Picture: The deceased, Thabiso Mothibedi who was killed in cold blood/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against four accused persons has been postponed to 21 and 22 February 2023 by the Taung Regional Court. The case was supposed to be heard on 12 October 2023, however, the matter was postponed due to the absence of the lawyer of the defense. A convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The magistrate, Buti Zulu has excused himself from the case. This comes after Zulu sentenced Bakang to eight years imprisonment in a rape case a few months ago.
A new magistrate has taken over the case.
Meanwhile, the court also heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.
It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.
Picture: Athletes from North West who represented the country at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany
By OBAKENG MAJE
Athletes from North West who represented South Africa at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany said they are losing hope in receiving their incentives. This comes after the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation promised each athlete including coaches and team manager R25 000 each.
More than 16 athletes from various schools across the province took part in the competition and performed exceptionally well.
One of the learners from Sebitloane Special School, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have lost hope in getting our money. The department promised us incentives and it has been almost three months and we are still waiting.
“When we inquire about the money, they are sending us from pillar to post. That money will come in handy as we are learners with special needs. In most cases, we rely on our handwork skills for survival.
“So, we would create businesses that could bring money in order for us to survive.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has supported 16 athletes for the Special Olympics in Berlin on the 11 June 2023 for international participants. For their qualification, the department also supported the team for national participation in Polokwane in order for them to qualify for international participation.
“The mandate of the department is to develop and support athletes and communities in the province to excel in sport and recreation programs. Upon return, the department also did a welcome ceremony to celebrate those who participated and did great during the Special Olympics.”
Sebolecwe further said proper documentation was requested from the affected athletes as well as the coaches in order to process the incentives. He added that, however, there was a delay in the finalization of the budget internally.
“The documents have been compiled and will soon be processed for payments. There is a process to be followed internally when it comes to payments of the participant’s incentives. The delay is caused by the verification of documents as well as the budget finalization,” said Sebolecwe.
He said the total number of athletes to benefit from the incentives is 16, one team manager and four coaches.
Meanwhile. On 3 October 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa had lunch with all athletes from South Africa and commended them for their outstanding performance. Ramaphosa said they were competing against 7,000 athletes from over 180 countries and the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver, and seven bronze medals.
“Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.
“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society.
He said having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of the government’s celebration of outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, he expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.
“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.
Picture: The firearm that was confiscated during a search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged between 23 and 25 have been arrested after allegedly committing a string of business robberies, including other crimes in Letlhabile. The trio was arrested at Maboloka village, near Letlhabile outside Brits by the Brits Trio Task Team together with Crime Intelligence on 10 October 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said this comes after the police received a tip-off about the whereabouts of the suspects who allegedly terrorised the community.
Funani said the suspects were arrested at their different residences. She further said, that during the arrests, the police also conducted searches at the suspects’ places leading to the confiscation of a black revolver with eight live ammunition, different types of cigarettes, different types of cell phones, an airtime vending machine, a silver blank pistol, crowbar as well as clothes, which the suspect allegedly used during the robbery.
“The police also found and seized a blue Samsung A10 cell phone and razor blades. Sello Tsietsi Nyathi, Matodzi Shuma, and Bonginkosi Masuku briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2023.
“They were charged for possession of suspected stolen property, three counts of business robbery, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear before the same court again on 16 October 2023,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for a sterling job.
Picture: North West athlete, Stephen Mokoka came second at Sanlam Cape Town marathon/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The defending champion of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Stephen Mokoka (38) was unlucky to come second during the 2023 Sanlam Cape Town marathon yesterday. The award-winning athlete who was born and bred in Ramatlabama village, outside Mahikeng took home a silver medal.
Mokoka was only four seconds behind the winner, Ethiopian, Adane Kebede Gebre and crossed the finish line in 2:11:30. Gebre finished the race at 2:11:26 mark, while the third position was secured by the Kenyan athlete, Benard Kipkorir with 2:11:48.
Mokoka who won the race for the third time last year said then: “I want to thank my sponsors such as Boxers, Nike and Athletic Club and people who have been supporting me throughout. I have won the Cape Town marathon for the third time and it was good that it happened in the country.
“There were individuals including runners from Gauteng and North West, who came here to support me. It was the toughest race and I actually wanted to run a little bit quicker compared to how I ran.”
Mokoka further said runners from Gauteng and North West, are privileged to be running in areas with high altitudes because when they run in areas that are below the sea level their lungs get the time to breathe.
According to Wikipedia, Mokoka is a South African long-distance runner, who competes in races ranging from 3000 metres to 50km distance. He formerly held the 50km world record and is a four-time medalist at the Universiade.
Mokoka has also represented South Africa internationally in road, cross-country, and track events. He represented South Africa in the marathon at the 2012 London Olympics.
“Mokoka began competing internationally in 2005 and came ninth over 10,000 metres at the 2005 Summer Universiade. At the African student championships in 2006, he was third over 5000 metres and finished as runner-up in the 10,000 m. He won back-to-back South African universities titles (2006/2007) and won his first global-level medal at the 2007 Summer Universiade, taking the bronze medal in the 10,000m.
“He gained his first senior international selections the following year, running at the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the 2008 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.”
Wikipedia added that, Mokoka made significant improvements to his times in the 2009 season, including a 5000 m personal best of 13:44.22 min at the Yellow Pages Durban meeting and a 10,000 m track best of 28:48.73 min. It says, he won the 10,000 m national title in March and then managed to finish in 32nd place at the 2009 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
“He also improved on the roads, taking the national 10K and half marathon titles with bests of 28:21 min and 61:26 min, respectively. Having already won the Two Oceans Half Marathon earlier that year, he established himself as a top-level competitor at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships by coming in eighth place.
“At the 10-mile Great South Run in England, it came down to a sprint finish between Mo Farah and himself. Although he lost by a margin of one second, he set a South African record of 46:26 min for the distance.”
Wikipedia says in 2010, Mokoka retained his 10,000m track and road national titles and improved upon his previous year’s finish at the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, coming 22nd overall. It says he made his first outing over the marathon distance in November of that year, running a time of 2:08:33 hours for fourth place at the JoongAng Seoul Marathon.
Picture: An alleged stolen sheep found slaughtered/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men have been arrested for allegedly stealing a Vandor sheep worth R2 200 in a kraal on a farm in Petrusville on Friday. The police said the incident allegedly took place at around 7pm. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Molefi Shemane the police received a tip-off and managed to track down the suspects. Shemane further said the police also recovered the slaughtered sheep.
“Three suspects aged 18, 26, and 31 respectively, were arrested for stock theft and will appear in court soon. The police encouraged livestock owners to report suspicious persons to the police, local farm unions, and neighbours immediately.
“They are urged to ensure that their livestock are branded and making it easy to be identified. They are also urged to work together with the law enforcement agencies to address the root causes of stock theft,” he said.
Shemane added that a concerted effort is needed from all stakeholders. He said that working together, will combat livestock theft and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers across the province.
“The members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities to the nearest police station immediately and also report any stolen goods offered to them for sale.
“The crime stop number is 08600 10111 and can be called or either send an SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.
Picture: Some of the alleged stolen goods/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen goods in Mapoteng village, near Kuruman on 13 October 2023. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, at approximately 9am, the vigilant police members from Deben SAPS, Kuruman LCRC, and Kathu SAPS Crime Prevention unit, attended to a house-breaking complaint when they spotted a suspicious-looking vehicle.
“They spotted the Hyundai truck on the R380 road and followed it to Mapoteng village. The members of the Kumba Security Company also assisted. The vehicle was stopped and searched and some of the stolen goods were retrieved from the driver (25).
“A suspect was arrested and the police managed to recover all the stolen goods. Further investigation led the police to a house in Deben, where they found more of the alleged stolen goods including four fridges, a flat-screen TV, grinders, a compressor, 3 speakers, a drill machine, a solar panel, and spanners,” he said.
Kock further said the alleged stolen property was handed over to the owner after he positively identified them. He added that three suspects are still at large.
“The truck was confiscated and a manhunt has been launched for three other suspects,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Johnny Besnaar, commended the police for their quick response and thanked Kumba Security Company for their consistent assistance in clamping down on property-related crime in the district and surrounding farming areas.
Seven Nigerian nationals were arrested for conspiracy to commit murder. The suspects were arrested during a clandestine operation conducted by the members of Upington Border Police assisted by the Northern Cape Tactical Response Team(TRT) during the hours of Sunday morning.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said it is alleged that, the suspects conspired to kill certain police officials in Upington as they were posing a threat to their drug trafficking business. Masegela further said the men are allegedly known for drug trafficking in Upington and surrounding areas.
“It also came to light after their arrests that, they do not have legal documentation and are in contravention of the Immigration Act. The investigator received information, followed it up and preliminary investigations were conducted.
“A case was opened and subsequently, seven men between the ages of 34 and 45 were arrested. More charges in line with the Immigration Act will be added to the existing charge,” he said.
Masegela added that the suspects will appear in the Upington Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2023.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari embarks on joint operation on N4 road/Instagram
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari embarked on a joint law enforcement operation in Swartruggens on Friday. Lehari said this was part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP), Thuntsa Lerole.
“I led a law enforcement operation along the N4 road in Swartruggens. The operation was a collaboration between the department, the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, and the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality to monitor compliance on the road and engage with road users on issues of road safety.
“I was joined by the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana, Kgetlengrivier Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Special Projects, Winnie Sono, the Bojanala 2 Acting District Commissioner, Brig Mmamotsamai Ntoagae and senior officials of the department,” he said.
Lehari further said the operation was part of the activities that will unfold in the broader community of Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality along with other departments and agencies.
Picture: Former ANCYL president, Collen Maine appointed as board member of North West Gambling Board/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi said they have sworn in six members, Prof Vuyo Peach (Chairperson), Collen Maine (Deputy Chairperson), Tsholofelo Lerumo, Kagiso Seleke, Patrick Makgale and Tshenolo Lefutswe to serve as board members for the North West Gambling Board.
Tlhapi said this is in terms of Section 5 of the North West Gambling Board Act 2 of 2001, as amended. She further said the newly sworn-in members will be taken through induction processes to familiarise them with relevant gambling legislations as part of strengthening governance and management of the North West Gambling Board.
“The North West Gambling Board is tasked with the responsibility of regulating the gambling industry in the province and also plays an important role in generating revenue and creating jobs, which ultimately will grow the economy of the province.
“As the department, we also engaged various businesses at Mogwase Complex to share information on the importance of renewing liquor trading licenses for Liquor Outlet Traders in the area. The awareness campaign was to remind liquor traders to renew their licenses in compliance with their licensing requirements and adhere to rules and regulations accordingly,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, as the country’s alcohol sales increase at an excessive rate. However, Tlhapi said, some challenges experienced within the liquor industry lead Liquor Traders to sell alcoholic beverages unlawfully in order to save costs and make extra profit for their businesses, which is wrong and can cost them their liquor license.
“Alcohol trading compliance is crucial for success in the alcohol industry as it forms part of generating income, hence traders are encouraged to comply with legislation to avoid suspension of their trading licenses.
“Liquor trades are urged to renew their licenses before 31 December 2023, failing which penalties will be charged. License holders who are trading with expired licenses are breaching the law and will be subjected to penalties or suspension of license. Community members or liquor traders are encouraged to look out for renewal roadshows around their town or village to renew their licenses,” said Tlhapi.
She said together with the department’s Consumer Affairs Unit, Liquor Regulation unit, the North West Gambling Board, SAPS, and Bojanala District Health Inspectors, also conducted compliance inspections at Borolelo Township, in Swartruggens.
According to Tlhapi, a total number of 14 tuckshops were inspected and 7 were non-compliant in terms of fraudulent pricing that misled consumers.
“The Liquor Regulation Unit also conducted an awareness program at Borolelo Hospital, where 70 patients were educated on the abuse of alcohol consumption and how to apply for liquor licenses.
“The Liquor Regulations Unit inspected eight liquor outlets. Out of those eight, only 6 were compliant while 2 were non-compliant by failing to produce a liquor license and keeping records of trading on the premises,” said Tlhapi.
She said her department urges the community to assist the police by reporting outlets that do not adhere to rules and regulations. Tlhapi said by so doing, the community will be playing a huge part in taking care of their surroundings and contributing positively to the local economy.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it will remain focused and committed to reducing drinking and driving. The police said this is one of the main causes of accidents and fatalities on our roads. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said they are working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to combat this kind of crime. He further said they will continue emphasizing the severe dangers of drinking and driving.
“We urge all drivers to make responsible choices to protect themselves and other road users. The police request that the public adhere to safety hints and warnings regarding drinking and driving.
“Know that your blood may not have an alcohol content of more than 0.05%. If you have more than 350ml of beer, or if you have more than a single tot of brandy or other spirit, you may already be over the limit,” said Kock.
He added that drivers should remember that, these levels of alcohol will remain in their system for up to eight hours after consumption. Kock advises drivers to use public transport or carpools when they know they will be consuming some alcohol.
“It is convenient and a responsible choice. Designate a sober driver who will remain alcohol-free and ensure that everyone arrives safely at home. Always make plans for your transportation before drinking and avoid making impulsive decisions when under the influence of alcohol.
“Encourage your friends and peers to make good choices and never let an intoxicated person drive, even if it is just a short distance to your destination. The police and other crime-fighting authorities will continue conducting random Vehicle Check Points(VCP) and roadblocks to discourage people from drinking and driving,” he said.
Kock said all drivers will be stopped and checked at VCPs and roadblocks, and if found over the legal limit of alcohol, will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of liquor. He said the alleged offenders will be held in custody until they can post bail (in certain instances, bail may be denied).
“This will depend on prior convictions against you, as well as the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If found guilty in a court of law, you may face a fine or a sentence, or both and you will have a criminal record.
“You may also lose your driver’s license, or have it suspended. Remember, drinking and driving can lead to devastating consequences, including accidents, injuries, and loss of life. The police will continue to enforce strict penalties for those who choose to disregard these safety hints and warnings,” said Kock.
He urges communities to make responsible decisions and refrain from drinking and driving as this will reduce road carnage and ensure that more people arrive alive at their destinations.
The Guardian 