Tag Archives: the accused

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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A woman appeared in court for fraud

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 March 2025- The accused, Victorina Moloi (45) has on Tuesday, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing two charges of fraud. The reports indicate that in February 2023, the complainant on the matter who is also a Financial Manager, was making online payments to the supplier when his email was intercepted.

This resulted in two payments deposited in the wrong bank account.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the matter was referred to the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. Gunya said the probe revealed that the money was deposited in the bank account belonging to Victorina Moloi.

“The business therefore suffered a total loss amounting to over R642 000. Moloi was arrested in Soweto on 17 March 2025. She appeared before court and was released on R2000 bail. The matter was postponed to 24 April 2025 for legal representation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest. They commended the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting commercial crime and bringing perpetrators to book.

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Former Municipal Manager and co-accused in court for alleged money laundering, corruption and fraud

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 March 2025- The accused, Patrick Pogisho Shikwane (53), Leslina Olga Ndlovu (45), the former Chief Financial Officer of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Tlhapi (53), the Bojanala District Municipality Chief Whip, Gontse Kekana (39), the Secretary to the Former Municipal Manager, and Mantsho Gloria Moremi (38), the service provider, briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2025, facing charges of fraud, money laundering, corruption and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North west, Sivenathi Gunya said the accused were arrested on 17 March 2025, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Serious Corruption Investigation, and the Hawks’ Head Office Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS). Gunya said their arrests follow an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation into allegations of defrauding the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality of over R25 million between December 2018 and May 2019.

“It is alleged that in 2018, Ndlovu colluded with a service provider, who is still at large, to have her company, which was not on the database of the municipality’s service providers, to claim payments for services rendered to the municipality. The CFO and the service provider allegedly used details of a registered service provider to claim for payments.

“However, the payments were paid into a bank account that was not on the municipality’s database. Investigation revealed that funds, amounting to over R2 million, were transferred from the service provider’s bank account into the bank account of the CFO’s company,” he said.

He further said it was established that R150 000 was transferred from the service provider’s bank account into the personal bank account of the Chief Whip. Gunya alleged that the Secretary to the former Municipal Manager, reportedly benefitted R850 000 from the funds.

“Shikwane faces 53 counts of fraud, 53 counts of money laundering and one count of contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Ndlovu faces 53 counts of fraud, 53 counts of money laundering and five counts of corruption.

“Tlhapi faces one count of corruption, while Kekana faces two counts of corruption; and Moremi faces one count of money laundering. The matter has been postponed to 20 March 2025, for formal bail application. The arrest of two other service providers is imminent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have applauded collaborative work between the Hawks and NPA in ensuring that the accused are brought to book.

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George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial

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Picture: George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 March 2025- The accused, George Barnett Peters and 16 others aged between 21 and 36, are expected to appear in the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for trial. The trial is scheduled to take place from 17-28 March 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the group is facing numerous charges of aiding and abetting of criminal gang activities, 350 charges of money laundering, racketeering, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, insurance fraud, kidnapping, rape, assault, conspiracy to commit murder and contravention of Section 9 Act 121 of 1998 Gang related offenses.

Thebe said Chane Adams (28), Shawnwin Smith (25), Henry Blom (28), Estee Sade Lawan (25), Bincent Rosen (37), Michael Peters (30), Semone Rose (30), Thabo Sekopano (36), Stephanie McAnda (22), Britney Arends (21), Janine Plaatjie (22) and Abigail Van Wyk (24), were arrested on 4 and 6 May 2023, in a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, Provincial Serious Organized Crime team and Crime Prevention.

“The accused persons were arrested in Kimberley and Kuruman simultaneously. It is alleged that between August 2020 and March 2023, a well-known gang from Kimberley was engaged in the above-mentioned criminal activities.

“During the arrest, one of the accused was found in possession of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of money, which were confiscated for further investigation. An additional case against the accused (Shawnwin Smith) was registered for dealing in drugs,” he said.

Thebe further said members of Kimberley Serious Organised Crime Investigating team managed to successfully oppose bail against the group and only two (Chanaaz Mentor and Henry Blom) of the accused managed to be granted bail in October 2023, after a lengthy bail application process. He added other members of the group whom were arrested at different times and locations, include accomplices Deon May, Clive Peters, Nico Hofuza, Pameston Mentoor and Tshepo Malimbi.

“The case continues before the Northern Cape High Court sititng in Kimberley on 18 March 2025,” said Thebe.

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