The Director of Mawele Construction, Gregorian Mathain (30), was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for fraud and uttering.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Mathain is accused of issuing a falsified letter of employment and salary advice to Mr and Mrs Louw, who were arrested in June 2022. Thebe said Mathain briefly appeared for the first time with his co-accused on 5 February 20204 before the Upington Magistrate’s Court.
“Allegations are that between 2017 and 2018, where Mrs Louw purchased two vehicles through misrepresentation to WesBank by providing a fraudulent salary advice and letter of employment. It is further alleged that the husband made payments from his private bank account to the bank account of his wife.
“The amounts that were transferred corresponded with the fraudulent salary advice and in doing so, Wesbank was misled into thinking that payment was made by employer, Mawele Construction,” he said.
Thebe further said, as a result of submission of false information and fraudulent documents on the application for finance, the suspects intentionally and unlawfully made a misrepresentation to WesBank to grant finance valued at R998 000.
He added that, the accused was granted a bail of R3000 and the matter was postponed to 19 March 2024.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West calls for a probe in the North West Scholar Transport tender audit. The DA Spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said since the reopening of schools in January 2024, they have been inundated with complaints from parents, teachers and learners about the poor state of some scholar transport vehicles.
Sonakile said yesterday’s accident involving scholar transport vehicles for learners at JM Lekgetho Secondary and Gaetsho High Schools is another sad reminder of the poor state of some of these vehicles. He further said an accident allegedly occurred after the steering wheel of the bus broke off and fell on the floor.
“Three learners were admitted to hospital, while more than 20 others received treatment for minor injuries. We are grateful that no serious injuries were recorded. Last year, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), released damning findings against the department for irregularly awarding the previous scholar transport tender.
“This also saw some service providers having to return the payments they already received. Clearly, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, did not take note of the findings when his department awarded new scholar transport tenders last year,” said Sonakile.
He alleged that the controversies surrounding the North West Scholar Transport tenders confirm the allegations that Lehari and his cabal use it as a political point scoring tool. Sonakile added that they will today write to Lehari, demanding him to submit all the details surrounding this new scholar transport tender.
“The request will include details of the vehicles, owners, roadworthiness certificates and all due processes that were followed by the department in awarding these contracts.
“The mere fact that vehicles that are not roadworthy have been awarded contracts is a cause for serious concern. The DA will not cower from putting pressure on Lehari and his department until the safety of school children are taken seriously,” said Sonakile.
Meanwhile, Lehari said: “According to the report presented, the bus steering wheel came off, whilst the bus was in motion and the driver lost control. The driver allegedly jumped out of the moving bus, which then hit the tree before coming to a stop.
“According to a learner (18) who uses the same bus, this is the second incident, where the bus steering wheel came off. On a previous occasion, I was told that the driver was able to put it back and there was no incident at the time.”
Lehari said this time, unfortunately 22 of the 51 learners on board were taken to the hospitals with injuries. He said the preliminary investigation by the Public Transport Directorate indicated that the operator had rented a bus on the day of the vehicle verification process.
“The service provider would not have been given a service level agreement if this was the bus that was inspected. As per the Service Level Agreement (SLA), this kind of contravention leaves us with no option, but to terminate the agreement with the service provider.
“Following challenges experienced since schools reopened, we have established the ‘War Room’. This is to address challenges as and when reported and where needs arise, operators who are breaching the agreement are replaced,” he said.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Cape Verde/Google
By SAFA
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos remains focused on seeing his charges over the line in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal clash against Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire. Broos is bidding for a second AFCON title after leading Cameroon to the winners’ medal in 2017, and he faced a barrage of questions from journalists on Tuesday reminding him about previous clashes against Nigeria.
“Yes, we know and understand who we are up against. We know the might of this team and that their players play all over Europe. We also know that last time in an AFCON what the result was, but this time it’s different. It’s different players, a different team and a different AFCON. Anything is possible,” said the Belgian tactician.
Happy to have come this far with his squad, the coach also delivered sad news on the status of Thapelo Maseko. “Sadly due to the third-degree tear (hamstring), Maseko is out for the rest of the tournament. But he remains with us till the end. We will not replace the player with another due to time (Visas and the travel time to get to Cote d’Ivoire at short notice), so we will continue the tournament with the squad we have.”
Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was the man of the match in the quarter-final clash against Cape Verde, shied away from taking credit after making several breathtaking saves during the penalty shoot-out.
“After seeing the players run for about 130 minutes non-stop, it was my turn to stand up and do my part. I’m happy it went our way but ultimately this is a team sport. I don’t like to take credit because they fought just as hard. So, reaching the semi-finals here means we did it together,” he said.
Apart from Maseko being ruled out, the team have no other injury concerns. Bafana Bafana take on Nigeria at the Stade De La Paix Bouake, at 7pm local time.
The South African senior women’s national team will kickstart their year when they return to camp ahead of the third round of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers. Banyana Banyana will have a goalkeepers’ camp that will run from 9-11 February 2024 before the start of a local preparation gathering that will run from 12-17 February 2024.
Coach Desiree Ellis has named her squad for both camps. The Goalkeeper Training camp will be held at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria with six goalminders in Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Dineo Magagula, Victoria Muroa and Dimakatso Ntsieane, who will get her first taste of senior national team experience.
“We are bringing in six goalkeepers again and ones that were not available last year. Andile was not available, she was recovering from an injury. We have brought in Tshidi from TUT and we have also brought in a new 18-year-old goalkeeper identified at the Sasol Championships. I was very impressed with her,” the Banyana Banyana coach said. “Goalkeeping is really an important component of the team and sometimes it’s neglected in terms of specialised coaching and that’s why we have this camp. The training camp is for the local-based players, the players abroad are currently playing.
“We are in a similar scenario like we were when we had to play Algeria in the final qualifier for the 2022 WAFCON where we only had two weeks of pre-season. However, this time around it’s different because the clubs are further ahead into pre-season and a big thank you to them.”
The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team ended 2023 on a high after qualifying for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a victory against Burkina Faso. Ellis will be hoping to carry that same spirit as the team goes into the third round of the qualifiers against Tanzania.
A squad of 24 local-based players will assemble for a preparation camp in Johannesburg on 12 February 2024 before Ellis trims it down to the list that will travel to Tanzania where they will be joined by the overseas-based players.
A Media Open day date and the confirmation of the Final squad announcement will be communicated in due time.
Banyana Banyana squad for 2024 3rd round Olympic qualifier and preparation camp
Defenders Karabo DHLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Noko MATLOU (SB Eibar, Spain) Fikile MAGAMA (The University of the Western Cape) Asanda HADEBE (Sunflower FC) Tiisetso MAKHUBELA (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Lonathemba MHLONGO (The University of the Western Cape) Lebohang RAMALEPE (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Midfielders Kholosa BIYANA (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Refiloe JANE (Sassuolo, Italy) Linda MOTLHALO (Racing Louisville, USA) Nomvula KGOALE (TS Galaxy) Sphumelele SHAMASE (University of Johannesburg) Amogelang MOTAU (The University of the Western Cape) Thalea SMIDT (University of Pretoria) Lesego NKOANE (TS Galaxy) Thubelihle SHAMASE (University of Johannesburg)
Forwards Nicole MICHAEL (TS Galaxy) Gabriela SALGADO (JVW) Samkelisiwe SELANA (TS Galaxy) Noxolo CESANE (The University of the Western Cape) Melinda KGADIETE (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Wendy SHONGWE (University of Pretoria) Nthabiseng MAJIYA (Richmond Ladies) Jermaine SEOPOSENWE (Monterrey, Mexico) Hildah MAGAIA (Mazatlan FC, Mexico) Thembi KGATLANA (Tigres UANL, Mexico)
A man, 35, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for rape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said on 7 September 2019 at around 11pm, the victim, 37, and her husband, were on their way home from a local tavern in Batlharos village, outside Kuruman when the incident happened.
“Eight unknown men chased after them and grabbed the husband, while the victim fled in another direction. The victim was accosted by another unknown man, who forcefully dragged her into a nearby house and raped her.
“The victim later left the premises, reported the incident to police and the suspect was arrested hours later. Mothusi James Mosimanyane was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment for rape,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded D/Cst Kentse Mokgosi of the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences(FCS) unit for the sterling detective work that led to the outstanding sentence.
Picture: The Upington acting Unit Commander for FCS, Warrant Officer Liezel Nte raised awareness on sexual offences, domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Radio Riverside/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Upington acting Unit Commander for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS), Warrant Officer Liezel Nte, raised awareness on sexual offences, domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Radio Riverside on 6 February 2024.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, said Nte shared safety hints with the public in quest to avoid falling victims of sexual offences and also to protect the vulnerable group. Masegela further said Nte also explained the process of reporting, investigation by the unit and the court proceedings.
“Furthermore, she explained the process of victim and witness protection in such cases. Remember, forms of abuse in terms of the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 has been amended. Physical Abuse may include, but is not limited to shoving, slapping, punching, kicking, throttling and biting, assault with objects, guns, knives or any other dangerous weapon.
“The sexual abuse may include, but is not limited to rape, attempted rape and indecent assault, ongoing verbal abuse with sexual slurs such as bitch, whore, slut, etc. Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse may include, but is not limited to constant insults, ridicule or name calling,” she said.
Masegela added that, the emotional, verbal and psychological abuse include repeated threats of violence or death to cause emotional pain. She said the economic abuse may include, but is not limited to, the selling of shared property such as livestock or matrimonial houses without the consent of the victim.
“This includes accessing a joint bank account for personal use without the consent of the victim. Intimidation may include, but is not limited to written or verbal death threats, sending strange objects such beheaded dolls, small coffins, dead flowers or dead pets to the victim. Harassment may include, but is not limited to repeatedly watching the victim outside or near her/his house, workplace, school or business premises or any place where she/he happens to be.
“This includes constantly phoning the victim or causing another person to phone the victim, whether or not the caller speaks to the complainant. Stalking may include, but is not limited to constantly approaching the victim and asking or demanding to talk to her/him against her/his will,” said Masegela.
She said sexual crimes to be reported to the police include rape. Masegela said rape occurs when a person has sexual penetration with a victim without their consent.
“The law also makes it a crime for one person to force another person to rape a victim. This is known as compelled rape and sexual assault occurs when a person sexually violates the victim by, for example, touching the genital organ of the victim or causing the victim to touch his/her genital organ.
“The law makes it a crime for one person to force another person to sexually violate a victim. This is known as compelled sexual assault. Compelled self-sexual assault occurs when a person compels the victim to masturbate or engage in any form of self-sexual arousal or stimulation,” she said.
Masegela said when abuse occurs in a situation of trust, whether in the family, the church, in schools or elsewhere, the sense of betrayal is intensified.
“Nte reiterated that community members must always be each other’s eyes and ears and that they must report sexual offences cases as soon as possible. All victims will be treated with utmost respect and dignity,” she said.
Two suspects aged 29 and 40, are expected to appear before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for alleged fraud. The suspects were arrested by North West Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Commercial Crimes Unit (CCIU)on 6 February 2024 in Ottosdal after being linked to a fraud case, which was registered at Ottosdal in September 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, one of the suspects presented himself as a 64-year-old and took a funeral policy through the assistance of the suspect (40). Funani further said according to information, Itumeleng John Ngakaemang (64), was found stabbed and strangled to death at his residential place in Letsopa Township, outside Ottsdal on 25 September 2022.
“The investigations were conducted and Dorothy Moleleki (47), and other three suspects were apprehended after being linked to the murder of Ngakaemang. Preliminary reports suggested that, Moleleki and the other suspects, planned and conspired the murder of Ngakaemang to cash in from funeral policies that she took using Ngakaemang’s Identity Document.
“It is alleged that Moleleki, who is a well-known loan shark around Letsopa, targeted an old and sick Ngakaemang, who was one of her clients. She allegedly took Ngakaemang’s ID that was with her and opened policies using the suspect (29) to open some of the policies,” she said.
Funani added that Moleleki allegedly hired two suspects, Theuns Hayman (37) and Mike Phutiyagae (53) to kill the victim. She said Moleleki subsequently claimed the money from four different companies.
“The long arm of the law caught up with the four suspects in January 2023, after they were linked to the victim’s murder. They were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, while Moleleki was also charged for fraud.
“The two suspects who will be appearing in court tomorrow, were also linked to the fraud case. The suspect (40) was an employee at one of the banks in Ottosdal,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Anti-Gang Unit and Commercial Crimes Unit members for their sleepless nights and dedication that led to the arrests of the suspects.
Picture: Three suspects arrested for being in possession of protected plants worth R3.5m/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men aged 23, 41 and 47 were arrested for being in possession of protected plants worth R3.5 million in Nieuwoudtville on 6 February 2024. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police received a tip-off regarding the poaching of protected plants and made a follow-up.
Kock further said the police from Nieuwoudtville SAPS Visible Policing, Nieuwoudtville Detectives and the Oorlogskloof Nature Conservation personnel, allegedly caught the suspects red-handed with 518 Clavias Maribilius plants and 29 Clavias Maribilius seeds with a street value of R3 506 000 in Nieuwoudtville.
“The suspects will appear in the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Nieuwoudtville SAPS, the Oorlogskloof Nature Conservation and the community for the outstanding success. Otola reiterated that robust community participation in the fight against crime is key and police, together with communities can and will win the fights against criminality.
A man (62) who was charged with 18 counts of fraud, 223 counts of forgery and uttering, including 223 counts of Contravention of Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011, found guilty by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 6 February 2024. During 2013 and 2016, Davida Marie De Wet unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud submitted forged VAT201 returns for Tax purposes. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) suffered an actual loss of R985 136.72 as a result.
Thebe further said, the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, successfully investigated the matter and brought the matter before court.
“De Wet was sentenced to five years imprisonment for counts 1 to 18, which is fraud. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for forgery and uttering, which amount from count 19 to 223 and five years was suspended on condition that, he is not convicted of the same offense within the period of suspension.
“The accused will therefore serve 5 years in prison. De Wet was further declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Northern Cape, Major General Stephen Mabuela, appreciated the investigating and prosecutorial team for the conviction.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited a learner, who was injured in an accident/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited learners who were involved in an accident on Tuesday. Mosumi said the transport carrying 51 students from Gaetsho Secondary and J.M. Lekhetha High Schools, veered off the road resulting in 23 learners requiring hospital treatment (19 from Gaetsho Secondary School and 4 from J.M. Lekhetha High School)
“As of today, 7 February 2024, only one learner from Gaetsho Secondary School remains under medical supervision at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng and a few others at General Delarey Hospital in Lichtenburg.
“We are deeply saddened by the accident. We visited both hospitals to monitor the progress and offered support to the families and learners affected by this tragedy. A department, we are committed to providing the necessary medical care and counselling services to all those involved,” she said.
Motsumi further said they urge the school community to remain united and supportive during this difficult time. She added that the safety and well-being of the learners is their top priority.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of this accident and ensure the implementation of necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said Motsumi.
She said the department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. Motsumi further extended her gratitude to the North West Department of Health for its swift response.
TaungDailyNews 