Two suspects aged 18 and 25 to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 21 November 2022 for stock theft. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said, on 15 November 2022, the owner of Buffelsboch Farm discovered that his Simbra bull was stolen from the grazing camp, where it was left the previous day.
“The complainant contacted Piet Plessis Police and a stock theft case was opened. On 17 November 2022, the police received information about possible stock-theft suspects.
“The information was immediately operationalized by the Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and two suspects were arrested in Logageng village, near Mahikeng,” van Rooyen said.
She further said, the meat was recovered from three different houses in Logageng village and positively identified as being that of the stolen bull.
The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing person, Petrus Job (40) who was last seen near Bo-Plaas farm about 60km outside Upington on Olifanthshoek road on 11 November 2022.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela, Job was last seen wearing a green shirt, blue overall pants, and brown boots. Masegela further said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Job can contact the investigating officer Captain Elsie Benade on 076 021 8440.
“Remember there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.
Picture: A spade and a scooter of a young boy/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
A murder case against a man (38), who allegedly killed a five-month-old boy was postponed by the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court until 22 November 2022 for consultation. A Legal Aid attorney representing Lazarus Chaka Hambone, who is the accused, requested a further postponement to consult with him in preparation for bail application and the court granted it.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The state will oppose bail, as the accused is a parolee on a murder case that occurred in 2011. Police reports revealed that Hambone was apprehended on 6 November 2022 for the alleged murder of a five-month-old baby boy at Extension 4 in Kgakala Township near Leeudoringstad.
“According to the police reports, a 16-year-old mother to a five-month-old infant had an argument with Hambone on 5 November 2022, while carrying the baby on her back. Hambone then went outside and came back with a spade and tried to assault his niece, but ended up hitting the five-month-old baby boy.”
Mamothame said, the baby was taken to a local clinic, where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital, where he died due to head injuries. Hambone will remain detained in police custody until the next court appearance for a formal bail application.
Picture: Police divers searching for one of the bodies drown in a dam in North West/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Five bodies have been recovered from various dams across the North West province since the start of torrential rains. The North West police said they are concerned after provincial police divers attended to five alleged drowning incidents recently.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, on 11 November 2022, the police divers recovered a body of an unknown female at Klipkop in the Crocodile River at about 5pm after she allegedly fell into the river and drowned.
Myburgh said in a second unrelated incident, the body of a boy (15) was recovered in a dam next to a school at around 2:20pm in Koster on 12 November 2022.
“The third incident was reported in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on the same day, but the police divers only found the body of a female two days later. It is alleged that, the lady was swept away by flood water in the Jagerspruit when she tried to cross the stream.
“The fourth recovery of an unknown body, which was in a state of decomposition was made on 14 November 2022 in Boitekong at Sunrise Park at the Hex River in the afternoon. The last unidentified body of a male was recovered in Brits on 17 November 2022 in the Crocodile River,” she said.
Myburgh further said, it took the divers who were assisted by the Air Wing three days to retrieve the body, which was spotted through utilisation of a drone due to crocodiles that were visible in the water close to the body. She said the public is advised to take heed and apply the safety tips.
“When swimming, please never swim alone and do not duck and push others into or around water. Please ensure that, the water depths are appropriate for swimming and diving. Never dive into muddy or unclear water and do not swim during electrical storms.
“Do not enter the water unless you are a strong swimmer and when swimming in dams, check the edge of the dam for soft mud. Move slowly to the water, if the ground retreat. Weeds may occur in all environments and should be avoided whenever possible,” said Myburgh.
She added that, if caught in a weed or kelp, swimmers should remain calm, keep all movement to a minimum and remove the weed or kelp before swimming out. Myburgh said swimmers should also be careful of currents and undertows in fast-flowing rivers.
“Extreme care should be taken when entering the rivers due to changing conditions. Before entering the water, please check the strength of the current and when caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first, this will absorb the head and body from serious injury.
“When you fall into the water, unable to stand and reach the side quickly, you should stay calm. You should keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time. Also, try not to swallow water and when you swim in open water, it is much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool,” she said.
A 47-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of rape by the Mogwase Regional Court. Oupa Herman Mabalane raped a woman (27) at Ga-Phiri village, near Mogwase 25 April 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mabalane was arrested the following day after the matter was reported to the police. Mamothame said his bail application was rejected and he pleaded guilty to the charges.
“The evidence led in court revealed that Mabalane, together with the victim, her sister, and her sister’s boyfriend were from a tavern and went to the residence of his uncle. His sister and her boyfriend went into another bedroom. They then went out when they heard the victim screaming and she indicated that the accused was assaulting her.
“They reprimanded him before going back into their bedroom. The accused subsequently dragged the victim into another bedroom, which was dark, and raped her more than once,” he said.
Mamothame further said the victim sustained injuries on her right knee after she was stabbed with a screwdriver. He added Mabalane had no other reason to assault her, except to force her to have sexual intercourse with him as they had no relationship.
Mabalane was also found to have previous convictions, although not relevant to the crime he was convicted of.
“Among the 13 convictions he had, were possession of ammunition, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and he was previously declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mamothame.
Picture: South African Hip Hop artist, Cassper Nyovest/Mpho Bilwane
By OBAKENG MAJE
The world-renowned hip hop artist, Refiloe “Cassper Nyovest” Phoolo squashed the allegations that the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng, North West is on the brink of collapse. Nyovest is preparing to host the much-anticipated #FillUp Mmabatho stadium event on 3 December 2022 since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.
Nyovest said they have appointed two structural engineers and the report said the stadium is useable, but not to its full capacity.
“Every #FillUp is created according to the audience. The fact that this is a homecoming, we need to look at culture and heritage among others. Artists like Motlapele “Mo Molemi” Morule and other local artists will benefit from this.
“We also have a campaign that we are running to check, which local artists people love and support. Eighteen upcoming artists will benefit from this event too. We will have superstars like Makhadzi and a surprise act,” he said.
Nyovest said safety measure is one of his priorities and they will use only 30% of the stand. He further encouraged those, who have not bought tickets to do so to avoid disappointment.
“We are going to have a great show even though this might be the hardest #FillUp to organise. People here know every song of mine, but I won’t play all of them. Even though there are many politics surrounding this event, we are most definitely sure that it will be a success,” said Nyovest.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Virginia Tlhapi said: “The department wishes to distance itself from the narrative that alleges that, Mmabatho Stadium is not safe for usage. We gladly wish to invite anyone who has a structural engineering report that declares Mmabatho Stadium unsafe to bring such information forth.
“In December 2018, the department successfully held the annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival at the stadium. Despite the vandalism such as cable theft, and electrical and plumbing systems, there is nothing that warrants the prevention of the usage of the Mmabatho stadium.”
Tlhapi further said, the department has long started with the upkeep of the stadium as she pronounced during the 2022/23 departmental budget speech. She added that, due to financial constraints, the department has not planned to construct any new infrastructure facilities, but will continue with the maintenance of the existing infrastructure of stadia and recreation centres with a special focus on Mmabatho, Lehurutshe, and Itsoseng stadia.
“The department has already done work on the surface of the pitch, which is now in good shape. The VIP section is also in proper condition and can also be used safely. So, it is all systems go for #FillUp Mmabatho stadium. The department has confirmed that it is one of the supporters of the major event, which is one of a series that has taken place in such areas as Johannesburg, Durban, and Rustenburg,” she said.
More than 10 sexual misconduct cases were allegedly reported against ‘teachers’ across North West schools in the past five years. It is alleged that teachers continue to prey on pupils, especially in schools with special needs. Those who are most vulnerable are in schools for the deaf, blind, autistic, and female pupils.
It is also alleged that sexual misconduct cases against teachers have also cost the North West Department of Education over R5m in precautionary suspension. One of our highly-placed sources within the department said, this paint a grim picture of teachers taking advantage of these pupils.
“Teachers are supposed to protect these pupils, while at school. However, they are the ones taking advantage of them. This is appalling and a clear indication that innocent lives are at risk. Even though these teachers were placed on a precautionary suspension, nothing much has happened to these cases.
“In most cases, principals at various schools or senior managers from the districts sweep these allegations under the carpet. Also, the department does not help victims to open criminal cases against perpetrators. It will rather discourage them from doing so and try to mediate.”
Our source further said, schools should be safer spaces for learners, where sex offenders are not permitted.
“It will be better if the names of those teachers who are found guilty of sexual misconduct are also registered under the National Register for Sex Offenders. This will ensure that these teachers are banned from working with children.
“However, I will continue to fight for the safety of our learners in the province and ensure that these vague cases are resolved as a matter of urgency.”
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “Only three sexual misconduct cases were reported during the 2022 calendar. The investigated cases with prima facie evidence are reported from districts to corporate.
“Of three cases, the final outcomes are not yet reported to corporate because in terms of Educator Labour Relation Council (ELRC) Collective Agreement 2 of 2018, cases involving sexual assault/abuse are handled by Commissioners from ELRC, not by Labour Officials of the department.”
Malindi added that, as the department, they are aware of the number of sexual misconduct cases reported, and Section 17 of The Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998, stipulates that, an educator must be dismissed if he or she is found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a learner of the school, where he or she is employed.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) spokesperson in North West, advocate Oarabile Gaoraelwe said, they have received complaints of human rights violations relating to children in schools being victimised, bullied, and unfairly discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, culture, and religion over the years.
Gaoraelwe said children’s rights are one of the seven focus areas identified by the commission as requiring a dedicated focus to enable it to effectively fulfill its mandate of promoting, protecting, and monitoring the realisation of rights in South Africa.
“Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They depend on others, being their parents, families, society, and the state, for care and protection.
“As a result, the drafters of our constitution prioritised children’s rights. So, we will be conducting a provincial Human Rights dialogue themed “Enhancing the promotion and protection for children’s rights to education, equality, and respect for their language, culture, and religion,” he said.
He said against the above backdrop, the commission will conduct a dialogue on children’s rights. Gaoraelwe said the provincial dialogue is scheduled to take place in Mahikeng on Thursday.
Picture: The Controversial businessman, James Gadinabokao/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The controversial businessman and owner of Moso-Kago Equipment company, James Gadinabokao is enmeshed in a top-level bribery scandal. The flamboyant Gadinabokao allegedly tried to bribe the Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) from North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR), Tumelo Maphakathi to sway the whopping R42 million tender of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival project to his advantage.
A voicenote that allegedly depicts the voices of Gatvol Movement president, Gadinabokao and Maphakathi was played during a meeting between the department and North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Portfolio Committee on Sport and Education last week, where Gadinabokao allegedly promised Maphakathi a ‘personal and private’ outing outside Mahikeng, where he will allegedly buy her wine and makes her ‘horny’.
The department briefly appeared before the committee to answer the challenges regarding the delays over the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events respectively.
Now, the Head of Department, Itumeleng Mogorotsi said, the department is seeking a legal opinion from the Office of the Premier on whether to pursue a criminal case against the Taung tycoon or not.
“There is a recording that came to the attention of the departmental executive and these are the same people accusing government officials of being corrupt. However, they are doing some of these things. We have received a backlash, insults, and reputational harm words from the public accusing us of being corrupt.
“So, it is my responsibility as the accounting officer resonates around the provisions of Section 217 of the Constitution reads with Section 38 of the PFMA on the establishment of the Supply Chain Management System, which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective is concerned,” Mogorotsi said.
He further said, he is also obligated in terms of Section 38 (1)(c) IV 2 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to take effective steps to prevent unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure including the losses that may result from the criminal conduct.
Mogorotsi added that, he is also obligated to take reasonable steps as the result of abuse of the SCM, and investigate allegations against an official or a role player of corruption and improper conduct or failure to comply with the SCM system, when justified to do so.
“I should take steps against such an official and inform the relevant Treasury and report any conduct that may constitute an offense to the SAPS. Having considered all the information at my disposal, the evaluation and bid adjudication report including internal correspondence, applicable legislative framework, and getting a legal opinion from the Office of the Premier, the MEC will brief the Premier on the matter given the public interest.
“We have requested the Office of the Premier, the Misconduct and Forensic unit to conduct an investigation. Initially, this investigation was going to be done internally, but I have overwritten that decision because of lack of capacity,” he said.
Mogorotsi also said they are concerned about the leakage of information about the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival event that took place even before the tender could be awarded to the winner. He said that had potential misconduct and criminality as far as the legislation is concerned.
“So, I decided to cancel this bid worth R42 million for three years and the process will start from scratch. Now, the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival event will be held on 9-11 March 2023.
*Meanwhile, Gadinabokao failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.
Picture: The patient, Kegomoditswe Tankie giving birth on the floor at Taung District Hospital/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four nurses who were suspended for medical negligence at Taung District Hospital are back at work. In March 2021, these nurses, who were working at the maternity ward at the time, allegedly neglected a heavily pregnant woman, Kegomoditswe Tankie while giving birth.
Tankie allegedly ended up giving birth on the floor without any assistance from the nurses and the fiasco was captured on video and circulated across various social media platforms.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the investigations on the matter are still underway. Lekgethwane further said these nurses were suspended at the time to allow smooth investigations of the matter.
“Consequence management will apply if there was any transgression. However, consequence management is often not what the public perceives. Each case has its own merit and that needs to be taken into consideration.
“I can sit here with you and say somebody has pushed me that is why I broke my arm. However, one could have a different outcome depending on the investigation or witnesses. So, in this case, the investigations are not necessarily concluded,” he said.
Lekgethwane added that the department has an option of bringing those nurses back to work pending investigations and evaluation processes. He said, when it comes to patients in terms of a case of negligence, that will be another process altogether.
“We do have an internal process of investigating staff and a process of litigation, which is never started by the department. If any patient litigates, we wait for them, and then it becomes a legal process. So, until is completed, we really do not want to go into the merits of it because it will go to court until the finality of the case.
“The investigations are still ongoing and those nurses are back at work. Critically, when you suspend someone that does not mean they are necessarily guilty, but to give you time to do investigations without any hindrances,” said Lekgethwane.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health is allegedly faced with medical negligence cases to the potential cost of R704 million. The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla told parliament in July 2022 that, in the 2020/21 financial year alone, the department recorded 61 cases of medical negligence claims with a potential cost of R325 million to the state.
Phaahla said in the 2021/21 financial year, the department also recorded 64 cases of civil claims with a potential cost of R379 million to the state. The top three leading hospitals with the most medical negligence claims in the 2021/22 financial year are Tshepong and Klerksdorp Complex Hospital in Klerksdorp, followed by Potchefstroom Hospital in Potchefstroom, while the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital occupies the third position.
Picture: The former MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane, Livestock owner, Piet Tlhabanyane, and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello LKehari/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The stock-theft case against the seven accused has been postponed to 15 November 2022. Willem Petrus Boshoff (46), Carel Stephan Wallis (47), Ntlhothana Motswabangwe (33), Rapula Letsapa (25), Johannes Wessel (49), Simon Wessel (47) and Janine Hill (50) were arrested in the early hours of the morning on 10 November 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Boshoff, Wallis, Motswabangwe, Letsapa, Wessel, Hill, and Wessel briefly appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 14 November 2022.
“The case was postponed to 15 November 2022 for a formal bail application. They are facing five preliminary charges of theft, failure to provide a satisfactory account of the possession of livestock, acquiring stock from persons whose places of residence are unknown, transporting livestock along the road without a certificate, and absence of reasonable cause believing that the livestock has been properly acquired.
“All seven accused will remain in police custody until the court has made a ruling on their bail application. Their court appearance emanates from their arrest after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock, with an estimated value of R500 000,” Mamothame said.
He further said the farmer, notices a truck and bakkies with a trailer carrying livestock and notified other farmers around Ottoshoop.
“They tracked down the suspicious bakkie to a farm in Koenlambrechts farm between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg. Police were then notified, and the suspects were arrested while trying to leave the farm.
“Nine cattle were found at the back of the bakkie. A truck linked to the theft was also intercepted by the police carrying 18 cattle, which the driver failed to account for,” said Mamothame.
He said further investigations by the police led them to Windheuwel farm, where 14 suspected stolen livestock was discovered. Mamothame said they were taken by the police for further investigations.
“A total of 42 battles were discovered through a collaborative operation between farmers and the police,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions has lauded the farmers and the police for their collaboration leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The Guardian 