Picture: Grade 12 learners celebrating during “Pens Down” Facebook

OBAKENG MAJE

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West is appealing to matriculants not to engage in destructive “Pens Down” parties to celebrate the completion of their exams. This comes after many Grade 12 learners embarked on “Pens Down” celebrations across the country over the weekend.

The convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said while a great future awaits them if they pass their exams, they should bear in mind that their conduct in the interim will determine whether they will attain their goals and dreams.

Kgwele, who congratulated all the learners for their hard work and the discipline they had exercised towards and during their exams said, engagement in deplorable acts such as drinking binges, reckless driving, drug abuse, and other irresponsible behaviour has the potential to destroy their precious lives.

“We trust that they will continue to remain responsible during the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, as well as throughout the Christmas and New Year season. We hope they do not engage in appalling conduct that has the potential to rob them of their future.

“We urge them in their excitement and celebratory mood not to be enticed to drop their guard, but to be vigilant against opportunistic crime, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and human trafficking. We also appeal to tavern owners and other licensed liquor outlets not to sell alcohol to underage people,” he said.

Kgwele further said it is the responsibility of society to nurture young people and contribute towards their upliftment and development to their future. He added that, therefore, the society has a responsibility to report transgressors.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi said: “I am grateful for the smooth and successful completion of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations across the province. With the exams now concluded, our department is moving forward with a robust and comprehensive marking process to ensure the timely and accurate release of results.

“I would like to commend all learners, educators, and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the examination period. The smooth running of the exams is a testament to their commitment to quality education in the North West.”

Motsumi said they have established 20 marking centres strategically located across all districts. She said these centres are situated near essential amenities like clinics, hospitals, and police stations, ensuring the well-being and security of marking personnel and examination scripts.

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Picture: North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied  

OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi said she is grateful for the smooth and successful completion of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations across the province. Motsumi said with the exams now concluded, her department is moving forward with a robust and comprehensive marking process to ensure the timely and accurate release of results.

“I would like to commend all learners, educators, and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the examination period.

“The smooth running of the exams is a testament to their commitment to quality education in the North West. We have established 20 marking centres strategically located across all districts,” she said.

Motsumi further said these centres are situated near essential amenities like clinics, hospitals, and police stations, ensuring the well-being and security of marking personnel and examination scripts. She added that, the security measures have been implemented, with contracted security companies guarding the centres throughout the marking process.

“The department initiated the marker appointment process in June through online and manual applications. A rigorous selection process followed, culminating in the appointment of 3,256 markers in August 2023.

“Additionally, 522 marker assistants were appointed to provide administrative support at the marking centres. Comprehensive training sessions have already been conducted for chief markers, internal moderators, centre managers, deputy centre managers, and other key personnel,” said Motsumi.

She said further training sessions for deputy chief markers, senior markers, markers, and marker assistants will be held at the marking centres upon their arrival.

Motsumi said on 8 December 2023, internal moderators, chief markers, DCMs, senior markers, and subject analysts will arrive at marking venues, markers will arrive the following day before undergoing training that will commence at 3pm.

“On 11 December 2023, marking will commence until 21 December 2023. Throughout the marking process, rigorous monitoring will be conducted by representatives from Umalusi, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Provincial Senior Officials, the Examination and Assessment Chief Directorate, Labour Unions, and other stakeholders.

“Daily meetings will be held between management and venue managers to monitor progress, provide support, and address any concerns that may arise,” she said.

Motsumi assured learners and parents that the department is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent marking process. She said they are confident that all stakeholders involved will work together to ensure the timely release of accurate results.

“The department remains dedicated to providing quality education and equipping learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. So, we are confident that, the Class of 2023 will continue to excel in their future endeavours,” concluded Motsumi.

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Banna ba tshwarwetswe go utswa nama ya pudi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le babedi ba dingwaga tsa 20 le 31, ba tshwerwe kwa Reivilo ka ditatofatso tsa go utswa pudi. Go begwa fa mong wa dipudi one a disitse kwa nageng, a ne a ya go lekola dipudi tsa gagwe, fela a fitlhela ele nngwe e nyeletse.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa, tiragalo e, ke ya letsatsi la Mosupulogo. Van Rooyen are, mong wa dipudi one a tsena sekgwa ka legare le go batlana le pudi ya gagwe e e nyeletseng.

“Ka maswabi, go begwa fa a ne a kopana le banna ba babedi ba ba belaetsang, mme ba tswa go rwalela dikgong. Go ya ka monna o, one a batlisisa ka pudi ya gagwe e e nyeletseng, mme one a fitlhela banna ba, ba e tlhabile le go ja mmeso.

“One a itsise sepodisi, mme banna ba ba ne ba lelelwa ke ditshipi. Ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno, mme ba lebane le ditatofatso tsa go utswa pudi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: The suspected stolen cattle in a trailer/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

An accused, Tebogo “Teezo” Dichabe (29), who was arrested for being in possession of 10 suspected stolen cattle at Ga-Mokake village, near Taung on 30 November 2023m was granted R300 bail by the Taung Magistrate’s Court today.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 30 November 2023 at around 7:50am in Taung, the Rural Safety Police allegedly noticed two men at Ga-Mokake village loading cattle on a trailer towed by a white bakkie.

“The pair allegedly fled the scene when the police approached them. Nevertheless, one of them was arrested, whilst the other evaded the arrest. Right after arresting the suspect, a group of community members, who knew the accused, mobilised and allegedly threatened the police,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police immediately called for backup and the situation calmed down after the arrival of more police officers on the scene. She added that more cases are under investigation for intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

“The police confiscated the bakkie, trailer, and 10 suspected stolen cattle. The ownership of the cattle is yet to be determined as they do not have clear brand marks on them,” said Myburgh.

Dichabe’s case was postponed to 14 February 2023.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Rural Safety police for their attentiveness, bravery, and diligence in making sure that criminals such as these ones are put behind bars. Kwena warned that, an attack on a police officer, is an attack on the state and that it will not be tolerated.

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Picture: The cattle allegedly poisoned by a known perpetrator

By OBAKENG MAJE

A devastated farmer, Ockert Goosen in Bray accused the police of doing nothing to arrest the alleged perpetrator, who poisoned his cattle. Goosen (25) told Farmer’s Weekly magazine that, first, eight of his calves were stolen and now 33 cows and 11 calves have been poisoned.

“I can’t explain how it feels and it’s not a pretty sight. It’s more than R900 000 in immediate damage. This is without considering that, most of the cows were pregnant and there’s the future loss of income.

“I started farming with Bonsmaras and Bonsmara crosses near Tosca two-and-a-half years ago. I also rent cattle land near Bray in the Kgalagadi district in North West. I have filed a case with the police and pressed them to investigate,” he said.

Goosen further said, that his father, Ockie, called the person they suspect is in control of the syndicate and asked him to stop stealing their cattle. He added that they know the police won’t do anything about it, but they will not leave it there.

“He then told my father that it wasn’t him and heard that we were going to file a case with the police. Now, we’ll see how serious he can really be, he’s going to wipe out all our cattle.

“After that, the man allegedly regularly called my father with threats and sent a WhatsApp message saying: “Don’t start a war you can’t finish,” said Goosen.

He alleged that, two weeks ago at around 9pm, Jacques du Toit called him and said, security cameras showed the man on his way towards the land Goosen rents near Bray.

Goosen and his friend, Wesley Sevenster, who also farms in the area, allegedly drove to the area and went through all 12 of his cattle posts but noticed nothing suspicious.

“At around 1am on Sunday, while I was still in the area, I received another call that, the suspect’s bakkie was in the area. The bakkie then drove past Sevenster and I. We chased him until about 4am.

“At times, we lost contact with him but then noticed him again. He then went into an informal settlement and we waited for him in the road in case he drove in our direction again,” he said.

Goosen said at about 9am on Sunday, one of his workers called him and said he had to come because the cattle were dying and they didn’t know what to do.

“We then saw that there was poison in the trough, where they drink water. We tried to save those we could by giving them activated charcoal.

“The police officer who came to take our statement told me he was going to open a case and send it to court, but he couldn’t promise me anything would happen,” said Goosen.

He said with all the bad, he is overwhelmed by the large number of people who have opened their hearts and hands to them and even want to donate cattle to help him get started again. Goosen said the case has since been transferred from Bray Police Station to Vryburg.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Bri Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We have established an investigation team to investigate a case of malicious damage to property after approximately 44 cattle were poisoned.

“The incident took place between Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 November 2023 on a farm in Bray. As part of the investigation following the registration of the case, the police attended the scene on 26 November 2023 and took samples for forensic analysis.”

He said the police would also look into all allegations, including the apparent existence of a stock theft syndicate in the area. Mokgwabone said the police request anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact Colonel Dawie de Lange on 082 372 4528 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.

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Picture: American RnB singer, Karyn White/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

American RnB singer, Karyn White, who will showcase her talent at the much-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, is set to visit the Barolong Boora Tshidi Tribal Authority in Mahikeng on Thursday.

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said the aim of White’s visit is to ‘meet and greet’ and pay homage to the tribal authority leaders as the owners of the land.

White, who touched down in South Africa last week Sunday afternoon, promised the revellers a great performance on Sunday. She is expected to perform at the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, which will take place at Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng.

A 58-year-old thespian who was popular during the late 1980s and early 1990s is known for several hit singles, including Superwoman, Secret Rendezvous, The Way You Love Me and the US Hot 100 No. 1 single, Romantic.

“It was a long flight to South Africa, but it has been worth it because this place is beautiful. I am looking forward to performing at Mahika Mahikeng.

“I will sing your favourite hits and the other songs you want me to perform. So, it’s gonna go down…hey,” she said.

The Los Angeles-born actress and composer is expected to share the stage with local powerhouses such as Judith Sephuma, Vusi Nova, Jaziel Brothers, Blaq Diamond, Mma Ausi, Freddy Gwala and many more.

The festival is backed by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) and will kick off with a comedy show on December 7, followed by Amapiano the following night, with Gospel music on December 9 and the main Jazz and R&B show on Sunday, December 10.

Tickets are available at Computicket and Ticketpro.

Numerous North West artists are part of the four-day extravaganza. The festival was launched at a star-studded event at Johannesburg’s Maboneng.

The department spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The idea of a Gauteng launch is to promote the festival to people beyond the province. We want Mahika Mahikeng to be a key driver of the economy, to model what we say the arts play an important role in the economy.

“The department wanted the benefits from Mahika Mahikeng to be broad not only to for the artists but also for sectors such as catering, accommodation and fuel services.”

Sebolecwe said as things stand, the stage is set for the festival and they are ready to receive revellers from here and afar.

The Amapiano night will feature genre heavyweights such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Tira, Big Zulu and Kwesta.

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Picture: One of the suspects accused of killing North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against Thabani Gwala (30) was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court to 9 January 2024 for further investigations and to be combined with the first accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33). The duo was arrested and facing a charge of murder after they were linked to the murder of the North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi (49). Gwala was scheduled to make a formal bail application, which the state intended to oppose, but opted to abandon it.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the accused was arrested in Johannesburg on 16 November 2023, following a collaborative effort of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Hillbrow Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and Rustenburg Detectives.

“The first accused was denied bail after the state successfully opposed it, and his case was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations. Ngubane also is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi.

“According to the police, Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He 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 said.

Mmothame further said Gumbi also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail. He added 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 abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets, a few minutes after the incident. The car was confirmed to have been stolen, and the number plates that were on the car were false.

“The police investigations are still underway to track down other suspects believed to be on the run,” said Mamothame.

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Picture: The Mrs South Africa finalist, Berlina Lekgethwane/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Mrs South Africa finalist, Berlina Lekgethwane said that even though she was not crowned the winner, she is thrilled to be part of the journey. Lekgethwane, who was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award and Mrs Personality Award said, this is unprecedented success in her career and she will use that to empower other women.

She further said she is humbled by the honour received through the Women Empowerment Award as it aligns with her vision and Berlina Lekgethwane Foundation, which is about empowering women and young people to excel in their trades.

She added that the management of the Mrs South Africa beauty pageant voted for the Women Empowerment Award. In contrast, the Mrs Personality Award was voted for by her fellow contestants.

“I am grateful that, I demonstrated commitment to touching many lives, conducting motivational talks, empowering women, empowering and profiling local brands, including doing community work since day one.

“All this has not gone unnoticed as I was bestowed with prestigious awards such as Women Empowerment Award and Mrs Personality Award. The Women Empowerment Award left no question as to who among the other contestants has gone an extra mile in the core value of the Mrs South Africa beauty pageant,” said Lekgethwane.

She thanked all those who supported her in this journey, including her sponsors, various communities, and individuals who voted for her. Lekgethwane said this also goes to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) departments, businesses that collaborated with her, the management of Mrs South Africa, and fellow queens who have become the sisterhood in this journey.

“I also would like to congratulate the crowned queen, the first and second princesses for their success. There is no time to waste, but to immediately step into putting the vision of my newly founded foundation into practice.

“The Mrs South Africa journey has led me to birth something that will become a legacy of the transformation is possible movement. The work of the Foundation has officially started and when we say transformation is possible, it will be seen with practical programmes that will impact lives,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who was arrested for being in possession of 10 suspected stolen cattle at Ga-Mokake village, near Taung will briefly appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 6 December 2023 for bail application. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 30 November 2023 at around 7:50am in Taung, the Rural Safety Police allegedly noticed two men at Ga-Mokake village loading cattle on a trailer towed by a white bakkie.

“The pair allegedly fled the scene when the police approached them. Nevertheless, one of them was arrested, whilst the other evaded the arrest. Right after arresting the suspect, a group of community members, who knew the accused, mobilised and allegedly threatened the police,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police immediately called for backup and the situation calmed down after the arrival of more police officers on the scene. She added that more cases are under investigation for intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

“The police confiscated the bakkie, trailer, and 10 suspected stolen cattle. The ownership of the cattle is yet to be determined as they do not have clear brand marks on them,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Rural Safety police for their attentiveness, bravery, and diligence in making sure that criminals such as these ones are put behind bars. Kwena warned that, an attack on a police officer, is an attack on the state and that it will not be tolerated.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 38-YER-OLD man who was arrested for human trafficking, assault, rape and compelled rape, possession of illegal drugs as well as being an illegal immigrant has been denied bail by the Kimberley District Court.

Adeyefa Adedamola Adetoye was arrested after an intelligence-driven multi-disciplinary operation led by the DPCI, Organised Crime, Intelligence, and other specialized units within the South African Police Service after the law enforcement agencies received a tip-off regarding the accused transgressions.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said during Adetoye’s arrest at one of the chain motels in Kimberley, two victims were found in his room.

Senokoatsane further said the victims aged 17 and 29, informed the police that, they had been trafficked from the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng to Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

“They alleged that, they had been locked in the hotel room and prostituted as sex workers by the accused. The police also found illegal drugs in the room belonging to the accused during their search.

“During his bail application, the court heard that the accused who is from Nigeria, does not have legal papers to be in South Africa as his permit expired in 2018. He also does not have a fixed address where he could be located and that he could be a flight risk,” he said.

Senokoatsane added that, the court also heard how the victims were lured by the accused and trafficked and exploited for sex work from one place to another. He said the case has been postponed to 30 January 2024 and the accused will be remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, Senokoatsane said the investigations led by the Directorate Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) are continuing in this matter. He said the NPA welcomes this decision by the Kimberley District Court to deny the accused bail as the country continues to celebrate 16 Days of Activism.

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