By OBAKENG MAJE

The bogus attorney, Tebogo George Letloleng (42) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 26 September 2023 following his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and theft worth approximately R218 100. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the alleged commission of crime took place between July 2020 and December 2022 in Taung.

“It is alleged that Letloleng has been masquerading as a qualified, admitted, and enrolled legal practitioner, wherein he would approach accused persons and their families waiting to appear before court and convince them that, he could represent them in court for various criminal and civil cases at a fee.

“The said consultations were allegedly conducted in the court building and at his residential place. However, he failed to act as promised thus making his clients question his credibility,” she said.

Malwetse further said the meticulous investigation by the SCCI, revealed that Letloleng made several appearances in court, wherein he allegedly introduced himself on record to presiding officers as the appointed attorney.

She added that, moreover, his qualifications were verified, and found that he did not meet the requirements to be admitted and enrolled as a legal practitioner in terms of Section 26 (1) of the Legal Practice Act, Act 28 of 2014.

“His case was adjourned to 28 September 2023 for formal bail application,” said Malwetse.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the efforts of the team for their persistence in ensuring the arrest of the suspect.

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Picture: former municipal manager of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Shikwane, and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former municipal manager of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Shikwane (51), and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa (51) briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 27 September 2023 for fraud.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, that in December 2018, Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with Disaster Relief materials. Mathebula further said the accused allegedly authorised payment to the tune of over R1 million to Marole Trading without following proper supply chain processes.

“Marole Nameng Trading, which Moses Malesa is the Director of, received payment but never delivered the procured materials. Following an investigation, the accused were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit.

“Shikwane was arrested on 26 September 2023 in Hartbeespoort, while Malesa handed himself over this morning, 27 September 2023. The pair briefly appeared in court and were granted bail. Shikwane was granted R10 000 bail, while Malesa was released on R5 000,” he said.

Mathebula added that, Shikwane and Malesa’s fraud case was postponed to 16 October 2023 for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution for their collaboration on the case.

They have vowed to continue working together to stamp the authority of the state in the province.

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Picture: The North West Department of Education employee, Simon Nenzani/Sourced

By OBAKENG MAJE

The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of Ncedile Simon Nenzani, who was working for the North West Department of Education in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Nenzani (58) was attached to the Learner Social Support Services in the district.  

The District Director at North West Department of Education, Mojakhumo Dithejane said in a letter: “It is with deepest sympathy and heavy hearts to share the devastating news on the passing of Nenzani, who was involved in a car accident this morning.

“Nenzani was attached to Learner Social Support Services in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. The funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Our sincere condolences are conveyed to the family and colleagues. May they find comfort and peace during this time.”

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the accident took place on N18 road, near Dryharts in the morning of 27 September 2023. She further said, that two vehicles which were involved in the accident, were travelling in opposite directions.

“The other one was driving towards Pudimoe direction, while the other one was driving towards Vryburg direction. On passing each other, the vehicles collided by sides.

“The impact caused the drivers to lose control resulting in one of the drivers being slung out of the vehicle. One person died on the scene of the accident and another one suffered serious injuries,” she said.

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Picture: The EFF councillor, Betty Diale

By OBAKENG MAJE

The warrant of arrest has been issued by the Rustenburg Regional Court against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale for allegedly failing to appear in court. Diale (52) was arrested for allegedly stealing approximately R700 000 belonging to Road Accident Fund (RAF) beneficiaries.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011.

“She was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. This comes after the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.

“The claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the payout and subsequently reported the matter to the police for investigation. The Legal Practice Council has since struck Diale off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney,” said Mamothame.

He further said the trial for the matter was set to start on 26 September 2023 and Diale provided no reasons to the court for her absence. Mamothame added that all necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for the trial, as she opted to represent herself.

“A new trial date will be set following her arrest,” he said.

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Setshwantsho: Motho a le mongwe otlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa tsela-kgolong ya N18

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Motho a le mongwe o tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya tsela gaufi le motse wa Dryharts mo tsela-kgolong ya N18 mo letsatsing la gompieno. Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, ke dijanaga di le pedi tse di amegileng mo kotsing eo.

“Dijanaga di le pedi di ne di kgweetsa mo tseleng ya N18 gaufi le motse wa Dryharts fa se sengwe se labile kwa ntlheng ya Pudimoe, mme se sengwe se lebile kwa ntlheng ya Vryburg. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi mongwe wa sejanaga mo go tsone tse di amegileng, a ne a thula se sengwe mo letlhakoreng.

“Seo, sene sa dira gore mokgweetsi wa sejanaga seo a latlhegelwe ke taolo. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa dingwaga di le 58 a ne a tlhatswa ke sejanaga, mme a tlhokafalela mo lifelong la tiragalo. Motho a le mongwe one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo tse di masisi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Van Rooyen are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing eno ditsweletse.

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Picture: The Police in JTG District celebrate Heritage Day/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mothibistad, Northern Cape celebrated Heritage Day in style on 26 September 2023. The John Taolo Gaetsewe District police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi

Said, the day was filled with fun, laughter, dance, good food, and colourful cultural attire.

Makoloi further said the celebration also acknowledged respect and appreciation to the SAPS members for their hard work and commitment. She added that, participants were from the Mothibistad Detective Branch, VISPOL, and Support services.

“Captain Elisabeth Malesiwe welcomed all participants and outlined the purpose of the day. South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ because of its colour and diversity, and unity of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. Heritage plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace, and economic development.

“The Station Commander, Col Moetsi concluded the successful and eventful day by acknowledging and appreciating all the members, who participated and contributed their decorations and positive spirit throughout the day,” said Makoloi.

The police in Kimberley celebrated their Heritage Day at the SANDF Sports Grounds at Diskobolos in Kimberley. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The initiative was spearheaded by the Provincial SAPS Women’s Network and Men for Change structures and celebrated under this year’s heritage month theme: “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”.

“The participants were from the SAPS Provincial Components, Frances Baard District Office and stations within the greater Kimberley precinct. The day was graced with the presence of the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Maj Gen Henriette De Waal and Ms Dumukazi Magibolo and her delegation from Metropolitan, who were the panel of adjudicators at the event.”

Meanwhile, Bloem said in her keynote address that, South Africa is known as the rainbow nation with all the different cultures and languages. She said South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ due to its colour and diversity, and unity of various cultural, racial or ethnic groups.

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Picture: Some of the young people at the Landfill Site, where medical waste was allegedly disposed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Department of Health is under scrutiny after medical waste and patient records were allegedly found dumped at a landfill site in Ventersdorp. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in North West, Freddy Sonakile, they were shocked after they discovered discarded medical waste and patient records at the landfill site during their oversight visit.

Sonakile further said, they have reported the matter to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, and called for an urgent investigation into this negligent behaviour.

“Medical waste recklessly discarded poses a serious health risk to people. The disposal of it is heavily regulated to prevent infection of numerous diseases. Patients also have a right to privacy and medical records must be safely stored for at least six years after they become dormant.

“We are also concerned with the unacceptable state of the facility and the risks it poses to the environment. The residents and have lodged a complaint with the Green Scorpions for investigation,” he said.

Sonakile further said, it is quite evident that, the landfill site fails to comply with the national norms and standards for the disposal of waste to landfill as regulated in the National Environment Management: Waste Act. He added that, one cell remains incomplete and the other is unused.

“The landfill site is not properly fenced or secured and the dumped waste is not being classified. Due to the poor fencing, people enjoy free access to the landfill site. We sadly noticed people collecting dumped expired foodstuffs for consumption.

“Children were also playing around the landfill site exposing them to dumped toxic substances putting them at risk of injury or contracting infections. The JB Marks Local Municipality must also account for the poor state of this landfill site,” said Sonakile.

He said the municipality should urgently take action to fence and secure the site. According to Sonakile, the municipality should also ensure proper access control, bring the incomplete and unused cells into operation, and enforce the regulated dumping of waste.  

“The Green Scorpions must intervene and hold all stakeholders responsible for the poor state of the landfill site accountable. They must also assess the level of environmental degradation caused by the poor operation of the landfill site, as well as the health impact on the residents living nearby,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “There is no evidence of negligence found. There were no patient records found by the investigation at the dumping site nor was there any evidence of medical waste. Only burnt empty boxes of medicine were found.

“It is true that medical waste poses risks to the public at large and the environment if is incorrectly disposed of. However, no record of incorrect disposal of medical waste was found. Our medical records are kept in safe storage.”

Lekgethwane said the department has piloted digitalization of files at three health facilities in the province thus far.

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Picture: The missing Ruwaiden Whitlow/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Springbok (FCS) Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit requests the assistance of the public in tracing Ruwaiden Whitlow (16) from Buffelsrivier near Komaggas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Ruwaiden is mentally challenged and has been missing since 18 September 2023. 

“He was last seen near a farm in Komaggas but allegedly ran away when the police were called. Ruwaiden was last seen wearing a white jacket with blue tracksuit pants and flops at the time he went missing.

“The members of Springbok FCS joined members of Komaggas SAPS, the SAPS Search and Rescue team, and members of the Airline who fine-combed the farms and surrounding areas. Anyone with information can call Capt Love on 0828744532 or SMS anonymously to 32211 or utilize the MySaps App,” he said.

Kock further said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. He added that the investigation continues.

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department has concluded the Grade 12 Preparatory Examinations that started on 28 August 2023 and finished on 22 September 2023 with no major incidents reported.

Motsumi lauded teachers and learners for successful exams.

“On behalf of the department, I wish to thank the school community, namely teachers, learners, and parents for the successful preliminary exams.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to community members for not disturbing schooling during these crucial times. This is a sign of solidarity in the cause of revolutionising education for an African child,” she said.  

Motsumi further said, the schools across the province will have spring camps that will run from 29 September until 8 October 2023 to close content gaps in the problematic areas of learning encountered by learners.

She added that, during this time, schools will be on recess until 11 October 2023.

“I would like to thank teachers, learners and parents for the success of the preparatory exams. On behalf of the department, I wish to thank my esteemed teachers, who held the fort to ensure examinations continue with no major incidents. 

“I also thank parents for ensuring that, learners are at school on time and affording them the opportunity to write. The Preparatory Examination forms a vital component of candidates’ final School-Based Assessment (SBA) marks,” said Motsumi.

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Picture: The policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme stationed at the Schweizer Reneke Police Station/Facebook   

By OBAKENG MAJE

The alleged corrupt policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme is expected to briefly appear before Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 27 September 2023. Moleme was arrested for corruption in Schweizer Reneke and was granted a R7000 bail.

Moleme, who was working as a Detective, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) in broad daylight on 29 August 2023 in Schweizer Reneke.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him and introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.

“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.

“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court.

Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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