Picture: The City of Matlosana’s CFO, Percy Phetlha/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla (38), the GMHM Construction and Projects employees, Matshepiso Mothelesane (39) and Nomthandazo Mokasule (49), were arrested for fraud. It is alleged that in June 2023, a service provider purchased a vehicle worth R1.4 million for Phetlha.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the trio handed themselves over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on 18 January 2024.
“The investigations by the Hawks Serious Corruption revealed that, the service provider has a contract with the municipality. The trio was arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 January 2024.
“They were granted a R35 000 bail each and their case was postponed to 1 March 2024 for further investigation. They have been ordered to hand over their passports to the investigating officers and all documents relating to the GMHM to be immediately removed from Phetlha,” she said.
Picture: The firearm allegedly found in the suspect possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (23) was arrested for house-breaking, theft, and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm. A case of burglary was reported at a farm, near Karos on 7 January 2024, where a rifle was allegedly stolen.
The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “The police of Upington Crime Office, received a tip-off that led to a house in Karos, where the suspect was allegedly found in possession of the suspected stolen rifle.
“The police issue a stern warning to firearm license holders to ensure that, the safekeeping of their firearms at all times.”
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi and delegation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi in collaboration with ward councillor, Tshidiso Makonoto, officials from the North West Department of Education, Community Development Workers (CDW) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted visits to seven schools in Brits on 17 January 2024.
Tlhapi said this was part of the North West Provincial Government’s State-of-School Readiness Programme. She said the visit and inspection were conducted at Isaac Mokoena Primary School, Mothotlung Secondary School, and Rantsou Primary School in Brits.
“The purpose of the visit was to assess the school’s readiness for the 2024 academic year. Several important areas were assessed, including performance management, school planning, learner admission procedures, and the accessibility of crucial strategic documents like policies.
“Other essential elements of the assessment were financial concerns, textbook and stationery supply, infrastructure requirements, and interaction with school principals and the School Governing Body (SGB),” said Tlhapi.
She further said issues highlighted during the assessment include an over-subscription of learners leading to a shortage of classrooms, limited furniture, insufficient toilets, as well as bullying amongst the learners and undocumented learners, particularly in lower grades.
“Other challenges noted include substance abuse, a lack of parental support in addressing learners’ ill-discipline and underperformance, and dishonesty among parents in completing learners’ special needs assessment forms.
“To uphold the quality of education, we took proactive measures by verifying the strategic planning documents, workforce, and policies of schools for the 2024 academic year. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that, educational institutions are adequately prepared and equipped to provide a high standard of education,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, despite the challenges, they commended the school management for ensuring that, teaching and learning resumed on the first day of school reopening. Tlhapi also praised the management for developing plans to raise extra funds.
“We highlighted the significance of using the funds for maintenance and operating needs such as replacing windows, ceilings, roofs, grass mowing, plumbing, and payment of auxiliary personnel.
“Acknowledging the challenges faced by schools is a crucial step in addressing issues head-on. So, we are committed to engaging with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and school management of Rantsou Primary School, which has extra classrooms to serve as overflow for the other two schools,” she said.
Tlhapi requested an invitation to one of the parents’ meetings to address concerns about their lack of support for the schools. She said they are firm in their commitment to addressing these challenges and collaborating with schools to create an environment that allows every learner to excel.
“We applaud the dedication of school administrators and emphasise the need for community assistance in overcoming these obstacles.
“The government is investing a lot of money and resources to ensure learners become future leaders. So, I personally make a call to learners to stay away from substance abuse and emphasised the need for dedication and discipline in achieving success,” she said.
Picture: A slaughtered goat confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged between 25 and 45 were arrested by the police in Danielskuil for stock theft. This comes after goats were reported stolen on 16 January 2024. The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela, said the police conducted preliminary investigations, which led to the apprehension of the suspects and the discovery of a slaughtered Savanna goat to the value of R30 000.
“Further investigations revealed that, two more alive goats to the value of R4000, were kept at another location. The goats were recovered and handed over to the rightful owner. The police urge all farmers to brand their stock to ensure it is easily identifiable,” he said.
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi condemns with the strongest possible terms the ongoing violent protest at the Department’s Head Office in Mahikeng. This comes after a group of individuals embark on protest action following the announcement to kick-start the Routine Roads Maintenance project.
Molapisi further said the protesters are causing havoc by burning tyres in front of the main entrance and alternative gates. He added that, this prohibits officials’ access to the premises and also affects day-to-day work and service delivery.
“The ongoing protest is a result of misinformation spread by individuals, who are hell-bent on discrediting the department and its leadership. The department recently issued a statement announcing the resumption of Routine Road Maintenance project after delays caused by administrative-related issues.
“It must be indicated that, the department held a meeting with the same group of protesters to clarify issues around the project. It is mysterious that protesters have decided to embark on a protest action before the date of a follow-up meeting is set,” said Molapisi.
He said the communities should be rest assured that, they will stop at nothing to deliver the mandate. Molapisi said no amount of threats, or illegal and disruptive action will stop them from creating employment for the communities.
“Security measures to ensure the safety of employees and premises have been put in place. The law enforcement authorities have been deployed at Departments’ Head Offices to maintain calm and stability,” he said.
The Guardian 