Many patients in Vryburg raised questions over alleged smses they received from the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital claiming that they owe the hospital. Some of the affected individuals alleged that they have never set foot at the hospital.
However, the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital spokesperson, Kagiso Mbaiwa said, the hospital management is aware of that. Mbaiwa said the hospital has noted concerns and questions circulating on various social media platforms, regarding the hospital fees emanating from services rendered.
“This also includes outstanding payments through text messages that were sent to patients. It is imperative to note that the hospital billing system is guided by terms of Section 41- (1) and (2) of the National Health Act of 2003 and the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) tariffs by the Minister of Health.
“The hospital confirms that the text messages regarding outstanding payments are not a scam. Consultations are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the correct hospital telephone number is updated on the system to avert confusion as these messages depict the old hospital name and telephone number,” he said.
Mbaiwa further said payments can be made at the provided banking details or at the hospital. He added that, for more information or clarity regarding the outstanding payments, the affected individuals can kindly liaise with the following hospital personnel, Zenovia Johnson on 053 928 9129, Sarah Longman on 053 928 9064 and Marie De Koker 053 928 9063.
“The hospital further advises that patients who cannot pay the outstanding balance at once, can make arrangements to pay the amount through instalment,” said Mbaiwa.
Picture: The missing Rosina Masego Ditlhase/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Letlhabile are appealing to the community’s assistance in locating the missing Rosina Masego Ditlhase (14), who is residing at Letlhakaneng village, near Letlhabile. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Ditlhase was last seen on 1 March 2024 at around 5:30pm by her grandmother at their residential place.
“She was wearing black jeans, a red and yellow T-shirt and a pair of black sandals. Rosina has a slender body structure, average in height and is brown in complexion with a visible scar on the neck.
“Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Nakedi Saasa, of Brits Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on 060 970 9141or Crime Stop on 08600 1011,” she said.
Funani further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smartphone.
Picture: The suspected stolen goats seized/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two men aged 29 and 44 are expected to appear before Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 11 March 2024, in connection with the alleged possession of suspected stolen goats. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the suspects were apprehended on 8 March 2024, after 25 goats were found in their truck.
Funani said the Sun City Police were conducting their daily patrols on the R565 at Matooster, when they spotted a suspicious Hyundai truck along the road.
“The police went to investigate and whilst searching the truck, they discovered the goats. The duo failed to account for the livestock and they were immediately arrested.
“The suspects were allegedly on their way to Soweto in Gauteng, when their vehicle broke down on the R565 road. The investigations revealed that the goats were stolen at Makgope village, near Mabeskraal in Rustenburg,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their vigilance that led to the arrest of the duo. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to remove criminals from the streets of North West.
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has on Sunday, applauded the closure of an initiation school that operated at Witfontein Farm between Ottosdal and Klerksdorp. This comes after reports that 26 initiates were rescued from this illegal initiation school.
The raid was carried out through a joint operation between the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), which led to the closure of the school.
The COGTA spokesperson, Dineo Thapelo said the school operated for two weeks. Thapelo said the department officials have rescued 26 young people from an illegal initiation school, which was raided and closed.
“Some of the initiates required immediate medical attention, while others needed medical check-ups. One was admitted at Ottosdal Hospital, six were referred to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp and four were referred to Gelukspan Hospital.
“A case has been opened at Ottosdal Police Station against the principal for contravening the Customary Initiation Act,” she said.
The Deputy Chairperson of PICC, Andries Stemmer, led the operation which conducted an early morning raid and shutdown of the unauthorised initiation school. This comes after receiving a tip-off that the school is operating without a permit.
“These people have disregard for the law and the safety of our children. There are procedures that one needs to follow to register the initiation school for approval by the department.
“We urge parents to remain vigilant as many young boys are at risk of being abducted,” he said.
The Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, further re-emphasised the severity of the mushrooming illegal initiation schools, labelling it a national crisis.
“It is quite disheartening to know that there are initiation schools that are still operating without authorisation from the department, despite our efforts to educate everyone about the importance of following proper procedures.
“We urge all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding this cultural practice, especially as the department is yet to open applications for the upcoming June initiation season intake,” said Maotwe.
He added that the collaborative efforts by all role players in the operation, which led to the shutdown of the school is commendable. Maotwe urged communities to support interventions by government and traditional leaders to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries due to illegal initiation schools.
Meanwhile, the convenor of MRM, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “We urge authorities to sustain operations aimed at ridding the province of unscrupulous swindlers, who have no regard for human rights and upholding responsible cultural practices.
“Initiation is supposed to be a healthy, safe, positive learning as well as a bonding experience and a portal into manhood that is not associated with criminality, human rights abuses and loss of lives.”
Kgwele said they welcomed that a case of contravening the Custom Initiation Act, No 2 of 2021 has been opened against the principal that operated the unregistered school for two weeks before its closure. He said chancers and those who commit atrocities through bogus initiation schools, undermine the tradition including culture and should be brought to book.
“We appeal to the traditional leaders as custodians of the traditional and cultural values to monitor initiation schools within their areas of jurisdiction and report ill-treatment and illegal operations to authorities.
“We wish 11 initiates hospitalized respectively at Ottosdal, Tshepong and Gelukspan Hospitals as well as those who required medical check-up and treatment after they were rescued a speedy recovery,” he said.
Picture: The Northern Cape police during the junior commissioner project/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Learners from various schools were part of the Junior Commissioner Project, which envisages advancing and promoting the safety of learners and educators in schools. The glaring event was hosted by the Office of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, at the Piet Thole Community Hall in Rosedale on Saturday.
The event was attended by executives and senior officials from all relevant entities.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the Junior Commissioners will play an active role in initiating education and awareness campaigns on issues that affect the safety of learners. Ehlers said as the police, they will use community outreach programmes as platforms to mobilise and educate the youth about the dangers of involvement in criminal activities.
“Extramural and recreational activities will be initiated by the young leaders, where young people can demonstrate various talents and capabilities. The focus is on ensuring the development, nurturing of leadership skills and capabilities of all learners.
“This will ensure that we provide guidance and mentorship initiatives to prepare them for future leadership endeavours and transforming into progressive and responsible citizens. Four learners per district, were subjected to an intensive induction programme that provided knowledge and information about the police,” she said.
Ehlers further said they were coached by Constable Zamile Mgwevu, in preparation for the delivery of prepared speeches to showcase their knowledge and potential as young leaders. She added that these learners expressed their views on social ills experienced by the youth and how they can be remedied.
“The top 10 learners were announced and granted the opportunity to deliver unprepared speeches. The winners were announced after the vigorous scrutiny of a panel of adjudicators. Simone van Rooyen from the Frances Baard District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services.
“Ealroe Taddese from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Onkarabile Kgomonyane from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, while Oragolele Kuriti from the Frances Baard District was appointed as the Junior Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape,” said Ehlers.
She said maximum participation of young people in the fight against crime in their learning environment was emphasized. Ehlers also said the collaboration between the youth and police, will ensure that they see more South African schools safe and conducive to learning.
“Bullying is rife in schools and must be eradicated. No learner must be prevented from attending school,” she said.
In her keynote address, the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Bloem, said they are in an era of hope. Bloem said it is inspiring that the youth is taking responsibility for their wellbeing.
“Youth involvement in crime remains a concern. Substance abuse exposes them to become perpetrators or victims of crime.
So, we encourage young leaders to lead by example and have the courage to say ‘No’.
“Everyone is a leader, irrespective of whether they were chosen or not. All participants will still be afforded the opportunity to partake in Safer School Programmes, CPF and Youth Against Crime initiatives,” she said.
Picture: The police embark on an outreach programme/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
In an effort to address the challenges faced by the residents of Postmasburg, the office of the ZF Mgcawu District’s acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Monica Sebili, held a church service at Groenwater Community Hall on 10 March 2024.
Sebili has pledged to work with the community and requested them to join hands with the police. She also encouraged the local community to take advantage of her ‘open door’ policy and all the station commanders in the district in order to have a united front against crime.
“This session is an endeavour to bring in spiritual intervention as a strategy in the fight to curb criminal activities in communities and through the establishment of Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures in all sectors as expected.
“The program commenced with a church service led by the ZFM Employee Health and Wellness Spiritual Services. In attendance were various church leaders and fraternities, political affiliates and community members of Groenwater and Jenn-Haven CPF in support of the district,” she said.
After the service, the CPF structure of the Groenwater area was elected. Sebili was welcomed by the District Chairperson, Clement Baai. She said she will continue to engage with the CPF and community members of Jenn-Haven.
“We highly-appreciate their progressive efforts, for taking it upon themselves to work with the police on the ground as the eyes and ears of the police within their own community.
“The community used the opportunity to thank the police of Postmansburg, who have already started working with them and have been conducting foot patrols jointly. They further requested the police to have a joint church service in their area,” said Sebili.
Picture: More than 600 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said 676 suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault and stock theft.
Kock said this includes burglary, theft out of motor vehicles, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
He further said some of the suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act. Kock added that, of 676 total arrests, 585 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences.
“The arrests were executed during tracing operations by detectives across the province. Disruptive actions focusing on the illegal trading in liquor, resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal liquor outlets and other hot spot crime areas.
“The multi-disciplinary high density operation remains steadfast and intentional in stabilizing crime. The intensified police operations commenced from 3 until 10 March 2024, with a specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas, which ensured the multitude of successes,” he said.
Kock said actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives. He said 48 VCPs and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2711 vehicles and 5672 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous police actions were executed, including compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, school visits as well as farms,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that the police will continue to robustly and vigorously prevent and combat crime. Otola also commended all the law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures for the concerted efforts in addressing crime in the province.
Setshwantsho: Sejanaga se se thudileng basimanyana ba le babedi ba ba ne ba kgweetsa setobetobe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Makawana a le mabedi ba letse ba thudiwe ke sejanaga sa modiro wa Polo Vivo e pududu ka mmala mo tsela-kgolo ya N18, gaufi le matsenong a motse wa Maphoitsile mono Taung. Go begwa fa basimane ba, Koketso Setilo (20) le tsala ya gagwe, Tlotlang Maruping, ba ne ba palame setobetobe (bicycle) go leba kwa motseng wa Majaneng fa ba ne ba amega mo kotsing ya sejanaga.
Go begwa fa Setilo a ile a tlhokafala ka gangwe, fa Maruping a ile a bona dikgobalo tse di tsetsibanyang mmele, mme o lwelwa botshelo jwa gagwe kwa bookelong kwa Tshepong/Klersdorp Hospital Complex kwa Klerksdorp.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.
“Mokgweetsi (32) wa Polo Vivo o kaile fa a ne a tswa ntlheng ya Taung le go leba ntlheng ya Hartswater mo tsela-kgolo ya N18 fa basimanyana ba ba neng ba palame setobetobe ba ne ba tlhaga mo matsenong a motse wa Maphoitsile,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Setshwantsho: sejanaga sa poraevete se go begwang se thudilwe kwa morago
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Go ile ga nna le thulano ya dijanaga mo tsela-kgolo ya N18, gaufi le matseno mo toropong ya Taung mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa tekesi, a ile a thula sejanaga sa poraevete kwa morago.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani: “Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, ga mmogo le bo rrapharakano. Ga gona ope o boneng dikgobalo.
“Ke ka moo sepodisi se ile sa kwadisa kgetsi ya kotsi fela, gonne go ne go se dikgobalo dipe.”
The Guardian 