11 May 2026 – The accused, William Kgomotso Mampye (54) appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Motswedi on Friday, facing charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Mampye was arrested on 7 May 2026, by the Rustenburg-based Serious Corruption Investigation.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu said it is alleged that in September 2020, SAPS members attached to Skilpadshek Border Post received information about a truck that was transporting illicit cigarettes to Mozambique. Ndlovu said the team reportedly intercepted the truck and upon searching it, where packs of cigarettes were found.
“The police reportedly requested the driver to produce import declaration documents of the cigarettes, which he failed to do. He was subsequently placed under arrest and the truck with consignment was seized and detained in the South African Revenue Service’s storage facility.
“Reports indicate that the accused, who was a SARS employee at the time, unlawfully disposed of the seized cargo and the detained suspect from the SARS facility. Following his court appearance, the accused was granted R20 000 bail and his matter was remanded to 19 June 2026,” he said.
11 May 2026 – The accused, Japhta Thabiso Khoele (47) appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 8 May 2026, facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances. It is alleged that on 5 May 2026, a security official was accosted by four armed suspects after he had collected cash from a supermarket in Brits.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu said the suspects allegedly fired shots injuring the security official on his leg before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. Ndlovu said an investigation led the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation to Letlhabile village in Brits, where one suspect was arrested after he was caught setting alight a vehicle that was used as a getaway during robbery.
“Upon conducting a search, the Hawks allegedly found R20 000 in cash and police reflective jackets in possession of the suspect. The accused was remanded in custody and his matter was postponed to 15 May 2026 for bail application,” he said.
24 April 2026- The accused, Lehlohonolo Monareng (32) from Soshanguve Township, near Pretoria. This comes after Monareng was convicted for raping a girl (17).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the day on 16 July 2023, Monareng had gone to the victim’s place of residence, where there was a traditional ceremony. Mahanjanasaid during the ceremony, the victim was responsible for serving traditional beer to the guests, who had come to attend the ceremony.
“Later that evening, at around 8pm, some guests left. The victim went to the toilet, while inside, Monareng forced the door open, blocked the door with the chair, closed her mouth, undressed her, and begin to rape her.
“The cousin of the victim saw what was happening through the window and alerted the elders who were still around, sitting by the fire. The elders forced the door open, but Monareng ran, leaving the victim lying on the floor,” she said.
Mahanjana further said, however, he was apprehended as he was running outside the gate. She added that the police were called and Monareng was arrested on the scene.
“He has been in custody since after the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied committing the offence. The state prosecutor, advocate Thamsanqa Given Thwala, presented compelling evidence of the complainant and proved the state’s case on the evidence of a single witness.
“During the sentencing proceeding, Monareng asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment because the accused was young during the commission of the offence and the complainant did not suffer any physical injuries except the inherent rape injuries,” she said.
Mahanjana said, however, in aggravation, Thwala argued that Monareng was convicted of a serious offence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) that is not only prevalent in the courts’ jurisdiction but the country. She said despite the overwhelming evidence, Monareng did not show any remorse, which is a clear indication that he cannot be easily rehabilitated.
“Furthermore, the impact of the offence on the victim has a lifelong effect. Thwala also read into the record the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer Maano Magondo, where the victim stated that the incident not only affected her emotionally, but she also dropped out of school because she could not concentrate and feared the stigma attached to rape as such, she resorted to drinking alcohol in hopes to forget about the incident.
“The NPA hopes that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who want to be sexual offenders,” she said.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed with the state that Monareng did not show remorse and found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, instead there were more aggravating factors, the suffered, irreparable emotional and phycological damage. Nel said, therefore, the sentence given was appropriate.
21 APRIL 2026 – The accused, Rasephei Peter Ramathiki (49) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for burglary at a residential premises with the intent to kill and attempted murder. The court heard evidence that Mathapelo Maphosa (33), was in a relationship with Ramathiki, but the relationship ended because she (the girlfriend) was constantly and physically abused by her boyfriend (Ramathiki).
The North West police spokesperson, Kelebogile Morake said on 19 May 2025, in Mogwase, while the victim was at home with her siblings, the accused, who was armed with an axe, broke into their home. Morake said Maratiki then proceeded to hit the victim with it.
“She pretended to be dead. Her siblings, who witnessed the assault, ran to neighbours to get help, whilst the accused fled the scene. Thereafter, the victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment and the incident was reported to the police.
“The police responded quickly and initial investigations led to the arrest of Ramathiki later the same day. The accused appeared before court, was denied bail and remanded in custody until his conviction on 20 April 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Jacob Thabo Ngwenya, and all role players involved for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction and sentence. Naidoo said the police continue to prioritise the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as it is a profound violation of human rights and a threat to the safety and dignity of the community.
30 March 2026 – The accused, Mogotsi Kushumane (48) was sentenced to four life terms imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for multiple rape incidents committed between 2013 and 2016. Kushumane was convicted for a series of violent sexual offences committed in Mmabatho and surrounding areas, where victims were attacked in separate incidents.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said in some cases, victims were accosted while with companions. Magakoe said in others, they were lured or overpowered before being sexually assaulted.
“Through meticulous investigation and the utilisation of forensic DNA evidence, the accused was positively linked to the crimes. He subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges. The court sentenced Kushumane to four life terms of imprisonment, which will run concurrently.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” she said.
Magakoe further said the case was investigated by D/Sgt Lorraine Semunza attached to Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation, whose diligence and commitment were instrumental in securing the conviction.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer and all role players involved, stating that the sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will face the full might of the law.
30 March 2026 – The accused, Tatlhego Dire (33) was sentenced to double life imprisonment the Ditsobotla Regional Court for two separate rape incidents committed in Mareetsane village, near Mahikeng. On 16 January 2013, the victim was walking with her boyfriend in Mareetsane when the accused attacked them, striking the boyfriend with a steel pipe before he fled.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said Dire then dragged the victim to his residence, where he raped her throughout the night. Magakoe said in a separate incident on 30 October 2011, a victim (25) was walking with a friend to a shop when the accused approached them, stabbed the victim on the head and chased the friend away.
“He then dragged the victim to a nearby place, where he raped her. Dire pleaded not guilty on 18 June 2025, but was subsequently convicted. During sentencing proceedings, the state argued for life imprisonment, emphasising the brutality of the attacks and the serious injuries inflicted on the victims.
“In delivering judgment, Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state, noting that the accused showed no remorse and that the offences were of a serious and violent nature. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment on both counts,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer, D/Sgt Hebert Mkaunye from the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation, whose thorough investigation contributed to the successful conviction. Naidoo stated that this conviction sends a strong message that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will face the full might of the law.
Picture: The accused, Matipandile Sotheni/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 March 2026- The accused, Matipandile Sotheni (41) today appeared at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court. Sotheni is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, 3 counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that after “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025, the accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased.
“It is further alleged that on 5 December 2025, the accused positioned himself at the vicinity of the deceased’s residence. When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene.
“After investigations by the “Madlanga Task Team” established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, the accused was arrested on 14 March 2026 and is remanded in custody,” she said.
Mahanjana further said in court the matter was postponed to 25 March 2026, for an opposed bail application.
10 March 2026 – A woman (47) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court following a brutal attack that left a victim with severe head injuries. On 10 March 2026, the accused, Katriena April was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on a charge of attempted murder and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said on 30 April 2024, the male victim visited the residence of the accused in Fraserburg, accompanied by his wife, with the intention of purchasing home-brewed beer. Magerman said an argument ensued between the male victim and his wife, when the accused intervened and without provocation seized an enamel cup and struck the victim repeatedly on the head.
“The victim collapsed but the accused continued assaulting him. Due to the severity of his head injuries, the victim was transported to the local clinic in Fraserburg, and later transferred to the hospital in Upington,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Sergeant Ursula Leukes, whose thorough investigation contributed to securing the conviction.
10 March 2026 – The accused, Thapelo Joseph Chukutshwane (34) was sentenced to four life sentences plus an additional 20 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court after being convicted on five counts of rape and one count of house-breaking with intent to rob. The court heard that between 2013 and 2024, women in and around Mahikeng were accosted by an unknown man who raped and robbed them of their belongings.
The victims were between the ages of 17 and 43.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations further revealed that in one incident, a victim (43), was asleep in her home when the accused forcibly gained entry by breaking down the door before raping and robbing her of several items. Gunya said all incidents were reported to the police.
“Through DNA analysis, investigators were able to link Chukutshwane to the crimes, which led to his arrest in August 2025. During the court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty to all the charges. The state presented overwhelming DNA evidence linking him to the offences.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Kefentse Diseko urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, highlighting the alarming increase in rape cases and emphasising that the accused targeted vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Gunya further said the court imposed four life sentences for four counts of rapes, 15 years imprisonment for one count of rape and five years imprisonment for house-breaking with intent to rob. He added that the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“The victims received immediate support and were referred to the Mafikeng Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they received medical, emotional, and legal assistance.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended the work of Diseko, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all role players involved in securing the conviction.
“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served, and we reiterate that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” she said.
2 March 2026- The accused, Tshepang Mogapi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for raping a girl (16). Mogapi also received a concurrent two-year sentence for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court further ordered that Mogapi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the offence took place on 18 December 2022, in Mokgola village.
“The victim was walking alone in the early hours when Mogapi approached from behind, grabbed her, and strangled her. Her screams alerted a nearby resident, who attempted to intervene but was overpowered and threatened with a knife, forcing him to seek help.
“By the time assistance returned, both Mogapi and the victim had left the scene. Investigations showed that Mogapi dragged her to his home, where he raped her. Afterwards, he walked her partway home, but assaulted her again, strangling and slapping her, before they parted ways,” he said.
Gunya further said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Mogapi’s arrest. He added that Mogapi was released on bail pending trial.
“Mogapi pleaded not guilty, but the court convicted him based on strong prosecution evidence. The state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi argued in aggravation that rape is a serious and prevalent crime, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged the offence’s severe impact on the victim’s dignity and the judiciary’s duty to protect vulnerable individuals. However, it deviated from life imprisonment due to mitigating factors,” said Gunya.
He said Mogapi’s youth at the time of the offence, his status as a first-time offender, and the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended Modibedi and all involved role-players for ensuring justice was served for the victim.
The Guardian 