Picture: Two Nigerian suspects arrested for dealing in drugs/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two Nigerian nationals aged 42 and 39, were arrested for dealing in drugs near Upington. This comes after the relentless actions of off-duty members of the ZF Mgcawu Highway Patrol, Upington Border Police and Upington K9 unit, who swiftly reacted to a tip-off of an alleged consignment of drugs en-route to Upington on 26 May 2024.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said this led to the seizure of a huge amount of drugs worth more than R2 million. Masegela said the team operationalised the information and intercepted the silver Hyundai Sonata Sedan on the N10 road, outside Upington.
“The vehicle was searched and 9315 mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R930150, a 2.012kg of tik with an estimated value of R603 000 and 1.32kg of crack cocaine at an estimated value of R554 000, were found stashed in the vehicle.
“The members confiscated the drugs, the vehicle, an undisclosed amount of cash and cell phones,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members for going the extra mile in ensuring that drugs were removed from the streets and squeezing the space for drug dealers to operate.
Picture: One if the residents in Taung looking for water
By OBAKENG MAJE
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said there is a plan to ensure that they address water challenges across the province. Maloyi said in Bojanala Platinum District – the Mazista Internal reticulation and installation project in Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality is nearing completion to address water challenges in the area.
He further said new boreholes are being drilled to augment water provision at Phela village. Maloyi added that the sanitation and water provision projects are currently underway in Mmotla and Mmatlhwela villages in Moretele.
“This includes the renovation of several boreholes in Ratlou Local Municipality, the refurbishment of Oppi Toppi pump station in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality and the laying of new pipelines in Senthimole, Ditshoswane and Iraq in Tswaing Local Municipality.
“Similar projects are being rolled out in City of Matlosana Local Municipality through installation and renovation of water tanks in Tigane Extension 6, as well as Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, where we are installing new boreholes at Kolong village and refurbishing others in Cokonyane village in Greater Taung Local Municipality,” he said.
Maloyi said these projects include water infrastructure projects in Wenztel Dam in Vryburg, Naledi, Tlhabologang in Coligny Water Augmentation and Christiana Sewer Reticulation and Agisanang Bulk Sewer Line. He said all these projects are at different advanced stages with Rooigrond in Mahikeng only awaiting energization by Eskom to start uninterrupted supply of water.
“The provincial government has also distributed 7 228 title deeds during the Thuntsha Lerole Programme, which reflects significant progress in eradicating the title deeds backlog.
“There are 11701 title deeds available at municipalities to be distributed to the beneficiaries. The municipalities have formulated an operational plan to issue title deeds on a weekly basis,” said Maloyi.
He said the North West Department of Treasury in collaboration with the North West Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Office of the Premier, conducted a series of roadshows providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions effected since 1994 of their respective councils for 29 years.
Maloyi said these roadshows marked a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration, and accountability within our traditional communities to address the historical concerns surrounding the transparency of the D-Account, currently under the management of Standard Bank of South Africa.
“Through transparent and collaborative efforts, we are poised to utilize available resources effectively, empower our communities, and build a brighter future for all,” he said.
Picture: The North West Provincial Government Executive Council
By OBAKENG MAJE
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said significant strides have been made, since the country’s breakthrough in areas such as provision of water, electricity and housing, as well as education and social security. Maloyi, who addressed the media at Sun City Resort in Rustenburg said as the provincial government, they are not oblivious to the challenges of unemployment and poverty afflicting the communities.
He further said they have worked around the clock to turn the tide against these challenges to reverse the skewed legacy of the unjust past, which continues to have an adverse impact on the developmental trajectory.
“The end of the 6th administration coincides with the celebration of 30 years of democracy and freedom in our country. In September 2021, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape was elected following which the provincial government introduced Accelerated Service Delivery Programme to expedite the provision of services in municipalities and create jobs.
“The programme was launched on 16 December 2021 in Tlhabologang Township, in Coligny. In 2023 when Maape became ill, I was appointed to act on his behalf. Together with the North West Province Executive Council, we subsequently decided to give it impetus through visiting municipalities on a weekly basis,” said Maloyi.
He added that this was to strengthen the service delivery interventions, accountability and participatory democracy. Maloyi said it was at this stage that they renamed the programme Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole.
“Through Phase 1 of the Thuntsha Lerole programme, which we launched on 28 July 2023 in Ipelegeng Township, Schweizer Reneke. We also visited all four districts of the province to address service delivery challenges confronting municipalities through the District Development Model (DDM).
“This was immediately followed by Phase 2, which saw the government visiting all 18 local municipalities to interact with councillors, municipal officials, as well as residents to try and find lasting solutions to various challenges affecting municipalities,” he said.
Maloyi said in February 2024, they implemented Phase 3, where they intensified their interventions through a collaborative effort between various spheres of government. He said the North West Provincial Government through the Executive Council set aside a dedicated budget of R60 million through COGTA to intervene in municipalities through provision of water and sanitation infrastructure.
Picture: The suspected illicit cigarettes confiscated by police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
In an effort to crackdown on illicit economic activities, a crime intelligence-driven operation by K9 police in Lichtenburg and police in Delareyville, apprehended a Pakistani foreign national (43) for being in possession of illicit cigarettes on 23 May 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said a search and seizure warrant was obtained after intelligence was received regarding suspected illicit activity at the suspect’s place in Delareyville. Myburgh said during the search, the police discovered illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R4.5 million in a store room.
“The suspect was immediately arrested and is expected to appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 27 May 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all members involved in the operation for their hard work and cooperation that led to the arrest.
Picture: The explosives seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested for allegedly selling explosives during Operation Vala Umgodi on 24 May 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police received a tip-off about the alleged explosives being sold on the R556 Road, close to Segwaelane village in Mooinooi.
Myburgh said the information was operationalised by a team from Johannesburg Tactical Response Team (TRT) to Mooinooi. She further said two suspects aged 35 and 53 were arrested after detonating cord and detonators were found in their possession.
“They will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 27 May 2024, for illegal possession and supply of explosives,” added Myburgh.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Mosumi during oversight visit/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handed over Ramochana Primary School and conducted an oversight visit at Chaneng Primary during the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi said this is a significant milestone for education in the province.
“The Ramochana Primary School was constructed to address the severe overcrowding at Paardekraal Primary School. The new school boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, including an administration block, three Grade R classrooms with a capacity of 105 learners, a dedicated play area, classrooms for Grades 1-7 accommodating up to 840 learners, a computer room, a science lab, and an NSNP (kitchen and dining hall).
“Currently, the school has an enrolment of 1,745 learners and is staffed by 45 dedicated educators and support personnel. We express our gratitude and commitment to the continued development of educational facilities in the region,” she said.
Motsumi further said the handover of Ramochana Primary School is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing quality education and infrastructure for the children. She added that this facility will not only alleviate overcrowding, but also provide a conducive learning environment that will foster academic excellence.
“These activities mark a pivotal achievement as the 6th administration draws closer and we are committed to ensuring that every child in our province has access to quality education and the necessary resources to succeed beyond the 6th administration.
“The event also included an oversight visit to Chaneng Primary School in Chaneng village, where the department is currently undertaking construction and renovations. The project, which is 85% complete, will provide additional classrooms and improve existing facilities for the 480 learners enrolled there,” said Motsumi.
She said the construction includes six new ordinary classrooms, two Grade R classrooms with a separate fenced play area, a new NSNP facility, a new guard house, and the refurbishment of existing face brick classrooms, administrative block, toilet facilities, change rooms, and combi courts.
“Additionally, I had an opportunity to attend the SASCE District Music competitions at Platinum Village Primary School, where 42 schools are participating. The three-day choir festival features various categories, including special schools, sextet, boys choir, Grades 5-7 (Western and African), Social Ills, Jingles, and Folklore, among others.
“The handover and the ongoing projects underscore the provincial government’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure and fostering an environment where learners can thrive both academically and culturally,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The police confiscate firearms at a farm/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 55-YEAR-OLD man arrested for illegal possession of firearms, possession of ammunition, possession of explosives and illegal manufacturing of explosives, briefly appeared at the Garies Magistrate’s Court on 23 May 2024. In February 2020, a pointing out was conducted by the Springbok Visible Policing to recover a firearm that was used in illegal hunting at the Nature Reserve and was hidden at Kallabaskop Farm, which is opposite to the Nature Reserve.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthanddazo Mnisi said, whilst searching for the firearm, the police allegedly came across other firearms, ammunition and explosive materials, which were confiscated but no one was arrested. Mnisi said a case docket was opened at Springbok Police Station and later transferred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for further investigation.
“After an intensive investigation by members, a decision was made by the Director of Public Prosecutor to prosecute Andre Freyer as the sole owner of the farm. A warrant of arrest was obtained and executed against him by Upington Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on 22 May 2024.
“Freyer was granted a R1000 bail and the case was postponed to 27 June 2024 for it to be transferred to the Garies Regional Court,” she said.
A man (22) sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for raping his girlfriend (31). On 29 July 2022, the victim was at home when the accused, Frans November, arrived and allegedly started to assault her.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said November dragged her into the room, where he undressed and raped her. Masegela said he also accused her of sleeping with other men.
“The victim sustained serious injuries, which she reported to the police in Upington. A docket of Assault GBH and Rape was registered. The accused was detained. November was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on each of the two counts of Rape and 12 months for Assault GBH,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Otola, lauded the excellent investigation by D/Constable Monica Larekwang of Upington Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences. Otola said the police will continuously fight the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the community and make every effort to create a safer environment for women and children.
Picture: The boxes containing suspected illicit hookah charcoal tablets/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
In a concerted effort to eradicate the selling of illicit goods, the police from Crime Intelligence and South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Unit, recovered and seized a large amount of suspected illicit hookah charcoal tablets on 20 May 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said this comes after the members of Provincial Crime Intelligence, received a tip-off about an expected delivery of illicit hookah charcoal tablets at a storage facility in Phakamile Mabija Street in Kimberley.
“The information was immediately operationalised, and over two thousand boxes containing charcoal tablets with an estimated value of R900 000 were confiscated. The police have opened an enquiry and the investigation continues,” she said.
Picture: The PROVJOINTS ready for National Elections/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who is the Chairperson of the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), together with the South African Defence Force and the State Security Agency (SSA) and all other stakeholders within the JCPS cluster, said they are confident that the province is ready to police the upcoming National and Provincial General Elections of 2024.
Otola said all security measures and plans that have been put in place, will ensure that the election process in the Northern Cape proceeds without any incidents of crime and disruptions.
“We assure maximum deployments to ensure the successful execution of the operational plan. As the PROVJOINTS, we are satisfied with the contingency plans put in place and reassure the inhabitants of the Northern Cape that they can expect a safe and peaceful election.
“However, while measures are in place, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a safe and conducive environment lies with every citizen of the province, which requires sound partnerships in order to create a harmonious backdrop of mutual respect as we are heading to the voting polls,” she said.
Otola further said threats identified such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. She added that the Public Order Police Units (POPS) are on the ground and ready to prevent and combat such incidents.
“We take this opportunity to remind our communities that the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, provides that every resident is free to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of political parties and to campaign for such parties.
“In addition, communities are also cautioned and warned to refrain from vandalising, defacing and removing posters and placards of political parties, as this constitutes an offence. Any person found to be tampering with posters or vandalizing it, will be arrested and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a political party,” said Otola.
She also condemned the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats on social media platforms that seek to cause unnecessary panic and confusion and in some instances incite possible violence. Otola said those found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly.
“Simultaneous parades were conducted by the five District Commissioners in John Taolo Gaetsewe, Frances Baard, Pixely Ka-Seme, ZF Mgcawu and Namakwa districts respectively. The police with the support of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments’ main priority is to ensure a safe and secure election process.
“We also assure the communities of the Northern Cape that normal crime prevention and policing operations are continuing prior, during and beyond the election period. Every law enforcement officer on the ground, has the responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity and within the confines of the laws of the country,” said Otola.
She said their members are reminded that they are “a-political” and will enforce the law without fear and favour.
The Guardian 