Law enforcement kept busy over the holidays

MOGALAKWENA – The police had their hands full over the December holiday according to reports received from Constable Sello Leso (Mahwelereng police spokesperson) and Constable Irene Masingi (Mokopane police station spokesperson). Their duties over this time of year included a general operation entailing patrols around town leading to several arrests. The police also dealt with serious cases.

16 December
MAHWELERENG - The police arrested 16 men and a woman on charges ranging from public drinking to illegal gambling. “This was part of our festive season campaign aimed at reducing the levels of crime and deaths incurred every year as a result of celebrations during the period of the year,” said Leso.
TINMYNE - The police found the body of a man hanging from a tree. He was later identified as Jacky Mabote (37). His sister, Maggy Mabote, told the police they were looking for him the day prior to the incident. Tinmyne police is investigating an inquest case to determine whether the man committed suicide or if foul play was involved.

18 December
MOKOPANE – Mokopane police had an operation at the shopping malls to address crimes that are a challenge. The police advised shoppers to be alert and to guard their belongings, especially while shopping as pick pocketing and ATM fraud occurs and escalates over the festive season.

21 December
STEILLOOP – Mahwelereng police is investigating a case of culpable homicide after two people were killed in an accident on the N11 Steilloop road. A Toyota Avanza overturned and two passengers died on the scene -  Lethabo Mathapa (14) and Lizzy Mathapa (70) from Gamabitsela in Moletji. Other occupants sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
BAKENBERG – Tinmyne police are investigating the murder of Solomon Lelaka (25) of Pudiakgopa Bakenberg. Lelaka was stabbed with a knife at one of the local taverns. He was taken to hospital and died the following day after he was discharged. A 24-year-old man was arrested and pleaded not guilty in the Mokerong magistrate court.

25 December
BLINKWATER – Tinmyne police are investigating a case of housebreaking and theft at Blinkwater where four men forced entry to the outside building at the farm where they stole three firearms, an undisclosed amount of ammunition and the property owner’s white Ford Ranger. The vehicle was recovered on 31 December in Masheshane Village where it was involved in an accident. A shoot-out occurred and one occupant was found dead inside the Ranger. The suspects are still at large.
MAHWELERENG – A 38-year-old security guard was robbed of his 9mm pistol, six rounds of ammunition and his cellular phone while guarding a business in Mahwelereng on Christmas day. Two suspects held him at gunpoint and then fled with an unidentified car. No arrests have been made yet.

26 December
MAPELA – A Lerato Ngoako Langa (29), known as Magope in Mapela, died at a local clinic after being assaulted by a group of boys. Police investigations are continuing. Two suspects, Thapelo Ramashala (22) and Benedict Molele (23) have been arrested and appeared in court.
 
29 December
BAKENBERG – Malose Sebogoane (32) was reported missing on 29 September. His body was found in a bush at Bakenberg. Sebogoane was identified by his mother. The police is investigating possible murder as the victim’s car has not been found.
MAHWELERENG – Moses Mabusela (25) was robbed of R500 and his cellular phone at Zone 1 next to Molala Hotel. The police have arrested Jeffrey Baloyi (27) in connection with the robbery. He appeared in the Mokerong magistrate court on 30 December and pleaded not guilty on charge of armed robbery.
MAPELA – Two security guards were overpowered and robbed at Mapela by four men on the night of 29 December. The robbers fled with the guards’ cellular phones and diesel drums used on drilling machines at the premises where they guarded.
MAHWELERENG – A shooting took place at Leroleng’s Tavern in a case of attempted murder where Phuti Calvin Tsweleng (26) was shot at multiple times by an unknown man. He escaped unharmed. Tsweleng’s car was also damaged in the shooting.  No arrests have been made.

1 January
MAPELA – Thomas Rasimathi Chauke’s life ended at the age of 50 on New Year’s Day after he was stabbed to death at Molekane Village in Mapela. Police are investigating.
ENTABENI – A tragedy took place on New Year’s Day when the 5 -year-old Keabetswe Thomas Matsemane drowned in a swimming pool at the Entabeni resort. All attempts to save the child were unsuccessful. Matsemane died upon arrival at the hospital.