Tag Archives: the accused

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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Alleged serial rapist nabbed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 June 2025- The accused, Thapelo Tshukutswane (33) is expected to make a second appearance before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 17 June 2025. This follows his first court appearance on 9 June 2025, before the same court for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the accused is also facing six counts of rape and six counts of robbery after being arrested at Mahikeng Taxi Rank on 6 June 2025, by a team consisting of the Provincial Investigative Psychology Unit, Mahikeng and Mmabatho Police, including a Reservist. Myburgh said the arrest was effected following intensive investigations and positive linkages of the suspect with the cases through DNA and fingerprints.

“The crimes were allegedly committed between December 2013 and May 2025. During the course of investigations, the team discovered suspected stolen property that included cellular phones, police uniform, vehicle rims and a television set, at the suspect’s residence in Lorwaneng village,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “It is hoped that the arrest of this sex pest and predator will not only bring an end to his long reign of terror, but send a strong message to other perverts like him that no matter how long it may take, the long arm of the law will finally catch up with them.

“His arrest will surely bring to a close a decade long spree of serious and violent crimes against the women and young girls in the Mahikeng area. His arrest which came about as a result of the adoption of Forensic DNA investigation by the police is welcomed and appreciated.”

Asaneng further said it is scant consolation to the six female victims, whose dignity and lives he has irreversibly and irreparably destroyed. He added that, there is the possibility of linking this barbarian to more than the six cases he is being charged for as some of his victims may have been intimidated or been too afraid to report their ordeals to the police.

“I am therefore calling upon potential victims to come forward so that this scumbag can fully account for his crimes. I have since instructed that the detectives must re-analyse all undetected rape, house breaking and robbery cases, especially from the areas that the suspect was prowling in the past 14 years.

“This thug must never be set free to continue with his heinous crimes,” said Asaneng.

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A man arrested for fraud and impersonating a police officer

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 June 2025- The accused, Thabo Enoch Theletsane (41), briefly appeared at the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court. Theletsane is facing a charge of fraud and impersonating a police official.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 25 October 2024, while the accused was out on parole after serving a sentence on fraud charges. Mahanjana said he allegedly called a prominent businessman with a WhatsApp number that had a profile picture of the former National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

“During the call, it is alleged that he told the businessman that his phone was hacked and he should expect a call from a certain Mokoena, a police officer from cyber-crimes.

“When the accused called the businessman as Mokoena, it is alleged that he told the complainant that his phone was hacked and he was going to clean it,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the man asked to send him the numbers of people he frequently communicates with so he can check their phones too. She added that, the complainant then sent him the numbers.

“It is alleged that the accused further requested that the complainant make a payment to him to buy a hard drive to store his information. However, the payment was not made.

“On a different occasion, it is alleged that the accused sent a message and called another complainant with the numbers provided by the businessman and told the complainant that his phone was hacked and allegedly requested the complainant to make a payment of R50 000 to buy a hard drive to store his information which the complainant paid him,” said Mahanjana.

She said after both complainants realised that they had been scammed, they reported the matter to the police on 1 November 2024, and a case docket was opened. Mahanjana said intensive investigations by police, the accused was arrested on 10 May 2025 and is remanded in custody.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 7 July 2025 for an opposed bail application, and more charges will be added,” she said.

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Zimbabwean man nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R850 000

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R850 000 seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 June 2025- The accused, Gordon Sibanda (42) who is a Zimbabwean, is expected to make a second appearance before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court, for bail application on 10 June 2025. Sibanda is facing a charge of illegal possession of illicit cigarettes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Sibanda was arrested on Monday after the truck he was driving was stopped and searched by the police at the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly found to be transporting 169 boxes of Chief and Remington cigarettes, all with an estimated value of R850 000.

 “The accused was immediately arrested and both the truck and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated by the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said this arrest is yet another breakthrough in the fight against the threat of illicit economy that impedes economic growth and violates the territorial security of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where illicit goods are smuggled, distributed and sold in violation of customs, tax, health, safety and economic laws of South Africa.

Asaneng said it is deeply concerning that the accused and his illicit cargo were only intercepted far away from the Port of Entry, where he should have been thoroughly checked and processed.

“The  Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) must thoroughly investigate how the accused managed to enter the country with these cigarettes, which should have been detected at the border.

“If it should be found that he was either aided by corrupt officials or that there was negligent dereliction of duty, the culprits must be held to account,” he concluded.

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A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 June 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for rape. On 23 May 2024, a woman (29) and her friends were at a local drinking establishment when the accused approached them, offered to buy them alcohol and suggested that they go and drink at his place.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they all went together to the accused’s place and slept on one bed. Masegela said during the night, the accused, Velile Sannie, started to touch the victim and when she resisted, he assaulted her with a belt.

“The victim succumbed to the accused, who then raped her. She reported the incident to the police the following day and the accused was subsequently arrested.

“Sannie was convicted for rape and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and was declared and unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register of sex offenders,” she said.

Masegela further said the collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is appreciated and welcomed in this joint quest to serve justice. She added that the FCS detectives remain committed and dedicated in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The meticulous investigation by Constable Boitshepo Bele attached to the Family Violence Child Protection in Sexual Offences Unit in Postmasburg was lauded by the District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Major General Monica Sebili for the lengthy sentence in justice of a rape victim,” said Masegela.

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