Tag Archives: the accused

A man jailed for rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By STAFF REPORTER

15 February 2026 – The accused, Elrico Bradley Leroy Hartebees (30) of Niekerkshoop in the Northern Cape will spend 15 years behind bars after he was recently found guilty of rape by the Griekwastad Regional Court. On 24 November 2023, the victim was on her way to visit her boyfriend when she was suddenly attacked from behind by an unknown man.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the victim screamed for help as the accused allegedly pushed her to the ground. Litabe said she subsequently lost consciousness and was raped.

“Two passersby heard the victim’s cries for help and rushed to the scene, where they intervened and came to her rescue. Upon their arrival, they identified the accused and immediately notified the police.

“A case of rape was registered at the Niekerkshoop Police Station for further investigation. The matter was allocated to Detective Constable Dineo Mogaladi of the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit,” he said.

Litabe further said following the victim’s medical examination, Hartebees was arrested. He added that the accused appeared in court on several occasions, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

“After thorough investigations conducted by Detective Constable Mogaladi and compelling testimony presented by the complainant and the two witnesses, the court found him guilty as charged.

“The court subsequently sentenced the accused to 15 years’ imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” said Litabe.

The Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Constable Mogaladi and the Prosecutor, for their dedication and professionalism, which led to the successful prosecution of the case.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 21 years for business robbery and murder  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2026 – The accused, Tshepo Jantjie (35) was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for business robbery and murder by the Kuruman Regional Court. On 16 January 2022, the shop owner (24) was approached by two men at his shop in Maipeing, near Tsineng.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Merapelo Pilane said the suspects pretended to be customers purchasing items. Pilane said while the victim was assisting them, both men produced firearms, threatened him and demanded money and cigarettes.

“During the altercation, one of the suspects fired a shot, injuring the shop owner in the upper body. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, airtime and cellular phones. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and the incident was reported to Tsineng Police Station.

“A case of business robbery was opened. The case docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant Mojaki Mogaswa, whose meticulous investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who was subsequently charged with business robbery and attempted murder,” he said.

Pilane further said on 8 February 2022, the victim succumbed to his injuries and the charge was amended to include murder. He added that following several court appearances, the accused was found guilty on charges of murder and business robbery.

“On 5 February 2026, he was sentenced to an effective 21 years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Pilane.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Sergeant Mogaswa for his dedication and thorough investigation, which ensured justice for the victim and his family.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Director of Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, Kabelo Masango sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering  

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The accused, Kabelo John Masango (32) and his company, Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg for fraud and money laundering. Masango and his company were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 10 counts of fraud, 10 years imprisonment for money laundering and 10 months imprisonment for Contravening Section 7, read with Sections 8 and 36 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment for both accused. Gunya said between June 2017 and April 2018, Masango approached victims, mainly from Dikebu village, near Rustenburg, including close relatives and persuaded them to invest money with his company by promising high returns.

“He frequently visited potential investors at their homes to convince them to invest their hard-earned savings. To gain the trust of investors, Masango paid interest to the first investor from his personal bank account. Some investors received payments for the first two months, while others did not benefit at all.

“Thereafter, Masango failed to honour the agreements, ignored calls from investors and disappeared with their funds. The victims reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest on 28 November 2021. Evidence before the court revealed that Masango siphoned off more than R1.7 million from unsuspecting victims during the period 2017 to 2018,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Masango and his company pleaded not guilty. He added that, in aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau submitted that the accused deliberately defrauded elderly persons, some of whom were known to him and others who were related to him.

“The court heard that Masango made false promises of monthly interest payments, which were either short-lived or never honoured,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, commended Mudau and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to finality. Makhari said this sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.

“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat commercial crimes, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the interests of vulnerable communities,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Treble murder and double rape case against Masila postponed   

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 December 2025 – The accused, Sipho Ngwako Masila (39), briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 17 December 2025, on three charges of murder and two of rape. Masila was remanded in custody until 9 January 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused was arrested on Monday night, 15 December 2025, at his house in Moeka Vuma village, after the police responded to a domestic violence complaint. Myburgh said Masila, who allegedly pointed his girlfriend with a firearm, was also accused of raping the latter’s two daughters aged 12 and 16, between 31 March and 14 December 2025.

“During the arrest, the police found an illegal firearm and numerous suspected stolen goods in the house. Initial investigations linked the accused to the murders and it was determined that the goods belonged to the three murder victims.

“The first murder incident was reported in Moeka Vuma Police Station in the early hours of Sunday morning, 6 July 2025. The body of Lefu Lucas Tloomen (37) was found with a gunshot wound inside a yard in Angola Section, Randjiepan village. The victim’s hands and feet were tied up,” she said.

Myburgh further said the second murder incident was reported at around 10am on 28 July 2025. She added that the body of Timothy Hlongwane (52) was discovered by a passer-by in the bushes in Moeka Vuma, also with a gunshot wound.

“The third and last murder was reported on Friday morning, 22 August 2025, also in the bushes at Randjiepan village. The body of Jose Timoteo Mucuacua (38) was found inside a red BMW, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The victim’s hands were also tied up,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the police at Moeka Vuma for their quick reaction and attentiveness during the arrest of the suspect. Naidoo said police will continue to work hard to ensure that those who commit serious and violent crimes are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for assaulting the mother of his girlfriend  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The accused, Lukas Klein (24) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for two counts of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one count of arson. The conviction stems from a violent attack on the victim, Lena Louw (47), who is the mother of his girlfriend.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said according to Louw, Klein was visiting their home when she heard her daughter screaming and warning her to close the door as Klein was approaching aggressively. Litabe said Louw attempted to defend herself by throwing boiling water at Klein after he forced the door open.

“Despite this, Klein continued his attack, striking her with a pickaxe and rendering her unconscious. She later regained consciousness in hospital, where she learned that Klein had set her house on fire, destroying all her belongings. A case docket containing charges of assault GBH and arson was registered at Hopetown Police Station, subsequently leading to the arrest of Klein on the same day of the incident.

“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. The accused was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend and four years imprisonment for assaulting the complainant. Klein will serve the full 10 year term and has been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Litabe further said the investigation was led by Sergeant Recardo Kock of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, whose thorough work was commended by the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, together with the Provincial Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape. He added that the SAPS reiterate that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have no place in society.

“Perpetrators of violence against women and children will face the full might of the law,” said Litabe.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man nabbed for murders and attempted murders abandoned bail

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 November 2025- The accused, Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu (33) from Brentwood Park in Benoni abandoned his bail application at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. Xulu is facing five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the early hours of 5 October 2025, at approximately 3am, the accused was at Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, where he allegedly shot and killed five people and attempted to kill three others. Mahanjana said following an intensive police investigation, the accused was arrested on 21 October 2025.

“The matter has been postponed to 13 January 2026, for further investigation and DPP instructions,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man nabbed for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle to appear in court  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 October 2025- The accused, Karabo Mooketsi (34) is expected to appear in the Madikwe Magistrate’s Court on 27 October 2025, on charges of house robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. Mooketsi was arrested in Delareyville on 21 October 2025, in possession of a motor vehicle and other goods robbed during a house robbery at Kgosing Section, Molatedi village, near Madikwe.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that a homeowner arrived at his place on Monday evening, 20 October 2025, parked his Ford Ranger car outside and entered the house. Mokgwabone said according to information, the victim was accosted by an unknown man while going outside to fetch something from the car.

“The man allegedly threatened him with a knife, tied his hands and feet, then ransacked the house. Following this, the suspect fled from the scene with the victim’s car after taking a laptop, cell phone, and various other household goods.

“The suspect was arrested in Delareyville on 21 October 2025, and appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court the following day,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, indicated that the arrest demonstrates intensified and coordinated efforts in addressing the threat of serious and violent crimes in line with the Safer Festive Season Operations under Operation Shanela II. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

PIT payer who was arrested for ‘failing’ to submit his PIT returns granted R10 000 bail   

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 September 2025 – The accused, Tshepiso Johannes Letselela (50) appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today on six counts of fraud, following his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. Letselela, a registered Personal Income Tax (PIT) payer, allegedly failed to submit his PIT returns to SARS for the period 2017 to 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said despite several telephonic reminders from SARS on 23 October 2023, as well as written notices, he neglected to comply with his obligations. Gunya said his non-submission of tax returns and non-declaration of income caused SARS a financial prejudice exceeding R1.6 million.

“Letselela was granted bail of R10 000 under strict conditions. He is required to report to the Johannesburg Police Station once a month and must notify the investigating officer should he change his residential address in Centurion. The matter was postponed to 13 November 2025 for a regional court date,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, and the acting Hawks Head in the North West, Brigadier Georgia Moos, commended the collaborative efforts between the NPA, SARS, and the DPCI, which ensured the accused’s swift arrest and court appearance. Makhari said they stressed the importance of enforcing compliance with South Africa’s tax laws to safeguard public funds and uphold the rule of law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two security guards jailed for beating a ‘thief’ to death

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 September 2025- The accused, Itumeleng Mogwemang (37) and Neo Potlwane (33), were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. On 9 April 2022, Mogwemang and Potlwane were on duty as security guards at a local supermarket when they caught the deceased, Willem van Der Westhuizen (51) for stealing in the store and assaulted him.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Willem succumbed to his injuries enroute to Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital. Sam said the duo were arrested and charged with murder.

“The court found both the accused guilty of murder and sentenced them to 15 years imprisonment and declared them unfit to possess firearms,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, and the provincial management commended the Roodepan General Investigation Unit for securing a sentence. Mphuthi praised the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Vincent Phiri from the Roodepan General Detectives, for his thorough investigative work, which ensured that justice was served for the victim of this contact crime.

“We commend the relentless efforts by detectives in the province, who remain committed and dedicated to ensuring that justice is served for victims of crime,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 September 2025- The accused, Thabo Thabang Mongalane (24) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for rape. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 31 October 2020, when Mongalane and his friends planned an outing to Wentzel Dam in Schweizer Reneke.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that the group were all coming from a funeral and decided to meet at the Motor Sports ground in Loelegeng Township, whilst waiting for other friends that gone home to change after the funeral. Gunya said Mongalane was left with the victim (16) in the house, and he then proposed that they both take photos with his phone.

“After taking pictures, he further suggested to the victim that they go and wait for their friends in Phakedi Street next to Motoro Sports ground, and she complied.

“On arrival in the said street, Mongalane entered a certain yard, and the victim followed and stood outside the house. Mongalane invited her inside the house, but she refused to enter,” he said.

Gunya further said he forcefully dragged her, pushed her against the wall, and tried to kiss her by force. He added that Mongalane pushed the victim inside the house, closed the door with the couch that was behind the door.

“The court heard that Mongalane overpowered the victim and raped her. After the rape, he told the victim that she would never leave the place while crying. The victim opened the door, and they left the house.

“On the street, they took different directions. The victim was still crying, and she met her boyfriend, to whom she reported the matter. A police docket was opened, and Mongalane was arrested and later released on bail,” said Gunya.

In court, Mongalane pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, state prosecutor Sephapho told the court that Mongalane planned the incident and that the rape of children is on the rise and perpetrators of this offence must be punished to serve a term of imprisonment. He urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court found that there were compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. This includes the accused’s age, whether he is a first offender and his personal circumstances.

He was sentenced to undergo 15 years imprisonment. The court ordered that Mongalane’s name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the prosecution team, South African Police Service and all stakeholders involved. Makhari emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to prosecuting crimes of GBV, particularly against women and children,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com