Picture: Vryburg Magistrate’s Court windows smashed
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 35-YEAR-OLDman who was arrested for malicious damage to property is expected back in court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the Vryburg Magostrate’s Court windows.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty heard windows being smashed, and upon investigation saw the suspect running away from the scene.
“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.
“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.
Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.
“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.
Dube was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
Picture: Oratile Mothibi who was allegedly kidnapped/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 18-YEAR-OLD girl who was kidnapped on Sunday is still nowhere to be found. Oratile Mothibi from Magogong village near Taung was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man at around 9am while walking with her two younger brothers in the bushes from Modutung village.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “According to information received, Oratile, her brother and cousin, aged 11 and 14 years respectively, went to Modutung to fetch morogo. Whilst in the veld, an unknown man grabbed Oratile and threatened the boys with a knife when trying to rescue their sister.
“The boys ran home to inform the parents and since this incident, various police units, including the Air Wing (helicopter) and community members have been searching for her without success.”
It is alleged that Oratile’s clothes stained with blood were found at the crime scene. A case of kidnapping was opened at Taung Police Station.
Myburgh said anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Capt Joseph Montwedi on cell: 082 496 0332. Alternatively, you can phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information from your smartphone to the MySaps App.
Picture: Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla with North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha at Mafikeng Provincial hospital/Mpho Bilwane
By OBAKENG MAJE
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said discussions to open social, cultural and economic activities are underway. On 21 January 2022, Phaahla embarked on a site visit to the health facilities and vaccination sites in Mahikeng and Lichtenburg in the North West province.
“We are here to monitor the province’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-our programme and also to assess the provision of comprehensive health services during the pandemic. So, I have received a report from the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha and I can safely say the province has passed the 4th wave.
“I have also assessed some healthcare facilities, and even though there are some challenges, we will work hand-in-hand with the province to improve on that. Our aim is to continue to give support to our colleagues and re-activating the programme of vaccination roll-out,” he said.
He further said the government’s top priority was to fight against Covid-19 pandemic and ensure there is stability in terms of infection rates. Phaahla added that the president will address the nation when he is ready to announce some relaxations on lockdown regulations such as the opening of stadiums and other cultural activities.
“There is a positivity rate and all the factors including the admission at the hospitals. However, the fight against the pandemic is still on. The key to this is to ensure that we accelerate vaccination roll-out.
“We have learnt a good lesson for the last two years in terms of management. We are not saying that the pandemic will disappear, but a lot more social and economic activities can be opened,” said Phaahla.
He also urged people to refrain from spreading ‘fake news’ about vaccines. Phaahla said all vaccination programmes are backed-up by established programmes, processes of monitoring and evaluation of adverse effects after vaccination.
“We have medical experts ready to attend to any matter if somebody reports that they have adverse effects after vaccination. They get examined and if there is any scientific evidence that proves that the person experienced permanent damages after vaccination, that individual will be compensated.
He urged young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to continue to vaccinate as they have experienced a low rate. Phaahla also added that there are plans underway to re-build the Christiana Hospital that was gutted by fire last year.
“There are some challenges regarding shortage of healthcare facilities and Christiana is one of them. You know that the hospital was gutted by fire and there is technical work that is happening there.
“Our infrastructure personnel are on the ground and this includes Thusong Hospital near Lichtenburg where the area is dolomitic. Patients were forced to be relocated a few weeks ago due to the intense situation,” said Phaahla.
Meanwhile, Phaahla was quick to defend the government after the World Bank approved South Africa’s whopping R11.4 billion loan to boost economic recovery.
Some sections of the society questioned the loan and said all this money will not be used for intended purpose, but will be lost through corruption.
“On the issue of the IMF, the national treasury is doing everything to ensure that we have resources and are low interest loans. This will assist us in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are copying in terms of managing the pandemic.
“So, the money is put to good use and it has been a year now without any health worker complaining about the personal protective equipment.
Picture: A missing person, Johannes Monnanyana Mahusi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The family of Johannes Monnanyana Mahusi (55) in Granspan village near Taung said they were devastated after he went missing. Mahusi was last seen on 6 January 2022 returning to Rustenburg where he works.
According to family member Thabang Magage, Mahusi allegedly called his wife while in Lichtenburg and indicated that he was at the garage buying food. Magage alleged that Mahusi also said he hitch-hiked a private vehicle with three male occupants inside.
“We would like to urge anyone who can assist us to locate our brother to come forward. He was last seen wearing a blue jean, purple shirt, black shoes and a hat. Anyone with information can contact me on 078 261 6098,” he said.
Meanwhile, North West police Col Adele Myburgh said: “The Phokeng Police request community assistance in locating Mahusi. Anyone with information that can assist police in finding Mahusi can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya on Tel: 014-566 1700 / Cell: 073 8017 173.
“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” Myburgh said.
The Guardian 