Monthly Archives: April 2024

37 title deeds delivered to beneficiaries  

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho with beneficiaries/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

In a concerted effort to ensure the provision of quality housing, the North West Department of Human Settlements, recently handed over two newly-built houses and 37 title deeds to beneficiaries in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. 

The North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho said this was part of the ongoing North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole. 

Rosho further said the North West Department of Human Settlements is not only tasked with building houses, but rather to provide communities with adequate housing that meets their social amenities.

“These houses are an important step in the government’s commitment to providing decent and affordable housing to our people. Today’s handover symbolises the restoration of dignity to our families and manifests the notion of a caring government on a mission to build a caring and cohesive society.

“The government will continue to intensify the provision of sustainable human settlements by identifying the most vulnerable in our society and prioritise them, as the gesture restores their dignity and improves their quality of life,” she said.

Rosho added that, as the government, they remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society. 

She said they have also handed over 13 of the 37 title deeds at the feedback session to beneficiaries and the remaining 24 will be issued through the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. 

“We urge the beneficiaries to look after their new homes and never sell or rent them out as it serves as their legacy and inheritance for their children. 

“The Department of Human Settlements remains committed to build quality and habitable homes, to ensure that the vision of building sustainable Human settlements becomes a reality,” said Rosho.   

Meanwhile, accepting keys to their newly built houses, both Ipeleng Tlholoe (63) and Bertha Pholo (58) said they were happy to be moving into their new homes. They said their living conditions will be improved as they now have decent houses they can call homes, where they will live with dignity.

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Manthe murder case resumes in court

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Picture: The accused persons in a murder case

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four accused persons will resume today at the Taung Regional Court. The convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), were arrested almost two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. 

Meanwhile, the court heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.

It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.

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The missing Michelle Hartbees found unharmed

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Picture: The missing Michelle Hartbees found unharmed/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Griekwastad said the missing Michelle Hartbees (22) has been found unharmed and reunited with her family. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Hartbees, who resides at 7 Gemsbok Street, Rainbow Valley in Griekwastad, left her home to visit her cousin at a nearby farm on 13 April 2024. 

Sam said she allegedly hitched a lift in a silver motor vehicle driven by an unknown man with a light complexion and speaking Afrikaans.

“At that time, Hartbees was wearing brown tracksuit pants, a white top, pink sandals and a pink and white beanie. However, we would like to inform the public that she has been found unharmed. 

“As the police, we would like to thank the media and the public for their role in ensuring her safe return,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 14 years for rape 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (25) has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for rape. Fortune Koordom raped a woman (27) in Loeriesfontein on 4 June 2022. Koordom grabbed the victim as she was entering her yard and pulled her under a tree, where he raped her. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the accused has also contravened a protection order the victim had against him. Sam said Koordom was arrested and charged for rape. 

“He was found guilty on one count of rape and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and another 4 years for the contravention of the protection order. Both sentences will run concurrently.

“The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Jacques Nielsen from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for securing a conviction and ensuring that justice is served for GBVF victims. 

“The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.

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Suspects arrested during intelligence-driven operation  

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Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Nineteen suspects were arrested for illegal mining. The police allegedly received a tip-off and arrested 10 Zimbabwean nationals aged between 24 and 42, six South Africans aged between 19 and 33 and three Lesotho nationals aged between 27 and 36. 

They were arrested during a joint multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi after it conducted intelligence-driven operations in Port Nolloth on 20 April 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the suspects were also arrested for illegal dealing in drugs. Shemane said the dagga with an estimated street value of R75 000 and money suspected to be proceeds of crime, were confiscated. 

“The police also confiscated bags with possible diamond bearing gravel, generators, jack hammers, and other suspected mining equipment and tools used for illegal mining activities. 

“The police received intelligence-driven information regarding illicit mining activities and other related crimes taking place at identified areas in Port Nolloth. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes in the Namakwa District. 

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A man jailed for killing his girlfriend

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man who killed his girlfriend, has been sentenced to 38 years imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court. 

On the evening of Wednesday (7 June 2023) at around 9pm, the police in Modderrivier, received a complaint regarding a shooting incident.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said, upon arrival at the scene, two adults were found lying on the ground, both with gunshot wounds. Pilane said they were both transported to the hospital, where the victim succumbed to her injuries.

“The court heard that the accused, Andries Mano Buffel (47), stole his brother’s firearm, which he used to shoot his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. However, he survived and arrested. The investigating officer successfully opposed bail.

“The accused was found guilty and was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for murder, 8 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, 5 years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and 3 years for theft. All sentencing will run concurrently,” she said. 

Pilane said the Buffel was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola said: “The police management welcomes the conviction and praised Detective Constable Vuyani Links for his thorough investigation.”

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Seven suspects nabbed in Pampierstad for alleged possession of drugs, firearms 

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Picture: (Police Tape)

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R11 580 and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi led disruptive operations in Pampierstad. The police received a tip-off regarding drugs, firearms, and suspicious activities taking place at certain identified premises in Pampierstad.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Shemane. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police’s hard work and thanked community members for working together with the police in the fight against drugs in the district. 

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Help the hospital to trace the family of the unknown patient 

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Picture: The unknown patient at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The management of Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex is requesting the public to assist them in tracing the family of the unknown patient, currently admitted at the Tshepong Hospital in ward 6.

According to the hospital on its official Facebook Page, the unknown patient who is suspected to be between the ages of 25 and 30, was admitted on 20 February 2024. It is alleged that he was brought to the hospital by EMRS with a history of confusion and a crush injury. 

“He speaks Sepedi and Tshivenda. He also mentioned driving a truck in Limpopo during the examination. The community members, who might have information that will assist in locating the family of the unknown man are requested to contact Tshepong Hospital Ward 6 on 018 406 3195 or 018 406 3194. 

“Your assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated.”

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More than 800 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 800 suspects have been arrested for various crimes during a weekly high density operation, Operation Shanela, which was conducted between 18 and 21 April 2024. The suspects were arrested amongst others, for rape, murder, assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said this includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Funani further said of the 843 arrested suspects, 335 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do GBH, assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 363 were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.   

“In addition, 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises. 

“The action includes raids at the second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.  The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, 13 cell phones, copper cables, six live rounds of ammunition, three firearms, liquor and three vehicles,” she said. 

Funani added that during the operations, 13 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. 

She said in Mahikeng, a cordon and search operation was conducted at the Bradford Park Taxi Rank on 19 April 2024, where 42 suspects were apprehended for possession of drugs, selling liquor without licences, possession of dangerous weapon, possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of suspected stolen property, assault GBH, assault common, rape, malicious damage to property and burglary business and residential.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all the units and other role players. Kwena reiterated that those who commit crimes will not be spared.

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SIU to investigate maladministration and corruption at the Department of Water and Sanitation 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it is investigating allegations of serious maladministration in the Department of Water and Sanitation in quest to recover any financial losses suffered by the state or the department. This comes after the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 164 of 2024, authorization. 

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the Proclamation 164 of 2024 authorises the SIU to probe serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the department, including the causes of such maladministration, arising from the procurement of, or contracting for goods, works or services concerning the “Drop the Block” project and the contract entered into in respect thereof between the department and Sedibeng Water on 21 April 2016. 

Kganyago further said “Almost Empty Outdoor” campaign and the appointment of Sedibeng Water as the implementing agent in an allegedly irregular manner for the provision of generic services in 2016 and the “War on Leaks” programme, includes the alleged irregular appointments of and payments to Rand Water and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority

for the period 2015 to 2018/2019.

“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money. The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 January 2015 and 19 April 2024,” he said.

Kganyago added that the date of the publication of the proclamation or before 1 January 2015 and after the date of the proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to the matters or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.

He said in addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” said Kganyago.

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