A man who killed a Zimbabwean national, Nelson Malumbo (33), was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment by the Keimoes Regional Court. On 20 December 2022, Dingisweni Siphozonke (29), asked Malumbo to accompany him to the veld, where he wanted to gather his sheep.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said upon arrival in the veld, Siphozonke attacked Malumbo, robbed him of his cellphone and stabbed him multiple times in his chest.
“He left the lifeless body of the deceased in the veld and was discovered the following day. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused assaulted his girlfriend, whom he accused of being in a relationship with the deceased.
“Siphozonke was arrested in Port Saint Johns in the Eastern Cape Province on 18 January 2023. He was remanded in custody during the trial. Siphozonke was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment for murder and robbery,” said Masegela.
She said Siphozonke was sentenced to 6 months for assaulting his girlfriend.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentencing and lauded the partnership of the investigating officers, Warrant Officer William Mouers and Sergeant Anwor Titus, who assisted him in the investigation.
Picture: 51 rhino horns stolen at North West Parks and Tourism Board office in Mahikeng/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West Parks and Tourism Board employee, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the theft of 51 rhino horns was granted a R5000 bail. Edwin Thapelo Rangaka (48) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 8 May 2024.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Rangaka was arrested at his workplace following an investigation that linked him to a business burglary at the North West Parks and Tourism Board on 26 June 2023, where 51 rhino horns were allegedly stolen.
“He briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 9 May 2024, facing charges of business burglary. His accomplices, Elias Mangande and Lefa Mankgaba, were arrested in July 2023. Mankgaba is out on bail, while Mangande is still in custody,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrest and commended the sterling investigative work by the members.
Two police officers have been arrested for allegedly being in possession of suspected stolen livestock. Warrant Officer Onkokame Shoboro (46) and Motseothata Ndlovu (25) were arrested after the police received a tip-off.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were allegedly seen transporting several cattle. Mokgwabone further said upon arrest, nine Bonsmara calves worth R80 000, were found loaded in a trailer pulled by a Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkie.
“The matter was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) members, who conducted a preliminary investigation and finally charged the pair. They both appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said Shoboro and Ndlovu were remanded in custody. He added that their case was postponed to 15 May 2024, for bail application.
“Shoboro is attached to Bloemhof Visible Policing. The bakkie, which belongs to Shoboro, was confiscated together with the trailer. The lawful owner of the calves has been located,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, reiterated that there will be no tolerance for employees involved in criminal activities. Kwena applauded the police and ACIU members for their collaboration and quick response that led to the arrest.
“The police management will not hesitate to deal effectively with dishonest employees who tarnish the image of the service,” he said.
Fraud and tax evasion against a businessman, Krishna Chetty (66) and his employee, Ravin Ramlall, has been postponed by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to 13 June 202, for pre-trial conferencing. They are facing charges of fraud and tax evasion relating to his company income tax amounting to over R43 million.
The Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Chetty and Ramlall are facing charges of fraud in that they failed to honestly declare the income of Counterpoint Trading 156 CC. He said thereby failed to comply with the statutory duty imposed by Section 25 of the Tax Administration Act.
“Ramlall allegedly instructed a tax practitioner to misrepresent the company income tax returns of Counterpoint Trading 156 CC between 2018 until 2021, on behalf of Chetty, who is the sole director.
“Their court appearance follows an investigation by the Investigating Directorate (ID) in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in terms of Section 73 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act no. 121 of 1998,” said Mamothame.
He further said during the period 2018 to 2021, the company received various amounts of money from different business sources. Mamothame added that, in 2018, Counterpoint Trading 156 CC, received taxable income of R26 million, to which it only declared R1 million to SARS.
“The company received an amount of R10 million in 2019, and only declared R1 million. The trend continued in 2020, to which Counterpoint Trading 156 CC received over R18 million and only declared R1 million.
“A further amount of R1 million was declared by the company to SARS for an actual taxable income of R16 million received. The two are out on R50 000 bail and they are expected back in court in June when the matter resumes,” he said.
Picture: The Agricultural students conferred/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
Taung Agricultural College (TAC), through the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD), will on Friday, confer 24 students who have successfully satisfied the requirements of a 3-year Diploma of Agriculture in Irrigation Management.
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said this is in a quest to produce qualified agricultural technicians who will take up space in the agricultural sector and serve the communities of the North West.
Setlhako said this auspicious occasion aims to acknowledge and celebrate the 24 graduates for their endurance throughout their academic journey at the institution.
“The nature of this 3-year Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation is set in a manner to meet and exceed the needs of the industry, as it is also engineering based.
“Moreover, the students are equipped with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue careers in farming as well as other careers in the agricultural sector, including irrigation technology,” she said.
ANC Veterans League in the North West is the latest structure to condemn the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s advertisement campaign depicting South Africa flag burning. ANCVL provincial secretariat, Nat Serache said the advertisement campaign is a disgusting, treasonous, insulting and unpatriotic act.
Serache further said they were not necessarily surprised by the ‘racist party’s act of national betrayal and disrespect because they know who the DA really are. He added that they did not expect them to expose their true colours in public, as they have done.
“We know and have always said that the DA is nothing but a relic of apartheid who will stop at nothing to sabotage and reverse the gains of our democratic dispensation.
“They are dyed-in-the- wool traitors parading themselves in patriotic colours and mouthing patriotic slogans, while they are still caught up in nostalgia for their racist past – apartheid wolves in democratic sheep skins,” said Serache.
He said the national flag is an expression and a symbol of national unity in their diverse linguistic, cultural and other formations. Serache said it is the embodiment of the reconciliation, which these hypocrites and traitors claim to embrace, while their actions show the direct opposite of what they say.
“A national flag is used to represent a country without using its name. Burning that flag is tantamount to burning that very country, which it represents. The flag is a national symbol which no right-thinking and self-respecting citizen can desecrate for political expediency.
“To us and all other self-loving South Africans, this flag represents our victory over the abominable apartheid system, which the United Nations had declared a crime against humanity,” he said.
Serache said it can only be burned by those who are still mourning the demise of apartheid, which (apartheid) was destroyed through the blood, sweat and toil of its victims. He said the DA has never been for democracy or majority rule.
“We should, therefore, not be surprised if the next thing these remnants of the fascist apartheid regime resort to, is the burning of our constitution. This madness can only be the last kicks of a dying horse.
“As the saying goes, those whom the Gods seek to destroy, they first make mad. The sooner the moribund DA is relegated to the rubbish bin of history, the better for all South Africans,” said Serache.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, shared the sentiments. Kodwa said they condemn in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the DA, which shows the burning of the South African flag.
“On a night in which we celebrated 30 years of sporting excellence at the South African Sport Awards (SASA) with athletes who have raised our flag high, the DA decided to offend and insult the nation by showing a political advertisement depicting the burning of our national flag.
“The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people. The South African flag symbolises unity in our diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of our nation,” he said.
Kodwa said as a custodian of all national symbols, which include the South African flag, he strongly condemns the DA’s advertisement, which depicts the burning of the South African flag. He said this offends all South Africans who proudly raise our country’s flag sky high and appreciate its representation as the flag of a free, democratic and non-racial nation.
“I shudder to think what other South African compatriots such as Hellen Suzman, Zack de Beer, and Van Zyl Slabbert, would say about this act of desperation and recklessness demonstrated by the current historical and unpatriotic leaders of DA,” said Kodwa.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has defended its action. The DA Member of Parliament (MP) and national spokesperson, Solly Malatsi said: “The DA notes Kodwa’s flimsy response to our recent political advertisement. Our ad serves as a glaring reminder of the bleak future awaiting South Africa if the DA isn’t elected.
“It’s a stark warning against the looming disaster of a doomsday coalition involving the ANC, EFF and other parties. South Africa will make a crucial decision in the upcoming election and the choice is stark.”
Malatsi said either the voters resuscitate the South African dream to life or watch it suffocate under the weight of corruption. He said there is no coming back from the chaos and collapse that will unfold under a possible ANC/EFF/MK coalition of corruption.
“It’s utterly telling that Kodwa opted to attack our ad, instead of addressing the pressing issues at hand. His feeble attempt to divert attention by dragging in irrelevant legal matters is a transparent and desperate ploy. Let’s not forget that Kodwa himself is currently embroiled in serious corruption allegations, including charges related to a R1.6 million bribe.
“We categorically reject any insinuation that our ad stokes division or hysteria. Quite the contrary, it’s a clarion call for all South Africans to make an informed choice at the ballot box,” said Malatsi.
In a significant stride towards transparency and empowerment, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), has concluded a series of handover roadshows marking a historic moment for 96 Traditional Authorities.
The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said this initiative started on 16 April in Rustenburg and ended on 2 May 2024 in Molopo/Mahikeng and Ditsobotla areas respectively. Rosho said at the heart of these gatherings, was the dissemination of financial reports pertaining to the D-Account, an initiative emblematic of the 6th administration’s commitment to accountability and development.
“These roadshows unfolded a narrative of empowerment and recognition of the pivotal role traditional leadership plays in the province’s socio-economic fabric. The handover of the D-Account to the Traditional Authorities is befitting of a legacy initiative of the 6th administration of the government that symbolizes a transformative shift in governance dynamics, particularly in the context of traditional authorities.
“The handover of Traditional Councils’ financial reports culminated from a meeting of Traditional Leaders that was hosted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs that took place on 13 – 14 April 2023 in Rustenburg Sun City, where all the Traditional Leaders in attendance, echoed sentiments of wanting detailed information pertaining to their financial records that were maintained by the Provincial Treasury,” she said.
Rosho said this handover project has been undertaken to de-mystify the misinformation surrounding the “D” account. She said for decades, the call for transparency regarding these accounts was echoed through the corridors of Traditional Councils.
“Now, with the compilation of 29 years’ worth of financial reports spanning from 1994 to March 2023, this aspiration has finally materialized. The architect behind this endeavour, paid homage to the collective vision of past premiers, affirming the shared commitment to realizing this long-awaited dream.
“The receiving of this information from D-account assists Traditional Councils to understand the financial position of their Traditional Councils. The significance of this initiative extends beyond mere financial disclosure but also underscores the profound acknowledgment of traditional leadership’s indispensable contribution to South Africa’s constitutional democracy and community development,” said Rosho.
She said this journey seeks to support and transform traditional council institutions in accordance with constitutional imperatives, restoring their integrity and legitimacy. Rosho said the integral focus of this process is the empowerment of traditional authorities with the information pertaining to the financial income (in flows) and expenses (outflows) that have taken place over 29 years.
“The introduction of the Traditional Khoisan Leadership Act, (TKLA) has brought the positioning of Traditional Leaders into sharp focus, as well as the need to be involved in the financial management affairs of their Traditional councils.
“Traditional Leaders are now positioned as key stakeholders in development endeavours. The D-Account will serve as a catalyst, offering these institutions a platform to engage meaningfully with government at all levels and enter into partnerships that facilitate service delivery,” she said.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Champions, Banyana Banyana, will play two away international friendly matches against Senegal during the FIFA break in the coming weeks. Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis’ charges said they will face the West Africans in their backyard on 31 May and on 4 June 2024.
“We have always said that we are going to utilize the FIFA dates going forward and we now have these two international friendlies against Senegal. We need to stay active to be ready and prepare for the WAFCON.
“There are players coming back from injury, and we also want to see other players during these friendlies against Senegal. We need to prepare and be ready for WAFCON. We haven’t received any communication on when it is going to happen, but we will utilize these FIFA dates to make sure that we start preparing,” she said.
Ellis further said the next WAFCON will be held in Morocco, but the dates of the start of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s defence of their continental title are yet to be announced. She added that the final 23-player squad for the away international friendlies against Senegal will be announced in the coming days.
Picture: SANCO calls for calmness in Mahikeng amid violent protest
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it condemns the violent protest that was witnessed in Mahikeng, resulting in road closures, stoning and burning of vehicles. SANCO said the protest also had a negative impact on teaching and learning.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said, while standing in solidarity with the community in the fight against corruption and the demand for improved service delivery, they emphasize the importance of responsible protest and adherence to proper channels.
Jam further said the organization condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric and irresponsible nature of the violent protest, as disrupting schools and damaging property do not align with the reasonable exercise of protest rights.
“We urge the community to refrain from destroying existing infrastructure, while pursuing necessary changes. Incidents such as burning a school bus and destroying vehicles, including a bakery truck, are not constructive developmental actions but criminal acts that warrant an arrest.
“Such destructive protests lack legitimacy as demands are not properly articulated or presented to relevant authorities. The unrest is allegedly driven by a group of individuals calling itself the business chamber, which reportedly seeks preferential treatment in government projects and has been known to obstruct such developmental initiatives,” he said.
Jam added: “This group are known for using violent protests to pressure the government into awarding them business opportunities without adhering to proper procedures, citing issues like high crime rates, corruption, lack of developments, and poor service delivery as justifications for the protest.
“We also urge the government not to succumb to pressure tactics and to ensure that all business opportunities are awarded through transparent and equitable processes, benefiting all citizens of the province equally.”
He said while SANCO acknowledges the government’s commendable efforts in transforming the province into a construction site and accelerating service delivery, they emphasize the need for more improvements to uplift the standard of living for the communities.
Jam said they have observed the launch of major projects such as the Mahikeng Student City, construction and handover of new schools, clinics, houses, tar roads, the Ikageng Light Industrial Park, Bulk Pharmacy in Ventersdorp, opening of new malls, resealing of Mahikeng town roads, and plans for refurbishments of Pilanesberg and Kgosi Dick Montshioa Airports.
“These endeavors are welcomed as are envisaged to generate employment, fostering business opportunities, and contributing to the province’s economic growth. The organization encourages constructive engagement over violent protests, as engagements provide an opportunity for all parties to clarify their positions and find solutions to their problems.
“We also believe that instigators of such violence are not representative of the ANC and are opportunists seeking to tarnish its image. ANC members should know how to address their issues,” said Jam.
He said if there are those involved in these actions, they call on the party leadership to swiftly attend to them as it is unfair for communities’ livelihoods to be disrupted because of internal party differences. Jam said SANCO calls on the Mafikeng community to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in combating these disruptive elements and safeguarding peace and service delivery.
“Additionally, we urge the ANC Provincial leadership to address this issue urgently, while advocating for calmness as law enforcement carries out its duties,” he said.
The Guardian 