Picture: A kudu found in the back of a bakkie in Reivilo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The animal poachers ‘reign of terror’ continue in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. This comes after seven suspects were arrested during the weekend in separate incidents in Ganyesa and Reivilo respectively.
The North West police urge the community members to assist them in halting poaching in the area. The illegal poaching activities allegedly leave statistics very high and a loss of biodiversity in the process.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On 12 May 2023, the police in Ganyesa, attended to a scene, where four suspects were found in possession of wild animals. Upon arrival at the scene, the police were informed by Bushveld Security personnel that, they noticed the vehicle hunting in the area.
“The vehicle, which was a light delivery van was searched and four Kudus and a buck were found at the back of the vehicle. The driver of the delivery van and the occupants could not produce a hunting permit upon request. A further search was conducted and two cartridges were found in the vehicle.”
Van Rooyen further said, four suspects aged 21,28,36 and 56 years were arrested and a case of illegal hunting was opened against them. She added that the vehicle and the wild animals were confiscated for further investigation.
“The suspects were due to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Monday. In an unrelated incident, the police in Reivilo conducted a vehicle checkpoint between Reivilo and Taung on 12 May 2023. During the operation, a white Isuzu Bakkie was stopped, and found that there was a kudu that was shot at the back of the bakkie.
“The explanation given by the driver of the vehicle was not satisfactory and the driver nor the occupants could not provide a hunting permit. A case of illegal hunting was opened and the suspects aged 30,34 and 52 years were arrested,” she said.
Van Rooyen said the vehicle, the kudu, a hunting rifle, and 13 rounds were confiscated. She said the suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 22 May 2023.
Meanwhile, the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the police, who ensured that the suspects were apprehended. Tlotleng said it is only by forging partnerships that the police can curb the fight against crime.
Picture: The R200 000 that was found in the suspects’ possession/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act are expected to appear at the Nababeep Magistrate’s Court. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Timothy Sam said, the suspects were arrested during Operation Vuthu Hawe’s actions on Thursday.
“The police were on their normal patrols along the R355 road when stopped and searched a white NP300 Nissan bakkie for a routine inspection. Three occupants were detained by police after they failed to clarify their foreign status under the Immigration Act.
“On further inspection, they found R52 170 00 cash that belonged to one of the occupants, who could not give a proper account of the money. On the same road, the police stopped and searched another vehicle and found R510 170 00 cash that could also not be accounted for,” he said.
Sam further said the suspects aged 27, 37, and 40 were respectively. He added that, two inquiry case dockets were opened for the cash seized.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Nababeep Magistrate’s Court soon. Policing the illegal movement of money is one of SAPS priorities and the police will not leave any stone unturned in curbing this crime,” said Sam.
A man allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend before turning a gun on himself at Choseng village, near Taung. It is alleged the couple, Shimmy Koee and Mpho Ntlhaeng were staying together in Pudimoe Township, in Taung before Ntlhaeng moved out.
It is alleged that, Ntlhaeng, moved back to her parent’s house in Choseng village after an argument with her boyfriend. Last night, Kooe, who was accompanied by his friend, allegedly went to check on Ntlhaeng in Choseng. However, the friend allegedly stayed in the car, while Koee got inside the house.
It is alleged that an argument ensued between the couple and Koee took out a gun and shot Ntlhaeng with two bullets that killed her instantly. Then Koee allegedly turned the gun on himself. He was also declared dead on the scene.
Their bodies were just removed from the crime scene a few minutes ago.
The North West police have not responded to our media inquiry regarding the matter before we published the article. Their response will be incorporated into the article when received.
Since the advent of democracy nearly 30 years, South Africa has pursued an independent foreign policy. With the outbreak of Russia-Ukraine conflict, however, there has been extraordinary pressure on the country to abandon its non-aligned position and take sides in what is in effect a contest between Russia and the West. Other countries on the African continent and elsewhere have been put under similar pressure.
One of the most impressive features of the international anti-apartheid movement was that it drew support from countries and citizens from across continental and ideological divides. The struggle to end apartheid was taken up in capitals from Africa to Europe, from the Americas to Asia. Our leaders worked hard to gain the support of governments, lawmakers and citizens across the divisions of the Cold War.
That experience – of reaching out across political divides and building relations with very different countries – has helped to shape our foreign policy. This has been coupled with a firm belief in the value of an inclusive multilateral world order and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.
This explains South Africa’s membership of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. South Africa has also used its membership in other international forums like the G20 and BRICS group to advance the views and interests of countries in Africa and the rest of the Global South.
Throughout, we have been firm on this point: South Africa has not been, and will not be, drawn into a contest between global powers.
That does not mean that we do not have a position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Consistent with our stance on conflicts in other parts of the world, South Africa’s view is that the international community needs to work together to urgently achieve a cessation of hostilities and to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians in Ukraine. It needs to support meaningful dialogue towards a lasting peace, which ensures the security and stability of all nations.
As a country, we are committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. We support the principle that members should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states.
Our position seeks to contribute to the creation of conditions that make the achievement of a durable resolution of the conflict possible. The reality is that the Russia-Ukraine conflict – and the tensions that underlie it – will not be resolved through military means. It needs to be resolved politically.
We do not accept that our non-aligned position favours Russia above other countries. Nor do we accept that it should imperil our relations with other countries.
Last year, I travelled to Washington to meet President Joe Biden and to London to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In my talks with both leaders, I restated our non-aligned position and explained that South Africa believes that this conflict should be resolved through dialogue. In August, I will be hosting the leaders of Brazil, India, China and Russia for the summit of the BRICS countries. South Africa has strong and enduring relations with all these countries.
In all our interactions with these countries, we restate our belief that the United Nations remains the only viable mechanism through which the global community can strive for peace and common development.
Yet the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the weaknesses in the structure and practices of the United Nations. The composition of the UN Security Council, in particular, does not reflect the realities of the current global landscape. It needs to be overhauled so that there is an equitable representation and a more inclusive mechanism for resolving international disputes.
South Africa is a sovereign state, governed by a democratic Constitution and committed to the consistent application of international law. We will continue to fulfill our obligations in terms of the various international agreements and treaties to which we are signatories.
These are among the principles that inform our approach to allegations that arms were loaded onto a Russian vessel that docked in Simon’s Town late last year. Since we do not have concrete evidence to support these allegations, we are establishing an independent inquiry headed by a retired judge to establish the facts.
South Africa’s position on this issue was well explained by my envoy, Prof Sydney Mufamadi, and his delegation who recently travelled to Washington DC for discussions with representatives of the United States government.
We are determined, in both word and action, to maintain our position on the peaceful resolution of conflict. Guided by the lessons of our history, we will continue to resist calls, from whatever quarter, to abandon our independent and non-aligned foreign policy.
Picture: The accused, Paul Pokes Mabe, and his wife, Gladys Machwe/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A stock theft case against a couple from Tlola O Nyele Section in Khibitswane village, near Taung is set to resume in court today. Paul Pokes Mabe (46) and his wife, Gladys Machwe (40) were arrested on 6 May 2023 for allegedly stealing two cows back in November 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, a stock theft case was opened by the rightful owner of two cattle after they were allegedly stolen in Cokonyane village.
“As the investigation progressed, information was obtained, which led to the recovery of the two cattle at Matsheng village in January 2023. Further investigation was done and led to the arrest of two accused, who were positively linked to the stock theft case.
“The third suspect is still at large. The accused briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded in custody until 15 May 2023 for a formal bail application. The alleged stolen cattle were handed back to the rightful owner after being identified by the brand mark,” she said.
Picture: A body of a man lying next to the killer truck in Mokassa/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man was killed after he was run over by a truck in Mokassa village, near Taung on Friday night. It is alleged that the deceased was one of the farm workers in the same truck that was ferried to Mokassa village, near taung.
It is alleged that, the deceased, who was under the influence of alcohol, jumped out of the truck. The truck driver (30) allegedly ran over him when he was reversing his truck. One of the eyewitnesses who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the skull of the deceased was crushed open and the brains were strewn around.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, the police are aware of the incident and have opened a case of culpable homicide against the driver. However, no one has been arrested thus far and we are not at liberty to name the deceased.”
The Guardian 