By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Mahikeng Local Municipal Manager, Thabo Mokwena briefly appeared at Mmabatho Regional Court on 11 August 2021 facing charges of contravention of the MFMA, Prevention and combatting of Corrupt Activities Act. Mokwena was arrested by The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on Tuesday in Klerksdorp for allegedly invested R92million of taxpayers’ money into the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

He was granted R50 000 bail and the case was postponed to 16 November 2021.

The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said the arrest of Mokwena (59) is part of their ongoing fight against corruption and maladministration.

“The suspect is reported to have taken part in the looting of VBS Mutual Bank through investing of the Mahikeng Local Municipality funds. Investigation revealed that R92 million of the taxpayers was invested into VBS in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).  

“The suspect alleged to have received gratification in the form of credit facilities for purchases of two high-powered vehicles and a property in Klerksdorp amounting to over R1.7 million between 2017 and 2018,” Mogale said.

Mahikeng Local Municipality is one of the 20 municipalities that had invested municipal funds into VBS. According to information, out of R92million that was unduly invested into the VBS Mutual Bank, only R7million was paid back to the municipality.

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said: “As indicated previously, all those who participated in that illegal scheme which resulted in the loss of taxpayers’ monies into VBS matters will be held to account.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile welcomed the arrest of a Mokwena.

Cwaile said although they welcome the arrest of the first suspect in the VBS saga in the province, he hopes that many others who failed their fiduciary duty would be asked by courts to explain themselves and account for their deeds.

“This is necessary as municipal councils are failing to hold managers accountable including those who fail to honour statutory obligations like payments to SARS and pensions of workers.

“I warned against reckless usage and abuse of state resources and all those who ignored faculty of the regulatory framework in public service should be dealt with,” he said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial spokesperson on COGHSTA, Freddy Sonakile said: “The DA will be waiting with much anticipation to see the third set of arrests that the Hawks had promised to be of high-profile political leaders behind the VBS saga.

“We will closely monitor developments to ensure that even those North West municipal officials suspected of involvement, who resigned and took up positions in other provinces, will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Sonakile further said the VBS scandal proves that the ANC has no qualms about the abuse of public funds and even went as far as participating in a scheme that stole from the poor.   He said the North West municipalities have completely collapsed under the ANC government.
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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari sends his heartfelt condolences messages to the families of six people who perished in a fatal car accident near Marikana Toll gate in Rustenburg on Saturday.

It is alleged that six people died instantaneously in a head collision on N4 in Rustenburg and one woman who sustained serious injuries in the same accident were rushed to the hospital.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and hope they find strength during this difficult period. The investigation is underway to establish the cause of the accident and we are once more appealing to our people to adhere to the regulations as most accidents happen way past curfew time,” he said.

Lehari also urged motorists to work with law enforcement personnel to ensure they arrive alive. He said the police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

A man (30) is expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court for murder on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect allegedly killed his girlfriend (24) during a squabble.

“According to information received, the couple that stayed together in the RDP house at Bakola Section in Ganyesa, had an argument on the evening of 4 August 2021. This comes after the suspect allegedly saw his girlfriend drinking and talking to another man at a tavern in Vryburg.

“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly assaulted the deceased with a spade leading to her sustaining multiple and grievous bodily injuries. According to information at our disposal, upon realising that the girlfriend is dead, the suspect covered the deceased’s body with a blanket and pushed it beneath the bed,” she said.

Funani said then the suspect allegedly fled to his brother’s place in Kuruman, Northern Cape on 5 August 2021. However, she said the suspect allegedly informed his brother about the incident and the matter was eventually reported to the police in Kuruman.

“The suspect was then arrested and taken back to Ganyesa, where he was charged with murder after the gruesome discovery of the body,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the brutal murder of the woman, who was killed during Women’s Month by someone who was supposed to protect her.

Kwena congratulated the police in Kuruman and Ganyesa for their teamwork, which led to the arrest of the suspect.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Amogelang Insurance Brokers embarked on a charitable work on Thursday by feeding more than 20 street survivors in Vryburg. This was in partnership with Miss Heritage Top 10 finalist, Akanyang Kalamore. 

Amogelang Insurance Brokers Marketing and Creative Manager, Nompumelelo Kala said the company pride itself not only to make money, but also to give back to the community.

“We are grateful to be part of this initiative as it is one of our principles to have the interest of our communities at heart. We came here to feed street survivors as part of our social responsibility. Most of them are subjected to abject poverty and they do not know where their next meal will come from.

“Remember, the hand that gives is the most blessed and that’s what we strive on as the company. Amogelang Insurance Brokers is not all about money-making scheme, but creating a lasting solution, while building a good relationship with our clients and communities,” she said.

Kala further said this was not for the first time the company embarked on a partnership for charitable work. She added that 90% of their staff are women and that says a lot about the company.

“We have sponsored sports activities, artists, and theater events in the past. Our recent initiative that stands out was when we partnered with a young woman in her initiative called Geleza Mtwana.

“The young woman approached us for support where she replaced broken windows and renovate dilapidated buildings of needy schools in the area. So, we always ensure that there are great fulfilments in our call,” said Kala.   

Kalamore said: “I was given a task as a Top 10 finalist to do charity work. I was so grateful after Amogelang Insurance Brokers came on board without any hesitations. I hope many companies could take a leaf out of Amogelang Insurance Brokers’ book and execute this kind of partnership.

“I thought of going to schools and give out sanitary pads to needy female learners, however, I knew that almost every contestant will think of that. So, I came up with a different approach by initiating this. Many street survivors are going through a lot, but it seems no one care.”

One of the street survivors, Godfrey Olyl (23) said: “We are super excited to receive food from Amogelang Insurance Brokers. I stay at Monotomosetlha Informal Settlement with my girlfriend and my child. I do not want to lie to you, life is grim because I must wake up as early as around 4am to come to the dumping site and get plastic bottles for recycling.

“Atleast, I can make around R70 to R200 a day if the lady luck smiles at me. So, I will highly appreciate it if we can get any kind of support because we are living beyond the poverty line. I lost both my parents and things are not getting any better.”

Olyl said what he is doing is better than embarking on crime. He said there is a high rate of unemployment and the government is not trying enough to change the situation, hence the high rate of crime.

Meanwhile, according to the https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov website, there are more than 250 000 children and adolescents reported to be living on the street in South Africa. The report showed that most majority of homeless youth are black and male.

It also highlighted that mostly, they have experiences of parental neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and extreme poverty is common drivers to life on the street.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Embattled North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro announced that he has placed the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile on a special leave. In a short statement, Mokgoro did not mention the reasons for his decision, but said he has temporarily appointed the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono to run Cwaile’s portfolio.  

“In accordance with powers bestowed upon me by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have placed Cwaile on special leave with effect from 5 August 2021. During the period of Cwaile’s special leave, Mohono has temporarily been assigned with the functions and powers for the portfolio of COGHSTA,” he said.

It is alleged that there is a ‘fallout’ between Mokgoro and Cwaile because of political difference. According to allegations, Cwaile was informed through sms about this decision.

Cwaile was appointed as the new MEC for COGHSTA nine months ago to replace the late Gordon Kegakilwe who succumbed to COVID-19 complications in July 2020. However, Cwaile’s appointment was not a smooth ride as his appointment was received with mixed reactions especially by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee in the province.

Before his appointment, he served as Chair of Chairs in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) and the Chair of Standing Committee for Legislative Review and Implementations of House Resolutions since after the 2019 General Elections.

Cwaile was recently accused of tender irregularities worth R1, 476,321.74. This came after his department allegedly appointed a private company, Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process on its behalf.

The whistle-blower within the department who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal alleged that the contract was irregular and he was ignored even though he tried to warn Cwaile about the imminent danger of approving it.

“There are upheavals and misappropriations taking place at this department. However, when we highlight that, we are regarded as disruptive and receive hostile treatment. The department appointed Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process for 35 vacant and funded positions with the department.

“This was approved by Cwaile after raising concern regarding the snail pace at which the department is performing regarding the filling of those positions. The appointed company was expected to advertise vacant and funded positions, which include full-service handling, advertise vacant positions, response handling from screening to placement,” he said.

However, Cwaile refuted these allegations as absurd and said even though Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was not appointed by him, he decided to bring the contract to a grinding halt. 

“This is just a lame attempt from my detractors who want to discredit me because I have uncovered malfeasance at the department. I can tell you now, most employees at the department were hired on nepotism basis.

“In most cases, you will find that all employees at the department are related. The senior managers call their friends, colleagues, and relatives to fill the vacancies regardless of their knowledge, skill, and experience,” Cwaile said.

He further said Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD contract was not irregular because there was an allocation of budget and all the time, the company has been doing business with the department including the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and national government.

Cwaile added that the company had engaged in a transversal contract and it has been appointed by the National Treasury.

“All government departments in the province advertise their tenders through this company. All tenders advertised by departments in the province are written Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD at the bottom. So, there is no single department that advertises posts on its own because that job is done by this company.

“Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was appointed to advertise, but in terms of their contract, they can shortlist. However, after performing these duties, they will hand over that work to government departments to conduct interviews,” said Cwaile.

He said the reason why they wanted to delegate the recruitment process to Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD is because there is a scenario where some of employees who process vacant posts from the Human Resources Management, only serve themselves.

“Sometimes these employees withhold other requirements when advertising to the public to ensure that these posts favour them. But the important part about appointing Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was that Directors and Head of Department (HOD) cannot go and sit in a panel of level 5, while there are assistant directors.

“Firstly, when you look at the Human Settlements Department has a shortage of staff. However, we will see all senior managers fighting to be in the panel of level 5, while they were supposed to be doing something fruitful with their time,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

There are many multifaceted situations that could contribute to unforeseen events especially when you planning to maneuverer around. Imagine getting lost or missing a very important meeting because of not well-planned transportation?  

However, the most reliable solution is using an acknowledged shuttle service. Now, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to ease your anxieties. North West popular Dj, Thato Koolatotse, better known as Notorious_DJ in the entertainment industry said, he came up with this idea to assist commuters to reach their destinations without any difficulties.

“Future Shuttle and Tours makes things easier for our clients to get somewhere when only have to worry about themselves. We are based in Vryburg and provide services to individuals, groups, or goods.

“I have realised that transportation is a vital factor to every city and town. There is always something or someone that needs to be ferried. So, Future Shuttle and Tours caters for family shuttles, private gateways and is available for 24 hours and seven days a week,” Koolatotse said.

He further said their services are most affordable and reliable. Koolatotse added that travelling using their shuttle service also provides various advantages like safety, professionalism, worry-free, and getting kind of services that is not granted anywhere.

“Transportation plays a huge role in the local economy especially in Small Dorpies and Urban areas. If you look at Vryburg, it is not that big but there is a need for a shuttle here. I mean, there is no transport to both public and private hospitals to just name a few. We have people going there on a daily basis.

“We also have elderly people who cannot easily reach for public transport such as taxis. Vryburg is a growing town and we also have revellers going to nightclubs and pubs at night. So, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to make sure that everybody reaches their destination safely,” he said.  

Another advantage of the shuttle is privacy, unlike public transport, says Koolatotse. He said they ensure that they take care of some obstacles that can be annoying to their clients.

“I came up with this idea also to create job opportunities and leave a legacy. It is very important to have multiple sources of income as a person as you know I am also a Dj. I consider myself very innovative and the most hard-working person I know,” he said.

Taung-born Dj (33) said, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to start a business while employed. However, he said the most important thing in life is to have financial security.  

“I do not have challenges in juggling all these together. I also create time to be a businessman, a father, a partner and Dj. There are so many challenges that we are faced with, especially during this time of COVID-19.

“However, we need to soldier on and win the battle. The transport industry is faced with challenges. Roads are associated with being the arteries of a city because they serve as the primary avenues through, which people can move from point A and point B,” said Koolatotse.

He added: “The state of local roads in areas that we operate on have a negative impact and affect our target including the growth of the business. We also operate in areas where people are living beyond the poverty line.

“As much as we want to expand and better our services, we want to create our own platform that will enable our clients to connect with our drivers conveniently without any hassle. It is very important to mention that we have established EFT to better our services.”

Koolatotse said he is planning to expand his business to areas like Taung in the future. He said they have adjusted their operating hours from 4am until 9:30pm from Monday to Sunday due to COVID-19 regulations.

NB: Kindly call 0844035130 for bookings.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Department of Education said investigations against the Maphoitsile Primary School principal, William Maboitshege are being ‘delayed’ after he took time off due to sickness.

Maboitshege was removed from the school after he was accused of sexually assaulting a Grade 6 female learner a few months ago. It is alleged that Maboitshege sexually violated a learner by touching her breasts and private parts without her consent. 

North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The matter is being investigated by our labour unit. However, the investigations are still on even though the principal is on sick leave. He was temporarily removed from the school pending investigations.”

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and community members embarked on a march that led to Maboitshege’s removal. SANCO branch organizer, Lucky Tidikwe said they have engaged in a consultative meeting with the department and they are happy that Maboitshege was finally removed.

“The learner reported this matter to her grandmother who is her guardian. However, nothing was done to address this matter even though the parent went to school to report it. What Maboitshege did was wrong and surprisingly, more than five female learners also came forward with the same allegations.

“Imagine, the same teacher taught us many years ago, so he was supposed to regard these children as his granddaughters. So, it is clear that our learners are not living in a safer environment here. We have also advised the parent of the learner to go and open a criminal case with the police,” Tidikwe said.

According to http://www.legalwise.org.za website: “Sexual abuse is where a person has sexual relations with another person without his or her consent, such as rape or sexual violation. The rights of a child must be protected at all costs and every child has the right to dignity, such as not to be humiliated, freedom and security, such as not to be subjected to any form of violence and not to have his/her body touched in an inappropriate way, which would include sexual abuse.

“Bring criminal charges against any person who has committed an offence against him/her, such as that a child who has been sexually abused by his/her teacher has a right to report this to the South African Police Service (SAPS).”

The website said a child can report an offence without the assistance of his/her parents or legal guardians, however, it is advisable that a child consult with them for assistance, report any incident, such as sexual abuse by a teacher, to another teacher at his/her school, and bring a civil claim in court (such as a claim for damages) against a teacher who sexually abused him/her.

It reported that the child will need the assistance of his/her parent or legal guardian to bring a civil claim in court. A website said a teacher is required to place the interests of a child first.

“While a child is at school, a teacher has a duty of care over such a child. This means that a teacher must look after the child and act as the child’s parents, especially where there may be a threat to the safety of the child.

“A teacher also has a duty to report any knowledge that s/he may have that a child is being sexually abused. Except for the teacher, there is a general duty on every person who has knowledge of a child being sexually abused to report that knowledge.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

One of the nurses at the Taung District Hospital accuses the management of favouritism. This comes three nurses who were suspended for malpractice are back at work. 

The nurses were suspended over misconduct and negligence allegations after a patient, Kegomoditswe Tankie (21) from Diretsang village near Taung was seen on a video circulated on social media allegedly giving birth on the floor at the ‘disgraced’ hospital without any assistance.

Now, the nurse who wants to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal said: “I am so surprised to see them back at work. There was no communication from the management regarding the investigations and I just wonder if we will pretend that everything is back to normal just like that.

“The management does not take responsibility for what happened. These nurses will continue to do as they please if not held accountable. They neglected their duties for heaven sake, but no actions were taken against them because they are the management’s favourites.”

Dejected Tankie then said, she always heard many people complaining about the abuse of patients by healthcare staff in maternity settings in the hospital, but never thought one day she will be the victim herself.

According to her, she went to the hospital for labour and was put in the maternity ward with other pregnant women.

“The nurses who were on duty were in the other room and informed us to go to them if we experience any labour pains. Indeed, I experienced some pains and I went to seek help from them. They assessed and monitored the baby’s condition and ordered me to go back to where I was.

“They said I must come back at around 11:30, however, I experienced some labour contractions after reaching the room. When I arrived at the ward, I put a towel on the floor next to my bed to rest on it as I was unable to climb the bed,” she said.

Tankie further said she was also thirsty and requested water from one of the women in the ward. She added that then she went to the nurses after feeling some excruciating pains, but one of the officials in the corridors ordered her to go back saying nurses were still busy.

“I was in severe pain, but I managed to go back to the room again. I stand next to my bed and my legs were cramped. I was feeling nauseated and my water broke. The doctor was called and said I will be ready for labour at 00:20.

“However, I gave birth on the floor without any healthcare staff assistance. Now, I mull taking legal actions for medical negligence,” she said.

Belinda Lungile who was also in the maternity ward at the time of the incident alleged that nurses were rude and have arbitrary acts of unkindness toward pregnant patients.

“The abuse towards patients in that ward is well-documented. Since I was at the hospital, I saw the verbal abuse and psychological abuse many patients were subjected to. On 16 February 2021 before this initial incident, I saw nurses abusing some helpless patients and I confronted them.

“However, they also tried to bully me but I stand my ground. They even said I think I am somebody of importance and advocating for those patients will not take me anywhere. It is so ridiculous to find many women shouted at, sometimes beaten and neglected in that maternity care facility,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Health Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said even though these nurses are back at work, the investigation continues.

“A preliminary report had revealed that the said patient was admitted on the 13 February 2021 and she was seen once daily, but there is no clear plan. The assessment was done on the 16 February 2021 at 7:30pm and not reviewed until a patient delivers at 11pm.

“However, there is no indication of self-delivery, according to the record as a patient was assisted during the third stage of labour. Generally speaking, these are rare cases where a patient delivers earlier than anticipated time and because of shortage of nursing staff where midwives have to juggle around more than one patient,” Lekgethwane said.

He said in future, the department will improve monitoring and surveillance of all pregnant women due to delivery after a shred of impeccable evidence on a video, where the patient was seen struggling to get terms of giving birth, while a newborn was on the floor.

Many patients at the hospital, especially at maternity ward continue to complain about the poor service and abuse they are subjected to by the nurses. However, Lekgethwane said: “All alleged incidents are reported to the Adverse Events Committee. The committee continually reviews these cases with a view to close gaps and improve on management.  

“This will be coupled with management review of the number of staff allocated to the ward-based on the ward capacity and patient ratio.”

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