Latest news with #RegionalCourt
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Judge recusal pushes Nafiz Modack's tax case to 2026
Alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack Image: File Alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack's tax matter is set to start next year. His co-accused won't be happy as they'll now have to wait longer for the ball get rolling thanks to him being tied-up in another case. This comes after Modack successfully got Judge Mark Sher to recuse himself, as the judge had previously dealt with his bail appeal in March 2023 in the case where he stands accused of murdering top cop Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear. Modack, along with eight others including his mother and brother, are accused of defrauding SARS out of R46 million in a dodgy tax refund scheme. The trial was expected to start yesterday, but thanks to the recusal, the court heard there was not enough time to appoint a new judge, so the matter was shifted to January 2026. Despite the delay, Modack still needs time to prepare and has asked for an electronic device to go through all the court documents behind bars. Meanwhile, the court heard that bogus accountant and co-accused Faried van der Schyff had been given a device to prepare for the trial, but it was taken back after he was sentenced to three years direct imprisonment in another tax fraud case, which was heard at the Cape Town Regional Court. The court also heard that while the Kinnear murder trial takes a break later this year, Modack will have two months to get his ducks in a row for the tax matter. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Former Northern Cape cop jailed for housebreaking
The former cop broke into people's homes and stole valuables to support his drug addiction. A former Northern Cape police officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison after landing himself on the wrong side of the law. Thandoxulu Kwindla was found guilty on four counts of housebreaking by the De Aar Regional Court and sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. Housebreaking to feed addiction Kwindla — a 38-year-old former constable — went on a housebreaking escapade between August 2021 and April 2023, shortly after resigning from the South African Police Service. He carried out the offences in Nonzwakazi, where he also lived. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Kwindla broke into homes during the evening and stole valuable items to support his drug addiction. 'The stolen goods are estimated to be worth around R35 000,' Senokoatsane said. ALSO READ: Police officers and Saps cleaner arrested for looting washing powder Trial and arrest Kwindla was arrested on 23 April 2023 and remained in custody until the recent finalisation of the case. During the trial, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft incidents in the Nonzwakazi 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,' Senokoatsane said. '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.' 'Strengthening confidence in justice system' He said the sentence reaffirms the NPA's commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially those who once served in positions of public trust. 'The NPA remains dedicated to safeguarding communities and strengthening confidence in the criminal justice system,' Senokoatsane added. NOW READ: Disbanded police task team 'tried to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya'
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Accused in high-ranking Ekurhuleni metro official's murder case remains behind bars
The man accused of murdering Mpho Mafole, the City of Ekurhuleni's group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, has made his first court appearance. Kempton Express reports that Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court yesterday, in connection with Mafole's murder. Mafole was gunned down in Kempton Park on June 30. During proceedings, it emerged that Ntshalintshali has another pending murder case. The bail hearing in that separate matter has been concluded, and the trial is set to commence on August 12 and continue on August 19. For the murder charge related to Mafole, bail is being opposed as Ntshalintshali is viewed as a potential threat. Due to the pending murder case against him, he will remain in custody. Ntshalintshali is scheduled to appear in court again on August 15 for further investigation in the Mafole case. The August 15 appearance will not be for a bail application. @kemptonexpress Mpho Mafole Murder – July 23, 2025 – A suspect accused of murdering Mpho Mafole, the City of Ekurhuleni's group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, has made his first court appearance. Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court on July 23 in connection with Mafole's murder. Mafole was gunned down in Kempton Park on June 30. During proceedings, it emerged that Ntshalintshali has another pending murder case. The bail hearing in that separate matter has been concluded, and the trial is set to commence on August 12, continuing on August 19. For the murder charge related to Mafole, bail is being opposed as Ntshalintshali is viewed as a potential threat and due to the pending murder case against him. He will remain in custody. Ntshalintshali is scheduled to appear in court again on August 15 for further investigation in the Mafole case. The August 15 appearance will not be for a bail application. #kempton #kemptonpark #kemptonexpress #Crime #crimetok #Murder #SAPS #court #incourt #HappeningNow #TiktokNews ♬ original sound – KemptonExpress – KemptonExpress 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
The Star
23-07-2025
- The Star
Nine correctional officers face murder charges following inmate's death
Nine correctional officers from Polokwane Correctional Centre appeared this week in court, facing murder charges for the alleged brutal killing of an inmate. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that, according to investigations, the incident occurred in July 2024 when a group of correctional officers allegedly assaulted a male inmate. The inmate later died as a result of the injuries sustained during the attack. "After police investigations, it is alleged that during July 2024, the Correctional Services members assaulted a male inmate, and he later died. The matter was reported to the police, and at the time, a case of Inquest was registered. During the investigation and after the autopsy results, the charge was changed to murder." Ledwaba stated that although four Correctional Services officials were initially arrested in October 2024 and later released due to a lack of evidence, the investigation intensified over time. As the case developed, compelling new evidence led to their rearrest, along with five additional officers, on July 21. All nine now face serious charges linked to the inmate's brutal death. He added that all nine officers — Victor Ramoroka (52), Victor Seakamela (59), Lutendo Vele (41), Christopher Mafela (33), Michael Ramabu (42), Anna Shai (41), Josephine Mphela (49), Obed Selolo (53), and Lucas Phihlela (54) — appeared in court on July 22. They were each granted bail while facing murder charges, as police continue their investigation. "The nine were arrested following the death in custody of an inmate who was allegedly assaulted and later succumbed to injuries. They were all granted a bail of R1500.00 each. The matter was postponed to August 21 for the Regional Court date and further police investigations," said Ledwaba. The Star [email protected]
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- The Citizen
Suspect denies charges in Kempton Park human trafficking case
A man accused in connection with a suspected human trafficking case in Birchleigh North appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court this afternoon, July 18, for a formal bail application. The case relates to the rescue of a number of Ethiopian men who were allegedly held captive in a house on July 4. The victims were reportedly lured to South Africa under false pretences, assaulted, and held while their captors demanded large sums of money from their families for their release. The accused, Fekada Eshetu Dinago, faces charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. The Kempton Express' request for court photography was denied by Dinago's legal representative and upheld by the court. Also read: Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims During the court proceedings, Dinago, in an affidavit read by his lawyer, claimed he was contacted by the police on the day of his arrest after his cousin, identified as Ashenavhe Marcus, provided officers with his contact number. He said he met with the police and was surprised when they allegedly demanded R10 000 for the release of his relative. 'I told the police what they were doing was wrong and that I would report them. All hell broke loose as soon as I said that. I was placed in handcuffs, told I was forward, and that I would be taught a lesson,' Dinago stated. Dinago alleged he witnessed money being exchanged for the release of the victims and claimed he was arrested because he refused to pay a bribe. He added that on arriving at the police station, he was informed he was being charged with human trafficking. 'I am said to be charged with human trafficking, but I am informed that the children I allegedly trafficked are appearing in another court for illegal immigration,' Dinago stated, challenging the State to subject him to an identity parade. Also read: Man bust for attempted human trafficking at OR Tambo Airport He argued that there were gaps in the State's case, which he said should be considered as exceptional circumstances for bail. However, Regional Court Prosecutor Sibongile Nxumalo presented evidence from investigating officer Sergeant Suzan Ngwanatsamago Maloka of the Hawks. Maloka testified that on July 4, officers received information about a group of Ethiopian nationals being held at a property on Julia Street in Norkem Park without their consent. On arrival, nine Ethiopian men without valid documentation were found locked inside the house. Some were found naked and locked inside bedrooms with reinforced steel doors, while three had sustained injuries, with blood visible on the floors. The injured victims were taken to hospital. Maloka alleged that while police were detaining the suspects at Norkem Park SAPS, Dinago arrived and allegedly offered officers R200 000 for the release of the detained men. She further claimed Dinago attempted to force his way into the holding cells, blocking the cell gate. The detained men reportedly moved away from him and gestured to officers that they were afraid of him. Also read: Gauteng is human trafficking hot spot Maloka testified that when officers visited Dinago's stated address in Swazi-Inn, Thembisa, as part of the court's verification process, a woman at the property denied knowing Dinago. A second address linked to Dinago also proved unreliable, raising concerns about his ties to the community. 'For the fact that the accused provided a wrong address during his arrest and as the matter falls under Schedule 6, there is a likelihood that if released, he will evade his court appearances or trial,' Maloka said. She added that there were concerns about the accused endangering public safety or committing further offences if released on bail, and highlighted that a panga was found in his possession, while three victims sustained critical injuries. Maloka also informed the court that Dinago, an Ethiopian national, holds an asylum seeker permit, which has been sent to the Department of Home Affairs for verification. The rescue operation followed after Freedom Front Plus councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property. Kriek went to the house to investigate and contacted the police, EMPD, and a private security company, leading to the rescue of the men, who were then taken to hospital for treatment. The matter was adjourned to July 21 for the verification of Dinago's asylum seeker permit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
