Picture: The SA cricket team ready for U19 Cricket World Cup 2024/Supplied  

By KABELO SELEBOGO

South Africa has been announced as the host for the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, following the suspension of Sri Lanka as the host late last year. JB Marks Oval (Potchefstroom), Willow Moore Park (Benoni), Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), Kimberly Oval, and Buffalo Park (East London) will host 16 countries divided into four groups with a total number of 41 games from January 19 to February 11.

JB Marks Oval will host la crème de la crème of 50 overs clashes. The Oval which is named after a struggle icon, Uncle John Beaver Marks, is set to host South Africa, England, the West Indies, and Scotland. The Oval holds several stats and records across various formats of cricket matches, which include tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 International (T20Is).

The four countries will battle it all out to earn maximum points and compete for spots in group stages. The Super 6 matches will commence from January 19 to February 3 in Potchefstroom.

The host side will take on West Indies in an opener on January 19, followed by England on January 23, and ending the group fixture by facing Scotland on January 27.

The CEO of North West Cricket, Ismail Minty said: “We are more than prepared to welcome all cricket enthusiasts from all walks of life and to host an event of this magnitude. The Oval is well-maintained and in good shape.

“We have excellent training facilities, infrastructure, a sports village, a high-performance centre, and fields that have hotels on-site which make it easier for logistics. We are hosting a competent pool that comprises exciting young talent in the world of cricket.”

Minty further said this is the same event that has produced the likes of Kagiso Rabada and other prominent stars.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi, applauded North West Cricket for the sterling job and for always being ready to host events of this magnitude.  

“We pride ourselves with the Oval named after Uncle JB Marks with notable records. This is the same venue that has previously hosted both the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and U19 ICC Men’s World Cup as well as the senior’s ODI between Proteas and Aussies (Australia).

“We are pleased by the number of locals, who are temporarily employed to work behind the scenes such as ushers, safety officers, security, accreditations, VIPs, media, and cleaning services ensuring that everything runs smooth,” she added.  

Mosenogi said to give back to the cricket fraternity, ICC has organised several coaching clinics targeting children that play cricket at local clubs and school teams in Ventersdorp and surrounding areas in Potch.

She said the 10 matches that will be played over 15 days, are free to watch and they encourage patriotic citizens to come in numbers at the games.

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Picture: A bus from Zimbabwe with passengers/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A suspected undocumented Zimbabwean driver allegedly abandoned his bus with 78 passengers inside. This comes after the North West traffic officers, allegedly stopped a bus with Zimbabwean registration number on R101 road, near Carousel Casino, outside Pretoria on 10 January 2024.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said the alleged driver fled on foot. Lehari further said the traffic officers were on their regular patrol when they stopped the bus.

“The bus had 78 passengers and was apparently en route to Johannesburg. After bringing the bus to a stop, the driver alighted and took off on foot, leaving perplexed officers behind. However, his passengers were not bemused by his antics.

“The traffic officers called the police and handed the matter to them. The passengers were taken to the Makapanstad Police Station for verification of their status and the bus was impounded. We would like to applaud the traffic officers for exceptional work,” he said.

Lehari added that this is a further testimony that, their operations and monitoring mechanisms on the roads are impactful. He said they had been on all roads – both interconnecting and rural to ensure that, there is compliance with the law.

“The presence of law enforcement and their efficiency has been extolled by ordinary citizens as is the case with Johannesburg resident, Lorenzo Roberts, who praised our traffic officers on social media.

“Roberts was stranded on his way from a family outing in Sun City and was assisted by our friendly law enforcement officers. Ordinary people must feel safe in the presence of law enforcement officers. They should not be petrified and we are happy when citizens give us this type of feedback,” said Lehari.

He said due to every presence of the traffic officers, the fatalities on the North West roads stand at just below 90, which is about 10% less compared to the same period last year. Lehari said the traffic is expected to pick up going into the weekend as schools will be opening next week.

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Picture: Joseph Maruping in front of his overflowed yard  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Maruping in Lokgabeng village, near Taung said, it lives in fear that, one day their house might be washed away. This comes after the water overflowed into their yard after a rainfall.  

Joseph Maruping (67) said the overflow of water is caused by the topography of their area and how the roadway was designed. Maruping said the water comes from Leropong until it reaches their yards.

“Even though there are culverts, they are clogged because of soil. So, they serve no purpose because they are not maintained. We have urged the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) to address this matter and ensure that, there is stormwater that is conveyed along the tarred road with curb and gutter. However, our call fell on deaf ears.

“The water was supposed to go through into the storm sewer system through inlets or catch basins. The catch basin will take the water off the street and into the storm sewer pipe under the bridge. However, nothing has happened,” he said.

Maruping further said the culvert that was installed by the municipality, is too small too. He added that, when there are rainstorms, the water overflows into their yards and they are forced to stay indoors, which affects their livelihoods.

“What is disheartening is that, this is happening every year. We call on our municipality to take our concerns into consideration, instead of ignoring us. They kept on promising to come and address this matter year in and year out with no action.

“The water that overflows into our yard also enters into our borehole. You can imagine how hazardous the situation might be. We do not know if that water is contaminated or not. So, we might drink the water from the borehole, only to find out that it is contaminated,” said Maruping.

He said their neighbour has since relocated due to the situation. Maruping said if it was up to them, they would have relocated a long time ago, but they have no due to financial constraints as they are pensioners.

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) deputy regional secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Mothohela Dikhai shared the same sentiments. Dikhai said they are concerned about heavy rains that continue to pour in and affect the residents in the process.

“What we have realised is that the affected people are constantly living in fear. Last night, they hardly slept due to the situation they found themselves in. So, we urge the municipality to act swiftly and address this matter.   

“The problem is how the tarred road that links Mokassa and Lokgabeng was constructed. No drainage system can redirect water to avoid overflowing into the residents’ yards. We urge the municipality to assist by installing big culverts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure at the municipality, Itumeleng Maribe said: “As the municipality, we are aware of the predicament the Maruping family finds itself in. We have installed a culvert there, but it seems the culvert serves no purpose.

“However, we have engaged the District Director of North West Public Works and Roads for assistance. So, he agreed to assemble a team to assess the situation before installing the bigger culvert that will redirect water.”

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Picture: The firearm allegedly confiscated from five suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects aged between 22 and 56 were arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer on Monday evening, 8 January 2024. The suspects allegedly shot and injured a police constable in Jericho village.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police officer allegedly arrived at a tuckshop in an unmarked state motor vehicle and noticed three suspects, who fired several shots of which one struck him on the left arm. Mokgwabone said the suspects allegedly fled the scene in a silver Opel Kadett.

“A quick response by Jericho police led to a car chase until at Sephai village, where the suspects’ vehicle collided with a cow. The suspects then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although a search was conducted in the bushes, that did not yield positive results. 

“The first suspect was handed over to the police by a member of the community, while the other was arrested by Jericho police on 9 January 2024. The other three suspects were tracked and arrested between 9 January 2024 and the early hours of today (10 January 2024) in Mabopane and Winterveldt during a tactical operation by Brits Crime Intelligence and Trio Task Team,” he said.

Mokgwabone said, that further investigation led the police to Legonyane village, where a Norinco firearm with four ammunition was found hidden by one of the suspects at his aunt’s place. He added that the preliminary investigation revealed that, four suspects are on parole and still under correctional supervision.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon for attempted murder. One of the suspects is facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest, which he said is a clear indication that the police are committed to dismantling criminal groupings such as this one. Kwena also thanked all police officers and all other role players including private security companies’ personnel and members of the community for their cooperation soon after the incident was reported until the suspects were brought to book.

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Picture: Some of the mining equipment confiscated during arrest/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects were arrested for illicit mining during Operation Vala Ungodi by the police and a private security company. The operation was conducted in the Namaqua District on 9 January 2024 at approximately 10:00. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, the team searched an area where it is alleged that illicit mining is occurring. Ehlers further said four men were found in mining holes and arrested.

“Two undocumented Zimbabwe nationals aged 17 and 39, as well as two South African citizens aged 29 and 30 were arrested on a charge of illicit mining.

“Mining equipment to the approximate value of R2600 believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining, was seized. Diamond-carrying gravel was also seized. The suspects will appear in court soon,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members for their continued efforts to eradicate illicit mining in the province.

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Picture: A dead man in a black plastic garbage bag/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Koster request members of the community to assist with the identification of the unknown body of a white man, estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 40. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said, the body was found in a ditch along the R30 road between Rustenburg and Ventersdorp on 30 December 2023.  

“He was barefooted and both hands tight with a cable. Further to that, his mouth and nose were covered with plastic. The victim was wearing a white t-shirt with blue beach short trousers. He was found between Oakland and Raakvat farms.

“Anyone who may have information that can assist in this regard is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Morolodi on 076 510 9112 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Number 08600 10111. Tip-offs may also be communicated via MySAPS App,” she said.

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