Tag Archives: the accused

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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Escapee who was arrested for business robbery, attempted murder nabbed  

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Picture: Escapee, Tebogo Mahlangu arrested/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

16 April 2025- The accused, Tebogo Mahlangu (40), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing charges of escape from lawful custody. Mahlangu was arrested in Witbank by the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on 11 April 2025, following his escape from lawful custody in September 2019.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused and his four accomplices, were arrested in November 2015, on charges of theft of motor vehicle, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after they allegedly collided with a Toyota Hilux bakkie, while travelling in an A4 Audi vehicle near Katboschfontein, outside Wolmaranstad on the N12.

Gunya said the Toyota Hilux, which was transporting diamond gravel overturned, its driver was accosted by armed Audi A4 occupants, who robbed him of diamond gravel, pistol and other personal belongings. 

“It is further reported that whilst the robbery was still in progress, an Isuzu bakkie, which was passing by, stopped in an attempt to assist the accident victims as the occupants were not aware it was robbery. 

“The Isuzu occupants were also accosted and the Isuzu bakkie as well as cell phones and other personal belongings of its occupants were stolen. The community members who tried to chase the suspects were shot, however they managed to run to the nearby fields,” he said. 

Gunya further said the swift response by the police led to the arrest of suspects, the firearms and other valuables stolen were also recovered. He added that, they made several court appearances before court, however, on September 2019, while Mahlangu and his co-accused were loaded in a bakkie, Mahlangu allegedly took out a firearm and pointed at a police officer working at court and this led to the escape of all five accused.

“His co-accused persons were all re-arrested and were sentenced except Mahlangu, who has been on the run since the escape. Following a lengthy investigation, he was rearrested at Witbank Court, where he was attending a separate case.

“He appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 8 May 2025, for consolidation of all his cases,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the acting Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure they leave no stone unturned in locating suspects who have contempt for the laws of this country.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping another man

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By OBAKENG MAJE

7 April 2025- The accused, Mpho Mokoena (40), was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria Regional Court for the gang rape of a man (35) and an additional three years for kidnapping. The court ordered that the sentences should run concurrently with the life sentence and further declared Mokoena unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Mokoena and the victim are both from Mamelodi East and knew each other. Mahanjana said on 9 December 2014, at approximately 17:30, the victim was walking in Mamelodi when he met Mokoena, who was in a vehicle with his accomplices who remain at large.

“The group asked the victim for directions to a drinking spot and he got into the car. However, instead of heading to the drinking spot, they drove to a cemetery in Silverton. Upon arrival, the perpetrators forcibly removed the victim from the vehicle, held him against it and Mokoena proceeded to rape him causing severe injuries.

“They then abandoned him at the scene. The victim then went to Mamelodi Hospital medical assistance and reported the incident to the police. Following an intensive police investigation, Mokoena was handed over to the police by his mother,” she said.

Mahanjana further said he was later released on bail. She added that the trial commenced in October 2017, and after the victim testified, proceedings were set to resume in February 2018.

“Mokoena, however, absconded, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. He was eventually re-arrested on 27 June 2023, after being found already serving another sentence in prison.

“During sentencing, Mokoena, through his legal representative, asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. However, the state prosecutor, Anton Burger, urged the court to impose life imprisonment, emphasising the gravity of the crime, the common purpose with his accomplices and that Mokoena showed no remorse for his actions,” said Mahanjana.

She said Burger also argued that the gender of the victim should not influence sentencing as minimum sentence legislation applies equally to all victims regardless of gender. Mahanjana said, additionally, Burger brought to the attention of the court that Mokoena had four prior convictions for theft and one for drug possession,” said Mahanjana.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mncube concurred with the state, highlighting that Mokoena exploited the trust of the victim, who had considered him a friend. Mncube said the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.

Meanwhile, the NPA said it welcomes the sentence as it underscores the seriousness of the crime and reinforces the justice system’s commitment to protecting society from heinous acts. Mahanjana said the NPA commends the court for ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions.

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Zimbabwean man sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for smuggling cigarettes worth R29m in SA

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes smuggled in the border/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 April 2025- A Zimbabwean man was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment or to a fine of R40 000 by the Lehurutshe Regional Court for contravening the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. In addition, the accused, Joseph Kusekwa (43) received a wholly suspended sentence of 24 months or a fine of R20 000 suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of contravening the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 during the suspension period.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Kusekwa was convicted of failing to declare goods upon entering South Africa. Gunya said the conviction stems from an incident on 21 July 2023, when a truck with two trailers was stopped and searched at the Skilpadshek Port of Entry.

“The driver, Kusekwa granted permission for the search, which led to the discovery of 1119 master cases of Derby cigarettes concealed in the truck. Kusekwa was unable to provide documentation for the cigarettes.

“A South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officer called to the scene, confirmed that while the cigarettes complied with the Tobacco Product Control Act Regulations, they were not declared in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,” he said.

Gunya further said, Kusekwa was arrested and both the truck and cigarettes were seized by customs officials. He added that, the court heard that had the cigarettes been legally imported, the payable duties would have amounted to R29 million.

“However, SARS suffered no direct financial loss since the goods were intercepted before reaching the illicit local market. In court, Kusekwa pleaded guilty in terms of a Section 105A Plea and Sentence Agreement.

“During sentencing, the state prosecutor, advocate Cain Nontenjwa, emphasized that illicit trade in goods results in significant tax losses and negatively impacts the legal cigarette market,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team. Makhari stressed the importance of enforcing South Africa’s tax laws to uphold justice and prevent non-compliance.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit trade and ensuring adherence to customs regulations,” she said.

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