Picture: The firearm seized from the offender/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (36) sentenced to five years imprisonment on 5 March 2024, by the Prieska Regional Court, for illegally possession of a firearm. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, on 20 March 2023, the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit received a tip-off regarding the illegal dealing in drugs.
Sam said the identified house was searched and a 9mm firearm and ammunition was found in the possession of Songezo Nkompela. He said Nkopela was arrested and charged for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“His bail was succesfully being denied. The court enforced a five year direct prison sentence and 2 years was suspended for 5 years on condition that, the accused does not commit a similar offence. He was also declared unfit to posses a firearm,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, welcomed the sentence. Otola, indicated that, a firearm holder must be in possession of a valid firearm license for every firearm that he/she posses.
“Failure to produce a license is an offence and communities are urged to report illegal firearms to 08600 10111. I would like to commend the vigilant Prieska Crime Prevention team for their excellent conduct in ensuring the removal of the illegal firearm.
“We would also like to applaud the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Byron Gallant, for the meticulous investigation of the case,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, is under siege as the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU), calls for his resignation. The union alleged that, the department has underspent R200.6 million during the 2022/23 financial year.
HAITU Secretary-General, Lerato Mthunzi said the union demands the immediate dismissals of all nine Provincial Health MECs for underspending their budgets by a whopping R3 billion. Mthunzi further said they are shocked and angry at the news that, the Provincial Departments of Health in all provinces, underspent their budgets by a whopping R3 billion for the 2022/2023 financial year.
“According to IOL, the worst performer was Gauteng, which underspent by R2.7 billion. The Western Cape did not spend R180 million, Northern Cape failed to spent R141m, Limpopo underspent R103m, Free State failed to spent R85m, Eastern Cape underspent R62.2m, Mpumalanga underspent R25.3m and North West has underspent R200.6m.
“HAITU is shocked to hear that, the Gauteng Department of Health, claims that the department underspent its budget due to “late receipt of invoices, reduced number of nursing students enrolled for the academic year and delays in submission of non-profit institutions claims,” she said.
Mthunzi added that, they find their reasons difficult to believe because it is their experience that, many suppliers are not paid on time by the department. She said the failure of the department to pay suppliers results in shortages of essential items needed by healthcare facilities.
“The Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, must be the first to go. Limpopo claimed its underspending was due to delayed deliveries of medical equipment, while Mpumalanga tried to justify its failure by claiming delays in procurement equipment and revised public procurement regulations.
“The North West claimed its underspending was due to delays in submission of invoices by service providers and late delivery of medical equipment. These are just some of the pathetic, unconvincing excuses, which have been given to say the least,” she said.
Mthunzi said the excuses are a reflection of an uncaring health ministry that has no regard for the suffering of patients, and also workers. She said their members have to bear the brunt of the anger of the community every single day because the provincial departments of health are grossly incompetent.
“There are thousands of unemployed doctors and nurses, who are desperately needed to beef up the quality of service in the public healthcare sector. They have not been absorbed into the system. Our hospitals are collapsing because of the massive budget cuts, which have affected spending on infrastructure,” said Mthunzi.
She said there are ICU wards with leaky ceilings, elevators are inoperable in many hospitals, which make transportation of patients from different wards very difficult. Mthunzi said there is a lack of decent security in the facilities because they are told there is no money.
“So, to find out that these departments have failed to spend the money, which was allocated to them is uncalled for. Various MECs must account and mass dismissals must follow because their glaring failure to spend, contributes to the shocking state of public healthcare in this country.
“Their failures make healthcare workers accomplices to murder because of their reckless incompetence, which jeopardises the lives of the patients we serve,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted the allegations and said they are false.
“No, it’s not true and the department did not underspend R200.6 million. The department disputes this amount and on contrary, we can report only a R4.7 million underspending, which was on conditional grant.
“A rollover request for this amount was granted by Treasury. So, the department wishes to refer everyone, including HAITU to the 2022/2023 annual report in which the R4.7 million underspending is reported.
“In the light of the facts above, the department views the call for Sambatha to be fired as baseless,” he said.
Picture: The newly-elected chairperson of Vuselela FET College in Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-elected Student Representative Council (SRC) chairperson at Vuselela FET College (Taung campus), Kaone Rampudu, said her leadership will address various challenges experienced by students. Rampuru was elected uncontested during the SRC elections held on Monday evening in Pudimoe.
Recently, students embarked on protestation over outstanding debts, including structural challenges they are facing. However, Rampudu said, with a formal structure now in place, all challenges raised by students will be addressed.
“I was born in Vryburg and yes, I was elected uncontested on Monday. I think elections were free and fair as they were conducted online. I think my task is to ensure that all students are happily certified with everything that is happening at the campus.
“Those who owe the campus should come and make arrangements on how they will pay their outstanding balances. I believe that no student should be left out because of lack of affordability. Also, along with my collective, we will talk to the management to improve the facilities of the campus,” she said.
Rampudu further said she will have a consultative engagement with all students’ formation regarding any issues and find a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, the Vuselela FET College SRC president, Ratanang Khonkhobe said: “I think the elections were free and fair. So, we welcome the outcome. We also hope all those who have been elected to various portfolios will represent the students well.
“We understand that there were some challenges raised by students in all our campuses. However, as the institutional president, I will engage the management and ensure that all challenges raised by students in various campuses are addressed amicably.”
Khonkhobe added that there was a challenge over outstanding debts, where the college wanted the affected students to pay 50% of the money before they could be registered. However, she said they have resolved that matter and urged the college to reduce it to 30% and allow students to register.
“Indeed, this came as a shock to us because it was never communicated to us. On top of that, we never experienced that before. Normally, students will be allowed to register then make some arrangements.
“So, we had interaction with the college management and agreed that the students will be registered and make arrangements to pay their debts. We had a high number of students who failed some of their modules. So, it was a challenging process because this created uncertainty,” said Khonkhobe.
She said they even went out to various organisations, including municipalities seeking bursaries. Khonkhobe said she encourages students who still have outstanding balances to settle them.
“There are some students who refuse to pay their debts immediately after they receive funding from NSFAS. We urge those students to settle their outstanding balances.On the other hand, I think NSFAS can do better by funding more students.
“However, I am happy that, now I’ll be sitting in various committees and speak directly to the NSFAS officials. There are students who are eligible, but are not funded. So, we have SRC leaders, who are serving in various portfolios and we will engage them,” she said.
Khonkhobe said this will include urging college management to refurbish students’ accommodation. She also said, there is a challenge regarding students’ accommodation for off campus students and that will be part of the agenda too.
Picture: One of the suspects who were arrested for money laundering and corruption/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged 50, 55 and 61, were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in the Northern Cape on 6 March 2024. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the suspects are accused of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud and money laundering.
Thebe said two suspects who are senior employees at the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, were allegedly rounded off, while the third suspect (61), who is a former senior employee at the same department, handed herself over this morning.
“She was processed for court appearance. The arrests are related to allegations of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud and money laundering. This comes after the department made an irregular payment to a certain service provider, without any services being rendered to the department.
“The payment was allegedly meant for the Umsombovu Youth Festival, that was scheduled to take place in Colesberg in December 2016. The festival never took place and the department suffered a loss of R1 million rand,” he said.
Thebe further said the other accused on the matter, a company (juristic person) and its director, were previously charged and the charges are to be reinstated.
He added that, all the accused are expected to make a brief court appearance before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2024.
Picture: Five men who are accused of fraud and money laundering/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Five men, Tehogo Kgang (31), Tebogo Chosi (32), Tlale Tshabalala (46), Lebogang Sedumedi (47) and Zamile Maroti (51), briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 5 March 2024, facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, on July 16 2021, the complainant allegedly received over R800 000 payment from Road Accident Fund (RAF). Mathebula said in the same month, the complainant was reportedly approached by three suspects, who claimed to be employees of RAF.
“The suspects allegedly informed the complainant to install a banking app on his phone so that he could access the remaining money from RAF. After installing the app, the suspects allegedly transferred an amount of R290 000 from the complainant’s account into their bank accounts.
“Following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, a warrant of arrest was issued against the five suspects and executed on 4 March 2024. The accused have appeared in court and their matter was postponed to 7 March 2024, for formal bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrests and lauded the investigative team’s efforts.
North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said his department has commenced with the admission of elderly people at the Taung Old Age Complex. Mokgosi said eight elderly people aged 60 and above, have been admitted to the old age home since November last year.
He further said more elderly people are undergoing thorough assessment to ascertain their legibility to be accommodated in the old age complex. Mokgosi added that, the state home for the aged, which is situated in Pudumong, is the second state-run facility after Sonop.
“It has been established to cater for the needs of senior citizens across the province. The multi-million rand old age home has 64 beds for frail care unit, 30 independent rooms and 6 beds for assisted living services. We have made remarkable milestones in promoting the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons in line with the Older Persons Act.
“We have so far done a sterling work in promoting the rights of our senior citizens. The operationalisation of Taung Old Age Complex, underlines our commitment as government to improve the quality of life of older persons,” he said.
Mokgosi said they call on elderly people and their families to use the facility to their advantage. He said, his department is in the right stead to accommodate many more elderly people to ensure maximum utilisation of the state-run facility.
“Elderly people in need of 24-hour care who wants to live in an older persons’ residential facility, can apply at the nearest service point or older persons’ residential facility. If the applicant is too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, they can ask a family member or friend to apply on their behalf,” said Mokgosi.
He said a social worker from the department, will arrange a home visit to screen the applicant and assess their current living condition.
Picture: Former Bafana Bafana defender, Siphiwe Mkhonza/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has offered some words of comfort and sympathy to the family of Siphiwe Mkhonza (44) after his passing on Tuesday morning.
Siphiwe’s father, former Banyana Banyana coach, Joseph Mkhonza, confirmed to www.Safa.net that, his son, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic, among others, passed away at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on 5 March 2024 after illness. The former Bafana Bafana defender, was a soccer analyst at the SABC at the time of his passing.
“We are devastated as a family and we are in shock,” he said. “We were looking forward to so much from him and we thought he would recover. I am at a loss for words,” Mkhonza said.
Mkhonza said the family would meet later on Tuesday to discuss details of his memorial service and funeral. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and join in mourning the loss of Siphiwe Mkhonza.
Meanwhile, SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said the country had lost yet another giant, a versatile player during his time and an intelligent individual.
“He played for several teams, among them Kaizer Chiefs, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtics and also turned out for Bafana Bafana.
“After hanging up his boots he went into broadcasting and cut a niche for himself with his humour, incisive and thorough analysis. This is a sad day for South African football. May his soul Rest in Peace,” he said.
The Northern Cape said vital steps must be followed when reporting a missing person. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, there is no waiting period to report a missing person and the immediate response by the police can save a life.
She further said the public should report the missing person at the nearest police station immediately. Ehlers added that, if possible, provide a recent photograph of the missing person.
“Give an account of the missing person’s last whereabouts, as well as a detailed description of the clothes the person was last seen wearing. Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form as this safeguards the SAPS from false reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph of the missing person.
“Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and keep him/her informed of any additional information. If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately,” she said.
Ehlers said practicing personal safety may save your life. She said the public should be crime conscious and be aware of crime opportunities at all times.
“Never walk around alone and do not talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people. Walk in well lit, busy streets and in a group if possible. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone.
“Trust your instinct. Parents and caregivers must practice child safety at all times. If it is at all possible, children should play and walk with other children. Avoid situations, where strangers may approach children, such as unsupervised play areas or bushy areas,” said Ehlers.
She said the public must know where their children are at all times. Ehlers said individuals should never leave children unattended in a vehicle.
“Listen to your children and pay attention, if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. Notice when anyone shows your child a great deal of attention,” she said.
A man (24) has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for raping a woman (21) in Riemvasmaak, Kakamas on 30 September 2021. Joseph Lucas entered the victim’s home and raped her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Lucas was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Edwin Mokgalagadi, for the meticulous investigation of the case ensuring that justice was served for the victim.
Otola also invites all communities 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.
A fight against illicit mining has been intensified in the Northern Cape. This come after South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape, has deployed a team that will focus on the intervention and stabilization of illicit mining under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi for a period of three months in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the province .
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the decision. Shemane said: “Otola said the members from the Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces, will also join forces to address illicit mining activities.
“Lieutenant General Otola, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the acting Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Jacques Raymond, led a parade to receive the new deployment of members from SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).”
He further said Otola outlined the complexity of illicit mining activities and associated crimes that require a fully integrated and coordinated response to prevent, mitigate attempts, disrupt, and stabilise incidents.
Shemane added that, in conclusion she urged members to execute their duties in a professional and safe manner,” he said.
The Guardian 