A 27-YEAR-OLD MAN from Buxton village, near Taung has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court for fraud.
Mpho Gift Sekwenyane submitted a fraudulent matric certificate while applying to become a policeman during the 2021/22 South African Police Recruitment drive.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, Sekwenyane was arrested at his home in Buxton village on 7 March 2023.
“Thorough investigation was done and Sekwenyane was arrested on 7 March 2023 at his home in Buxton village, near Taung. He was found guilty and sentenced on 19 July 2023 with a R20 000 fine or 18 months imprisonment for fraud,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner for Corporate Services, Maj Gen Henriette De Waal commended D/Sgt Neo Mduane from the Provincial SAPS Anti-corruption unit for his meticulous investigation that led to this outstanding sentence.
“We hope this conviction will serve as a deterrent to others who attempt to commit similar crimes,” said De Waal.
Picture: The Baga Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing village
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-built Baga-Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing village, near Taung, has delivered its first five babies. The R130 million centre was opened a few months ago after nine years of delays.
One of the mothers, who gave birth at the facility, Dineonyane Sedumedi, indicated that she got the best treatment from the nurses and she is delighted. Sedumedi further said the new 24-hour operation of the facility has helped her in reducing cost implications such as transport.
“This facility will be rendering quality healthcare to villages such as Mammutla, Madipelesa, Lower Majeakgoro, Upper Majeakgoro, Kgomotso and other neighbouring areas once is fully operational,” she said.
The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said the babies were delivered during the past weekend.
“We would like to express our pride and relief following the delivery of the first five babies. It is indeed with great pride to announce that our efforts to open the doors of this facility are coming to fruition.
“The community of Batlhaping Baga Mothibi are receiving the quality healthcare services they deserve. The facility is currently operating its maternity ward for 24 hours, since the beginning of this month. Taung Sub-District has commenced operating 24 hours in maternity and acute and emergency services from 6 July 2023,” said Sambatha.
He further said, the operation of a 24-hour maternity unit will ensure that, service delivery is expedited to the community and reduce travelling costs including time. Sambatha added that, the increased operating hours of the maternity unit are in line with Taung Sub-District’s strategy of providing quality healthcare services and also meeting the set target pertaining to reducing child mortality.
“Since operating 24 hours, a total number of three babies have been born at the facility, which proves that the service is indeed a good move for the people. The first baby was born on 14 July 2023 and it was a boy residing in Sekhing village.
“The second baby was born on 16 July 2023 also from Sekhing village, while the 3rd child was born on 17 July 2023 from Mammutla village,” said Sambatha.
Meanwhile, he said a provincial and district team led by the acting Deputy Director-General for Health Services, Pule Monale is hard at work to ensure that the facility is 100% complete and ready for official handover to the community of BaGa Mothibi before the end of August 2023.
A 44-YEAR-OLD nurse was allegedly assaulted and raped in Nhole village, near Taung on Sunday morning. It is alleged that the nurse was on her way to work at Taung District Hospital when the incident happened.
The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The incident was reported at Taung Police Station and a case of rape was opened for further investigation. The suspect is unknown.”
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said they condemn the atrocity in the most robust sense and with the contempt it deserves. Sambatha further said the incident was devastating.
“Disregarding women’s rights and safety should never be normalised in our communities. We need to work hard to turn the tide of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and should not accept such crimes against women.
“The rape of one woman is a degradation and limitation to all women. Rape is the most intimate of crimes, and it is disturbing that this heinous act occurred against a health worker as she was on her way to render her services to save lives,” he said.
Sambatha calls on the apprehension of the culprit by law enforcement agencies and for the justice system to enforce a harsh sentence to ensure that justice is served for the victim.
The Guardian 