Picture: The police arrested 13 undocumented persons during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Thirteen undocumented persons were arrested in Namaqua District on 10 January 2024. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers, 12 of the undocumented persons arrested, were Lesotho nationals aged between 23 and 45.
She said another undocumented persons was a Zimbabwe national aged 45.
“On 10 January 2024, the members from Public Order Police (POP), executed Operation Vala Umgodi and conducted a search and seizure actions in the Namaqua district.
“A 190 items believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining were seized, including pliers, jackhammers, drills, spotlights, grinders, generators, shovels, sand sieves, pickaxes, chisels, hand hammers and screwdrivers,” said Ehler.
She said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue unabated to curb illicit mining.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for executing arrests.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Broos said Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago, while Mothobi Mvala had a groin injury.
“Mvala is still part of this team for now. I will not rule him out or think further until I have the full medical details from the team doctor. He is still a part of the AFCON-bound team. Mvala is the type of player that gives everything, both during a match and in practice.
“The above-mentioned players were not part of the South African senior men’s team that faced Lesotho in a preparation match at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, on Wednesday afternoon (10 January 2024),” he said.
Bafana Bafana team doctor, Dr Tshepo Molobi said: “As it is in any camp, we will always be faced with something and this is the nature of football when you’re dealing with athletes. In the case of Mvala, all medical assessments have been made and while we continue practicing caution with all and any injuries, there is no need to rule him out.
“He will travel with the team to Côte d’Ivoire and we as a medical team, will continuously monitor all injuries and niggles that need our care.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho on Wednesday.
The team departs from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday 11 January 2024 and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo their home from Friday.
Picture: Two men, Tumelo Tlonkwe and Rebaone Malekanyo having lunch in Vryburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
The families of two men, Tumelo Tlonkwe (33) and Rebaone Malekanyo (34), who were accused of killing a former Vaaltar FM presenter and local socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021 said, they are relieved that the court did not find them guilty. Malekanyo and Tlonkwe from Modimong village, near Taung, were facing premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.
“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village, near Taung.
“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating in a river on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that, his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” said Mamothame.
He further said, the two men were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police. Their case was transferred to the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg.
On 11 January 2024, Tlonkwe and Malekanyo were found not guilty by the North West High Court due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Meanwhile, Rebaone’s brother, Pacman Malekanyo said: “We are happy that, finally the justice system has acquitted our brothers and the truth has prevailed. This is what we have been saying that, our brothers are falsely accused in this matter.
“Unfortunately, our livelihoods have been severely affected in the process because our houses were torched by irked residents. We had to relocate our parents from their area of birth due to safety measures.”
Pacman said they will now shift their focus and ensure that, those perpetrators who torched their houses are being arrested and prosecuted. He said they will also have a consultative engagement with their lawyers to look into a civil case against the state.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges road users in general to be cautious, especially in flooding and misty areas. This comes after excessive rain in different parts of the North West.
Lehari said motorists are advised to drive with minimum speed, and headlights on, while cyclists and those jaywalking are requested to wear reflective clothing. He further said reminding road users to obey road rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary accidents is important.
“We continue to plead with our motorists to comply and cooperate with our law enforcement agencies. Normally, rain causes roads to be slippery and it becomes worse with the level of rain. We urge drivers to reduce speed is a crucial element in wet weather conditions.
“In certain areas of the province, motorists will experience misty weather and it is advisable to always drive with headlights on to be visible on the road. Drivers must avoid hard braking and sudden turns,” said Lehari.
He added that, the law enforcement and road safety officers will be visible. Lehari said they request motorists to cooperate on the road.
“Our responsibility is to make sure that you reach your destinations safely as we cannot afford to lose lives due to incidents.
“Traffic is expected to increase as most people are traveling back from holidays to their work destinations, especially when schools are also due to open for the 2024 academic year,” he said.
The Guardian 