Picture: The protesters allegedly damaged the vehicle belonging to the municipal councillor, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The irate protesters from Itireleng village, near Taung vow to resume their service delivery protest, if there is no action taken by the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. A week ago, protesters barricaded the N18 road that links Taung and Hartswater with burning tyres and debris demanding the construction of the 2.5km internal road.

One of the community leaders, Itumeleng Pholo said the community members threatened to resume their service delivery protest because they have not received any communication from the municipality thus far.

“We have given them ample time to come up with a solution to our demand. However, it seems they are taking us for a ride and now is the time for action. We only need answers regarding the R10 million construction road project that was budgeted for.  

“Gaoraelwe told us that, there was a R10 million budget set aside for this project, but he continues to send us from pillar to post. So, as the community, we feel disrespected by the manner in which he is handling this matter,” he said.

Pholo also alleged that, there were allegations that there was a R6 million budget that was part of the budget, but it is missing.

However, the municipality’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe said, they will visit the area on Tuesday at 2pm and meet with aggrieved residents.

Last week, Maribe’s vehicle was damaged during a protest.

“I was on duty travelling from Kgomotso village to Taung and utilising my private vehicle, which is a grey Toyota Legend when I came across protesters on N18 road next to Taung Hotel School.

“The police were dispersing protesters with rubber bullets and teargas when one of the protesters threw a large stone at my vehicle. This resulted in the stone damaging the rear passenger door,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sam Nape lambasted Gaoraelwe for the ‘delay tactics’ in addressing the residents. Nape said all this is happening because Gaoraelwe made empty promises to the residents back in 2022.

“He promised the residents that the municipality would construct an internal road connecting them to the N18. This is a typical ANC fashion as Gaoraelwe made politically expedient promises to residents knowing full well that, the municipality did not have the funding nor the capacity to build such a road.

“Neither does the road fall under the jurisdiction of the municipality. The road is a competency of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). The DA would in principle support the construction of a road, but it must follow the correct process and procedures,” he said.

Nape further said, that when the matter appeared before the council, they raised concerns that this would be an unfunded project. He added that the municipality also has no jurisdiction to construct this road since it is a provincial road and that the cost of R10 million seemed excessive.

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Picture: The accused, Sibongeseni Ngubane who is linked to Ben Gumbi’s murder/Sowetanlive

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane who was arrested after being linked to the murder of the North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was granted the re-opening of the bail hearing by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 3 October 2023.

Ngubane took a stand and testified that he is an Uber driver and he will suffer the loss of income if he is not released on bail. He further testified that his life would not be endangered should bail be granted.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi (49). Mamothame said Gumbi was gunned down by two 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.

“Ngubane was arrested on 12 September 2023 in Germiston, after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail. He also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail,” he said.

He further said during cross-examination, the state asked Ngubane why he used a stolen vehicle, which was later abandoned, instead of his registered Uber vehicle as he claimed he was just hired to transport people to Rustenburg. Mamothame added that Ngubane was further interrogated on the R15 000, which he alleges was his payment for the transport service.

“The state will argue strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer. The investigating officer, in taking the stand prior to the reopening of the bail hearing, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence, as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder.

“He alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects, who were on the run and may endanger his life. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses,” said Mamothame.

He said the state also highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms. Mamothame said the state urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed.

The matter was postponed to 5 October 2023 for closing arguments.

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

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Picture: Former principal of Sunrise View Secondary School in Rustenburg, Agnes Rasesemola/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former principal, Agnes Rasesemola who is now the Circuit Manager, will be representing the North West province in a panel of discussion composed of other international prize laureates in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France on 5-6 October 2023.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this is in preparation to kick-start World Teachers’ Month. Motsumi said the panel will discuss how teacher prizes improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession.

“This is aimed at raising the teacher status and recognition as well as exploring how teacher prizes encourage the implementation of best practices at national, regional, and global levels. This milestone is a pride for the entire North West teaching fraternity.

“It is a pleasant honour to have our teachers and principals join the global stage to discuss such delicate matters relating to teachers. I take this invitation as a universal recognition of Rasesemola and the North West teaching profession as a whole,” she said.

Motsumi further said to be recognised in such a platform and sharing experiences in it, is a great milestone. She added that, as a department, they wish Rasesemola luck.

“I am grateful for her dedication both in leadership and in the classroom. Rasesemola is a former principal of Sunrise View Secondary School in Rustenburg, a three-time National Teaching Awards winner in 2013, 2017 and 2011, an African Union Continental Teachers awards winner in 2021 and two Batho Pele award winners amongst others,” said Motsumi.

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Picture: Minister of Police, Bheki Cele/IOL

Minister of Police Bheki Cele has been ordered to pay 16 residents from Choseng village, near Pudimoe R50,000 each after they were unlawfully arrested and detained at Pudumoe Police Station.

The group which was initially 17, was arrested at different times and were collectively charged with the contravention of the National Road Traffic Act and the Regulation of Gatherings Act.

They were arrested after a protest took place on September 14, 2016 on the N18 Road at the cross road of Pudimoe and Choseng village. On the day of the protest, a police captain who is now deceased, told protesters to disperse within ten minutes and they didn’t listen.

After several attempts, he threw a stun grenade and they ran into different directions of the N18 road. The captain instructed police to arrest the protesters who continued protesting, which subsequently led to the arrest of 17 residents.

They spent less than a day in custody. Upon their release, they were given a notice to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court.

In November 2016, they instituted action against the Minister of Police claiming R600,000 each for unlawful arrest, detention, inhuman treatment and emotional shock.

One of the applicants withdrew from the proceedings. Their application was heard at the North West High Court in Mafikeng.

In their application, the group said after they were arrested, they were given documents to sign without them being explained to them, they were then taken to filthy holding cells with unhealthy conditions, and they had no privacy when using the toilet.

When evaluating the evidence, Judge AJ Mahlangu said the complainants corroborated each other’s versions in many respects and none of them contradicted themselves.

“They were all calm, honest and I found them to be credible witnesses,” she said.

Meanwhile, she found the police to be cagey and evasive when testifying.

“They could not explain how the plaintiff’s rights were explained inside the boardroom. They could also not reasonably explain at what stage were the plaintiff’s rights and the reason for the arrest was explained at the scene of crime as it was chaotic,” said the judge.

Judge Mahlangu further added that no amount of compensation can undo the humiliation and human rights violation suffered by the applicants. She said they should be awarded total compensation in the amount of R50,000 each.

“I should pause to mention that the plaintiffs were arrested at different times and they spend different hours in custody.

“But it would be reasonable to compensate them with the same amount of money as they all spent less than 24 hours in custody,” read the judgment.

The judge ordered the Minister to pay the cost of the application.

Source: IOL

By REGINALD KANYANE

A Mozambican man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor. On 20 November 2022, a former tenant approached the victim’s mother and said she had a prophecy and the victim was in danger.

She enquired about her whereabouts and the mother pointed to the shack of a Mozambican national, Guilhermo Jose Thomas Uchaio (54), who was a tenant at the victim’s home in Freedom Park, Tlhabane, outside Rustenburg at the time.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim was seen earlier assisting Uchaio with his chores. Mamothame said the former tenant went to look for the child at Uchaio’s shack, but there was no response.

“She testified that she saw the accused jumping out of his bed naked when she peeped through the window. She then went back to the mother to indicate that the child was not there, but the mother insisted that the child was inside the shack.

“They then went back, and upon arrival, they found the victim standing outside the door. She highlighted that, Uchaio raped her. She was immediately rushed to the doctor, who confirmed that the child was sexually violated. The matter was reported to the police and Uchaio was arrested and the court denied him bail,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Obed Molope urged the court to consider the psychological harm that the incident did to the minor, thus persuading it not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked that the accused abused his powers, as he knew that the victim trusted him.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer from the SAPS, as well as other role players who ensured that the perpetrator is brought to book.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. Amogelang Masondo’s conviction emanates from an incident on the night of 25 June 2021 in Bodibe village, near Itsoseng, where he met the complaint while walking with another man.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Masondo then threatened her before forcibly taking her to his friend’s place, where he repeatedly raped her overnight. He then let her go, leading her to report the matter to the police.

“Masondo was arrested on 28 June 2021 and the court denied him bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Molefe Moyawa, argued that the accused cannot be rehabilitated and is likely to re-offend as he had been previously convicted of rape when he was only 17. Moyawa further said Masondo was also found to have been previously convicted of culpable homicide.

“The accused violated the complainant’s right to dignity and freedom of movement,” Moyawa added.

Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked that, the accused committed a violent offense against the mother of his child and he showed no remorse for his action. Masondo was further sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for kidnapping.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Constable Tau from the SAPS and other role players who contributed to the conviction. She called for advocacy against the violation of women, children, and the elderly.

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Setshwantsho: Baagi ba kwa motse-setoropong wa Tswelelang ba amogela moeteledipele wa EFF, Julius Malema

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Moeteledipele wa lekoko la sepolotiki la Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema o rotlweditse molekgotlha o sa tswang go tlhopiwa, Lehlohonolo Metoa go ka dirisana thata le baagi. Seno se tla morago ga gore, Metoa a tlhopiwe jaaka molekgotlha wa EFF le go etelela pele kgorwana ya boraro kwa motse-setoropong wa Tsweleleng kwa masepaleng wa Maquassi Hills, gaufi le Wolmaranstad mo bekeng e e fetileng.

Kgorwana e, ene e tshwere ditlhopo-tlaleletso morago ga go tlhokafala ga molekgotlha.  

Malema one a etetse motse-setoropo o ka Lamatlhatso le go keteka phenyo ya EFF. Malema o kaile fa baagi ba motse-setoropo o, ba dirile sentle ka go tlhopa mokgatlho wa EFF, gonne go sa tlhole go na le mekgatlho e mengwe ya sepolotiki mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima.

“Lekoko le le busang la ANC le sule ga mmogo le la Democratic Alliance (DA), mme go setse lekoko la EFF le le emetseng baagi. Re le lekoko la EFF, re batla go bona baagi ba amogela ditirelo mo motse-setoropong o.

“Ga jaana, kliniki ya mo Tswelelang, e tswala ka ura ya bone thapama. Gape, ke kliniki e le nosi fela mo motseng. Re batla gore kgorwana nngwe le nngwe e nne le kliniki e e tla dirang di ura dile 24 ka letsatsi. Baagi ba rona ga ba bobole fela ka di ura tsa tiro,” Malema wa tlhalosa.

Gape, o latofaditse puso ya ANC ka go nna le baeteledipele ba ba sa beyeng dikgatlhego tsa baagi kwa pele. Malema are, bomme ba ba mo mmileng ba tshwara bothata fa ba belega morago ga di ura tsa tiro, gonne kliniki e be e tswetswe ka nako eo.

“Fa o tla go lebelela, ga gona seteishene sa sepodisi mo motse-setoropong o. Bomme ba betelelwa moo, mme le bosenyi bo ile kwa godimo. Se re tlileng go se lwanela jaaka EFF ke gore go nne le seteishene sa sepodisi mo motse-setoropong mongwe le mongwe mo Afrika Borwa.

“Seo se tla re thusa go lwantshana le bosenyi. Gape gona le batho ba ba rekisetsang bana ba rona diretibatsi. Batho bao, ba tshwanetswe go tshwarwa gonne ba itsiwe. Re tshwanetse re bolotse ntwa kgatlhanong le mapodisi a dirisanang le batho bao,” Malema wa tlhalosa.

Malema o kaile gape fa ba tlile go netefatsa fa go nna le ditirelo jaaka ditsela kwa motse-setoropong wa Tsweleleng. Malema are ditsela tsotlhe kwa motse-setoropong di tshwanetse go tshelwa sekontere, kgotsa di tsenngwe di paving.

“Sengwe le sengwe se se diragalang kwa toropong, re batla go se bona se direga mo metse-setoropong gonne baagi ba duela ditirelo ka go lekana. Fa mabala a metshameko a na le bojang kwa toropong, a seo se diragale kwa metse-setoropong.

“Ga re batle mebala ya metshameko yam mmu, mme re batla e enang le bojang gore e rotlwetse bana ba rona go ka tsaya karolo mo metshamekong. Ga go sa tlhole gona le mmuso wa tlhaolele,” Malema wa tlhalosa.

Are, Afrika Borwa e na le di ngwaga dile 30 mo tlase ga puso ya kgololosego, fela seemo sa go neelana ka ditirelo se bokowa.  

Kgabagare, molekgotlha o sa tswang go tlhopiwa, Lehlohonolo Metoa are: “Ke rata go leboga baagi ka tlhopo e ba e dirileng, mme re tlile go netefatsa fa re diragatsa maitlhomo a rona.

“Re tlile go netefatsa fa baagi ba rona ba amogela ditirelo jaaka metsi ga mmogo le go netefatsa fa setheo sa rona sa Hospice se nna le motlakase. Bagolo, ngwaga wa 2024, re tshwanetse re e tseye jaaka ngwaga wa 1994. Re tshwanetse go netefatsa gore re golola baagi ba rona mo bokgobeng.”

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Picture: North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi’s alleged killer, Sibongiseni Ngubane/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

One of the suspects in a murder case of a North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) is expected back in court for a formal bail application. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) was arrested a few weeks after Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.  

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the death of Gumbi. He further said Ngubane was arrested on 12 September 2023 in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery.

He added that Ngubane was out on R3000 bail at the time and he also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail.

“The suspects fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo vehicle after shooting Gumbi. The vehicle that was used during the commission of the crime, was found a few minutes after the incident abandoned at the Corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets.

“The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on the car were false. The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 2 October 2023, for a ruling on his application to reopen bail proceedings,” said Mamothame. 

He said the accused attorney indicated that they had no privileged information on the evidence the state was going to submit in opposing bail. Mamothame said the state opposed this application indicating that the defence had ample time to engage with the evidence that was presented by the investigating officer during his testimony.

“The state further submitted that Ngubane’s attorney read an affidavit in court citing reasons for him to be granted bail. The state strongly opposed the granting of bail, to which the investigating officer was called to the stand to cite reasons for opposing.

“Amongst other reasons cited by the investigating officer, was the seriousness of the offence as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder. He further alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects who are on the run and may endanger his life,” he said.

Mamothame said Ngubane was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. He said the state further highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms.

“The state also urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed. Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A truck driver aged 44 has been arrested for kidnapping. It is alleged that a man and his wife hitchhiked on a truck from Bela-Bela en route to Klerksdorp on the evening of 27 September 2023. This allegation comes after the driver told the couple that he was going to Cape Town via Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the couple then agreed that they would drive with him until Rustenburg. Tselanyane said along the way, the driver made several stops and at Brits Total Garage, Alpha crossing, the man alighted the truck to go and buy food leaving his wife (24) sleeping on the bed behind the seats.

“Upon his return, he found neither the truck nor his wife. The matter was reported to the police and the search for the truck immediately ensued. On 28 October 2023, a team of Brits detectives, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, and District Officers continued with the search.

“The truck was eventually tracked via the CCTV footage and the owner was contacted. He confirmed the tracking movements of the truck including the exact location. As a result, the truck was found just before entering Thabazimbi,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the driver conceded during questioning that, indeed, he gave the complaint and his wife a lift and that while the husband was out of the truck at Total Garage to buy food, he drove off with his wife. He added that the driver informed the police that he left the victim at a petrol filling station in Mooinooi and proceeded to Rustenburg.

“Consequently, the woman was found at Mooinooi Police Station, where she went to seek help. The truck driver was then arrested and charged with kidnapping. He is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 October 2023,” said Tselanyane.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the work displayed by both the SAPS members in conjunction with private security company personnel. Kwena warned that those who continue to perpetrate crimes against the most vulnerable of society will have to face the full might of the law.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

One suspect linked to 10 separate cases ranging from business robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, carjackings, and kidnapping to rape, which were committed in Taung and Pudimoe between October and December 2020 was arrested.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect’s accomplice, Master Lobelo (38) is currently serving 10 years imprisonment. Mokgwabone said in an effort to bring perpetrators of serious crimes to book, they have conducted operations consisting of all units under the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigations between 27 and 28 September 2023.

“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspects and recovery of 54 suspected stolen livestock in various parts of the province. The suspects were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, theft of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property as well as theft and possession of suspected stolen stock.

“During the operations, 18 cattle, 35 goats, and a sheep, all valued at R261 000 were recovered. Furthermore, four cloned vehicles that included a Mercedes Benz A45 and Volkswagen Touran worth R4 890 000 were recovered,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, in addition, and as part of enforcement of various legislation, 57 fines worth R70 000 were issued for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). He added that all suspects appeared at various courts in the province on 29 September 2023.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the police for their diligence that resulted in the successes.

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