By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

A 41-YEAR-OLD serial rapist was sentenced to three life imprisonment by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Wednesday. Pontsho Mosinki was arrested after he raped an elderly woman (70) and other two women aged 19 and 20 in Ganyesa near Vryburg.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Mosinki was charged on four counts of rape and four of housebreaking with intent to rape. The court sentenced him to three life terms on three counts of rape, ten years on another count of rape and five years on each count of housebreaking.”

Judge Andre Peterson ordered for the sentence to run concurrently.

Police reports revealed that Mosinki committed these offences between 2017 and 2018 before he was apprehended in June 2019. He was in police custody during the entire duration of the trial as his bail was denied.

According to Mamothame, the accused broke into the homes of the victims at night, while they were asleep. He said Mosinki threatened to kill them if they did not abide by his instructions.

“The 70-year-old disabled woman was raped twice in 2017 and 2018 respectively. She sadly passed away in 2021, after having testified in court in 2020. The Judge who was presiding on the case also passed on in the same year and the matter had to be restarted again.

“Following the appointment of Judge Peterson, the deceased statements on the two rape charges were admitted as evidence in court. The trial was further delayed by Mosinki firing his Legal Aid Attorney and he was subsequently allocated a new one who had to be granted time for consultation,” he said. 

Mosinki also repeatedly raped women aged 19 and 20 respectively. He said in all these cases, he was linked through DNA specimens in the commissioning of these offences.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Florence Rasakanya urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and argued that the accused be sentenced to life imprisonment. She further argued that the accused was a remorseless individual who was not even a candidate for rehabilitation.

Judge Andre Petersen agreed with the state and described Mosinki as a sexual predator that attacked and raped innocent women for no reason. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari- Sekhaolelo lauded the SAPS and Advocate Rasakanya on a successful conviction.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) who allegedly killed the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Mbatha, was postponed by the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court to April 8 2022.

The accused were linked to Mbatha’s gruesome death after intensive investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on 21 June 2021. The house was searched and the police found the bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet.

Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house. The DNA samples positively identified Mbatha who was burnt beyond recognition as the deceased person.

His body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2022.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said the state is waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to transfer the case to the North West High Court.

“The state will await the DPP’s authorisation of transferring the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, owing to the serious nature of the offence committed. The DPP’s office has acknowledged receipt of the application and requested a postponement to finalise the application.

“The four accused were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police. Meanwhile, Modise is still at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued and bail revoked. Masetlha abandoned his bail application, while Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each,” Mamothame said.

He further said the bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. Mamothame added that the accused are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 34-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear before the Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for murder of a former teacher. The suspect allegedly shot and killed Galotlwaele Jaqueline Motabogi (67) who is a former teacher at Mothelesi Secondary School in Shaleng village near Pampierstad on Sunday.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the suspect allegedly forcefully gained entry into the house of Motabogi through the kitchen door.

“The suspect allegedly stole the keys of her Toyota Fortuner. The victim allegedly heard her vehicle’s engine running and went to investigate. When the suspect saw the victim, he shot her. The Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene and declared her dead.

“Furthermore, the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s car. The suspect fled the scene and police launched a manhunt. Through the Gauteng police, the suspect was traced to Pretoria where he was found hiding,” she said.

Funani said police seized the Toyota Fortuner, five cellular phones as well as a hunting rifle. She said the suspect is facing charges of murder, being in possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, being in possession of suspected stolen property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.        

The suspect was transferred back to North West.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the Gauteng police for their cooperation in arresting the suspect. Kwena also condemned the incident and instructed the detectives to make sure that they oppose bail when the suspect appears in court.

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By BONOLO MOHLOKOANA

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the economy in the North West as it contributes 2.9 % to the GDP in the provincial economy. The province is also the third largest producer of maize and this translates into 17% of maize produced in South Africa.

While the province is leading the pack in terms of poultry production as well as vegetable produce such as beetroot and onions, it is trailing behind in terms of agro-processing. 

However, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape said this needs to change.

“We need to build partnerships with established and emerging farmers, but critically, we need to prioritise investments on agricultural infrastructure and facilities. Moreover, we need to put more emphasis on mentorship and training for emerging farmers.

“This will go a long way in accelerating transformation in the sector through expanding our production but most vitally prioritizing access to markets. Government is looking at capitalising on the provincial and district corridors to lure investments into the province,” Maape said. 

He said among others, this will be carried out through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan (ASDP) to respond to challenges such as water provision and road infrastructure. Maape further said the plan is to assist them in creating a tangible environment for business to thrive in the province.

“We are busy patching potholes and resurfacing our roads, so that our produce can move with ease from one point to the other. This model is being implemented across the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said: “A turn-around strategy has been developed to enhance performance of the agricultural sector in the province. One of the pillars is aggregation which is a market access model where investment is made on infrastructure and facilities to accelerate sustainable access to markets for emerging farmers.

“This includes the investments on priority value chains which are able to enhance performance of multiple producers within a specific geographic location. The meeting with farmers forms part of on-going efforts by the government to resuscitate and grow the sector, while creating opportunities for new entrants to participate actively in the provincial economy.”

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(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have over 522 406 population and housed 0.9% of South Africa’s total population. The executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile who convened a strategic meeting with the municipal employees in Vryburg on Monday said, it is imperative for all employees to understand their roles.  

“It is the responsibility of officials to implement, impart their professional skills and expertise into their work. It is also important that both politicians and administration work together as one at all times in order to serve the public with dignity and respect.

“I encouraged the employees to carry out this exercise as it will check if there are staff challenges when it comes to execution of municipal programmes and projects. One of the key things is to enhance the quality of service to the residents of this region,” he said.

Babuile said he believe that, at no stage should the political head should explain the reason for poor service delivery. He said it is commendable that the session was warmly welcomed by all employees.

“Remember, municipality contribute directly to economic growth by providing a range of essential services to households, commercial enterprises, industries and institutions such as schools and hospitals.

“So, it is important for us to ensure that we increase our contribution to economic growth by improving the reliability, quality and efficiency of these services. It also means getting the skills mix right by having an appropriate balance between managers, technical personnel and others, with vacancies kept to a minimum,” said Babuile.

He said municipal employees and skills they bring to workplace are critical input in the delivery of all services a municipality delivers. The beleaguered municipality invested R150 millions of taxpayers’ money to now defunct VBS Mutual Bank back in 2018.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two people have died following an accident at the Mareetsane junction on the N18 road between Setlagole and Mahikeng this afternoon. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said the flow of traffic is currently affected and the road users are requested to proceed with caution.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences message to the families of the deceased. I plead with road users to obey the rules of the road and to only proceed when it is safe to do so,” Lehari said.

The investigations into the fatal accident are underway.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Kenetswe Mosenogi said Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is confident that the visit by the United States Consul General, Vincent Spera and his delegation will ultimately facilitate improved collaboration and delivery of services to the people of the province.  

Mosenogi said their discussion touched on trade and investment opportunities available in the province, which include mining and mineral processing value chain, ICT Broadband, Agriculture and Agro-Processing and renewable energy.

“We have agreed that the NWPG and the US Consul General will as part of exploring areas for possible trade and investment, engage the affected stakeholders and arrange a visit to the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

“We would also like to thank the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg for their continued support and shared interest in contributing towards the province’s economic prosperity and strengthening its health system for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.

Spera heads the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, a branch of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa, is responsible for exploring areas for collaboration and investment in the North West, Free State and Gauteng Provinces.

In his meetings with the Mosenogi, and department of Health, Spera stated that two of the top priorities of the Consulate Johannesburg, and the U.S. Mission more broadly, are sharing prosperity through economic development and improving health outcomes.

“With the already existing partnership, particularly on issues of health which include government’s response to HIV, TB and COVID-19 amongst others, we need to determine whether we are sharing the same priorities.

“The extent to which the partnership is making the desired impact, and where there are challenges, how can we collectively resolve them for the benefit of the North West community,” he said.

He added that he had the pleasure of meeting with local and provincial leaders as well as business and labour representatives. Spera also said he welcome the depth of the conversations he held during his visit including the desire of the leadership to continue working with them.

“These direct connections have helped our team better understand the issues and priorities in the province from a variety of perspectives. I look forward to future engagements to continue to build the relationship between the United States and South Africa,” said Spera.

He also met with the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and his executive, as well as Kgosi Neo Mokgweetsi who represented Kgosi Jeff Montshioa. They discussed areas of possible collaboration with the local municipality, particularly the socio-economic issues.

The delegation also embarked on a walk-about to Lonely-Park clinic and the North West University (Mafikeng campus). On 3 February 2022, the Consul General and his delegation visit the USAID and PACT supported Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Koster where he was joined by the MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 34-YEAR-OLD police officer is expected to appear at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Monday for corruption. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said according to reports, a vehicle belonging to a stock-theft related case was impounded and booked in as evidence in January 2022.

Funani said subsequently to the suspect’s court appearance, his case was withdrawn for further investigations.

“The suspect was released from detention and he allegedly received a call from the police officer who promised to release his vehicle provided he pays a certain amount of money. The man consequently reported the matter to the police who commenced with investigations. 

“The man allegedly arranged a meeting with the police officer on 4 February 2022 to hand him the money he requested. They ultimately met at the man’s house, where the police officer was arrested by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) after collecting the money, which was found in his possession,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the ACIU members for their excellent work in netting the police officer. Kwena further said corrupt employees  have no place to hide in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and that those who are involved in criminal activities, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi lambasted some community members at Utlwanang Township in Christiana for allegedly participating in ‘illegal’ protests. Some community members blocked N12 road that links Bloemhof and Kimberley with burning tyres and debris demanding allocation of stands.

“As the municipality, we would like to condemn the blocking of N12 road and looting of shops that occurred at Utlwanang/ Geluksoord, which was purportedly in connection with the allocation of residential stands.

“We condemn the incidents with the strongest contempt it deserves. As the municipality, we have resolved on 31 January 2022 that deserving residents be allocated the stands accordingly,” Motlhabi said.

He further said the municipal officials were assigned to manage the allocation process, however, some elements with sinister motives (political and otherwise) incited residents to refuse to be allocated the stands, but to rather self-allocate which was chaotic.

Motlhabi added they have attended the scene to address the residents for an amicable resolve to the impasse, however, upon their departure the residents then resorted to looting the businesses mostly operated by foreign nationals and renegaded altogether from the allocation of stands.

“The municipality remains committed to its resolution to allocate stands to the deserving residents in a systematic and verifiable manner. So, we plead for calm and cooperation to afford the allocation to be executed seamlessly.

“Residents are further advised to desist from embarking on illegal / criminal activities which might ignite confrontation with the law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “Police have apprehended three men in connection with public violence in Christiana. According to information received, members of the community at Utlwanang Location in Christiana embarked on a protest action and barricaded the N12 road.  

“It is alleged the march was started when the protesters did not get the response that they demanded from the mayor and the councillors. They allegedly started burning tyres and blocking roads.”  

Funani said allegations further state that more members of the community joined in the protest and they went to tuck shops in Utlwanang Location, where they looted and damaged some of the tuck shops. She said police were called and three suspects between the ages of 18 and 28 were arrested and charged with public violence.

“The accused briefly appeared at the Christiana Magistrate’’ Court on 3 February 2022,” she said. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident of public violence and requested members of the community not to resort to violence when they are dissatisfied. Moreover, Kwena also warned the community and said that stolen properties looted from the tuck-shops will be traced and the suspects will be arrested. 

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By OBAKENG MAJE

It has been a six months rollercoaster for security guards at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), which is a government entity in the North West. According to Mapula Mooketsi (49) who is a security guard at the Bucs Security Company, which is contracted to protect the NWDC buildings in Mahikeng in North West, they have down tools because they have not received their salaries for six months. 

“This situation has affected our livelihoods. I have a child who has to walk a long distance to school because I do not have transport money. Sometimes she will stay at home and that affects her teaching and learning.

“How are we expected to make ends meet without getting salaries? Now, we have to rely on friends and relatives for survival as we could not even afford to buy food, stationery and school uniform,” she said.

Another unsatisfied employee,   Xolisa Nano shared the same sentiments. Nano said their situation is dire and it has brought nothing but misery in their lives.

“My first born who attended Taletso TVET College doing her second year, is currently sitting at home because I could not pay for her registration fee. My second born is doing Grade 3 at Montshia and I have not bought her a new uniform and stationery.

“The worst part, I am renting here in Mahikeng and I only get financial assistance from one of my baby daddies who are also self-employed. How does the government entity say it does not have money to pay a security company? I’m sure they are not aware that this has affected so many lives,” said Nano.

However, the Bucs Security Company owner, Aobakwe Ntehelang has put the blame squarely on the NWDC. He said this non-payment has resulted in the company facing dire financial constraints.

“The company is not in a position to pay its employees their monthly salaries. Remember, I have a month-to-month contract with the NWDC and it has been challenging for me. My company is too small to experience this, but yes, it is true that it has been six months without being paid by the NWDC.

“The NWDC claims that it does not have money and it will pay within 90 days. It has also sent me a letter of termination of contract. So, this is my last month with them. However, I am planning to take the matter to court for arbitration to force them to pay me before 90 days.” he said.

Meanwhile, a social activist, Thato Molosankwe calls on the government to absorb all security guards working at various departments. Molosankwe alleged that many security companies contracted to the provincial government exploit their workers.

“There is an issue across the province where security guards are not paid on time. This has affected their livelihoods. Many security guards have families that they need to take care of, however, they continue to be exploited by these security companies.

“We urge the provincial government to in-source them and pay them directly. We tried engaging the NWDC on numerous occasions to address this matter, but the meetings were futile,” he said.

NWDC spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said: “The NWDC do not have any comment on the matters raised.”

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