By TDN
Mahikeng-On Thursday, 29 August 2013, the North West Provincial
Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts
(SCOPA) welcomed the report they received from the Public
Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela on the irregular payments of
legal fees by the Department of Finance.
The report will now be tabled in the Legislature.
SCOPA had requested the Auditor General’s Office, the Public
Service Commissioner, Provincial Public Protector’s office and the
Hawks to do the investigation after former MEC for Finance,
Louisa Mabe, the current MEC, Paul Sebegoe, and the Acting Head of the Department of Finance, Geo Paul, failed to give the
Committee a clear account of procurement processes followed in appointing Morake Attorneys, a company that has been paid over R15 million for a disciplinary hearing of the Department of
Finance head.
In her report the Public Protector made amongst others, the
following findings;
The procurement process followed by the department in
securing the services of Morake Inc, was flawed, unlawful
The rewording and appointment letter for Morake Inc by
Chris Molefe, the former director in the office of the MEC
former MEC amounts to improper conduct,
maladministration and abuse of power;
The manner in which invoices and statements of accounts
submitted by Morake Inc were checked and assessed by
officials before payment was approved amounts to gross
negligence, maladministration and ultimate irregular
expenditure.
Evidence, especially travelling costs claimed by
Morake Inc, indicates that there are discrepancies and
double billing in the invoices submitted, resulting in
overpayment by the department.
Adv. Madonsela made the following recommendations;
A remedial action to be taken by the Head of Department for
the Supply chain unit of the department
Audit amounts claimed by Morake Inc should be audited and
overpayments should be recovered with interest.
The Premier of the province should initiate an investigation
into the conduct of the former Acting Head of Department
and the Chief Director in the former MEC’s office.
The commercial Crime Unit and the Hawks is to conduct a
further investigation into whether or not a corrupt
relationship existed between the former MEC for Finance,
Loiusa Mabe, and Morake Inc and any other role players
involved in the procurements of the services to Morake Inc.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Hlomane Chauke said the
Committee is happy with the report.
“It is based on the mandate we had given to the Chapter 9 institutions to help investigate the claims”.
“This matter will not end here, things that need to be referred to
police will be. Both the Speaker and the Premier will receive a
copy of the report and it will be tabled in the Provincial
Legislature” he said.
“All recommendations made by the Public Protector will be
implemented to the latter,” said Hon Chauke.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Marikana – The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo will host the Annual SAPS Commemoration Day Service on the 10th of September 2013.
“During the service, employees of the South African Police Service who died in the execution of their duties between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 will be honoured and remembered by the SAPS management, their loved ones and colleagues” captain Pelonomi Makau said.
“It is expected that the event will be attended by the National Commissioner, General MV Phiyega and the North West MEC of Human Settlement, Public Safety & Liaison Nono Maloyi together with the deceased next of kin, friends and colleagues of our fallen heroes to lay wreaths to commemorate them” she said.
The event will take place as follows:
Venue: Marikana Police Station
Marikana
Rustenburg
Time: 10h00
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By Obakeng Maje
The Kimberley Cluster SAPS, Kimberley Visible Policing unit and Public Order Policing unit, K9 unit and the Department of Education members raided three high schools during a surprise operation in Kimberley on Thursday.
“The police managed to search more than 1100 scholars and suspicious looking persons roaming outside schools. Scholars, classrooms, toilets and storerooms on the school premises were searched and the police managed to confiscate several screw drivers, sharp scissors, broken mirrors and other dangerous weapons” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.
The scholars which were found in possession of dangerous weapons were taken to the school principals where they will be dealt with internally according to the disciplinary processes of the Education Department.
“The surprise operations are on-going and forms part of Safer Schools Project and the No Knife Campaign. Police also does regular patrols in and around schools to ensure that all scholars and the community are safe and secure” he adds.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
The South African Police Service welcomes the harsh sentencing imposed on those who commit crimes against women. This is a clear indication that members of the SAPS work hard to tackle crimes against women and children, as this remains one of our priorities.
“It is through teamwork and the thorough collection of crucial evidence that we can achieve convictions and heavy sentences for offenders” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.
On the 28th August 2013, a 25 year old Warrenton man was handed down 3 life sentences for the rape and murder of Patricia Eucricia Blaauw (32) which took place on the 6 August 2011.
The victim was last seen leaving with the accused Denzel Delport from a tavern in Warrrenton on 6 August 2011 and her half-naked body was discovered in the veld between the Warrenvale shanties and the railway line the following morning.
“The accused was arrested on 9 August 2011 and has been in custody for the duration of the trial. During the autopsy it was found that Blaauw died due to severe head and body injuries as well as suffocation” Kock said.
The Hartswater Cluster Commander, Colonel Tumelo Lekhu lauds Detective Constable Sekano Lekgetho, members of Crime Intelligence and the Warrenton Detective Service for a brilliant job done.
The team’s water-tight case ensured that no impunity is granted to the criminal of this heinous crime.
“The SAPS hopes that the sentencing will serve as a deterrent to others who consider committing similar crimes against women and children. The SAPS sees crimes against women and children as priority and will continue with our endeavours to ensure that the society is and feels safe and secure” Kock said.-TDN
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The North West Executive Council (Exco) has expressed optimism that all schools across the North West Province would have received delivery of their stationery and textbooks for the 2014 academic year before schools close for the year-end holidays in November.

In assessing the progress report on the delivery of Learner Teacher Support Material to public ordinary schools in the province for the 2014 academic year during its meeting held in Mahikeng on Wednesday, Exco was satisfied that that Provincial Department of Education and Training was on track to deliver on its 2013/2014 Implementation Plan.

In terms of the plan, capturing and consolidation of requisitions for R329 million allocated for stationary and main textbooks for Grades 7, 8, 9 and 12 were completed by the end of June.

Technical problems which were experienced were resolved within a reasonable period to ensure all districts met the deadline for submission of consolidated figures to publishers.

Exco also noted that service providers have commenced with printing of exercises and bulk sourcing of items such as pens and calculators, etc for delivery of stationery to commence in the next two weeks. The delivery programme is expected to be finalised in October.

Meanwhile, Premier Thandi Modise has commented the provincial department for establishing a forum consisting of district officials that meets on a monthly basis to discuss challenges related to curriculum delivery.

The forum has assisted to obviate misinformation, communication gaps and also deal with LTSM and textbook problems experienced by schools. -TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Groblershoop-Six suspects made their second appearance at the Groblershoop Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on charges of dealing and being in possession of dagga.
“The six accused Joseph Swarts (42), Theodore Maasdorp, Juandre Swarts (30), Jan Swarts (53), Solomon Tsumane (57) and Velile Xangane (57) were further remanded into police custody until the 10 September 2013” lieutenant Donald Mdhluli said.
“It is alleged that on the 30 August 2013, police in Groblershoop were engaged in special operations when they stopped at an accident scene on the Upington/Groblershoop road” Mdhluli said.
A cream bakkie was apparently being towed by a cream Ford Sierra when the driver of the Sierra lost control and both vehicles careered off the road. The bakkie capsized.
There were six occupants in both vehicles (2 in the bakkie and 4 in the car).
No serious injuries were sustained.
“As police stopped to assist, the occupants indicated that they were fine and that they did not need any assistance. Police insisted on helping as it was their duty to do so and when they inspected the bakkie they discovered that it was packed with dagga” he said.
Sixty six bags of dagga with a total weight of 287kg were seized.
The estimated street value of the drugs worth R1,4 million.
The arresting officers were Constables MQ Rathebe, NA Malgas, TA Nyeka, AG Smith and BO Thabaneng.
All these members are from SAPS Groblershoop.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
North West-Police would like to warn the community not to take part or attend marches or events that are not approved in terms of provisions of Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010) or Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993 (Act 205 of 1993).
“Participation or attendance of events, illegal marches or protests is exposing attendees or participants to safety risk. This is due to the fact that such events are likely to be held without checking and verifying of aspect like sufficient security, risk categorisation venue capacity and many others” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
Mokgwabone said It has since been established that in some instances, attendees and participants lose financially by paying for entry fees for illegal events that are not conducted as advertised.
“It is significant that Conveners and Events Organisers do not advertise their events before meeting with Authorised member or Responsible officer in terms of provisions of Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010) or Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993 (Act 205 of 1993) respectively’ he said.
The public is also requested not to carry any illegal and dangerous weapons in public or during illegal marches.
‘It has come to the attention of the police that damages to property have been reported during protests marches. In terms of Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 a person is liable upon conviction to a sentence not exceeding three years imprisonment for carrying dangerous weapon” police said.
Police said it is important that local police stations are engaged and enquiries made if one suspects that the event is not legal.-TDN
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National African Football Supporters’ Association (NAFSA) have hit out at Orlando Pirates over their decision to increase ticket prices for the second MTN8 semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs later this month.

The Buccaneers have pushed prices up to R80 for the match on Heritage Day and, when quizzed by KickOff.com for the reason behind it, the club said it was for extra security as the planned to let people sit where they want.

However, NAFSA have sent out a strong press release condemning the price-hike, and say the League should put an overall cap on ticket prices.

“We were perturbed to learn about the club’s decision to sky-rocket the ticket prices by 100 per cent when we are still faced with inconsistency and poor attendance at PSL games,” Secretary-General Siyabulela Makunga says.

“Orlando Pirates’ decision lacks appreciation of the fact that the population group that supporting domestic football falls under Living Standard Measure (LSM) 1-5 and earn not more than R5000 a month. These are football loyalists who attend a minimum of two matches a week and spend up to R500 on travelling, food and ticket costs in each game.

“It is our view that the reasons given by the club are nothing less than a mischievous ploy to rob football loyalists of a privilege to be part of this much-anticipated encounter. The burden for the escalation of logistical costs cannot only be paid for by football supporters.

“Why must it always be the case that every time there is an escalation of costs in organising a PSL match, football loyalists are the only ones that suffer the most? This is a sponsored competition and in our view, the burden should rest with the Club and the Sponsor. Orlando Pirates Football Club is taking football loyalists for a ride.”

Makunga adds: “We need a regulatory policy framework so as to not only address empty stadia, but to ensure that there is uniformity and fairness in ticket pricing. This mischievous ploy by Pirates further affirms that 86 per cent of South Africa’s football loyalists who voted in favour of representation of football supporters in all football structures, had a genuine cause.

“We would like to appeal to Dr Irvin Khoza to show leadership and act against such cruelty an unsporting business practice.”
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