Picture: Two suspects nabbed with illicit cigarettes/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 1,000 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela across the West. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said the suspects have been arrested for various crimes such as possession of drugs, dealing in drugs, rape, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
She said others were charged for assault common, murder, burglary at business and residential premises, for malicious damage to property, for driving under the influence of liquor and undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During operation and execution, 5 330 persons, 389 premises and 878 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the closure of 18 unlicensed liquor premises and 200 licensed liquor premises were inspected.
“Furthermore, the operation led to confiscations of liquor, a variety of drugs, 39 explosives, three dangerous weapons and seven firearms. In one of the operations conducted in Mmabatho on Friday, a white Suzuki Ertiga, which was travelling from Delareyville was stopped during a roadblock on the N18 (Mahikeng/Vryburg) road,” said Botma.
She further said the vehicle was searched and 20 master cases of Remington Gold cigarettes worth R425 040.00 were found. Botma added that, the suspects aged 24 and 34 were arrested after failing to account for the cigarettes.
“The vehicle was also confiscated for further investigation. The suspects briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court today for possession of illicit cigarettes,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Management applauded the dedication of police officers for their active participation in various operations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of their communities.
Baagi ba ba sa itumelang ba kwa motse-setoropong wa Pampierstad ba kaile fa go elela ga metsi a leswe kwa mebileng ya bone go tsenya matshelo a bone mo kotsing. Baagi bano, ba boleletse SABC News fa ba lekile ka bojotlhe go ka buisana le masepala wa selegae wa Phokwane go ka baakanya mafaratlhatlha a kgelelo-leswe, fela boikuelo jwa bone bo sa sekegelwe tsebe.
Mongwe wa baagi, Joseph Khisane wa tlhalosa.
“Rena le lebaka le le telele thata re ntse re itemogela go elela ga metsi a leswe mo tulong ya rona. Ka dinako tse dingwe, re kgona go dula dikgwedi di feta nne rentse re itemogela bothata jo ntle le go bona thuso go tswa kwa masepaleng.
“Seno se ama boitekanelo jwa rona, ebile re setse re tshoga ka seemo sa botshelo se re tshelelang mo go tlase ga sone. Se re se kopang kwa masepaleng, ke go baakanya mafaratlhatlha a bone a kgelelo-leswe gore re tle re bone boikhutso mo matshelong a rona,” Khisane wa tlhalosa.
O mongwe wa baagi, Emelia Ngwenya are ka dinako tse dingwe, bana ba na le go tshamekela mo metsing a leswe ao, mme seo se kotsi thata. Ngwenya o kaile fa ba ile ba patelesega go ka dira mosele wa metsi go efoga gore tsologelo ya kgelelo-leswe e se tsene mo magaeng a bone.
Tebogo Modise le ene o bua puo e lenngwe le baagi bano. Modise are, bontsi jwa bone, ba beile ditene mo magaeng a bone gore ba ke ba kgone go tsamaya sentle go ya kwa mebileng, gonne kgelelo-leswe e tshologela kwa malapeng a bone.
“Ga re sa tlhole re kgona le go tswa mo matlung a rona, gonne metsi a leswe a elela gotlhe fela mo re tsamayang teng. Re ile ra tshwanelwa ke go baya ditene gore re kgone go feta, mme ntle le jalo, o tla iphitlhela o sena mo o gatang teng,” Modise wa tlhalosa.
Sebueledi sa masepala wa Phokwane, Kgalalelo Letshabo are: “Go elela ga kgelelo-leswe e tsweletse go nna tlhoba-boroko. Seno se bakwa ke mafaratlhatlha a tsofetseng a kgelelo-leswe. Fela, gona le porogerama e e tsweletseng kwa Pampierstad e koo mafaratlhatlha a dipeipe tse di gelelang leswe tsa asbestos di tsweletse go ntshiwa, mme go tsenngwa tse dintsha.”
Kgabagare, komishini wa ditshwanelo tsa botho mo Afrika Borwa, e kaile fa e tlile go nna le kopano ga mmogo le baagi le masepala go ka tlisa tharabololo.
Picture: The police attending a crime scene/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 70 suspects were arrested for various crimes across the Northern Cape during a multi-disciplinary operation dubbed Operation Shanela. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police will continue to remain focused on stabilising the crime situation in all hotspot areas in the province.
“Disruptive actions in crime in hotspot areas across the province commenced on 24 until 27 August 2023. Actions and police activities executed during the operations include vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and tracing operations by detectives.
“Thirty-two VCPs and 15 roadblocks were conducted during which 3 457 vehicles were stopped and 7 438 persons searched. 666 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses as well as mines,” he said.
Shemane further said 70 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, dealing and possession of drugs, stock theft, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, and possession of precious metals.
He added that 85 wanted suspects were traced and arrested for various crimes specifically focusing on contact crimes.
“The police seized drugs, alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that operations will continue to remain intentional in addressing all crimes in the province. Otola also commended the police for their relentless efforts in the continued collective fight against crime.
A man aged 36 has been arrested for murder. It is alleged that, the suspect committed a murder during the early hours of Sunday morning at Huhudi Township, in Vryburg.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the suspect and deceased (21) were with the girlfriend of the deceased at a residence in Huhudi when an argument ensued.
“It is alleged that the deceased and the suspect had a misunderstanding about the girlfriend of the deceased when they started to fight and the deceased was stabbed with a sharp object.
“The victim was declared dead on the scene and a murder case was opened for investigation. The suspect is due to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, commended the police for their swift action in ensuring that the suspect was apprehended.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo/Twitter
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called for a culture of work, service and professionalism within the public sector and key stakeholders.
Mahlobo made the remarks during the Emfuleni Section 63 Support Stakeholder Meeting held at Vereeniging, Gauteng, on Friday.
The meeting, which was attended by Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Sipho Radebe and stakeholders from various structures representing business and civil society within the Sedibeng District Municipality, aimed to provide an update on the progress made on the Emfuleni Section 63 Interventions, and the planned work leading up to the commissioning of pump station 5, which has a capacity of 150 mega litres a day.
In 2021, Minister Senzo Mchunu invoked and placed Emfuleni Local Municipality under Section 63 of the Water Services Act and took over water and sanitation services following the municipality’s failure to manage its water and sanitation services, which resulted in sewer spillages in communities and into the Vaal River, polluting the raw water source.
The objective of the Section 63 interventions is to address sewerage spillage in the Sedibeng District’s Emfuleni and Midvaal, as a result of lack of maintenance and aging infrastructure, and demand that is higher than waste water treatment capacity.
Rand Water was appointed as an implementing agent to deliver an effective solution that will eradicate pollution in the river and its tributaries, and address water and sanitation service delivery challenges, inhibiting both social and economic development in the region.
Mahlobo was appointed by Mchunu to chair the Political Stakeholder Committee of the project in the region to keep all stakeholders abreast of the progress in the implementation of the intervention.
Mahlobo noted the overwhelming progress on the work that has been done to address spillages, and urged the department and other water sector stakeholders to improve their work ethic, service delivery, and professionalism, stressing the significance of regular information sharing to demonstrate the progress being made, and to foster patience among the public.
He said this approach will ensure that stakeholders are well-informed about the ongoing developments, and can collaboratively address any challenges that arise.
The Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of transparency in water management.
“The sharing of information plays a crucial role in informing the public about the measures implemented to enhance the provision of adequate water services. It also allows for clarification on the progress made in various water projects.
“This, in turn, helps to build trust and confidence within the public. Additionally, transparency holds all stakeholders accountable for their actions, thus enhancing good governance within the water sector,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted a need for collaborative efforts with the private sector to succeed.
He said, it is through the collective efforts of the department, including stakeholders, and the public, that meaningful change can occur.
“By cultivating a culture of work, service, and professionalism, the water and sanitation sector can address existing challenges and pave the way for a future marked by sustainable and equitable access to water resources,” the Deputy Minister said.
A number of stakeholders also expressed their gratitude towards progress made by the intervention, adding that it has been evident that the Emfuleni Section 63 worked extremely well and that more opportunities must be availed for women.
Significant progress in water-related projects
The Rand Water, which is responsible for supplying potable water to the Gauteng Province, highlighted significant progress in various water-related projects.
In its reports, the utility noted that the refurbishment of pump station 2 is currently at 80% completion with pump station 9, which has reached 50% completion.
The utility also highlighted that the gravity main to pump station 2 is halfway through its renovation, while pump station 10 is nearing completion at 95%.
Another progress noted was the successful completion of the collapsed sewer pipeline at Union Street in Vereeniging, which is 100% completed.
Mahlobo concluded the meeting by directing the Department of Water and Sanitation Provincial Head for Gauteng, Justice Maluleke and his team to ensure that real issues are captured and site visits take place at the specific areas and feedback given. – SAnews.gov.za
Three suspects were nabbed for being in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of state property and possession of stolen property. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said three men aged 36, 39 and 62 were arrested during a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Mmakau police, Brits Trio Task Team, and Crime Intelligence.
“The police received a tip-off about a Toyota Corolla of which the occupants allegedly attempted to hijack a truck in Parys, Free State Province. It was further indicated that the suspects were heading in the Rustenburg/Mooinooi direction.
“The vehicle was spotted driving towards Mooinooi on the N4 road and the team promptly responded. A car chase ultimately ensued, but the suspect’s vehicle was stopped at Kgware Road (M21) near De Wildt Crossing,” she said.
Botma said upon searching, the police found a Z88 pistol with one magazine and 11 ammunition, one RETAY MOD 92 pistol with 10 ammunition, blank ammunition, a police blue lamp, two pair of handcuffs, one wallet with SAPS badge, three black hoodies and cash.
She further said the police also seized the suspect’s vehicle for further investigation. Botma added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile, the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District Police Commissioner, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape, commended the police for their collaboration, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of firearms and ammunition.
Setshwantsho: Nama ya kgomo e e bonweng mo balatofadiweng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe morago ga gore sepodisi se fitlhelele dirope tsa nama ya kgomo e go belaelwang e ne e utswilwe golo gongwe kwa polasing kwa Kimberley. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa Kimberley, Sarasanta Dikeledi Gopane, tiragalo e ke ya Labone wa beke e e fetileng.
“Sepodisi go tswa kwa lephateng le le rebang bosinyi, lene la tshwara banna ba le bararo ka Labone kwa Marrick Safari Farm. Batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ne ba tsweletse ka tiro ya bone ya twantsho ya bosinyi fa ba ne ba fitlhelela tshedimosetso ya gore gona le banna bangwe ba ba tlhabang kgomo golo gongwe.
“Ba ne ba itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba fitlhela banna ba dingwaga dile 20, 22 ga mmogo 30 ka nama ya kgomo. Kgomo e e bolailweng e lekanyediwa go madi a kanang ka R15 000. Sepodisi se bone gape le digalapane jaaka thipa, selepe ga mmogo le kgetsi tse go dumelwang fa di dirisitswe fa gone go tlhabiwa kgomo e,” Gopane wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Gopane o kaile fa banna ba, bane ba tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go tsoma go go seng mo molaong. Are ba tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Kimberley mo nakong e e sa fediseng pelo.
More than 1000 people were searched during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted by the SAPS, Department of Correctional Services, SARS Customs, Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office, SANDF, Provincial and Municipal Traffic through ZF Mgacuwa District on Friday.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphime Masegela said women were at the forefront of the operation and they were under the overall command of the District Police Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi.
“This joint operation was conducted through roadblocks by collaborating with neighbouring stations in their respective areas, compliance inspections, high visibility and raiding of illegal liquor outlets.
“A total of 878 vehicles were stopped, 1549 persons were searched and traffic fines amounting to R32 100 were issued. Also, J534 fines worth R3 400 were issued. The public awareness on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and substance abuse was raised by means of pamphlet distribution to motorists,” Masegela said.
He further said, the police also raided a tuckshop for illegal trading in liquor in the Rosedale area. Masegela added that, the police confiscated liquor to the value of R 24 247.30 and arrested a man aged 39.
“The operation concluded with crime prevention patrols and high visibility in Upington CBD, policing the taxi plaza, shopping centres, and ATMs,” he said.
The ANCYL in North West said it condemns the criminal activity that took place at Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp, where 58 learners were allegedly robbed of their tablets. The incident took place on Sunday morning, while learners were in camp.
It is alleged that in the early hours of Sunday morning at around 4 a.m., six armed men wearing balaclavas gained entry to the school premises. According to allegations, the armed robbers tied the security guard in his guardroom before they proceeded to where learners and a teacher had lodged.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said learners and a teacher had gathered for an organised weekend camp for Grade 12 Physical Science learners.
“A business robbery case was opened and no arrests thus far. It is alleged that the learners at the school were busy with their studies when the suspects wearing balaclavas, entered and pointed them with firearms before taking some cell phones and laptops.
“No injuries were suffered and learners and a teacher were taken to Tshepong Complex Hospital for counselling,” she said.
The ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Kutlwano Masibi said: “We condemn this barbaric act with the strongest terms it deserves and want to reiterate that, such acts do not have space in our community. Furthermore, states that the sale and purchasing of stolen property is equally criminal.
“We further wish to commend the department for having attended to the psycho-social support needs of the learners. We are once more appealing to the police to continue looking out for these criminals, who have no place in our society.”
Masibi further said they call on community members to be on the lookout and come forward with any information that may be of assistance towards the investigations.
He added that, the spread of this action must be vehemently opposed and rejected by all and make sure that this cancerous behaviour does not spread to other parts of the province.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi condemned the incident. Motsumi further said learners were voluntarily joined by five other accounting learners.
“This is an act of cruelty and we call for the perpetrators to be found and brought to book. I am gravely aggrieved by this barbaric act that is deliberately set at drawing an African child backwards.
“As the department, we are progressively improving the quality of education of learners by exposing our learners through engagements that bridge the technological divide by affording them gadgets for educational purposes,” she said.
Motsumi added that it seems they live in a society that is contrary to the progress of the very African child.
“This is unbecoming behaviour and needs to stop. Now we are left with learners with no gadgets and emotionally damaged. I earnestly ask our South African Police Services (SAPS) to move swiftly in their search and arrest of these criminals and bring them to book.
“In the same breath, we are thankful to the Department of Health for stepping in to administer psychological evaluation to the learners. The department will continue to administer psychological support to all learners as of Monday,” said Motsumi.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
Maladministration and corruption allegations hackle the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari’s department. This comes after allegations of political manipulation in the appointment process of the new Head of Department (HOD) at the department surfaced.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said there are allegations that the ranking of the two candidates on the interview list has been switched to benefit a candidate, who is allegedly closely aligned with Lehari.
The DA spokesperson on North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said they are concerned by allegations.
“The Head of Department position has been vacant since April 2022. The position was only advertised in February 2023 and later re-advertised. Interviews were held early in July and an interview report with the results was sent to the North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi, who has since signed off on the appointment of a new Head of Department with effect from 1 September 2023.
“It appears that the results may not have favoured the candidate that Lehari preferred and the process may have been manipulated to make provision for appointing an individual who will be more amenable to the ANC,” he said.
Sonakile further said they will submit a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) to the Office of the Premier, requesting the entire interview report to be released. He added that should allegations of manipulation of the interview and appointment process prove to be true, they will be left with no choice but to explore all avenues at their disposal to reverse the appointment.
“Good governance cannot continue to be undermined because of the ANC’s continued interference with appointment processes within the public service.
“We will not hesitate to stop the ANC-led government in its tracks if any signs of cadre deployment are exposed. We are already legally fighting ANC cadre deployment in court nationally,” said Sonakile.
It is alleged that the appointed Head of Department (who is known to Taung DailyNews), is a staunch member of ANC in North West and a close ally to Lehari. He also holds a PhD from the North West University and he was a popular House DJ in the 90s.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung refuted the allegations and described them as ludicrous. Setswambung said the post of Head of Department was initially advertised on 27 January 2023.
“The advert was placed with a closing date of 10 February 2023. The post was advertised both internally and externally in the North West Provincial Government Intranet, Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular 03 of 2022, and National Publications.
“The initial shortlisting session was held on the 6 April 2023 in Rustenburg and the panel resolved that the post be re-advertised as it had the potential to exclude many competent potential candidates,” he said.
Setswambung said the Head of Department post was subsequently re-advertised on 21 April 2023 both internally and externally in the North West Provincial Government Intranet, Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular No. 14 of 2023 and National Publications with the closing date of 11 May 2023.
He said the interview was held on 4 July 2023 at Rustenburg (Hunters Rest).
“There were eight shortlisted candidates, and seven candidates availed themselves. The candidate who has been recommended and approved for appointment is expected to assume duty on 1 September 2023. We are not aware of any manipulation of the process to favour the recommended candidate.
“All candidates were subjected to a fair selection process i.e. interview, competency assessment, and pre-employment verification process. The panel that interviewed candidates was representative of a balanced Selection Committee of six members, three MECs, the Director General, the National Department of Transport representative, and the Secretariat for Police Services,” said Setswambung.
According to Setswambung, the appointed candidate scored higher than any other recommended candidate and is therefore appointed on merit to the post.
The Guardian 