Picture: Some of confiscated liquor from the warehouse/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for contravention of Section 2(1) of the Counterfeit Goods Act, 1997 (Act No. 37 of 1997) in Vryburg. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Afje Botma said, the accused was arrested by the Vryburg K9 Unit in conjunction with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) officials during a crime intelligence-driven operation.
“The police executed a search and seizure warrant at an identified warehouse, where liquor products were destined for export but instead, sold within the South African market for a reduced price. Consequently, a large consignment of different kinds of liquor was found in the warehouse.
“The investigation led to the discovery of a server network used for Bitcoin investment and 15 electricity inverters. It was further established that, some authentic labels on the bottles were removed and replaced with counterfeit labels to avoid the detection of an export product,” Botma.
She said, the police also identified 828 x 750ml and 24 x 1 litres bottles of Richelieu brandy, which were allegedly stolen during a business robbery in Germiston, Gauteng Province. Botma added that all liquor products with an estimated value of R5.4 million were seized.
“The investigation into the matter by the DPCI continues. The accused appeared at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and the case was postponed to 8 May 2023,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all officials for their collaborative efforts that led to the success.
Picture: The trio, Captain Godfrey Nogaga, Sergeant Kenny Tshilo and the alleged police informer, Thuso Mehlo arrested by the Hawks/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two policemen and police informer, who were arrested by the Hawks for fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice, were granted bail by the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Captain Godfrey Nogaga (41) was granted an R5000 bail, Sergeant Kenny Tshilo (42) received an R4000 bail, while the alleged police informer, Thuso Mehlo (37) was granted an R500 bail.
Nogaga was arrested by his colleagues from Kimberly Serious Corruption Investigation on Thursday, while on duty in Upington.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, in 2021, Nogaga allegedly submitted and recommended an informer’s reward claim of R100 000. Thebe said the police’s claim committee approved a payment of R80 000 to the benefit of the said police informer.
“It is further alleged that, the accused failed to hand the full amount of R80 000 to the informer, but rather paid him an amount of R5000. He also paid Tshilo who is stationed at Kuruman Police Station R5000 and kept the rest of the money amounting to R70 000 for himself.
He said Tshilo is an accomplice and has been charged alongside Nogaga. Thebe added that, a probe by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team revealed that, the informer’s reward claim was fraudulent.
“The so-called informer, allegedly recruited by Tshilo, was also charged for defeating the ends of justice connected to the main charge,” said Thebe.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Hawks in Northern Cape, Major General Steve Mabuela welcomed the arrest of Nogaga, who is attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Serious Organised Crime unit based in Kathu.
Picture: Grade 12 learners sitting for the National Matric Certificate examinations/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A total of 21 802 matric candidates across North West wrote an English paper during their May/June examination in the 499 examination centres across the province as of Wednesday. The supplementary examination consists of the Class of 2022 learners, who are supplementing certain subjects, including older people who registered through the second chance matric program because they could not complete their matric in the past years.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) introduced a Second Chance Matric program to help those who want to obtain their matric certificates.
“I take this time to wish good luck to all the candidates who are writing their supplementary examinations. I want them not to panic when they write, but rather read the questions thoroughly and answer as required.
“You cannot answer the question if you do not fully understand it. However, I am confident that our candidates have been receiving tutorials at school, where they were studying matric in 2022. The departmental officials from corporate and districts will be deployed on a daily basis to monitor the conduct and administration of the examinations,” she said.
Motsumi further said the supplementary examinations are scheduled to end on 14 June 2023.
Picture: Jonas Tebogo Mpete who allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A policeman, Jonnas Tebogo Mpete (39) who is facing a charge of premeditated murder for allegedly killing his estranged wife, who was pregnant at the time, Ntombizodwa Khumalo (35), has abandoned his bail application at the Brits Magistrate’s Court.
On 5 April 2023, Mpete, who was stationed at Rapid Rail Unit in Silverton, allegedly went to Brits Hospital, where the ex-wife worked as a switchboard operator at the entrance of the hospital.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said: “When he arrived, it is alleged that he fired several shots at the deceased and handed himself over to the police at the Brits Police Station.
“It is also alleged that in 2021, the deceased had obtained a protection order against the accused. The matter was adjourned until 27 July 2023 for further investigations.”
Former Vice Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and North West University (NWU), the late Professor Dan Kgwadi was described as a ‘giant of empathy’. According to speakers who paid homage to Kgwadi during the memorial service held at the North West University in Mahikeng, Kgwadi was instrumental in shaping many careers of students and helped them to rediscover their purpose in humankind.
Kgwadi (56), passed away last week Sunday after a long illness.
One of the speakers, Simian Taole, said Kgwadi was a man of strong conviction and courage. Taole said Kgwadi was driven by the desire to ensure that there is a development of students.
“It is a fact of life that when you get to the age that I am in, you have short days ahead. I expected Kgwadi to be the one who spoke at my funeral, but little did I know that it would be the opposite. May Almighty Lord grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change.
“Our children are also God’s children and when it is time, he will come and take them one by one. I first knew Kgwadi when he was an undergraduate in his early years and noticed that he was very keen on the laboratory. We assessed Kgwadi’s potential and after completion of his first degree, he applied for a scholarship in the United States of America (USA),” he said.
He further said, Kgwadi led one of the most remarkable transitions under difficult circumstances in the modern history of the NWU. Taole added that Kgwadi left a big gap that was difficult to fill when he left the university.
“He understood the challenges and was a man of strong conviction. Kgwadi also had the desire to develop students. He clearly not only appreciated the enthusiasm of the youth but respected the elders too. Kgwadi made good use of the opportunities he was given and his life should inspire the students to reach for the sky,” Taole said.
The NWU’s Deputy Dean for Natural Sciences and Agriculture, Professor Helen Drummond said, she came across Kgwadi as a chemistry student and worked with him when he came back to the university. Drummond said Kgwadi was always respectful and he would call for advice.
The NWU Vice Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka shared the same sentiments. Tyobeka said Kgwadi was a true humanitarian, a friend and mentor that he has known for 30 years.
“We have lost a remarkable and very compassionate man who was willing to listen to other people. He helped many people he never knew and he made it a mission to give assistance to those in need. He took action to make a positive impact in life.
“Kgwadi was known for his kindness and generosity, especially to those underprivileged. So, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. His personality and approach brought stability to the university and he was an outspoken and at times very provocative person,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande said Kgwadi’s leadership has been most profound with unwavering determination.
“He had a profound passion for serving and empowering the underprivileged youth, particularly from rural and township backgrounds. He further demonstrated this commitment to serve others by nurturing emerging academics and leaders,” he said.
Picture: The former Municipal Manager at Ratlou Local Municipality/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A fraud case against the former Municipal Manager at Ratlou Local Municipality, Cassius Sejake has been postponed by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to 12 June 2023 for pre-trial and legal consultation. In 2020, Sejake (46) was arrested by the Hawks on charges related to the contravention of Section 173 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
This comes after he allegedly flouted tender processes to the value of R7.8 million between 2018 and 2019, while he was the acting Municipal Manager at the municipality. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, Sejake allegedly failed as the then accounting officer to take reasonable steps to ensure that procurement processes were followed and observed.
“The service providers were allegedly appointed without a competitive bidding process. The state intends to file a notice for the court to investigate the numerous delays resulting in a series of postponements, attributed to Sejake withdrawing the services of his attorneys and appointing new ones.
“The NPA deems these delays to be unreasonable and hopes the court will make a ruling to halt further postponements on the matter. The investigations have long been completed and the state is ready to proceed with a pre-trial conference for the trial to commence,” he said.
Mamothame said Sejake’s bail of R5000 was extended until his next court appearance.
The case against Taung Magistrates’ Court prosecutor, Lebogang George Mashigo (51) has been postponed to 6 June 2023 for further investigations. Mashigo, who is out on R1000 bail, was arrested for being in possession of an unlawful firearm.
On 8 September 2022, Mashigo allegedly entered the Taung Magistrate’s Court building and proceeded to fetch a bag. Upon departure at the entrance of the court building, he allegedly fired shots and subsequently left.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “It is alleged that earlier during the day, Mashigo had an argument with his supervisor, where he is employed as a district court prosecutor, but the motive for his shooting is still under investigation.
“The police investigations have revealed that Mashigo has no license or permit to possess the firearm as its license expired in 2019. Meanwhile, the NPA has served Mashigo with a notice of a precautionary suspension, pending the completion of internal disciplinary proceedings.”
Mamothame further said, Mashigo was charged with negligently discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He added that the court ordered Mashigo not to interfere with investigations, as well as state witnesses.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari has expressed disappointment with the behaviour of the prosecutor, who is bestowed with the responsibility to always uphold and defend the law. Makhari has assigned a senior state prosecutor to oversee the case, owing to its serious nature.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje
By REGINALD KANYANE
The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje said, there are strategic measures in place in quest of addressing water challenges across the district. This comes after some residents in Longaneng village, near Taung alleged that they have been suffering a water crisis for almost three months.
“We are the first to admit that, there is water scarcity in the district. However, there are strategic measures in place to address the matter. You will remember that, some time ago, there was some unrest here in Vryburg due to water challenges.
“But, we can confirm as the district that, we have ensured there is provision of water to our people in Huhudi Township and other areas. We have also embarked on a campaign of appointing various service providers across our district to ensure there is a provision of water in those areas,” Maje said.
He further said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is one of the municipalities that were put under administration. However, Maje added that, there were many challenges they inherited when they took over back in 2021.
“Actually, the decision to put the municipality under review took place in 2018. But, as the new municipal council, we have noted that and we will work together with EXCO representatives in quest of improving our finances.
“The aim is to ensure that, we provide services to our people accordingly. What triggered the situation in our municipality, is a debt from Sedibeng Water. There is a debt of R650 million that Sedibeng Water alleges that the municipality owes them,” said Maje.
However, he said there is a disparity on how much exactly the municipality owes Sedibeng Water. Maje said they will work together with Sedibeng Water and ensure that the debt is removed and the municipality pays what is due.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Taung Dam project is almost completed. Maape said he had an oversight visit at the water augmentation plant in Taung.
“The project is at 98% to be completed and this will assist in ensuring areas like Cokonyane village receive water. However, at the moment, the majority of areas receive water. We are also looking at the pipeline from Bloemhof to Schweizer Reneke.
“Again, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has just signed a contract with service providers for Bona Bona Water Project. The project will provide water to Ganyesa and Morokweng villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Member of Parliament (MP), Sello Seitlholo said: “Longaneng residents informed us that water supply was interrupted on 25 February 2023, but that all water supply was suspended three days later. Since then, residents have not had a drop of water in their taps.
“The water issues in Longaneng started after the Sedibeng Water Board was incorporated into the Magalies Water Board, which signed a contract with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality as the bulk water service provider.”
Seitlholo said, it is alleged that Eskom suspended the electricity supply to water pump stations in the area due to the non-payment by Sedibeng Water. He alleged that Magalies Water has also failed to make payments to Eskom.
“The Greater Taung Local Municipality made a borehole available on the municipal property called Cover Grounds, but some community members must walk more than 3km to fill buckets from a borehole that frequently runs dry due to over-demand, and the area is closed on weekends.
“The ward committee members and residents requested temporary JoJo tanks to alleviate the water shortage closer to where they live, but the Greater Taung Local Municipality informed them that, this would be too expensive at an estimated cost of R400 000,” he said.
Seitlholo said this is quite plainly unacceptable because residents have a right to access clean and reliable water supply and the municipality has an obligation to deliver water.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje
By REGINALD KANYANE
The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje said, there are strategic measures in place in quest of addressing water challenges across the district. This comes after some residents in Longaneng village, near Taung alleged that they have been suffering a water crisis for almost three months.
“We are the first to admit that, there is water scarcity in the district. However, there are strategic measures in place to address the matter. You will remember that, some time ago, there was some unrest here in Vryburg due to water challenges.
“But, we can confirm as the district that, we have ensured there is provision of water to our people in Huhudi Township and other areas. We have also embarked on a campaign of appointing various service providers across our district to ensure there is a provision of water in those areas,” Maje said.
He further said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is one of the municipalities that were put under administration. However, Maje added that, there were many challenges they inherited when they took over back in 2021.
“Actually, the decision to put the municipality under review took place in 2018. But, as the new municipal council, we have noted that and we will work together with EXCO representatives in quest of improving our finances.
“The aim is to ensure that, we provide services to our people accordingly. What triggered the situation in our municipality, is a debt from Sedibeng Water. There is a debt of R650 million that Sedibeng Water alleges that the municipality owes them,” said Maje.
However, he said there is a disparity on how much exactly the municipality owes Sedibeng Water. Maje said they will work together with Sedibeng Water and ensure that the debt is removed and the municipality pays what is due.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Taung Dam project is almost completed. Maape said he had an oversight visit at the water augmentation plant in Taung.
“The project is at 98% to be completed and this will assist in ensuring areas like Cokonyane village receive water. However, at the moment, the majority of areas receive water. We are also looking at the pipeline from Bloemhof to Schweizer Reneke.
“Again, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has just signed a contract with service providers for Bona Bona Water Project. The project will provide water to Ganyesa and Morokweng villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Member of Parliament (MP), Sello Seitlholo said: “Longaneng residents informed us that water supply was interrupted on 25 February 2023, but that all water supply was suspended three days later. Since then, residents have not had a drop of water in their taps.
“The water issues in Longaneng started after the Sedibeng Water Board was incorporated into the Magalies Water Board, which signed a contract with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality as the bulk water service provider.”
Seitlholo said, it is alleged that Eskom suspended the electricity supply to water pump stations in the area due to the non-payment by Sedibeng Water. He alleged that Magalies Water has also failed to make payments to Eskom.
“The Greater Taung Local Municipality made a borehole available on the municipal property called Cover Grounds, but some community members must walk more than 3km to fill buckets from a borehole that frequently runs dry due to over-demand, and the area is closed on weekends.
“The ward committee members and residents requested temporary JoJo tanks to alleviate the water shortage closer to where they live, but the Greater Taung Local Municipality informed them that, this would be too expensive at an estimated cost of R400 000,” he said.
Seitlholo said this is quite plainly unacceptable because residents have a right to access clean and reliable water supply and the municipality has an obligation to deliver water.
Picture: CWP participants embarked on a peaceful protest in Vryburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) calls on the department to ensure that its internal processes do not negatively affect Community Workers Programme (CWP) workers embarked on strike across the country demanding salaries of April 2023.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, Faith Ndenze said this problem has arisen on several previous occasions, whereupon the committee engaged with the Department of Cooperative Governance to understand the underlying challenge.
“For many of these workers, the stipend is their only means of putting food on the table. The department must be cognizant of this and act accordingly. The committee was made to understand that the current CWP operating model is undergoing revision with a view to addressing the underlying challenges.
“One of the key challenges related to outsourcing the program’s implementation to non-profit organisations (NPOs) who were unfamiliar with public sector accounting processes and practices. The department has recently indicated that, as of March 2023, it has temporarily terminated these NPO contracts and has assumed full responsibility for the CWP’s administration and implementation, including payment of stipends,” Ndenze said.
She further said, the department is therefore fully responsible and must account for the alleged non-payment of April 2023 stipends. Ndenze added that, the committee is aware that, the department is still in the process of transitioning to a new political executive and that, there are also new critical changes at the administrative leadership level.
“After having allowed sufficient time for the transition to be finalised, the committee will follow up with the department on commitments previously made to the effect that identified problems will be resolved, including timely payment of CWP stipends,” she said.
Meanwhile, the CWP participants threatened not to vote come 2024 General Elections, if the government does not improve their salaries and working conditions. The CWP participants in North West embarked on a peaceful march and submitted their memorandum of grievances to the ANC regional offices in Vryburg on 1 May 2023.
The CPW shop steward in North West and Maanda Ashu Workers Union (MAWUSA) member, Thandeka Mchunu alleged that the government is using CWP as a form of exploitation against the marginalised.
“We, the CWP participants who are all voters in our respective provinces and wards, demand that the ANC give a political directive to the Minister of Labour to speedily transform the CWP policies. This will allow the realisation of the living wage of the participants as per the memorandum sent to the Department of Labour on 3 February 2023.
“It cannot be accepted anymore for government workers to earn R800 per month in this high-cost economy status of the country. We also want the government to release the Maanda Ashu Workers Union of South Africa (MAWUSA)’s registration certificate, which was declined with no grounds,” Mchunu said.
She further said, the review of the ministerial determination for a lowest-earning beneficiary to be remunerated in line upper bound poverty line of R1800 per month. Mchunu added that, they also want immediate access to the minimum wage of R3500, migration of EPWP/CWP from ministerial determination to sectoral determination, and in-sourcing of CWP participants to full-time employment.
“Participants should work five days per week and 20 days per month. We further demand that, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and CWP national management engage with workers through our union to make inputs on any matter affecting the CWP and or workers.
“We call for the release of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tool of trade (Occupational Health Safety), consistent payment day and monitoring of sites by COGTA and Department of Labour,” she said.
The Guardian 