Tag Archives: the accused

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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A woman who strangled another to death jailed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

13 March 2025- A woman (36) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for murder. On 24 December 2023, the accused, Ilse Freemen, went to the victim’s shack at Maranteng in Postmasburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Freemen, confronted the victim (32), about a stolen door and gossip stories that were spread. Shemane said an argument ensued between the two women and the accused strangled the victim to death.

“The accused reported the incident to the victim’s boyfriend, who then called the police. The accused was subsequently arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZF Mgcawu District management commended Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Tshonto Kgomonyane, for his thorough investigation work in ensuring that the accused served time for the heinous crime.

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A man sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and theft of motor vehicle

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By OBAKENG MAJE

10 March 2025- A man (50) was sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and theft of a motor vehicle. In November 2020, the accused, Hanro Pietersen, visited the complainant at Riverside Farm, near Plooysburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Pietersen informed the complainant that he was a mechanic and would be able to fix his Nissan X trail vehicle, which is valued at R70 000. Shemane said the victim paid the accused R15 000 to do the repairs on the vehicle and Pietersen then towed the vehicle to Kimberley.

“The accused took the vehicle papers with him and informed the complaint that he was taking the papers in case the police stopped him along the road. Instead, the accused went to the Kimberley Traffic Department and forged the signature of the complainant and put the vehicle on his name.

“After the accused repaired the vehicle, he then sold it to a person in Roodepan in Kimberley. It then came to the attention of the owner that the vehicle has been sold,” he said.

Shemane further said the complainant approached the police and a case of theft of motor vehicle and fraud was registered. He added that, the police recovered the vehicle and arrested the accused.

“On 5 March 2025, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced him to six years imprisonment, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Pixley Ka Seme, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Samuel Witbooi of De Aar Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in securing the conviction and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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Former financial administrator sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for theft

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 March 2025- The accused, Angelique Loubsher (53), who was facing 135 counts of theft, was found guilty by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court. Loubsher was working as a Financial Administrator at a company selling cleaning materials, had over a period of 10 months (from 3 January 2021 to 23 October 2021) stealing money belonging to her employer, instead of depositing it into the employer’s bank account.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said she was sentenced to just more than 23 years imprisonment, suspended on condition that she pays the whole amount of R285 842.46, back to her now former employer. Myburgh said Loubsher was also put under correctional supervision for a period of five years.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the Potchefstroom Detectives for recently achieving excellent sentences. Asaneng commended the Investigating Officers and prosecution for leaving no stone unturned to secure the sentence.

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Elderly woman jailed for defrauding SASSA

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 March 2025- The accused, Sarathamoney Devi Sigamoney (69) was sentenced to a cumulative 10 years imprisonment by the Pretoria North Regional Court for perjury, fraud and theft. This is after Sigamoney defrauded the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pension payouts, while being the sole director of a company that was awarded tenders worth millions from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to supply office furniture.

The Investigating Directive Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said she has applied for leave to appeal and the court postponed the matter to 12 March 2025, for arguments. Mamothame said in his sentencing remarks, Magistrate Pieter Nel, highlighted the need to convey a strong message to potential perpetrators, on the seriousness of such offences.

“The court previously granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit a confiscation order against her, stipulating that an amount of R138 593.00 with interest calculated at 11.25% per annum, calculated from the date of this order, be paid back to SASSA.

“Sigamoney’s conviction is as a result of an occurrence of 13 April 2017, wherein she applied for an old age grant with SASSA, attaching a supporting affidavit wherein she stated that she has never worked for a period of 20 years,” he said.

Mamothame further said, on 18 April, SASSA provided Sigamoney with a letter of approval, which she signed for as received. He added that she is alleged to have received grant money from SASSA amounting to approximately R123 000, from July 2017 to July 2022.

“Subsequent to charges being registered against her, she continued to receive the grant for a further 16 months. Although she is listed as the director of KJP Traders Pty and Matthew Pillay (her son), KJP is alleged to have conducted business with the state as early as 2012, preceding her application to SASSA.

“Furthermore, the company is estimated to have cashed in approximately R88 million from the SAPS contracts, to which the last payment was in 2022,” said Mamothame.

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