Daily Archives: February 23, 2024

71 illegal immigrants nabbed during Vala Umgodi operation

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The equipment allegedly confiscated by police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Seventy one immigrants were pounced on by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9, Visible Policing and Mine security were also part of the task team. She said this took place during multidisciplinary and crime intelligence driven, Vala Umgodi in Hebron and Rustenburg respectively that was conducted between 16 and 20 February 2024.

“In Hebron, five illegal miners aged between 18 and 40, were arrested on 16 February 2024 after the police received a tip-off. This resulted in the discovery of an illegal wash plant at Bangladesh Section.

“Lovemore Sithole (40), John Sithole (34), Shadrack Mhlanga (32), Lazarus Sithole (20) and Matthew Sithole (18), briefly appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 19 February 2024. They were remanded in custody until 5 March 2024,” she said.

Picture: An excavator seized by the police/Supplied

According to Myburgh, equipment as well as gold bearing material, were confiscated by the police.

She further said, in a second operation conducted in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg on 20 February 2024, 71 illegal immigrants were arrested as well as three illegal miners. Myburgh added that, all accused persons who are mainly Lesotho and Mozambique foreign nationals, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 February ‪2024.

“Sixteen 16‬ illegal immigrants were found guilty for Contravention of Section (41) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) and sentenced to pay a fine of R3000. Only four could pay the fine and the other 12 remained in custody, whilst one immigrant was deported.

“Fifty four 54 illegal immigrants were remanded in custody until 26 February 2024 and 6 March 2024. Three men who were charged with illegal mining, Poncho Motlalepula (26), Petros Mosia (41) and Andries Madire (44), were also remanded in custody until 29 February 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the team for their dedication, which resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that the police, working with other stakeholders, will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘National Policing Policy consultation to restore public order’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Head of Department of North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Hans Kekana/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Head of Department at North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Hans Kekana said the National Policing Policy will have a positive impact in the lives of the ordinary citizens. Kekana had a consultative engagement with stakeholders during a two-day Provincial Consultation Session of the Draft National Policing Policy in Mahikeng.

“The stakeholders consultation is one of the key processes that need to unfold in policy making and development. This process allows participation for thorough understanding by all affected from the development stage to implementation of the policy.

“We call on stakeholders in attendance to make their meaningful participation during the process. The policy will nurture the way of policing in the country and rebuilds the relationship between the police and communities,” he said.

According to Kekana, they are excited with the turnout of stakeholders who attended the engagement to make sure that, the session will input positively into the policy to make sure that, it is going to benefit the people of the province and the country at large. He further said it is through the engagements with the communities that the policy development such as this, will ensure that they come out with the product that it is going to keep South Africa safe.

“We have a believe that, our men and women in blue are doing a good job and we want to give them support both as government and entire community. There are serious challenges of policing, generally in the country.

“However, we want to be exemplary as the province by changing the way the police are seen by the communities. We also want to rebuild the relationship between the police and the community and bring back the dignity of the police,” added Kekana.

He said the consultation started with engagement of key stakeholders, which includes government representatives. Kekana said they have also engaged the bigger audience of Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and communities at large.

Meanwhile, the Director for Policy Development from the National Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Maureen Mphaphuli shared the same sentiments. Mphaphuli said the North West is the eighth province to host the consultation of this Draft Policing Policy.

“We started this process in September 2023 by doing the consultations and the document has already being gazetted for public comments. Today, we expect all the stakeholders in the province to talk to us in terms of what they will want to see as the policing functioning in this country.

“Especially how it impacts them as the province. We want to understand what are the issues that need to be addressed and those we need to improve on in reaching our 2030 vision that, people should be and feel safe,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A rapist sentenced to 11 life terms and 363 years imprisonment for committing slew of rapes

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The rape convict, Ontsheketse Tshabile/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A rapist (43) has been sentenced to 11 life terms imprisonment by the North West High sitting in Klerksdorp for various rapes he committed. Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile, also sentenced to 363 years for other serious charges that include nine charges of rape, attempted murder, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery, attempted robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, attempt to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.

Tshabile, who was on the list of the most wanted criminals in the North West, pleaded not guilty to all 65 charges which the court found him guilty on.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Tshabile’s criminal activities took place in Wolmaransstad between December 2012 and May 2018. Myburgh said he accosted unsuspecting women on the streets.

“Tshabile would then drag them to nearby fields, threaten them with a knife, rob them of their belongings and rape them before fleeing the scene. In some instances, he would strangle, stab with a knife and assault with bricks and other objects before robbing and raping his victims.

“He would in some instances, accost couples and attack the male counterparts and assault them before robbing and raping their partners after they had fled the scene. Amongst his victims, were a girl (15) and an elderly woman (65), who endured the pain in his hands,” she said.

Myburgh further said it also emerged in court that, in some incidents, he was accompanied by an unknown accomplice who also committed similar offences with him. She added that, Tshabile was linked to the offences through DNA specimens.

“Tshabile was arrested in 2019 following an intensive police investigation and the court denied him bail. He also managed to escape from the Wolmaransstad Police Station, aided by a police officer. However, he was later re-arrested and the police officer was dismissed from duty and criminally charged.

“The matter is still pending in court. In aggravation of the sentence, Adv Riekie Krause, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, considering the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma suffered by the victims in the hands of Tshabile,” she said.

Krause urged the court to consider the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims describe their ordeal and the trauma they continue to suffer in their day-to-day lives, owing to the rape and assault incidents.

Judge Tebogo Djadje, agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting society against such perpetrators, particularly after they lived in fear for almost six years. She described Tshabile as remorseless and having no regard for women and children.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for ensuring that the victims were afforded the justice they deserve.

They commended the role played by the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) for discharging their mandate of prioritising sexual offences cases and the Thuthuzela Care Center for providing the necessary support to the victims in preparation for trial.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three people nabbed for being in possession of protected plants

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of protected plants confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men were arrested for allegedly being in possession and illegally transporting protected plants. Moropo Mpe (43), Tatenda Mawere (24), and Tichaona Mashava (33), were arrested by the Kathu-Based members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Oliphantshoek on 20 February 2024.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said the suspects made a brief court appearance before Olifantshoek District Court on 22 February 2024.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation members arrived on the scene of a vehicle checkpoint conducted by the police. A white minibus taxi was stopped after attempting to drive through without being searched. During the search, a bag full of unknown plants were found inside the vehicle.

“Enquiries were made to who does the plants belong to and whether they had the necessary permits to carry and transport the plants? The police seized the plants and a vehicle valued at R900 000 for further investigation. This comes after the trio could not give a satisfactory explanation,” he said.

Thebe said the matter was postponed to 29 February 2024 for confirmation of accused’s address and travelling documents (passports).

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police need your assistance to locate the missing Ketumile Meso

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The missing Ketumile Meso/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Phokeng request the community’s assistance to locate Ketumile Meso (29), who is residing at Boeshoek Plot, near Phokeng. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani, Meso was last seen by his mother on 12 February 2024. 

“A search was conducted around the township and surrounding areas of Phokeng without any success. Extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. At the time of his disappearance, no one knows what he was wearing.

“He is dark in complexion, brown eyes, with a medium body,1.7 m in height with long black hair. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, W/O Khumo Masenya, on 076 834 4164, your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

Funani said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone.

Please find herewith attached photo of Ketumile Meso.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

R198m set aside to eradicate mud houses in North West

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the mid houses in Manthe village, near Taung/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said the Department of Human Settlements has set aside a total budget of R198 million inquest to eradicate 1356 mud houses across the province. Maloyi said over 579 of these units have already been delivered. 

“It cannot be correct that there are still people who are living in these dire conditions. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has taken a stand to prioritise the eradication of these mud houses as part of restoring the dignity of many residents, who still live in such conditions.

“Although there are challenges, the province has experienced unprecedented levels of development in the last 30 years. The number of households had increased from 591 145 in 1996 to over 1.14 million in 2022. This depicts an upward trend of 88% of formal housing in the province,” he said.

Maloyi further said, when the 6th administration assumed office in 2019, the government made a commitment to ensure that communities are provided with adequate housing. He added that, he is proud to announce that, since 2019 to 2023, they have constructed 19 307 houses.

“In 2023, we have delivered 2768 houses to their rightful beneficiaries. With regards to the Deelpan Floods intervention programme, we have announced that the provincial government has cleared all the hurdles that delayed the project and 104 houses will be completed at the end of March 2024.

“A further 317 houses will be built following the donation of land by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng and his Traditional Council. In addition, we will be launching the R2.6 billion N14 mixed development project in Ventersdorp,” said Maloyi.

He said this development will see installation of bulk services for 4000 sites and create over 600 jobs for local people through the construction of Breaking New Ground, Social Housing and bonded stock. Maloyi said this is part of efforts by the provincial government to changing the image and restoring dignity of the people in Ventersdorp, whom were subjected to bad history of occupation by a right-wing racist group called AWB.

“The provincial government will continue to ramp up the title deeds restoration programme that seeks to hand over title deeds to rightful owners across the province through the integrated service delivery approach called Thuntsha Lerole. To date, 6 283 title deeds have been handed over to beneficiaries across the province. 

“Lastly, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation and part of their project investment is a commitment to invest further resources to assist eradicate mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year, for the duration of this MoU,” he said.

Maloyi said this project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than R198m set aside to eradicate mud houses in North West

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the mid houses in Manthe village, near Taung/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said the Department of Human Settlements has set aside a total budget of R198 million inquest to eradicate 1356 mud houses across the province. Maloyi said over 579 of these units have already been delivered. 

“It cannot be correct that there are still people who are living in these dire conditions. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has taken a stand to prioritise the eradication of these mud houses as part of restoring the dignity of many residents, who still live in such conditions.

“Although there are challenges, the province has experienced unprecedented levels of development in the last 30 years. The number of households had increased from 591 145 in 1996 to over 1.14 million in 2022. This depicts an upward trend of 88% of formal housing in the province,” he said.

Maloyi further said, when the 6th administration assumed office in 2019, the government made a commitment to ensure that communities are provided with adequate housing. He added that, he is proud to announce that, since 2019 to 2023, they have constructed 19 307 houses.

“In 2023, we have delivered 2768 houses to their rightful beneficiaries. With regards to the Deelpan Floods intervention programme, we have announced that the provincial government has cleared all the hurdles that delayed the project and 104 houses will be completed at the end of March 2024.

“A further 317 houses will be built following the donation of land by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng and his Traditional Council. In addition, we will be launching the R2.6 billion N14 mixed development project in Ventersdorp,” said Maloyi.

He said this development will see installation of bulk services for 4000 sites and create over 600 jobs for local people through the construction of Breaking New Ground, Social Housing and bonded stock. Maloyi said this is part of efforts by the provincial government to changing the image and restoring dignity of the people in Ventersdorp, whom were subjected to bad history of occupation by a right-wing racist group called AWB.

“The provincial government will continue to ramp up the title deeds restoration programme that seeks to hand over title deeds to rightful owners across the province through the integrated service delivery approach called Thuntsha Lerole. To date, 6 283 title deeds have been handed over to beneficiaries across the province. 

“Lastly, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation and part of their project investment is a commitment to invest further resources to assist eradicate mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year, for the duration of this MoU,” he said.

Maloyi said this project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two police officers arrested for corruption

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two police officers attached to the Rustenburg Detectives, briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for corruption and extortion. According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, Sergeant Yvonne Suzan Sikwani (54) and Constable Bontle Mmudi (41), were arrested during an undercover operation led by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on 21 February 2024.

Myburgh said this comes after a tip-off regarding a fraud case reported during May 2021. She further said the duo allegedly demanded money on several occasions between October 2022 to January 2024 from the complainant in order to fast track the investigation.

They were granted R1000 bail each and their case postponed to 31 May 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said corrupt actions by the police, tarnish the reputation of the police and will not be tolerated. He emphasized that police officials who are involved in criminal activities will face the full might of the Law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Former court financial clerk found guilty of theft after stealing R42 000

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court financial clerk, Gontle Petronella Maphologela (42), has been fined R20 000 by the Rustenburg Serious Commercial Crime Court on 16 February 2024.

Maphologela was found guilty on eight counts of theft.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, between March and June 2021, Maphologela who was responsible for the management of funds derived from fines and bail monies, as well as other deposits made at the clerk of the court, selectively stole eight cash in transit bags containing money and manipulated the registers to avoid detection.

“The department audit conducted on October 2021, revealed that eight transactions amounting to R42 800 could not be accounted for thus the matter was reported. Through investigation by the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, the accused was summoned to appear before Court and she made her first appearance in July 2023.

“After a series of court appearances, she entered into a plea agreement. She was found guilty on eight counts of theft and sentenced on 16 February 2024 to a fine of R20 000,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mosadi o kgemilwe le go bolawa kwa Ganyesa, mmelaelwa o golotswe

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Julia Mothibi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa dingwaga di le 37 yo o neng a latofadiwa ka go bolaya kgarebe ya gagwe, Julia Mothibi (31), o golotswe ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la maabane gonne go sena bopaki jo bo lekaneng go ka mo golaganya le kgetsi ya polao. Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Mothibi se fitlhetswe se apesitwe ka kobo kwa phaphosing ya mokapelo wa gagwe mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Mothibi o ile a fitlhelwa kwa phaposing ya mokapelo wa gagwe, mme go bontsha fa a kgemile.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, mokapelo wa moswi o golotswe ke kgotlha-tshekelo, mme lekgotlha le kopile sepodisi go dira dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng le go mo golaganya le kgetsi pele e ka tsaya tshwetso ya go ka mo sekisa,” van Rooyen was tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com