Picture: (Prieska serial rapist, Shawn Rooi)

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 25 year-old man from Prieska was sentenced to life imprisonment and further 27 years by Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Sergio Kock said: “Prieska serial rapist, Shawn Rooi was found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of house breaking with the intent to rape and one charge of obstructing a police officer from performing his duties.

“On the 1^st of April 2017, the accused broke into premises in Prieska Plakkerskamp and raped a woman aged 55. The following day, Rooi also broke into another premises situated in Prieska Plakkerskamp and raped a 40 year–old woman with the same modus operandi.”

Kock said the accused was arrested in April 2017, but later released as both charges were temporarily withdrawn from the court role. He said during November 2017, Rooi raped his third victim, a ten year-old female in Prieska Plakkerskamp.

“He was arrested days later and a 10 year-old victim is the sister of Rooi’s former girlfriend and mother of his child. The accused remained in custody until his recent sentencing,” he said.

The Pixley Ka Seme Cluster Commander, Brig Nomahlube Sofika lauded the Detective Constable, Denzil Swarts from the Prieska SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for a brilliant job done.

“It is with pride that we see our members working extremely hard to remove criminals from our streets. The convictions result in justice for the victims concerned and the community feel safer when the perpetrators are incarcerated.

“This will send out a stern message to criminals. Remember, when you do crime, you will do the time,” Kock said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two suspects aged 20 and 21 are expected to appear at Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court for robbery. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the incident took place at Boichoko township in Postmasburg on Friday.

“The suspects were arrested by the vigilant Postmasburg Police after they allegedly robbed a tuck shop. Four men allegedly accosted the owner of the tuck shop at around 8pm, while he was busy locking up his business.

“The suspects allegedly hit the owner (25) with a bottle over his head. The victim was also assaulted with iron pipes. The suspects fled the crime scene with an undisclosed amount of money, cigarettes and airtime,” Kock said.

He said the police followed up on information and arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in Boichoko hours later. Kock added that the Postmasburg Visible Policing unit arrested the second suspect aged 21 the following day.

“We are still searching for the two other suspects who are still at large. Anyone with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest can call D/Cst Ambrill Rossouw on 071 396 4285.

“Both suspects will appear in the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of business robbery. The police investigation continues,” he said.

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The matter has also been postponed to 24 January 2019.

JOHANNESBURG – Duduzane Zuma has been granted bail of R100,000 with conditions including handing in his passport.

Zuma has appeared in the Commercial Crimes Court after he was arrested and processed at the Johannesburg Central Police Station on Monday morning.

He has been charged with corruption in connection with the alleged failed attempt to bribe former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas.

Jonas claimed in an affidavit that he was called to a meeting with Zuma, Ajay Gupta and businessman Fana Hlongwane where Gupta allegedly offered him R600 million and the position of finance minister if he agreed to work with them.

Zuma entered the courtroom wearing leg irons but appeared rather upbeat and greeted journalists in the gallery.

The State told the court that it does not oppose bail and had agreed with the defence that Zuma pay R100,000 for his release.

The case has been postponed until January next year because the State says it requires more time to investigate and says there’s a possibility of more accused being added to the charge sheet.

Zuma agreed to hand in his passport and will make arrangements with the investigating officer if he wants to travel abroad.

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za 

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC of Health department, Dr Magome Masike confirmed that they have cancelled the contract with the Gupta-linked company, Mediosa. Masike said the service of Mediosa was procured without following the correct procurement procedures.

“We have identified areas of intervention and begun to implement intervention plans in those identified areas. The areas of intervention include financial management particularly to deal with irregular expenditure and accruals.

“Supply Chain Management, which is characterised by irregular supply chain and material deviation from procurement practices have been identified as carrying fiscal risks which end up draining the resources of the Department,” he said.

Masike further said they will continue to work together with the administrator to address the challenges faced by the employees at administration level in the provincial office. He said they will also address lack of service delivery in the districts.

“Contract managed, particularly major contracts like Buthelezi EMS and Mediosa have also been identified as problem area that needs immediate intervention.

“We have revised the scope of work of private ambulance providers, Buthelezi EMS and High Care EMS.  The two service providers will now inter-facility transfers to allow state ambulances to focus on emergencies,” Masike said.

The Head of Department (HoD), Dr Thabo Lekalakala was suspended after he allegedly pre-paid the Mediosa Mobile Clinic company R30m upfront before it could execute any service.

The beleaguered company also funded Lekalakala and his wife’s international trip. The company was expected to render health services at far-flung areas.

Another R180m was supposed to be paid to the company over the years.

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