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.
Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) seeks to raise R500 million and inject it into the North West Transport Investment (NTI). According to the Office of the Premier, this money will assist in paying both the salaries of employees and creditors.
This was said during a joint meeting that both North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committees held with the Office of the Premier, Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management on Tuesday to register progress on the status of the NTI.
The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile together with the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, Aron Motswana, vehemently rejects the view of the Office of the Premier, North West Community Safety and Transport Management together with Provincial Treasury that the appointment of the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Thomas Samson was approved by government.
Cwaile said the committee’s posture on NTI remains unchanged and will continue to rally support behind the North West Community Safety and Transport Management to litigate against BRP and ensure his swift removal. He said they also noted the appointment of the new legal team, which is working on a review of the litigation work already done and actively intended to challenge the appointment of the BRP and seek to interdict and restrain him.
“We have resolved that, the Provincial Treasury should conduct an internal audit on NTI Group and investigate and validate amounts claimed to be owed to creditors. We also support the decision of the provincial government to seek to make budget adjustments to find a reasonable amount of funds to inject into NTI Group for salaries of workers and payments of the creditors.
“The BRP has deteriorated the financial health of the entity and we would like to express our disappointment in the provincial government’s delayed actions to redress and care about the plight of the workers with one of the workers committing suicide due to the frustrations of non-payment,” he said.
However, Cwaile said they appreciate the fact that the provincial government has resolved to rescue the NTI Group. He further said, they also noted and appreciated the active intention to remove the BRP who was irregularly appointed and not able to add any positive impetus to the desire to rescue the entity.
“We noted that no due processes were followed in the appointment of the BRP which was not done as per the resolve of the Executive Council (EXCO) nor through the board resolution. We sought to open a criminal case with the Department of Police for Criminal Investigations (DPCI) known as the Hawks.
“We do this for this reason and amongst others, on the criminal conduct of the BRP, which include flawing processes of supply chain and allegedly awarding tenders to his family members and erroneously disposing of assets of the entity,” said Cwaile.
He added that, they rejected a submission that the EXCO, who is the shareholder of NTI, that it had no role in the processes of business rescue given provisions stated in the Companies Act, 2008.
“The Companies Act, 2008, provides for shareholders as affected persons to enjoy consultative rights which cannot be treated perfunctorily or as just mere formality and that the shareholder has the right to participate in business rescue.
“They may reject the business rescue plan especially if it affects or alters rights associated with class of securities and may propose the development of an alternative plan to acquire interests of any or all creditors. The fulcrum of these rights remains that, shareholders are permitted to vote on the business rescue plan that seeks to change the rights associated with class of securities,” said Cwaile.
Meanwhile, Motswana requested the North West Community Safety and Transport Management and the NTI Group to avail all required records, reports, and documentation to the committee within 14 days to initiate investigations by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) that would look into the mismanagement, and corruption and all acts of malfeasance at the NTI.
“We demand records of all processes followed on the appointment of the BRP and reject the view of abandoned lawyers who sought to help in retaining the BRP,” he said.
Picture: The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi and acting Kgosi of Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa, Mosiameemang Moiloa/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said he had issued a recognition certificate to Mosiameemang Moiloa as the acting Kgosi of Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa, who will assume his duties with immediate effect. Maloyi said issuance of the certificate, follows lengthy consultations with the Royal Family.
“This is aimed at bringing about stability in the community and allowing Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa to participate in the establishment of a Traditional Council in line with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 3 of 2019. As part of his responsibilities, Moiloa will participate in the activities of Ngaka Modiri Molema Local House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
“He will also represent the community at Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality to deal with various challenges of service delivery and in particular provision of water at Dinokana and surrounding villages. This also includes participation and engagements between the provincial government and traditional leaders in finding lasting solutions to challenges of socio-economic concern confronting rural and traditional communities,” he said.
Maloyi further said subsequent to the issuance of the certificate, he has invoked Section 59 of the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership to establish an investigative team to look into challenges of succession into the Bogosi Ba Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa.
He added that, this process will give the Royal Family an opportunity to identify the substantive Kgosi to lead Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa.
The North West police said the attempted murder case against Wernich Botha (33), who was arrested on 7 September 2023, has now been changed to murder. This comes after one of the victims, Hilton Pretorius (32) who was allegedly attacked by Botha died this morning in hospital.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Botha was arrested after an incident that was reported on 3 September 2023 at about 13:30pm. Myburgh further said, Botha allegedly assaulted Pretorius and another man (44) in a parking area at a shopping centre in Doornkruin, near Klerksdorp.
“Both victims were taken to a local hospital and a man (44) was discharged with a shoulder injury and concussion. Pretorius sustained a brain injury and was admitted to the hospital.
“Consequent to the incident, video clips were circulated on various social media platforms. The police would like to request the public to not further share the clips as that can hamper investigations,” she said.
Myburgh added that, Botha briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court at the time facing attempted murder and assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). She said Botha was granted R2000 bail and the case was postponed to 19 October 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said conflict should rather be resolved in a peaceful manner, instead of resorting to violence as that constitutes a criminal offence. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his aunt. On 17 December 2020, the accused accosted his aunt who was asleep, and hit her on the head. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the accused also choked his aunt until she lost consciousness.
Kock said the incident took place at around 1am in Fraserburg. He said the victim woke up naked and realized that, she was raped and robbed of her cell phone, money, and other valuables.
At the time of the incident, the accused and his mother (the victim’s sister) were living at the victim’s house.
“She contacted the police and the accused was arrested hours later. At the time of the incident, the accused was still out on parole on a previous rape case and police opposed bail successfully.
“On 13 September 2023, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court. He was also sentenced to a further 15 years for robbery,” said Kock.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola lauded Detective Constable Jacques Nielsen from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for his meticulous investigation that led to the life-long incarceration of the accused. Otola said the police will continue to say no to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).
Motlhami wa mokgatlho o e seng wa puso wa Ruth K Foundation, Mabu Modisadikwena Molefi, are ba rulagantse metseletsele go ka lwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) le go thopiwa ga batho.
Molefi are metseletsele e, e tla be e tshwerwe kwa Mmabana Taung ka 28 Diphalane 2023.
“Re tlile go bua ka dintlha tse di farologaneng mo metseletseleng e, jaaka kgodiso ya ngwana wa mosimane le mosetsanyana mo matsatsing a se gompieno. Re tla bua gape ka mokgwa o tshotlakako ya bong e amang matshelo a batho ka teng.
“Ke nako jaanong ya gore re ipotse dipotso re le baagi le go tla ja toga-maano ya go lwa kgatlhanong le sera se. Borre le bomme ga mmogo le bana ba rona ba tsweletse go shotlakakiwa mo meweng, mme ebile ba tshelela mo letshogo ka ntlheng ya go kgobiwa ka mafoko le go ntewa,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.
Molefi gape o tsweletse ka gore, fa baagi ba sa eme ka dinao, sera seno se tlile go tswelela go repitla matshelo a bone. Molefi are se se botlhokwa ke tirisano-mmogo mo ntweng kgatlhaong le sera se.
“Goya ka wena jaaka ngwana wa mmala wa sebilo, a o ka ikitaya sefuba wa buwa o sa kgale mathe ganong ore, wena ga ona seabe mo dipalopalong tsa tshotlakako ya bong le go thopiwa ga batho mo Afrika Borwa? Ke kopa o ipotse dipotso, mme o tla re bolela ka di 28 Diphalane 2023.
“Mono ngwaga, re bone go le matshwanedi gore re boeletse dipuisano tse re ne re ditshwere malobanyana fale ka ngwaga wa 2021 kwa motseng wa Disaneng gaufi le Mahikeng. Mme mo ngwageng o, ditsela tsotlhe di lebile kwa Taung. Jaanong, re laletsa mafapha otlhe ga mmogo le baagi ka kakaretso go tla go nna karolo ya ditiragalo,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.
Molefi o kaile fa go tla nna le lenaneo la dipontsho kwa Taung Hotel School kwa bataki batla newang tshono ya go bontsha bokgoni jwa bone. Molefi gape are, seo se tla tshimolola mo mosong, mme go tsweng foo, ba lebe kwa Mmabana Taung kwa moletlo-mogolo o tla be o tshwaretswe teng.
“Ga tla be go nna le borre le bomme ba ditobetobe (Cycling) ba ba tla beng ba kgwetsa ditobetobe tsa bone sekgala sa dikilometara dile 60 go ralala Taung. Seno e tlabe e le karolo ya maiteko a rona a go lemotsha baagi ka ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong le go thopiwa ga batho.
“Mme ka ura ya bo supa mo mosong, go tla be gona le ikatiso kwa Taung Mall. Ikatiso e, e tlabe e eteletswe pele ke mongwe wa bo mmakgonte wa tsa ikatiso go tswa kwa Mmabana Taung. Bagolo, tlayang ka makatla a namane gotla go ikatisa le go utlwa gore ba lo tshwaretse eng se se maleba go ka re thusa jaaka morafe go lwa kgatlhanong le GBVF and Human Trafficking. Setswana sere, pilediwa ya lwelwa,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 