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.”
Picture: Livestock allegedly drinking contaminated water from sewage spillage/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Itumeleng Maribe said they are working around the clock to ensure that, the challenges of sewage spillage in Pudimoe Township, near Taung have been addressed.
This comes after a former ANC councillor, Lopang Tokwe, and others complained to Newzroom Afrika TV channel that, the sewage spillage overflowed into the river in Matlapaneng village, near Taung and that affected their livestock. According to Tokwe, they are experiencing high levels of livestock mortality due to sewage spillage flowing into the river.
“We have reported the matter to the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) and other departments responsible but nothing has changed. It’s been over 10 years since we have been experiencing this and when we slaughter our animals, you will see that they have been drinking from a sewerage.
“Most of them have a pot-bellied appearance and we have written numerous letters to the municipality for intervention without any response. We even called the department responsible to come and conduct tests,” he said.
Tokwe further said, they were surprised when they were told that the water sample results will be handed over to the municipality. He added that they have tried in vain to gain access to the results to no avail.
The local tribal authority representative, Tshepo Gasekoma shared the same sentiments. Gasekoma said they need a permanent solution to the problem.
“It’s been long since we have been experiencing this. We wrote several letters to the municipality and reported this on every public platform. We even went as far as going to the Office of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe but nothing has happened until today.
“They have never responded but said this is not their competency. They said it is the responsibility of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, but as the tribal authority, we know nothing about that. What we want is a permanent solution because those who are affected are ordinary citizens,” he said.
Gasekoma said the residents go to their office to complain about the ongoing sewage spillage that overflows into the river. He said they even sent Tokwe to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality, however, the response was not satisfactory.
“They keep on saying they are busy appointing the contractor. We urge the municipality to come to us and show us the tangible evidence that indeed, they have appointed a contractor to fix this mess. Again, we have not received the outcome of the testing conducted here,” said Gasekoma.
Meanwhile, Maribe said: On behalf of the Greater Taung Local Municipality, indeed I can confirm that, there is a technical challenge with the main sewage pipe regardless, we are responsible for maintenance.
“We have gone an extra mile and ensured that we raise the main hole so that it will be able to flow better. This cost the municipality not less than R150 000 for material and labour. Regardless, this is the responsibility of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“We can also confirm that we bought chemicals in trying to contain the environmental challenges. Just to add on that, the District Municipality has made a commitment to attend to the challenges on 22 August 2023,” he said.
Maribe said basically, they are working in collaboration with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and made an assessment to come up with a long-term solution.
Setshwantsho: Modiri wa masepala wa selegae wa Naledi, Poloko Sekgopi o latofatswa ka go teketa lekgarebe/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Monna wa dingwaga dile 39 o tlhotse a shadikanya matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg morago ga go latofadiwa ka dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa. Poloko Sekgopi o go kaiwang ele modiri wa masepala wa selegae wa Naledi, one a lelelwa ke ditshipi morago ga go bonwa mo video e tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso a teketa lekgarebe kwa Shell Garage kwa Vryburg ka di 13 Phatwe 2023.
Go ya ka dipego, Sekgopi a ne a tsena kwa Shell Garage a hupile tedu kwa a fitlhetseng lekgarebe le teng, mme a le tlhasela. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Sekgopi one a tlhasela le motlhokomedi wa tshireletso yo oneng a leka go tsereganya.
Van Rooyen are, motlhokomedi o, le ene one a bula kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi.
“Ke nnete, go butswe dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi. Mongwe wa ba ngongoregi mo dikgetsing tseno, ona le dingwaga dile 33. Sekgopi o tlhageletse ka bo ripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la gompieno, mme kgetsi e buseditswe morago.
“Dikgetsi kgatlhanong le ene di buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 23 Phatwe 2023. Ga re itse fa bosekisi bot la kopanya dikgetsi tseo kgotsa di tla seka ka go farologana. Fela, molatofadiwa o tla nna a namile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Lekgotlha gape le tlhotse le utlwile fa Sekgopi ane a bonwa molato mo kgetsing ya go teketa ka Motsheganong 2023 mo kgetsing e e farologaneng le e, mme one a neelwa kotlhao ya dikgwedi dile tharo kwa kgolegelong e e beetsweng thoko sebaka sa dingwaga dile tlhano.
Kgabagare, mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Bokone Bophirima, o kaile fa o goeletsa gore molatofadiwa a se neelwe beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo. Sebueledi sa SANCO mo porofenseng, David Xolile Kham are ba kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.
“Ke ka maswabi go bona motho wa mme a bediwa ke rakgwebo o itsagaleng go tswa kwa North World Circles. Tshotlakako kgatlhanong le bong e goeleditswe jaaka leroborobo mo Afrika Borwa. Jaanong, re rotloetsa banna ba ba dikgoka go ka thusa go aga setshaba se se tsepameng.
“A banna ba atle bomme gona le go ba teketa, kgotsa go ba bolaya. Seo se botsha fa tshotlakako ya bong e sentse ele tlhoba-boroko. Re tlile go ikuela go lefapha la katlatlelo-loago go ka netefatsa fa ba ba sotlakakiwang ba bona bosiamise,” Kham wa tlhalosa.
O kaile gape fa mokgatlho wa SANCO o tlile go sala morago tiragalo e, le go netefatsa fa ba ba molato ba rweswa maikarabelo.
Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa Cokonyane, Thatayaone Senyasamore (29) e tlhotse e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka Laboraro ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa Senyasamore a ne a tlhaba le go bolaya Tshepang Chupane ka sengwe se se bogale.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o kaile fa tiragalo e ele ya ha masigo a sa mo letsatsing la Tshipi mo bekeng e e fetileng. Van Rooyen are, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae kwa Cokonyane morago ga gore banna ba le bararo ba ise moswi, Tshepang yo one a na le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa go bona thuso.
“Fela, go kaiwa fa Tshepang a ne a sentse a tlogetse lefatshe le le ka kwano fa a goroga kwa kliniking. Dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di kaile fa gone ga bulwa kgetsi ya polao, mme Senyasamore one a tshwarwa. One a tlhageletse kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung, mme kgetsi e buseditswe morago,” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, ba lelapa la ga Chupane, ba kaile fa loso la ga Tshepang le ba utlwisitse botlhoko. Motlogolowe Tshepang, Nonosi Chupane are se se diragaletseng lelapa la bone se botlhoko.
“Tota nna ke le esi, kene kere a mo hitlhe. Ga re itse gore sebakwa sa tiragalo e ke eng gonne batho ba bangwe ba kaya fa Senyasamore a ne a nolwe ke lekgarebe lengwe, mme lene la kopa go tsamaya le Tshepang. Go kaiwa fa lekgarebe leo, le dula mo kgaolong e le nngwe le Tshepang.
“Fela, ga re itse bo nnete jwa kgang gonne re ne re seo. Go tlhalositswe fa seo se ile sa tlhola ntwa gareng ga Senyasamore le Tshepang. Gatwe, Senyasamore o ile a lwantsha Tshepang le go mo tlhaba ka screw driver. Hela jaaka ke buile, ga re na bo nnete jwa kgang eo, gonne nna ke ne ke seo,” Chupane wa tlhalosa.
Picture: One of the firearms confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 1000 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the aggressive policing approach is showing its effectiveness through crime prevention and combatting operations.
Myburgh further said its value and impact on the overall policing strategy is showing after 1 059 suspects were arrested across North West from 17- 20 August 2023.
“Forty eight suspects were nabbed for possession of drugs, 42 for dealing in drugs, 27 for illegal dealing in liquor, 90 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 52 for assault common, 31 for burglaries, 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 10 for murder.
“The 209 illegal immigrants were taken in for processing by the Department of Home Affairs. Shanela Operations also resulted in the confiscation of 9 firearms, 1 rifle, 2 shotguns, knives, precious metals, tobacco products, a truck, 8 vehicles, a variety of drugs and explosives, and liquor,” she added.
Myburgh said, furthermore, 5 458 persons and 2506 vehicles were searched, while 199 licensed liquor premises were inspected of which 27 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down. She said in one of the operations in Boitekong on 17 August 2023, a team consisting of Brits Crime Intelligence, Marikana Crime Prevention, Rustenburg K9 and Rustenburg Flying Squad operationalised information received, leading them to an address in Extension 5.
“The police knocked on the door and the suspect aged 24, attempted to flee when he saw the police but was caught. Upon further investigation, the police found two pistols and ammunition in his possession. He was then arrested for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license.
“In another operation conducted in Marikana on Thursday evening, a team consisting of Marikana Crime Prevention, Rustenburg K9, and Rustenburg Flying Squad, conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Tlapa Village. The team found copper to the value of R30 000 at an identified house,” said Myburgh.
She said a suspect (44) could not account for the copper cable and he was immediately arrested. Myburgh said, at Mogwase, another suspect aged 40, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the early hours of the morning of Friday at his house in Diphale Section in Sefikile village.
“The police, consisting of Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and the Rustenburg Mounted Unit, operationalised information received and searched the suspect’s house and found a 9mm pistol, ammunition, and three magazines that the suspect could not account for.
“Lastly, in another incident conducted by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit on Friday, a search warrant was obtained to search a house in Ikageng, Extention 2 in Sarafina. During the search, the police found 21 sticks of Ammonium Nitrate blasting explosives and arrested a man aged 42 for possession of explosives,” she said.
Myburgh said the suspects appeared in various courts throughout the province today.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena expressed his gratitude to all the police including those of other law enforcement agencies and government departments for their participation in the high-density operations. He said the communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that, operation Shanela will be intensified.
Setshwantsho: Petshe e e sa dirisiweng/Tshwantshiso
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Batho ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse kwa motseng wa Kokomeng, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso ha masigo asa. Go begwa fa Daise Meis (49) ga mmogo le motlogolowe, Segomotso Senwedi (24) ba nwetse le go tlhokafala mo petsheng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Segomotso one a ya go ithusa, mme one a wela mo petsheng.
“Go kaiwa fa Segomotso one a kua mokgosi le go kopa thuso ka motsi wa fa a ne a nwela mo petsheng. O begwa fa malomagwe, Daise, a ne a tsiboga le go leka go mo tlhaga thuso. Fela, malome le setlogolo ba ne ba nwela le go tlhokafala ka gangwe mo petsheng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
O kaile fa kgetsi ya morago ga loso ene ya bulwa ke sepodisi sa Taung, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Van Rooyen o kaile fa go fitlha ga jaana, sepodisi se sa belaele fa gona le letsogo la tshwene mo kgannyeng e.
The Guardian 