Picture: The Democratic Alliance members picket outside the Northern Cape Department of Health/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said there is a widely spread corruption entrenched at the Northern Cape Department of Health that has largely paralysed health care services across the province. The DA Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) and Northern Cape Premier Candidate, Dr Isak Fritz said, over the past two decades, the department has increasingly been used as a ‘cash cow’ for connected individuals.

Fritz alleged that, there have been little to no consequences for those who have enriched themselves with money intended to save the lives of the Northern Cape’s sickest and vulnerable people.

“This ranges from corruption relating to the new mental hospital, for which the former MEC of Roads and Public Works, John Block was recently arrested, twenty-years later, to the cases of Intaka and Wataka, that also saw Block arrested along with Uruguay-born tycoon, Gaston Savoi.

“Others who are arrested are the Health’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Daniel Gaborone for the questionable purchase of water purifiers, oxygen machines and dialysis machines, to the arrest of the former Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital CEO, Gordon Moncho on charges of tender fraud relating to construction contracts,” he said.

Fritz further said, there is also the ongoing case in which former Health Head of Department (HOD), Steven Jonkers who is alleged to have irregularly awarded a security tender, and who now serves in the Office of the Premier.

He added that, most recently, they have been presented with the escalating scandal of Dion Theys, who despite numerous arrests for alleged Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) fraud and even a criminal conviction for violating the Public Finance Management Act in respect of entering into irregular leases for nursing accommodation, was promoted to acting HOD, then HOD, with a five-year fixed term contract.

“Only after his third PPE arrest, he was shifted into his former position of medical director, but he remains on the job and the payroll of the department. Gaborone was arrested alongside Theys on the PPE charges, got a lateral transfer to head up the finances of another department.

“The practise of rewarding those who steal from the sick and retaining them within the health system, or provincial government, at all costs, must come to an abrupt end. The cost of corruption on health care has been devastating,” said Fritz.

He alleged that, irregular expenditure in the provincial health department stands at a massive R9 370 billion. Fritz said this wasted money could have been much better used by appointing additional nurses and doctors and procuring much needed equipment.

“The Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital could have appointed more theatre nurses to operationalise all nine theatres as opposed to the four currently in use. This would help tackle the rapidly growing surgery backlog that stands at 6 373.

“Additional ambulances and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) practitioners could have been appointed to operationalise more ambulances and patient transporters and do away with single-person crews,” he said.

Fritz said pharmaceutical stock-outs caused by cash flow constraints could have been prevented and the massive backlogs of assistive devices like spectacles, hearing aids and wheelchairs, could have been cleared.

He said today, the DA has demanded that the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene must stop harbouring criminals and root out corruption.

“We also called on Lekwene to suspend the many officials implicated in corruption, to take decisive disciplinary action against Gaborone, who has been fingered in a number of criminal cases and to immediately fire Theys, given that he has already has one guilty conviction, with the possibility of more to follow.

“The healthcare belongs to all and we must not allow it to be captured by those who stay in the system to protect their own interest at the expense of other people’s lives,” said Fritz.

*The response from the Northern Cape will be incorporated in the article when received.  

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By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

The Kimberley police are investigating a business robbery case after a robbery at a tuck-shop in De Beers, near Kimberley. The incident took place on 20 October 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the preliminary investigations indicate that four assailants allegedly entered the shop, threatened the occupants at gunpoint and took cash, cigarettes and cell phones.

Sam said they fled with a white VW Polo Vivo vehicle with Free State registration number.

“Anyone who might have information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspects, can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Emily Mosala at 079 492 2681 or 08600 10111. They can also SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the My SAPS App.

“All information received will be treated confidentially. The police are appealing to business owners to be extra vigilant around closing times and never lock business premises alone. They should install extra security gates and appoint security guards,” he said.

Sam further advised business owners to install security cameras and alarm systems. He added that they should also ensure that all doors and windows are secured.

“Always remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly. Train your staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations.

“Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items and tuck shops and other small businesses, must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open till late,” said Sam.

He said business owners should refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes them a bigger target for business robberies.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 600 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for various crimes such as possession of drugs, for dealing in drugs, rape and assault.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aafje Botma said 11 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, six for dealing in drugs, 13 for rape, 114 for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 59 for assault common.

“Fifteen were arrested for murder, 46 for burglary at business and residential premises, 25 for malicious damage to property, 49 for driving under the influence of liquor and 89 undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“During the operations and execution of various searches, 3 732 persons, 72 premises and 1 656 vehicles were searched.  The operation also led to the closure of 10 unlicensed liquor premises and 91 licensed liquor premises were inspected,” she said.

Furthermore, Botma said the operations led to confiscations of liquor, a variety of drugs and seven dangerous weapons. She added that the High Density operation was running together with Safer Festive Season Operations.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their commitment. Kwena said the increased police presence during festive season will continue to ensure that the communities are and feel safe.

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Picture: The Taung Annual Gospel Festival (TAGF) logo

By OBAKENG MAJE

The organiser of Taung Annual Gospel Festival (TAGF), Tshidi Moreane said he is pulling all stops to make the 2024 edition bigger and better. Moreane said the gospel music concert will be held at Taung Sport Ground on 23 March 2024.

“The concert features local and internationally renowned artists such as Ntokozo Mbambo, Ayanda Ntanzi, Omega Khunou, Manana Ramongae, Solly Moholo and Kgotso Makgalema. The preparations are well-underway and it is all systems go. We pull all stops to ensure that our supporters, who we regard as the TAGF and Lesedi 7 families, have fun.

“Remember, there is no substitute for excellence, hence we make sure that the standard is at all times high. Our aim is to ensure that, we double the epic mood that was showcased at the festival back in 2023,” he said.

Moreane further said he believes that, if one wants it to be good, one must be ready to pay attention to excellence. He added that tickets are selling like hot cakes.

“Those who need tickets, can go to Compu-tickets and for more information, they can contact me on 0794924576. We do have tickets for kids at R120, General for adults will only cost R300, while VIP tickets cost R500. We had 350 early bird tickets, but they are now sold out.

“We promise our supporters great experience and fun. We anticipate a great performance from Gospel singer, Ntokozo Mbambo and others. You will recall that Mbambo began her singing career with Joyous Celebration when she was only 15,” said Moreane.

He said Mbambo nurtured her talent and released several gospel hits such as Jehovah Is Your Name, We Pray for More, and Esiphambanweni. Moreane said Mbambo’s overflowing talent has made her a favourite curtain-raiser numerous times and she has opened the stage for the likes of Yolanda Adams, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Kirk Franklin.

She has toured and performed in countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), Ghana, Swaziland, the USA, Botswana, and Kenya.

“We call on all Gospel music lovers and the community at large to come and experience greatness. Gospel music always touches the inner person and is loved by many people across, despite being the traditional genre of Christian music.

“What I know is that, Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes and as an entertainment product for the marketplace. It is also characterized by dominant vocals and strong use of harmony with Christian lyrics,” he said.

Moreane said they also want to send their regard to Lesedi 7 Group. He said the Group started sponsoring the festival since its inception and branded 35 vehicles, made 8 fence banners, 120 posters and 20 000 flyers in 2023.

“It was increased to billboards and this year again, they will do more than what they did in 2023. We are now a bigger event because of its sponsorship,” said Moreane.

*Additional reporting from www.briefly.co.za

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Some residents in John Taolo Gaetswe District in Northern Cape, raised concerns over Older Persons Amendment Bill. The Portfolio Committee on Social Development conducted a public hearing at Kagung Hall in Kuruman on Sunday.

The acting chairperson of the committee, Sthembile Hlongo said some residents were unhappy with the Bill’s Section 18A, deregistration, closing and revocation of registration of residential or community-based facilities in particular. Hlongo further said, however, they expressed their unequivocal support for the Bill.

“The elderly people told the committee about the shortage of centres for older persons in their communities. They said a submission was made requesting for the deregistration and closure of centres to be reconsidered.

“They suggested that, a person in charge of the community-based care or residential facility, be afforded an opportunity of no less than three months to make written representations in respect of the closure, deregistration or revocation of registration and not “less than 30 days” as stipulated on the Bill,” she said.

Hlongo added that, the participants pleaded for monitoring, evaluation and training to be considered. She said residents highlighted that, three months will be enough for the existing centre to meet the requirements.

“The elderly people in Taolo Gaetswe District also complained about standing in queues with young people to access services. They told the committee about lack of safety when they are standing in long queues at the banks and get exposed to robbery allegedly in full view of the police and nothing is done.

“They called for prioritisation of elderly people in queues or elderly people to be in separate queues for any services at both public and private centres, where they require services,” she said.

Hlongo said they also highlighted the long distance they are forced to travel to reach banks to access their grants. She said they made a plea for the Bill to make provision for them to be trained on the use of technology such as ATMs and cell phones because they rely on their children to withdraw their grants who do not give them in full.

“I would like to thank participants for their meaningful participation and for attending the hearings. The promotion of public participation is one of Parliament’s constitutional mandates.

“The committee will accept written submissions for all those who still wish to express their views on the Bill. Submissions can be emailed to lntsabo@parliament.gov.za,” said Hlongo.

Meanwhile, the committee is today hold holding the public hearings at Francis Baard District Municipality at Kimberly City Hall in Kimberly from 10:00 – 14:00.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men who are accused of killing a farm worker, Dumisani Phakathi (45) briefly appeared at Brits Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on 17 September 2023, at approximately 2am, Jaco Wessel Kemp (35) and Luis Coetzee (35), were stopped by the police during their stop and search operation on the R511 toward Brits driving a bakkie. 

The bakkie was allegedly loaded with black garbage bags and during the search, the police saw legs sticking out from under the bags covered with blood.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said when the police searched further, they allegedly discovered the body of the deceased covered with blood and his head covered with plastic.

“The two suspects were then arrested on the scene by the police. The third suspect, Gert Frederik Van der Weshuizen (38) handed himself over to the police on 19 September 2023 after investigations linked him to the offence.

“Van der Weshuizen was granted bail of R5000, with conditions that he should report to the police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Kemp and Coetzee, who were denied bail, told the court that they intend to plead not guilty to the charges and asked the court to release them on bail because they were breadwinners of their families,” she said. 

However, the District Court prosecutor Octavia Pletschke, opposed their bail application and read into the record the statement of the Investigating Officer, Sgt Sebotjane of Brits SAPS of how the two were linked to the offence. Pletschke further said not only that the two were found approximately 60km away from where the deceased was killed, therefore they attempted to make it impossible to find the deceased or identify him. 

Pletschke added that, given the strength of the state case, there is likelihood that the two accused will evade trial, interfere with witnesses and conceal or destroy evidence given that they had already tried.  

“Moreover, she said releasing the two on bail would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system. Magistrate Rosenburg agreed with the state that releasing the two accused on bail was not in the interest of justice, given the strength of the state case, therefore bail was denied. 

“The matter was postponed to 13 December 2023 for further investigations,” said Mahanjana.

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Picture: The suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 150 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, illicit mining, human trafficking, wild life act, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.

The suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, which commenced from 19 until 22 October 2023. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the focus was on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots.

“175 most wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders. The police also confiscated a number of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling,” he said.

Sam further said the 29 VCPs and nine roadblocks were conducted across the province and 61 premises were searched, 1301 vehicles and 2879 persons were stopped and searched. He added that the compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises.

“Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, commended the efforts of all involved and re-affirmed the importance of community involvement in fighting crime. Otola encouraged the community to continue playing its role on fighting crime.

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Picture: Dagga confiscated in Upington/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 44 and 47 were arrested near Klippunt for dealing in dagga on 21 October 2023. The duo was allegedly transporting dagga to Kakamas when the Upington Highway Patrol police, who received a tip-off intercepted them.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police stopped and searched the vehicle fitting the description provided. Masegela said during the search, they allegedly found dagga packaged in ziplock bags to the estimated value of R116 450.

“The dagga and the vehicle that was used in the commission of crime were impounded and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

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Picture: Former Vaaltar FM presenter and socialite, Tshepang Seelo

By OBAKENG MAJE

A trial in a murder case against two men from Modimong village, near Taung is set to resume today at the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg. The trial commenced on 18 until 22 September 2023 and was postponed to 23 October 2023.

The state is set to call more witnesses in the case. Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are facing a murder case after allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021. Malekanyo and Tlonkwe are allegedly facing premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.

“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.

“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” Mamothame said.

He said the two accused persons were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (31) is expected to appear at Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly raping his one-month baby girl. According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma, the infant’s mother (27) was busy preparing food outside the shack, while the father was sleeping inside with the baby next to him.

Botma said the incident took place at Krokodile Drift West, outside Brits. She further said the mother suddenly heard the baby crying and when she entered the shack, she noticed both the baby and the father naked.

“The shocked mother screamed for help and one of the neighbours responded.  Eventually, the police were called and the baby was taken to Brits Hospital for medical examination, where she was subsequently admitted.

“The suspect was arrested and charged with rape. He is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 23 October 2023, for rape,” added Botma.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned this shocking incident in the strongest possible terms and applauded the police and the members of the community for their swift reaction that led to the arrest.

Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West condemned the incident.

MRM convenor, Lesiba Kgwele said: “The civil society led organization described the shocking incident as a despicable and atrocious act. Such an unwarranted attack on a defenceless child at the hands of a father, who was supposed to love and protect her.

“This shows the extent to which moral decay has permeated our society. We shudder to imagine the physical, psychological, and lifelong trauma that the victim robbed of her innocence had to endure.”

Kgwele said they wish the hospitalized baby a speedy recovery and call for no bail for the perpetrator. He said the courts must restore confidence in the criminal justice system before communities, which are fed up with such deplorable acts, take matters into their own hands because there is no place in society for heartless and wicked individuals like him. He said that there is a limit to the extent to which communities can tolerate and handle such devastating acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) involving children.

“We urge communities to unite in action against the scourge of GBV. Family and community are core socialising units that inspire and create moral and ethical values in society hence the Moral Regeneration Movement’s Charter of Positive Values commits to fighting domestic violence and the neglect of family responsibilities, whether due to substance abuse, cultural beliefs or gender discrimination,” he underscored.

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