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.”
Picture: The late Billy Masetlha, who was the South African ambassador to the Republic of Algeria/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the South African ambassador to the Republic of Algeria. Billy Masetlha passed away on Sunday after a long illness. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the passing of Masetlha deeply saddens it.
The minister of Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor said: “Masetlha has served the government in various capacities, including as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and was deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement, including as a member of Umkhonto We Sizwe.
“Masetlha was exiled in Botswana and Zambia. During this time, he worked with the youth and student organisations in the fight against the apartheid regime. South Africa has lost an experienced and dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of Pan-Africanism.”
Pandor further said, as the department, they sent their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Masetlha.
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
There is a tug-of-war between the North West Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, and the Head of Department, Relebohile Mofokane. This was revealed during a meeting, where the department appeared before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development and Health on Thursday.
It is alleged that the squabbles between Moiloa and Mofokane were caused by an R130 million security tender that Mofokane allegedly signed off on, even though the Provincial Internal Audit warned him about some discrepancies in bid documents.
The department was scheduled to appear before the committee to process its Annual Performance Plan (APP) and budget for the 2023/24 financial year. However, the chairperson of the committee, Gavin Edwards, sent them packing to sort out their ‘nonsense”.
“The department was sent away because of its failure to resolve persistent squabbles between Moiloa and Mofokane. We felt that the squabbles will affect service delivery. We have resolved to write to the Leader of Government Business, North West MEC for Cooperative Government, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, and the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to urgently intervene.
“The meeting was halted after Mofokane revealed that he had been stripped of his powers as the accounting officer and that he had not been part of developing the APP. So, members of the committee were astonished by Mofokane’s revelation that he had been stripped of his powers as it has been revealed that he signed off tenders two weeks prior to the meeting,” Edwards said.
He further said Mofokane had signed off tenders for security contracts to the value of R130m two weeks ago and it is surprising that he alleged that he had been stripped of his powers. Edwards added that they want to understand what is happening with service delivery because it is clear that Mofokane and Moiloa cannot work together.
“This is not the first time the department has been turned away by the Portfolio Committee. Last year, the committee questioned Mofokane’s appointment and his qualifications.
“Repeated requests by the committee seeking clarity on his appointment were simply ignored by Moiloa and subsequently Maape. Members of the committee raised their concerns with both Moiloa and Mofokane, questioning what actually happens to service delivery, while they are clearly more concerned with internal squabbling and battles rather than ensuring effective services,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the member of the committee, Freddy Sonakile said: “As the Democratic Alliance, we are quite perplexed and believe that this is unprecedented whereby, we see such arguments between the Moiloa and Mofokane over a legal document that was supposed to assist the department and the residents to be able to get funds for the department to start functioning.
“What is funny is that it is not the first time that the department was turned away by the committee due to its internal squabbles. So, we are not taking this lightly and we believe that action must be taken, especially against Mofokane who in this case, clearly failed on his fiducial duties.”
Sonakile said they have been contacted by a number of NPOs, whose survival depends on funding from the department. He said they told them that they are struggling because they cannot get hold of their subsidies and SLAs are still not signed by the department.
The North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said, he will respond to the allegations after he had gathered more details. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Deputy Minister for Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters will hand over equipment to informal business owners in Pampierstad, Northern Cape today. Peters is expected to lead a delegation of senior officials and program managers from the Department of Small Business Development to hand over machinery and equipment to informal business owners.
“The Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP) provides developmental support to small businesses that are mostly operating in townships and rural areas of South Africa.
“The initiative is a nationwide trajectory striving to accelerate the growth of informal and micro enterprises by improving their competitiveness and sustainability to become formal businesses in the mainstream economy. He added that the focus is mainly on designated groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities,” she said.
Peters further said, as a government, they are committed to an inclusive economy, responsive to the needs of rural and township businesses with a special focus on women and young people in our society as well as informal traders.
She added that, it is their view as the department, through this support in the form of machinery and equipment, they will see greater efficiency and jobs being created by the supported enterprises.
The event will be held at Revival Family Church, Mangope Avenue in Pampierstad at 9am.
Picture: Three of four accused persons, Bakang, Phenyo Katong, and Katlego Mosimege in a murder trial/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against an alleged drug lord and his co-accused persons is ready for trial. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the state has received the results of the DNA sample that was taken from one of the accused persons, Phenyo Katong’s vehicle.
The presiding officer, magistrate Boy Zulu highlighted that, the state has acquired the services of the new magistrate to preside over this case. Zulu has since excused himself from this case as he presided over a rape case involving one of the accused persons, Bakang Katong.
Katong was found guilty of rape and Zulu is expected to sentence him on 6 June 2023.
Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo Katong (34), and Katlego Mosimege (31) were arrested a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The four accused persons briefly appeared at the Taung Regional Court on Wednesday and their case was postponed to 24 May 2023 for trial.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused for medical attention, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. Seven people have been arrested regarding the incident and charged with arson and looting.
The Guardian 