Picture: Constable Okaetse Mandindi and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Police National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has commended the police for the swift arrest of a suspect (38), who allegedly shot and killed two police officers in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Tuesday morning.
Masemola said Constable Okaetse Mandindi (35) and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo (45) who were both attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad, were tracing a stolen vehicle when they were fatally shot.
“Masilo joined the service in 2007 and had 16 years of service at the time of her death, while Mandindi joined the service in 2012 and had 11 years of service at the time of his death. The organisation will ensure justice prevails for their families, friends, and colleagues.
“The killing of these members happens a week before the commemoration of 34 members, who died in the line of duty in the 2022/2023 financial year. We will work hard to secure a water-tight case that will result in a lengthy conviction for this perpetrator,” he said.
Masemola further said, while the arrest of the alleged perpetrator will not bring Mandindi and Masilo back, may their souls rest in peace knowing that they died serving and protecting South Africa and all its inhabitants.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2023 on a number of charges including two counts of murder.
Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi kwa Multi-purpose, Motseokae Duncan Cwaile/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Motsamaisi wa Multi-Purpose Centre e kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa kwa masepaleng wa Kagisano Molopo, Motseokae Duncan Cwaile (45) o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la Labotlhano.
Cwaile one a tshwerwa morago ga go latofadiwa ka petelelo. Go begwa fa Cwaile, yo gape eleng moeteledipele wa lekoko le le busang la ANC teng kwa kgaolong eo, a ile a ipagololela mogodu mo mosetsanyaneng wa dingwaga dile 14 wa moagisani. Go ya ka sebueledi sa lephata la bosekisi la National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mo Bokone Bophirima, Henry Mamothame, mosetsanyana o, one a ile go ga metsi kwa sedibeng kwa ntlung ya ga Cwaile ha tiragalo e e diragala ka 13 Phatwe 2023.
“Go begwa fa Cwaile one a biletsa mosetsanyana o kwa ntlung, mme a mo gogela kwa phaphusing ya borobalo kwa a ileng a mo betelela teng. Go ya ka dipego, Cwaile one a lebotsa phokoje morago ga tiragalo e, le go tlogela mosetsanyana owa kwa ntlung.
“Fela, motswasetlhabelo one a ya gae, mme a fitlha a lotlegela bagolo ka se se mo diragaletseng. Kgetsi ya petelelo ene ya bulwa, mme Cwaile one a tshwarwa moragonyana. Cwaile one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelong ya Ganyesa ka Mosupulogo,” Mamothame wa tlhalosa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen o kaile fa kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Cwaile ene ya busediwa morago go fitlha ka 25 Phatwe 2023. Van Rooyen are, Cwaile one a busediwa kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile ka Labotlhano.
A suspect (38) has been arrested for allegedly killing two police officials in a shoot-out in Kimberley this morning. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Brig Mashay Gamieldien, the two police officials, a sergeant and a constable were following up on information about a stolen hired sedan that was allegedly stolen and en route from Bloemfontein.
Gamieldien said, the vehicle was spotted in Kimberley and the two police officials reacted when they spotted it. She further said the police officers gave chase and followed the stolen vehicle into the Transnet premises, where the suspect allegedly crashed the bakkie and fled the scene on foot.
“The police officers gave chase and were sadly fired upon, which led to the fatal shooting of them. The armed suspect fled the scene on foot, but was later arrested,” added Gamieldien.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said is saddened and shocked by the fatal shooting, which resulted in the death of two police officers. Otola said the police officers were attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad.
“We have arrested the suspect after activating and mobilising all police resources in search of him. An attack on the police is an attack on the state. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, and colleagues of the two fallen police officers during this period, we as a country, are celebrating and paying tribute to women who have left their footprint in history.
The suspect will be charged with double murder and appear in court soon.
Most residents in Mahikeng have in their majority supported the objectives of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) and said they believe it strengthens the country’s public health policy.
The Portfolio Committee on Health hosted the last of three public consultation processes in Mahikeng on 21 August 2023, which concluded the North West Leg of nationwide public hearings.
The chairperson of the Committee, Kenneth Jacobs said they are generally satisfied with the process that unfolded thus far and are confident that they have met the standard set by Section 59 (1) of the constitution. Jacobs further said the committee will take into consideration all the submissions made when they deliberate on all public submissions made to them.
“There was more support for the Bill, especially the proposal of smoke-free zones as supporters were of the view that it will empower and protect non-smokers from possible dangers caused by second-hand smoke inhalation.
“Those in support also highlighted that the provisions of the Bill will lessen the burden on the healthcare system caused by the consumption of tobacco products. There was also a view that by passing the Bill and reducing the consumption of tobacco products, the country will benefit through increased productivity as more people will not waste time with constant smoking breaks,” he said.
Jacobs added that, regarding the electronic delivery system, there was a strong view that the Bill addresses the regulatory loophole of those products. He said also, those with this view, said the regulation is necessary to give a framework on how they are marketed, where they are sold, testing standards, and research on those products.
“Supporters were critical of producers of tobacco and electronic delivery systems on the basis that the industry cared more about its selfish interests and not the wellbeing of the people. Regarding the packaging and advertising of tobacco and non-tobacco-based products, there was a strong argument that the standardised packaging proposed by the Bill will prevent producers from attracting young people with colourful packages and will have the desired effect of reducing consumption.
“A concern was highlighted that young children are exposed to tobacco products and those who expressed that concern argued that passing the Bill into law would guarantee their protection. Despite the support the Bill enjoyed during the hearings, there were those that rejected it on the basis that passing it into law will have a negative impact on the economy,” said Jacobs.
He said the reason for this, according to them, was that the country is failing to address illicit tobacco products, which are already dominating the tobacco industry and market. Jacobs said, furthermore, they cautioned that the over-regulation would reduce the national tax revenue base and fiscus from the industry in the end.
“Those who work within the industry pleaded that the Bill has the potential of closing the industry and that will be followed by retrenchments and unemployment as the industry is one of the major employers and creators of job opportunities in the country.
“They also highlighted the lack of capacity on the side of the state on the implementation of the current legislation. They warned that standardised packaging will promote the sale of illicit and substandard tobacco products which are more harmful to consumers,” he said.
Jacobs said the committee reiterated its appreciation of the interest shown by participants in North West and the qualitative contributions they made. He said the committee continues to call for individuals and organisations to make written submissions after it has extended the deadline for written submissions.
“The committee will conduct public hearings on the Bill in Limpopo and Mpumalanga respectively and will communicate the dates and venues once all necessary internal processes have been concluded,” said Jacobs.
Picture: North West MECs donate R3m to Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes Home for the Aged/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi gave a much-needed financial injection amounting to R3m to a Wolmaranstad-based home for the aged to enable it to continue to offer residential and therapeutic care to the elderly, Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes. Mokgosi said this was in a move to support frail and semi-frail elderly people.
“Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes was established in 1979 to provide residential care to elderly people who are 60 and above and have limitations in self-care capacity and require continuous care and therapeutic services. Currently, the facility has accommodated 92 older persons from Maquassi Hills and neighbouring areas in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
“During the third leg of Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery campaign in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, we donated a symbolic cheque to Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes,” he said.
Mokgosi further said, at the time, elderly people from Tswelelang, Makwassi and other areas within the jurisdiction of Maquassi Hills, gathered at the local sports ground for their annual golden games.
“Our appeal is that NPOs should use government money for its intended purpose. We call on the management of this home for the aged to do just that. This money is subject to relevant legislation and make sure that you comply with NPO Act.
“Since the Thuntsa Lerole campaign, we have already donated symbolic cheques to registered NPOs in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts. The masses need services more than ever before, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many sectors of society,” added Mokgosi.
He said his department is determined to implement meticulous service delivery plans at a brisker pace to address the challenges that communities face.
Meanwhile, the Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes Manager, Brand Pretorius described the authorities’ gesture as a surprise and honour to his organisation. Pretorius said they have received financial assistance from the Department of Social Development over the years of his reign.
“What is more humbling is that, the symbolic cheque is being handed over to us by the MECs. We feel so honoured and will make sure we use this money carefully and make sure that, it benefits the right people.
“Our organisation depends squarely on social development for funding and other means such as fundraising and marketing of their services to potential donors,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said in an effort to address the persistent challenges faced by municipalities and enhance their financial management and governance systems, her department has successfully concluded a ground-breaking 40-day Audit Action Acceleration Plan (AAP).
Rosho said the culminating session marked a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing commitment to rectify issues highlighted by the Auditor General (AG) in the audit reports of various municipalities. She further said the 40-day AAP, which commenced in June 2023, has been specifically designed to guide municipalities and their entities in navigating the complex landscape of addressing audit-related concerns raised by the AG.
“Under the direction of the Provincial Treasury, municipalities were provided with comprehensive guidance on the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. Furthermore, tailored action plans were developed and implemented, outlining specific activities aimed at resolving the identified issues.
“This forward-looking approach also allowed for the continuous monitoring and refinement of these action plans, with the ultimate aim of improving the anticipated 2023 audit outcomes. It is important to closely monitor and support municipalities in order to counter the negative narrative surrounding the province,” said Rosho.
She added that, there is a need for a hands-on support program to facilitate the preparation and submission of Annual Financial Statements (AFS). Rosho also expressed confidence that, this approach would yield enduring results, ultimately leading to enhanced municipal operations and service delivery.
“We are happy with the encouraging progress made since the implementation of the AAP. This is because of the unwavering commitment displayed by various municipalities in addressing the identified issues head-on.
“It is significant to recognise challenges and proactively address them as a means to steer institutions in the right direction through challenges and problem identification. The municipalities will be steered in the right direction upon resolving their issues,” she said.
Rosho cautioned municipalities from avoiding, identifying, and resolving financial problems as stipulated by the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). She underlined the importance of prudent financial management to avoid undue expenditure that could potentially compromise the stability of municipalities.
“As the culmination of the AAP approaches, municipalities are preparing to submit their Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the 2022/2023 financial year to the AG on 31 August 2023. This critical juncture marks a pivotal moment for the province as the concerted efforts of the Provincial Treasury and municipalities seek to effect lasting change in governance and financial management practices.
Sestwhantsho: Baithuti ba paregile matseno a sekolo le go fisa makgetlhe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Seemo se boetse setlwaeding kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Motsemme kwa motseng wa Modimong, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa baithuti ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto le go fisa makgetle mo letsatsing la Labone mo bekeng e e fetileng, mme ba ikuela gore morutabana o o sekegilweng mo tirong, Lawrence Maboitshege a busediwe kwa sekolong.
Go kaiwa fa morutabana a ile a teketa moithuti mongwe kwa sekolo, mme seo sa lebisa kwa goreng mogokgo ga mmogo le Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima ba mo sekege. Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima le kaile fa seo ele go letla dipatlisiso gore di tswelele ntle le go kgorelediwa.
Fela, seo sene sa shakgatsa baithuti, mme ba ne ba bolotsa mogwanto. Dithuto dine tsa kgoreletsega, mme mo letsatsing la maabane, seemo sene se boetse setlwaeding.
Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane, o kaile fa go na le batho bangwe ba ba tlhotlheletsang baithuti go ka tsweletsa mogwanto kwa sekolong le go kgoreletsa dithuto.
“Gona le dipatlisiso tse di tsweletseng kgatlhanong le morutabana mongwe kwa sekolong se se golwane sa Motsemme kwa Modimong. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa goreng baithuti ba bolotse mogwanto. Jaaka Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bohirima, re ikuela go baithuti go se ikamanye ka gope le tiriso dikgoka le go thulana le molao, gonne ba tla feleletsa ba sitisitse dipatlisiso tse di tsweletseng.
“Baithuti ba tshwanetse go tswelela ka go ithuta, gonne ke se ba se tletseng kwa sekolong. Lefapha le tsweletse ka dipatlisiso, mme morutabana o o kailweng, o beilwe mo tlase ga matsatsi a boikhutso a kgethegileng fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.
Are gape ba ikuela go botlhe ba ba tlhotlheletsang baithuti go ka baka dikhuduwego go ka emisa, gonne seo se sa siama ebile sele kgatlhanong le molao. Molokwane are botlhe ba ba dirang jalo, ba ka tseelwa dikgato.
Kgabagare, modulasetilo wa lekhotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, Mosimanegape Moncho are: “Go ile ga nna le ketsaetsego fela kwa sekolong mabapi le kgang e. Ga jaaka, ke tla netefatsa fa morutabana o, a neetswe matsatsi a boikhutso a pobolo.
“Ga ke batle go tsena thata mo dikgannyeng tsa gore go diragetseng, mme fela seemo se boetse setlwaeding. Rele ba lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, re ikuela go baithuti go emisa ka dikhuduego.”
The Guardian 