By BAKANG MOKOTO

Five accused allegedly escaped from the Klerksdorp Regional Court on Tuesday. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks) provincial spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rekhotso said they are in the pursuit of Sibuso Sibeko (40), Tebogo Molefi Ntenchane (35), Bongani Edwin Mkhwanazi (51), Sithembiso Mthembu (43), Tshepo Seboko (37).

“The five suspects escaped after making a brief appearance facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of unlicensed firearms, hijacking, possession of stolen vehicles and attempted murder.

“The five accused were arrested on November 2015 following an armed robbery that took place in Wolmaranstad. It is alleged that the accused rammed into a vehicle that was driven by a security manager of a mine and pointed him with a firearm. They allegedly stole diamond gravel that was loaded in the vehicle,” said Rikhotso.

She further said the accused allegedly hijacked an Isuzu bakkie from a member of the community and drove off towards Schweizer Reneke. Rikhotso added that the incident was allegedly shared in the community social media groups.

“Members of the community later spotted the stolen vehicle with the suspects inside and a chase ensued. The Isuzu bakkie lost control during the chase and the suspects ran on foot into a maize field where the community members allegedly surrounded them and subsequently detained them.

“Police were called to the scene and the suspects were arrested. The matter was investigated by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks and the accused were linked with other cases. Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody,” she said.

Rikhotso said on Tuesday, following their court appearance, the suspects were allegedly taken down to the court cells when one of the accused drew a firearm and pointed it at a police officer. She said the police officer managed to escape and the accused forcefully opened the court’s jail cell steel door and escaped.

“A reward is on offer for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects as per the attached pictures. Please contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Laurie Lauwrens at 082 339 0766/ Warrant Officer Brian Van Der Westuizen at 083 462 3951 or Crime Stop 086010111.

“Information received will be treated with confidentiality. Members of the community are urged not to approach the suspects as they are considered armed and dangerous,” Rikhotso concluded.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Gauteng permanent delegation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has underlined the undesirability of a lack of infrastructure development planning, as it leads to perpetual crisis spending. The delegation visited the province as part of the flagship NCOP Provincial Week programme to assess the state of municipalities in the province.

The leader of the delegation, Ambassador Mohammed Dangor said: “The delegation is of the view that if municipalities plan their infrastructure development adequately, they would avoid costly emergency interventions. The delegation emphasised, however, that planning alone is not enough; effective implementation should also be strengthened.

“In Hammanskraal, the delegation appreciated the improved working relationship between all spheres of government in dealing with the water quality issue in the area. It is only through cooperation that challenges can be resolved.”

He added that the delegation has also called for all the spheres of government to urgently consider the option of extending the Rand Water pipeline from Eersterust to Hammanskraal, as suggested by councillors in the area, so that people can get quality water as the rehabilitation of the Appies River system continues.
Dangor has emphasised the need to adequately spend resources on maintenance. He said poor maintenance leads to the systematic collapse of the reticulation and wastewater system, which is far more expensive to fix.

“In Emfuleni, the delegation highlighted a similar challenge with the deterioration of the water infrastructure system due to poor maintenance. This has contributed to continuous pollution of the Vaal River system, which is the source of Gauteng’s water supply.
“The pollution of the Vaal River system is worrying in the context of the economic importance of Gauteng to the South African economy and the undermining effect of lack of water to this region. But more worrying is the social impact in the region,” he said.
Dangor said the provision of water in tankers, while a necessary short-term measure, is not a long-term solution, especially in the context of the high associated cost. He added that the development plans must take into consideration of the increased pressure caused by migration into bigger cities like Tshwane.“Furthermore, there is an urgent need to develop reticulation infrastructure in line with expected economic and social demand in the next 20 years. Regarding the Babelegi Industrial Park, the delegation has called for both the Gauteng and North West provinces to urgently resolve jurisdiction challenges that have impacted in the park.

“The park has the potential to create much-needed jobs in the area and contribute positively to improving the lives of the people of both provinces. The delegation is impressed with the design and workmanship at the Kekana Gardens Clinic, which is a National Health Insurance pilot site,” he said.

Dangor added that the continuing challenge of skills in primary healthcare facilities across the country is worrying, especially due to the knock-on effect on the provinces like Gauteng, which receives increased referrals from other provinces. He said a necessary intervention is to ensure that all healthcare facilities across the provinces are adequately staffed so that the burden is reduced on centres in Gauteng.

“The delegation appreciates the work being done by municipalities in the province and has urged the leadership to strengthen areas of weaknesses so that the people receive better quality services,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two men sentenced to life imprisonment after finding guilty of rape by the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday. Katlego Marake (27) and his accomplice, Ratanang Seikaneng (26).

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the incident took place at Glenred Village near Kuruman back in June 2011.

“A 17-year-old girl was walking home accompanied by her male friend and they were accosted by three men. These men assaulted the man who accompanied the victim and in the event, they dragged the girl to the nearby yard where they took turns raping her.

“After raping the victim, they left her fighting for her life. The girl managed to gain her strength and walked home to seek help. The accused were arrested after being pointed out by the victim,” Tawana said.

He further said the victim’s testimony before the court and forensic evidence which was collected by the investigating officer had positively linked the accused to the crime of rape.

Tawana added that the third accused died while the trial was on-going. He said the deceased was unfortunate that he could not face jail-term.

“The Northern Cape Police Management welcomed life jail term handed down to the accused. It also commended the investigating officer, Sergeant Nowalaza for meticulous investigative work and continued to applaud the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Justice Department for their co-operation in ensuring that justice was served,”

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