A 29-year-old man has been remanded in custody today in connection with the rape of two young women aged between 15 and 22.
The victims were allegedly raped by the same suspect in two separate occasions at Vezubuhle near Kwamhlanga on 21 and 26 June 2020 respectively.
The investigation has revealed that the suspect would lure his victims on social media platforms by sending friend requests and once they befriend him, he would constantly chat with them for few days before inviting them to his place.
It surfaced that the suspect asked his first victim to accompany him to an event as a date. When she went to his place, he welcomed her politely and invited her to his room.
As soon as she entered, he allegedly took out a firearm and instructed her to undress, assaulted her then raped her.
This matter was reported to the police who opened a case of rape.
The second victim suffered the same ordeal and police investigated both matters.
Through analysis, police concluded that they were dealing with a serial rapist using social media to prey on his victims.
The police followed leads and pounced on the suspect at his place of residence.
Whilst concentrating on the rape investigation, police also cracked an unresolved case of murder which occurred in May 2020.
On that day, a lifeless body of 28-year-old Nonhlanhla Happy Maseko was discovered dumped under the bridge on the R573 road at Vezubuhle near Kwamhlanga.
At that time when the body was discovered, the suspect was unknown.
However, the investigation has now uncovered that the suspect on the murder of Maseko, is the same suspect who allegedly raped the two victims.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has applauded the members for the sterling work done.
“We are very happy with the good work done by the members who did not leave any stone unturned. This arrest shows that SAPS is very serious in dealing with the scourge of Gender-Based-Violence and our systems as government are ready to ensure that justice is served for scores of women who have been victimised by men,” said General Zuma.
General Zuma
The suspect has appeared before the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on 29 June and his cases were postponed to 13 July 2020, for formal bail application.
The Carolina Magistrate’s Court has on 25 June 2020, sentenced 30-year-old Linda Prince Mabuza to an effective three years imprisonment for contravening a protection order.
The sentence comes at a time where there is a public outcry regarding domestic violence incidents where women suffer tremendously at the hands of abusive men and unfortunately many women have been brutally murdered.
In an effort to remedy the situation, the government has put in place systems to curb this scourge, which a protection order being one of them.
Mabuza was penalised for not adhering to the conditions spelled out in the protection order which was issued against his name by assaulting the mother of his two children and police did not hesitate to lock him up.
The sequence of events depicts how Mabuza on 27 October 2018, when returning his two children to their mother after they visited him, got embroiled in an aggressive argument with the mother of his children that led to the assault.
During trial, the court emphasised that Gender Based Violence is a felony and there has been a demand for justice to deal harshly with those who have long claws, shamefully perpetuating Gender Based Violence.
The court concluded that Mabuza did not respect the court and for his actions, deserved to be punished to deter others.
On the same note, the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma indicated that victims of Domestic Violence, should be equipped with knowledge to understand the existence of the protection order and its functions.
“A protection order can be instituted against blood related members for example, boyfriends/girlfriends, husbands/wives as well as children/parents.
The process of applying for a protection order starts at the police station where the victim will be given forms to complete, however if the victim has been assaulted, he/she can either opt to register a criminal case docket, apply for a protection order or even do both.
The forms which are completed at the police station, are then taken to court where an interim order in three copies will be granted to the plaintiff, one to be filed at the police station, the other will be kept by the victim then the last copy is to be served to the defendant.
The interim order has a date when the plaintiff as well as the defendant should meet at court where both parties will be offered an opportunity to contest against each other on the reasons contemplated by the plaintiff.
Should the court rule in favour of the plaintiff, a final order will be issued again in three copies and the same procedure as in the case of the interim order will unfold.
However, at this stage a warrant of arrest will accompany the final order.
The police have a responsibility to accompany the plaintiff when serving the interim or the final order to the defendant.
The final court order will remain active unless otherwise changed by the plaintiff,” said General Zuma.
He further indicated that the most challenges often encountered by police, is the withdrawal of cases by plaintiffs where in a court order has been issued against the alleged perpetrator.
He said that what the victims should know is that when he/she withdraws a case which has a court order, which means you nullifies the existence of it.
In that way, if you are threatened in any possible way, you will be required to restart the whole process.
He explains further about the benefits of this process that, if the final order has not been instituted, the suspect can still be arrested during the stage of an interim order.
Therefore, the victims should acclimatise themselves with these processes as it is a measure by government to stop Gender Based Violence. Victims of circumstances must not hesitate to report those who are violating their rights to the police.
“There are instances where women are battered by their partners and some are left crippled or died gruesomely. The community must refrain from holding unlawful family courts whereas someone has been severely injured,” said General Zuma.
General Zuma concluded, he indicated that the sentencing of Mabuza is welcomed as it shows that the victim stayed put until the end of the case and we request other victims to do the same.
“I am delighted by the sentencing of this accused and I admire the bravery of the victim, work done by the team of investigators, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary. This is a step towards the realisation of a safe environment for children and women in our society. We believe that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who violate Protection Orders.
This sentencing has come amidst a flood of Gender Based Violence incidents where women are severely assaulted, some were even killed by their spouses or boyfriends. We urge men to desist from perpetuating violence against women. Let there be tolerance amongst couples and if there are differences, try to seek help. Do not die with a protection order in your house, report the perpetrator to the police,” said General Zuma.
A 42-year-old man is expected to appear before the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court facing a case of murder of his girlfriend, Maria Malinga aged 37.
This horrific incident occurred at Marapyane on 27 June 2020 and it adds more sorrow to the scores of tragic incidents where women suffer immense violence at the hands of their abusers who are people they are in relationships with.
According to the information available, the two were staying together at the woman’s place.
Details also emerged that there was a history of Domestic Violence between the two, which prompted the woman to apply for a Protection Order against her boyfriend and it was served to him accordingly.
This time around an argument broke out between them that led to the sad ending at which the suspect allegedly assaulted and murdered her.
The police as well as the medical personnel were notified about the incident and on arrival they found the victim lying on the ground in front of the neighbour’s gate with visible injuries on her body where she was immediately rushed to hospital but was unfortunately, she was certified dead upon arrival.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has strongly condemned this incident and called on men to treat their partners with dignity.
“Men must refrain from using violence to resolve domestic issues. Gender-Based-Violence is not something that can be regarded as normal and this behaviour must not be condoned,” said General Zuma.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma
Meanwhile the suspect is expected to appear before the Mbibana Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday, 29 June 2020.
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SAPS investigates a case of murder as woman dies of alleged gunshot wounds
In a terrible incident on Saturday 28 June, Sussarah Johana Potgieter, better known as Rehan, lost her life when she was allegedly shot in the back. A pellet gun was used according to initial police reports.
The incident took place in Bethal, Mpumalanga.
Bethal Police are now investigating a case of murder.
Rehan is described by members of her family as a person with a bubbling personality. “She was a hardworking and compassionate person,” Said Yolandi Theron, family member, “She had a contagious personality and were always laughing.”
Rehan Potgieter and her Husband Hendry
“I cannot imagine why anyone would want to do her any harm,” concluded Yolandi
Bethal police received a complaint from Bethal hospital about a female who had been admitted due to multiple injuries and the she had sucummed to injuries, this was at approximately 11H00.
On arrival at hospital, police were led to the ward by Doctor Sandie Nkumane who examined the patient. According to information at police disposal, two males arrived at hospital with a female patient that had sustained multiple back injuries from pellet gun-shots. One of the pellets was extracted from her body. The pellet did not penetrate the abdominal area and could therefore be easily extracted.
“Further information revealed was that the lady was with her husband outside their home while their daughter and the son in-law were in the house when the husband heard a terrible sound and when he looked at his wife, he saw her falling.” Stated the SAPS in a press release, “He then rushed to check on her and called out the children for help. While busy assisting the wife, the son in-law noticed blood on the t-shirt she was wearing and asked the father in-law to take her to hospital.”
The Local Criminal Record Centre was summoned to the scene and discovered the twenty-one wounds allegedly resulting from the pellet shots.
The Bulletin enquired about the alleged pellet gun and raised the question if it could be a shotgun rather that a pellet gun. Bethal SAPS confirmed that the initial investigation indicates a pellet gun
The police are now investigating a case of murder and request anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to call Detective Sergeant Thembinkosi Maseko with contact number 083 2385 546
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has strongly condemned incidents where some parents at Mmametlhake violently stormed into schools, disrupted the process of teaching and learning claiming that their children were not safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This unlawful act happened on Thursday, 25 June 2020, at Seabe Village in Mmametlhake and General Zuma submits that it must not be condoned nor supported by anyone as it portrays a degree of an unpatriotic society and the police will make arrests.
General Zuma further indicated that the government through the executive authority of the National Command Council and scientists, unanimously took a decision to resume schooling in the country. All precautionary health protocols were put in place to be adhered to by the Department of Education with strict compliance thereof.
The police as the law enforcement agency, hold a view that parents should take government into confidence in its endeavour to restore the country back to its originality, economically as well as educationally.
“Therefore, we see no reason why a section of parents would want to force the government to renege from its principled decision,” said General Zuma.
Police observed in dismay the involvement of an elderly person and an opinion leader who were caught aggressively participating in this shameful act of calling for the closure of schools.
The narrative by police spirals from the fact that two of the 13 suspects arrested, one is a 77-year-old pensioner and the other a Councillor.
“It is therefore unacceptable that when police are responding to allegations of lawlessness, they discover that an elderly citizen as well as a public representative are the ones inciting such a despicable act,” said General Zuma.
General Zuma also took this opportunity to remind the community that the reopening of schools is aimed at recovering the time lost due to the lockdown period.
Therefore, the police will not allow a minority group to engage in unlawful ways to destroy the much awaited recovery plan aimed at aiding our children.
The General is therefore making a clarion call to all community members not to attempt to emulate what these suspects have done as this is a serious offense.
The allegations levelled against the suspects are viewed by the police in a serious light and they are condemned in the strongest possible terms.
What the police have gathered is that the group allegedly connived with each other and went to Dikotelo Combined, Ramoshidi as well as Seage High Schools in Seabe village, where in Dikotelo, they were allegedly found inside the yard of the school premises driving in two cars.
According to reports, the group was disrupting schools by forcefully removing children from classes, also disrupting the process of teaching and learning.
Police intervened and stopped them from further escalating the situation hence the arrests. They also seized two vehicles which were used during this criminal act.
“As custodians of the law, we cannot allow this anarchy to rule and continue unabated, hence the arrest. I strongly hold a view that despite the concerns that people might have, however, they cannot be allowed to be unruly. I, therefore, urge the community to desist from perpetuating violence as a means to air their grievances, ” said Provincial Commissioner, General Zuma.
All the suspects were slammed with a R500 bail each and will be back at the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2020.
The police and the forensic pathologist are looking for the family or anyone who knows him to contact them on the following numbers: Detective Warrant Officer Abram Nkonde: 060 5838 563 or Mr Bakkie Jele on 073 3101 305.
eMbalenhle township is one of the places that have many people from various places across the country. As a result, there are many rooms rented out but take extreme caution as thieves are targeting bachelors
Almost all the sections in eMbalenhle have a room that is rented out to an individual.
There is a new criminal activity that is happening around eMbalenhle; thieves are targeting individuals who stay in rented outside rooms.
The thieves come around midnight or in the early hours of the morning. They knock on the door and when the occupant asks: “Who is there?” the thieves keep quiet and eventually leave.
If this happens and no one responds when the thieves knocked, they will break into the room and help themselves to the belongings of the occupant.
In instances where they know that the room is rented by a female occupant, they will try to break in and steal anything they want.
In some sections (extensions 14, 15, 19 and 20) there are groups of gangs who target rooms and commit crimes.
If by any chance someone knocks at your door or next door around midnight or in the early hours of the morning, please call SAPS or anyone that can come to your rescue.
This comes across as organised crime as the thieves target places where there are scheduled power cuts.
Whether you respond or not, criminals will try to break in.
The SAPS in Mpumalanga are warning the public to be extra vigilant of hijackers targeting drivers who often park their vehicles along the roadside.
This warning from the SAPS spirals from hijacking incidents that have occurred previously as well as recent ones, Wednesday 24 June 2020, to be precise, at Vosman and Kabokweni respectively, where victims were hijacked by armed men.
The Kabokweni incident involves a 32-year-old man who was driving his white Ford Ranger, stopped his car to respond to the call of nature but left the engine still idling.
A few moments later, an unknown white Volkswagen Golf abruptly stopped next to his car, the occupants held him at gunpoint and forced him into the boot of the suspects’ car.
The other suspect drove off with the victim’s bakkie and he was later left stranded at an unknown location.
The victim however, managed to make his way to the police station where he reported the ordeal.
Police, in partnership with a tracking company, immediately commissioned an investigation into this matter and recovered the vehicle at Kanyamazane policing precinct on Thursday, 25 June.
On the same day, this time at Vosman near Witbank, a 43-year-old man was robbed by an unknown number of suspects while driving in a white Toyota Club Cab company vehicle on the Clewer road at about 15h00.
The victim explained that the robbery happened when he was making a call while his vehicle parked on the side of the road.
He saw a GWM bakkie which stopped right behind his vehicle and at that time, he was not suspicious of anything as he thought the occupants wanted to enquire if he needs assistance.
Two men alighted from the GWM and approached his vehicle when suddenly one man pointed a firearm at him.
They violently instructed him to drive in the direction they gave him.
The trip ended at an old building where there was an additional six people where the victim was searched and assaulted. They took his bank cards, personal belongings and also forced him to give them the pin codes to his bank cards while he blindfolded with a blanket.
The victim further mentioned that he was left behind guarded by two suspects whilst the others went to help themselves to his money.
The other incident also took place around Vosman policing precinct in which a 57-year-old man was hijacked too.
The victim narrated his plight at the police station.
He was driving his maroon Volkswagen Golf 3 at about 15h30, when he suddenly noticed a green VW Polo driving behind him, he thought that the driver wanted to pass and the complainant moved over to the side of the road giving a right of way to the Polo but the driver of the Polo followed him.
The victim said he tried to drive faster but his efforts to outdrive the Polo failed as he was blocked by the suspects.
Two males alighted from the Polo, got into his vehicle, instructed him to drive in a given direction.
The victim indicated that the suspects stopped at an old building at KaMgewane, tied him up with a rope and he noticed that there was another person who was also suffering the same plight.
The suspects searched him, took his bank cards and personal belongings and then left.
When the dust settled, the first victim managed to untie himself and the the other victim. They both escaped and went to look for help.
The victims landed at Vosman Police Station where they separately opened cases of hijacking and robbery at which the police immediately commenced with their investigations.
It emerged through investigation that the VW Golf was spotted somewhere in the Clewer area where it was left abandoned next to the road.
Judging on the prevalence of these patterns, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma saw it necessary to warn the community to be extra vigilant when driving and not to stop at any unsafe places.
“I urge members of the public to take extra precautionary measures and be vigilant especially when driving their vehicles to avoid stopping willy-nilly at awkward places. Drivers should take break intervals at places where it is safe to do so, such as fuel stations and busy places like at the shopping malls/complexes where it can be much safer to attend to phone calls and other issues as you might not know who may be following you. Criminals like to operate in secluded areas where it is easy for them to pounce on their prey, therefore motorists should not expose themselves to the claws of criminals but be vigilant at all times,” said General Zuma.
Anyone who may have information that may lead to the arrest of the villains, is urged to contact Colonel One Thobejane at 0823722195 for the Vosman cases.
For the hijacking case at Kabokweni, Captain Shaka Nkosi can be contacted on 071 200 1669. Members of the public can also call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by giving a tip-off on the MYSAPSAPP that can be downloaded to any smartphone.
