Tag Archives: the accused

A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 September 2026 – A man (37) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment or alternative fine of R100 000 by the Mogwase Regional Court for attempted murder. On 7 April 2024, at Tweelagte, the accused, Henry Tsamai and the victim, were drinking with other people.

The Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said an argument ensued when Tsamai stated that the victim had assaulted him in 2015. Mokgadi said the court heard evidence that the accused attacked the victim and later returned from a house armed with an axe and a tonfa.

“During the altercation, the victim struck the accused with a beer bottle. The accused then got into his vehicle, started the vehicle and deliberately drove over the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries, including a fractured left leg, broken ribs and an eye injury.

“The court further made no order in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000). The accused was fined R100 000, or alternatively to 10 years imprisonment with half of the sentence suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of assault or attempted murder committed during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 District Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, commended Detective Sergeant Modise Sehunoe and all the role players involved in the investigation and prosecution of the matter for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that the accused was brought to justice. Ntoagae welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Boyfriend sentenced to eight years imprisonment for rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 August 2026 – A man (29) was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for rape. The incident occurred in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the court heard evidence that the victim was with her boyfriend at the time and after consuming alcohol, she went to sleep. Morake said while she was asleep, the accused, Odirile Modise, who was her then boyfriend, questioned her about wearing leggings to bed.

“The accused subsequently forcefully undressed and raped her. The victim reported the matter to the police. The investigating officer ensured that the victim received medical attention and the J88 medical examination confirmed the offence. The accused was subsequently traced and arrested.

“The accused appeared several times before the Tlhabane Regional Court. On Wednesday, he was found guilty of rape and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the successful investigation and conviction. Adams commended the Warrant Officer Matshose Christopher Maimela and the prosecution team for their dedication and professional handling of the matter.

“This sentence demonstrates that the SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of sexual offences and ensure that victims receive the necessary support throughout the criminal justice process. We encourage victims of sexual offences to report such incidents to the police and not suffer in silence,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 August 2026 – A man (47) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Colesberg Regional Court for attempted murder. This comes after a victim (52) reported the matter at Kuyasa Police Station in January 2026, after he sustained a life-threatening stab wound.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe, on 9 January 2026, at approximately 10pm, the accused, Vuyani Rasmeni and the victim, were at a shebeen in Kuyasa, where they were socialising. Litabe said later that evening, the victim went to a nearby tuck shop and when he returned to the shebeen, he encountered Rasmeni, who allegedly took out a knife and stabbed him once in the chest before fleeing the scene.

“The victim was rushed to hospital, where he received medical treatment for the life-threatening injury. He was discharged from hospital on 16 January 2026. The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Gorrah, who conducted a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of the accused.

“Rasmeni appeared in court on several occasions and was remanded in custody until his conviction and sentencing. In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, the court declared Rasmeni unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Sergeant Gorrah for his exceptional investigative work, which ultimately contributed to securing justice for the victim. Mtukushe said the conviction and sentencing of the accused, aligns directly with the SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that all citizens are and feel safe, that supports and advocates the Reset Agenda.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Stuart Scharnick’s firearm related case postponed

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The accused, Stuart Scharnick

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 August 2026 – The accused, Stuart Scharnick (40) briefly appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Firearms Control Act. The matter was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application and the accused remains in custody.

Scharnick faces charges arising from an investigation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to compliance with firearm storage and registration requirements. It is alleged that police officials sought to conduct an inspection of the accused’s firearms and visited his residential address in Douglasdale.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said upon arriving at the address, they were unable to locate him and subsequently discovered that he had relocated to another residence without notifying the Central Firearms Registry of his change of address as required by law. Mohlatlole said the police then proceeded to the accused’s new residence, which belongs to his partner.

“During the inspection, officers allegedly found that one of his firearms was not stored in a prescribed safe, contrary to the requirements of the Firearms Control Act. The case was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application.

“Scharnick remains in custody pending his next court appearance. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that matters involving alleged firearms-related offences are prosecuted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with the law. Compliance with firearm control legislation is essential to promoting public safety and accountability among firearm owners,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for raping a minor

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 August 2026 – A man (52) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. On 13 November 2015, the accused, Xolile Ntshontsho raped a girl (8) after she was sent by her grandmother to return a wheelbarrow to a neighbour.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said Ntshontsho grabbed the victim and took her to nearby bushes, where he raped her. Mabasa said the child immediately reported the incident to her mother, who notified the police.

“A case was opened, and the accused was arrested on the same day. The trial commenced on 21 June 2016. The state prosecutor, Kefentse Diseko presented compelling evidence, including the first report, DNA evidence and the J88 medico-legal report.

“Following his initial court appearance, the accused absconded, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. He remained at large for almost 10 years before being re-arrested on 26 March 2026,” she said.

Mabasa further said when the matter resumed on 3 August 2026, Ntshontsho admitted to the offence. She added that he was subsequently convicted on the strength of both the state’s evidence and his admissions.

“In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that life imprisonment was appropriate, emphasising the complainant’s young age and the fact that the accused had preyed on a vulnerable child. In delivering the sentence, the court held that, as an older adult, the accused had a duty to protect the child rather than violate her.

“The court further accepted that the state had presented a strong case and found that the accused’s admissions did not diminish the seriousness of the offence. Although the court found substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, it sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.

Mabasa said the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act. She said in addition, it ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear message that those who prey on women, children and other vulnerable members of society will be brought to justice, regardless of how long they evade the legal process.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive justice while their dignity is restored through the criminal justice system,” said Makhari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A couple nabbed for UIF Covid-19 TERS fraud

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 August 2026 – The accused, Alinah Machobane (35) and Vusimuzi Machobane (46), who are a married couple, briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 6 August 2026, facing charges of fraud. The couple was arrested on 6 August 2026, by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their arrest emanates from an investigation into misappropriation of funds claimed from Covid-19 Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme. Mathebula said it is reported that the accused, as directors of Klerksdorp Youth Club, applied for UIF Covid-19 TERS on behalf of their employees for the period of 27 March 2020 to 30 April 2021.

“Their application was reportedly approved and they received over R358 000. An investigation by the serious commercial crime investigation revealed the accused claimed for 16 people who were not employees of their company.

“Following an investigation, the duo was apprehended and charged with fraud. They appeared in court and were granted R5000 bail each. Their matter was postponed to 14 August 2026, for first appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – The accused, Tebogo Mokeng (48) from Danielskuil was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for raping a woman (27). The police said the incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 4 August 2024, at approximately 1am in Danielskuil.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the victim was socialising at a local nightclub when the accused, who was known to her, called her outside the premises. Shemane said during their conversation, the accused suddenly grabbed the victim and forcibly dragged her to an abandoned building nearby, where he undressed and raped her.

“The victim screamed for help, prompting two bystanders to come to her assistance. The accused fled the scene and the two men immediately contacted the police.

“Members of the Danielskuil SAPS responded swiftly and arrested the accused in the vicinity of the crime scene. The victim opened a rape case and received the necessary medical treatment,” he said.

Shemane further said following a thorough investigation by Detective Sergeant Maletsatse Smous of the Postmasburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Mokeng, was convicted and sentenced in the Postmasburg Regional Court on 23 June 2026. He added that Mokeng was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for rape.

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sibili, commended Detective Sergeant Maletsatse Smous for her diligence, dedication and professionalism throughout the investigation. Sibili said the successful conviction demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensuring justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

An employee ‘defrauded’ municipality R424 000

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 June 2026 – The accused, Janitha van Reenen Coetzee (25), who is facing a charge of fraud involving approximately R424 000, denied bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court. Coetzee allegedly defrauded Emfuleni Local Municipality.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana alleged that Coetzee misrepresented herself as an independent agent who could assist residents in obtaining discounts on outstanding municipal accounts. Mahanjana said victims would allegedly provide her with money to make discounted payments to the municipality on their behalf.

“However, the funds were allegedly never paid over to the municipality. The accused also allegedly submitted claims to the municipality on behalf of the victims. It is further alleged that the municipality paid a total amount of approximately R424 000 to the accused, which was never paid to the intended beneficiaries.

“The alleged fraud came to light when the then Financial Officer of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Martha Mani Rantsofu, who has since passed away, identified suspicious claims amounting to R424 000 and reported the matter to her manager,” she said.

Mahanjana further said following an internal investigation by the municipality, the matter was reported to the police. She added that the accused was arrested on 20 May 2026 and subsequently appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, where she applied for bail.

“The state, represented by prosecutor Moses Raditsela, opposed the bail application and argued that the accused was likely to interfere with state witnesses and posed a flight risk as her residential address could not be properly verified.

“The state further argued that her release would not be in the interests of justice. In his ruling, magistrate Mamburu agreed with the state’s submissions and found that it would not be in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail,” said Mahanjana.

She said bail was accordingly denied and the matter was postponed to 23 June 2026 for further investigation.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for raping a minor

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – A man (36) from Tsakane Township, near Boksburg was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court for raping a minor (14). On 5 December 2022, the accused, Thabang Malibonwe called the complainant from her place of residence in Tsakane to come to his home so that he could send her to the nearby shops.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said upon her arrival, he instructed her to sit on his bed, pinned her down and raped her. Mahanjana said after the incident, the victim left the accused’s residence and returned home.

“On 22 December 2022, she reported the matter to the police. Following an investigation, Malibonwe was arrested on 26 December 2022 at his home. During the trial, Malibonwe pleaded not guilty and claimed that he and the victim had consensual sex.

“However, the state prosecutor Leonora Sejake presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In mitigation of sentence, Malibonwe requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“He cited that he is a first-time offender, has minor children who depend on him and has already spent time in custody. Sejake, however, argued strongly against any deviation, emphasising the extreme seriousness and prevalence of the offence,” she said.

She further said Sejake highlighted that Malibonwe showed no remorse, had abused the victim’s trust and was responsible for the revocation of his bail after interfering with witnesses. Mahanjana added that Sejake also submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Nothando Mbatha, in which the victim described the profound and ongoing psychological trauma she has suffered, including regular sessions with a psychologist since the incident.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the state that the accused showed no remorse. The magistrate emphasised that the victim was not only physically violated, but that her emotional well-being, self-worth, trust in others, education, mental health, and prospects had been severely damaged.

“The court found that the impact on the victim constituted an exceptional and weighty aggravating factor and that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” said Mahanjana.

She said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide, and reaffirms that the criminal justice system treats such offences with the utmost seriousness.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Former SARS employee in court for fraud and defeating the ends of justice

NEWS Leave a comment

By STAFF REPORTER

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com