Picture: Some of the mining equipment confiscated by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Three suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining during Operation Vala Umgodi in Windsorton. This comes after the police in Northern Cape, received a tip-off regarding illegal mining activities on a privately-owned vacant land.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary team followed up on intelligence-driven information regarding illegal mining activities.
“The information received was that illegal miners were allegedly operating on privately owned vacant land. When the police approached the identified mining area, the suspects fled in different directions evading arrest.
“The police found equipment and mining implements believed to be used by the illegal miners. Three suspects were apprehended and arrested for illegal mining, (Two South African men aged between 42 and 53, and Lesotho national (28),” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for their continued efforts and commitment in the fight against illegal mining in the Frances Baard District.
Picture: The police confiscated items during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 350 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, which is a multi-disciplinary high density operation that commenced on 6-12 May 20224. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the Operation Shanela remains intentional and focused on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots, which netted a multitude of successes and arrested.
Sam 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. He further said several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province.
“A total of 2243 vehicles and 5168 persons were stopped and searched. More than 1345 compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as on farms.
“Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 246 suspects for attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal possession of firearm, malicious damage to property, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illicit mining, stock theft, as well as undocumented illegal immigrants,” he said.
Sam further said the police in Springbok successfully arrested 2 suspects for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition and confiscated the vehicle they were traveling with. He added that this comes after the police received a tip-off from the public regarding a suspicious vehicle parked at a shopping complex.
“More than 110 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.
“The police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, diamonds and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their continued collaborative efforts in clamping down on crime. Otola thanked the community for their support and sharing information with the police.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, China Dodvu
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements has unanimously adopted the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill.
This follows a thorough process of consideration, including taking into account the public submissions and responses by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the committee was unanimous that the Bill is necessary to ensure a consolidated approach to infrastructure development.
The Chairperson of the Committee, China Dodovu said the Bill seeks to ensure a sustainable, equitable and reliable supply of water from national water resources infrastructure, while meeting constitutional obligations including the national and regional social and economic objectives of national policy.
Dodovu further said the Bill also seeks to address the current fragmentation of asset management and revenue collection functions for national water resource infrastructure. He added that there is currently fragmentation of functions between the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority and the Water Trading Entity and the infrastructure branch of the department.
“The committee indicated that its support is based on the belief that the agency will make an impact on the lives of the people by ensuring the provision of water through enabling infrastructure.
“All we want are state-owned entities that make a positive impact on the lives of the people by delivering on their set objectives. We hope that those that will be given the responsibility to run this agency will do so diligently, effectively and have the best interests of the people at heart,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dodovu said the committee highlighted that it is important that the agency is properly staffed with capable and skilled individuals to ensure the delivery of its mandate. He said the committee emphasised that effective implementation of its mandate will allay fears of the continuation of the lack of service delivery.
“Furthermore, the committee called for a seamless transfer of employees from the department to the agency, to ensure job security. While the committee acknowledges the need for such a transfer of employees and the complexity of negotiations on that issue, it has called for intensified engagement to resolve the process of the transfer of employees.
“The committee is also satisfied that the concerns raised during public hearings have been adequately addressed. The unanimous adoption of the Bill by the committee shows the value the committee places on the Bill,” said Dodovu.
He said what is most important is to ensure that infrastructure development is focused, sustainable and reliable and serves the people of South Africa.
Picture: The former Transnet Executive, Brian Molefe/Google
By REGINALD KANYANE
A fraud and Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) case against former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama, Garry Pita, Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Regiments Capital Directors, Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonhya, Trillian Asset Management’s Director, Daniel Roy (Novum Asset Management), Kuben Moodley, and Albatime Pty Ltd owner, has been postponed by the Johannesburg High Court to 11 October 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the case was postponed to 11 October 2024 for a trial date. Mamothame said all parties agreed that the state would reply by 17 September 2024, to further particulars from the defence attorneys.
“The state has put it on record that it objects to Adv Shaun Abrahams representing Brian Molefe in the matter, as he was the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), when a strategy was put in place for prosecuting the matter.
“Judge Mohamed Ismail ordered both parties to resolve the matter within two weeks. Their charges, which include fraud, corruption, and money laundering, stem from the locomotive transaction advisory tender awarded to the McKinsey-led consortium in 2012,” he said.
Mamothame further said this resulted in the procurement of 1064 locomotives valued at over R54 billion. He added that Regiments Capital, was irregularly brought into the contract and benefited from Transnet’s irregular appointment, increasing the contract’s value and scope to over R305 million.
“Their services included sourcing loans from the China Development Bank and the Club loan, amounting to $2.5 billion, equivalent to R30 billion at the time, on behalf of Transnet. Additionally, the accused also face charges related to the R93.4 payments to Trillion Asset Management in 2015.
“The NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID) is on course in ensuring that those allegedly responsible for state capture are held accountable and that impunity is no longer a given,” said Mamothame.
He said all the accused are expected back in court in October when the matter resumes.
A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for theft and transportation of seeds. The suspect was nabbed on Friday, during a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Lichtenburg Detectives, K9 and Visible Policing members.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect was arrested after the police received a tip-off regarding theft and transportation of seeds. Mokgwabone said the intelligence operationalised a tip-off and as part of the operation, the police kept observation and eventually spotted the suspects’ vehicles on the R503 road, heading to Lichtenburg.
“A car chase ensued after the suspects allegedly became aware of the police. One of the vehicles, a white Toyota Hilux Club Cab was cornered at Kieserville, in Lichtenburg.
“The driver was arrested and 48 bags of Pannar cortevia sunflower seeds were found in the vehicle. The second vehicle, a gold Toyota Hilux Single Cab, drove to the plantation, near Extension 4 in Blydeville,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said although the driver managed to evade arrest, 72 bags of Pannar cortevia sunflower seeds were found in the vehicle. He added that the preliminary investigations revealed that the seeds were allegedly stolen in and around Vierfontein and Kroonstad in the Free State Province.
“The police seized both vehicles, seeds and two cell phones. The investigations that include identifying the owners of the vehicles are underway, as it is apparent that the drivers were not the lawful owners.
“The suspect is due to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, for possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their concerted efforts that led to the arrest.
Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the passing of retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, is a profound loss for South Africa. Mokgoro passed away on 9 May 2024. She was injured after being involved in a terrible car accident in 2023.
DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and MP, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach said the DA extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mokgoro. Breytenbach further her passing is a profound loss for South Africa, as she leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and immense contributions to our nation’s legal landscape.
“As a pioneering member of the Constitutional Court and the first black female Justice to serve on that esteemed bench, Mokgoro blazed trails and shattered barriers, embodying the spirit of equality and justice for all. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law have left an indelible mark on our society.
“We mourn the tragic loss of Mokgoro and join countless others in honouring her remarkable life and legacy. May her family find solace in the knowledge that her impact will endure for generations to come. She will be deeply missed,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo and the acting National Assembly (NA) speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, said the passing of one of South Africa’s most distinguished jurists and academics was a devastating loss, not only to her family but to the entire nation.
“Starting her career as an administrative clerk, Mokgoro studied part-time. Her tenacity and hard work paid off as she eventually became an intellectually distinguished academic with two master’s degrees.
“Mokgoro was part of the first generation of black woman judges at the Constitutional Court. She served on the apex court for 15 years until her retirement in 2009. She was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and fought tirelessly for their recognition in society,” said Tsenoli.
Masondo further said Mokgoro’s have both sharp and impeccable judicial prowess. Masondo added that her judgments, an acute moral and social consciousness, were restorative and progressive.
“They were aimed at social redress and defending human rights. She was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Bronze by former President Jacob Zuma in 2015, in recognition of her excellent contribution to law and the administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.
“Mokgoro will be remembered as a defender of our constitutional democracy who used her skills and influence to advance the voice of the voiceless. Her dedication and patriotic contributions to South Africa and work ethic will forever be etched in our minds and is worth emulation by all. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Masondo said parliament sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mokgoro and wishes that they find solace and comfort during this difficult time.
A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Colesberg Regional Court for attempted rape. On 26 September 2022, at around midnight, the victim was sleeping alone in her house when Daniel Williams, entered and forcefully tried to remove her clothes to rape her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the victim fought back and screamed for help. Kock said a neighbour came to her aid and the police were called.
“Williams was arrested on the scene. The accused received bail, but evaded court appearances and was re-arrested in Petrusville in December 2023. He was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment by the Colesberg Regional Court on 8 May 2024 and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence. Otola also commended the D/Sgt Eric Ngcapayi of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, for his meticulous investigation that led to the successful conviction of a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) perpetrator.
Picture: Alcohol allegedly confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 20 undocumented Lesotho nationals aged between 24 and 49, were arrested on Friday during the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi at Samaria Informal Settlement in Kimberly. The police in Northern Cape allegedly went out in full swing to address issues of undocumented persons, illegal firearms, drugs and illicit mining.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police also confiscated liquor from unlicensed liquor outlets, which were regarded as ‘generators of serious crime’ in the area. Shemane said this resulted in the arrests, as well as fines for illegally dealing in liquor, were issued to two South African men aged 33 and 40.
“Numerous tools and equipment believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaboration between the different Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Clusters in intensifying the fight against illicit mining activities in the district.
A 50-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2024, for possession of a suspected stolen firearm and defeating the ends of justice.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect who works at a firearm dealership, was arrested in Vryburg on Friday evening (10 May 2024), while attempting to sell a firearm stolen last month in Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, back to the lawful owner.
“It is alleged that after the lawful owner’s legal representative became aware that the suspect was in possession of the stolen firearm, they engaged Vryburg K9 and Bela-Bela Detectives about the matter.
“The lawful owner met with the police upon arrival in Vryburg and all went to the dealership, where the Manager showed the lawful owner his firearm and demanded R45 000,” said Mokgwabone.
He further said it was at that stage that Vryburg K9, Visible Policing and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members arrested the suspect. The firearm worth R160 000 was seized.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended everyone involved for their cooperation that resulted in the success.
Seven suspects were arrested at Khayakhulu village, near Madikwe, following a fatal confrontation on Thursday morning. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the District and Madikwe Detectives, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Madikwe Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Madikwe Visible Policing, Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), Madikwe Stock Theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Rustenburg and Zeerust Local Criminal Record Centres (LCRC).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that, a man and the local Chief’s guard went to the suspects’ place to enquire about suspected missing and/or stolen cattle. Mokwabone said following a confrontation that ensued, the guard was disarmed of his firearm.
“Consequent to several shots fired after the robbery of the firearm, the guard and his companion sustained serious injuries. They were taken to Mabeskraal Health Centre, where the guard succumbed to his injuries. The other victim was subsequently transferred to Moses Kotane Hospital.
“The suspects, a woman and six men aged between 21 and 63, are expected to appear in the Madikwe Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2024, for malicious damage to property, robbery, attempted murder and murder,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the team for their rapid and collaborative response, which led to the arrest of the unruly suspects, who blatantly took the law into their own hands. Kwena said the arrest will certainly sound a warning that lawlessness cannot be condoned.
TaungDailyNews 