Picture: The ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula in court/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula’s application to have his murder case struck off the roll was rejected by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Kula’s defense indicated to the court that, they will register a review application following the judgment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Kula’s defense has also requested to be furnished with a list of witnesses, as ordered by the high court when it granted him bail.

“In their application, they argued that his rights were not explained to him, and thus can be used against him in a subsequent trial. They further questioned the charges levelled against their client,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Adv Phuti Sekoadi opposed the application and argued that, the matter is still under investigation and that the current charges are properly drafted, as they are in line with the evidence in the docket. Sekoadi further explained that, when investigations are completed, the state will decide whether the charges should be amended.

“We urged the court to dismiss the application as it had no bearing on the charges levelled against the accused and the court ruled in favour of the state,” he said.

Kula is currently out on R50 000 bail, granted by the North West High Court following his appeal on the Orkney Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail. He was ordered to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station, provided the investigating officer with his work itinerary, and report to investigating officer, if he must move outside his residential jurisdiction and have no direct or indirect contact with his children.

Meanwhile, an application submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature, is awaiting the finalisation of investigations. Mamothame added that, investigations are nearing completion as the state prepares for trial.

He said Kula was arrested after his wife, Jennifer Mohlomi, was found murdered on 27 November 2022 in what seemed like a robbery. Mamothame said Mohlomi was found with a stab wound on her back, but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered.

“The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention. The accused told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.

“Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023 and charged with murder. Kula is expected back in court on 30 June 2023, when the matter sits,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stock theft by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Itumeleng Daniel Sethepo (34), who pleaded guilty to the charge, was arrested for stealing a Brahman cow at a farm in Vergenoeg, near Zeerust on 26 October 2022 along with his friend.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The farm worker contacted the farm owner and informed him about cows being restless. The farmer used a drone and eventually spotted tracks on his farm.

“He followed the tracks with the drone, leading to two accused persons, who were found sitting next to the river on a neighbouring farm and meat hanging from nearby trees.

“The police were immediately contacted and both accused were arrested. One of the accused, unfortunately, died in hospital and only Sethepo stood trial,” she said.

In a separate matter, Myburgh said a Lesotho national, Mohato Francis Lichaba, was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a goat. She further said, on 29 December 2022, a goat was reported missing by a farmer in Ikageleng Location, near Lehurutshe.

“Subsequent to the police operation, a large quantity of meat was recovered in a shack, occupied by Lichaba. A traditional mark on the goat’s ear helped the police to identify its rightful owner. Lichaba was charged with stock theft as well as contravention of the Immigration Act, of 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded Sgt William Masiza of the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and prosecution for their collaborations that resulted in the convictions.

Kwena also reiterated that, the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

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Picture: The community members embark on a peaceful march against the ward councillor, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some community members in Losasaneng village, near Taung said they do not want the sitting ward 20 councillor, Itumeleng Maribe anymore. This comes after they accused him of dishing out Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs to pro-ANC members only.

Last week, the disgruntled community members embarked on a peaceful protest and signed a petition. One of the community leaders, Gift Mokitima alleged that, Maribe is using the EPWP program to buy political favour and those who do not support him were left out.

“There is a high level of unemployment in our area. However, we have an EPWP program of de-bushing trees that is underway. In most cases, job opportunities are reserved for pro-ANC members here.

“As voters, we are all supposed to benefit from that program. This shows that, service delivery is designed for only a few. As community members, we were not aware of this program even on how people were appointed,” Mokitima said.

He further said, they had a consultative engagement with their local tribal authority to seek clarity, but all was in vain. Mokitima added that, one of the representatives from the tribal authority alleged that, he received a list depicting names of those who were supposed to be employed to sign it off.

“So, he also highlighted that, he was threatened. He said he was told that, if he does not sign that list, he will be harshly dealt with and removed as a ward committee member. Unfortunately, he is not the only one who was threatened, but this includes other members as well.

“There is a lot of shenanigans happening in our ward. Unfortunately, this leaves us with no choice, but to call for the removal of the ward councillor through a petition. So, we are still busy circulating that petition and we will submit it to the relevant authorities,” said Mokitima.

He said they embarked on a peaceful march and requested Maribe to declare the appointment of those individuals non and void, but their attempt was futile. Mokitima said they want the appointment process to return to the community and start afresh.

However, Maribe deemed the allegations as absurd and unfounded. He said he was not part of the appointment process as that was done at various local tribal authorities.

“There were some complaints that the is a forest on the road where learners use to reach to various schools. So, we had a meeting with the tribal authority, where we agreed that, the tribal offices will submit the names of those individuals who will be appointed for this program.

“This was done last month in Kameelpuit. The agreement was that, four people will be appointed from Losasaneng, four from Kameelpuit, four from Ikageng, one from Thotayatau, and two from Madithamaga,” he said.

Maribe said they were only focusing on affected areas. He alleged that, there is a smear campaign against him because there are certain individuals who are not happy to see him as a councillor.

“This has happened before and I am unfazed. There is a hidden agenda, where some individuals said they are not happy with the whole process hence the petition. However, these were prompted by internal challenges within the chieftaincy in various areas.

“I can tell you that all those individuals who were appointed are locals. So, this is a smear campaign because this is not the first time I became a ward councillor. Previously, I have awarded a skill development program to over 100 individuals,” said Maribe.

He said those who are complaining are attention seekers who continue to slander his name.

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Picture: The Lesedi 7 Group donates R5000 to Sebitloane Special School in Taung/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The principal at Sebitloane Special School in Taung, Boipelo Gloria Mmokwa said, they will continue to bring changes to the children living with disabilities by teaching them different basic life skills. Mmokwa said this will assist them in the future to endure the upheavals of life.

She also urged members of the public to support their cause. This comes after the school received R5000 donation from the Lesedi 7 Group.

“This donation will come in handy because we have twelve learners who will be going to Germany to represent the country in soccer and table tennis. So, the support we received will bring sustainability to the school because the school will be able to buy training kits and shoes for these kids.

“We are deeply grateful to the donors and this shows that, there are individuals who can make a difference to children who are struggling with severe disabilities in our area. We are working directly with various schools and community members to create awareness,” she said.

Mmokwa further said, most people perceived Sebitloane Special School as nothing, but a ‘drop-off’ area. She also urged other learners from various schools to treat their learners well, especially those who use the same transportation as them.

“In most cases, some learners from other schools who use the same transportation as our learners, continue to mock them and that is unacceptable. What people should know is that, Sebitloane offers various skill development programs to these learners and they excel in that.

Mmokwa added that, some of their learners might be intellectually challenged, but they master their crafts in welding, nail techniques, and carpentry. She added that, these learners have managed to open their own small businesses like salons and others.

“So, parents need to understand that most of our learners might be an intellectual challenge, but they can do vocational work. We also have an annual exhibition at the end of the year, where these learners will display their crafts. People come and buy these products. We also have a campaign called Her Nail Beauty Tag, where most people come and do mini and pedicures.

“Yes, we also have learners with autism, those who cannot do what other learners do, but we teach them basic life skills too.  This is not the first time our learners going abroad. Eight years ago, two learners went to Los Angeles in the United States of America through cross country,” said Mmokwa.

On 1 June 2023, the school will be having a big send-off celebration and Mmokwa invites community members to display their unwavering support and love to departing learners to Germany.

Meanwhile, the Lesedi 7 Group representative, Tshidi Moreane said: “Our visit to Sebitloane Special School was the same as our other visits to various schools across Taung. The only difference to this one is that, we visited the school that caters to learners with cognitive disabilities. special needs.

“This has been made possible by the Lesedi 7 Group through Tshidi Moreane Foundation. Remember, Lesedi 7 Group is the sponsor of the Taung Annual Gospel Festival and we have also donated R5000 to the school to assist those learners who will be going to Germany.”

Moreane said their main purpose was to speak to these learners and give them moral support. He said they encouraged these learners that, even though they were born with some disabilities, that should not hamper their progress in life.

“We told them that their cognitive disabilities should not hinder their achievements and determine their future. Even though they are attending a special school, they should understand that they are equal to other learners.

“We also want to encourage parents, learners, and the community at large to do away with the stigma. To those parents who have children with disabilities, they should not shy away, instead, come forward.

“In most cases, parents will keep these children with disabilities at home and lock them away. So, we urge them to take them to special schools and unlock their potential. We know that most people will take advantage of people with disabilities, but we should be their voices because they also have human rights like anyone else,” he said.

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Picture: Some of residents burning tyres in protest over water scarcity/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke said the water challenge in their area affects their livelihoods. This week, residents embarked on a protest and demanded water. One of the residents, Tshepo Mosielle said they have been experiencing a water crisis for the longest time.

“The severe water shortage in our area affects our lives. We do not think our local and district municipalities take us seriously anymore. They always promise to ensure that there is water, however, that remains an empty promise.

“We need water and nothing can be done without water. In most cases, they switch off municipal water supplies so that water tinkering can kick in. We are sick and tired of corruption taking place in our municipalities. When water tinkering was implemented, it was envisioned to be a temporary measure,” he said.

The Mamusa Local Municipality said some of the boreholes were vandalised. The municipal manager, Rantsho Gincane said in a statement that, boreholes that supply water to Extensions 6,7,8,9, and 14 were once again damaged.

“This happened on Monday and worsened on Tuesday. The damage caused to the property is huge and has been reported to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. Mamusa Local Municipality has dedicated water tankers to the affected areas, whilst waiting for the district’s intervention.

“Theft and vandalism to community properties sabotage basic service delivery and this is completely unacceptable. We appeal to residents to assist us with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects,” Gincane said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said: “In continuous efforts to ensure a water-secure South Africa, we will converge leading water experts in the country in a National Ministerial Water Sector Sustainability Symposium on 25 May 2023 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.

“The selected team of experts identified by the department are expected to take stock of the current state of the water sector and offer expert advice that will form future policy positions of the department. The symposium is not a consultative meeting with all stakeholders, but a focused and directed engagement with limited topics dealt by specialised experts.”

Mchunu further said, these experts will assist his department with proposals on policy directions and reforms to achieve its visions for the sustainability of the water sector. He added that, the National Ministerial Water Sector Sustainability Symposium will mainly focus on key areas such as water resource security, financial sustainability, service delivery sustainability, pricing and tariffs, and regulation of water services.

“Identified water experts will form different commissions on the outlined key areas and make presentations and advise Minister Mchunu on areas to improve on. The participation of key water experts in the field to obtain their recommendations will assist the department to develop proposals for achieving sustainability in the water sector, prior to engaging wider interest groups and stakeholders regarding the proposals.

“This is part of the consultative and collaborative process we have undertaken since I took over the water and sanitation portfolio in addressing the myriad of challenges facing the water sector and finding sustainable solutions,” said Mchunu.

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Picture: The Potchefstroom Police Station/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) management noted with concern a video circulating on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok wherein a police officer can be seen holding a feather duster to reprimand a man.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The incident occurred at Potchefstroom Police Station on 2 May 2023 at around 7pm. The man was apparently queuing to be served by the police in the Community Service Centre (CSC), where he suddenly shouted and banged the counter with his fists. 

“He was reprimanded to wait for his turn to be served. A while later, he banged and jumped over the counter. The police officers had to warn him to behave. At that point, one of the police officers was carrying a feather duster as they reprimanded the man who was ultimately contained.”

Myburgh said the management has instituted an investigation into the incident.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation was volatile at the North West Social Development offices in Mahikeng on Friday. This comes after the suspended Director of Supply Chain Management, Job Mnguni allegedly tried to force his way into the building. 

According to information, Mnguni arrived at work with over ten heavily armed bodyguards.

Mnguni is one of three suspended officials by the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa on Thursday over the ‘irregular’ awarding of R133 million security tender.

National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in Mahikeng, instructed its members to return home due to the scuffle that ensued. NEHAWU regional deputy chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Godfrey Manduba said their members are not safe at work.

“What transpired today cannot be allowed. Imagine, the Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) arrived at work with ten heavily armed bodyguards in the public service offices. This is actually a transgression of public service regulations.

“Live ammunition is not permitted in the workplace, but this Director comes to work with such heavily armed men. What about the safety of the workers and the community that utilises the services of these offices? It means their safety is at risk because these men are unknown,” Manduba said.

He further said, the department has security guards on site, but someone brings extra ten security guards with live ammunition to the workplace. Manduba added that their members cannot be part of such.

“So, it is on that basis that we instructed our members to go home because they are not safe. They will stay home until the department guarantees their safety,” he said.

The North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “We assure that everything will return to normalcy on Monday. We will make sure that there is stability in the department. The employees will be able to execute their duties without any hindrance.”

Meanwhile, Moiloa said in a statement that, she placed these officials under precautionary suspension due to numerous complaints she received regarding irregularities in awarding of a security tender. She said her department has established prima-face information that led to the suspension of the officials.

“These officials have been placed on a 30-day immediate precautionary suspension due to the seriousness of the allegations levelled against them. In dealing with this matter expeditiously and efficiently, the department intends to adhere strictly to the prescribed time frames to bring the investigations to finality.

“These precautionary suspensions should serve as a deterrent to other officials in the department, who may be involved in any corrupt activities. We are serious about zero tolerance for corruption in the department. We want clean governance,” said Moiloa.

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Picture: The former Chief Financial Officer at North West Provincial Legislature, Thabo Lehuco, and NEHAWU leader in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Chief Financial Officer at North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Thabo Lehuco and National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) leader in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu who also worked at a Finance department, briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng on Friday.

According to information, Lehuco and Lawu were arrested for the alleged irregular disposal of vehicles of institutions. It is alleged that, those vehicles were sold to themselves at the lowest prices ranging from R10 0000, but failed to pay a cent even though the vehicles’ ownerships were changed to their names.

Lawu was allegedly arrested on Thursday night, while Lehuco was nabbed on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The bail for the duo was fixed at R2000 each and the matter was postponed to 20 June 2023. The case will be transferred to the Regional Court.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud and money laundering case against four men has been postponed by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court to 15 June 2023. Bafo Sinayo Diko (29), Nqophisa Diko (35), Nomakade Diko (39) and Siyabulela Ndengane (48) handed themselves over to the Hawks on 17 May 2023, where they were arrested for fraud and money laundering.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhosto said, the arrests emanate from an investigation into alleged fraud, where Nolutho Diko (58), who is a former Professor at the North West University (NWU), allegedly defrauded the university of R438 302.00.

“It is reported that, between May 2016 and April 2017, Nolutho allegedly submitted financial claims to the university under the name of her company, reportedly on behalf of external consultants and other service providers, whom she alleged to have rendered services to the university.

“Through investigations, it was discovered that those service providers never rendered any services to the university. Diko appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 26 September 2022, where she was released on a warning,” Rikhotso said.

She further said, three of Nolutho’s children and her brother, who are co-directors of Fabued College Co-operative Limited, appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 17 May 2023, where they each faced twelve counts of fraud and eleven counts of money laundering.

Rikhotso added that the case against all accused was remanded to 15 June 2023.

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Picture: Alfred Sello “Long” Mogoa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Alfred Sello “Long” Mogoa (42). The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Mogoa is an African male with brown eyes, tall in length, and with a slender build.

She said, sometimes Mogoa wears a mustache and or a beard. Myburgh further said Mogoa is wanted on numerous cases of rape reported between ‪2008 and 2009 in Klipgat, Loate, Hebron, Akasia, and Ga-Rankuwa.

“He was arrested for a theft of a motor vehicle in Klipgat in 2013. Mogoa also escaped from lawful custody in Ga-Rankua in December 2019. Anyone with information is requested to contact Captain Hein Rabe from Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on cell phone number 0798819923 or Telephone number, 018 ‪299 7160

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the My SAPS App or you can phone Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

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