Tag Archives: the accused

An employee ‘defrauded’ municipality R424 000

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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.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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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.

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

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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.

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A man arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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. 

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An axe wielding boyfriend jailed for attempted murder

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Picture: A bloody axe used in a crime/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

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.

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Serial rapist jailed!

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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A man sentenced to double life imprisonment for two counts of rape

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By STAFF REPORTER

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.

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Murder case against former SAPS marksman, Sotheni postponed  

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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.

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A woman jailed after attempted murder

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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