Latest news with #MojalefaSenokoatsane
The Herald
24-07-2025
- The Herald
Former Northern Cape cop who stole to feed his drug addiction jailed
The De Aar regional court has sentenced former police constable Thanduxolo Kwindla to an effective eight years of direct imprisonment after convicting him on four counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. Kwindla, 38, who resigned from the police shortly before committing the offences, carried out the housebreakings between August 2021 and April 2023 in Nonzwakazi location, where he lived. His modus operandi involved breaking into homes during the evening and stealing valuable items to support his drug addiction. The stolen goods were worth about R35,000, said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Kwindla was arrested in April 2023 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft in the area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. The court also considered two victim impact statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Trott Manghana, which outlined the emotional and financial toll on the victims. In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Kwindla's circumstances but stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count, with the court ordering that, in terms of section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. TimesLIVE
IOL News
14-07-2025
- IOL News
Lifetime imprisonment for father who raped daughter, highlighting GBV issues
A father, who raped his daughter on her sixth birthday, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ladybrand Regional Court and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media A father who raped his daughter on at least two occasions, one of which was on her sixth birthday, will serve a lifetime behind bars. The man, who tried to evade justice and accountability when he attempted to cover his reprehensible acts, was sentenced by the Ladybrand Regional Court and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence handed down to the 48-year-old man, who pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the sentence reflected the NPA's unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children from heinous acts of betrayal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'In 2020, the accused, entrusted with the care of his daughter, raped her on two separate occasions, with the first assault occurring on her sixth birthday, a day meant for celebration. The court heard harrowing details of the premeditated crime, during which the accused cleaned blood from the victim's private parts with an orange gauze bag to conceal his actions. 'In a further attempt to evade accountability, he opened a false criminal case against the victim's now-deceased stepfather, deflecting suspicion from himself. The abuse came to light through the victim's disclosure, supported by medical evidence confirming the assault, leading to the accused's arrest,' said Senokoatsane. The regional court prosecutor, Marie Yzel, presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony, medical reports, and a victim impact statement compiled with the assistance of a court preparation officer. 'The statement detailed the profound psychological trauma and lasting fear inflicted on the victim, now scarred by her father's betrayal. Yzel exposed the accused's calculated efforts to cover up the crime, including the false case against the stepfather, and highlighted his complete lack of remorse, which further aggravated the offence,' said Senokoatsane. In aggravation of sentence, Yzel argued that the accused's actions were malicious and premeditated, exploiting his role as a father to violate the victim's trust and dignity. Further to this, she emphasised the devastating impact of GBV within families, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. The presiding magistrate delivered a scathing rebuke, and said: 'A father's sacred duty is to protect, yet this accused turned predator, inflicting unspeakable harm on his child.' The NPA commended the extraordinary courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by meticulous police work, secured this conviction. The Free State Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Navilla Somaru, praised Yzel and investigating officer Tshepo Olebile for their relentless dedication. 'This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will pursue predators who target children with the full might of the law, ensuring justice restores dignity.' The NPA's collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach. The NPA urged families and communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. 'This case underscores the devastating impact of familial GBV and the critical role of survivors' voices in achieving justice. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against the scourge of GBV, fostering safe environments where children are protected, and their constitutional rights to dignity and privacy are upheld,' said Senokoatsane. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
12-07-2025
- IOL News
Life sentence for father convicted of raping his daughter
A father, who raped his daughter on her sixth birthday, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ladybrand Regional Court and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives A father who raped his daughter on at least two occasions, one of which was on her sixth birthday, will serve a lifetime behind bars. The man, who tried to evade justice and accountability when he attempted to cover his reprehensible acts, was sentenced by the Ladybrand Regional Court and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence handed down to the 48-year-old man, who pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the sentence reflected the NPA's unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children from heinous acts of betrayal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'In 2020, the accused, entrusted with the care of his daughter, raped her on two separate occasions, with the first assault occurring on her sixth birthday, a day meant for celebration. The court heard harrowing details of the premeditated crime, during which the accused cleaned blood from the victim's private parts with an orange gauze bag to conceal his actions. 'In a further attempt to evade accountability, he opened a false criminal case against the victim's now-deceased stepfather, deflecting suspicion from himself. The abuse came to light through the victim's disclosure, supported by medical evidence confirming the assault, leading to the accused's arrest,' said Senokoatsane. The regional court prosecutor, Marie Yzel, presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony, medical reports, and a victim impact statement compiled with the assistance of a court preparation officer. 'The statement detailed the profound psychological trauma and lasting fear inflicted on the victim, now scarred by her father's betrayal. Yzel exposed the accused's calculated efforts to cover up the crime, including the false case against the stepfather, and highlighted his complete lack of remorse, which further aggravated the offence,' said Senokoatsane. In aggravation of sentence, Yzel argued that the accused's actions were malicious and premeditated, exploiting his role as a father to violate the victim's trust and dignity. Further to this, she emphasised the devastating impact of GBV within families, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. The presiding magistrate delivered a scathing rebuke, and said: 'A father's sacred duty is to protect, yet this accused turned predator, inflicting unspeakable harm on his child.' The NPA commended the extraordinary courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by meticulous police work, secured this conviction. The Free State Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Navilla Somaru, praised Yzel and investigating officer Tshepo Olebile for their relentless dedication. 'This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will pursue predators who target children with the full might of the law, ensuring justice restores dignity.' The NPA's collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach. The NPA urged families and communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. 'This case underscores the devastating impact of familial GBV and the critical role of survivors' voices in achieving justice. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against the scourge of GBV, fostering safe environments where children are protected, and their constitutional rights to dignity and privacy are upheld,' said Senokoatsane.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
UIF fraud case: More suspects to appear in Bloemfontein court
UIF fraud case: More suspects to appear in Bloemfontein court According to the NPA, more suspects are expected to appear in a Bloemfontein court today in connection with a UIF fraud and corruption scheme, reports Bloemfontein Courant. 'Additional suspects are expected to be added to the case and will appear in court on July 9,' said NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Senokoatsane revealed a syndicate was uncovered that allegedly recruited individuals and used their personal information to submit fraudulent UIF claims. 'These claims were registered using legitimate company names – without the knowledge of the companies involved – and were processed as if they were valid. The fraudulently obtained funds were then allegedly shared among recruiters, the implicated government official and, in some cases, the identity holders themselves,' he added. With the Department of Labour having suffered a financial loss of over R1.5m, the accused face various charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering. Sixteen suspects who appeared in court earlier this week were granted bail. All 16 appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Monday for their initial appearance. Bail was granted as follows: Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi – R10 000; Kamoho Letuka – R3 000; Bongani Radebe – R2 000; and the remaining 13 accused – R1 000 each, Mojalefa added. The case has been postponed to August 25 for further investigation. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
23-06-2025
- IOL News
Double life sentence for man who raped and stabbed Northern Cape schoolgirls
A Northern Cape man was sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years by the Mothibistad Regional Court. Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E A man involved in a brutal attack on two schoolgirls in a Northern Cape village has been sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years in prison. NPA regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that Thabo Gift Magwatane, 33, was handed the hefty sentence by the Mothibistad Regional Court this week for a string of serious offences, including rape, kidnapping, attempted murder and housebreaking. The charges relate to a night of terror in February 2022 in Dithakong village, where two matric learners, aged 17 and 18, were targeted in their residence. Magwatane and three accomplices reportedly forced their way into the house, cut the power, and demanded money and phones. After taking R100 and two cellphones, the attackers escalated their cruelty - forcing the girls to strip, blindfolding them, and leading them out into the veld wearing only sandals. There, the girls were subjected to repeated rape by more than one of the attackers. Their ordeal worsened when they were stabbed multiple times in what appeared to be an attempt to kill them. One girl was stabbed again after briefly regaining consciousness - only pretending to be dead saved her life. 'After the [sexual] assaults, one perpetrator ordered another to stab the victims, who were attacked repeatedly across their upper bodies. As they collapsed, their blindfolds were removed, and the perpetrators fled. When one survivor stood up, the perpetrators returned, stabbing her multiple times with instructions to 'finish her off',' said Senokoatsane. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ During this second attack, a cellphone alarm went off - allowing one of the victims, who was feigning death, to catch a glimpse of one of her attackers as he tried to switch it off. She recognised him as her cousin's boyfriend - Magwatane. After the attackers fled, the two survivors lay motionless in the veld for nearly half an hour before mustering the strength to help each other find assistance. Turned away at one home, they pressed on to another, where residents took them in, gave them blankets, and contacted their parents. Both girls were later admitted to the ICU, where they spent three weeks undergoing reconstructive surgery and recovering from their extensive injuries. Magwatane evaded capture for nearly two years before he was finally arrested in Rustenburg in early 2024. He faced multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, as well as the kidnapping and rape of the 18-year-old victim. He was also charged with kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder of the 17-year-old. A second suspect, 25-year-old Obakeng Mosesane, remains in custody, with his trial scheduled for July 2, 2025. The two cases were separated after Magwatane absconded during the initial proceedings. Trauma, survival, and a fight for justice With Magwatane finally in the dock, the court proceedings laid bare the full horror of the crimes. 'Regional court prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor presented a compelling case, supported by victim impact statements compiled with court preparation officer Beauty Moreeng. These statements detailed the survivors' profound physical and emotional trauma, including their ongoing fear and loss of safety in their own homes. Bronkhorst-Oor argued that the brutality of the crimes and their lasting impact far outweighed Magwatane's circumstances. The Kuruman Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) played a pivotal role, providing psychosocial support and preparing the survivors for court,' said Senokoatsane. The prosecution maintained that there were no substantial or compelling reasons to warrant anything less than the mandatory life sentences for the rape charges. The magistrate concurred, describing the victims' survival as 'by God's grace' and labelling Magwatane a 'dangerous individual' who should be permanently removed from society. Magwatane was sentenced to five years for housebreaking and theft, 10 years each for two counts of kidnapping, and two life terms for the rapes. He also received 10 years each for two counts of attempted murder. All sentences will run concurrently. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders - further measures to safeguard the public. Senokoatsane said the NPA praised both young women for their courage and determination throughout the trial process. This outcome sends a powerful message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue justice for GBV survivors, ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law. The expansion of TCCs from 55 in 2020/21 to 66 today reflects the NPA's commitment to providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence, he added. Senokoatsane further urged the public to report all gender-based violence and support survivors in seeking help 'The NPA urges communities to stand against GBV by reporting crimes promptly and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. The survivors' persistence in seeking help, despite initial rejection, and their parents' swift response highlight the critical role of collective action. 'The NPA calls for increased vigilance to protect learners and vulnerable populations, fostering a South Africa where everyone can live free from violence and fear.' Cape Argus
