A 30-YEAR-OLD man is set to appear at Upington Magistrate’s Court 1 April 2022 for fraud. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said the suspect’s arrest emanates after information received from First National Bank (FNB) that one of its clients from Kwa Zulu Natal, complained that an amount of R20 000 was withdrawn from his account without his permission.
“Upington Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit took over the investigation and established that the suspect allegedly booked himself in at Upington casino hotel, where he spent approximately R80 000 on accommodation, food and drinks using details of three different bank accounts.
“The search and seizure were conducted at the hotel room of the suspect and two cell phones, bank statements and proof of payments slips were seized. The team believes that the said documents will aid the investigation going forward,” Thebe said.
Taung police are investigating a theft of a motor vehicle case. This comes after a Joy ambulance was allegedly stolen in the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to the North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the driver of the Joy ambulance reported that at about 2:15am on Sunday morning, he was driving between Kolong and Manthe village near Taung when he stuck without fuel.
“He allegedly locked the vehicle and went to Taung CBD to buy fuel. Upon his return to where the vehicle was stuck, he found that the white Ekhaya minibus was missing. A case of theft of motor vehicle was opened and is under investigation by the Vehicle Clearance Identification Unit (VCIU) of Klerksdorp.
“In addition, motorists should always be vigilant when using their vehicles. When you know that you will be driving for a long distance, ensure that you have sufficient fuel for the journey you are embarking on,” she said.
Van Rooyen further advises motorists not to stop in secluded areas and if there is a need, they should rather stop at a filling station or other places that are safer. She added that motorists should not drive along secluded roads, where there is no regular flow of traffic.
“We also advise motorists to always lock their doors when getting in or out of vehicles,” said van Rooyen.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the police would like to warn motorists about escalating car-hijacking incidents happening around the province.
Funani said this comes after several car-hijacking cases were reported at different police stations between 24 and 27 March 2022. She said in Ventersdorp, a man (30) was driving on the N14 road when stopped by a white VW vehicle with police blue lamps.
“According to information at our disposal, four unknown suspects wearing what appeared to be Metro Police uniform, approached the victim and forcefully took him out of his vehicle. They pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to get into their vehicle and ultimately taken to an open field, where he was put into a shack.
“The man was eventually robbed of his vehicle and an undisclosed amount of cash. In another case, a truck driver (42) who was his father driving from Gauteng to Brits, allegedly met with six unknown suspects, who robbed them of their personal belongings, cash and the truck,” she said.
Funani said the suspect then tied the victims with a rope before fleeing the scene. She said the victims managed to untie themselves and went to Brits Police Station, where they reported the matter.
“Motorists are therefore urged to be vigilant at all times, especially when they are stopping their vehicles to assist other motorists,” said Funani.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson, Lizzy Suping said they are probing an alleged rape case against two police officers. According to Suping, a woman (20) alleged that she was at her boyfriend’s place at Lorwaneng village outside Mahikeng on 30 March 2022 when an argument ensued between the two.
“The police were called in and after interviewing them, the police officers informed her that they were detaining her for malicious damage to property as she had broken the windows at her partner’s place.
“She was handcuffed and on their way to the police station, they took a detour and told her that they were taking her home. She alleges that the police stopped near the Maseru entertainment place in Mahikeng, where the police officer who was on the passenger side came to her, pushed her back and forcefully opened her mouth and made her swallow some sweet drink, which made her dizzy,” she said.
Suping further said the woman alleged that the same police officer undressed her and raped her.
“After the police officer allegedly finished, the driver also raped her, and all this was happening while she was handcuffed. The incident happened between 1am and 3am. They took her home after raping her. She was taken to hospital for medical attention by her family,” she said.
Suping said IPID is gathering evidence, so that the investigation process can continue.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in the North West, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The provincial police management is shocked by allegations circulating on various social media platforms. Preliminary investigation regarding the allegations revealed that at this stage, no case of rape has been registered at one of the police stations in the Greater Mahikeng.
“The alleged victim and /or her relatives are urged to come forth to lay a charge so that investigation can be instituted. Police management would like to reiterate that unbecoming conduct and criminal activities cannot be condoned in the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and those who commit crime must face the full might of the law.”
Picture: Walter Sisulu University student, Sibongile Mani/eNCA
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The president of Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) student-wing, Jacky Nonong lambasted the justice system and alleged that it favours only those who are rich and connected. Nonong’s utterances come after Walter Sisulu University’s honours student, Sibongile Mani was sentenced to a five-year imprisonment by the East London Regional Court in Eastern Cape today.
On 1 June 2017, Mani who was using the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds, was erroneously credited with R14 140 000 by the system, instead of being credited with R1400 for her food allowance.
The Hawks regional spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said, on receiving the money, Mani immediately embarked on a lavish spending spree. Mgolodela further said from 1 June 2017 to14 August 2017, Mani had already spent a total amount of R818 469.20 at 48 merchants in the Eastern Cape, Johannesburg and Centurion by that time.
“The error was detected, and her card was immediately blocked. Intellimalli lodged a complaint with the Hawks and the matter was investigated, which revealed that Mani had squandered such an amount in no time.
“Mani was arrested and appeared in East London Magistrate’s Court, where she was released on warning. During the 2017 academic year, she was allocated R18 370 per annum towards her tuition fees and R14 000 per annum towards her food allowance by NSFAS. Both tuition and food allowance were paid directly to WSU by NSFAS,” she said.
Mgolodela said Intellimalli manages allowances on behalf of institutions, funders and sponsors. She said in 2017, the company managed food and book allowance of students who received NSFAS financial assistance on behalf of WSU.
“WSU provided Intellimalli monthly with a spread sheet of all allowances to load onto the Intellimalli system. This spread sheet provided the student number, type of allowance amount and an instruction of the period (number of months) the student must receive the allowance.
“Students can spend their food allowance at merchants that had been approved by the university, on food and toiletry purchases only as all other items were prohibited. The food allowances are uploaded by Intellimalli onto the Student Registration Card as credit on behalf of WSU on a monthly basis,” said Mgolodela.
She said after numerous court appearances, Mani was convicted on 7 February 2022, hence her sentencing on 30 March 2022.
However, Nonong did not mince her words. She said at the F4SD Student Forum, they hold strong views that there are compelling reasons for another court of law to overturn or minimize the five-year sentence dished out to Mani.
“Today, we made an inquiry to engage the lawyers of Mani and will further engage the family in order to appeal the harsh unfair sentence imposed by court. Mani was very remorseful throughout the trial.
“We are talking about a first offender, who was the only hope of the family. We further noted that our justice system is not for the poor since it favours the rich and the few connected. The sentence disseminated on Mani is more like a death, because she has already suffered a lot mentally, now physically at the overcrowded jail cells,” she said.
Nonong further said the report by the correctional service is clear that Mani is not a flight risk, let alone danger to the community. She added that F4SD SF, will not at this stage reveal the entire legal strategy going forward, but can put it on record that this sentence will be appealed and bail application to be instituted in the interim.
Meanwhile, the NSFAS spokesperson, Kagisho Mamabolo said: “We note with great concern and disappointment, the inaccurate, irresponsible and misleading media reports regarding the involvement of NSFAS in the conviction and sentencing of Mani.
“The scheme would like to categorically state that notwithstanding the reputational damage this incident has caused NSFAS, due largely to the inaccurate reporting of this matter in the media and Parliament – NSFAS has not suffered any financial loss due to this incident.
“NSFAS had, when the incident came to light, commissioned an internal audit review of its systems and controls and confirmed that indeed no financial loss was suffered. The outcome of this review is on record.”
Mamabolo said the investigations were also conducted by the WSU and the DHET. He said the facts have revealed that the only entity that suffered financial loss due to the weakness in internal controls and systems that led to this incident was Intellimali, a service provider appointed by Walter Sisulu University.
“We also wish to confirm that NSFAS did not institute any criminal proceedings against the student as there was no basis for it to do so. The NSFAS position is that, while the student ought to have known better to not spend money they were not entitled to, criminally charging the student is irreversibly unfortunate.
“This has the effect of destroying a young person’s future, thereby unfairly allotting all the blame on the student and none on the system of the service provider that should have prevented an erroneous transaction from having to be effected,” he said.
According to Mamabolo, the service provider could have pursued other means to recover the money from the student once she completed her qualification and obtained gainful employment.
He said lastly, NSFAS was approached to furnish the Department of Correctional Services with a Victim Impact Assessment Report, which was duly submitted on 14 March 2022.
“In this report, NSFAS reaffirmed its position on the matter as articulated above,” he said.
A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Pampierstad was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for extortion and malicious damage to property. In 2017, Clement Othusitse Seothaeng, who was working at McDonald’s restaurant in Montana, Pretoria as a crew member for two years, recorded himself in a 20-second video clip with his phone preparing a Mcflurry ice cream without showing his face.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, Seothaeng who was wearing a uniform, spat inside the Mcflurry ice cream, mixed it and closed the cap while preparing it.
“After recording himself, he sent the clip to the manager with a different number as a concerned customer demanding R150 000 to avoid the video being circulated on social media. The manager reported the matter to the police.
“Immediately a trap was set up and Seothaeng was arrested a few days later. During the aggravation of sentence, the prosecutor, David Molokomme asked the court to impose a fitting sentence to reflect society’s disapproval of such improper and illegal behaviour using social media for anti-social behaviour,” Mahanjana said.
She said as NPA, they welcome the sentence. Mahanjana further said Seothaeng was given 10 years for extortion and 5 years for malicious damage to property and the magistrate ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Two suspects aged 34 and 43 are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Courts respectively following their arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on Tuesday.
According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso, the suspects were arrested in separate incidents after the police followed up on information regarding drug dealing.
“The first suspect was arrested at Leask street in Klerksdorp after the police searched his vehicle and allegedly found drugs worth R25 000 and approximately R4800 cash. All the items, including the vehicle, were seized for further investigation,” Rikhotso said.
Meanwhile, on the same day in Potchefstroom, a second suspect was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation police assisted by members of Crime Intelligence. Rikhotso said this follows a search conducted at the suspect’s rental apartment, where packets of Crystal Meth worth approximately R45 000 were found stashed inside the stove oven.
She said the suspect will face charges of dealing and possession of drugs.
SABC’s North West-based radio station, Motsweding FM has brought back the renowned broadcasters like Douglas “Dmos” Mosadi and Stella Selloane Sebalo. This was revealed in their statement announcing the new line-up.
SABC spokesperson, Gugu Ntuli said in celebrating 60 years of broadcasting excellence, the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) radio station, Motsweding FM has seen it befitting to add more flavour to its current line-up.
She said the line-up changes implemented will continue to preserve and protect language usage, as the station is a key custodian of the Setswana language and culture.
Motsweding FM commands over 3 million listeners and with the new line-up, aims to grow both listener and revenue through developmental, innovative and compelling content.
“Motsweding FM’s breakfast show, which is broadcast from 06h00-09h00 Monday to Friday, will see a new team anchoring the show. Legendary award-winning radio broadcaster Douglas “D Mos” Mosadi, who is no stranger to Motsweding FM as he previously served the radio station for 17 years makes his return with this slot.
“D Mos has managed to rebrand himself over the years and remains a well-respected Setswana personality, popular on social media,” she said.
Ntuli further said Stella Sebalo will join D Mos as co-host. She added that Triple S as Sebalo is affectionately known in the entertainment industry, she will bring a wealth of experience in quality output of Setswana content and she also enjoys a wide social media following through her involvement in community radio stations and as a language activist.
“The cherry on top is the addition of seasoned award-winning content producer, Essence Maumakwe. His content production experience and creativity will add to what is going to become the best breakfast show in public broadcasting.
“The 09h00-12h00 and 12h00-15h00 shows, will now be presented by Mokopi Molebatsi and Amon Mokoena respectively. Amon Mokoena brings with him a plethora of skills that are much needed for daytime radio,” said Ntuli.
According to Ntuli, Mokopi Molebatsi is a well-rounded broadcaster, having worked for community, PBS and commercial radio stations. She said Mokopi is one of the few female Setswana Broadcasters of the current generation and her love for culture, language, and music will complement the show.
“Lindiwe Modise “Mama Lindi” will move to the 02h00 to 05h00 slot, Monday to Friday whose content will be more developmental and inspirational in nature.
“Mpho Nkomo brings a wealth of content production experience to Motsweding FM. She is also a well-rounded creative who is passionate about Radio and Setswana in general. Her creativity and love for culture will immensely contribute to the programming strategic direction,” she said.
Emizwilili presenter, Lebo Mokgatlha will move to the 20h00 – 00h00 time channel, to add maturity and calm to the slot, traits she is well known for.
Ntuli said the 15h00 -18h00 weekend slots will see the return of a man who needs no introduction to radio, Alphy K, who will be taking over the weekend sports shows which he previously executed with creativity and excellence. She said Alphy K is an author and a well-respected broadcast figure.
“These changes re-affirm Motsweding FM as a custodian of the language and culture of Setswana. This developmental approach to content production aims to increase audience and most importantly revenue for the station.
“The station strategy prides itself on creative excellence and respect” said Mamontha Motaung, Motsweding FM’s Business Manager,” she said.
Picture: A learner allegedly assaulted by a teacher/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A mother of a learner at St Paul High School in Taung called on the North West Department of Education to take appropriate steps against teachers, who use corporal punishment as chastisement when disciplining learners.
Nthabiseng Portia Mate from Lokaleng village near Taung said her son, Otlotleng (13) who is doing Grade 8, was allegedly severely beaten by a teacher, Tiri Maroke and needed medical attention.
“My son came home with fresh wounds on his buttocks. I asked him what happened, and said a teacher had beaten him because there was a commotion between him and other two learners in class.
“So, I visited the school to get more information on what has transpired. I spoke with the teacher and he apologised. He also offered to pay for my son’s medical expenses. However, I will not lay any criminal charge against him,” she said.
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “We have launched investigations against the teacher. If the allegations are true, then necessary steps will be taken against him. The department has so far registered 15 assault cases across the province for the 2022 calendar.”
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in North West said it condemns the use of corporal punishment in schools. The COSAS president, Thabang Mokoena said corporal punishment has long-term negative effects on learners.
“As COSAS, we are not happy to see that these cases are not resolved, while in most schools corporal punishment is still being practised. This is happening and the department is turning a blind eye. Remember, corporal punishment has been abolished long time ago.
“So, we are saying to the department, we are also fed up. Learners are being beaten in schools and nothing has been done. There are safety summits, which are held year in and year out to discuss such issues, but nothing has changed,” Mokoena said.
He further said what the department is doing is only ‘pep-talk’ with no implementation. Mokoena added that the documents from previous safety summits are archived and continue to gather dust, while learners continue to be subjected to corporal punishment.
“We want to tell the department that we are fed up and enough is enough. There is another burning issue, which is bullying in schools. We have been calling for the implementation of adopt-a-cop policy when speaking about quality learning and teaching.
“We also urged the department to ensure that there are social workers and psychologists in schools to ensure that learners who have issues such as behavioural challenge, involved in gangsterism and bullying other learners get help,” said Mokoena.
He said it is sad to see this happening because violence has a damaging effect on children’s neurological development and may compromise cognitive development.
Picture: Dilapidated building at Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng village, Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West is set to appear before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 24 March 2022. This comes after teaching and learning was affected in more than 40 schools across the province due to poor infrastructure.
One of the schools that were affected was Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng village near Taung. The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education. The Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Freddy Sonakile said they have visited the school as the committee and were appalled by its conditions.
“I submitted questions to the North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela, but there was no response. I then elevated the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
“In 2020, one of our MPLs, Gavin Edwards also did the same after conducting an oversight at the Promosa Secondary School in Potchefstroom. We followed the same route with Boitumelo Primary School in Bethel village near Mahikeng, which still has an asbestos building,” Sonakile said.
He further said, following their complaints to the SAHRC, the department was requested to provide answers, but they failed dismally. Sonakile added that he was happy when the SAHRC informed him that it had summoned the department to appear before it.
Meanwhile, the SAHRC Office Manager in the North West, Osmond Mngomezulu said they started investigations on school infrastructure after receiving complaints relating to six schools. Mngomezulu said, however, the scope was widened when they identified more schools during their assessment and monitoring.
“In particular, the complaints raise allegations concerning deteriorating buildings, cracked walls, cracked floor, broken window, falling ceilings, exposed electricity wires, shortage of classrooms, overcrowding in classrooms, asbestos roofing and structures, lack of access to sufficient water and basic sanitation.
“We therefore consolidated the complaints and handled the matter as a systemic violation of human rights. During the enquiry, the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) drew our attention to 40 more schools,” Mngomezulu said.
He said the Naptosa, which is a teachers’ labour union, presented additional schools including those in Madibeng that still use pit latrines. Mngomezulu said at this stage, they are still mapping out the additional schools, but they are looking at more than 60 schools in the province.
“The department has requested a postponement to 15 March 2022 to provide written submissions and is expected to appear before the SAHRC on 24 March 2022,” said Mngomezulu.
The departmental spokesperson, Elias Malindi refused to comment further on the matter and said they will only respond to the media after their interaction with the SAHRC. In 2019, R150 million infrastructure grant allocated to the department was returned to the national treasury’s coffer after it was unused.
Picture: The road in Wolmaranstad CBD in bad condition/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Taxi Council (NWTC) said they were shocked to learn that R86 million allocated to the North West Public Works department was unused and forced to be returned.
This follows the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula’s startling revelation at the Presidential Imbizo held a week ago in Mahikeng, North West. The NWTC chairperson, Ebusang Tladi said it is embarrassing to see the roads across the province in bad condition, whereas there is money allocated.
“There is a constant demand for good quality infrastructure, transportation and services in the province. However, the province is lagging behind as the bad condition of the roads issue is not addressed.
“We are adversely affected by the bad condition of the roads. However, as the taxi industry, we directly contribute to the economic growth of this country and we need to have accessible roads,” he said.
Tladi said, in December 2021, they had an engagement with the department over the condition of the road between Schweizer Reneke and Wolmarastad because of potholes found in that route.
He said inaccessible roads contribute to the increase of taxi fares because our minibus taxis are damaged by the roads.
“There is a road between Matsheng and Molelema villages in Taung, which is a D221. The contractor downed tools there after he was allegedly not paid by the department. You go to the Brits CBD, the roads there are in bad condition.
“We see many inaccessible roads across the province and on the other hand, there is money that is unused. What does that say about the people in leadership positions? We cannot afford to pay expensive petrol and also cater for our minibus taxis damaged by bad conditions on various roads,” said Tladi.
He said it is so unfortunate that they will get a fine from traffic officers because of a damaged light or windscreen, but when they explain that has happened because of bad road conditions, they get no answers.
Tladi said one day they will protest against the bad condition of the roads.
Meanwhile, Mbalula said SANRAL has taken back some of the national roads. He said what has happened in the Wolmaranstad, where the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality allegedly dug the national road, was because of bad governance and corruption.
“The problem here is mismanagement and corruption. This is a national road and it was supposed to be maintained by SANRAL. The then provincial government took a decision to maintain this road. However, this is what has happened and this is the only national road that looks like this.
“The money allocated to the province to fix roads had rolled-over because people wanted to take control, so that they could pass the javelin without thinking for the masses. How can the government take that policy?” he said.
“When you look at this place, these are not even potholes, but Kimberley Hole. This is a mess and the Premier understands that we must take over this road and maintain it. You will never see a scandal like in this administration,” he said.
The North West Public Works and Roads departmental spokesperson, Matshube Mfoloe failed to respond to our inquiry before going to print.
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