Picture: Bafana Bafana players ready to face Namibia after a disappointing loss

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana shifted focus to Namibia ahead of crunch AFCON match. This comes after the Bafana Bafana camp has put the disappointment of losing their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations this week to Mali behind them and they are now looking forward to the next assignment on the tournament calendar.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges lost 0-2 to Mali on 16 January 2024 and will hope to bounce back from the setback when they face neighbours, Namibia on 21 January 2024 at the same Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns FC player, Teboho Mokoena said, the players understand what is at stake on Sunday and what is expected of them.

“We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us. It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach,” he said.

Sphephelo Sithole said he has cast his eye on the match against the Namibians and feels that a victory is a must to avoid putting pressure on the South African senior men’s team in a group that also has Mali, Tunisia and Namibia. 

“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win. We have to win it because a result means that our chances are better. So, for me, we have to win. For me, we have to win every game.

“So far, we have been treated well. We have all we need to be comfortable away from home and to focus solely on football,” said Sithole.  

Namibia will go into this game against their neighbours on a high after beating Tunisa 1-0 on Tuesday.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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Picture: The group of individuals burning tyres

By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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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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