A bus ferrying passengers allegedly caught fire between Klerksdorp and Wolmaranstad on 21 September 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said that even though there is no case opened, the Intercape Bus Company is investigating the cause of the fire.
“No case was registered and the Intercape Bus Company investigation team is investigating the cause of the fire. No loss of lives or any injuries were reported,” said Botma.
A bus ferrying passengers allegedly caught fire between Klerksdorp and Wolmaranstad on 21 September 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said that even though there is no case opened, the InterBase Bus Company is investigating the cause of the fire.
“No case was registered and the InterBase Bus Company investigation team is investigating the cause of the fire. No loss of lives or any injuries were reported,” said Botma.
Picture: The illicit cigarettes confiscated by police/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men who were arrested for allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes were granted R10 000 bail by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 20 September 2023. Badu Mohammed (42), Kibru Akuri (37), and Shadikur Rayman (21) were arrested during a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs on 19 September 2023.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the trio was arrested in their respective shops around Potchefstroom and a variety of illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million were seized for further investigation.
“All three accused were charged with contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. They were each released on R10 000 bail and their cases were postponed to 3 November 2023 for further investigation,” she said.
Picture: Two suspects who allegedly raped a woman at Barkley West Resort/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating a kidnapping and rape case at Delportshoop.
On 29 August 2023, two unknown assailants allegedly forced a woman (22) into their black sedan, a Mercedes Benz vehicle at Borrelskop in Delportshoop, and drove with her to the Barkley West Resort, where they allegedly raped her.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, that during the time of the alleged offence, one of the suspects was of slender build, wearing a white t-shirt and brown trousers. He said the other man was medium build, also wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.
“It is alleged that both suspects had a Nigerian accent. Anyone who may have information that may lead to the apprehension and arrest of the suspects can contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Liberty Mamapula at 083 369 3589 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: The Director of Obontse Trading and Projects CC, Macdonald Peloebuang Gaelejwe/LinkedIn
By OBAKENG MAJE
A Director of Obontse Trading and Projects CC, Macdonald Peloebuang Gaelejwe has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of R50 000 by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 20 September 2023.
Gaelejwe was arrested for contravention of Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011. Between 2014 and 2018, Gaelejwe failed to register the said companies for VAT within 21 business days.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, the total value of taxable income supplies made by Obontse Trading and Projects CC in 12 months exceeded R1 million. Mnisi further said Gaelejwe was given a fine of R2000 payable before or on 7 October 2023.
“Thereafter, R2000 before or on 7 of each cumulative month until the fine is fully paid off. Gaelejwe was not declared unfit to possess a firearm,” she added.
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Prince Mashimbye, is pleased with the investigating team and thanked the members for securing a successful conviction.
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) said it was shocked to report that, Klerksdorp parking lot assault victim, Hilton Pretorius (32) had on Wednesday, succumbed to his injuries in hospital and died. The MRM Provincial Interim Committee convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said, they call for the R2000 bail granted to the accused, Wernich Botha (33), who was arrested in connection with the vicious attack to be immediately revoked.
“We send our heartfelt condolence messages to the Pretorius family and condemn the incident that cost the life of their son as tragic and heart-wrenching. It would be miscarriage of justice for the accused to freely roam our streets and to be only formally charged with murder when he appears in court on the 19 October 2023.
“The rule of law must be upheld and justice seen to be done for the bereaved family to find closure. This development will undoubtedly further complicate the life of Botha, who had allegedly run amok in a fit of rage instead of sensibly processing the situation, exercising restraint, and walking away from it after finding his girlfriend with Pretorius who was her ex,” he said.
Kgwele highlighted that, the vicious attack has not only destroyed the lives of two young men who were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Natasha Fisher, but also affected PW Roos who was among the men that were allegedly also attacked by the enraged Botha at the scene.
He further said, Roos purportedly had to get 17 stiches, suffered a concussion and injuries to his shoulder after he was floored by Botha’s powerful punch like Pretorius.
“We urge men who are experiencing pressure in their relationships to seek professional help, instead of taking matters into their own hands. Violence is not an answer. We must as part of reclaiming community moral values outlined in the Charter of Positive Values, promote fidelity as well as counter senseless violence including aggressive and rude behaviour,” added Kgwele.
Picture: Illegal miners arrested during high-density operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
In an effort to address the pursuit of illicit mining activities in the Namakwa District, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said, they have executed a two-in-one joint multi-disciplinary operation with the main focus on illicit mining at the AK 64 mining block and the Springbok hostel situated in Kleinsee.
Otola said the multi-disciplinary operation was conducted in the Namakwa area and dealt illegal miners a hard blow, following a crime intelligence-driven operation that was executed over two days.
“The operation commenced on 19 September 2023 and ended on 20 September 2023. During the disruptive actions, a total of 867 persons were apprehended and arrested for various offences of whom the majority were undocumented persons.
“The operation focused on illegal mining activities in the Kleinzee area during which numerous digging equipment and implements were confiscated. During the disruptive actions, police entered the mining areas and arrested illegal diggers in the unauthorized areas,” she said.
Otola further said the Springbok hostels were also demolished after the police actions. She added that, unfortunately, three men were injured during the actions and received medical treatment afterwards.
“Various SAPS Stations and units within the Namakwa District, Provincial Components and the Department of Home Affairs participated in the execution of the operation. Immigration officials were on-site during the execution of the operation.
“All detainees will be appearing in various magistrate’s courts within the district and will be transferred to holding facilities. Three SAPS helicopters assisted the ground forces with aerial support by directing them in the mining area,” said Otola.
She also commended the multi-disciplinary task teams including the management of the AK 64 mine, who assisted in the execution of the disruptive actions and stated that, these actions sent a clear message to illegal miners that their disregard for the law will not be tolerated and continuous actions will prevail unabated and relentlessly.
Otola also thanked the members of all agencies for their commitment and dedication in this collaborative quest to reclaim the mines from illegal diggers and at the same time, issued a clear message to the locals that harbouring illegal foreigners and undocumented persons is an offence, and they will be prosecuted.
A man has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for raping his ex-girlfriend. On 18 March 2022 at around 9pm, the victim was walking home with her boyfriend in Olifantshoek when they came across her ex-boyfriend, David Vis (31).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Vis started insulting and eventually assaulted the victim. Shemane further said the victim’s boyfriend could not intervene because he had a fractured arm.
“The accused then forcefully took the victim to his shanty and raped her. She reported the incident and the suspect was arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody.
“On Monday, 18 September 2023, the Kuruman Regional Court sentenced Vis to 20 years direct imprisonment for rape. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be recorded in the National Register for sex offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for making sure that the accused is convicted and sentenced accordingly.
Otola also applauded Sergeant Boikanyo Pilane for his thorough and meticulous investigative work. GBVF remains a priority for the police in the province and we continue to vigorously address it.
Former Plant Manager of Sishen Iron Ore Company at Kolomela mine, Johan Breedt was sentenced for corruption by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 19 September 2023. Breedt was arrested in December 2020 by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team, together with two other sentenced persons, Anthony Meyer, Theunes Burger and Burma Plant Hire.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, that in April 2016, the Breedt nominated Burma Plant Hire to load and haul the final dense medium separation product to the plant production beds.
“The company was awarded a tender to work at Kolomela Mine for the period of July 2016 and July 2017. Between July 2016 and December 2016, the accused demanded monthly payments of R40 000 and gifts from Burma Plant Hire to ensure that the company continued to get work at the mine.
“The accused, through his unlawful activities, benefitted R627 370 in cash and gifts from the company. On 3 July 2023, he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of corruption and 10 counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to 3 years’ correctional supervision on all counts of corruption and money laundering,” said Mnisi.
She further said Breedt was further ordered to pay an amount of R627 320, which he unduly benefitted through his illegal activities. Mnisi added that, the case against Burma Plant Hire was remanded to 28 November 2023 for trial.
The North West Department of Education will be hosting the Provincial Spelling Bee Competition for primary school learners from the four districts who are between Grades 4 and 6 at Mafikeng Primary School School Hall, in Mafikeng on 21 September 2023.
The North West MEC for Education spokesperson, Viola Motsumi said as part of the Read to Lead Campaign, the Spelling Bee Competition assists in promoting the love of reading through the promotion of reading clubs in schools, annually.
“A Spelling Bee is a game or Competition in which the participants compete in Spelling words orally. The National Spelling Bee Championship is targeting learners in Grades 4 to 6 to improve their reading ability.
“This initiative will improve the ability of learners at the primary level. On behalf of the department, l really want to applaud our national department for facilitating this initiative. Early this year the 2023 Background report for the 2030 Reading Panel indicated that most Grade one learners leave without knowing all alphabets,” she said.
Motsumi further said this initiative will assist in fighting illiteracy at the primary school level. She added that the province has introduced a number of measures like reading corner, individual reading, group reading, etc, to fight this challenge amongst primary school learners.
The Guardian 