FRIDAY, 30 JUNE, 13:30
Tsotsi shoots himself during the robbery!
MPUMALANGA cops were informed about a suspect who accidentally shot himself during a series of crimes on Monday, 26 June, in Vosman.
It all began when the suspect and his currently unknown number of co-accused were involved in terrorising occupants of houses in a plot.
“When analysing the information provided, police noted that victims were confronted by a group of suspects whereby one of them was armed with a firearm,” said police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
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He said further information revealed that the victims were tied in their houses, whereby suspects looted their homes and demanded cash.
It is reported that in one house, the suspects robbed the victim of a white VW Jetta. The owner managed to untie himself but was fatally shot by the armed suspect.
“All the houses were ransacked where suspects also took a safe which contained a pistol. In the process, the victims somehow managed to untie themselves,” Mohlala said.
According to Mohlala, the suspect with the firearm, while trying to take a wallet inside the stolen car (VW Jetta), somehow accidentally shot himself in the leg.
Instead of his accomplices assisting him, they reportedly drove off, leaving him behind, bleeding profusely. The injured man was taken to hospital, where he later succumbed.
“A chase is reported to have ensued between the other perpetrators and the victims whereby suspects eventually abandoned the stolen vehicle then ran on foot. The safe, which contained the pistol, was left behind by the suspects in the car,” he said.
FRIDAY, 30 JUNE, 7:59
Gang shooting: Teen killed by stray bullet!
TWO suspects that were allegedly involved in the death of two people and the injury of another in Bethelsdorp on Thursday, 22 June, have been arrested.
It is alleged that on Thursday, 22 June, Kurtley Rossouw (14) and Justin Malgas (25) were fatally shot in Lawrence Erasmus Drive in Bloemendal while a 26-year-old man was injured.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said it is alleged that three men were walking in Lawrence Erasmus Drive when shots were fired at them from a Silver Renault.
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“Malgas died at the scene while one victim was taken to hospital and the third victim ran away. The teenager, Kurtley Rossouw, who was outside his yard, was fatally hit by a stray bullet,” Naidu said.
On Tuesday, 27 June 2023, the investigating officer arrested a 33-year-old man at his house in Gelvandale. The second suspect, a 21-year-old, was arrested at the New Law court in Gqeberha while he was attending court on another matter.
Cheslyn Philander and Zane Geyers appeared in court on Wednesday, 28 June on two charges of murder and one of attempted murder.
They will appear in court again on Thursday, 6 July, for a formal bail application.
THURSDAY, 29 JUNE, 20:22
Armed robbers bomb ATM!
NINE armed robbery suspects overpowered the employees and demanded money, and an ATM was bombed.
The suspects fled in different directions after seeing the private security company car and Odendaalsrus cops.
Shots were fired, damaging the security company car. One of the suspects was seen fleeing with a bag in his hands. Attempts to catch the suspects were unsuccessful, and it was discovered that the ATM was bombed at a filling station in Block 5 Kutloanong Odendaalsrus.
Police spokesman Captain Stephen Thakeng said on Thursday, 29 June, they responded to an ATM bombing.
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“At the crime scene, a white Fidelity plastic bag with cash was found near a fuel pump and dropped by the suspects when they were fleeting. Nine Unknown African men approached the employees, and two were armed with handguns. One of the petrol attendants was struck with a firearm on his forehead. The security officer alleged that two shots were fired in his direction, and the window shattered,” Thakeng said.
The window of a car parked next to the ATM was damaged. Cash dyed with ink and 9mm cartridges were found.
THURSDAY, 29 JUNE, 15:00
Ex-lover bust for R2M theft!
AN EMPLOYEE of a law firm in Frankfort, Free State, Anel Theunissen (47) and ex-boyfriend Shane Marcel Labuschagne (52) appeared in the Frankfort Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 27 June, for theft.
The pair allegedly formed an alliance to steal an amount of R2 million from Anel`s employer.
“She reportedly transferred money into both their personal bank accounts between September 2022 and December 2022.
The employer brought her alleged involvement to the attention of authorities. Theunissen was later released on R 2 000 bail following her arrest and a subsequent court appearance in March 2023,” police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said.
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Meanwhile, Labuschagne, her alleged ex-boyfriend accomplice, was arrested on Tuesday, 27 June 2023, by the Hawks.
His arrest followed a probe into the identities of persons into whose bank accounts the money was transferred, and a warrant of arrest was issued.
Both suspects will be back in the same court on Monday, 3 July, where Labuschagne will be expected to apply for bail.
THURSDAY, 29 JUNE, 12:14
Mine owner bust for R147M ‘fraud’
The HAWKS have arrested a businessman for allegedly defrauding a man from the United Kingdom of millions.
On Wednesday, 28 June 2023, the accused, Christopher David Kimber (62), handed himself to the Hawks offices in Kimberley, where he was charged with two counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering and was taken to court.
He appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates Court, and he was released on R100 000.
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Police spokesman Captain Bonnie Nxumalo said it is alleged that in 2013, Kimber, who owns mines in the Northern Cape, met with a businessman from the United Kingdom over an investment of buying 50% shares of his businesses.
“The businessman reportedly paid R147 million into Kimber’s bank account, but the money was transferred into personal bank accounts. Thus, no investment was made,” he said.
When the businessman realised that no investment had been made, he reported the matter to the police.
The Hawks investigated, which led to Kimber’s arrest. He will return to court on Thursday, 17 August
THURSDAY, 29 JUNE, 11:43
R2.1BN paid to North West workers!
THE Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) paid out R2.1 billion to 457 546 workers in the North West province as part of its COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) since March 2020.
The Department of Employment and Labour said the UIF also paid out a separate amount of R601 million to 139 629 workers and their beneficiaries as normal benefits related to either unemployment, maternity, illness or death over the 2022/23 financial year.
These details were revealed on Tuesday during a media briefing hosted by the UIF in Klerksdorp.
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UIF Provincial Support Director, Allan Ragavaloo said the R2.1 billion disbursed to workers in the North West province appeared from 6 963 COVID-19 TERS applications the UIF received from employers.
The top 10 sectors that received the lion’s share of the R2.1 billion are mining, personal services, trade, construction, banking, professional services, iron, agriculture, educational, and charities.
Ragavaloo said, to date, R64 billion has been paid out to at least five million workers nationally through COVID-19 TERS.
THURSDAY, 29 JUNE, 8:24
Cops recovered stolen R600k Porsche!
COPS at the Oshoek Port of Entry in Mpumalanga recovered a Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV that was reportedly purchased through the submission of fraudulent documents.
The recovery was made on Tuesday, 27 June.
Cops spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said, according to a report, cops were performing their duties at the border when a white Porsche with a Gauteng registration number plate arrived, intending to cross over to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The SUV was driven by a woman who is originally from the said neighbouring country.
“Members reportedly conducted some verification on the vehicle with an intention to check if the car was not stolen. It was during this time that members discovered that the vehicle was, in fact, reported stolen under false pretence in Klerksdorp, Gauteng on May 2023,” he said.
Mohlala said on further investigation, it was unearthed that the vehicle was initially belonging to a car dealer in Krugersdorp, and somehow when it was sold, false documentation was presented for processing.
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“Another thing that was picked up in the preliminary investigation was that the vehicle was currently belonging to a Financial Institution which financed the purchase.
Thus far, an enquiry has been opened after it was established that something sinister is ongoing with regard to this vehicle. The shenanigans was only discovered at the border by the men and women in Blue,” he said.
The Porsche, which is valued at about R600 000, has been confiscated for further investigation.
The driver has not been arrested at this stage. The enquiry and all its findings will be presented, together with some additional evidence gathered, before the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision.
WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE, 21:00
Sangomas killed in horror crash!
Eight people were killed while eight others survived with minor injuries after a bakkie they were travelling in overturned on a rural road at Khalalo AA in Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, 27 June. According to Arrive Alive, it is alleged that at about 5:30 pm, the driver of a bakkie with 16 sangomas lost control of the vehicle. “It veered off the road, veered off the road and rolled several times. “Eight people (three females and five males) died on the scene, while eight others, including the driver, were taken to Madwaleni Hospital,” Arrive Alive said. A case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigation.
WEDNESDAY,28 JUNE, 12:32
Three arrested for R85M fraud!
THE HAWKS Hawks arrested three suspects for fraud, money laundering as well as contravention of the Income Tax Act on Tuesday, 27 June.
It is alleged that the accused colluded and defrauded the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal through cover quoting.
“They allegedly created fictitious enterprises through which they engaged in cover quoting. As a result legislated procurement processes were evaded in order to guarantee the award of various contracts to enterprises of the syndicate,” Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said.
He said the department paid more than R85 million during the financial years 2012/2013 and 2016/2017.
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A fraud case was reported at the Pietermaritzburg Police Station, and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members for further investigation.
“Through intensive and prosecution-guided investigation, the accused were arrested and charged accordingly. They briefly appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court and were remanded in custody. The case was postponed to Monday, 10 July, and more arrests are expected,” he added.
WEDNESDAY,27 JUNE, 9:18
Tornado wreaks havoc in KZN!
A tornado flew through the north of Durban and left houses destroyed.
The heavy rain hit Durban during midday Tuesday, 28 June, in areas such as Dube Village, Inanda and Bhambayi in the north of Durban roofs and trees were seen flying in the sky as the tornado swept through.
The weather service said the heavy rain would result in flooding and urged residents to avoid low-lying areas.
WEDNESDAY,27 JUNE, 7:31
Grandson stabs gogo to death!
A 30-year-old man from Joe Gqabi, Eastern Cape, appeared in the Aliwal North Magistrates Court on Monday, 26 June, for the alleged murder of his 70-year-old grandmother.
Police spokeswoman Col Priscilla Naidu said it is alleged that on Friday, 23 June, the gogo’s granddaughter reported her missing.
“On the same day, police accompanied her to the gogo’s house in Joe Gqabi, where the suspect met them. After probing the grandson, he directed police to a steel trunk where the body of the gogo was found inside. She was brutally stabbed to death,” Naidu said.
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The grandson who lived with his gogo, was arrested and detained on a charge of murder.
He remains in custody until his next court appearance on Monday, 3 July, for a formal bail application.
TUESDAY, 27 JUNE, 14:51
Alleged dagga smuggler nabbed with R300k zol!
An alleged dagga smuggler (28) was arrested in Morgenzon by cops from the Secunda Flying Squad Unit on Monday morning, 26 June at around 11.45am.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the members were patrolling along the R39 Road in Morgenzon when they stopped a white Nissan NP200 Bakkie with one occupant inside.
"The vehicle was carrying some luggage and upon searching, they discovered seven bags full of dagga weighing at about 1280 kilograms. The estimated street value of the dagga is at about R300 000. The suspect was eventually arrested and charged for dealing in dagga," he said. Mohlala said part of the investigation will be to find out about the destination of the dagga. The vehicle also been seized for further investigation.The suspect was expected to appear at the Morgenzon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 27 June 2023, facing the said charges.
TUESDAY, 27 JUNE, 11:28
Cash-In-Transit heist gang in shoot-out!
A group of cash-in-transit robbers had no choice but to retreat after engaging in a gun battle with police in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on Monday, 26 June.
A group of about 20 heavily armed suspects are said to have pounced on security guards driving in a cash van along Kriel Road in Witbank.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said it was further reported that the suspects were driving in a convoy of cars, three Ford Rangers (two silver and one white), as well as a white Toyota Hilux.
“They forcefully stopped the cash van, and after subjecting the guards at gunpoint, they detonated some explosives and managed to open one of the cash boxes inside the van,” Mohlala said.
He said cops were patrolling near the vicinity to combat any possible crime threats. As a result, after realising that the guards were under attack, they quickly responded.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the men and women in blue were challenged into a shoot-out with the suspects for several minutes. The engagement was too heavy for the suspects, who realised that the members were not backing down. They had no choice but to flea the scene in their vehicles. No SAPS members were reportedly injured during the shooting,” he said.
Mohlala said later on, it was learnt that a security officer inside the van was seriously injured during the time when suspects detonated some explosives inside the cash van.
He was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
A case of (cash-in-transit) robbery has been opened with another count of attempted murder and contravention of the Explosives Act of South Africa.
TUESDAY, 27 JUNE, 7:49
Zama zama deaths might rise!
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Gwede Mantashe says the number of zama zamas who died underground at the Virginia Mine in the Free State may increase.
Mantashe was speaking at the mine in Welkom, where the accident occurred in May this year.
“Illegal miners are an attack on the economy, it’s a terrible thing to happen, but we are here today to confirm and look for ourselves to see what is happening,” he said.
After the DMRE received the incident report over the weekend, Mantashe said: “I want to emphasise that illegal mining is not mining activity. It is a criminal activity. They get into accidents and die in numbers. They suspect 31 here [but] I can tell you if we ultimately reach that area [where they died], it will be more than 31. In Krugersdorp, we saw the death of 21, and in Gloria, we saw the death of 17,” he said.
Mantashe said efforts to retrieve bodies trapped underground would not be easy to execute.
“We have agreed to put our heads together to find a solution. We can’t leave those bodies underground with our conscience. That is what we are working on, but this is going to take a bit longer because there is no direct shaft that has a connection with this shaft, he said.
Mantashe explained how amazama zama gained access to the shaft that had been sealed since the closure of the mine in the 1990s.
“We commend Harmony Gold mining company for doing rehabilitation. There’s something called concurrent rehabilitation. Any operational mine does not wait until it is a derelict mine to rehabilitate. Harmony has done a lot of work there. They have sealed a number of the shafts.
“But this one was blown open. It was sealed as well. The problem with that explosion is that it blows rehabilitation, and that is where the problem is,” he said.
MONDAY, 26 JUNE, 11:01
Cops bust fong kong officer!
A 47-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates Court for corruption, fraud and impersonating a police officer on Monday, 26 June.
The suspect's court appearance comes from his arrest in Boitekong outside Rustenburg on Friday, 23 June.
"The suspect who allegedly pretended to be an Investigating Officer of a theft case which was opened in September 2022, called and demanded R3000 from the man who was implicated in the matter on condition that he (the suspect) ensures that the docket disappears," Police spokesman Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said.
Mokgwabone said after reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), the suspect was arrested during an undercover operation.
"Preliminary investigation into the matter revealed that the suspect is not a police officer," Mokgwabone said.
MONDAY, 26 JUNE, 7:33
How cops rescued woman held hostage!
PHUTHADITJHABA police rescued a 30-year-old woman from two suspects who kept her hostage at SanPark near the river.
The police arrested the suspect after a shootout.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said it's alleged that the woman and man are employees of Golden Gate SanPark who were on duty busy inspecting cut fences along the R714 near the Basotho Cultural Village.
"The two were approached by two men wearing balaclavas seeking help. They were surprised when one pointed them with a firearm and demanded their cellphones and cash. Unfortunately, they didn't have cash but the man was instructed by the suspects to go withdraw some cash whilst they kept his colleague hostage until he come. They waited for him in the nearby bushy area," he said.
Mophiring said the driver who went to withdraw cash informed the local police of the situation he encountered in the veld, and police used their tactics to approach both suspects.
"The suspects waited to get cash from the driver but were surprised by police. One of the suspects started firing shots at police, and police returned fire, and one was shot in the leg. They were both arrested, and the woman was rescued without any harm. The firearm with filed off serial number was seized from suspects including a knife," he said.
The two suspects have been charged and are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Monday, 26 June.
SUNDAY, 25, JUNE, 16:00
Cops make multimillion drug bust!
BORDER police made a drug bust after they found multimillions worth of cocaine in the Eastern Cape. According to National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police officers attached to the Ngqura seaport seized 32 blocks of cocaine worth a street value of R12,8 million. Mathe said the drugs were found stashed in an empty cargo container earlier this week. "The container was due to transport fruit from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "An investigation is currently underway to determine the origin and destination of the drugs," she said.
Click here to read the full article!
FRIDAY, 23 JUNE, 13:00
Mhlatuze Water Board R37 million fraud land six in jail!
KwaZulu Natal cops arrested six more suspects on charges of fraud, money laundering, corruption and defeating the ends of justice on Friday, 23 June.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 68 years, include three Water Board members, the Head of the Legal Department, an architect and the sole director of NCD investments.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Katlego Mogale said this is a result of an intensive investigation into allegations of irregular appointment of service providers (Legal panel) without following the Supply Chain Management protocols of the Mhlathuze Water Board.
Mogale said it also includes contravention of section 51(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, by not complying with the operational policies of the public entity.
FRIDAY, 24 JUNE, 8:34
Evil man to rot in jail for raping gogo (84)!
CONVICTED rapist Jackson Manamela (23) will spend the rest of his life in jail for robbing and raping a gogo (84).
He was sentenced by the Mahwelereng Regional Court in Mokopane, Limpopo on Tuesday, 20 June.
The rapist was out on bail for housebreaking with the intention to steal and commit robbery on 2 December 2019 against the same gogo and on 9 May 2022, he went back to gogo's house and found her cooking outside her shack in Millenium Village.
Click HERE to read more on the story
THURSDAY, 23 JUNE, 13:30
Armed suspects bust stealing DIESEL!
THREE suspects were caught stealing fuel during a business robbery at an energy depot in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga.
The incident reportedly occurred in the late hours of Wednesday, 21 June. During their arrest, a licenced firearm with ammunition was also seized.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said according to the information, police in Piet Retief received a tipoff about a business robbery in progress.
"The members immediately attended to the incident, and upon arrival at the scene, they discovered that suspects were busy draining diesel from a depot tanker into a truck. It is further alleged that four employees were tied up with shoelaces and locked in a guard room," Mohlala said.
Mohlala said five suspects were spotted and reportedly started to run when they noticed police presence in an attempt to evade arrest. However, the cops gave chase and managed to arrest two of the suspects on the spot.
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"Police members continued to pursue the suspects, and they succeeded when they arrested the third suspect, who was cornered whilst driving a VW Polo with a Lesotho registration number plate. The car was spotted driving towards the Ermelo direction, and it was followed and intercepted by the 30 kilometres towards Ermelo," he said.
During this time, a firearm was found in the suspect's possession. Though it was discovered that the gun was licensed, the police confiscated the weapon for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the three were charged with business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
The trio is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrates Court on Friday, 23 June.
THURSDAY, 23 JUNE, 11:50
Two kids burn beyond recognition!
MINORS suspected to be between the ages of seven and five burnt beyond recognition on Wednesday afternoon, 21 June.
It's alleged that they were left locked inside a flat when the incident happened.
According to EMS spokeswoman Xolile Khumalo, at about 2.38pm, the City of Joburg EMS firefighters responded to a structural fire incident at Florence Nightingale Flats in Hillbrow.
“Upon arrival, the fire crew discovered two minors burnt beyond recognition. The fire started on the first floor, where two rooms caught fire and escalated to the second floor.
“SAPS came to the scene and will be conducting further investigations on the fire incident," Khumalo said.
THURSDAY, 23 JUNE, 7:30
Lawyer arrested for fraud, extortion
A lawyer will return to the Johannesburg Regional Court on Thursday, 3 August, after he was released on bail.
He appeared in court on Monday, 19 June, facing charges of corruption, fraud, forgery, and extortion.
It is alleged that he approached a suspect on a fraud matter worth more than R86 million and promised to assist her with withdrawing the charges against her, on condition that she pays him an amount of R550 000.
Police spokeswoman Captain Bonnie Nxumalo said the gratification was paid in three portions, and the accused reportedly gave the fraud suspect a forged letter from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirming that the prosecutor declined to prosecute on her matter, the charges had been withdrawn.
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“The suspect later discovered that the charges were not withdrawn, and she reported the matter to the police in September 2019. The docket was assigned to the Johannesburg-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for further handling. A warrant of arrest was issued after the investigation was completed,” Nxumalo said.
He was arrested whilst at the Randburg Regional Court on Monday, 19 June and charged.
Wednesday,21 JUNE, 11:56
Cops recover stolen Toyota Hilux bakkie!
MODIMOLLE police have arrested three suspects for theft of a car at Tuinplaas in the Waterberg District on Monday, 19 June.
Police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said they received intelligence about the whereabouts of the suspects.
“The information was operationalised, which led them to Driefontein and Ga Botha villages where three suspects were arrested separately for theft of a motor vehicle,” Ledwaba said.
During the arrest, the police recovered a Toyota Hilux engine, gearbox, steering rack, and chain block and also seized the vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux used by the suspects to transport the stolen items.
The arrested suspects will soon appear before Modimolle Magistrates Court.
The Police investigations are still ongoing.
Wednesday,21 JUNE, 8:56
Missing woman found in storm water drainage
The body of a missing woman, Desiree Baartman was recovered Tuesday night, 20 June in a storm water drain next to Standford Road near the Jagtersvlakte area.
Betheldorp detectives with the assistance of the K9 Search and Rescue and Diving Unit recovered her body which was recovered down a 3,7-metre storm water drain.
“An autopsy will be done to determine the exact cause of death,” police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said.
The ex-husband, Johnny Baartman is expected back in court on Wednesday, 21 June facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
TUESDAY, 20 JUNE, 14:00
Bullets fly as thugs hit cash van!
LIMPOPO police have launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly committed a Cash-In-Transit robbery in Tafelkop, outside Groblersdal, on Monday, 19 June.
It is alleged that two Marble Hall based Fidelity Security guards were driving on R579 road at Tafelkop Majakaneng when they were shot at by occupants in a white Ford Ranger.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the CIT van’s wheels punctured due to the shooting.
“It is further alleged that approximately five suspects armed with rifles and pistols approached them, forced them out of their cash van and robbed them of their two firearms. The suspects blasted the truck and took an undisclosed amount of cash, then drove away using a white double cab Ford Ranger,” Mmuroa said.
A case of robbery with aggravating circumstances (CIT) and Contravention of Section 27(1)(c) of the Explosive Act 27 of 1956 was opened.
TUESDAY, 20 JUNE, 12:32
Thabo Bester's R22k sweatshirt shocks Mzansi!
Thabo Bester appeared on camera at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 20 June.
The case was postponed to Tuesday, 8 August, as accused number two and eight are on bail and were warned to appear in court on the day.
Bester wore an expensive Louis Vuitton crew neck monogram worth R22 000 and set tongues wagging on social media.
Thabo Bester was reported dead in March 2022 after a dead body was found in his single cell 35 in Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The body was later identified as Katleho Mothusi Bereng (32), who was reported missing in March 2022.
TUESDAY, 20 JUNE, 10:07
Why madala killed daughter's lover?
FREE STATE cops arrested a 67-year-old madala on Friday, 16 June in Phahameng Section of Makwane Village in Qwaqwa.
The madala allegedly killed a 34-year-old man from the same village who is believed to be in a relationship with his daughter.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said it's alleged that on 11 June 2023, the young man left a tavern in the area and went to his girlfriend's house, looking for her.
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"She was not at home. He was confronted, assaulted and beaten until he was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. He succumbed to his injuries. A case of murder was opened after the local hospital informed police," Mophiring said.
Preliminary investigations were conducted around the area, and it was later established that the suspect was the father of his girlfriend.
TUESDAY, 20 JUNE, 7:45
Ex-hubby bust for attempted murder!
THE estranged ex-husband of missing Bethelsdorp woman, Desiree Baartman, will be charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 20 June.
Cops’ spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said after a thorough forensic investigation at the house on Saturday, 17 June, there are signs of possible foul play.
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“The search for the missing woman continues with the K9 Search and Rescue unit, Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Bethelsdorp conducted a search in nearby bushes and surrounding areas today,” Naidu said.
Naidu appealed to anyone who can assist in tracing Desiree Baartman or may know of her whereabouts to contact SAPS Bethelsdorp, Detective Warrant Officer Ben Killian at 072 342 7424 or Detective Constable Akhona Royi at 078 404 8296 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
MONDAY, 19 JUNE, 12:50
High-speed chase ends in tears!
GAUTENG cops have arrested two suspects and recovered hi-calibre firearms, ammunition, getaway cars, and explosives after a business robbery at a jewellery shop in Ekurhuleni on Sunday, 18 June.
It is alleged that about eight suspects entered a jewellery shop and held up the employees at gunpoint before taking an undisclosed amount of jewellery from the shelves.
As they exited the mall, the suspects fired shots randomly. Mall security and police gave chase to the suspects as they sped off with getaway cars.
Cops spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said a high-speed chase continued until in Alexandra, where one of the getaway cars was cornered, and one suspect was arrested.
“The suspect led the police to two houses in Alexandra, where the second suspect was arrested, and three other getaway cars were recovered. The suspects were found with two rifles, a pistol, ammunition, and explosives,” he said.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the getaway cars, the Audi A4, was reported to be hijacked in Limpopo early this year.
Masondo said police are still looking for suspects at large and the jewellery taken during the business robbery.
The arrested suspects will be charged with business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of suspected hijacked vehicles, amongst other crimes.
MONDAY, 19 JUNE, 7:28
Why mum, son and cousins are in court!
A 42-year-old woman, her son (23) and two cousins, aged 32 and 36, will appear at Groblersdal Magistrates Court on Monday, 19 June.
They are facing charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and murder committed at Morarela, on a farm under the Elandskraal policing area in the Sekhukhune District on Saturday, 17 June.
Police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the deceased, identified as Funky Hlongwane, and his 32-year-old teacher friend were at home when the four suspects allegedly kidnapped them after being accused of stealing the goats of the 42-year-old woman.
“The duo were taken to a farm where they were tied up and severely assaulted with several weapons, including a hammer. The teacher was released afterwards while the suspects continued assaulting Funky Hlongwane. The teacher managed to report the incident to the police,” Ledwaba said.
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Ledwaba said the police immediately rushed to the premises and, upon arrival, found a 35-year-old victim laying down with serious injuries and unable to talk.
“The members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
