa, from Mareetsane Police Station, stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. Gunya said the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.
“On the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.
“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.
Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.
“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. In court, all four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
“In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor advocate Siphiwo Jika, submitted Victim Impact statements from the police and the family members of the deceased, emphasising the devastating impact of the crime,” said Gunya.
He said Jika urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, as they all showed a lack of remorse throughout the trial. Gunya said the presiding Judge agreed with the state.
“She said the community still needs to have confidence in the police. Benjamin Jacobs, Gaorekwe Mongale and Rapula Keaikitse were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for count of kidnapping, two counts of life imprisonment for murder, 6 years for defeating the ends of justice, 10 years for malicious property damage, 15 years for unlawful possession of firearms and 10 years for possession of ammunition.
“Sentences to run concurrently with life imprisonment for murder. Mathews Modukanele was sentenced to 5 years for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for each count of kidnapping and 4 years for malicious property damage,” said Gunya.
He said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating circumstances. Gunya said the accused were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the acting Provincial Head of the
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, welcomed the sentence and thanked all the role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that justice is served. They pointed out that the killing of police officers undermines the authority of the state and that the sentence will convey a strong message that those who kill police officers or any other person who serves to protect society and our citizens deserve a harsh punishment as seen in this case.
28 February 2025- A man (28) sentenced to 52 years by the Mothibistad Regional Court for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, arson and contravention of Immigration act. The accused, Thabang Lesenyeho was found guilty on all charges.
On 18 June 2023, the police in Batlharos, received a complaint of a house that was burning in Maruping village. Upon arrival at the homestead, the lifeless body of Joseph Dithupe was found lying in a pool of blood in one of the half-burned rooms, with a stab wound on his upper body.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said it was later discovered that some of the house hold items, including sound system, a television set, a cell phone and clothes belonging to the victim were missing. Pilane said Lesenyeho was arrested later on with the assistance of community members.
“Some of the stolen items were recovered. The accused was also found wearing the deceased’s clothes. Lesenyeho was found guilty on all charges, and he was sentenced to 52 years imprisonment.
“The court further ordered that the accused be declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, welcomed the conviction and appropriate sentence.
Otola applauded Warrant Officer Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping from the Provincial Serious and Organized Crime Investigation unit for their hard work and dedication and securing a significant conviction.
A man (24) was sentenced to 19 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances, house breaking and theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Juvanne Mathee threatened Andrew Laven (58) at knife point before robbing him of his money. Mathee also broke into the house of Stoffel Booyen (51) and stole his cell phone.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused also robbed a foreign national (29) at a tuck shop before fleeing. Shemane said after a spate of offences, Mathee was arrested on 9 November 2023.
“A bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until his sentencing. On 29 July 2024, Mathee was convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years imprisonment for housebreaking and theft.
“He was also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The count 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence in count 1. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Charlotte Makgari, applauded Detective Constable Abigail Morgan for her thorough investigative work that ensured that the accused is removed from society for a lengthy period.
Picture: The rape convict, Ontsheketse Tshabile/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A rapist (43) has been sentenced to 11 life terms imprisonment by the North West High sitting in Klerksdorp for various rapes he committed. Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile, also sentenced to 363 years for other serious charges that include nine charges of rape, attempted murder, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery, attempted robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, attempt to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.
Tshabile, who was on the list of the most wanted criminals in the North West, pleaded not guilty to all 65 charges which the court found him guilty on.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Tshabile’s criminal activities took place in Wolmaransstad between December 2012 and May 2018. Myburgh said he accosted unsuspecting women on the streets.
“Tshabile would then drag them to nearby fields, threaten them with a knife, rob them of their belongings and rape them before fleeing the scene. In some instances, he would strangle, stab with a knife and assault with bricks and other objects before robbing and raping his victims.
“He would in some instances, accost couples and attack the male counterparts and assault them before robbing and raping their partners after they had fled the scene. Amongst his victims, were a girl (15) and an elderly woman (65), who endured the pain in his hands,” she said.
Myburgh further said it also emerged in court that, in some incidents, he was accompanied by an unknown accomplice who also committed similar offences with him. She added that, Tshabile was linked to the offences through DNA specimens.
“Tshabile was arrested in 2019 following an intensive police investigation and the court denied him bail. He also managed to escape from the Wolmaransstad Police Station, aided by a police officer. However, he was later re-arrested and the police officer was dismissed from duty and criminally charged.
“The matter is still pending in court. In aggravation of the sentence, Adv Riekie Krause, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, considering the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma suffered by the victims in the hands of Tshabile,” she said.
Krause urged the court to consider the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims describe their ordeal and the trauma they continue to suffer in their day-to-day lives, owing to the rape and assault incidents.
Judge Tebogo Djadje, agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting society against such perpetrators, particularly after they lived in fear for almost six years. She described Tshabile as remorseless and having no regard for women and children.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for ensuring that the victims were afforded the justice they deserve.
They commended the role played by the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) for discharging their mandate of prioritising sexual offences cases and the Thuthuzela Care Center for providing the necessary support to the victims in preparation for trial.
The Guardian 