Sechaba News

15/08/2023

14/08/2023

South African Medical Association (SAMA) says a new COVID-19 variant has been discovered, EG. 5 last week Thursday.

sabcnews.com/sabcnews/new-c…

UDM leader, General Bantu Holomisa says the newly appointed minsters and deputies in the cabinet show that the ANC lacks machinery.

11/08/2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the remission of non-violent offenders in South Africa.

There are 212,286 inmates, including 9,351 foreign nationals, managed by the Department of Correctional Services across the country's 243 correctional centres and 218 community centres.

Unfortunately, the current occupancy rate is 143%, with the overcrowding rate at 43.06%. The recent loss of 3024 beds at Kutama Sinthumule due to fire means that overcrowding will increase by 4%, raising the overcrowding rate to 47.06% and in turn the occupancy rate will increase 147 per cent.

This poses a direct threat to inmate health, security, and management, and it could lead to a surge in gangsterism. More importantly, it hampers the department's ability to provide development and rehabilitation programs.

The remission of sentences is a crucial aspect of our justice system, and Section 84 (2) (J) of the Constitution enables it. However, it's important to note that certain offenders, such as those convicted of sexual offences, tampering with essential infrastructure, serving life sentences, and being declared dangerous criminals, are excluded from this criterion of this special remission. Despite this, low-risk offenders in these categories may still be eligible for a 12-month remission.

Offenders convicted of non-violent and nonsexual crimes will be eligible for up to 24 months of remission after completing the pre-release program and risk assessment and providing fingerprints and DNA samples for comparison to the South African Police Service database.

This decision will result in the deportation of 3064 foreign nationals serving short-term sentences under the guidance of the Department of Home Affairs. Additionally, it will alleviate overcrowding in correctional centres by releasing approximately 9,488 inmates and a further 15,000 inmates who are currently under correctional supervision and parole. The majority of the beneficiaries of this decision are already serving parole or under correctional supervision in their communities.

The exercise of exploring special remission commenced on 24 April 2023 whnen we lost approximately 1112 bedspcae due to delapidation in most our centres.

To ensure that this decision is implemented effectively, a joint technical task team comprising Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster departments will oversee the process over ten months, with the Department of Home Affairs leading the aspect of foreign nationals. It's important to note that victims will be allowed to make representations during the offenders' considerations for placement.

07/08/2023

Good investigative work by the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit resulted in the arrest and subsequent appearance of a 36-year-old Nomsa Lephuting before the Bafokeng Magistrates' Court in Tlhabane on Friday, 04 August 2023, on a charge of murder.

Lephuting was arrested on Wednesday, 02 August 2023. It is alleged that on Tuesday morning, 22 November 2022, police were called regarding a shooting incident at the accused's residence where they found the body of Paulina Pulane Lephuting (40) in one of the outside rooms of the dwelling. The deceased was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds. She was later declared dead at the scene. Furthermore, it was discovered that the burglar door was forced open and the wooden door slightly opened.

Following the incident, a murder case was registered at Tlhabane police station and later transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for further investigation. Intensive investigation led to the tracing and eventual arrest of the suspect. Nomsa Lephuting, who is married to the deceased's brother, was remanded in custody until her next appearance at the same court tomorrow Tuesday, 08 August 2023, for formal bail application. Investigation into the matter continues.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the team members and everyone involved for the breakthrough. He warned that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served.

07/08/2023

MOB JUSTICE CULPRITS SENTENCED TO DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

The Mogwase Regional Court sentenced Fanie Maphonkolo (29), Tumelo Masisi (37), Neo Lebeloane (29), Aupa Mosesi (35), Goitsemang Khunou (28) and Esrom Mafoko (42), to fifteen years for murder and a further ten years on a charge of attempted murder. The court ordered that five years from the attempted murder charge should run concurrently with the fifteen years. This means they will serve an effective twenty years direct imprisonment.

Their conviction emanates from an incident that occurred on 27 December 2018 at Ramokala village, whereat Andries Mabula and Mogomotsi Mojela were taken from their homes to a bus stop, where they were brutally assaulted by members of the community on suspicion of having been paid R3000 to kill Maphonkolo and Masisi. The two sustained serious injuries from the ordeal and they were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Mojela later succumbed to death as a result of the injuries. The surviving victim had to be relocated to another province as a result of the threats made towards him prior to the commencement of the trial.

In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor, William Lebelo urged the court to impose a sentence befitting to the crime and one that will send a strong message that members of the community should report all crimes to authorities and not take matters into their own hands. In imposing the sentence, Magistrate Herbert Modiba agreed with state and remarked that the accused violated the deceased’ right to life, the surviving victim’s right to bodily integrity and security, and his right to be free from being subjected to violence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo, together with the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded Warrant Officer Molefe and William Lebelo for their collaboration leading to the conviction. They urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but to report crime to authorities.

07/08/2023

15 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF EXPLOSIVES

A 39-year-old man Ephraim Thabo Nthite, from Pylkop Mogwase, was convicted and sentenced by Thabazimbi Regional Court, to 15 years of direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of explosives. The accused pleaded guilty and stated that on 29 September 2022, in Northam, the police officers were patrolling when they spotted him holding a suspicious small cooler box, they proceeded to search and found him in possession of 16 explosives.

In aggravation of the sentence the state Adv. Norman Makhubele called an expert in the bomb and explosives unit, Captain Mangena Mahlane, who told the court that these explosives are the ones that are used by criminals to bomb cash-in-transit vehicles, ATMs, and safes in business places. He also mentioned that these explosives are used by illegal miners. The Prosecutor also addressed the court about the prevalence of these crimes in the country and the statistics of crimes that are committed through explosives. He further said that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence. The court agreed with the prosecution and sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment.

The NPA welcomes the sentence and applauds the good work done by Adv Makhubele and investigating officer Captain Matlou Ernest Mochetele, from the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI).

07/08/2023

SUSPECTED HIJACKER ARRESTED

Rustenburg/ Mogwase - Abraham Alexander Mkhabela (31) was set to appear before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 July 2023 on a charge of hijacking. However, according to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame, “The matter was not enrolled pending investigation. There are issues that need to be clarified before the matter can be enrolled.”

Mkhabela’s arrest came after information was received and operationalised by members of Rustenburg Public Order Policing (POP), Visible Policing, and Crime Intelligence on Sunday evening 9 July 2023. The team proceeded to an identified flat in Rustenburg where Mkhabela was found sleeping. He was immediately arrested, and police seized a police reflective jacket.

“Mkhabela is linked with three hijacking cases in Sun City, Phokeng, and Mogwase, and for a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Sun City. These cases were reported between June 2016 to June 2023,” said police spokesperson colonel Adéle Myburgh.

07/08/2023

SAPS applications for new trainees open today, 05 August 2023, at 3 pm, download application forms on saps.gov.za

04/04/2023

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the North West welcomed the 30 years imprisonment sentence handed down to Lucky Letlhogonolo Khoza (38) by the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 23 March 2023, for kidnapping, r**e and robbery of a 24-year-old woman.

Khoza was sentenced as follows:

Count 1: R**e: 20 Years

Count 2: Robbery: 5 Years

Count 3: Kidnapping: 5 Years

The sentence in count 1, 2 and 3 will run concurrently.

The convict was apprehended on Thursday, 28 December 2017, after being linked to the crime, which was reported on Friday, 3 February 2017, through DNA results. According to evidence presented before the court, Khoza and his accomplice were driving in a blue Volkswagen Polo in Newline Section, Maboloka, near Brits, when they stopped next to the victim and overpowered her. They forced her into the vehicle and tied her up with shoe laces, then took her to Primindia building that was still under construction. Khoza’s accomplice drove off, leaving the pair behind. The victim was then tied with a rope to a pole and ultimately r**ed. The convict robbed her of her cellphone and cash before he fled from the building.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Andile Molate of the Brits Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for working tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrator was brought to book to face the full might of the law.

04/04/2023

The Mogwase Regional Court has on Thursday, 30 March 2023 sentenced a 44-year-old Thabang David Malonga @ Radiropo to seven (7) life sentences and 175 years in prison for a number criminal activities ranging from robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of fi****ms and ammunition, attempted murder to several counts of murder.

The accused conviction follows an intensive investigation by the police that started in 2011. It was reported then that the convict, who is a Lesotho national together with other suspects who are still at large, attacked a number of victims in and around Sondela and Freedom Park informal settlements, outside Rustenburg. The attacks were orchestrated on different dates using different sorts of dangerous weapons including fi****ms. In some instances, victims were robbed of their valuables including cash and cell phones. In the process some of the victims were killed while others sustained serious injuries.

The convict who was regarded as the group leader, was arrested on numerous occasions for murder and unlawful possession of fi****ms between 2011 and 2016. Some of his cases were withdrawn pending investigations and decisions. In 2018, all dockets in which Malonga was the suspect, were centralised to a dedicated team of seasoned Detectives for investigation. Consequent to finalisation of the investigations, the dockets were taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions who in turn decided to prosecute.

A search for Malonga was instituted and he was finally arrested and brought before the court. He was released on bail and thereafter absconded, thus breached his bail conditions. Moreover, after a lengthy period of time, he was re-arrested in Krugersdorp after being found in possession of a firearm unlawfully in 2019. He has been incarcerated since then up until his conviction and sentencing.

Malonga was found guilty as charged and was sentenced as follows:

8 Counts of murder: 7 life sentences and 15 years imprisonment;

2 Counts of possession of unlicensed firearm: 15 years jail term each;

4 Counts of possession of firearm without a license: 15 years jail term each;

5 Counts of unlawful possession of ammunition: 5 years jail term each;

3 Counts of attempted murder: 10 years jail term each; and

1 Count of robbery with aggravating circumstances; 15 years jail term.

The court ordered that all sentences imposed will run concurrently with the life imprisonment. Malonga was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Fi****ms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Trio Task Team, Detective Captain Dipotso Montsho and Detective Sergeant Sethunya Tobokane as well as Warrant Officer France Tsoela of Rustenburg Crime Intelligence for their tireless efforts to ensure that justice is served. He also extended a word of appreciation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their role and guidance that led to securing of the conviction. In addition, he committed that police in the Province will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who perpetrate crime are brought to book.

04/04/2023

04 APRIL 2023

NORTH WEST HIGH COURT GRANTS KULA BAIL

The High Court of South Africa North West Division; granted Sibusiso Kula (34), R50 000 bail following his appeal on the Orkney Magistrates’ Court decision to deny him bail. Judge Andre Peterson ordered him to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station, provided the investigating officer with his work itinerary, and report to investigating officer if he must move outside his residential jurisdiction and have no direct or indirect contact with his children.

The investigating officer was further ordered to take the copy of the order to the Orkney clerk of court and have Kula sign it before his release. Adv Benny Kalakgosi argued strongly for the state in persuading the court not to grant Kula bail, however, the judgement favoured the accused and the state noted and respect the decision. The state will focus on the completion of the investigations in preparation for trial.

Meanwhile, the Orkney Magistrates’ Court postponed Kula’s case to 17 April 2023, for further investigations. An application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.

Police reports reveal that Kula’s wife was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery. She was found with a stab wound on her back but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. The matter was reported by the medical facility where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention. He told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.

Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on Friday, 20 January 2023, and charged with murder. Police investigations are still underway, and the accused is expected back in court on the set date.

13/12/2022

You know what to do.

09/11/2022

If you were assigned a platform to provide matriculants' advice, what would it be?

30/10/2022

Please Share

25/09/2022

The debate regarding Bogosi ba Kgafela.
Tune in to Motsweding FM to hear more

23/09/2022

HELP FOR TSHAWE.

Vusi Thanda aka "Tshawe" former Emzini Wezinsizwa sitcom actor shares his banking details as he pleads for donations.

He is struggling financially.

22/09/2022

22/09/2022

Let's Share Folks.

15/09/2022

The Raseale Over Loved One's Missing Body

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) will spare no effort in getting answers on the whereabouts of the body of Gontse Raseale.

The 37-year-old was found dead in the bushes in Mogwase, North West and was positively identified by the family but that was the last time his remains were seen.

The bereaved family learned while busy with funeral arrangements that the body had been lost at a North West government murtuary.

The deceased was the son of F4SD branch chairperson for ward 17 in Moretele, Mary Raseale who is now distraught and is being denied an opportunity to find closure by the incompetent North West provincial government.

F4SD members are planning to visit the family as part of efforts to assist.

14/09/2022

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14/09/2022

19 August 2022 - The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence handed down to Tshepo Njikelane (34) by the Mogwase Regional Court on Monday, 15 August 2022, for r**e and robbery aggravating.

The accused was found guilty and sentenced for ra**ng a 27-year-old woman. The victim was walking home on Saturday afternoon, 18 September 2021 at Lerome village, near Mogwase outside Rustenburg when the accused attacked and ultimately r**ed her. The victim was further robbed of her cell phone. Njikelane was traced and arrested later the same month. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner commended the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Ntesang Mankheli, prosecution and other role players for their collaboration which led to the conviction.