By OBAKENG MAJE

A man is disgruntled after he alleged that Taung Police Station failed to assist him. Amogelang Itumeleng from Magogong village, near Taung alleges that he was assaulted by four Nigerians after accusing him of robbery.

Now, Itumeleng said he fears for his life because these ‘suspects’ continue to harass him.    

“On 26 January 2021, I was assaulted by four foreigners claiming that I robbed them of a cellphone. On the very same night, my friends went to the Taung Police Station to seek help. Unfortunately, the police who attended the complaint did nothing on their arrival, instead, they instructed me to go and lay a charge at the police station the following day.

“Indeed, I went there to the police station the following day and I was given a J88 form (I still have it today) to be filled by the doctor and nurses who attended to my injuries at the hospital,” he said.

However, without outlining reasons, Itumeleng alleged that the doctor and nurses refused to fill in his J88 form.

“The case was opened, but there was no follow-up till today. The only thing I wish to see now is justice to be served so those foreigners could leave me alone. They are still coming after me on daily basis with death threats too.

“I am not safe where I am and I blame the police for this. They know the side of my story very well, and the only thing I am asking from them is to take a step and hand this matter to the court so that justice could be served,” said Itumeleng.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “A case of common assault was under investigation at Taung Police Station. However, the victim could not identify the four perpetrators.

“So, the case was withdrawn by the SPP on 25 February 2021 and the victim/complainant was informed by the Investigating Officer. If new information comes to light, a case can be re-opened at any time and the investigation can continue.”

Myburgh further said the police management is committed to professional service delivery. She said if any problems are experienced, the communities are advised to contact their local station commanders.

According to the www.saps.org.za website, the SAPS Service Complaint Centre, which forms part of the Component: Inspectorate Analysis Centre and Service Complaints at the Division Inspectorate is in place to help the community to receive optimal service delivery and reduce complaints against the police. 

“The aim of the process is to redress and investigate a dissatisfaction or disappointment experienced by any person or an organisation, locally, regionally, continentally, or internationally, in relation to an action or inaction regarding the service that was rendered or supposed to be rendered by the SAPS represented by its employee(s). 

“Besides for complaints to be dealt with on an individual basis, an aggregation of all complaints is also done with a view to identify trends through analysis, of which the findings are then utilised to inform management to effect corrective action,” the statement said. 

It says complaints can vary from poor service delivery regarding communication, response, investigations, police negligence, police misconduct and complaints against the SAPS Management or members and general complaints. 

“For easy referral when reporting a complaint, the “Minimum complaint information” required includes, but is not limited to – Full names and surname of the complainant; Identity number, residential/business address, telephone and cell phone numbers and email address. 

“Also provide a description of the complaint including the province in which the complaint originated, the name of the police station, the case number (if applicable), details of the SAPS employees involved, etc.” 

Complainants may submit a complaint directly by visiting your local police station community service centre (CSC), Station Commander, District / Cluster Commander’s office or Provincial Complaints Coordinators: Inspectorate. 
OR you can contact us on the following: 

Although it is advisable for any person to lodge a complaint at respective local police stations, when all attempts to get assistance from a station or provinces have failed you, you can contact the National Service Complaints Call Centre on 0800 333 177 or fax to 012 393 5452 or email” complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za 

Please note: 10111 is only used for crime-related emergencies and not for service delivery complaints against the SAPS.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 53-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said customs officials at Kopfontein Port of Entry intercepted a truck driver, Petrus Toppies who entered the South African borders at around 5pm.

“In a bid to curb transnational crime, police were busy with their daily duties, when they pulled off a truck driver to the search area. The truck which was pulling a trailer was entering South Africa from Zambia via Botswana. 

“Moreover, the driver who was alone in the truck, declared that he was transporting liquid molasses for cows. Upon further investigation by the customs officials, the driver allegedly disclosed that the middle compartment of the trailer contained illicit cigarettes,” Tselanyane said.

He said the police also discovered the liquid molasses at the trailer’s flank compartments, while the middle one was filled with 355 Master Cases of Pacific Blue Cigarettes to the estimated value of R4 805 200.

Tselanyane further said Toppies was immediately arrested and liquid molasses had to be drained out as it is not suitable for use in South Africa. He added that the truck and cigarettes were confiscated.

“Toppies appeared at the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Friday and he was remanded in custody until 18 June 2021 for a formal bail application. The case was handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to continue with investigations,” he said.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe lauded the police and Customs officials for their vigilance and cooperation that resulted in the arrest. Molefe also pointed out that illicit cigarettes trade affects the economy of the country and the police will deal harshly with those who perpetrate the crime.

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By STAFF REPORTER

Itsoseng Regional Court sentenced a man found to be in possession of pieces of elephant ivory worth R1million to eight years imprisonment on Thursday. Moabi Victor Moribe was found guilty of contravening Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

However, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the sentence was wholly suspended for five years after Moribe pleaded guilty to the charge.

“The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted for the same offence during the period of suspension. Moribe’s apprehension and subsequent sentencing emanate from an incident in which six suspects were arrested in Zone 1, Itsoseng on 11 June 2018 by members of the Provincial Stock Theft Task Team.

“The police acted on a tip-off after being informed that the elephant ivories were kept in a house in Zone 1, Itsoseng. During the search, six pieces of elephant ivory worth over R1 million were found and confiscated,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said Moribe who is the owner of the house, managed to evade arrest. Mokgwabone added that as a result, the case against six accused was not enrolled, but a warrant was issued for the arrest of Moribe.

Moribe was arrested on 3 June 2021 during a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Sannieshof Stock theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.

Acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe welcomed the sentencing of Moribe. Molefe said this should serve as a lesson that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those who think that they can commit crime and get away with it.

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By STAFF REPORTER

More than 70% of schools across the province will benefit from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) rollout programme. North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said since the entire world is moving fast towards the 4^th Industralisation Revolution (4IR), plans are afoot to spend R12 million to connect 75% of schools through WiFi and broadband for learning in this financial year.

“This will be a significant leap from the current 25%, and we hope to reach 100% in the

2022 financial year. To that end, the department will provide internet connection to all Quintile 1 to 3 schools (836 in total) through WiFi and Broadband using fibre where available and mobile broadband.

“This will ensure that all learners (638 801) in these no-fee schools, that constitute 75% of our learner population are catered for. Following a feasibility study on the project, the department is now ready to go out on tender,” Matsemela said.

She further said the 4IR sector has prioritised the usage of ICT in schools. Matsemela added that during the 2020 academic year, Covid-19 disrupted teaching and learning in most of the schools across the country.

“In most areas, remote teaching and learning could not take place during the hard lockdown due to lack of resources. To mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the education system, the department has procured 30 292 tablets for Grade 12 learners and 1 198 laptops for Grade 12 teachers.

“The intervention is done with the view of enhancing teaching and learning in and outside the classroom environment. We should continue to appreciate the private sector that continues to work with us in ensuring that we provide quality education to learners at all times by building schools of high quality.

“I want to convey my sincerest gratitude to those mining houses that have collaborated on a 50/50 partnership with the department in building the schools infrastructure, namely, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, Samancor and Impala Platinum Mine,” said Matsemela.

She also applauded both MTN SA Foundation and Vodacom for their varied donations that included electronic gadgets, data and content to schools. Matsemela said this budget underpinned by consolidation of their work, and on guiding and deepening learning and teaching in this new era, where teaching extends beyond the classroom.

“However, we are ready to vigorously confront these persistent challenges within the basic education sector. This pandemic with all its challenges, has afforded the department an opportunity to build different and better schools. The process is expected to be concluded at the end of September 2021.

“Furthermore, to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on learning, the department provided a total of 30 292 tablets to the Grade 12 learners for interactive learning. Distribution per

District, is based on learner enrolment. Bojanala district received 11 907 tablets, Ngaka Modiri Molema received 8 243 tablets, while Dr Kenneth Kaunda received 4 870 tablets and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati received 5 272 tablets,” she said.

Meanwhile, www.4irsa.org.za website said: “The digital revolution – otherwise known as 4IR – has been identified by policymakers, researchers, global forums and the youth as one way to get youngsters ready for the future world of work. The World Economic Forum estimates that 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in jobs that currently do not exist.

“To prepare pupils for these changes, the Basic Education Department has trained nearly 44,000 teachers in computer skills. In addition, the University of South Africa has partnered with the department by making its 24 ICT laboratories across the country available to train teachers in coding. From next year, coding as a subject will be piloted in 1000 schools. It is already being offered at some private schools.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu’s bodyguard is ‘sought’ after he allegedly assaulted the Morongwa News journalist, Modise Lobelo.  

The incident allegedly took place at the municipal mayoral house in Vryburg on Tuesday. According to Lobelo, he was reliably informed there was a fracas at mayoral House where Mahlangu was denied access.

“Mahlangu demanded entry into the premises, but she was denied access by the security officers. It is alleged that Mahlangu then barricaded the entrance of the mayoral house with her H1 vehicle, barring other councillors to neither enter nor exit the yard.   

“Few minutes after our arrival, a Nissan Almera vehicle also arrived with some councillors in it. One person known as Mike, got out of the vehicle and accused me of taking pictures of his vehicle,” he said.

Lobelo further said (Mike) allegedly assaulted him and to his surprise, other councillors in the Almera Nissan vehicle did nothing to stop the barrage by his assailant. He added that his camera was damaged during the scuffle.

However, buoyed Lobelo said: “I have opened a criminal case against the suspect and no amount of violence will stop me from covering news. I am Morongwa and I will continue to report and inform the community as per the need.”

Meanwhile, Mahlangu refused to comment on the matter. She was ousted from her position as the mayor through a motion of no confidence a few months ago. However, she challenged the decision against her removal at the North West High Court in Mahikeng and won the case.  

The municipality has since appealed the matter at the Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. The current executive mayor, Kgalalelo Sereko also refused to be drawn into the matter and said she will only respond on the municipal matter through her manager, Gopolang Molale, who is on sick leave.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a case of assault has been registered and no arrests were made, but investigations are underway.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Secretary-General, Mahlatse Mahlase said they strongly condemn the unlawful and intimidatory actions against journalists.

“We believe that the deplorable actions of intimidation against journalists have severe implications for journalism. We had warned that the ban imposed on various media entities infringed on the right to freedom of expression guaranteed in section 16 of the Bill of Rights.

“The media is an essential cog in the promotion of democracy. It acts as a mirror to society and, as such, is opened to listening to — and publicising — all points of view. Political formations that are, in any sense, democratic, should engage with — and not abuse and shun — the media,” she said.

Mahlase further said as SANEF, they believe that the curtailment of the rights of journalists to do their job deprives society of the truth. She said any harassment and attacks on journalists eventually lead to self-censorship.

“In the run-up to the local government elections it is important for political parties to support all journalists and foster an enabling and conducive environment for journalists to do their work,” she said.

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By STAFF REPORTER

South Africa continues to be plagued with rising levels of violent crime. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West, areas such as Sannieshof, Mahikeng, Zeerust, Lichtenburg and Vryburg are the hotspots of organized crime in the province.

DA MP, Carin Visser said these business areas are no longer safe for residents to shop or even just visit the bank or post office. Visser said the local economies of the smaller towns are particularly negatively affected.

“The recent incident, where Botswana residents were attacked with a knife and escaped a hijacking respectively as they travelled through Vryburg, highlight the impact that the crime has on local economies along the N14.

“Due to the high risk, tourist businesses recommend travellers not to stop in Vryburg, while driving through. It is a death knell for restaurants and accommodation facilities that depend on tourists,” he said.

Visser further said the ‘incompetent’ SAPS, has long lost the battle against well-established crime syndicates and allegations that certain SAPS officials are involved are weakening their ability to combat crime effectively.

“The DA will submit written questions to the Lehari and the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile, requesting them to provide a list of municipalities to which patrollers have previously been deployed.

“They must provide reasons why such contracts have not been renewed, if and when they will be renewed, and what the joint plan between the two departments is to address this growing concern effectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “The department will continue strengthening the fight again crime by ensuring that communities of the province live in a crime-free environment. We will appoint patrollers in many crime hotspot areas.

“We are intensifying efforts to fight crime and we are doing so by engaging our communities because we are working on an integrated effort to create a crime free environment for our communities.”

Lehari added that for the 2021/2022 financial year, they will continue to implement community safety patrollers program in four districts. He said for this financial year, the department has set aside the total budget of R4.9 million to implement the safety patrollers programme.

“In last financial year, the department managed to appoint 583 community safety patrollers for six months during the third quarter of the year due to COVID-19 regulations.

“And to achieve this, the department will continue forging partnerships with other government departments and municipalities in implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) programme,” said Lehari.

He said this has been done through de-bushing, clearing of grass and shrubs, as well as walk-ways at identified crime hotspots in many communities.

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By ORAPELENG MATSHEDISO

Comrade Walter Sisulu was born on the 18^th May 1912, just five months after the official formation of the ANC in Mangaung in Free State, had he lived, he would have turned 109 years old. 

Sisulu was a selfless leader and a true cadre who embodied the membership declaration of the ANC as outlined in its constitution. He accordingly understood that ANC members and cadres ought to serve the people “without motives of material advantage or personal gain”. 

Comrade Sisulu worked and served as a loyal member of the ANC until his last breath. He also placed his energy and skills at the disposal of the movement and the people of South Africa. 

Sisulu understood and unreservedly carried out the organisational mandate and tasks with the utmost diligence, dedication and discipline.

Sisulu further defended the unity and integrity of the ANC at all material times. He did all these because he was taught within the ranks of the congress movement that, the ANC must be an “effective instrument of liberation in the hands of the people”.  Hence he ensured that under his leadership, the ANC becomes a campaigning and mobilizing organisation.

As the Secretary-General of the ANC, he became part of the first ANC leaders to be arrested during the 1952 defiance campaign. Sisulu has selflessly and fearlessly led the destitute and downtrodden masses of our people.

Comrade Xhamela was selfless, because after he was elected the Secretary-General of the ANC in 1949, he was paid five pounds on monthly basis and at times, the ANC had no money to pay his salary and travelling fees.

History reveals that, once upon a time, comrade Z.K Matthews was tasked to communicate with the Secretary-General informing him that he would not be paid his monthly salary for a particular period. Apparently, some comrades thought the SG would resign but, instead, he engaged his wife, comrade Mama Albertina Sisulu who was a nurse and also an activist and a member of the movement.

She committed to using her salary to buy comrade Walter a monthly railway ticket to attend to the organizational tasks and meetings. Sisulu indeed served the movement without expecting material gain or personal benefits.

Today, we have a state capture commission and many of the leaders and members of his organisation, the ANC, are implicated in a rampant corruption that poses a serious threat to the legitimacy of the ANC-led government.

It is evident that, the renewal and rebuilding of the ANC needs leadership traits of Walter Sisulu and Mama Albertina Sisulu and many other selfless leaders and members.

He was an activist of note and a rooted leader amongst the toiling mass. Sisulu used to assist men in his community, who could not read or write with letters to their wives and children for free of charge. 

During his spare time, he would attend community activities such as weddings, funerals and church meetings.

This was a strategy he employed to understand the plight and aspiration of the people and provide leadership where necessary. Sisulu was a unionist whose mind was never on vacation and led workers with dedication and commitment. 

He never sold-out workers with intentions to facilitate, solicit money or senior position in the management at the expense of workers’ interests.

Sisulu chose to be suspended from work than to be bribed.

In 1940 at age of 28, he was formally recruited into the ANC by a unionist comrade Alfred Mbele, because of his activism amongst the toiling masses of the people and he was later elected as a Treasurer of the Orlando branch of the ANC. 

Sisulu assisted the branch with recruitment and the membership of the ANC in that branch and it grew from 100 to 200.

At the age of 30, he became the only delegate representing the Orlando branch at the ANC National Annual Conference. At the conference, Sisulu carried out the mandate of the branch and went back to give feedback. 

He believed in the accountable leadership and his pedigree won him more confidence amongst members of his branch and community in general.

In 1942, he was again delegated to the National Annual Conference (NAC) of the ANC. Sisulu also played a very critical role in the formation of the ANCYL in 1944, where he even used his delegation to the 1942 and 1943 ANC National Annual Conferences to advance the debate to convince the ANC leadership to agree to the initiative to establish the ANC Youth League.

Apparently his ANC branch qualified for more delegates, but due to financial constraints, he had to attend alone. Sisulu was the most trusted leader of the branch. 

So, as the ANC starts with the elections of the branch, regional and provincial leadership at conferences, members must elect selfless and rooted leaders who adhere to the ANC membership declaration and understand the aspirations and the plights of the masses.

Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso is a member of the ANC in Dr Ruth Mompati Region, a Deputy Executive Director of Higher Education Transformation Network and Employee of Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality. He writes in his personal capacity and the views raised here do not necessarily represent Taung DailyNews and its stakeholders.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects were arrested for dealing with drugs and dagga in Valspan and Jan Kempdorp on Wednesday. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock, the suspects were tracked down through an intelligence-driven operation.

“The Frances Baard District Detective Team, Hartswater K9 unit, Hartswater Crime Intelligence, Kimberley and Hartswater Highway Patrol pounced on the suspects at 2am after a series of transactions were conducted by shallow-cover agents in and around Valspan in Jan Kempdorp.

“Police also confiscated 403 Mandrax tablets, 20 zip bags of Tik, 2kg of dagga and an electric scale with an approximate street value of R15000. Suspects are detained and will be appearing in court soon,” Kock said.

The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Johan Bean was also part of the operation and lauded the police for the positive success and huge blow to the drug trade in the Jan Kempdorp and surrounding areas.

Bean also extol the community for their assistance and reiterated that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that drug perpetrators are brought to book and justice is served.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 29-YEAR-OLD man from Maphoitsile village in Taung was remanded in custody after he was arrested for murder on Sunday. Gideon Matsitle allegedly stabbed Reaoleboga “Masango” Sesing (27) to death during a fracas.

The atrocity took place at Khombi’s tavern in Maphoitsile village, near Taung on Sunday morning.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the occurrence did take place. As a result, a case of murder was opened after a man was allegedly stabbed with a broken bottle.

“A suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. He appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded in custody until 15 June 2021 for a formal bail application,” Mokgwabone said.

Meanwhile, he said the tavern owner was fined R5000 for contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations. It is alleged that the owner organized a 24-hour bash – selling of liquor during the curfew.

Mokgwabone said no fine was previously issued to the owner for non-compliance. This was contrary to some people who alleged that the tavern owner’s license was previously confiscated for contravention of the Disaster Management.  

“Several fines were issued to owners of on-site licensed liquor premises in various parts of the province for non-compliance,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, has fired the North West Public Works and Roads’ Head of Department (HOD), Pakiso Mothupi for gross misconduct.

North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe said Mothupi was suspended prior to his dismissal. 

“Mothupi has been fired from the public service with immediate effect by de Lille. The decision to dismiss him followed the conclusion on 6 May 2021 of a disciplinary hearing initiated by the department against him.

“He was charged with gross misconduct. In a letter dated June 3, 2021, de Lille also informed Mothupi that he may declare a dispute with the relevant Bargaining Council if not satisfied with the outcome of the hearing,” he said.

Meanwhile, a few months ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation R21 of 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the department. This came after some individuals within the department were implicated in a string of mismanagement, fraud and corruption allegations. 

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said then in a statement: “The investigations aim to recover any financial losses suffered by the department. The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation.

“The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which is relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts investigated.”

He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the department.

Kganyago added that the investigations will also cover the rehabilitation of flood damaged road infrastructure in the North West and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, and payments that were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury.

“We will also investigate any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. Any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations will be investigated too.

“The SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation,” he said.

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said he welcomed the investigation and its scope, commencing as it were, from 1 January 2016 to 12 March 2021.

“It is my view that such an investigation by the SIU will provide a full picture of the governance state of the department, and hopefully assist with the recommendation towards corrective steps necessary to ensure that such occurrences never recur.

“It is our wish that such an investigation assist in substantiating and/or refuting other findings already in our possession, such as the Preliminary Investigation Report by the National Treasury,” said Molapisi.

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