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.
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.
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.
Picture: ANC LET coordinator, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 August 2025- The accused, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45) and ANC Local Election Team (LET) coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50), who were arrested by the Hawks in Vryburg and Taung on 16 August 2025, for alleged fraud, are back in Taung Magistrate’s Court today. Letsapa was the Expanded Public Works Programne (EPWP) District Coordinator, while Oliphant was the former PR Councillor in the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipalityduring the commission of the alleged crime.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.
“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.
“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said.
7 August 2025- The accused, Helder Isidro (36) from Eersterust, abandoned his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Isidro is facing a charge of murder of Loveness Magabe (30) and defeating the ends of justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that the accused and the deceased initially met on a Facebook hook-up site and later continued communicating via WhatsApp. Mahanjana said they arranged to meet in person at a lodge in Eersterust on 26 July 2025.
“On the said date it is alleged that the accused ordered an uber for the deceased to pick her up from her place of residence in Sunnyside and drop her off at their meeting place. However, the meeting place was not a lodge as initially agreed but the accused place of residence.
“Upon her arrival before the two met, it is alleged that the deceased sent a message to her friend and told her that the place where she was dropped off looked dodgy and she also sent her friend a pin location in case she went missing,” she said.
Mahanjana further said when the deceased failed to return home the following day, 27 July 2025, her friend opened a missing person case at the Sunnyside Police Station. She added that, following an intensive police investigation, the body of Magabe was discovered in a shallow grave at the accused’s residence in Eersterust on 31 July 2025.
“Isidro was arrested on 4 August 2025 at his grandmother’s residence in Limpopo. The case has been postponed to 15 October 2025, for further investigation.
“In a separate matter, the accused is also facing a rape charge and is scheduled to appear in Court on the same date (15 October 2025),” said Mahanjana.
4 August 2025- A man (26) was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). On 26 March 2023, at approximately 7am, the accused, Ronald Steenkamp was seen urinating against the fence of a residence on Kgatlane Street in Chris Hani Park, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a victim (15), who was at home at the time, reprimanded Steenkamp for his behaviour. Shemane said later that evening at approximately 8pm, the accused encountered the victim in the street and stabbed him behind the ear with an okapi knife.
“The victim, accompanied by his parents, reported the incident to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. The case docket was transferred to the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation. The Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court finalised the matter and sentenced Steenkamp to six years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“The police in Northern Cape remain steadfast in their commitment to combating crimes against women and children. The SAPS Management commends Detective Warrant Officer Lesego Oliphant of the Galeshewe FCS Unit for his thorough investigation and for helping bring closure to the victim and his family,” he said.
Picture: close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 July 2025- A former boyfriend (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On 28 October 2024, the accused, Lerato Ratikane, approached the victim and requested her to accompany him to his shack in Lethabo Park, Roodepan.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim refused as she had a protection order against him. Sam said in response, Ratikane became aggressive, produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times.
“She lost consciousness and later regained it while being treated in hospital. Ratikane was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for his diligence and commitment in securing the conviction.
12 July 2025- The accused, Andrew Modisane (29) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), read with Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. Modise was convicted after an incident that occurred on 31 August 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Modisane’s girlfriend visited him at his home and found him intoxicated. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that Modisane and the victim were in a romantic relationship at the time.
“An argument broke out after the victim confronted Modisane about suspected infidelity. In a fit of rage, Modisane grabbed a knife from the table and stabbed her multiple times. During the altercation, the glass he had been drinking from shattered on the floor. He then pushed the victim, causing her to fall onto the broken glass, which inflicted additional injuries.
“Modisane fled the scene after the assault and was arrested on 25 September 2024. He was denied bail and has remained in custody since his arrest. Modisane pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Nolubabalo Cele, argued that, due to the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the court should not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and must send a strong message to perpetrators,” he said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Paul Moeng highlighted that the accused had a prior conviction for a similar offence and had clearly not learned from previous consequences. Moeng found no substantial and compelling circumstances to warrant deviation from the minimum sentence and accordingly imposed a 10-year prison term.
Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecution and law enforcement teams for their diligent work in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Makhari said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting cases of assault, including domestic and GBV and ensuring justice for victims.
2 July 2025- The accused, Klaas Makobela (39) and Olekeng Lerefolo (46) are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’Court 7 July 2025, following their arrest on 28 June 2025. The accused were charged with possession of a suspected robbed or stolen motor vehicle, which was initially reported in a case of kidnapping in Extension 11, Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom on Saturday evening, 21 June 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the pair will face charges of kidnapping and robbery after the police Task Team established to investigate the incident managed to locate a victim (30), who escaped from their clutches without his vehicle. Manyoba said it was reported that they kept him hostage in a house in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp, for days while making several ATM withdrawals from his bank account.
“The police investigations on the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping are on-going and the possibility of further charges or more arrests cannot be ruled out.
“Thankfully, given previous incidents of kidnapping that ended in the tragic loss of lives, the victim was found unharmed as this is largely due to the swift reporting by the victim’s family and the police’s decisive response,” she said.
Picture: A body of a human being buried in a shallow grave/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
June 2025- A man (55) sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife. On 15 April 2022, the accused, Charles Matthys beat his wife, Annamary Matthys (40) to death at their home and buried her in a shallow grave behind a school in Calvinia.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police were alerted by a community member. Kock said the husband was found with blood-stained clothes and subsequently arrested.
“On 27 June 2025, Matthys was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, one year for assault common, and 6 months for defeating the ends of justice. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended Detective Sergeant Jaco Swartz from Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for his meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) sentence. Otola also extended her appreciation for the collaboration with the community and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), state prosecutor, advocate Neshmi Pillay for their role in ensuring that justice is served and to eradicate GBVF from our communities.
The Guardian 