Provincial commissioner welcomes two life sentences for rape accused

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed two life sentences handed down to Kabelo Motlangwane (37) by the Mmabatho Regional Court on Wednesday, 14 July 2021.

Motlangwane’ sentencing came after he was arrested on Friday, 27 February 2015, for two counts of rape. The accused raped two women aged 26 and 36 on two separate occasions in February 2015. Motlangwane who was targeting women who were staying alone, broke into two separate houses in RDP Section, Setlagole, then raped the victims before robbing them of household items.

The long arm of the law caught up with the accused through the help of one of his victims and the public. It was testified during the proceedings that Motlangwane called one of his victims, then proposed love and told the woman that he would visit her. The woman informed members of the community who agreed to assist in arresting Motlangwane. The latter visited the victim at her house and she alerted the members of the community and the police. As a result, the accused was arrested and linked with the rape of the other victim through DNA. Motlangwane, who was also charged with theft and house breaking intent to commit theft, has been in custody since his arrest after his request for bail was successfully opposed.

The Provincial Commissioner congratulated the Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FSC) for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused was sentenced. He also thanked members of the community for collaboration with the police in make certain that Motlangwane was arrested.

Source: South African Police Service

SAPS continues to seize drugs within the Joe Gqabi District

EASTERN CAPE – The determination of SAPS members in removing illicit drugs continues to yield positive results over the past weekend this after suspects age between 20,35 and 38 years were arrested at different Police stations .

In the first incident on Saturday, 17 July 2021, members of Pubplic order Policing (POPS) were on duty performing routine patrols and monitoring communities’ adherence to regulations of the Disaster Management Act. While patrolling, they saw a suspicious male suspect and upon searching him, drugs and money was found. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested and he will appear in court on Monday, 19 July 2021.

The second unrelated incident on Sunday, 18 July 2021 at Maclear, members of Crime prevention were on duty performing routine patrols when they acted swiftly on positive information about suspects seating in a motor vehicle selling drugs. The information was immediately followed up and while searching the silver Polo, two occupants male and female were seating inside the vehicle drugs and money was found. Both suspects were arrested and detained at Maclear holding cells and they will appear in court on Monday, 19 July 2021.

The acting District Commissioner Brigadier Rudolph Adolph applauded the quick response by the men and women in blue in apprehending the suspects before the drugs reach the streets and our children become the victims of these drugs.

Source: South African Police Service

Male arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act in Komani

During Friday evening members from the Chris Hani Disrict Operational Command Centre received Intelligent driven information that a premises in the locality of Komani was selling liquor.

Within curfew time the owner proceeded in selling liquor when he was apprehended and arrested by the members.

After the arrest the owner then proceeded in offering the police officers a bribe. A substantial amount of money was confiscated.

The suspect was charged with Bribery and a fine was issued for Contravention of lockdown regulations.

The suspect is due to appear in the Queenstown Magistrates Court soon.

Source: South African Police Service

Suspects nabbed for possession of suspected stolen sheep

EASTERN CAPE – Two suspects, aged 59 and 62 years, were arrested for possession of stolen sheep at Mitford on Sunday, 18 July 2021.

Police received information of suspected stolen sheep being hidden in one of the houses. Members quickly responded and recovered twenty (20) sheep to the value of R26 000 and believed to be stolen at Tarkstad.

Suspect were detained and will appear before court soon.

Source: South African Police Service

Sarah Baartman District police celebrate Mandela Day

EASTERN CAPE – The Nelson Mandela International Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in November 2009, in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, on Mandela’s birthday. Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each person has the power to change the world, the ability to make a difference. In heeding this call, organisations both public and private embarked on various activities by showing compassion and giving their time to those less fortunate than themselves. Two police stations in the Sarah Baartman District celebrated Mandela Day differently, but their acts of goodwill touched people in a meaningful way.

Hankey SAPS partnered with a local store, Spar Supermarket in making a difference to the lives of at least 120 less fortunate people from the area known as Stofwolk in Hankey. Soup and bread were served, in very small groups and the opportunity was also used to educate them about the importance of properly wearing of masks, to adhere to social distancing and sanitising or washing of hands regularly, so as to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Another activity, members of the Women’s Network from Joza SAPS decided to spend the day, cleaning the holding cells and some building blocks at the police station.

Source: South African Police Service

Kimberley SAPS celebrate Mandela day

Kimberley SAPS together with the Community Police Forum and the Neighborhood Watch reached out to the needy on Sunday, 18 July 2021.

Community members and children who live on the streets of Kimberley area were served with a meal at various points in Kimberley in celebration of Mandela day.

All Disaster Management level 4 regulations were observed, sanitizer and masks were handed over to the children.

Source: South African Police Service