Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape visits Dingake Primary School in Lichtenburg/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said he is pleased with the introduction of serving breakfast at 300 schools across the province. Maape, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visited the Dingake Primary School in Lichtenburg to monitor progress registered in the implementation of this initiative through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the province. 

“Dingake Primary School forms part of a cohort of 300 schools, where the province introduced breakfast to mitigate the impact of poverty on learners in economically depressed communities.  The introduction of this initiative means learners in these schools are receiving two meals a day.

“As part of the province’s back-to-school campaign, we are pleased with the feedback we received in the implementation of this programme. The province is feeding over 740,000 learners through this initiative,” he said.

 Maape further said in 2023, he announced that learners in financially depressed communities would benefit from this programme, which is currently serving two meals per day to 300 schools across the province. He added that the feedback he received in the implementation of this programme is satisfactory.

“To date, we have not experienced any hiccups. The programme is in full swing and we also show gratitude towards the roll-out of several Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives by the private sector in addressing the scourge of poverty in this community and particularly at this school,” said Maape.

He said they understand that various social partners and in this regard, business have been assisting this school with poverty alleviation projects.

“This is commendable and I would like to urge others to do the same. We can only build our communities if we work together to address the challenges of poverty and unemployment afflicting our people.  

“While there were minor incidents which were reported on the first day of the re-opening of schools, we are confident that this will not have any adverse impact on the 2024 academic year activities,” said Maape.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “The department is off to a positive start as schools across the province welcomed learners back for the 2024 academic year. We are thrilled to see such a vibrant atmosphere at Dingakwe Primary School today.

“The high attendance and enthusiasm among both learners and educators are a testament to the dedication of our school communities and the importance placed on education in the North West.”

She said Dingakwe Primary School with its 571 learners, exemplifies the diverse and thriving school communities across the province. Motsumi said the school’s participation in the breakfast program is a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and creating a conducive learning environment for all learners.

“We would also like to commend the teachers and support staff for their tireless efforts in preparing for the new year. We encouraged learners to embrace the opportunities ahead and maximize their education. The department remains committed to providing quality education for all learners in the province.

“With a promising start to the new year, the department is confident in building on past successes and creating a brighter future for education in the North West,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who is accused of killing a cash-in-transit security guard, Lebogang Kakgola (33) at Absa ATM in Tlakganeng Filling Station, outside Ganyesa in May 2022. Osvaldo Julio Cumbane (30) was arrested by the Mahikeng-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on 15 January 2024.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, warrant officer Amogelang Malwetse said, it is alleged that two security guards were taking out cash from the safe when one guard was suddenly grabbed from behind. Malwetse further said, a scuffle ensued between him and the suspects, who wanted to take his rifle.

“In the process, a shot went off hitting the crew. He was declared dead on the scene. The other security guard fired shots in defense of his colleague, leaving two suspects injured. However, he was also grabbed from behind, pointed with a firearm, and forced into the security vehicle.

“He handed the money outside the safe to the suspects and jumped into the safe, while the suspects still focused on the money. The suspects fled the scene with the security vehicle, leaving the security guard who was locked in the safe a few kilometres away,” she said.

Malwetse added that they abandoned the vehicle in the middle of the road. She said an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

“Following the sterling investigation by the Hawks team, a warrant of arrest was issued based on the positive evidence that linked Cumbane to the case, he was arrested at Odendaalsrus in Free State.

“He appeared before the court and the case was postponed to 26 January 2024,” said Malwetse.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-elected municipal speaker at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Kealeboga Seboko said they hope the intervention that will be brought forward by the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi will be in line with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.

Maloyi had a consultative engagement with the GTLM councillors at Pudimoe Community Hall on 16 January 2024 inquest to bring intervention. This comes after the municipality turned into a “butt of jokes” for having not one, but two mayors, two municipal speakers, and two chief whips, all from the ANC.

“We had a consultative engagement with Maloyi and what we are waiting to hear from him is the recommendation from all challenges we presented to him. We hope that the recommendations will be in line with the Municipal Act.

“At the end of the day, the municipal council is the statutory body that makes its own decisions, although he has the right to give advice and bring intervention if need be. His intervention comes after he received a letter from the former municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai due to some challenges experienced at the municipality,” he said.

Seboko said if what they raised found expression earlier, the municipality would not be in this predicament.

Maloyi said he received information that there is instability in the municipality, hence his visit. He said what is happening in the municipality is shocking because they do not want any political or administrative instability in any municipality across the province.

“So, this one came as a shock, hence I came here. I wanted to understand why people are behaving in the manner in which they are behaving. I allowed councillors to interact with me and I listened to them.

“They have raised about 29 points, which we have noted. So this morning, I’ll be meeting with my legal team for us to discuss what kind of intervention can be implemented at this institution,” he said.

Maloyi further said once they have done so, then he will go to the executive council and recommend the appropriate action that must be taken.  He added that he hopes all this happens before the end of this week.

F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti alleged that what is happening at the municipality are individuals who are serving the interests of warring factions. Moeti said they have reflected on critical challenges within the municipality and their challenges started when they were dealing with the appointment of the municipal manager position.

“We urge Maloyi to go deeper into this matter and do forensic investigations. All other issues that people raised were economical with Maloyi. There are serious challenges related to finance, investment accounts and it is imperative to investigate such.

“So, we believe that Maloyi will make recommendations. Also, those who posed themselves to different positions such as mayoral, chief whip and speaker positions are doing that for personal interests,” he said.

“However, we call them to desist from that and have the interest of the people at heart. The MEC must bring stability to the municipality.”

Gaoraelwe spokesperson, Crespo Menyatso said: “What is important is that we must appreciate the fact that Maloyi availed himself to listen to the challenges the municipality has. Now, the ball is in his court and we must allow that process to be ventilated.

“I was also told that Maloyi will cast his net wider and probe all widespread allegations raised during the meeting. So, we must allow him that particular space. I think the municipal council will also subject itself to that particular decision.”

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Picture: The firearms confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged (36), (34), and (26), who were arrested after being found to have firearms in Alabama, Klerksdorp on 15 January 2024, are expected to appear in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. The trio was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Priority Crime Management Centre, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre, and the District Illegal Mining Task team during an intelligence-driven operation to track down perpetrators involved in business burglaries in the area.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the meticulous investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime, led the team to Alabama Township, where an Audi TT was spotted. She said the vehicle did not stop when the team directed it to do so.

“A shoot-out ensued between the police and suspects. Three suspects were arrested and four firearms were recovered in the vehicle. A follow-up investigation led the team to a farm in Hartebeesfontein and Alabama, where a substantial number of various calibre ammunition, firearms, and explosives were recovered.

“The firearms are linked to a burglary that occurred at business premises at Irene Park, near Klerksdorp during December 2023. The suspects are facing charges of business burglary and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition,” said Malwetse.

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