By BAKANG MOKOTO

The police in North West said they are concerned about widespread cases of fraud in the province. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said taking into consideration the approaching of the festive season which is normally characterized by criminality, it is vital that consumers and the general public exercise caution to safeguard themselves and their property including their hard-earned cash.

“The currently identified hotspots include Rustenburg, Wolmaranstad, Jouberton, Klerksdorp, Hartbeespoortdam and Brits among others. Types of fraud committed include card cloning, online, petrol card, and asset-based or vehicle sales.

“Regarding asset-based fraud, fraudsters physically visit car dealerships with fraudulent documents, then make applications for purchase. The dealers will only become aware of the fraud after collection of the cars. With online or social media, especially Facebook, swindlers would advertise and display vehicles that are for sale,” he said.

He further said upon response, unsuspecting victims would be lured to secluded places and eventually robbed of their cash and other personal belongings. Mokgwabone added that, in some instances, suspects use social media to advertise various products.

“victims would then be given account numbers to make payments, but no deliveries will be made. The victims will realise upon following up that they were conned. Therefore, members of the community are urged to be wary, if they lose their Identity Documents (IDs).

“They must report to their nearest police station and ensure the company they are dealing with is legitimate. They should also avoid isolated ATMs and use them late at night. They should never accept help from strangers when using ATMs,” he said.

Mokgwabone said when they receive suspicious emails or SMS with links, they should not click on them as they will be redirected to malicious portals that will harvest their information. He urges community members to never leave their mobile phones unattended in social gatherings, as this will cause fraudsters to easily lock them out of their social media accounts (Facebook/WhatsApp) by using OTP sent to their phones.

“They should never share their personal life on social media as fraudsters use available platforms to approach unsuspecting victims online. If they are victims of social media crime, they should always keep screenshots of the profile of the suspect as well as screenshots of how their conversations started and ended, as this will assist Cyber Crime investigators in gathering evidence.

“They should also avoid sharing intimate pictures with strangers on social media as this will lead to cyber extortion and cyberbullying. In business transactions, community members should not pay money into accounts that are received via email changing known account numbers to new ones without verifying with the company you are doing business with,” said Mokgwabone.

He said in cryptocurrency, community members should never allow anyone to trade on their behalf as this platform (BITCOIN), does not require third parties to trade on your behalf, as you will lose a lot of money that may never be recovered.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The bogus attorney, Tebogo George Letloleng (42) will briefly appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 5 October 2023 for a formal bail application. This comes after Letloleng’s arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and theft worth approximately R218 100.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the alleged commission of crime took place between July 2020 and December 2022 in Taung.

“It is alleged that Letloleng has been masquerading as a qualified, admitted, and enrolled legal practitioner, wherein he would approach accused persons and their families waiting to appear before court and convince them that, he could represent them in court for various criminal and civil cases at a fee.

“The said consultations were allegedly conducted in the court building and at his residential place. However, he failed to act as promised thus making his clients question his credibility,” she said.

Malwetse further said the meticulous investigation by the SCCI, revealed that Letloleng made several appearances in court, wherein he allegedly introduced himself on record to presiding officers as the appointed attorney.

She added that, moreover, his qualifications were verified, and found that he did not meet the requirements to be admitted and enrolled as a legal practitioner in terms of Section 26 (1) of the Legal Practice Act, Act 28 of 2014.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Letloleng will make a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the efforts of the team for their persistence in ensuring the arrest of the suspect.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 18 years by Kuruman Regional Court for raping a girl (16). On 27 February 2021, the victim was walking with her boyfriend when they were approached by an unknown person asking for matches.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said when they could not give him matches, he decided to pelt the pair with stones. Sam said the couple ran away in different directions and the accused chased the victim.

“He caught her up and dragged her to the nearby veld, where he raped her,” he said.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, lauded Detective Sergeant Jasmine Armstrong from the Kuruman FCS Unit for her dedication, hard work, and sterling investigation that ensured justice for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) victims.

Otola said that GBV is a sign of disrespect to human dignity.

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Picture: The players participating in a tournament/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Department of Education is hosting three provinces for the National Learners with Special Educational Needs Football Week held at Waterkloof – Hills Secondary School, near Rustenburg. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said North West, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Gauteng attended the event to compete with other provinces.

“Football Week is an inclusive school sports programme aimed at involving U-19 boys and girls’ learners with Mildly Moderate Handicaps (MMH) to nurture and discipline through sports.

“We appreciate other MECs who made sure that this event is a success. On behalf of the department, I would like to welcome each and everyone who attended this football tournament. I am happy that our province is hosting this tournament for the second time and it shows that our hospitality is amazing,” she said.

Motsumi also wished good luck to all the teams that are going to compete in the tournament. She further said she is confident that the North West province will ensure that the trophies remain here at home.

“Let the games officially begin. The football tournament is expected to end on 5 October 2023,” added Motsumi.

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Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi officially opened a R37 million D414 road that links Makgobistad and Tshidilamolomo, outside Mahikeng on Tuesday. Molapisi said the project created 54 job opportunities and 11 sub-contractors benefitted R5 million from the 30% target set aside during project implementation.

“The official opening and handover is a build-up activity towards the Provincial Launch of the October Transport Month (OTM) 2023. The D414 road is among eight projects, which the department will showcase during the campaign.

“This year’s OTM is celebrated under the theme “Siyakha – We are Building Better Transport Infrastructure to Grow South Africa Together”. We believe that such projects will go a long way in connecting communities across various villages,” he said.

Molapisi said on behalf of the government, he wishes to express sincere gratitude to the community and stakeholders for supporting the project. He said they ensured that there were no delays caused by unnecessary disruptions.

“I am hopeful that other communities will learn; and continue to protect our infrastructure,” said Molapisi.

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Picture: Former Head of Department at North West Department of Health, Dr Thabo Lekalakala, and Director of Raliform Investment, Joseph Leshabane/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Head of Department at North West Department of Health, Dr Thabo Lekalaka (58) and Director of Raliform Investment, Joseph Leshabane (61) were arrested by the Hawks on Monday for fraud. Lekalakala and Leshabane briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court and their case was postponed to 31 January 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Lekalakala is facing two charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and two of fraud. Mamothame said Lekalakala was granted R10 000 bail.

“Leshabane is charged with his company, Raliform Investment, on six counts of fraud amounting to over R49 million and he was granted R50 000 bail. The two were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Units on 2 October 2023, around Mahikeng.

“Their matter is linked to the case of Dr Lydia Keneilwe Sebego (63), the former Head of Department at the North West Department of Health, Vuyo Mbulawa (54), Chief Director at the North West Department of Health, and Roulgh Lotwane Mabe (69), a service provider, who appeared before court on 29 September 2023,” he said.

Mamothame said the court granted Sebego R10 000 bail, Mbulawa R20 000 and Mabe R100 000. He said Sebego is facing two charges of Contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Mbulawa is facing ten charges of fraud, and Mabe is charged with six counts of fraud.

“During 2008 and 2009, the North West sought to build two hospitals, Moses Kotane Hospital, Ledig Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg. A tender was subsequently awarded to MR Property (Pty)Ltd, a company belonging to Mabe.

“The charges against the two former heads of department relate to Service Level Agreements (SLA) that were signed between the two companies and their directors on services that needed to be rendered to the two hospitals,” SAID Mamothame.

However, he said services were not rendered, while these companies allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices, which were paid by the department after being authorised by Mbulawa. Mamothame said this allegedly led to a loss of over R86 million to the department, paid to Mabe’s company and over R49 million paid to Leshabane’s company.

“The state’s evidence further reveals that the two HoDs signed the SLAs while they knew that the two companies were not compliant and did not meet the requirements.

“Lekalala has a separate pending case, where he is charged with two counts of fraud and one of contravening the PFMA. He allegedly fraudulently awarded a contract for sourcing mobile clinics to Mediosa Health, a company linked to the Gupta family,” he said.

Mamothame said Lekalakala is out on R5000 bail and the matter is back in court on 12 February 2024 for further trial.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcome the arrest and court appearance of the remaining suspects.

They are hopeful of the completion of investigations in order for a trial to commence and for the accused to face the might of the law.

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Picture: Athletes who represented SA at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany

By OBAKENG MAJE

Athletes who represented South Africa at the Special Olympics World Games had lunch with present Cyril Ramaphosa at Union Buildings, Pretoria on Tuesday. Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.

“Competing against 7000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany in June 2023, 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,” he said. 

Ramaphosa further said the success of the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that they leave no one behind.

He added that 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.

“Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of the government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, we express 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,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Team South Africa are heroes that they can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in the country. Ramaphosa said may their commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team.

“The team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the team is being led by the Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.

“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” he said.

Meanwhile, Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.

“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said.

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Picture: The Optog Teen Plaasmoorde pamphlet doing rounds on social media platforms

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the province said it is concerned about the pamphlet doing the rounds on social media platforms titled: “Optog Teen Plaasmoorde.” It is alleged that, the distributor of the pamphlet is organising a march in Brits scheduled for 10 October 2023.

The North West Police Chairperson of the Rural Safety Priority Committee, Major General Patrick Asaneng said they have a Priority Committee, which is in line with the National Rural Safety Strategy, ensures an effective and sustainable approach to optimal service delivery to rural communities, including on farms and smallholdings.

“The march organiser is neither known nor plays any active role in ensuring the safety of the farming communities. At the same time, misleads the public and creates a perception that nothing is being done about crime in rural areas.

“In fact, the District Commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 and the Station Commander of Brits have a good working relationship with farmers, farm workers, Community Police Forum (CPF) and other stakeholders,” he said.

Asane further said, that while volunteers and partners are welcomed in the fight against crime, it is imperative that those who do that, work together with the police through recognised structures such as the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to address safety and security on farms. He added that everyone has the right in terms of the Constitution to peacefully demonstrate, assemble, picket, and present petitions, but that must be done in a responsible manner.  

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Picture: The tombstone damaged at Lokgabeng/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Serolong family in Lokgabeng village, near Taung, was left dejected after their tombstones were vandalised by unknown people just a week after the unveiling.

Lesego Serolong said they held a successful ceremony on 30 September 2023 in honour of their grandfather, Daniel Masasa Serolong, grandmother, Sophie Galoname Serolong, and her father, Goitseone Staross Serolong.

She said Sophie was a philanthropist who contributed positively to the society. Lesego further said her grandmother as a teacher and a leader of society, always vanguard for a change is the lives of many.

“Sophie studied at the icon Tigerkloof near Vryburg and became a teacher a few years later. She taught at various schools across the country, including at Setshwarapelo Primary School in Lokgabeng. She was also involved in community work and as a leader of a Girl Guide initiative, she mentored a lot of girls.

“She advocated for education and this was a form of celebrating her legacy and influence, hence we did the celebration ceremony at her house. The celebration also included the unveiling of my father, Goitseone Staross Serolong’s tombstone, who was affectionately known as Motlotlegi Chesa in a Setswana drama during the Bophuthatswana era,” said Lesego.

She further said, her father was also a soldier by profession and a remarkable individual. Lesego added that Staross’ teachings and love, resonated uniquely and strongly.

“They left an irreplaceable void that only Christ can console. His distinct presence illuminated our lives. Every moment spent in his company is treasured and left a tapestry of memories woven with care and warmth.

“This also goes to the legacy that Daniel and Sophie left behind. She was a beacon of light that will forever inspire. Rakgadi’s unwavering faith and bundles of love enriched our lives and shaped our paths,” she said.

Lesego said they now have a scholar program under Sophie Serolong Umbrella, where they provide bursaries to young people. She said they were shattered after they were informed about the vandalism.

“We call on community members to assist with any information to ensure that culprits are brought to book. There might be a reward because I think it is not fair to destroy gravesites.

“We cannot fold our arms and let criminals target the sacred grounds. What surprises us is that nothing was stolen but some people just decided to vandalise those tombstones with a hammer for no apparent reason or only known to them,” said Lesego.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, there is a criminal case that was opened and investigations are underway. The damages are estimated at R20 000.”

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