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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Janine Van Wyk

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana player, Janine Van Wyk brought the curtain down on her illustrious career in spectacular fashion this week when she broke the African record for the most caps and in the process also helped the South African senior women’s national team secure qualification to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The African champions qualified for next year’s WAFCON in Morocco after beating Burkina Faso 2-0 (3-1 on aggregate) at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday (4 December 2023) afternoon. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Côte d’Ivoire a few days ago and coach Desiree Ellis’ charges completed the task on Monday, courtesy of goals from Linda Mothlalo and Nicole Michael.

Van Wyk was deservedly given a standing ovation by her colleagues after earning her 185^th cap and breaking the record for the most caps (men and women) on the continent that was held by Egypt legend Ahmed Hassan for over a decade.

Van Wyk said: “It wouldn’t have been a joyful one without a win and qualifying for another WAFCON. It was not about me but the whole team. Yes, we celebrate the 185 caps, but we had a very important match coming here and we knew it was not going to be an easy one, especially after drawing away from home.

“Overall, this has been the cherry on the cake after a great career for me and a great moment for reaching this milestone. What better way to do it with the national team at home.”

She further said it has been a long journey with Banyana Banyana. Van Wyk added that, there have been many ups and downs, but these are the moments that one strives for and to achieve every single dream that you have planned out for yourself from a young age, and just reaching this last one is a great fulfillment for me.

“So, thank you for all the support,” she said.

Ellis also wished Van Wyk well after the many achievements and heights she has scaled during her illustrious career.

“I want to say congratulations to Janine after a long career. I think this is well-deserved. She has given her all and always wore her heart on her sleeve.

“This couldn’t have happened to a more deserving player. Good luck and welcome to the space. It is not easy but we wish you all the best and hopefully, your coaching career can be as successful as your playing career.”

Meanwhile, SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan hailed Van Wyk, describing the roving defender as one of a kind.

“You will never find another Janine van Wyk again and I want to express the country’s appreciation for all the entertainment she provided during her long stint with Banyana Banyana.

“We relish the great moments she provided and I know Janine is not lost to South African football. We will support her in whatever way she wants to plough back into women’s football. Whether through coaching or any career that will enhance women’s football in the country, she is a living legend,” he said.

Banyana Banyana’s long-time sponsors also applauded Van Wyk after a storied and long career.

Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said on behalf of Sasol, they want to congratulate Janine for reaching this milestone. Mbatha said the caps she has received are more than any other footballer in Africa.

“We want to also thank her for her dedication, her contribution, and most importantly her leadership in the development of women’s football.  

“We say may those who come after her build on the footsteps of what she has already built, and we look forward to seeing what else she has to contribute off the field towards the growth of South African women’s football,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Four accused persons, Donald Seolesang, Tshepo Visagie, Kgomotso Mpumlwana and Tshepaone Melato in treble murder case

By OBAKENG MAJE

The trial in a treble murder case against four accused persons, Donald Seolesang (23), Tshepo Visagie (39), Kgomotso Mpumlwana (46), and Tshepaone Melato (22) has been adjourned by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley until 24 April 2024.

Seolesang, Visagie, Mpumlwana, and Melato are facing various serious charges, which include three counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances as well as kidnapping. They are accused of killing the elderly couple, Danie Brand (83), his wife Breggie (73), and their daughter Elzabie (54), who went missing in Hartswater on 26 July 2020.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the bodies of the three victims were found days later around Taung after an intense multi-disciplined police operation that was assembled to locate their whereabouts.

“During their numerous court appearances, Mpumlwana, applied for bail in the Hartswater District Court and the prosecution successfully opposed the bail application. The other accused abandoned their bail applications.

“In this matter which began in 2022, the state has closed its case. The defense started its case with accused number one, Donald Seolesang taking the stand to defend his case and it ended with the accused being cross-examined by the prosecution led by Senior State Advocate Adele Van Heerden and State Advocate Mary-Ann Engelbrecht,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said during Seolesang’s cross-examination, the high court heard how he had to travel from one village to another to wash the victim’s car, which was full of blood believed to be that of the three victims. He added that the court also heard how the accused went about selling the victims’ properties such as a laptop to members of the community. 

“The court also heard how the accused were driving from one destination to another, with the victims’ car without any worry of what they had done. 

“The trial will resume on 24 April 2024, in the High Court and the accused continue to be incarcerated at the Kimberly Prison until the conclusion of their trial,” said Senokoatsane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: A gardener planting/Genric

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has today launched a week-long training program for gardeners employed under ECDs across the province at the Kgora Training Centre in Ramatlabama. Motsumi said the trainees are deployed in the 40 pocket centres of excellence in the Early Childhood Development directorate and are the first group of ECD gardeners to receive training. She further said, that upon successful completion, they will be awarded certificates recognizing their newly acquired skills.

“This initiative marks the first step in upskilling and empowering this vital group of young workers. The program is offered under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture but is conducted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

“It aims to equip the gardeners with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. The training covers various aspects of horticulture, including plant identification, soil management, pest and disease control, and sustainable gardening practices,” she said.

Motsumi added that, this training program is a significant investment in the youth and the future of agriculture in the province. She said by equipping these young people with the necessary skills, they are not only empowering them to earn a living but also contributing to food security and economic development in the province.

“This initiative is just the beginning. Following the success of the gardeners’ program, similar training opportunities will be offered to other ECD participants, including administrators and storytellers.

“The department is committed to the holistic development of the youth. This comprehensive training program will provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our society,” said Motsumi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

American RnB singer, Karyn White said she will have revellers eating from the ‘palm of her hand’ on Sunday. White arrived in South Africa last week Sunday afternoon for her much-anticipated performance 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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder. On the morning of 14 August 2023 at Kanana village, near Tlhabane, Sindisa Matomane (48) went to his ex-girlfriend’s house and found her sleeping.

Matomane then took out a sharp object and stabbed her several times on her face and body.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the woman subsequently screamed for help until she lost consciousness. Mamothame further said the accused fled the scene after the incident.

“The complaint was rushed to a hospital to receive medical attention and she was admitted for two months. The accused was arrested on the same day and he was denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charge,” he said.

Mamothame added that the court declared Matomane unfit to possess a firearm.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Zangweni Zimema, urged the court to consider the prevalence of domestic violence, as well as the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the complainant.

Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the brutality the accused exerted on the complainant and that he showed no remorse for his action.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Karabo Monyatsi from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and all role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book. She further lauded the neighbours for acting swiftly, saving a life.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The Uniting Reformed Church in Taung calls on GBV victims to speak up/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Taung said it will intensify the fight against abuse of Women and Children. On Saturday, the church embarked on a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness. The chairperson of Uniting Reformed Church’s youth structure in Hopetown, Northern Cape, Michelle Moss said the awareness campaign is essential because it will assist those who experience the abuse to speak up. She further said that GBV is a societal issue that needs everyone’s attention. 

“We have hosted Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness for future generations. This is a quest to ensure that, GBV is eradicated and we go back to the time where we can walk freely without any fear of being attacked.

“So, it is imperative to shape our children as they are the leaders of tomorrow. They should know that, there is a safer future waiting for them,” she said.

A social worker from Pudimoe Crisis Centre, Karabo Gaselebelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaselebelwe said, that as the centre, they ensure that the victims of GBV receive the necessary support. 

“We are indeed in support of this campaign. The aim is to create awareness against abuse of Women and Children. So, as the centre, we provide accommodation to the victims of GBV and we are grateful that, we receive full support from the government.

“We receive a stipend from the North West Department of Social Development. We are also working together with other stakeholders such as SAPS, North West Department of Health and others,” she said.

One of the co-founders of the GBV campaign at Uniting Reformed Church (URC), Mathwai Gaanabo said: “It was important to form a GBV campaign in our church because people tend to forget that, things like these can also affect churchgoers.

“Unfortunately, one of our youth in Maquassi Hills was raped by five men. That alone encouraged us to come up with this initiative and create awareness. We cannot fold our hands while heinous crimes are happening within the church.”

Gaanabo further said churches at large need to discuss this and not only focus on the bible. He added that working with other stakeholders will be fruitful and change the mindsets of many people.

“If we create the platform, those who have experienced that can be able to come forward and share their stories. This will also encourage those perpetrators to realise what they are doing is inhumane too,” said Gaanabo.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Mashatile said other key commemorative days observed annually during these 16 days, include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

“The campaign Was launched on 25 November 2023 in Mpumalanga Province and the theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 was: “Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence & Femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKEG MAJE

A former employee at Omnia Group, Baart van Vuuren (52) is expected to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for fraud and theft. Van Vuuren was employed by Omnia Group to sell fertiliser on behalf of the company to farmers in the Bloemhof area.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the reports suggest that, between 2021 and 2022, van Vuuren stole fertiliser from the company and sold it to his friends and customers, who were not in the company’s database. Myburgh further said the accused then pocketed the money to the tune of R20 million.

“It was only discovered after an audit that the company suffered a loss of R20 million due to the conduct of the accused. As a result, he was arrested and charged with 108 counts of fraud and theft.

“However, van Vuuren became a fugitive after he missed his court date and allegedly fled to the United States of America (USA). The Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant of arrest arrested against him,” she said.

Myburgh added that the long arm of the law caught up with van Vuuren on 29 November 2023 at the Namibian border post, where he was arrested. She said the accused was taken to Bloemhof and briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 1 December 2023, where he was remanded in custody.

taungdailynews@gmail.,com  

Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating a win/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) victory over Burkina Faso in a second-leg qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday afternoon. The game also served as veteran defender Janine Van Wyk’s farewell match after she officially bowed out of the sport as the most capped African player (men or women).

Van Wyk was substituted in the 8th minute and walked out to a standing ovation at the Atteridgeville venue, with the player’s parents and members of her club JVW in attendance in the stands.

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team had a slow start to the game as coach, Desiree Ellis’ charges tried to find a way past the visitors. Burkina Faso stood their ground in the opening minutes and the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a different ball game with the crowd serving as the 12^th man and the pressure finally told after the Banyana Banyana attack won a penalty in the 53^rd minute. Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot to give her side the lead.

The goal was a motivation for the home side as they pushed to end the year on a high note. Second-half substitute, Nicole Michael finally scored her first-ever Banyana Banyana goal in the 86^th minute to ensure that, the African Champions will return to Morocco to defend their continental title.

Faith Nokuthula also made her debut for Banyana Banyana as she was introduced in the 90^th minute. Banyana Banyana will return to action in February 2024 to continue with 2024 Olympic qualifications.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 500 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Safer Festive Season Shanela over the weekend. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the operation was conducted across the province.

Myburgh further said amongst others, 18 out of 579 suspects who were arrested, were for drug-related offenses. She added that 12 were for dealing in liquor, 27 for driving under the influence of liquor, two for possession of firearms and ammunition as well as 28 undocumented persons who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

“Twenty suspects were arrested for murders, six attempted murders, five for robbery, 137 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), five for business robbery, 18 for burglaries, 26 for malicious property damage, three for rape and 62 for assault common.

“During the operations, five firearms with ammunition, six cellular phones as well as a variety of drugs, liquor, and 60kg precious metals were confiscated. Some of the suspects have already appeared before the courts, while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts around the province,” she said.

Myburgh said during the operations, 47 premises were searched, eight roadblocks were held, 113 licensed liquor premises were inspected and 12 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down. She said, furthermore, 2402 persons and 1 077 vehicles were searched.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community, especially now that schools and tertiary institutions are closing down for summer holidays.

taungdailynews@gmail.com