A Senior Lecturer affiliated to Centre for Water Science and Management (CWSM) at the North West University (NWU), Dr Rainier Dennis/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A Senior Lecturer affiliated to Centre for Water Science and Management (CWSM) at the North West University (NWU), Dr Rainier Dennis said protecting surface and groundwater from mining activities is crucial to safeguard ecosystems, public health and sustainable water resources.

Dennis said that is why the CWSM at the university and its specialised team of researchers, are doing invaluable work in protecting an indispensable resource.

He further said the CWSM is focused on contract research, mostly in the mining industry with their largest completed mining-related project being the modelling of the entire East Rand basin.

“This was done in conjunction with the German company, DMT. Our purpose is to answer questions like: “What are the expected dewatering volumes associated with a new or existing mine and when the mining operation ceases,” he said

Dennis added that, another question is, what is the expected decant volume, as well as the expected water quality. He said In-house Model Development (IMD)and software development also feature within the CWSM.

“That includes all the software versions of the Groundwater Resource Directed Measures (GRDM) and the maintenance of a software package called Aquiworx, which supports the monitoring of surface and groundwater sites.

“The university is committed to helping achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here, the CWSM plays an integral role, especially considering SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), as well as SDG 15 (Life on Land),” said Dennis.

He said together, these SDGs entail ensuring sustainable water management as well as the protection, restoration and promotion of the sustainable uses of ecosystems and biodiversity. According to Dennis, South Africa faces a number of pressing water-related issues and delivering expertise that can tackle these problems is of paramount importance.

“The modelling of mine-related impacts on both surface and groundwater is our main focus. We also have a strong focus on producing functional students, and actual consulting work in our industry is discussed and the methods are taught in our courses.

“Every year, people from the industry are invited to assess the Honours Degree student projects and many of our students are employed once they complete their studies,” he said.

Dennis said mining-related impacts include giants such as Eskom and Sasol, as they are reliant on mines. He said the impact they and others have on the rivers is very evident.

“Then there is poor service delivery from municipalities and inadequate infrastructure that cannot supply effective water treatment. More than 60% of people in South Africa, especially in rural areas, are reliant on groundwater and we need to protect that water.

“Wellfields that are developed are not managed properly and this leads to their failure. There is also the question of the future impact of climate change on our water resources to consider,” said Dennis.

He said one of the focus areas of the CWSM is to determine the impact of mining on the environment. He said this is done by looking at the best ways to model and predict these impacts:

“The sustainability of our groundwater supply features in most of the models we develop, and currently this is the topic of one of our MSc students’ research.

“Some of the software developed like the GRDM, has tools built in to specifically assist in managing wellfields. Unfortunately, if these tools are not used by the people managing the wellfields, water supply can fail as we see very often,” he said.

Dennis said a lack of service delivery in critical areas and an absence of accountability are just some of the obstacles inhibiting effective water management in the country, but this will not deter the CWSM or the NWU from continuing to produce impactful research that matters.

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Picture: The infrastructure vandalised/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A-39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 31 March 2022, the police received a complaint from a concerned member of the community residing in Nollothville, Port Nolloth.

“The resident complained about a disturbing noise near a Telkom line. The police attached to the Visible Policing unit in Port Nolloth, immediately attended to the complaint.

“The police found a stepladder and an axe near a Telkom pole and saw a person running away. They gave chase and apprehended the suspect who later became known to them as Philemon Hermanus,” said Shemane.

He further said Hermanus was originally arrested and charged for theft of copper cables. He added that, however, the investigating officer, Constable Rogerio Esau secured an additional charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.

“On 11 October 2023, the Port Nolloth Regional Court convicted and sentenced Hermanus to 12 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded Esau for his thorough and meticulous investigation that led the court to impose a harsh sentence on the accused. Otola said damage to infrastructure has a negative impact on the lives of the communities.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities to the nearest police station immediately or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“Alternatively, information can be communicated via the MySAPS App or by sending an SMS to 32211. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Otola.

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Picture: Three of the murder accused, Bakang Katong, Phenyo Katong and Katlego Mosimege/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four accused persons will resume today at the Taung Regional Court. The 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 from Vryburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to take 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.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two men have been jailed by the De Aar Regional Court for rape. On 27 February 2016 at around 2am, a woman (20) and her boyfriend were on their way home, when two unknown men approached them.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused persons took the woman by force before raping her. Shemane further said the boyfriend was threatened by the two men and he ran away.

“The two suspects forcefully dragged the victim into the bush and undressed her. They both raped her and fled the scene afterwards. The victim reported the matter and a case of rape was opened for further investigation.

“The victim, her boyfriend together with community members, followed up on information that led to the arrest of the two suspects. Later, the DNA results linked them to the rape incident,” he said.

Shemane further said, Richard Johannes (23) was sentenced to 10 years in imprisonment, while Karolus Zolani (23) was sentenced to 12 years in imprisonment. He added that both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded D/Sgt Ilse Fan for a sterling investigative work and appreciated the community for their assistance that led to the removal of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) perpetrators from society for a lengthy period.

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Picture: The acting Station Commander at Springbok Magistrate’s Court, Lieutenant Col Nomvula Jacobs/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The corruption case against the acting Station Commander at the Springbok Police Station, Lieutenant Col Nomvula Jacobs (49) was postponed to 1 November 2023. Jacobs briefly appeared at the Springbok Magistrate’s Court for theft. Jacobs was arrested by the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation team after she allegedly stole an amount of R291 700 from the station safe (SAP13), where exhibits are kept.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said the amount is made up of R102 700, which was confiscated on an ongoing enquiry matter.

“The amount was supposed to be deposited into a criminal asset recovery account (CARA) after the Northern Cape High Court recently issued an order to that affect. The balance of R189 000 is made up of other matters, which are still pending.

“The investigation team made the discovery after several attempts were made to access the safe, but the key was missing. The safe was finally opened on 30 August 2023, resulting in the case of theft being opened against her,” he said.

Thebe said Jacobs was granted a R4000 and the matter was postponed 1 November 2023 for further investigation.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two vehicles that were allegedly used during the commission of crime were seized by the Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team in Kimberley.  This comes after the Springbok Serious Organised Crime Investigation team received a tip-off that an alleged diamond dealer will be travelling from a diamond deal using the main road.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the police conducted a vehicle stop and search point at the identified road. Thebe further said during the search, the police found the amount of cash to the value of R510 000 on the identified accused.

“The police seized the amount and applied for preservation order, while a case dealing in diamonds is under investigation. The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley duly granted the orders.

“The Hawks secured preservation orders on two vehicles with a combined value of R230 000. The two vehicles, a VW Golf worth an estimated value of R80 000 and a Mercedes Benz C180 worth R150 000 were both seized after being used in the commission of crime in two different incidents,” he added.

Thebe said the VW Golf was seized by police during March 2023 after a tip-off regarding the transportation of drugs on N12 road. The police pounced and two suspects were arrested for dealing in mandrax to the value of R250 000.

“The main case is ongoing and the second vehicle, the Mercedes Benz was confiscated in July 2023 during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted by various policing units, which included members of Kuruman Serious Organised Crime Investigation team,” said Thebe.

“Two suspects were arrested during a buy and bust operation.  The duo was charged with dealing in endangered species after they were found with a pangolin valued at R250 000,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Kimberley, Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the team for a job well done.

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Picture: The accused person, Sibongiseni Ngubane

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the alleged killers of the prominent North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was denied bail by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) applied for bail after his arrest a few months ago in Germiston.

Ngubane was arrested by the members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He was arrested on 12 September 2023 after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail. Mamothame further said the police reports revealed that Gumbi was gunned down by men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.

“The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car, which was found a few minutes after the incident, abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets. The car was confirmed to have been stolen, and the number plates that were on the car were false.

“The accused wanted the court to grant him bail, but the state successfully opposed it. Ngubane is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi. The state argued strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer, Colonel Patric Murungwa.

“The state prosecutor, Faith Mogaki, argued that the state has a strong case against the accused. In her corroboration, she indicated that the accused’ fingerprints were discovered on the vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime and further that he was identified by witnesses in an identity parade,” he said.

Mamothame added that the state also highlighted the fact that Ngubane voluntarily did the pointing out of the scene, as well confessing, albeit his argument that he did all of that involuntary as he alleges the police assaulted him.

Magistrate Tshenolo Mekgwe agreed with the state and denied Ngubane bail. The matter was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the police investigations are still underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.

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Picture: The crime scene where the alleged drug lord was gunned down/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The alleged drug lord (41) in Vryburg has been shot dead by unknown suspects. on Tuesday. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the deceased was gunned down in Church Street, next to Boxer Store.

“The suspects fled from the scene after the shooting and the motive is unknown. A murder case was opened for further investigation. As the police, we cannot confirm whether the deceased was selling drugs or not. However, investigations are still conducted,” she said.

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