Picture: The former policeman, Itumeleng Setatwe, who is accused of stock theft/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
A stock-theft case against the former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) will resume at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today for a formal bail application. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.
“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.
“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.
Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022. He is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.
Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation.
The case is still on trial.
Meanwhile, the North West police said stock-theft cases have increased in the province. The Provincial Head Crime Registrar, Brig Jeanette Sakalengwe Ntshabele said: “There is an increase in property-related crimes such as stock theft, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles, and burglaries in both residential and business premises.
“We have experienced a 10% increase in stock theft and the most affected districts are, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and Bojanala, while Dr Kenneth Kauda managed a decrease. North West is also amongst the top four provinces in the country experiencing property-related crimes.”
Ntshabele also urges households, especially in rural areas to beef up their security as criminals are now infiltrating rural areas.
Picture: The Hawks engaging with community members during an awareness campaign/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Pampierstad and neighbouring towns such as Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp in Northern Cape, urged the law enforcement agencies to utilise all available resources at their disposal to combat crime.
The community members said there is a high rate of crime in their areas especially in Hartswater CBD. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks in Northern Cape had an outreach program in quest of creating awareness and educating the public about its role and functionality.
One of the residents, Mashope Kanakang said, now criminals are committing crime with impunity because there is lawlessness. Kanakang said, they do not feel safe anymore when they are shopping in Hartswater because criminals continue to terrorise them.
“We would like to see high visibility of police, especially in town. Criminals are taking advantage because you hardly see police patrolling. Now, I think things will escalate as the festive season is approaching.
“There is chaos wherever you go, especially during the social grants phase. Some criminals masquerade as car guards, while others take people’s hard-earned cash under false pretense through gambling,” she said.
Modise Kalakgosi from Bonita park shared the same sentiments. Kalakgosi said, he is a victim of criminality and he was pick-pocketed in town in daylight.
“People will walk past you as if nothing is happening. So, we call for high police visibility, especially around taxi rank and secluded areas. You’ll find a lot of criminals there selling nyaope, while others are loitering in the streets looking for their next prey.
“We want a safer environment and that will only happen when the police take control by stamping their authority. They should also combat the selling of drugs by activating operations. Police should apply a zero-tolerance approach towards criminals and ensure that everyone is safe,” he said.
Thebe said: “The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks have been established as an independent directorate within the South African Police Service (SAPS) in terms of Section 17C of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 as amended by the South African Police Service Amendment Act, 2008 (Act 57 of 2008).
“The Hawks is responsible for the combating, investigation and prevention of national priority crimes such as serious organized crime, serious commercial crime and serious corruption in terms of Section 17B and 17D of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 as amended.”
Thebe further said, they visited Hartswater, Pampierstad and Jan Kempdorp, where they engaged with various community members. He said they are happy that, most of community members were keen on understanding the role and functionality of the Hawks.
“We have picked up that, some community members are aware of our existence because they posed various questions that were aligned with our role and functionality. So, we are happy with the reception. We have also picked up that, there are prevalent crimes such as human trafficking and the scourge of drugs, especially in Hartswater. So, we urge community members to report any criminal activities within their vicinities.
“Some criminals are masquerading as vendors while selling drugs. We have also realised that most of the drugs come from Longaneng and Magogong villages. There are some houses in Hartswater that are known as havens for criminals, but community members give a blind eye,” said Thebe.
He added that, they will continue with their awareness campaign throughout the province. Thebe said, some community members alleged that some police officers are working with criminals and this creates a backlog during investigations.
“The South African Police Service Amendment Act, 2012 (Act 10 of 2012) introduced the reporting procedures as provided in Section 34(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 which stipulates that reporting should be made to any police officer.
“In terms of the latest amendment, all such offenses must now be reported to a member of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation. So, some cases that will be reported to us will be de-referred to relevant law enforcement agencies because we are working hand-in-hand,” he said.
A Grade R teacher from Mahikeng Primary School, Judith Motsusi has scooped a prestigious 2022 SHERO award. The glamorous ceremony was held in Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Motsusi, who was nominated for the competition by a learner she taught in 2021 said, she is grateful to be crowned the winner. All participants were entered online directly to the National Department of Basic Education.
“This is exceptional on its own and I highly appreciate the award. I have achieved this through discipline, dedication, and determination. The award will also motivate me to work harder.
“I was not even aware that my learner has entered my name into the competition, now, I am the national winner. I am truly grateful for the learner to recognise my efforts and push my name to the national stage. This award will propel my work to benefit more learners,” she said.
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said, this is a motivation for all teachers in the province. She also congratulated Motsusi and said teachers are the ‘transformers’ of society, and the public should honour them.
“As the department, we are truly excited about this achievement. Motsusi is a typical example of a hard-working teacher in this province. Again, this award came on the day we celebrated International World Teachers Day.
Motsusi walked away with a laptop, an R1000 voucher from Woolworths, and an R5000 voucher for her school.
A serial rapist has been sentenced to four life imprisonment by the North West High Court in Mmabatho on Tuesday. Tumisang Sesinyi (28) terrorised the community of Dinokana in Lehurutshe near Zeerust between 2012 and 2018.
Sesinyi was apprehended on 11 October 2018 at a dumping site after community members spotted him and informed the police.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The accused targeted the local Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) college female students and raped them. During the commission of the crimes, the violent Sesinyi would attack and ultimately rape women aged between 19 and 26.”
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the chastisement handed over to Sesinyi and applauded investigating officers of Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) in the Lehurutshe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
“We would also like to commend the prosecutor, advocate Benny Kalakgosi as well as other role players for their excellent collaboration, which sends a stern warning that those who commit crimes and in the process, violate women and children, will not be spared.
“He also thanked members of the community for their cooperation that led to the arrest,” Kwena said.
Picture: The appointment letter that, the GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly signed and appointed F4SD councillor as the acting mayor
By OBAKENG MAJE
The beleaguered Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe is ‘caught up’ in his own ‘web of lies’ if the appointment letter he allegedly signed and sent to the Municipal Manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi is anything to go by. Gaoraelwe was involved in a car accident and crashed the municipality’s R700 000 SUV on Monday afternoon just 15km outside Schweizer Reneke towards Wolmaranstad.
According to the letter, Gaoraelwe appointed Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti as the acting mayor from 29 September until 3 October 2022. Now, the F4SD president, Mbahare Kekana, who confirmed that indeed Moeti received the appointment letter as an acting mayor, calls for a probe.
“Yes, it is true that our councillor, Mika Moeti who is also the Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) chairperson on Finance and F4SD national chairperson, was appointed as the acting mayor from 29 September until 3 October 2022.
“We have a letter to attest to that. We were shocked after we received calls that Gaoraelwe was involved in a car accident using the mayoral car. So, we condemn that with all the strongest terms. What he did is the abuse of state resources and should be charged,” Kekana said.
He further said, what shocked them worse is that, Gaoraelwe was driving himself.
“We want to know, where was the mayor’s driver during this? Also, whether or not the family members of the mayor are allowed to travel in the municipal vehicle is not much of an issue, the bottom line is, he was on leave.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape said: “We are calling for the entire community of Taung to hold Gaoraelwe accountable for irresponsible and deplorable behaviour on his part, where he illegally took possession of the mayoral vehicle.
“This led to him crashing the car outside the geographical boundaries of the very same local municipality he has been entrusted by our voters to lead. Even more concerning is the fact that, the mayor is said to have been on leave at the time of this irresponsible car wreckage incident and he was allegedly drunk whilst travelling with a girlfriend.”
Nape said as the DA, opposed the acquisition of the very same vehicle given its high-end price tag of more than R 700 000 given that, BMW X3 is not only exorbitant but is also unfit for traversing the municipality’s road landscape.
He said, therefore, they call for the removal of the ‘delinquent’ mayor and wish to reiterate that only the DA can provide an accountable and efficient government to the people of Greater Taung.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe came out guns blazing and defended himself over drunk allegations. He insists that, he was ‘sober’ during the accident.
According to the North West police, Gaoraelwe was allegedly driving behind a tractor in the same direction and collided with it during a failed attempt to overtake.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a vehicle belonging to the mayor and a tractor involved in an accident. It is alleged that, a tractor that was travelling towards Wolmaranstad was off-ramping from the main road, while Gaoraelwe was driving behind it.
“Gaoraelwe allegedly tried to overtake the tractor but collided with the rear right side of it. No injuries were sustained by the driver and the passenger of the vehicle and only damages to both vehicles were reported,” van Rooyen said.
She said a case of reckless and negligent driving was opened by the police and is still under investigation.
North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that, indeed Gaoraelwe was travelling with his ex-wife and two children, which is contrary to the police’s preliminary response.
Gaoraelwe said: “First of all, I was not on leave because if I was, there could have been an acting mayor. So, no one was acting because I was not on leave. According to the regulation, as councillors, one can take an absence of leave, but it should be granted by the municipal speaker through consultation with the council.
“That’s how straightforward it is, so, I was not on leave. Yes, I had an accident, but I was still not on leave. I was with my ex-wife including my children in the car.”
He further said, he was driving his ex-wife and children back to Klerksdorp and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) mayoral handbook allows him to use an official vehicle for private matters.
“It allows me to use this car for official and private matters. My extended or closest family members are also allowed to be in the car. Even worse, they are allowed to drive the car.
“Let me tell you another thing that is worse, my girlfriend is also allowed to drive this car, if I declared her at the municipality. So, who was in the car is not much of an issue,” said Gaoraelwe.
He added that, he still has a relationship with his wife by a virtue of having children together. Gaoraelwe said for the purpose of the accident report, he was not drunk and even his blood was drawn from him for a test.
“I am ok, and I am wondering why people persist that there was a woman in the car without mentioning my children who were also in the car. there were two boys in the car, but no one is mentioning it.
“You guys are talking about a woman in the car as if she was a stranger or a concubine. I am also a human being and I do not like this type of journalism,” concluded Gaoraelwe.
*He failed to confirm the authenticity of the appointment letter at the time of publishing this article.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sabambatha said the province cannot be treated differently in a crisis. This comes after power utility, Eskom excluded the North West hospitals from load shedding exemption.
The minister of health, Dr Joe Phaahla announced on Monday that, key hospitals across the country will be exempted from load shedding. Phaahla said, his department had a consultative engagement with Eskom in September 2022 to consider exempting key hospitals in the country from load-shedding as part of mitigating against the impact of the energy crisis.
Sambatha said the request from the national department was for provinces to submit the list of hospitals to be considered for exemption, which they did.
“However, there is not even a single hospital from North West in that list of hospitals that have just been released. We are concerned that, there seems to be no appreciation of health as an essential service.
“Provinces cannot be treated differently in a crisis. Just like other provinces, the North West did submit a list of hospitals to be exempted from load-shedding,” he said.
Sambatha further said, they were concerned when they saw Mpumalanga hospital listed under North West when the first list was published.
There were allegations that North West province failed to submit the list, however, Sambatha squashed those allegations and said they are untrue.
“We have made a follow-up requesting the minister’s intervention as the province cannot be treated as if it is not part of South Africa. North West hospitals will be severely affected should the load shedding persist.
“At the moment, some services get interrupted and patients are beginning to complain due to the number of times they have to wait for electricity to return,” he said.
Buoyed Sambatha added that, if the province is not included by next week based on its submission, they will organise a provincial march targeting Eskom and demand that the province be included in the list of hospitals that are exempt from load shedding.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe came out guns blazing and defended himself over ‘drunkness’ allegations. This comes after the ‘sober’ Gaoraelwe allegedly crashed the municipality’s luxury BMW X5 worth R700 000 in an accident on Monday afternoon.
There were allegations that, he was drunk during the accident, but insist that ‘he was sober like a judge’.
He was involved in an accident 15km outside Schweizer Reneke, while driving to Klerksdorp. According to the North West police, Gaoraelwe was allegedly driving behind a tractor in the same direction and collided with it during a failed attempt to overtake.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a vehicle belonging to the mayor and a tractor involved in an accident. It is alleged that, a tractor that was travelling towards Wolmaranstad was off-ramping from the main road, while Gaoraelwe was driving behind it.
“Gaoraelwe allegedly tried to overtake the tractor but collided with the rear right side of it. No injuries were sustained by the driver and the passenger of the vehicle and only damages to both vehicles were reported,” van Rooyen said.
She said a case of reckless and negligent driving was opened by the police and is still under investigation.
There were allegations that Gaoralewe was on leave and has appointed F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti as the acting mayor. However, Gaoralwe refuted them and insisted that, even though he was on a private trip during the accident, he was not on leave.
“First of all, I was not on leave because if I was, there could have been an acting mayor. So, no one was acting because I was not on leave. According to the regulation, as councillors, one can take an absence of leave, but it should be granted by the municipal speaker through consultation with the council.
“That’s how straightforward it is, so, I was not on leave. Yes, I had an accident, but I was still not leaving. I was driving with my ex-wife including my children in the car,” he said.
He further said, he was driving his ex-wife and children back to Klerksdorp and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) mayoral handbook allows him to use an official vehicle for private matters.
“It allows me to use this car for official and private matters. My extended or closest family members are also allowed to be in the car. Even worse, they are allowed to drive the car.
“Let me tell you another thing that is worse, my girlfriend is also allowed to drive this car, if I declared her at the municipality. So, who was in the car is not much of an issue,” said Gaoraelwe.
He added that, he still has a relationship with his wife by a virtue of having children together. Gaoraelwe said for the purpose of the accident report, he was not drunk and even his blood was drawn from him for a test.
“I am ok, and I am wondering why people persist that there was a woman in the car without mentioning my children who were also in the car. there were two boys in the car, but no one is mentioning it.
“You guys are talking about a woman in the car as if she was a stranger or a concubine. I am also a human being and I do not like this type of journalism,” concluded Gaoraelwe.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
Embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly crashed the municipal luxury BMW X5. Gaoraelwe, who was allegedly too drunk to be behind the wheel was with his ‘girlfriend’ at the time of the accident.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the accident took place 15km outside Shweizer Reneke towards Wolmaranstad on Monday afternoon.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a vehicle belonging to the mayor and a tractor involved in an accident. It is alleged that a tractor that was travelling toward Wolmaranstad was off ramping from the main road, while Gaoraelwe was driving behind it.
“However, Gaoraelwe allegedly tried to overtake but collided with the rear right side of the tractor. No injuries were sustained by the driver and the passenger of the vehicle and only damages to both vehicles were reported,” van Rooyen said.
She said a case of reckless and negligent driving was opened by the police and is under investigation. According to information, Gaoraelwe was on leave at the time and appointed F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti as the acting mayor.
Meanwhile, the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi, and municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry on why Gaoraelwe was using an official municipal vehicle, while on leave.
Gaoraelwe also did not respond to our WhatsApp messages and calls before publishing this article.
Picture: A minibus taxi bursts into flames on N18 road in Taung/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some commuters who were in a minibus taxi that bursts into flames on N18 road in Taung said they are lucky to be alive. It is alleged that, the 22-seater-minibus taxi was from Taung Taxi Rank ferrying commuters to Rustenburg when it experienced a mechanical fault.
One of the passengers, Wende Mooketsi said she lost her luggage during the incident.
“We are now in Lichtenburg on our way to Rustenburg and most of us (commuters) lost our luggage. The minibus taxi was engulfed by fire and we had to escape. We have not managed to open any criminal cases and I do not know what will be the next step. I lost my bag with clothes inside,” she said.
The Greater Taung United Taxi Association Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tshidiso Letlhaku shared the same sentiments. Letlhaku said it is worrisome because this happened just a few hours after the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula just launched the October Transport Month campaign today.
“We do not know what really happened because we were called to the scene. On our arrival, we saw the minibus taxi into flames and it is suspected that, the fire might have been caused by a mechanical problem.
“We are grateful that, atleast passengers escaped unharmed in the incident even though most of them lost their luggage due to fire. They managed to escape before it could burst into flames,” he said.
Letlhaku said, the affected minibus taxi was originally from Rustenburg. He said the driver was ferrying passengers to Rustenburg from Taung Taxi Rank.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, who was part of the October Transport Month said: “As the province, we always look forward to participating in this important and historic event, where we showcase our projects and the deliverables that we do.
“As the province, we will be replicating the launch and most importantly showing South Africa that, we are determined to ensure that there is service delivery in the transport infrastructure development and promotion of safety on all modes of transport.”
Molapisi further said, they will intensify their efforts in working together with all spheres of government through the District Development Model (DDM). He added that, they will also ensure that the transport model builds the lives and livelihoods of the people.
“We will realise this by rolling out new infrastructure projects to create much-needed jobs as we do the sod-turning activities tomorrow. As the government, we should strive in working together to realise our common objective.
“The October Transport Month gives all of us as stakeholders, especially government an opportunity to work in an integrated manner for a purpose of building a better life for our communities,” he said.
Molapisi wished all provinces the best as they are excitedly beginning their October Transport Month. He also applauded Mbalula for outlining the journey that he has taken.
“It is indeed important for us to be celebrating this achievement so that, we can showcase to our people what we are doing as the government. There is a narrative that, we are not bringing services to our people, but this is a demonstration that we are indeed changing the lives of our people,” he concluded.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “No criminal case that was opened as it was stated that the fire was caused due to mechanical issues.”
Picture: Former Vaaltar FM and socialite, Tshepang Seelo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against two accused from Modimong village, near Taung was postponed until 24 October 2022. Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.
Malekanyo and Tlonkwe were arrested for allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.
The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and called them out. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.
Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing.
The two accused were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.
Meanwhile, according to Taung DailyNews’ highly-placed source close to the investigations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West has appointed a Provincial Task Team to allegedly start investigations from scratch after a ‘shoddy’ work presented by the previous investigation team.
It is alleged that, so far, the police cannot pin any of the accused to the murder scene and now the case has hit the dead end. The accused will be remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
The Guardian 