The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has announced that, there will be a delay in the implementation of the Routine Roads Maintenance Project. The acting Head of Department (HoD), Sifiso Diko said the decision to delay implementation is due to administrative-related issues.
Diko further said the department is committed to implementing the Routine Roads Maintenance Project after consideration of the available budget.
“It is worth mentioning that the department has suffered a major budget cut of over R150m in the 2023/2024 financial year. Our priority is to see current participants of the Vuk’phile Contractor Development Programme exit in line with our existing strategy.
“In this regard, communication with participants of the programme is ongoing. Accordingly, the department will fulfill its obligations to appointed main contractors,” he said.
Diko added that, the department wishes to categorically state that, no work has commenced and therefore it is disingenuous to suggest that, the project has been suspended after meeting stakeholders on the matter. He said the department has advised the public to avoid overreliance on statements made by individuals not appointed to officially communicate on behalf of the department.
“We reiterate our position that, threats against officials of the department and the closing of the Head Office to raise concerns is unacceptable” said Diko.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Picture: A firearm allegedly confiscated during arrests of three suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men aged between 25 and 35 were arrested for attempted robbery in Breipaal, near Douglas on 9 January 2024. It is alleged that, at around 4am, four suspects entered a shanty and fired shot, where a victim (28) was wounded in the arm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the suspects allegedly fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and set the shanty alight.
Kock said three hours later, the same suspects allegedly fired shots inside a nearby tuckshop when they tried to rob the owner.
“The Douglas SAPS Detectives and Visible Policing were attending to the first scene and immediately responded to the gunshots at the tuckshop. The four suspects fled on foot through mielie crops, but three of them were caught and arrested by the police.
“The police also confiscated a Baby Brown firearm and ammunition. The fourth suspect is still at large, however, police believe that his arrest is imminent,” he said.
Kock further said the suspects will be charged with attempted murder, robbery, arson and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He added that, three suspects will appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Anyone with information can contact Douglas Detectives on 082 301 9978. The investigation continues,” said Kock.
By OBAKENG MAJE The police have noted with concern a recent spate of shoplifting incidents. The shop owners and assistants are urged to adhere to safety hints.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the shop owners should meet and greet shoppers and acknowledge their presence.
“Keep your store organised and tidy. Know common shoplifting tactics and be extra aware of shoppers with oversized clothes and bags. Optimise your store’s layout and try to install low racks so that you can have a full view of the shop. Install security cameras and add more mirrors to your store.
“Use customer service as prevention immediately after a shopper entered the shop. Train your employees to be able to spot shoplifters, usually picking up and putting down goods on racks. Use retail inventory as a management tools to always know your stock levels,” he said.
Kock further said the shop owners should identify at-risk items and place it in plain sight of shop assistants. He added that, shoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff.
“Work out where inside the store thefts are happening. As far as possible, utilise electronic tagging on goods in store. Personal safety is in numbers so employ enough staff for your store.
“Security officers inside stores also assist as a deterent and help to tighten security against shoplifting. Keep a constant eye on fitting/dressing rooms,” said Kock.
Sesthwantso: Bann aba le bane ba ba latofadiwang ka go tsweletsa bosenyi mo Taung
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba kwa Taung Central le metse e mabapi ba kaile fa ba tshelela mo letshogong ka ntlheng ya bosenyi jo bo ileng magoletsa. Ba kaile fa gona le setlhotswana sa disenyi tse di tsweleditseng bosenyi mo karolong ya bone, fela sepodisi se itshetse moriti o tsididi ka ntlha eno.
Mongwe wa setlhopha sa baagi se se lwang kgatlhanong le bosenyi, mme a sa batle go itsiwe are, batshwere banna ba le babedi ba eleng karolo ya segongwa sa bosenyi. Are banna bao ba ile ba ipobola le go supa kwa ba beileng dilwana tse di utswitsweng teng, ga mmogo le dithunya tse ba di dirisang fa ba tsweletsa bosenyi.
Are, ba ne ba tsaya banna bao ka bobedi, mme ba leba le bone kwa seteisheng sa sepodisi kwa Taung. Monna o are, go dikgetsi di le dintsi tse di diragetseng, jaaka go kgothosa o tlhometse, go thubelwa mo matlung le go kgothosa dikgwebo tse di farologaneng.
“Kgale re batlana le babelaelwa ba morago ga gore ke amogele pego ya gore bana le seabe mo dikgothosong tse dintsi tse kgale di diragala mo motseng wa rona. Jaanong, re ile ra kgona go tshwara babelaelwa ba le babedi mo go ba le bane ba kgale re ba batla.
“Re ile ra kopa tshedimosetso mo go bone ntle le ntwa, mme ka tirisano-mmogo ya bone, ba ile ba tlhalosa se ba se itseng. Re ile ra tsamaya le bone go leba kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung, mme re ile ra fitlha ra ba neela sepodisi,” monna o wa tlhalosa.
Are ba ile ba tsena kwa seteisheneng sa mapodisi sa Taung metsotso morago ga bosigo-gare, mme ba tlhalosetsa mapodisi ka tiragalo e. Are ba tlhaloseditse mapodisi ba baneng ba le mo tirong ka se babelaelwa ba se ba boleletseng.
“Re ne ra ba kaela gore babelaelwa ba tlhalositse gore dilo tse kgale ba di utswa di beilwe kae, ga mmogo le dithunya tse kgale di dirisiwa mo dikgothosong tse di farologaneng. Fela, sebe sa phiri ke gore, sepodisi sa rona ga sa nna le tirisano mmogo. Ba ile ba tsamaya le babelaelwa go ya go puruputsha ntlo eo ntle le mongwe wa rona.
“Jaanong, re maketse gape fa re bona baelaelwa bao ba sasanka le mebila ya rona. Fela, ga re itse gore go diragetse ka kgetsi ya bone. Sepodisi ga sa re letsetsa, ebile mongwe wa badiri ka rona, o ile a letsetsa motsamaisi wa seteisheneng a mo botsa ka kgetsi e, fela gatwe o kaile fa ene a sa itse sepe ka yone,” monna o wa tlhalosa.
Are ba na le pelaelo ya gore sepodisi ga se tswe go puruputsha ntlo eo ba belaelwa ba ne ba e shupile. Are se ba se itseng ke gore, mong wa ntlo eo, o rekisa diritibatsi mme ga se ga ntsi a tshwarwa.
“Jaanong re maswabi go bona sepodisi se sa dirisane sentle le baagi, mme re tlile go itseela molao mo matsogong. Fa sepodisi se sa batle go dirisana le rona go ka reba bosenyi, re tlile go ka lwa le bosenyi ntle le thuso ya bone, mme kamoso ba seka ba ba ba tsoga ba re supa ka monwana,” monna wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Re ka netefatsa gore babelaelwa ba ile ba tshwarwelwa kgetsi ya kgothoso (common robbery), mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.
“Babelaelwa ba ile ba tlisiwa ke bangwe ba baagi ba ba lwantshang bosenyi. Tirisano mmogo ya rona le baagi ke e e edileng, mme re tla itumelela go tswelela jalo re dirisana mmogo.”
Picture: Some of ammunition allegedly found in the accused persons possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two men who were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition were remanded in custody. Tshotleko Ranko (24) and Thabo Mothai (22) briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 following their arrests.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the duo was arrested by the members of Stilfontein Public Order Police (POP) in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Saturday. Mokgwabone said the police were on patrol when they spotted two men sitting in a car.
“The pair got out of the car immediately when the police advanced. One of them, allegedly put a firearm on the roof of the car, but was arrested whist trying to run away. Although the other ran away, his freedom was short-lived following his arrest.
“The police searched him and found a firearm and ammunition in his possession. Both men were placed under arrest. The accused persons who are both Lesotho nationals, were remanded in custody until 18 January 2024 for bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their attentiveness, which led to the confiscation of the firearms that are used to commit serious and violent crimes.
Picture: Fire erupted at the North West Department of Health offices in Mahikeng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The fire that erupted at the North West Department of Health’s provincial offices in Mahikeng today, engulfed part of the basement parking area. The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said a preliminary report suggested that, the fire caught a bulk of light bulbs, which were stored in a corner at the basement parking.
Sambatha said, however, what set the light bulbs on fire is not yet known and the investigation is continuing.
“The fire department was called and they were quick to respond. Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained and no other property was damaged. There are also no fatalities as and the evacuation of employees and cars out of the building and basement was also quickly done.
“We would like to commend the quick response of the Mahikeng Fire Department. I am pleased that no other property of the department or of our employees were damaged by the fire,” he said.
Sambatha further said the professionalism and quick response of the Mahikeng Fire Department deserves credit for that. He added that, the challenge has been the smoke coming out of the basement into the rest of the building.
“That is why we quickly requested our employees to leave early to avoid the risk of inhaling the smoke. A professional air quality specialist was called to come and assess the quality of air.
“The outcome of the assessment will give indication of whether to immediately call the employees back to the offices. Employees are therefore only expected to report for duty on Wednesday as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) will be busy with the air specialist to get rid of the smoke to ensure that the working environment is conducive,” said Sambatha.
The Guardian 