Tag Archives: the accused

ANC LET coordinator in Taung, Moreotsile Olifant and co-accused who are facing a fraud case are back in court

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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. 

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A man accused of murder abandoned bail

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Picture: The accused, Helder Isidro

By BAKANG MOKOTO

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.

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A man sentenced to six years for stabbing a minor

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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A man jailed for stabbing ex-girlfriend

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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.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

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.

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Two men nabbed for kidnapping and suspected stolen vehicle

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

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.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife

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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.

“If you see something, say something,” she said.

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Couple in court for allegedly defrauding SARS R2m

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 June 2025- The accused, Tebogo Vincent Mashabe (38) representing Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd and in his personal capacity together with his wife, Refilwe Fancy Mashabe (39), briefly appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of fraud and money laundering. The pair was arrested by the Hawks Mmabatho Serious Commercial Crime Unit.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NOA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said their arrest comes after a thorough investigation between South African Revenue Services (SARS) and DPCI as guided by the Specialised Tax Unit through the Jan Vas Project. Gunya said this project involves a fraud syndicate that operates in the North West, Gauteng North, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

“The syndicate has been defrauding SARS of huge amounts of money through submitting fraudulent VAT returns. The syndicate used companies that are registered at SARS as taxpayers. The companies used tax practitioners and accountants as e-filers for the companies.

“The court heard that Tebogo is the sole director of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, which was registered as a company on 14 February 2012. This company further registered with SARS for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT). Tebogo also registered with SARS for e-filing.

“The state alleges that the e-filing profile of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd was frequently accessed by Tebogo Mashabe, the tax practitioner, and the accountant in submitting fraudulent VAT returns from 8 December 2012 to 24 August 2021. A total of eleven fraudulent VAT returns were submitted to SARS during this period and a total amount of R3 million was claimed through the fraudulent VAT returns.

“A sum of R2 million was paid by SARS in the bank accounts of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd. Investigations revealed that immediately after SARS made a transfer of a sum of money relating to the fraudulent claim to Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, Tebogo would redirect the money to his personal bank account, his wife’s bank account (Fancy Mashabe) and six other accounts,” he said.

Gunya further said the money would then be used on items that have nothing to do with the business of the company. He added that both accused were granted bail set at R10,000 each with normal bail conditions that they should not interfere with investigations or witnesses and leave the country.

“The case has been adjourned to 30 September 2025, for the arrest of other suspects,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended the collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) that culminated in the accused’s court appearance.

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A man nabbed for being in possession of gold bar worth R10m

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Picture: A gold bar worth R10m seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 June 2025- The accused, Itumeleng Dinku (52) made a brief appearance before Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of possession of suspected illegal melted gold bar.  Dinku was arrested by the police in Postmasburg after intelligence was received that there was somebody who was selling a gold bar at Mountain View in Postmasburg.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said upon arrival at the identified property, the police searched and found a heavy gold bar hidden inside the house. Thebe said the suspect failed to properly explain how he got to be in possession of the bar, and he was immediately placed under arrest.

“The gold bar value is estimated to be around R10 million. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation took over the investigation and presented the accused before court on 23 June 2025. The matter was postponed to 7 July 2025, for formal bail application,” said Thebe.

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A woman nabbed for allegedly defrauding a businessman R1 ‪368 000

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Picture: Prospecting mining/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 June 2025- A woman (49) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on 17 June 2025, for alleged fraud and alternative theft. It is alleged that during 2012, the accused, Martha Rapetsoa was a co-director of the company named Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd with two other directors.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Rapetsoa allegedly withdrew an application for renewal of prospecting mining rights, which was in the process at the Department of Minerals Resource and Energy (DMRE). Mnisi said later on, in 2015, Rapetsoa, together with her co-directors, resolved to sell the company and the withdrawn prospecting mining right to a known businessman in the Northern Cape for an amount of R100 000.

“After the conclusion of the sale agreement, but before the businessman could make payment, she sold the company to the complainant and withheld the letter withdrawing the prospecting mining right, thereby misleading the complainant as though the prospecting mining right was valid and in good standing. 

“Consequently, the complainant accepted the offer and paid an amount of R1 ‪368 000. After the complainant paid the amount of R1 ‪368 000 to the seller of the rights, an amount of R100 000 was then paid to a personal account belonging to one of the Directors of Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd,” she said. 

Mnisi further said this series of fraudulent transactions resulted in the complainant losing an amount of R1 ‪368 000. She added that more arrests are imminent.

“Rapetsoa briefly appeared before Douglas Magistrate’s Court on 19 June 2025. The next court date will be on 5 August 2025,  for pre-trial and 2 additional accused to be added on the roll,” said Mnisi.

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