Picture: Two suspects arrested for allegedly armed robbery/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A quick response by the police in Letlhabile, resulted in the arrest of a suspect, Thato Godwill Manganyi (23) on Tuesday morning (16 January 2024). Manganyi was arrested after he and his accomplice allegedly robbed a store at Letlhabile Shopping Complex.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the suspects allegedly entered the shop, threatened the cashier with a firearm and fled the shop with cash, vouchers and various cellular phones.
“The shocked cashier screamed for help and police officers, who were just around the corner of the shop, acted immediately and arrested Manganyi who was found in possession of a firearm and cellular phones,
“The second suspect, Golden Sako (22) escaped, but was handed over to the police shortly after the incident by a family member. The duo appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court for business robbery,” said Myburgh.
She further said Manganyi is facing an additional charge for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Myburgh added that the accused persons were remanded in custody until 23 January 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their quick and brave response that resulted in the arrest. Kwena said the community that does not tolerate criminals, even in their own families, will greatly assist the police to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
Picture: The Executive Council with top achievers/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Matric Class of 2023 has shown some improvements. This comes after the province obtained 81.6 % and retained its fourth position in 2021.
Maape said these results represent an increase of 1.8 % from 2022, where the province claimed a fifth position in national matriculants results outcomes. He said the number of candidates who passed with Bachelors has increased to 15 059 (36,36%) compared to 14 733 (33.62%) of the Class of 2022.
“Moreover, Diploma passes have also improved by 11 646 (28,12%), which is higher than 10 794 (26,3%) of 2022. The results mirror the hard work undertaken by the Executive Council in making education one of its apex priorities.
“The outcome of these results gives credence to the fortitude displayed by the government and the department in making sure that education remains one of our apex priorities as a province. Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme -Thuntsha Lerole, we made a commitment that teaching and learning will not be left behind as we roll-out this plan,” he said.
Maape further said their efforts were not in vain. He added that the 2023 cohort also scored a total of 7 067 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, as compared to 6 478 in the previous year.
“This achievement reflects the efforts and commitments of ordinary men and women who have taken it up themselves to demonstrate to the country that we are a province of skilled and ethical personnel.
“The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality reclaimed its top position as the best performing district with 84,24%. It is followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District at 83,51%, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts are sitting at position three and four with 78,79% and 77,16% respectively,” said Maape.
He said all these districts have improved their pass rate as compared to the previous year. Maape said credit must also go to the teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, leaders of faith-based organisations, the private sector and all social partners, who have traversed this journey with them.
“We have implored the private sector to collaborate with the Office of the Premier to expand the reach of the Victor Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme. The Bursary Scheme is currently funding 145 students, who are enrolled at various institutions of higher learning to the tune of R60 million.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the stewardship of North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her entire departmental collective for a stellar performance in the 2023 matric results outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said: “We applaud the 2.8% improvement of matric results from 80.1 % to 82.9 and in particular commended the performance of historically marginalised and under-resourced rural provinces.
“On behalf of the ANC caucus, we congratulate Motsumi for her energy as well as leadership effort that contributed to the increase of 1.8 % from 2022 to 81.6% last year, which dispels the myth that young people cannot lead successfully.”
Sebegoe said their gratitude also goes to the acting Head of Department, Deputy Director General, Dr Shadrack Mvula as well as the collective of departmental officials, principals and committed educators, most of whom made great sacrifices and went the extra mile, parents for their unwavering support and most importantly, the matric class of 2023 that worked hard and remained focused even under trying circumstances.
Picture: The Bantwana Batwana players in training/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), have begun their preparations for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia. The young ladies will face the East African Nation in a two-legged affair.
Of the 2nd round of qualifier on 2 February 2024 away from home and on 10 February 2024 at home, where they will be looking to progress to the last round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Bantwana Bantwana coach, Ntabeleng “Dunga” Modiko told http://www.safa.net that, Bantwana will be looking to secure a spot to the Dominican Islands, in what will be South Africa’s third appearance at the junior world cup for women.
Modiko further said the team began their month- long camp on 15 January 2024 and focused on fitness levels.
“This has been a very taxing week for the girls, as we have to regain fitness before anything else. We are happy with the progress they are making and we have asked them to dig deep because we begin the year with very crucial matches and they have to show up to gain a spot in the team.
“We have a huge preliminary squad and it was pivotal that we worked on fitness this week because it is never easy to begin a camp after the festive season. Therefore, we have been hard at work this week ensuring that the players are at a certain level of fitness before we dive into the tactics of our qualifiers,” he said.
Modiko added that, they have had fitness tests and a few sessions where ball possession, small build ups and regrouping have been the main focus. He said this coming week, they will be looking to cut the squad down to the 23 players that will represent the country in the qualifiers.
“We are also ensuring that the players are up to date with their studies, since the opening of schools this past Wednesday. The education factor has been catered for.
“We have a tutor in camp to ensure that players are not only focused on football, but also mentally get back into the classroom, as they are at a critical age of their education,” said Modiko.
The Guardian 