A man (23) has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for brutally killing an elderly man (55) in Phillipstown. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, the atrocity took place on 5 April 2023.
Sam said the police found the deceased lying in a pool of blood inside his house after being informed by his wife that, her husband was stabbed by the accused. He further said the police arrested the accused.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence. Otola commended the Investigating Officer Detective, Sergeant Zwelibanzi Nolusu for the meticulous investigation of the case and ensured that, the perpetrator was brought to book.
“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.
A man (31) has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Moretele Regional Court for raping mother. Andries Mohwase’s conviction emanates from an incident that occurred at their home at Stinkwater, near Moretele, on 17 July 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohwase found his mother cooking in the kitchen and he subsequently dragged her to the bedroom and raped her. Mamothame further said, shortly after the ordeal, she managed to escape and reported the matter to his younger sister.
“They then proceeded to report the matter to the police. He was arrested on 18 July 2021 and the court denied him bail. He pleaded guilty to the offence,” he added.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Patricia Matlala, argued that the matter created a lot of shock to the victim, family and the community at large. She urged the court to also consider the seriousness of the offence committed.
Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and expressed disgust at the accused for his actions. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Matthews Motiang from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Court Preparation Officer, Ephania Moselakgomo for preparing and guiding the complainant through court proceedings, and other role players who ensured that the accused is sentenced to a long jail term.
She called for a stronger advocacy against the abuse of women, children and the elderly.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today officially opened the District School Safety Summit at Milner Technical High School in Klerksdorp. Motsumi said the summit comes amidst growing concerns about the safety and security of learners and educators in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, where schools have recently become hotspots for criminal activity and disruptive learner behaviour.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports of gangsterism, bullying, substance abuse and sexual misconduct within our schools in the district. These issues have created a climate of fear and intimidation, rendering our schools unsafe learning environments.
“The summit, which is also attended by representatives of the South African Police Services (SAPS), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the safety challenges faced by schools in the district,” she said.
Motsumi further said today, they launched the School Governing Body (SGB) elections and they make a clarion call to parents and legal guardians to take the school governance initiative seriously. She added that, they are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the SAPS, educators, learners, parents, local businesses, and community leaders, to create safe and secure learning environments for all.
“The summit will focus on a range of issues, including strengthening collaboration between schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities. Implementing effective safety and security measures in schools. Addressing the root causes of criminal and disruptive behavior among learners.
“Providing support services for learners who have been affected by violence or abuse. This initiative is to ensure that all schools in the province are safe and welcoming spaces, where learners can thrive,” said Motsumi.
A case of corruption against the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of City of Matlosana, Mercy Phetla (38) and GMHM Construction and Projects employees, Matshepiso Mothelesane (39) and Nomthandazo Mokasule (49), has been postponed by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court until 27 March 2024.
The trio handed themselves over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the trio was granted R35 000 bail each.
Mamothame said they were ordered to surrender their passports to the investigating officers and all documents relating to GMHM to be immediately removed from Phetla.
“It is unknown to the state what their representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will entail. It is alleged that in June 2023, GMHM Construction, purchased a VW Amarok pickup van worth R1,4 million for Phetla.
“The gift was never declared by Phetla to the employer. The investigation by the Hawks Serious Corruption, revealed that the service provider ( GMHM) has a month-to-month contract with the municipality,” he said.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: The CFO for City of Matlosana, Mercy Phetla/Google
Picture: Two vehicles involved in a head-on collision/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
At least four people have died and three survived from a head on collision on the N4 outside Zeerust. According to the preliminary investigation, a private vehicle which was traveling from Zeerust collided with a mini bus taxi that was traveling in the opposite direction.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, both vehicles caught fire on collision. He said three other occupants and one critical, have been taken Zeerust Hospital.
“We have sent our heartfelt condolences messages to the families of the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. We appeal to all motorists to continue to obey the rules of the roads at all times.
“They shall take breaks during long trips and inspect vehicles for roadworthiness before taking journeys,” he said. taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: The graduates at Potchefstroom Agricultural College/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
In an effort to increase the number of qualified farming professionals, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through its Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, awarded a Diploma in Mixed Agriculture Qualification to 55 graduates on 1 March 2024.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said with a total number of 55 graduates, 25 of whom are males and 30 females, this shows that agriculture is no longer a male dominated industry as previously structured, additionally this should translate into improved quality of service more especially in the rural and underserved areas of the North West.
Mohono emphasised that, the provision of quality farming by trained professionals as a job that requires conscious people, who know they are in the profession to serve humanity and the dedication to producing food timeously as key drivers to their profession.
She further acknowledged that, the patience and the resilience from all parents and guardians throughout the three years of their children’s journey. Mohono added that as farmers, the graduates play a critical role in the realisation of our mandate to fight food insecurity at all costs.
“We believe that training, particularly of young people is critical to achieve the goal of a better life for all, it is in this context that we strive to make a deliberate effort in intensifying education and training programmes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Omolemo Mophulane from Khunwana village who is the overall achiever of three years of full time study and experimental learning, he stated that it was a tough journey, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, whereby they had to study from home then transition back to coming to school on a full-time basis.
“I am very happy to be the top achiever of the 2024 cohort, I will take the experience acquired from the college to work at a farm back home and continue to further my studies ” he said.
The Guardian 