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 Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West condemned the alleged assault of two teachers from Dingateng and Mathateng Primary Schools in Masamane village, outside Mahikeng. The MRM Provincial Interim Committee convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they call for an in-depth probe into the protracted protests that culminated into senseless violence and swift resolution of grievances.
Kgwele said such moral decay must be ‘nipped in the bud’ before matters get out of hand. He further said a stern action must be taken against anarchists responsible for the abhorrent and despicable conduct that has not only undermined the said educators’ human rights, but their dignity as well.
“We call on communities to protect educators from opportunistic and disruptive elements that have no interest in their children’s education. Those responsible must be held accountable in order to entrench a culture of zero tolerance to violence in our schools as well as communities and respect for the rule of law.
“The probe must, among others, inquire as to whether authorities had intervened timeously to address grievances that are at play because two months of lost learning and teaching time is also not unacceptable,” he said.
Kgwele added: “They must get to the root cause of the conflict because educators cannot be victimized for external issues that are beyond them such as water shortage in this heatwave.
“The challenges of Educators Assistants and General Assistants must also be speedily resolved to minimize the impact the disruption might have on learners’ end of the year performance.”
He called for urgent mediation to de-escalate the conflict and return the situation to normality. Kgwele also pointed out that the Moral Regeneration Movement’s Charter of Positive Values is opposed to any form of physical, emotional, and or psychological abuse or ill-treatment of another human being.
“The partnership of civil society organisations such as churches, faith- based organisations, trade unions, civic as well as non-government organisations, including traditional leaders is critical for us to work for the physical security of all people in our communities,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “This barbaric incident follows the two months of no schooling due to the allegations of incorrect appointment of the Educators Assistants and General Assistants at Masamane Primary School.
“This includes the shortage of water affecting the flushing of toilets amongst other challenges. The department had on 9 October 2023, sourced out temporary toilets and filled JoJo tanks with water, whilst the contractor was on site to install a borehole at the school.”
Motsumi said on 10 October 2023, the situation returned to normalcy, but community members barred educators and learners, got teachers off their transport and started assaulting them. She said a police report has been filed.
“We are irate about the incident amid educators’ month celebrations. It is so disappointing to leave among beasts, who think they are above benevolence and the law that they would go about slapping teachers.
“As the department and education community, a slap to one educator is a slap to all of us. I will make sure the mighty hand of the law deals with them,” she said.
A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. On 21 October 2018, Thabo William Modibedi approached his ex-girlfriend at a tavern and asked her to go home with him.
She then refused and Modibedi got aggressive in front of other patrons and started assaulting her. The complainant tried to escape, but he caught up with her and continued to assault her as he dragged her to his home.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said upon arrival at Modibedi’s home, he could not find the key to enter and he subsequently dragged the victim to one of the shacks in the yard and repeatedly raped her.
“She later managed to escape and received assistance from one of the neighbours, who then took her to the police to report the matter. Modibedi was arrested on 23 October 2018 and was granted a R1000 bail.
“He pleaded not guilty to the offence. The state was faced with challenges before trial, as one of the witnesses was shot dead, others could not be traced as they had relocated and others stopped attending court and could not be traced,” said Mamothame.
He said during the trial, the then state prosecutor, Adv Tebogo Mokoka, led his evidence with the testimony of the medical practitioner, who examined the complainant and her testimony.
“On 3 May 2022, the court found the accused guilty and his bail was immediately cancelled. The matter was however delayed by two subsequent applications from the defence, to have the recusal of the presiding officer from the case, which the court dismissed.
“They subsequently took the judgement of the recusal to the North West High Court for review and it was also dismissed. On 11 October 2023, a new state Adv, Sicelo Moselakgomo addressed the court in aggravation of sentence,” he said.
Mamothame said Moselakgomo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as the offence that was committed is dehumanising and unacceptable.
Magistrate Lebogang Raborife agreed with the state and remarked on the traumatic experience of the complainant, which resulted in her relocation, and the humiliation she suffered as she sought help from neighbours in a naked state.
“The court declared Modibedi unfit to possess a firearm, unfit to work with children and for his name to be added to the national register of sexual offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, investigating officer from the SAPS and other role players, who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book. She lauded the courts for the harsh sentences imposed on such offences.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said they have intensified a fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F). Otola said this comes after they have identified it to be one of the top priorities, which robustly need to be prevented and combatted.
“This is evident in the number of GBV&F-related sentences that our courts are imposing on perpetrators of these crimes that were investigated by 16 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units across the province.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Management, however, urges victims of domestic violence not to become subdued to because of fear of intimidation, fear of not being believed, stigma associated with any sexual abuse and or offence, challenge of accessing police stations and lack of information,” she said.
Otola further said the victims must utilise the services provided by the police. She added that, the police afford the victim of domestic violence protection from abuse in domestic relationships and must assist the victim to get a protection order against the abuser.
“The protection order is an order of the court that prohibits the abuser from committing more acts of domestic violence against the victim. If contravened, the abuser may be arrested and prepared for court.
“The public must also note that, you can apply for a protection order, if you are abused by somebody with whom you are in a domestic relationship with or apply for a protection order on behalf of someone else who is a victim of domestic violence and or any person who you are concerned is abused,” said Otola.
She said affected community members can approach either a social worker, teacher, healthcare worker or a police officer. Otola said if the police treat you badly or deliver poor service, make a formal complaint to the local Station Commander, the Inspectorate Unit of the police or lodge a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which has the power to investigate misconduct claims against the police.
“To protect victims of GBV&F, the Stop Gender Violence Helpline hotline is 0800 150 150, the Child Line 0800 055 555 and or report to the SAPS crime stop number 08600 10111 or the SAPS Service Complaints Call Centre toll free number, 0800 333 177,” she said.
“It is important to note that, the person that is abusing you can be a man or a woman. Women can abuse other women and men can abuse other men as well as women can also abuse men,” she said.
Otola said child abuse is very serious and must be reported to the police immediately.
Picture: An overflow drainage system in residents’ yards/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The community members who were affected by the overflowing drainage system in Phase 3 near Masekwane’s church in Colour Blocking Township, near Vryburg, accused the embattled Naledi Local Municipality of abandoning them.
They alleged that there is a drainage system that has burst into their yards and the municipality is not doing anything about it. According to one of community leaders, Lukas Ekkelton, it’s been two days since they have reported the matter to the municipality, but their plea fell in deaf ears.
“This situation is unbearable and poses hazardous danger to our health. More than six houses have been affected by this sewage burst and we have reported it to the municipality.
“The sewage has now overflowed into my neighbours’ yards. In the other house, there are young children and I am afraid that this might be bad for their health. We have been reporting this to the municipality, without any luck,” he said.
Ekkelton further said there is a lack of communication between the municipality and the residents hence this mess. He added that the municipality should practice Batho Pele principle and ensure that the situation the residents find themselves in is conducive enough.
Meanwhile, the Naledi Local Municipality acting spokesperson, Portia Maphike did not respond to the media inquiry sent to her before publishing this article. However, the response will be incorporated in the article when received.
Former Potchefstroom Flying Squad police officer, Pauline Rabase (52) and Lesego Motsamai (46) who was working as an Administration Clerk at the storage facility in the Klerksdorp Police Station were each sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for theft and housebreaking with intent to steal.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said between 14 December 2007 and 3 January 2008, a burglary took place at Klerksdorp SAPS storage facility, where a safe containing cash to the amount of R150 000 was stolen.
“Meticulous investigations by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit led to the arrest of Rabase, Motsamai and Ivan Smous (38) who passed away before the commencement of the trial.
“The sentences against both accused were wholly suspended for a period of 5 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho welcomed the sentence.
North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) urges job seekers to be wary of a scammer, who allegedly promises unsuspecting job seekers a certain Record position at the department. The department spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said this information is contained in an SMS sent to some job seekers with reference number: VRY 567-451 and is inviting people for interviews at Head Office, Mmabatho.
“The department has no record of such communique. All vacancies’ reference to the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development always bear NWDARD characteristics.
“So, it should be noted that the departmental posts are advertised on the website (dard.nwpg.gov.za), departmental social media pages, and print media. Applications are required to be either hand delivered or posted to specified offices,” she said.
Setlhako further said job seekers, who receive these suspicious employment opportunities need to always verify them by referring to official departmental communication platforms. She added that the department urges the public to be vigilant and not accept job interview invites for posts they did not apply for or job offers when they were not interviewed for them.
“They are further urged to ignore such messages and to alert the authorities including the law enforcement agencies. Please contact Ms Gabaiphiwe Leboko on 018 389 5229 to verify suspicious employment offers,” said Setlhako.
A man (30) has been sentenced to life imprisonment the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping a minor. Matshidiso Adam Kobe raped a girl (11) on two separate occasions.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim was playing in a neighbour’s yard, where Kobe lived. Mamothame further said the incident took place in Verdwaal, near Itsoseng on 20 February 2021.
“The accused then sent the girl to his shack to get cigarettes, but followed her. He subsequently raped her and after the ordeal, Kobe gave the child a cell phone and instructed her not to tell anyone about the incident.
“Evidence presented in court further revealed that, the day after the incident, the child was again playing with a friend in the same yard. After the friend had left, he then sent the child to his shack, where he followed her and raped her again,” he said.
Mamothame added that, later at home, the child’s grandmother noticed a strange behaviour as the child could not sit properly. He said upon enquiry, the child revealed both incidents.
“She was taken for medical examination, where it was confirmed that she had been violated. The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested on 22 February 2021.
“The court denied him bail and he pleaded not guilty to the offences. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Itumeleng Boikanyo, read the Victim Impact Statement, which cited the mental, emotional, and physical trauma caused by the incident to the victim,” said Mamothame.
He said the court further declared Kobe unfit to possess a firearm and for his name to be included in the national register for sexual offenders.
Boikanyo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to consider.
Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the courts have in imposing harsher sentences on perpetrators of such offences.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded Boikanyo and Constable Tshekiso Jantjie Tau from the SAPS for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book. Makhari calls for a strong advocacy for the protection of children and the most vulnerable members of society.
The Guardian 