Morongwa ( Community Newspaper )

26/01/2025

ANOTHER MURDER SHAKES PUDUMOE COMMUNITY

PUDUMOE – The Pudumoe community is reeling from yet another tragic incident following the murder of a 25-year-old male student in the early hours of Sunday, 26 January 2025. This marks the second killing in just three weeks in the area.

North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed that the fatal incident took place around 3am at a tavern located near the N18 road. "According to information received, the victim got into a fight with one of his friends at the tavern. During the altercation, the brother of the victim's friend allegedly intervened and stabbed the victim in the neck with a knife. The victim collapsed and was certified dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS)," Myburgh explained.

The suspect, also 25 years old, has been arrested and will appear at the Taung Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, on charges of murder.

The killing comes just weeks after the gruesome murder of 16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota, whose body was found in a shallow grave. Makaota’s death, which shocked the country, remains fresh in the minds of residents, intensifying their grief over the latest incident.

Residents told MORONGWA that the 25-year-old victim was a student at an FET College in Pudumoe and is from Northern Cape.

Police investigations into the murder are continuing.

26/01/2025

CHAOS ERUPTS AT IPELEGENG POLICE STATION

Two Arrested Following Violent Clash

IPELEGENG - In a series of alarming events in Ipelegeng, Extension 6, a midnight altercation among a group of young men spiraled into chaos, leading to violence at the local police station. Colonel Adéle Myburgh, spokesperson for the North West police, confirmed the incident, providing an account of the escalating tensions and subsequent police intervention.

The initial altercation, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 26 January 2025, left two individuals injured after being struck with beer bottles. "Two cases of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm were opened following the injuries sustained by the victims," Myburgh stated.

What began as a street brawl soon intensified when the same group of individuals carried their fight to the Ipelegeng Police Station at approximately 10h00am on Sunday. "During this confrontation at the police station, the group continued fighting one another. Police intervened, and Public Order Policing was called to assist. The crowd was eventually dispersed using teargas and rubber bullets," Myburgh explained.

Amid the chaos, another individual was assaulted with a bottle, leading to a third case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The violence did not stop there. According to Myburgh, "Some police equipment was damaged by the angry crowd, prompting the opening of a case for malicious damage to state property. Additionally, one of our police officers was assaulted, though not seriously, fortunately."

It's alleged that another crowd was dispersed using teargas and rubber bullets at Extension 6.

As investigations progressed, police made two arrests connected to the incidents. "So far, two suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear at the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate's Court on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm on Tuesday, 28 January 2025," Myburgh confirmed.

She also indicated that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.

26/01/2025

TRIAL OF MURDER SUSPECT BONGANE SHEBI RESUMES IN KLERKSDORP HIGH COURT

KLERKSDORP – The trial of murder suspect Bongane Gregory Shebi (27) is set to resume on Monday, 27 January 2025, in the Klerksdorp High Court. The accused has remained in custody since his arrest in October 2022 and faces charges related to the brutal killing of 47-year-old Iris Mohokare, a respected healthcare worker at a clinic in Ipelegeng township.

Shebi was initially due for trial on 19 August 2024, but proceedings were postponed to allow for further evidence to be presented. According to Sive Gunya, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the prosecution is confident in its case. "The NPA has a strong case against the accused," Gunya stated, indicating that the evidence will be pivotal in securing justice for the victim.

Shebi stands accused of the gruesome murder of Mohokare, whose body was discovered in her rented home in Ipelegeng township on 13 October 2022. The victim’s throat had been slit, and her landlord discovered her bloodied body in the morning after the alleged attack. According to the then MEC for Health in North West, Madoda Sambatha, Mohokare had recently been promoted to Facility Manager at Charon Clinic just days before her untimely death. Shebi was apprehended three days later on information about being seen walking near the crime scene in blood-stained clothing on the day Mohokare’s body was discovered.

Following her tragic death, Mohokare was laid to rest at her home in Thaba Nchu in the Free State on Saturday, 22 October 2022, in a funeral attended by family, friends, and colleagues.

The trial, which has gripped the community of Ipelegeng, is expected to shed light on the circumstances leading to Mohokare’s death.

24/01/2025

23/01/2025

CASE OF MURDERED TEEN POSTPONED

TAUNG – The case against Phemelo Maine (40) and Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), accused of the brutal murder of 16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota, has been postponed to Tuesday, 28 January 2025. The postponement is to allow for the bail application of the second accused, Phatlhanyane.

The duo appeared at the Taung Magistrate's Court on Friday, 23 January. Notably, Maine, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the murder, has informed the court that he will not be applying for bail and intends to plead guilty to the charges against him.

The two accused allegedly murdered Makaota earlier this month, 11 January 2025, and buried her body in a shallow grave in Pudumoe, near Taung. Her remains were discovered and exhumed after she had been reported missing for three days. The shocking crime has sparked outrage within the local community and beyond.

Outside the courthouse, family members of the deceased joined community members in a solemn picket to express their opposition to the granting of bail to the accused. Speaking to MORONGWA, some attendees expressed their frustration with the rising tide of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.

“We are here because we cannot let such heinous acts go unpunished. These men took the life of an innocent child, and they must face the full might of the law,” said one community member.

22/01/2025

FRAUDULENT S&T CLAIM SENDS FORMER PRINCIPAL IN JAIL

Crime MOSEPELE O TSHWARISITSE MOGOKGO WA KHOLEJE Modise Lobelo January 22, 2025 1 min read MOSEPELE O TSHWARISITSE MATLHOKO   TAUNG – Mogokgo wa pele wa kholeje kwa Taung, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko, o bonwe molato le go atlholwa ke kgotlatshekelo-kgaolo ya Taung bekeng eno. Kgotlatshekelo e r...

19/01/2025

BOINGOTLO MAKAOTA LAID TO REST

19/01/2025

"PEOPLE ON CIRCULATING LIST ARE NOT DEAD," SAYS SAPS

STILFONTEIN – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding its operations in Stilfontein. The ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and retrieve the bodies of illegal miners have been marred by false allegations and the unauthorised sharing of sensitive information.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that the names, nationalities, and birth dates of suspects involved in the retrieval operation had been shared with two community leaders to ensure transparency and assist in locating next of kin. However, the SAPS has expressed concern over the circulation of this confidential information on social media platforms. The SAPS clarified that the said list, which is currently being circulated as belonging to the deceased illegal miners, is in fact of those who are alive.

“This act undermines our efforts and compromises the dignity of those involved,” she added. “We are currently investigating how this sensitive information was leaked.”

The SAPS also addressed claims that police were involved in the blasting of Shaft 10. Upon inspection by the explosives team, it was confirmed that no such blasting had occurred. Mathe emphasised, “The spreading of false information about explosions is a criminal offence under the Explosives Act. We will pursue legal action against those responsible for these baseless allegations.”

Additionally, the SAPS refuted allegations that one of the volunteers assisting with the retrieval operation had been arrested. According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the individual in question is a parolee who allegedly violated parole conditions. “This matter is being handled by the DCS, and the individual is not in SAPS custody,” Mathe clarified.

18/01/2025

BOINGOTLO MAKAOTA LAID TO REST

PUDUMOE — The life of 16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota, a Grade 10 learner from Maatla Secondary School, was honoured at an emotional funeral service held at Pudumoe Community Hall. Family, friends, classmates, and members of the community gathered to bid farewell to Boingotlo, affectionately known as Manana.

Traditional leaders from Matlhako 1 and 2 have strongly condemned the incident, calling for justice to prevail. “Such heinous acts have no place in our community, and we urge law enforcement to ensure those responsible face the full might of the law,” said one of the leaders.

Speakers remembered Boingotlo as a quiet and kind child, with her uncle sharing how deeply devastated the family is by her loss. “I looked forward to seeing Manana grow and become a better person,” he said, visibly shaken.

Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Obakeng Senwedi, told MORONGWA that they are planning to hold awareness campaigns on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to educate young men on respecting and living peacefully with women.

Boingotlo’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave on Saturday, 11 January 2025, in Matshelapane, Pudumoe. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone revealed to MORONGWA that her body was wrapped in a blanket and bore injuries to her head, legs, and thighs.

Two men, Phemelo Maine (40) and Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), have been arrested in connection with her murder. Both suspects have appeared twice in court, and their next appearance is set for Thursday, 23 January 2025, at the Taung Magistrate's Court for a bail application.

MORONGWA has learned that Maine has told the court that he plans to plead guilty on the charges and has opted to abandon his bail application. The community, alongside traditional leaders, has expressed outrage over the incident, calling for swift justice to ensure such acts do not recur.

18/01/2025

SECOND PATIENT ALLEGEDLY ABSCONDS FROM HOSPITAL, DROWNS AT WENTZEL DAM

SCHWEIZER-RENEKE - The drowning of a 21-year-old male patient from Schweizer-Reneke District Hospital at Wentzel Dam on Saturday, 11 January 2025, has sparked outrage and concern within the local community. This marks the second such incident involving a patient from the hospital in just over a year, the first occurring in December 2023.

According to Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, the SAPS spokesperson for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, police were alerted to the scene at approximately 15h00. “A community member saw the body of the deceased in the water and alerted the police,” van Rooyen said. Upon arrival, the victim was declared dead by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

The police confirmed that no missing person’s report had been filed prior to the discovery. An inquest docket has been opened, and investigations into the circumstances of the drowning are ongoing.

The North West Department of Health has confirmed that the deceased was under their care at the time of the incident. In a statement, spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi said, “The Department has been made aware of reports of a patient, under our care, who allegedly absconded and was later found unresponsive near a dam, allegedly due to drowning.”

The Department has launched an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident. “We are investigating why the patient was not properly monitored, how they managed to leave the hospital, and when and where a report was lodged regarding the abscondment,” Mothibedi explained.

Mothibedi added that while preliminary findings have established the time the patient left the facility, this information cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardising the police investigation. “All senior managers, police, and the family worked together the same day to search and try to locate the patient,” Mothibedi confirmed.

The Department acknowledged that this is the second such incident and revealed measures previously implemented after the December 2023 case. “There are measures in place even before the previous incident, where we had charged senior managers and employees involved. We have also beefed up our security officers to safeguard our facilities and ensure both patients and visitors are registered accordingly and monitored,” said Mothibedi.

As part of its response to the current incident, the Department has pledged to hold accountable those responsible for any lapses. “Charges are already formulated, and several managers, including the CEO as the accounting officer, will have to be hauled before disciplinary proceedings and account,” Mothibedi stated.

The Department revealed to MORONGWA that it has visited the family of the deceased and assured them of support during this difficult time. “We want to assure the public that all other patients in our care are safe. We have a fiduciary duty to protect our patients, and we will take drastic steps against employees found responsible,” said Mothibedi.

The incident has reignited public concerns about the safety and management of patients at Schweizer-Reneke District Hospital. Local residents have called for accountability, especially given the recurrence of such tragedies.

18/01/2025

DITSOBOTLA HAS A NEW MAYOR

LICHTENBURG – In a significant council reshuffle, Cllr Mazwi Moruri was unanimously elected as the new Mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality following a special council sitting on Friday, 17th January 2025. His appointment follows the removal of Cllr Thabo Nkashe through a motion of no confidence.

Mr. Rasupang Mooketsi was appointed as the Acting Municipal Manager, effective immediately, after the council placed Mr. Bojosinyane on special leave pending the review of the MEC's court application regarding his appointment.

This new leadership shift is expected to bring about a fresh direction for the municipality.

18/01/2025

DEVELOPING:
16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota's funeral is underway at Pudumoe Community Hall.

17/01/2025

TWO HOSPITALISED AFTER N14 HEAD-ON COLLISION

KEIMOES — Police have confirmed a head-on collision involving a minibus and a tipper truck on the N14 between Keimoes and Upington. The accident occurred around 13:30 on Friday, 17 January 2025, leaving both drivers with serious injuries.

According to Sergeant Omphile Masegela from the ZF Mgcawu District, the drivers, who were traveling alone in their respective vehicles, were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.

Photo credit: SA Trucker

17/01/2025

MEC MORWENG VISITS THE FAMILY OF SLAIN OFFICER

KLERKSDORP — North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Wessels Morweng paid a visit to the family of the late Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng on Friday, 17 January2025, offering condolences following her tragic murder earlier this week.

Speaking during the visit, MEC Morweng expressed profound sorrow at the loss of the 45-year-old officer, who was stationed at Jouberton Visible Policing. “We are coming with broken hearts and saddened as government to lose a committed member. However, I find comfort in the report that our investigators are getting closer to arresting the perpetrators,” said Morweng. He added that while no justice could bring back Motlhaoleng, the family and community might find closure through the apprehension of those responsible.

Motlhaoleng was allegedly gunned down on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, in Taljaart Kruger Street, Randlespark, while driving to work in full uniform. According to police reports, her body was found in her private vehicle with gunshot wounds to her right jaw and hand. At the scene, investigators recovered three empty cartridges and an ammunition.

Witnesses reported seeing a black Volkswagen Polo with four occupants speeding away from the crime scene shortly after the shooting.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the swift arrest of the suspects. “We will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice,” said Asaneng.

The tragic incident has left the local community in mourning, with many remembering Sergeant Motlhaoleng as a dedicated officer who served her community with diligence and pride.

17/01/2025

MAN FOUND WITH 10 MILLION CHILD P**N IMAGES

MIDRAND - In an ongoing operation in Midrand, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is conducting a takedown operation targeting the possession, accessing, downloading, and distribution of child po*******hy. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case.

The suspect was discovered in possession of numerous images and videos showcasing child po*******hy. The SAPS team has been actively investigating the scene, and so far, an estimated 10 million child po*******hy images and videos have been uncovered on various electronic devices.

The investigation is still ongoing as law enforcement officials work to gather more evidence and ensure that justice is served in this disturbing case.

15/01/2025

POLICE OFFICER BRUTALLY KILLED IN KLERKSDORP

KLERKSDORP — The acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng, describing the incident as “intolerable and callous.” He expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of a dedicated officer, emphasising the negative impact such incidents have on service delivery and the police force as a whole.

Speaking to MORONGWA, Asaneng said: “I have instructed the investigation team to work tirelessly to ensure the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book."

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, 14 January 2025, in Taljaart Kruger Street, Randlespark, Klerksdorp. According to information, Sergeant Motlhaoleng (45), who was stationed at Jouberton Visible Policing, was ambushed while on her way to work in her private vehicle. She was fully dressed in her police uniform at the time.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed to MORONGWA that Motlhaoleng’s body was discovered with gunshot wounds to her right jaw and hand. “Three empty cartridges and an ammunition were found at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a black Volkswagen Polo with four occupants speeding away from the area,” said Mokgwabone.

The motive for the murder remains unclear, and no arrests have been made thus far. Investigations into the case are being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

13/01/2025

TWO SUSPECTS APPREHENDED FOR BOINGOTLO’S MURDER

13/01/2025

TWO SUSPECTS TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR MURDER

TAUNG — Two suspects, aged 27 and 40, are set to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 January 2025, in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota. The suspects were arrested on Saturday, 11 January 2025, following the discovery of Makaota’s body.

Tragedy engulfed the Makaota family and the community of Matlhako 1 in Pudumoe after Boingotlo's body was found buried in a shallow grave near a stream on Saturday, 11 January 2025. Boingotlo disappeared on Wednesday, 8 January. Her disappearance tragically ended with the discovery of her body.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the discovery. “The body of a 16-year-old female was found buried in a shallow grave near a stream in Matshelapane, Matlhako 1, Pudumoe. A case of murder has been opened,” he said.