January 2023

News
0
2 min read

26 goats impounded, calls for owners to come forth

Police have rescued 26 goats which had no brand marks at Kameelrivier B, Nelspruit on Sunday, 15 January 2023.

The owners of the seized livestock to urgently come forth and identify their own before the goats can be forfeited to the state.

A report indicates that the Police were busy with their routine patrols. They spotted a white Toyota Quantum pulling a trailer which was fully loaded with the goats.

The driver mentioned that the stock was transported by him to an auction. This is after being hired by the owners from four different households.

26 GOATS STOLEN

According to the driver, the owners thereof opted to sell their stock out of fear that their stock could be stolen by thieves who often steal goats in their area. As there was no proof of ownership, police registered an enquiry docket and then seized the items for further investigation.

Hence police call on community members who might have lost their goats to come and identify their stock at Mmametlhake SAPS or call the Branch Commander of Siyabuswa Stocktheft Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Sepogoane on 079 499 2015 for assistance.

POLICE CONDEMN STOCK THEFT

Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela says they regard stock theft as a serious crime. More effort is also being made to resolve this issue hence the action taken by the members. The General further advised farmers to brand mark their stock. This will be easy to identify once the stock is recovered.

News
0
2 min read

Neighbour sentenced to life imprisonment for rape of a six-year-old Girl

The Mankweng Regional Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man from Solomondale, Limpopo to life imprisonment for the rape of a six-year-old girl.

The name of the accused is concealed to protect the victim. The incident occurred on 19 October 2018, in Solomondale, when the accused called the victim while she was playing at her homestead.

He then lured her to his house, where he raped her, gave her one rand, and told her not to tell anyone.

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR HEARTLESS NEIGHBOUR

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to the offence. The state Advocate Makgomothi Masehel had to prove the case to link the accused person to the offence. The J88 was handed in to corroborate the evidence of the doctor who examined the child. He testified about the injuries the victim sustained throughout the ordeal.

There was no DNA to link the accused to the offence as he used a condom, which was also a challenge to the state.

The Victim Impact Report submitted to the court, also indicates that the victim fears male persons including the accused. As well as other male family members.

She is reluctant to play with other children and struggles to sleep at night. The family is disappointed as they trusted the accused with handy work at their home. The teacher confirmed that the child became passive in class.

VICTIM RECEIVES PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP

The victim has relocated to another village, as they live in the same street as the accused. She underwent psycho-social services rendered at Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre to assist her deal with the trauma.

The pre-sentence report was also handed in by the state. It was recommended that the accused must be sentenced to life imprisonment. The Presiding Officer, Karin Pillay could not find any compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentences act and sentence the accused to life imprisonment.

The NPA has welcomed the sentence and stands firm in the fight against violence against women and children. The Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Ivy Thenga, commends the good work of the state Advocate Masehela. Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre and Investigating Officer.

News
0
2 min read

MEC Nandi Ndalane discharged from hospital after car accident

The Limpopo Department of Social Development have confirmed that its MEC Nandi Ndalane has been discharged from Hospital.

MEC Nandi Ndalane was admitted after being involved in a motor vehicle accident last week Wednesday.

She was on her way to Thabazimbi on official duty. She was part of the Limpopo provincial executive’s monitoring team on day one of the new school year.

The MEC’s BMW X4 lost control and overturned. She sustained moderate to serious injuries but not life threatening.

MEC NANDI NDALANE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

In a statement released on Monday, the department said MEC Ndalane expressed gratitude to the gift of life.

“The MEC responsible for Social Development in Limpopo, Ms Nandi Ndalane has been discharged from hospital,” read the statement.

“Ndalane was admitted at the hospital for medical attention and observation following the car accident she was involved in together with her driver and protector on Wednesday this week.

“Both Ndalane and the driver sustained minor injuries where Ndalane was admitted to hospital. The driver and the protector received medical attention and were released to recuperate at home,” they said.

MEC GRATEFUL FOR THE GIFT OF LIFE

“Following her discharge Ndalane expressed gratitude to the gift of life as well as well wishes she received from South Africans during her time of recovery in hospital. She will be given time to recuperate at home and hope that she will be back soon to discharge her responsibility as the executing authority for the Department of Social Development.

“She insisted that no operation should be disrupted due to her absence at the Department Ndalane looks forward to a fruitful year ahead.”

Ndalane took over the responsibilities of being MEC for Social Development in October 2022. This follows a Limpopo cabinet reshuffle by Premier Stan Mathabatha. She had been serving as the MEC for Agriculture.

News
0
2 min read

High court grants president Cyril Ramaphosa interdict

The High Court in Johannesburg has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interdict against ex-president Jacob Zuma’s private prosecution bid.

The ruling means Ramaphosa won’t have to physically appear in court this week. The former president wanted to prosecute Ramaphosa for an alleged accessory after the fact.

This is in the case against State prosecutor, Billy Downer, and journalist, Karyn Maughan.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

But a full bench led by Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland found that urgency had been proven by President Ramaphosa’s lawyers. Granting him an urgent interdict.

“As to the balance of convenience, the respondent suffers no harm if there was a delay in the private prosecution. In order to debate the controversies alluded to in this judgment. As mentioned earlier, the trial of the alleged principal offenders has yet to begin. There, conviction is a necessary condition for criminal liability by the applicant,” said Sutherland.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA STATEMENT

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since welcomed the judgement. He also says pursuit of this case infringes on his constitutional rights and affects the country as a whole.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the decision handed down by the South Gauteng High Court Division to interdict the private prosecution brought against him by Former President Jacob Zuma from proceeding until the application to set aside the private prosecution is heard.

“The court affirmed all of the President’s key contentions. Namely on jurisdiction of the court to hear the interdict application, the urgency of the matter against a court appearance date based on prima facie unlawful nolle prosequi. The court further found in the President’s favour on the violation of rights to personal freedom based on a prima facie defective summons.”

“The judgement confirms the position of the President that the private prosecution is motivated by the ulterior purpose. Based on spurious and unfounded charges, constitutes an abuse of private prosecution provisions and demonstrates flagrant disregard for the law.”

News
0
2 min read

BREAKING NEWS: Mampintsha’s mother has passed away

Barely weeks after her son’s death, Mampintsha’s mother Zamanguni Gumede has unfortunately passed away on Sunday.

Mampintsha’s mother was recently hospitalised after suffering a stroke. Gumede’s health took a knock following Maphumulo’s death three weeks ago. According to a report, she became weak and could not walk when he died.

MANDLA MAPHUMULO DEATH A SET BACK

Her son, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, died last month after also suffering a stroke. He died on 24 December 2022 after suffering a minor stroke at the age of 40.

She reportedly died following a short illness at Wentworth Hospital at the age of 64.

Mampintsha’s sister Pinki Gumede confirmed the news in various publications.

MAMPINTSHA’S MOTHER LAST WISHES

“She called me and my children at around 22:00 to come visit her at the hospital. When we arrived she said she wanted to say her last goodbyes. She passed away at 23:00,” confirmed Gumede.

Mampintsha's mother Zamanguni Gumede — **Mampintsha’s mother Zamanguni Gumede**

“She held our hands and gave us all a message and said she was saying goodbye. Her last words to me were that I should look after the children and she will miss Mampintsha’s son”.

Gumede had reportedly also asked Pinki to bring Mampintsha’s son to the hospital. A wish she wanted to grant her in the morning.

“She said there was no time and she told us she loved us and we should look after ourselves. She said that she was very tired.”

Mampintsha’s mother had not been taking her son’s death well. Apparently, she started feeling ill before him but got worse when he was admitted to hospital.

She needed private medical care and psychological assistance to deal with losing Mampintsha, but the family remained hopeful about her recovery.

Condolences have been pouring in for the late Zamanguni Gumede. Her family is yet to announce details of her funeral. The last time Gumede was seen in public was during Mampintsha’s funeral.

MISSING PERSONS
0
54 sec read

Makhado Police appeal for information to help locate missing learner

The police in Makhado seek public assistance in locating a 20-year-old missing learner at Hoerskool Louis Trichardt. Tamia Hefter Salem went missing on Wednesday 11 January 2023.

The learner is residing at president styn street in Louis Trichardt town. She reportedly left in the middle of classes.

MAKHADO MISSING LEARNER

She never returned home and has since disappeared. Salem was last seen wearing her maroon school tunic and black shoes.

Missing learner Tamia Hefter Salem — **Tamia Hefter Salem**

Police are still searching for the learner and appeal to anyone with information that can assist to locate her to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Tshifhiwa Mavhungu on 076 4247 659 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

News
0
1 min read

Illegal miner arrested as Chrome worth half a million is seized

Members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol team have arrested a 38-year-old Illegal miner suspect and seized chrome worth an estimated street value of R500 000. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, 11 January 2023 while travelling along the R37 road next to Atok outside Burgersfort.

The members were performing normal patrol duties when they noticed an overloaded tipper truck. It travelling in the direction of Burgersfort at about 23:00. The truck was stopped and pulled off the road.

**Truck used by Illegal miner to transport chrome**

ILLEGAL MINER CAUGHT

The illegal miner was questioned about the load. He informed the police that he was transporting chrome that was allegedly gathered by illegal miners at a mine in Atok.

The suspect was immediately arrested and the truck was also confiscated.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Friday 13 January 2023. He is facing a charge of unlawful possession of precious metals (chrome)

News
0
1 min read

Siblings arrested for hacking their brother to death

Two siblings aged 60 and 62 were arrested by Police in Nebo outside Sekhukhune, for allegedly hacking and killing their younger brother to death. The incident reportedly took place at their home in Eenkanteen Mampaha village Monday at about 22:00. The pair were remanded in Custody when they appeared before Nebo Magistrate Court on Wednesday.

TWO SIBLINGS IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW

According to the information, Police received information from community members. This is after the victim was hacked with an axe following an alleged altercation with his two brothers.

On arrival at the scene, Police found the victim’s chopped body and the two suspects were arrested on the scene.

Police arrested siblings in for killing their brother

Matshele Nelson Mogapu aged 53 has been identified as the deceased. The motive behind the incident is not yet known but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.

The two suspects Hollo Mapadimeng aged 60 and Seageng Mogapu aged 62 are facing a charge of murder. They were remanded in Custody until the next Court appearance on 19 January 2023 for formal bail application when they appeared before Nebo Magistrate Court.

News
0
3 min read

MEC Nandi Ndalane involved in a motor vehicle accident

Limpopo MEC for Social Development Ms Nandi Ndalane was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday morning.

MEC Ndalane was on a back to school campaign in the Waterberg District when the accident happened. It happened on the R511, the department confirmed.

According to a report, a passenger (MEC) sustained moderate to serious injuries while the driver sustained minor injuries. It is understood that the driver lost control of the SUV car and the vehicle overturned.

MEC NANDI NDALANE RECEIVES MEDICAL ATTENTION AFTER VEHICLE ACCIDENT

“The Department of Social Development confirms that its MEC Ms. Nandi Ndalane and her protectors were involved in a motor vehicle accident this morning on the R511 en route to Thabazimbi for official duties,” read the statement from the department.

“The MEC, the driver and the protector have received medical attention on the scene and in the local hospital. They will be closely monitored for the next 24 hours,” said the department.

MEC’s MONITOR RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS

Meanwhile, Members of the Limpopo Executive Council (MECs) are monitoring the re-opening of schools around the province led by Premier Stan Mathabatha.

The visits began on Wednesday, 11 January until 13 January. They are visiting high enrolled and poor performing schools at the start of the academic year.

During the visits, the Provincial leaders will assess the suitability of infrastructure and other areas requiring academic intervention.

Premier Stan Mathabatha has led the campaign by visiting schools in Sekhukhune East, Tubatse area.

He is accompanied by the Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and the Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality.

MECs VISITS SCHEDULE

CAPRICORN North and South

1. MEC Treasury, Mr. Seaparo Sekoati

2. MEC Agriculture, Mr. Thabo Mokone

MEC Seaparo Sekoati at Derek Kobe Technical High school in Lebowakgomo

MOPANI East and West

1. MEC Public Works, Ms. Nkakareng Rakgoale

2. MEC Education, Ms. Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya

3. MEC Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms. Nakedi Kekana

SEKHUKHUNE East and South

1. Premier, Mr. Chupu Mathabatha

2. MEC Education, Ms. Lerule-Ramakhanya

3. MEC Health, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba

VHEMBE East and West

1. MEC Education, Ms. Lerule-Ramakhanya

2. MEC LEDET, Mr. Rodgers Monama

3. MEC COGHSTA, Mr. Basikopo Makamu

WATERBERG and MOGALAKWENA

1. MEC Social Development, Ms. Nandi Ndalane

2. MEC Transport & Community Safety, Ms. Florence Radzilani

News
0
1 min read

Six suspects arrested for mob justice in Lephalale

Police in Witpoort outside Lephalale, have arrested five other suspects on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 for mob justice.

The suspects allegedly killed two men whom they accused of being responsible for committing robberies at foreign national shops around Senoela (Melkbosch) village.

On Wednesday 04 January 2023, the local community members gathered after the alleged suspects attacked the owner of one of the shops with pepper spray. They demanded cash.

The shop owner allegedly called for help and community members responded. On arrival at the shop, the alleged suspects also managed to escape.

The victims were later traced at their homes in the nearby village. They were also taken back to the shop. They were also stoned to death through mob justice.

A tactical joint operation comprising members of Lephalale Crime Intelligence Unit, Witpoort Detectives and Lephalale POPs resulted in the arrest of the first suspect yesterday, followed by the other five today.

MOB JUSTICE NOT ENCOURAGED

“The arrest of these suspects should send a strong message to all communities that the Police will not be tolerant to acts of lawlessness,” said Provincial Commissioner General Thembi Hadebe.

The deceased suspects were also identified as Duncan Mabila (25) and the other as only Steve reportedly from Zimbabwe

The six suspects aged between 27 and 43 are expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court. They will appear on Wednesday 11 January 2022, facing two counts of murder.

Archive of: January 2023