Three accused, Olebogeng Modikoe (39) Thulare Joseph Radise (40) and Kabelo Patrice Mosuwe (40), briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024, on charges of fraud and money laundering.
It is alleged that, between December 2020 and January 2021, Modikoe, who is employed by the North West Department of Education as a Principal Human Resource Officer, created and hired two ghost employees on a contract basis for the period of three months. The said employees were remunerated a total amount of R150 092 87.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the investigation by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that, the monies were deposited into Mosuwe and Radise’s bank accounts.
Malwetse said on 23 March 2024, the trio was arrested by the Hawks during a sting operation conducted at Rustenburg and Midrand respectively.
“They appeared before court and were each granted R5000 bail. Their case was postponed until 11 June 2024,” she said.
A man (31) briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for money laundering. Unathi Golimpi was arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team at Soshanguve on 22 March 2024.
It is alleged that in April 2016, Tshepo Solomon Makatu (32), who was an employee for a cellphone company at Jubilee Mall, Hammanskraal at the time, defrauded the complainant by assisting unknown people to do a sim swap on the complainant’s cellphone, that was used for internet banking without knowledge nor consent from the complainant.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, a few days later, Makatu accessed the complainant’s banking app, where he added two beneficiaries to the complainant’s bank account profile. Malwetse said the amount of R820 000 was then fraudulently transferred from the complainant’s account to an unknown bank account and subsequently laundered into various bank accounts unknown to the complainant.
“Following investigations, Makatu and three other accused, Thabo Zwane (31), Lwazi Mzilem (33) and Zitha Makitla (38), were arrested in January 2024, thus Golimpi was the outstanding suspect. They were later granted R7000 bail and their case is still ongoing.
“He appeared before Court on 25 March 2024 and the matter was postponed to 5 April 2024 for formal bail application,” she said.
A man (31) briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for money laundering. Unathi Golimpi was arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team at Soshanguve on 22 March 2024.
It is alleged that in April 2016, Tshepo Solomon Makatu (32), who was an employee for a cellphone company at Jubilee Mall, Hammanskraal at the time, defrauded the complainant by assisting unknown people to do a sim swap on the complainant’s cellphone, that was used for internet banking without knowledge nor consent from the complainant.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, a few days later, Makatu accessed the complainant’s banking app, where he added two beneficiaries to the complainant’s bank account profile. Malwetse said the amount of R820 000 was then fraudulently transferred from the complainant’s account to an unknown bank account and subsequently laundered into various bank accounts unknown to the complainant.
“Following investigations, Makatu and three other accused, Thabo Zwane (31), Lwazi Mzilem (33) and Zitha Makitla (38), were arrested in January 2024, thus Golimpi was the outstanding suspect. They were later granted R7000 bail and their case is still ongoing.
“He appeared before Court on 25 March 2024 and the matter was postponed to 5 April 2024 for formal bail application,” she said.
This is not a laughable matter as the organisers of Taung Comedy Show, Olebogeng David Moshwene (46) and Mandla Cassius Yawa (39), have interdicted an entrepreneur and owner of Moja Chicken, Letlhogonolo Motseeng (34) from hosting Comedy and Music Xplosion show at PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung on 31 March 2024.
It is alleged that Motseeng will be hosting the event under Batlhaping Entertainment company. Now, Moshwene and Yawa, who are hosting Taung Comedy Show at Longstreet Lifestyle Pub on 31 March 2024, which is only 3km away from PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung, alleged in court papers that, Motseeng is in contravention of the non-compete and non-solicitation agreement he signed with Shandis Events (PTY) LTD.
Motseeng is the former Director of Shandis Events (PTY) LTD. However, he resigned on 14 August 2023 after their relationship went sour.
According to court papers filed by Shandis Events (PTY) LTD, Motseeng is interdicted and prohibited from engaging in any business activity, which is in competition with the Shandis Events (PTY) LTD, nor work for any company which competes with it within 250km from the address which Shandis Events (PTY) LTD conducts its business.
The papers say: “Motseeng and Batlhaping Entertainment are interdicted and prohibited from directly or indirectly disclosing to any person, firm or corporation the names or addresses of any of the customers or clients of the applicant or any other information pertaining to them.
“Motseeng is interdicted and prohibited to call on, solicit, take away any customer of the applicant on whom he has called or with whom he has become acquainted with during his term of employment, as a direct or indirect results of his employment with the applicant.”
Moshwene and Yawa said Motseeng and Batlhaping Entertainment are interdicted and prohibited from advertising in any manner (including through social media platforms or through print media) and hosting, an upcoming event called Comedy & Music Xplosion, which is advertised to be held on 31 March 2024 at PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung.
They further said the respondents will have to carry the costs, only in the event that they oppose the application and are unsuccessful in their opposition.
Yawa said: “The reason led to the resignation of the first respondent is that, on 15 April 2022, the applicant hosted the 1st Annual Taung Comedy Show and the Taung Kids Festival Easter Show on 17 April 2022. The tickets to these two shows were sold through Computicket.
“Computicket had promised to pay the applicant five days after the shows were hosted. Computicket, however, did not pay the applicant as promised. The first respondent was the one who was responsible for dealing with Computicket.”
He added that, upon investigation, it was discovered that Motseeng had actually furnished Computicket with his own banking details, and not that of the company. He said Computicket paid the money into Motseeng’s bank account.
“Motseeng later admitted to this, but he did not pay the money into Shandis Event PTY LTD bank account. However, after lengthy discussions, he promised to pay the money back. Thus far, he only paid R10 000.
“On 27 December 2022, Motseeng signed a non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the company. In terms of the agreement, Motseeng undertook to not compete with the applicant, to engage in any business activity which is competitive with the applicant nor work for any company which competes with the applicant within 250km from the address where the applicant conducts its business,” he said.
Yawa said the said agreement or undertaking was to be in force for the whole duration of the first respondent was the director of the applicant and continue for a period of three years after the termination of his directorship.
Meanwhile, Motseeng said he will set the records straight after the court ruling. The matter is set to appear before Taung Magistrate’s Court today.
Picture: Two cousins, Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19), who were kidnapped rescued/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in North West have rescued cousins who were allegedly kidnapped in Brits on 6 March 2024. Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19), were rescued by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Provincial Organised Crime, Head Office Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Task Team and Brits Crime Intelligence in a house at New Stands, Klipgat near Winterveldt and Mabopane on Monday evening.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier SABATA Mokgwabone said, in the process of locating the victims, the determined police arrested six suspects. Mokgwabone said the seventh suspect, Humphrey Martin,48, was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning (8 March 2024), at Naturena, in Johannesburg.
“He has already appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 11, 18, and 25 March 2024. He was remanded in custody until 8 April 2024, for formal bail application. Meanwhile, the victims were examined by paramedics at Klipgat police station’s Victims Friendly Room (VFR) and found to be in a good state of health except for exhaustion and trauma.
“They were safely reunited with their families without any visible injuries. It was reported at the time of the incident that the suspects bumped the victims’ car from the front with a maroon Audi A3, to force it to stop,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the said Audi A3 was reportedly stolen in Grasfontein in March this year. He added that the two armed men allegedly got out of a white Volkwagen Polo GTI and ordered the cousins to get into it (the Polo).
“The driver of the Audi got into a Toyota Hilux allegedly driven by Humphrey Martin. The suspects then fled from the crime scene with the victims. The latter’s Mercedes Benz vehicle and the Audi A3 were found at the crime scene.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon, facing two counts of kidnapping and extortion,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Kwena, expressed his gratitude to the multi-disciplinary team for their relentless efforts, which led to the finding of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.
Kwena said that the arrests will, without a doubt, send a warning that those who commit crimes have no place to hide in society and will be exposed as it happened in this case.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba motse wa Manthe ba tsenetse kopano ya tlhokego ya metsi
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, ba kaile fa ba itumeletse tsereganyo e e tlisitsweng ke masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, mabapi le tlhokego ya metsi. Baagi ba, ba tlhotse ba tsenetse kopano le go bona dikarabo go tswa go molekgotlha yo o ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha mo komiting ya ya majoro kwa masepaleng, Pico Seepamere.
Le fa kopano e, e batlile e tswa mo taolong morago ga gore gorege setlhotswana sa basimanyana se se ne se lebega se iphantse ka nnotagi go utlwa, mme le sone sa kopa go latlhela tlhware le gonnyana, baagi ka kakaretso, ba kaile fa ba na le dikgwedi di feta supa ba ntse ba tshelela mo lenyoreng.
Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Onalenna Setumiso are, baagi ba amogela tsereganyo e e tlisitsweng ke masepala. Go ya ka Setumiso, go lebega fa gontse go na le bante e e sa direng sentle mo pompong nngwe, mme bothata joo bo a baakangwa.
“Re itumeletse gore masepala o tlile ka tharabololo, gonne gone ke nnete ntse go na le mathata ka bante e thusang go pompa metsi. Seepamere ore netefaleditse gore mo letsatsing la kamoso, baagi ba tla be ba nwa metsi. Jaanong, ke nagana gore le rona jaaka rele baagi, re tlile go dira bonnete jwa gore re sala ntlha eo morago.
“Baagi ba, ba na le dikgwedi di feta supa ba sa bome metsi. Jaanong, sebakwa se sengwe se se amang go pompiwa ga metsi ke kgaogo ya motlakase. O tla gopola gore madutelo a dirisa motlakase gore a kgone go pompa metsi, mme a fetele kwa dipeiping tsa rona gore a tsene kwa dipompong,” Setumiso wa tlhalosa.
Setumiso are gore go nne le metsi a lekaneng, go tlile go tlhokega motlakase. Setumiso are sebakwa se sengwe sa tlhokego ya metsi ke gore, seelo sa lefatshe la bone la motse wa Manthe, se tshekametse kwa karolong ya moseja.
“Jaanong, dipeipi tsa rona fa di leka go fetisetsa metsi kwa dikarolong tse dingwe jaaka Lebonkeng, ga di kgone ka ntlha ya kgaogo ya motlakase. Setlamo se se rebolang metsi sa Magalies Water, se tlile go baakanya bante e senyegile,” Setumiso wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Seepamere are: “Baagi ba itemogetse tlhokego ya metsi dikgwedi tse di mmalwa. Mme go tloga mo mosong wa gompieno, re ntse re tsentse mogatla mo mmung le go bona gore matsapa di a tsaya kae. Jaanong, re ka netefatsa gore gona le bante ya pompo nngwe e e ntse e sa dire.
“Re ikuetse go setlamo sa Magalies Water gore ba tle go tsenya mafaratlhatlha a tlhokagala. Mme le kamoso ba tla be ba ntse ba le fa ba etse tlhoko gore baagi ba bona metsi. Re na le matsapa a seelo sa motse wa Manthe, gonne gona le karolo e e kwa godimo, mme dipeipi tsa rona ga di kgone go isa metsi kwa madutelong ao ka ntlha ya kgaogo ya motlakase,” Seepamere wa tlhalosa.
Picture: A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in North Eastern of Namibia, Southern Angola, South Western of Zambia and North Western of Botswana. It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.
The researcher from North West University (NWU), Professor Louis du Preez said, the largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram. Preez said they were once three, now they are four.
“We have discovered a new species of African bullfrog, called Pyxicephalus beytelli. This is only the fourth species of bullfrog ever identified in Southern Africa. The species occurs in parts of North Eastern of Namibia, Southern Angola, South Western of Zambia and North Western of Botswana.
“It is named after the late Ben Beytell, the Director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia, who was instrumental in the proclamation of the Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species occurs,” he said.
Preez further said the new species is similar to all other species of bullfrogs in its external structure, internal anatomy and general behaviour. However, he added that two of the main distinguishing features of Pyxicephalus beytelli are its bright yellow and lime green colouring, blue spots and a white vertebral line running down its body.
“Then there are its prominent and somewhat ferocious teeth, which are sloped backwards (recurved), and two large bony protrusions on the lower jaw. Their teeth really stand out, and we are excited to learn more about their feeding habits. I can promise you that this frog has a big bite.
“Bullfrogs have a varied diet that includes mice, small birds, snakes, insects and even other frogs. I and a former student, Marleen Byron, first encountered the bullfrog in Okavango 12 years ago,” said Preez.
He said they immediately realised “there was something different about this frog”. Preez said in late 2021, he was commissioned by the Namibian Nature Foundation to conduct a survey of amphibians and reptiles in Khaudum National Park.
“When I saw the bullfrog again, I knew it was the one I had seen a decade earlier. A thorough and painstaking process then began, in which the specimens collected were carefully detailed and compared with existing known species.
“We attribute the belated discovery of Pyxicephalus beytelli to its habitat. Getting to some of the places where Pyxicephalus beytelli can be found is extremely difficult. These places are remote and you have to cross rough terrain to get there,” he said.
Preez said also, people simply did not realise that, it was a different species. He said from a conservation perspective, the identification of new species is of paramount importance to ensure their protection.
“Frogs evolved about 350 million years ago and have diversified from there. Today, they are the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world. A big reason for this is the destruction of their natural habitat.
“The more we know about a species, such as its location and range, the better we can protect it. It is only when we have caused the extinction of a species that we realise what we have lost,” said Preez.
He said there is still a lot to learn about this new species, and the fun will be in finding out.
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it has noted with great concern the illegitimate use of its brand and names of some Members of Executive Council (MECs) to market the so-called North West Investments and Economic Development Summit 2024, which none of the provincial government departments and their entities have expressed any intentions to participate in.
The NWPG spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said, the provincial government views the conduct of the organisers of this summit as not only unprofessional and unethical, but mischievous as well. Setswambung said, organisers intend to lure unsuspecting stakeholders in the economic sector to attend this summit with the pretence that the provincial government is involved.
“As we distance the provincial government from the hosting of this summit, we call upon its organisers to desist from this unacceptable and dishonest conduct, and withdraw the unethical use of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) brand from its marketing material.
The relationship between South Africa and the United States has received a great deal of attention recently. Strengthening ties between the two countries was among the important issues that Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, discussed with US officials during a working visit to Washington last week.
The topic also featured prominently in a meeting that I had in Cape Town last month with a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress. Also last week, a committee of the US House of Representatives discussed a proposed bill that would require a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.
These discussions provide an opportunity to clarify our positions and to correct misperceptions about our foreign policy.
An important starting point for that discussion is that since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has sought through its foreign policy to promote peace, security and development on the African continent and across the world.
Consistent with our history, South Africa has taken a non-aligned position in our international relations. We have deliberately avoided aligning our country with any of the major powers or blocs. Rather we have sought to forge cordial relations with all countries. While we have taken a non-aligned position, we continue to pursue positions that are in keeping with the UN Charter.
We have sought to advance an inclusive and representative world order, to strengthen multilateralism and to promote the resolution of conflict through dialogue. It is in pursuit of this approach that South Africa has worked to strengthen relations with countries around the world, including the United States.
Our relationship with the US is characterised by mutual respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where we may differ. Even on contentious issues – such as the docking of a Russian ship in Simonstown in late 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the current conflict in Gaza – the South African and US governments have been able to share views in a frank and open manner.
The matter regarding the docking of the Russian ship at Simonstown was fully investigated and satisfactorily put to rest. South Africa’s participation in the African Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia has led to South Africa’s continuing involvement together with many other countries, including the United States, in discussions that are aimed at finding solutions to the resolution of the war.
In this way, we have encouraged greater understanding and cooperation between ourselves as South Africa, the United States and many other countries on matters of mutual interest.
One of the areas of contention on which there has been much commentary, as well as much misinformation, is the position that South Africa has taken on the conflict in Gaza. There has been a particular focus on the case that South Africa brought to the International Court of Justice, where we argued that the actions of the Israeli military in Gaza violate international law and includes actions that are prohibited under the Genocide Convention, to which South Africa, Israel and many other countries are signatories.
Our application to the court is consistent not only with our obligations as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, but also the call we have always made for an inclusive negotiated settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. This position is consistent with UN resolutions. We have always supported the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to self-determination and statehood and of the state of Israel to peace and security.
We have consistently called for the application of international law, condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians on 7 October last year and calling for the release of hostages. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution.
These are positions that are increasingly being taken up by more and more countries around the world. The suggestion that the position we have taken on the conflict could lead to a deterioration of our relations with the United States is therefore unfounded.
South Africa has strong economic, political and social ties with the US. We remember the support from the American people during our struggle for democracy. Over the last 30 years, we have had, and continue to have, a supportive, mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship between our two countries.
We are grateful for the support that the US has provided to South Africa over many years in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The PEPFAR programme has contributed significantly – and continues to contribute – to the remarkable progress we have made to deal with AIDS.
South Africa and the US have firm and expanding trade and investment ties. South Africa is home to more than 600 US companies and the US is the second largest destination for South African exports. Some of our large companies, such as Sasol, have made significant investments in key economic sectors in the United States.
An important part of the economic ties between South Africa and the US is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the US market for their exports.
The recent AGOA Forum, held in South Africa in November last year, confirmed the value of AGOA to Africa’s industrialisation and integration and to the diversification of its economies. The trade and investment ties that have been developed through AGOA, provide a platform for US investors to participate in the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
We also welcome US participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership alongside a growing number of other countries. South Africa has great opportunities for investment in the green economy and for the supply of critical minerals for the global energy transition.
There is great potential to further develop our relationship with the United States and to find ways to work together for a more peaceful, stable and just world.
South Africa will continue to seek firm and friendly relations with countries around the world in pursuit of a better world.
A double murder case against Onkemetse Thaganyane (40), set to resume today at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court. Thaganyane, who is facing two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, was arrested on 19 March 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, Thaganyane allegedly shot and killed two people and injured two. Mokgwabone said, a confrontation ensued during a protest action at Extension 5, Ipelegeng Township in Schweizer Reneke.
“It is alleged that some members of the community demanded to be employed on a sewer pipeline project. During the confrontation, a shot was allegedly fired towards two construction vehicles, which were also pelted with stones, thus causing damage.
“One of the construction vehicle drivers reportedly fired shots and in the process, a boy (11) and a man (33) were shot at. The minor died on the scene, while the man succumbed to injuries at Schweizer Reneke Hospital,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in addition, two other men were taken to hospital due to serious injuries they sustained. He added that the police arrested the suspect and seized his firearm.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, is shocked about the loss of lives and at the same time conveyed condolences to the deceased’s families. Kwena warned the public about the danger of violent protests, where even children and the innocent are often used.
The Guardian 