Sechaba Times

26/01/2025

POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATH OF LIMPOPO FEMALE SERGEANT, SEARCH FOR KEY SUSPECT ACTIVATED.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a directive for the immediate tracking and tracing of a suspect involved in the tragic death of a 47-year-old Police Sergeant, stationed at the Rooiberg Police Station in the Waterberg District.

Initial reports suggest that the Sergeant returned home on the night of January 25, 2025, accompanied by her boyfriend. However, the following morning, the Sergeant's lifeless body was found by her 6-year-old grandson. At that time, both the boyfriend and the Sergeant’s vehicle were missing.

Neighbours immediately alerted the police, who dispatched emergency medical personnel to the scene. Tragically, the Sergeant was confirmed dead. The investigation later led authorities to the Sergeant's abandoned vehicle, which was found approximately 50 kilometers away from her residence along Thabazimbi Road near Koedoeskop.

While the motive behind this violent act remains unclear, police have not ruled out the possibility of domestic violence being involved.

In response to the incident, Lieutenant General Hadebe has condemned the attack, calling it a senseless act of violence, and has instructed law enforcement to utilize all available resources to locate and arrest the suspect.

Additionally, the Provincial Commissioner has extended her deepest condolences to the Sergeant's family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time.

The police are urging 43-year-old Malebye Ben Molefe to come forward to the nearest police station, as he may have valuable information critical to the investigation. Authorities also appeal to the public for any information regarding the incident.

Those with details are encouraged to contact Colonel Simon Mogale at 071 479 2329, or to call the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPSApp.

BEN MALEBYE MOLEFE PHOTO
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26/01/2025

LESOTHO NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR LUKA MURDER.

The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Rachel Makhari, have commended the sentencing of Kefuoe Victor Tsoloane (37), a Lesotho national, by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane. The sentence, handed down on Friday, 24 January 2025, follows a rigorous investigation by dedicated detectives, with strong support from the prosecution team.

Tsoloane received a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence for murder and an additional two years for being in the country illegally. Furthermore, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).

The case stems from an incident on Saturday, 9 September 2023, when 50-year-old Troy Petlele, a tavern owner in Luka Village near Phokeng, Rustenburg, was fatally shot inside his establishment. Police swiftly apprehended Tsoloane shortly after the crime, with his initial court appearance occurring on Monday, 11 September 2023. After multiple court appearances, he was ultimately convicted.

During sentencing, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, the prosecutor, emphasized the societal impact of crimes committed by undocumented foreign nationals, arguing that their actions undermine the sovereignty of South Africa. He further noted the prevalence of violent crimes perpetrated by such individuals in the North West province.

The investigation was successfully carried out by Sergeants Seatile Modisane and Piet Tobekane from the Phokeng Detectives unit, whose dedication ensured justice was served.

26/01/2025

HIJACKED TRUCK AND GOODS WORTH OVER R2 MILLION RECOVERED.

In a joint operation, the Brits Trio Task Team, Operational Coordination Centre (OCC), and Crime Intelligence successfully recovered a hijacked truck, trailer, and goods valued at more than R2 million on the evening of Thursday, 23 January 2025.

The operation stemmed from an investigation led by Bojanala District Crime Intelligence, which acted on information regarding a group suspected of truck hijackings. Following several days of surveillance at a storage facility in Rietfontein, near Hartbeespoortdam, officers spotted a truck towing a trailer, escorted by a Toyota bakkie, entering the premises on Thursday afternoon.

Further observation and action by the team resulted in the arrest of three suspects who were caught using a forklift to unload goods from the hijacked trailer. During a search of the premises, authorities also discovered a signal jammer.

The trailer and its contents were confirmed to have been hijacked earlier this month in Olievenhoutbosch, Gauteng Province. The authorities worked diligently to trace and inform the lawful owner.

The suspects, aged 20, 24, and 36, are set to appear in the Brits Magistrates' Court on Monday, 27 January 2025, on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods.

Police have commended the collaborative efforts that led to this success and continue to urge communities to report suspicious activities to curb criminal activities in the area.

26/01/2025

YARONA RUSTENBURG ENHANCES COMMUNICATION CHANNELS FOR COMMUTERS.

Yarona Rustenburg is committed to improving communication with commuters. They understand the frustration many have experienced when submitting complaints or concerns without receiving timely responses or sufficient interaction. To address this, they are actively working on better engagement, and your feedback is essential to help them improve.

Updated Contact Details:
📞 Call Centre: 014 590 3721
📱 WhatsApp: 067 620 3441
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

For urgent matters, escalate your concerns by emailing [email protected], and they will ensure prompt attention.

26/01/2025

IGNITE THE LOVE FOR READING —DONATE A BOOK TODAY!

In our community, countless young minds are missing out on the transformative power of books. Let’s change that together.

Ntwala Writers Foundation is on a mission to spark a love for reading among our youth, and your help can make a difference. By donating novels and self-help books, you’ll be giving more than just pages—you’ll be offering inspiration, comfort, and the keys to a brighter future.

Every book you donate becomes a new chapter in someone’s story.
Help us create those stories—one book at a time.

25/01/2025

4 HIJACKED IN MOGWASE, MOOINOOI POLICE OFFICER DIES.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West has been left mourning the tragic loss of 32-year-old Constable K. Rampa, who died in a motor vehicle accident early on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

The accident occurred around 02:30 on the N4 road near Majakaneng village, outside Brits. Constable Rampa and her crew member, Constable Blok, were en route back to the Mooinooi police station after attending to a hijacking incident. Highjacking took place in Mogwase and four victims were reportedly abandoned by the suspects along a roadside in Bapong.

Tragically, their state vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, overturned after a tyre burst. Constable Rampa, who was driving the vehicle, was declared dead at the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Constable Blok sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being discharged.

The four victims of the hijacking also suffered injuries in the accident and were taken to various local hospitals for medical care.

In the aftermath of this devastating incident, SAPS Chaplain services have visited the Rampa family in Makolokwe to provide support during this difficult time.

The SAPS in North West expressed their condolences to the family and colleagues of Constable Rampa, describing her as a dedicated officer who served her community with pride.

25/01/2025

25/01/2025

R510 LEADS REGIONAL HIGHEST MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT RATE.

We take into consideration that most motorists are paid and have been without money for some time, but safety remains a critical concern on our roads.

Recent statistics highlight that the R510 road, stretching to Thabazimbi, holds the highest motor vehicle accident (MVA) rate in the region. The stretch between Monnakato and Manamakgoteng has seen more accidents than any other area, raising alarms for motorists and local authorities alike.

In second place is the busy road between Boshoek and Sun City. This route, frequented by both locals and tourists, has become a hotspot for collisions, underscoring the need for better road safety measures.

The N4 highway follows in third place, particularly the stretch between Majakaneng and Hartebees, which is notorious for its sharp bends and heavy traffic. Another section of the N4, between Rustenburg (RTB) and Zeerust, takes fourth place. The high-speed limits and long stretches here contribute to frequent accidents.

The R24, linking Rustenburg (Rudan) to Krugersdorp, ranks fifth. Despite being a key route for commuters and freight, its accident rate highlights a pressing need for infrastructure upgrades and stricter traffic enforcement.

Sixth on the list is the R52, particularly the portion leading to Lichtenburg. Winding turns and wildlife crossings make this road especially dangerous for drivers.

Lastly, the Majakaneng to Sun City road comes in seventh. Although less busy, it still records notable accident rates, likely due to road design or driver behavior.

Motorists are encouraged to be cautious amd follow road rules. Stay sa.

25/01/2025

KGALEGI FAMILY IN MANTSERRE DEVASTATED AFTER MISSING RELATIVE FOUND DEAD IN RIVER.

The Kgalegi family in Mantserre was left reeling after the discovery of a family member, Benenyana Kgalegi (42), who had been missing for nearly a week. His decomposed body was found floating in the Kolobeng River near a local bridge by a passerby.

Following the grim discovery, forensic pathologists transported Benenyana's body to Doves Funeral Home in Rustenburg, as the Phokeng offices were undergoing renovations. However, when the family arrived on Tuesday to collect the body for burial arrangements, they were denied access.

Doves Funeral Home revealed to the family that the Department of Health owed them over R300,000 for body storage for more than 7 months, leaving the Kgalegi and other families in distress.

Virginia Sebeela, a cousin to the deceased, shared how the incident devastated the family, disrupting plans to bury Benenyana on Saturday. “The whole week was a blur; we were emotionally drained as the body was withheld,” she lamented.

The situation gained the attention of local politicians, including members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Juju Monaisa, a Regional Command Team (RCT) member, stated that their mission was to disrupt Doves’ operations and demand the release of the bodies. They escalated the matter to the provincial MEC for Health, prompting intervention.

By Thursday evening, the issue was resolved between Doves and the health department then autopsy began. “The government needs to stop leasing buildings for such critical services to prevent this kind of trauma for families,” Monaisa said.

Albert Bokala, a representative from the provincial health department, assured Sechaba Times that affected families would be assisted by the end of business yesterday. However, the Kgalegi family remains unconvinced by the forensic report, which stated that drowning was the cause of death. “We believe the post-mortem was not conducted properly. Our brother might have been murdered,” claimed Neo Kgalegi.

Benenyana Kgalegi will be laid to rest tomorrow, Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Mantserre, Mogale Section.

23/01/2025

HON. BUTI MANAMELA TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE ANNUAL NEXTGEN CAREER EXPO 2025 IN MABESKRAAL.

The South BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), in partnership with the Nkosi Minenkulu Joyi Foundation (NMJF) and Kgosi Mabe-O-Molopyane Foundation (KMMF), is proud to announce that Hon. Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, will serve as one of the keynote speakers at the highly anticipated Annual NextGen Career Expo 2025.

This exciting event will take place at Rakoko Secondary School in Mabeskraal on 31 January 2025, beginning at 08:00.

The Career Expo, a hallmark event in the youth empowerment calendar, seeks to inspire and guide young leaders as they navigate their paths toward meaningful careers and personal development. This year’s expo promises to be even more impactful, thanks to the invaluable presence of Hon. Manamela.

With an illustrious career dedicated to education, governance, and youth development, Hon. Manamela has established himself as a passionate advocate for empowering the next generation. From his tenure as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation to his current role, he has consistently championed the cause of education and innovation as drivers of national progress.

The Annual NextGen Career Expo serves as a platform for young people to connect with thought leaders, gain valuable insights into career opportunities, and build networks to help them achieve their aspirations. Hon. Manamela’s keynote address will undoubtedly inspire attendees to envision a brighter future and take bold steps toward their goals.

23/01/2025

VACANCIES

22/01/2025

INTELLIGENCE LED OPERATION LEADS TO THE ARREST OF ALLEGED RA**ST.

An intelligence driven operation by Sun City Detectives and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), culminated in the arrest of a 31-year-old wanted suspect on Sunday, 19 January 2025.

According to information, observation was kept at Witrandjie village where the team searched for the suspect and found him hiding under the bed. He was arrested and detained for two counts of r**e and one of assault common. The first r**e case was reported on Sunday, 20 August 2023, in Sun City. It is alleged that a 27-year-old victim visited a tavern in Rustenburg to celebrate her birthday, where she met the suspect. The next day the suspect invited her and her friend back to the tavern and even arranged transport to fetch them. He then asked her to accompany him to fetch something at home. On their way, he became aggressive, grabbed her cellular phone and r**ed the woman upon arrival at his house.

The second r**e incident was reported on Saturday, 3 August 2024. It is alleged that a 20-year-old woman was driving around with friends, using the suspect’s friends vehicle in Witrandjie Village near Sun City. They all visited a tavern in Phatsima and later went to the suspect’s house where they all went to sleep. Furthermore, the suspect woke up the victim, became aggressive and forcefully took her to another bedroom and r**ed her.

The assault case was reported during the early hours of Sunday, 26 March 2023. The suspect allegedly assaulted a 32-year-old victim at Ledig village by spraying him with pepper spray and assaulting him with his fists.

The suspect appeared before the Mankwe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday, 31 January 2025 for a bail application.

22/01/2025

THREE MOZAMBIQUE NATIONALS SENTENCED FOR COPPER CABLE THEFT IN TLHABANE.

Tlhabane Regional Court in the North West has handed down lengthy prison sentences to three Mozambican nationals for theft of copper cables and violating immigration laws. The trio – Andries Chilenge (43), Oscar Tembe (33), and Julius Khoza (46) – received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years.

The case stems from an incident on November 11, 2023, near Boshoek and the Phokeng railway. The men were caught stealing a 353kg copper railway cable valued at over R146,000. The theft was discovered around 11 p.m. by transit security personnel who found the severed cable during routine patrols. A swift search operation using a drone and security team led to the suspects' capture near the railway. Police confiscated the stolen cable at the scene.

During the trial, a Transnet investigator testified about the severe consequences of tampering with essential infrastructure, highlighting the disruptions to freight transportation and significant financial losses. State Prosecutor Mputla urged the court to impose strict penalties, stressing the gravity of the crime.

The court agreed, with the presiding officer noting that the men's actions endangered the community. The sentences are as follows:

Andries Chilenge: 18 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act.

Oscar Tembe: 13 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act.

Julius Khoza: 23 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act.

The court ordered that the sentences for violating the Immigration Act run concurrently with the theft sentences. After serving their terms, the men will be deported to Mozambique.

Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, lauded the conviction and commended all involved parties. "These sentences demonstrate the National Prosecuting Authority's commitment to fighting crime and delivering justice," she said.

22/01/2025

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22/01/2025

SECURITY COMPANY SHOOTOUT LEAVES THREE INJURED IN WITRANDJIE VILLAGE.

Sun City police have launched an investigation following a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday morning, 16 January 2025, at Portion Zero (Tuse Mine) in Witrandjie village, near Sun City, outside Rustenburg.

According to reports, the altercation involved employees of two private security companies, who exchanged gunfire, leaving three men with serious injuries. Sun City Visible Policing and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) swiftly intervened to stabilize the situation. Several fi****ms were seized at the scene and will undergo ballistic testing.

Police have also registered two attempted murder charges and three separate cases of malicious damage to property after three vehicles were discovered riddled with bullet holes.

The motive behind the altercation remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as investigations continue.

Authorities have refuted claims circulating on social media that police were involved in the shooting, urging community members to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite unnecessary panic.

Members of the community are once again urged to use social media platforms responsibly,” police officials said in a statement.

22/01/2025

KGOSI NYALALA PILANE REINSTATED AS CHIEF TO PROTECT BAKGATLA BA KGAFELA'S LEGACY AND RESOURCES.

Kgosi Nyalala Pilane has officially been reinstated as the rightful chief of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela in Moruleng. This decision, announced through Proclamation Notice 128 of 2025 dated 15 January 2025 by North West Premier Mokgosi, signals a new chapter in the leadership and future of the Bakgatla community.

As part of this transition, Ramono Linchwe Pilane has been removed from his position. Importantly, this also means that all village headmen installed by Ramono no longer hold any authority unless given a specific mandate by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane.

Ramono’s tenure as a leader was marked by limited community support, with less than 5 percent of the morafe backing him. His administration was headquartered in Sefikile after they were removed from Lesetlheng.

Many have attributed his appointment to motives aimed at hindering progress, including attempts to delay the visionary Moruleng City Masterplan spearheaded by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane. Something that has angered majority of morafe in Moruleng.

Kgosi Nyalala Pilane has long been recognized for his contributions to the Bakgatla ba Kgafela community, including his instrumental role in attracting mining investors to the region and laying the foundation for transforming Moruleng into a thriving rural city. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Kgosi Nyalala’s commitment to progress and development remains steadfast.

A village elder and former headman recalled a very troubling event "When the Botswana mafias came, the first thing they wanted to know was how much was in the morafe account. This clearly shows their aim was to dig deep into Bakgatla ba Kgafela’s funds in Moruleng and cross the border back to Mochudi," he said.

The reinstatement of Kgosi Nyalala Pilane symbolizes hope and stability for the Bakgatla ba Kgafela people. His leadership has always been about building a better future, united morafe, and this marks the beginning of renewed unity and growth.

Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings, which will be communicated in due course, and familiarize themselves with the opportunities Moruleng has to offer. Alternatively, they are urged to visit their local kgotla for more information and inquiries.

Community members are optimistic that under Kgosi Nyalala’s guidance, Moruleng’s potential as a model rural city will be realized, bringing economic opportunities and improved livelihoods to morafe.

21/01/2025

RUSTENBURG RAINBOW FARMS BUSINESSMEN APPEAR IN COURT ON CORRUPTION CHARGES.

Johan Buitendag (49) and Jan Antonie Van Der Nest (56), along with their respective companies, Bosman Droeers CC, Stetner Transport (Pty) Ltd, and Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) Ltd, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates' Court on charges of corruption involving millions of rands.

Van Der Nest, a former Agricultural Executive at Rainbow Farms from 2019 to 2022, is alleged to have abused his position to benefit his associate, Johan Buitendag. Rainbow Farms, which relies on outsourced coal suppliers to maintain its chicken-rearing operations, awarded a coal supply contract to Buitendag’s company, Bosman Droeers CC, following Van Der Nest’s recommendation. The previous supplier was replaced under the pretext of cost-effectiveness.

Soon after the contract was secured, Van Der Nest reportedly purchased a truck with two side tipper trailers under his company, Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) Ltd. The truck was then rented out to Buitendag's Stetner Transport (Pty) Ltd, which used it to deliver coal to Rainbow Farms.

The Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Klerksdorp revealed that Ruton Trade and Invest invoiced Stetner Transport monthly for truck usage. Between the two companies, 134 payments were made, amounting to over R4.9 million—a financial loss borne by Rainbow Farms. Additionally, investigators uncovered direct payments from Buitendag to Van Der Nest's personal bank account as part of the scheme.

Both men are facing 134 counts of corruption for failing to disclose conflicts of interest, declare gifts, or recuse themselves from the procurement process in accordance with Rainbow Farms' policies.

The accused were granted bail of R25,000 each. The case has been postponed to 19 February 2025 for disclosure of further evidence.

The Hawks have vowed to intensify their investigations into corporate corruption.