Monthly Archives: June 2024

Stepfather sentenced to double life imprisonment for raping his two stepdaughters

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A stepfather was sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for raping his two step-daughters aged 6 and 7 respectively. The two victims complained to their aunt during a visit that their stepfather instructed them to come and sleep with him.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the accused subsequently raped both of them, while their mother was asleep.

“The mother indicated that she suspected, however she was afraid of the accused to follow up.

“A case was reported to Danielskuil Police Station on 19 October 2018 and the accused was arrested a few days later in Groblershoop,” she said.

Masegela further said the accused was released on bail and failed to reappear in court. She added that a warrant for his arrest was issued and he was arrested on 30 September 2020.

“He was remained in custody during the period of trial. On 10 June 2024, the accused was convicted and was found guilty on two counts of rape.

“He was sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of rape. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was recorded in the national register of sex offenders,” said Masegela.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Gaolatlhwe Mongake of Postmasburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.

Otola said the police in the Northern Cape will continue to give priority to the safety of children and vulnerable groups by ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book and victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes receive justice.

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A man nabbed for dealing in dagga in Upington

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

A man (34) was arrested for allegedly dealing in dagga. The Members of Upington Border Police, Upington K9 unit and ZFM High-Way Patrol, allegedly received a tip-off regarding drugs being sold at one of the premises in Upington on Thursday.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police executed a search warrant at the premises and confiscated dagga with a street value of R852 500.

“The police in the ZFM District are working tirelessly to remove the drugs from the streets.

“They arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon,” she said.

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A man arrested for allegedly being in possession of dagga

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Picture: Some of dagga confiscated by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A man (41) was arrested for being in possession of dagga in Roodenpan on Thursday. The suspect was arrested by the Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) in the Frances Baard District during intelligence driven operation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. Shemane said this led to the arrest of a suspect.

“Money believed to be the proceeds of crime and dagga with an estimated street value of R2,100 were confiscated.

“The public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.

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Eight suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Six men aged between 20 and 38, including two women aged 34 and 44, were arrested for dealing in drugs. The suspects were nabbed in the early morning of Thursday during Operation Didlimbeta that was executed in Upington.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said the take down team comprising of Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, Rosedale SAPS Detectives, Upington Crime Intelligence, Upington Public Order Police, Frances Baard District Detectives, K9 Units from Upington, Hartswater and Kimberley, Rosedale Crime Prevention Unit and Upington Border Police, executed the operation that resulted in the arrest of eight suspects in connection with dealing in drugs.

“During the operation drugs with an estimated street value of R123 568 was recovered and confiscated. This included Mandrax, Tik and CAT with an estimated value of R5130 and hydroponic dagga with an estimated value of R118 438.

“A suspect allegedly attempted to flush some of the drugs down the toilet, however detectives managed to recover them.

“The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of dealing in drugs,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the outstanding teamwork that resulted in the arrest of perpetrators and seizure of drugs.

Otola said the policing of drug-related crimes remain a priority in the province and the police will continue to vigorously address these crimes.

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Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati wins Gold Pot award

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Picture: The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District wins a Gold Pot award

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a Gold Pot Award in the category of the best performing district in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Are Itshokeng Primary School from Dr Kenneth Kaunda District won a Silver Pot in the category of best Performing School in NSNP during the NSNP Awards ceremony held at Phuthaditjhaba Community Hall in the Free State province on 11 June 2024.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the best district received an office equipment, printer, laptop projector and screen. Molokwane said Are Itshokeng received utensils worth R33 000.

“The inception of the awards was in 2009 to ensure that benefitting schools uphold best nutritious practices and those that go far and beyond the call of duty are rewarded.

“The awards also highlighted the World School Milk Day Competition, which also talks about the importance of good nutrition in School, congratulations to all the winners,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education said: “The NSNP aims to enhance the learning capacity of learners through the provision of a healthy meal at schools. Where it is implemented, the programme has shown to improve punctuality, regular school attendance, concentration and the general wellbeing of participating learners.

“Whilst learners are being provided with nutritious meals, they are also taught to establish and maintain good eating and lifestyle habits for life. Nutrition Education also provides educators with resource materials to support curriculum and to make every school a healthy school.”

The department said schools are also encouraged to establish food gardens from which they obtain fresh produce (vegetables/fruit) to supplement the menu in line with South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. Learners, teachers & parents are provided with skills to grow their own food contributing towards long-term household food security. It said the gardens are also used as a teaching and learning resource and to beautify the environment.

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SAFA hosts successful NEC Meeting in Bloemfontein

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Picture: SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By OBAKENG MAJE

South African Football Association (SAFA) held a very successful Extraordinary NEC meeting in Bloemfontein, Free State, this week. Members of the NEC discussed several matters robustly at a venue that was just a walking distance from Free State Stadium, the host of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ charges beat their Southern Africa neighbours 3-1 on a glorious night on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. Among the several matters that were under discussion, the NEC applauded the South African U15 girls’ national team after triumphing at the CAF African Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar on May 2024.

SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s team beat Morocco 5-4 on penalties at a packed Amaan Stadium after the final ended in a 1-1 draw. Special mention was also given to the South African U15 boys’ team who also played at the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

“The two South African U15 National Teams were given a rousing welcome at OR Tambo International Airport after their participation in the tournament.

“The NEC also noted the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs that will be held in Upington from 17 – 23 June 2024 at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium. The draw for the Playoffs was conducted at SAFA House on 4 June 2024,” he said.

Jordaan congratulated all the teams that have qualified and wished them well ahead of the prestigious promotional playoffs.

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ANC provincial Deputy Chairperson, Lazarus Mokgosi announced as North West Premier candidate

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Picture: ANC Deputy Chairperson, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi announced as North West Premier elect

By OBAKENG MAJE

The African National Congress (ANC) National Officials conducted interviews with ANC Premier Candidates on 10 until 12 June 2024. The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula said in a statement that all interviews were observed by the Chairperson of the ANC Electoral Committee, Kgalema Motlanthe, or a member of the committee nominated by him.

“The Electoral Committee commended the National Officials for the integrity of the process and the leadership that they demonstrated throughout.

“The committee expressed appreciation for the rigorous, thorough and impartial approach by the National Officials at a time when they were required to provide leadership in many other pressing national developments,” he said.

Mbalula further said the National Officials posed a range of questions to the candidates covering ethical and capable leadership as set out in “Through the Eye of a Needle” and the six priorities in the ANC 2024 Election Manifesto that are critical to speeding up transformation.

“ANC Election Manifesto also intent to improve the lives of the people, which include our jobs plan, building our industries to include an inclusive economy, tackling the high cost of living, investing in people, defending democracy and advancing freedom.

“This includes building a better Africa and world. They also interviewed candidates on building a developmental state, building capable local government, protection of the human rights and dignity of women, children, young people, older persons, and LGBTQIA+ persons and promoting social cohesion,” said Mbalula.

He added that the National Officials were impressed by the candidates that they interviewed and commended provinces for the quality of their nominees.

Mbalula said the ANC renewal process seeks to restore trust and confidence as leader of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the fundamental socio-economic transformation of our society.

“At its last two national conferences, the ANC vowed to more effectively address society’s challenges, conduct its affairs in line with its core values and renew the movement so it can continue to serve and lead the people.

“We are now raising the intellectual capacity and enhancing the moral and ethical orientation of our membership,” he said.

Mbalula said the living embodiment of a renewed ANC will be members, who show exemplary conduct in society by upholding the core values and principles of selfless public service, discipline and integrity. We believe that this team exemplifies these qualities.

“Based on the above principles and the interviews conducted, the National Officials decided that the following comrades should be ANC Premier candidates for the following provinces.

“Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane for Eastern Cape, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae for Free State, Andrek Hendrick “Panyaza” Lesufi for Gauteng, Phophi Constance Ramathuba for Limpopo, Mandla Ndlovu for Mpumalanga, Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi for North West and Zamani Saul for Northern Cape,” he said.

Mbalula said the ANC National Officials believe that the above comrades are equal to the challenges of the struggle for a better life for all that are difficult and diverse and require honest, capable and dedicated leaders.

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A man sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted rape and assault GBH

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A man (32) sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for attempted rape and assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

On 16 July 2023 at around 01:35, the victim (19), was speaking on her cellphone outside a tavern in Goutrou, Hopetown, when she was accosted by the accused, Simon Mans.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Mans assaulted and strangled her and forcefully dragged her to a toilet, where he attempted to rape her. Kock said the victim fought him off and managed to run away.

“She alerted the police and the suspect was arrested hours later.

“Detective Sergeant Frans Louw of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit led the outstanding detective work that ensured that the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrator is safely behind bars,” he said.

Kock further said Mans remained in custody until he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted rape and two years imprisonment for assault GBH.

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MRM CALL ON CHURCHES TO EMBRACE YOUTH, RECONCILE SONS AND FATHERS

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Picture: The MRM to host yourh dialogue/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Thursday called on the church to come back to the preservation, protection as well promotion of the history and heritage of Youth Ethical Leadership, participation and involvement.

The Convernor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said civil society led movement advocating the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu urged churches to use their 16 June and Fathers’ Day services to pray for young people as it launches its Youth dialogues under the theme: “30 years of Democracy: Youth Reflections & Refocus-The South Africa We want”.

“The class of 1976 was supported by the clergy and the church. The likes of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Rev Frank Chikane, Sister Bernard Ncube, Rev Bayers Naude, Rev Motlalepula Chabaku, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, among others who were at the forefront of protecting the youth against a ruthless and repressive apartheid state in the aftermath of the historic June 16 uprisings and during the struggle pre-1994,” he said.

Kgwele further said the church is well-placed to lead inter-generational prayer for the youth and reunite sons with their fathers.

He added that as per the MRM National Programme, the province will also host Hector Pietersen Memorial Lecture and Empowerment Exhibitions in partnership with Matlosana Local Municipality and Office of the Premier Directorate Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration on 21 June 2024, at the Abundant Life Outreach International Church 21596 Benji Oliphant Road, Extension 8 in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp to kickstart youth dialogues for inputs to the SA Youth Development Charter.

“We cannot afford to lose our youth to hopelessness, moral decay, drugs, substance abuse, teenage pregnancies gangsterism and crime.

“The journey to retrace the spiral of youth resistance from Soweto on June 16 to Jouberton Township on June 23 and Montshiwa Township on August 8, must inspire the current generation of young people and rekindle the spirit of activism,” said Kgwele.

He said this will redefine their historic mission as they advance towards the 50th Youth Day Commemoration in 2026.

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A tuck shop owner in Molelema robbed undisclosed amount of money by ‘fake’ policemen  

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Taung are investigating a case of business robbery. This comes after three suspects allegedly entered a local tuck shop in Molelema village, near Taung, and robbed a tuck shop owner undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes at gunpoint. 

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place on 12 June 2024. 

“It is alleged that two of the three suspects were dressed in police uniform. They allegedly robbed the complainant of an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.  

“The suspects fled the scene afterwards and no one has been arrested thus far. Investigations are underway,” she said.

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