By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs chairperson, Aaron Mocwana has lambasted the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) for its lacklustre performance in complying with the committee resolutions since 2019.

The committee embarked on special oversight visits to engage all municipalities, where the province has properties. Mocwana said the committee is conducting special oversight visits on the NWHC’s cross-border properties (residential/business/vacant land) in Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane in Gauteng.

“As part of the special oversight visits in Gauteng, the committee held a meeting with the board members and management of the entity as well as conducted visits to the properties in Mabopane and Ga-Rankuwa, where members of the committee interacted with residents who occupied properties of the entity.

“We needed a comprehensive report and plans with timeframes on what the housing corporation plans to do with those properties and vacant land. If the entity is experiencing challenges with certain government entities such as the City of Tshwane, the intergovernmental relations processes should take place such as involving the Department of Human Settlements and Office of the Premier, which can engage with their counterparts in Gauteng and other provinces to resolve the long outstanding issues,” Mocwana said.

He further said he is worried that the human settlements department is not involved in the processes as it has failed to appear before the committee on the issues of the housing corporation.

“The department is not playing its role as a shareholder within the entity. The Office of the Premier appropriated around R5million to revive the entities but there are no concrete plans on how the processes will unfold,” said Mocwana.

Meanwhile, the NWHC CEO, Sello Mogodiri said: “The entity has properties in the asset register classified as 99-lease properties (old two and four-roomed houses built before 1994 by the old South African government.

“The total number of those properties is 4886 and we also have new stock of about 4004 properties built by the former Bophuthatswana government using the loan from Sebowana Holdings (now Public Investment Corporation).”

Mogodiri added that the provincial entity has properties with lease agreements (rentals) signed by the occupants at a total of 462 and vacant land that has been purchased, where clients only paid a 10% deposit and still owe a total of 490.

He said in Gauteng, the entity has experienced several challenges which include unreliable asset register as stipulated on the audit outcomes, illegal occupation of the properties and vacant land, lack of cooperation between the entity and the City of Tshwane on some of the properties, and illegal and fraudulent selling of the properties by residents and crime syndicates.

“The City of Tshwane is refusing to sign a memorandum of agreement with us and continues to sell some of our properties and vacant land. In Mabopane for example, the City of Tshwane built a wastewater treatment plant on our vacant land with a market value of R36.7million.

Mocwana said they have resolved that the entity concludes the matter of ongoing disputes on property ownership; maintaining an updated and accurate asset register, and submitting a detailed report on the number of municipalities that are reluctant to transfer old stock properties including the proof of letters that written to those municipalities.

NB: The article will be updated after receiving the City of Tshwane’s comment.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The murder case against nine accused, Oleogeng Donald Bohelo (29), Tumisang Duncan Lobelo (23), Bakang Makolonkwane (42), Mosepele Gideon Mompati (64), Amos Mbolelo Sanoke (27), Grace Molemoeng Segacwe (41), Frans Seabelo Thae (54), Gobonamang Thae (39) and Tekoetsile Francis Thae (58) was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 27 July 2022 for further investigations.

The accused were arrested on 29 June 2022 for allegedly killing Dikakanyo Sanoke (19) at Loselong village near Pudimoe.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “It is alleged that the mob fetched Sanoke from his home on 28 June 2022 after accusing him of house-breaking.

“The accused allegedly forcefully took him to the nearby bushes and beat him to death. They were subsequently traced, arrested, and appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court and charged with murder.”

He said the police reports indicated that further arrests are imminent and the accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A triple murder case against Kitso Ben Jood (55) and the other eleven accused was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 28 July 2022 for further investigations. Jood and his accused are facing charges of kidnapping, arson, and murder of three men in Morokweng village near Ganyesa.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The police report reveals that eleven of the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday morning on 27 May 2022 during a crime intelligence-driven operation by a multi-disciplinary team, comprising of Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP) and Detectives.

“The report further reveals that on 24 May 2022, some members of the community went to a rented house at Ga-Mokgopha Section, where Bonakele Sabasaba (32), Khayalethu Sabasaba (22), and Zanaflex Sabasaba (26), who are all South Africans from Carletonville in Gauteng Province lived.”

Mamothame said the group allegedly pelted the house with stones to force out the trio. He further said in the process of escaping the attack, the victims allegedly stabbed and injured some of the attackers.

“The group then chased and caught the men, who were accused of dealing with drugs. The

men were then taken back to the house, which was eventually set alight. Sadly, the victims burnt and died in the house.

“The police managed to confiscate a vehicle that was allegedly used during the commission of the crimes. The investigations into the matter continue and the state also intends to have all twelve appearing before the court on 28 July 2022,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against Thabang Moswane (24) has been postponed by the Koster Magistrate’s Court to 1 August 2022. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the delay was caused by the autopsy report and police photo albums to complete investigations.

Mamothame said the Boons police were summoned to a horrific murder scene in Mathopestad on the 9 May 2022 afternoon. He said initial information indicated that there was a fight between Kedisaletse Elizabeth Moswane (53), and her son, Thabang Moswane.

“On arrival, the police found Kedisaletse’s body inside a shack with numerous stab wounds. The police were informed that Thabang, was allegedly seen drinking his mother’s blood after stabbing her.

“He was immediately arrested and appeared before the Koster Magistrate’s Court. Thabang has abandoned his bail and he will remain in police custody until the next court appearance. He is charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed his mother to death,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for the alleged murder of his nephew, Neo Refemetswe Tlhame (2) in Extension 3, Blydeville outside Lichtenburg. This comes after the lifeless body of Tlhame was allegedly found in a shallow grave near a river on 5 July 2022.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect was arrested after being questioned and linked with the case.

“According to the information received, police were called by Neo’s mother after they spotted a suspicious grave near the river. The grave was dug out and the decomposed body of young Neo was identified with the clothes he was wearing on the day of his disappearance.

“Neo went missing on 24 May 2022, while with his grandparents. However, his disappearance was established by his mother when she went to fetch him after work,” Funani said.  

She said subsequent to the fruitless search by the community members and Neo’s family, a missing person inquiry was opened for investigation. Funani further said the police also joined the search, but Neo was never found.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2022 for murder,” said Funani.  

North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the Lichtenburg Detectives for the quick response that led to the arrest of the suspect. Kwena added that the police take crimes against children and women very seriously and this arrest proves that those who commit such heinous crimes will not be allowed to walk free in the province.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

SABC reporter, Tebogo Phakedi from Mahikeng has been nominated as one of the 50 most influential young people in the North West province by Rustenburg-based newspaper, Naledi News.

Phakedi, who is also the North West University alumnus said she was excited after her nomination. The Naledi News requested its readers and the general public to suggest young people, who they believe are goal-driven and influential.

“When the editors contacted me to inform me about the nomination, I was astonished. I am humbled to be part of such an incredible and inspiring list of young, driven people in the province.

“Initiatives like these play an important role in realising the ideals and goals of aspiring professionals. It is important for me to empower young people and crucial for them to further their education,” she said.

Phakedi further said there are so many resources young people can use to hone their skills and they just need help to access them. She added that technology is on their side and they just need to be intentional about the kind of education they attain to use it to their advantage.

Phakedi completed her master’s degree in public administration at the NWU in 2018, with her dissertation focusing on public procurement systems–the laws regulating tenders in the country.

With South Africa being a country with many reports and allegations of corruption, her study concluded that political influence plays a role in directing tenders to certain individuals as bribes are paid to solicit contracts.

She started her career as a writer at the Mahikeng Campus student newspaper, The Album.

“Journalism is my calling. From being an aspiring writer for the campus newspaper, to be a local community radio journalist and finally being employed by the SABC, it is truly a privilege to tell stories that change lives.

“I am also an alumnus of the Young African Leaders initiative, and also obtained a certificate in media management from FRAY-Intermedia in collaboration with SANEF. I am currently pursuing a PhD in public administration at the NWU. 

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