By OBAKENG MAJE

Two police officials who were arrested for corruption at Schweizer Reeke Police Station, are expected back in court today. Captain Kagiso Peace Maiketso (59), who was working as Detective Commander and Sergeant Thomas Moleme (45) who was working as Detective, has been implicated in a corruption case.

Moleme was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) on 23 August 2023 after he allegedly solicited bribery from a suspect, who was arrested for assault.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him and introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.

“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.

“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Another accused, Captain Kagiso Peace Maiketso was added and charged with corruption. There was also another charge of corruption added against Moleme.

“Maiketso was released on R7000 bail and the case is postponed to 25 October 2023 for further investigation.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The officials from North West Department of Public Works and Roads were allegedly threatened. It is alleged that a group of men arrived at the Provincial Offices in Mahikeng and demanded to see some officials.

The Head of Department, Moss Kgantsi alleged that these men were carrying chains and locks with the view to shut down the office. Kgantsi further said, they are demanding subcontracting opportunities on the grass cutting project.

“The grass-cutting project is not even at the discretion of the department. This has had a negative impact on operations as access for employees and members of the community was prohibited. As a department, we condemn threats against officials for business opportunities (grass-cutting project.

“We are extremely concerned about acts of violent intimidation and threats against officials. The continued threats are meted by individuals demanding business opportunities in general and participation on the grass cutting project in particular,” he said.

Kgantsi further said the threats cannot be taken lightly as perpetrators were allegedly branding firearms and insulting officials insisting to hold meetings without scheduled appointments. He added that, to this end, the department has informed the relevant authorities and the law will take its course in this regard.

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Picture: The disgraced Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The majority of ANC councillors at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), have written a petition to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai, instructing her to convene a municipal special council sitting on Wednesday at 10am.

In the letter that has been seen by Taung DailyNews, the aggrieved councillors raised burning issues that need to form part of the agenda. They alleged that Gaoraelwe has gone rogue and the status quo of the municipality has deteriorated under his tutelage.

The letter reads: “We, the undersigned majority of duly elected councillors of the GTLM, herewith request our municipal council’s speaker, Grace Moipolai to convene a special council meeting in terms of Section 29(1) of the Local Government Municipal Structure Act No. 117 of 1998.

“It reads, the speaker of a municipal council decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18(2), but if a majority of the councillors request the speaker in writing to convene a council meeting, the speaker must convene a meeting at a time set out in the request.”

The councillor further said, if the speaker or acting speaker refuses to call a meeting of the council in terms of subsection (1), the municipal manager, or in the absence or refusal by the municipal manager, a person designated by the MEC for Local Government in the province, may call and chair the meeting.

They added that Moipolai’s attention is further and kindly drawn to the fact that, under no circumstances may the requested meeting be conducted via zoom or any other hybrid platforms.

“Outlined below in their order of importance are the items we deem as of utmost importance for inclusion in the requested meeting’s agenda. We would like to discuss the danger allowance progress report, progress report on municipal manager’s appointment, the state of the investment account, performance report on executive committee and a motion on the adoption of council resolutions by secret ballot.

“Speaker, it remains our firm view that, any further procrastination or failure by council to address and deal with the aforesaid items, can only plunge our municipality further into operational inefficiencies and costly functional paralysis.”

The ANC councillors said, sadly however, the biggest casualties are the municipality’s biggest stakeholder – the people of the Greater Taung. They said they kindly hope that their request shall merit her sense of urgency and priority.

Meanwhile, the ANC councillors also call for reshuffling and allegedly suggest that Nga Tong becomes a mayor, Kealeboga Tong ascends to the municipal speaker position, while Lerato Babuseng becomes the new Chief Whip.

The municipality has been plunged into disarray as widespread allegations of corruption and maladministration were said to be entrenched into it. It is alleged that the municipality has depleted R101 million equitable share in weeks, finished R3 million budgeted for disaster with nothing to show for and also continues to spend millions from investment accounts with no accountability.

Also, Auditor General OF South Africa (AGSA) highlighted that the municipality continues to make use of consultants, which are too expensive.   

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Picture: A baby allegedly found in a shallow grave by a pig/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

The police are investigating a case of concealment of birth after the body of a newborn baby was found in a shallow grave in Modderrivier on 16 October 2023. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, a community member allegedly saw a pig carrying an object with its mouth and went to investigate.

“Upon further inspection, the object was identified as a baby with the umbilical cord still attached. The police and other emergency services were contacted and attended the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

“The police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation of the case and the tracing of the suspect/s to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Abigail Morgan on 0641330314 or call the Crime Stop Number at 08600 10111. They can also SMS anonymously to 32211 or utilize the My SAPS app,” he said.

Shemane further said all information will be treated as confidential. He added that the investigation continues.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A Malawian father (31) who allegedly raped his one-month-old daughter was remanded in custody by the Brits Magistrate’s Court. He is facing a charge of rape for raping his biological one-month-old infant.  On 19 October 2023, the mother of the baby left her sleeping next to the father in a shack and went outside to prepare food.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the mother, while outside, allegedly heard her baby crying. Mahanjana further said, she rushed to the shack to check what was happening.

“It was alleged that she found both the father and the baby naked with the private part of the baby bleeding. The mother screamed for help and the neighbours came.

“The child was taken to hospital for medical examination and was subsequently admitted. The matter was remanded to 3 November 2023 for an interpreter,” she added.

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Picture: Top achievers awarded in Ngaka Modiri Molema District/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 160 learners who are high achievers were awarded. The North West Department of Education under Ngaka Modiri Molema District, held a Matric High Performers Awards ceremony at Mmabatho High School in Mahikeng on 23 October 2023.

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said, in a quest to motivate and maximise the performance of matric top performers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, they decided to honour those learners who can obtain an average of 75% or more.

“These learners were identified to encourage others to excel in the areas where they showed great potential and to push them to increase the number of distinctions for the province. This is also to show that teamwork is very important during examinations.

“This event is of great importance to many matriculants, who are attending and to note that your hard work for the past nine months was never in vain but rather appreciated. This type of exercise is also to prepare you not to panic and have anxiety during examinations.

“I wish to encourage the matriculants from different schools to engage and network to assist one another. Learners should know and understand that a great strategy to pass Grade 12 is teamwork. It has worked for many people, I have seen it,” said Motsumi.

She further advised learners to abstain from certain activities that will derail them and to focus more on their studies as they are left with only six days to start the exam.

The Director at Ngaka Modiri Molema, Daliwonga Ntlabathi pleaded with the candidates to cooperate with the teachers and work together during this crucial moment.

Meanwhile, A Grade 12 learner from Mmabatho High School, Mompoloki Nku, was announced as the top achiever after obtaining 7 distinctions at 93%. Nku obtained position 3 provincially out of 46 904 learners and position 1 locally out of 11322 learners in the district.

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Picture: Learners rushed to local clinic after eating poisonous snacks

By OBAKENG MAJE

Six learners from Monthusi Primary School in Utlwanang Location, near Christiana, were taken to the local clinic for medical attention on Tuesday, after they allegedly ate snacks they bought from a local tuck shop. It is alleged that learners bought snacks from the local tuckshop on their way to the school.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, upon arrival at 7:30am, learners were vomiting and complained about stomach cramps. Molokwane further said, learners were taken to a local clinic, where they were attended and kept for four hours under observation.

“These learners are between the ages of 8 and 9. The community now demands closure of these tuck shops to save children’s lives. We hope this will not affect teaching and examinations.

“As department, our stance is that communities should refrain from taking law into their own hands and allow the law enforcement agencies to do the investigations in this matter. This matter would not affect the school proceedings,” he added.  

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, Bitsa Lenkopane said, she is appealing to the North West communities to remain calm. Lenkopane said she has been inundated with calls from members of the community as shockwaves have engulfed the community with fear panicking about the media reports on children deaths from poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.

She said the committee is calling on the communities to also remain vigilant, while further calling on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these horrifying allegations.

“We are calling on the department to do the inspections and furnish the Portfolio Committees with a detailed report which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products which are further extended to school learners.

“These must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with business regulation act or not, which must indicate the compliance with Immigration Act 13 of 2002 with regard to foreign owned business,” said Lenkopane.

Lenkopane said they have urged the department to join hands and intensify the operation through District Development Model (DDM) thorough involvement with municipalities and activation of the activists, who will create awareness to ensure that communities understand that the state is in charge of such businesses.

She said the committee further urges the department to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province, to reduce the amount of panic.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police are aware of the matter and no arrests have been made because there is no criminal case opened.”

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By STAFF REPORTER  

Action SA is outraged by the comments made by the North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi on EnCA TV show called Power To Truth with JJ Tabane. According to Action SA chairperson in North West, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, during the interview that took place last week Tuesday, Maloyi allegedly told Tabane and the viewers that the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has a good story to tell.

However, Mangope alleged that is absurd as far as service delivery is concerned in the province. He alleged that Maloyi could have done well in taking the people of province into his confidence regarding the collapse of road infrastructure, state-owned buildings and the closure of health facilities like the Pholosong Hospital, Mathibestad Hospital, Wesvaal Hospital and Moruleng Hospital amongst others.

“Instead of answering questions honestly, Maloyi displayed arrogance and used the opportunity to play politics. The province is battling with issues related to water provision, crime and sewer spills as highlighted by countless reports issued by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

“According to the latest AG’s report, not a single municipality in North West is financially stable. It says municipalities in the province have focused on negative trends. There is a worsening culture of accountability in the province,” he said.

Mangope further said the report adds that, “every municipality in the province had transgressions regarding compliance with finance management”. He added that, even more worrying is that the audit outcomes of North West municipalities have remained largely stagnant over the last five years.

“Action SA would like to place it on record that, Maloyi’s comments on service delivery and the general state of our municipalities is not only misleading, but could not be further from the truth.

“Maloyi, as the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements responsible for the functioning of municipalities, has repeatedly failed to resolve the issue of service delivery in the municipalities and the situation is even worse now, given that he is now reporting to himself as the acting North West Premier,” said Mangope.

He said the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, has been on sick leave for five months now and no update has been provided on his health yet. Mangope said as a party rooted in accountability and transparency, they have requested Maloyi to give residents an update on Maape’s health twice and he has ignored them.

“Out of the 22 municipalities in the province, Maloyi’s party, the ANC, is in charge of 21 and none of them have achieved a clean audit in the last five years. In fact, the situation is so dire that more than 10 municipalities have been placed under mandatory intervention.

“During the interview, Maloyi also spoke about Operation Thuntsa Lerole and Operation Bulela Metsi being introduced as intervention programs to assist with service delivery, but he could not give clear examples of projects yielding any positive outcomes,” said Mangope.

He said not so long ago, members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), spent a week in the province on an oversight visit and they had nothing positive to say about the state of the province except to point out the perilous state of affairs.

Mangope said their report, released in September 2023, raised serious concerns that corruption was playing a major role in the government’s failure to implement and complete projects meant to improve the lives of the community.

*Meanwhile, the response from the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) response will be incorporated into the article when received.

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