Monthly Archives: June 2024

A man sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for raping minors 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (32) who cannot be named to protect the victims has been sentenced to two life terms by the Postmasburg Regional Court raping two girls aged 7 and girl 8. The accused was staying with the victims, as well as their mother in Danielskuil, in the Northern Cape. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the state’s case emanates from an incident one night in 2018. Senokoatsane said the mother of the two victims left the accused with the victims as she went looking for the elder brother of the two victims, who had allegedly been stabbed. 

“Taking advantage of the situation, the accused went to their mother’s bedroom, where the two victims were sleeping and began to rape them. The children reported the incident to their aunt, who immediately informed the mother of their victims. 

“The matter was then reported to the police. The accused was arrested and charged with two counts of rape. During the trial, the children were able to point the accused in court. They further demonstrated the way the accused had covered their mouth with his hand when they cried,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the children also detailed the pain they felt when he was raping them. He added that these testimonies by the victims became overwhelming evidence against the accused person. 

“After the state closed its case, the defence also closed its case without calling the accused to testify. The Court Preparation Officer, Kelebogile Mokgotsi assisted the court with the Witness Impact Statement of the two victims, which played a major role in this matter. 

“In aggravation of sentence, the Regional Court Prosecutor Moloi Kenneth Motsatse, argued that the accused person used his power and position of trust to exploit the victims. The accused person showed no remorse,” said Senokoatsane. 

He said Motsatse further argued that the court should not deviate from the prescribed sentence for such heinous crimes considering that the victims are minor children. Senokoatsane said the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment for count one of rape and life imprisonment for count two of rape. 

“In sentencing, the court was satisfied with the evidence adduced by the state witnesses including the medical evidence that the injuries sustained by the two victims were consistent with penetration. 

“The court sentenced the accused person to two life imprisonment. The court ordered that his name be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The accused was also declared unfit to work with children. The accused was furthermore declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said. 

He said the NPA envisages that these sentences will provide some justice and closure to the victims, as well as their families as the perpetrators of these violent crimes are removed from the communities. 

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Two men sentenced to five years imprisonment for common robbery, theft and impersonating police officer 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

Two men were sentenced to five years by the Bloemhof Regional Court for common robbery, theft and impersonating a police officer. In October 2022, a man from Gauteng Province was robbed of R37 000 and his firearm. 

This comes after the victim arranged with a man to assist him get goats with reasonable prices from farmers around Wolmaranstad and surrounding farms. The victim met with the man on 6 October 2022, and the latter took him to a house in Bloemhof.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said both the victim and the man were in the yard when a group of men emerged. 

“They then forced the victim into the house. The men introduced themselves as police officers from the Hawks and purportedly placed him under arrest for dealing in diamonds. 

“He was further robbed of his firearm and R37 000 in cash. Moreover, he was given a bank account to deposit money into. The victim was later given his firearm, but without ammunition,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said a case was opened and allocated to the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for investigation. He added that through good investigative work, Lebamang Lepholletsa (45) and Molefi Mokone (47), were identified and later arrested after being identified by the victim.  

“The accused finally pleaded guilty and was sentenced. While the sentence was wholly suspended for five years, the court ordered the accused to pay R20 000 each to the victim before 31 July 2024 or serve two years direct imprisonment,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit members, Warrant Officer Thabo Rakate and Sergeant Kabelo Kwele for effecting the arrests and securing the sentence respectively, which he said will contribute towards the fight against the so-called “knockers” who rob unsuspecting citizens under the pretext of being police officers. 

“We would also like to thank other role players, including the prosecutor, Advocate Thamsanqa Tamela for collaborating with the police to secure the conviction,” said Kgwele.

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Two men nabbed for robbery and impersonating police officers

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two men were arrested for robbery and impersonating police officers. Ronnie Pelesane (31) and Modise Pholo (44), were arrested by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Wolmaranstad on 20 June 2024. 

The accused were arrested following an incident wherein six men allegedly stormed into a guesthouse on 14 March 2022. The invaders, who introduced themselves as police officers, allegedly found a man sleeping with a woman he met and dated earlier during the day. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects then accused the victim of adultery. He said the suspects demanded payment in order for him not to be arrested. 

“Subsequently, one of the men took the victim’s bank card and a cell phone. A sum of R4000 was ultimately withdrawn from the victim’s bank account. The victim was further forced to transfer R23 000 into an unknown bank account. 

“Following the incident, the accused drove with the victim to Christiana, then went back to Wolmaranstad, where he was released. The matter was reported to the police and the pair was arrested,” said Mokgwabone. 

He further said the accused are expected back in Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on 24 June 2024, for legal representation. Mokgwabone added that a thorough investigation yielded positive results. 

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North West experiences decline on HIV infections

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Even though South Africa continues to be one of the countries in the world with a high rate of HIV, the North West province has experienced a decline. According to the report, approximately 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa. 

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the province has experienced a decline in the number of people testing HIV positive. Lekgethwane said they recorded 31 382 during the 2021/22 financial year, 26 407 during the financial year and 22 010 during 2023/24 financial year.

“We understand that HIV continues to be a pandemic within the society and unfortunately, South Africa is one of the countries in the world where it experiences a high rate of HIV. However, there is provision of HIV Testing Services (HTS) in all health facilities for the community to know their HIV status and provision of HIV management package. 

“Our health facilities render HIV management for PLWHIV by initiating ART and providing routine HIV follow-up care. Initiation of TPT for eligible PLWHIV to protect them against active TB diseases is also done,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said the provision of CPT for prevention of opportunistic infections is addressed through provision of Prep and community outreach campaigns. He added that routine monitoring and evaluation for the HIV/ART programme performance are conducted during Phuthuma and HAST reviews meetings.

“The department is working closely with implementing partners and civil society for programme strengthening. The health education is being done through group and individual counselling in the health facilities during consultation. 

“We are also working closely with the Department of Education, including institutions of High Learning (universities), radio slots, distribution of Information, Educational and Communication (IEC) materials and community awareness through outreach campaigns” said Lekgethwane. 

He said they are working with traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, civil society and implementing partners in a fight against the pandemic. Lekgethwane said there is a challenge, where clients stop treatment when feeling better in spite of counselling being provided on treatment adherence. 

“There are socio-economic factors that contribute to the spread of HIV such as poverty and unemployment. Sometimes clients relocate without informing the health facility in order to ensure continuity of care.  

“The Bojanala District continues to be the most affected in the province. However, we encourage clients to continue to take ARVs. As things stand, we have 364 477 of individuals who are on ART/ARVs as at the end of May 2024. Some clients still miss their appointments or stop ART due to various reasons,” he said. 

Lekgethwane said some of the reasons are uncooperative clients. He said some of the clients stop taking ARVs when feeling better, despite counselling being provided on treatment adherence. 

“We have also realized that lack of support system or structure at home or in the community contributes to this. Fear of stigma associated with the disease might also be the cause,” said Lekgethwane.

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Sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jelwe ka molelo

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jelwe ka molelo kwa Christiana

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Sepodisi kwa Christiana se tlhalositse fa se butse kgetsi ya go fisiwa. Seno se tla morago ga gore sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jewe ka molelo ka Labotlhano mo mosong.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Go fisitswe phaphosi e go bewang dilwane mo go yone (storeroom) kwa sekolong. Phaphosi eo, e farologane le diphaphosi-borutelo.

“Diphaphosi-borutelo ga di a angwa ke molelo. Go belaelwa fa molelo o, o ka tswa o tlhodilwe ke motho mongwe o sa itsiweng. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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Opinion: Mentality of entitlement needs to be expunged within the ANC in North West 

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Picture: ANC member, Orapeleng Matshidiso

By ORAPELENG MATSHIDISO 

It is my contention that the Rocky Malebane-Metsing tendency continues to haunt the ANC in the North West. Malebane-Metsing wanted to be the first North West Premier after 1994. 

He felt entitled for the position and believed that deployment in the ANC is a right and not privilege. I was recruited into the ANC and SACP by the late comrade Pule Motjetje and he taught me that, deployment in the ANC is a privilege to serve the people not an entitlement or right.

This discussion came after his term of office as ANC councillor had ended. Since I was new in the ANC, I felt that he was supposed to be re-elected because he selflessly served the community. However, he told me that I was still young and new, but with time, I will learn and understand what informs the deployment within the ANC. 

Although, I still strongly believe that had the ANC considered redeploying him again as its councillor, I have no doubt that the people were still going to vote for him as the ANC candidate. I strongly believe that the Rocky Malebane-Metsing tendency has not been erased in the political psychology of many members and ANC leaders in the province. 

Thirty years later we still have comrades who think they are entitled for deployment and it is their right to be deployed. I posit that many still need to be schooled about the culture, values and traditions of the ANC.

One other issue that I think needs to be attended to, is the integration of the North West into the thinking and social-psychology of the society. We have only legislatively integrated and demarcated the parts of Northern Cape, Western Transvaal and Bophuthatswana into one province, but the ANC has never had a solid Program of Action to entrenched that into the psyche of the people and its members.

In social and political gatherings, there is that undertone of calling or referring to each other as the residents of either Bophuthatswana or Western Transvaal etc. One day, I will write a proper article about those important issues.

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(Note: Mr Orapeleng Matshidiso is a member of the ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and writes in his personal capacity. The content of the article remains the views of Mr Orapeleng Matshidiso and Taung DailyNews and its associates, do not agree nor disagree with the views raised.) 

Monna o latofadiwa ka go bolaya ngwana wa gagwe o eseng wa madi 

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Monna wa dingwaga di le 37 o tshwerwe morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya ngwana wa gagwe o eseng wa madi. Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Olebogeng Molebangwe (13), se ne sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa, se bonwe ke moagisani kwa ntlung kwa Oos einde, Rustenburg mo thapameng ka Labotlhano.  

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, moagisani one a itsise sepodisi ka tiragalo eo. Mokgwabone are sepodisi sene sa goroga kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela molatofadiwa a tshwere lebante le go bontshang fa a ne a tekeka moswi ka lone. 

“Molatofadiwa o ile a kaela mapodisi fa a ne a teketa moswi ka ntlheng ya gore one a tlogetse morwa-rragwe a le nosi kwa ntlung. Setopo sa moswi sene se sana le matshwao a go teketwa, ga mmogo le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa mo leruding la gagwe. 

“Kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa morago ga gore molatofadiwa a tshwarwe. Molatofadiwa o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Rustenburg mo letsatsing la Mosupulogo go lebana le tatofatso ya polao,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena are: “Re kgala tiragalo e e setlhogo e, gonne fa o tla go lebelela, moswi o latlhegetswe ke motshelo mo diatleng tsa motho o a neng a tshwanetse a mo sireletse. 

“Jaanong, re laetse ba lephata la rona la dipatlisiso go ka batlisisa kgetsi e ka botlalo, mme ba netefatse gore moswi o bona bosiamisi.”

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Police officer arrested for business robbery 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A police officer (31) and his co-accused were arrested for business robbery and impersonating police officers. This comes after Constable Stembiso Ngamlane, who is attached to Madikwe Visible Policing and his co-accused, Jacobus Haywood (30), were arrested in Seweding village, near Mahikeng on 13 June 2024.  

Ngamlane and Haywood allegedly robbed a Bangladeshi foreign national tuckshop owner. The pair apparently entered the tuckshop wearing a police uniform. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Ngamlane and Haywood introduced themselves as police officials and informed the shop owner that they were there to check if he was not selling counterfeit cigarettes.

“The victim took the duo to the place where cigarettes are kept. In the process, he requested to produce his Asylum Seeker Permit, which was in his room. The accused took the victim’s cell phone, while trying to call his sister-in-law. Subsequent to getting the permit, the accused robbed the victim of cigarettes, airtime vouchers and cash. 

“It was at that point that the victim’ sister in law arrived and demanded to see the duo’s appointment cards. Haywood managed to run away, but Ngamlane was arrested and severely assaulted by members of the community,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said as a result, he was taken to the hospital, where he was admitted. He added that the preliminary investigation revealed that Haywood fled from the scene driving in a white Citroen car. 

“Furthermore, police uniform pieces, including a blue shirt and a reflector jacket, were found approximately 500m away from the scene. Haywood was finally arrested at Lorwaneng village. 

“During the arrest, more police uniform pieces were confiscated. The matter was in Molopo Magistrate’s Court, but was postponed until 25 June 2024, for bail application. The accused were remanded in custody upon appearance in absentia,” said Mokgwabone. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and reiterated that unethical conduct and the involvement of South African Police Service (SAPS) employees in criminal activities will not be tolerated.

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SANCO in North West congratulates newly-appointed EXCO

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

South African National Congress (SANCO) in North West said it believes that the newly-elected Members of the Executive Council (EXCO), will continue to implement the ANC manifesto without fail. This comes after the newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi introduced his Members of Executive Council (MECs) on Friday.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said the appointment of the executive is based on ANC guidelines, which require among other criteria that members have post-matric qualifications.

Jam further said they do not doubt the leadership of Mokgosi, who by his position as the ANC provincial Deputy Chairperson and his experience as a former North West MEC for Social Development, understand the responsibility of leading the province in the right direction and ensuring the delivery of services promised to our communities.

“We congratulate the newly appointed EXCO and elected executive of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL). As SANCO, we take this opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed Executive Committee (EXCO) members of the North West Provincial Government, led by Mokgosi, and the elected executive members of the North West Provincial Legislature, led by Speaker, Desbo Mohono and Deputy Speaker, Tshepo Khoza.

“We also have confidence in the elected North West Provincial Legislature Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Based on their credentials, we are confident they are capable of maintaining order and decorum in the parliament and holding the executive accountable alongside leaders of the legislature portfolios,” he said.

Jam added that the communities of the North West have given the ANC another chance to preside over the affairs of government and implement their manifesto for a better life for all. He said the 2024 election results show that communities still have confidence in the ANC in the province and do not want a coalition government or a Government of National Unity.

“The low voter turnout and decrease in ANC support as compared to previous elections on the other hand indicate dissatisfaction of communities. Key concerns raised by our communities during the election campaign include corruption, inadequate service delivery, and unemployment, which the 7th administration must prioritize.

“Our communities have made it clear that they are running out of patience and demand immediate service delivery. SANCO is content that Mokgosi has promised in his acceptance speech to continue with the Thuntsha Lerole Programme, which aligns with the communities’ wishes for accelerated service delivery,” said Jam.

He said the 7th administration inherits a stable provincial government, with some departments emerging from administration under Section 100 (1) (b). Jam said EXCO also takes over from a government that made concerted efforts to improve municipalities’ financial and administrative difficulties.

“The 6th administration commendably intervened in municipalities under serious financial stress due to adopting unfunded budgets and lacking senior managers, aiding their audit outcomes over the past five years and striving to improve these outcomes.

“SANCO calls for the new EXCO to continue stabilizing municipalities’ finances and administration by appointing qualified and capable individuals to deliver services to our people. We further call on the 7th administration to be decisive in dealing with corruption in government,” said Jam.

He said EXCO is also expected to ensure a transformed and inclusive economy to combat unemployment, inequality, and poverty. Jam said SANCO amongst other things, is pleased with the generational mix and women representatives in the provincial EXCO and legislature, emphasizing the importance of preparing future leaders and the ANC’s serious commitment to advancing gender equity.

“We welcome the Premier’s decision to retain some experienced MECs for continuity purposes, given their familiarity with public service administration.

“SANCO further like to emphasize and remind the newly appointed EXCO that our communities have given the ANC this chance to deliver on its promises and correct past mistakes and areas where they did not deliver,” he said.

Jam said this cohort will determine the ANC’s support for the 2026 local elections, which will primarily depend on delivering promised services and fostering an improved and inclusive economy that enables job creation and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

He said SANCO believes that ward councillors should also do more to educate and be honest with communities about the government’s financial constraints.

“There is a misconception that the government has abundant funds, whereas the reality is that it has limited resources and cannot achieve all the desired Integrated Development Plan (IDP) targets in one financial year.

“So, it is important for our communities to know that much of the government budget goes to salaries and operational services. Nonetheless, these financial constraints call for the government to use its limited resources sparingly, make realistic priorities, and update communities regularly on the progress of providing promised services,” said Jam.

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SAFA EC laud exciting return of Engen Knockout Challenge

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Picture: SAFA National Executive Committee Member, Mzimkhulu Fina/Supplied

 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The return of the Engen Knockout Challenge to the Eastern Cape province was welcomed with huge excitement by the South African Football Association’s Eastern Cape office, after the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University kicked off the opening day of the tournament in Gqebhera on Saturday, 22 June.

South Africa’s largest youth football tournament has made an exciting return to the province, having last being played in 2019.

A total of 24 teams, equally divided between Boys U-18 and Girls U-20 kicked off the two-day competition to the high appreciation of SAFA National Executive Committee Member, Mzimkhulu Fina, who hailed Engen’s efforts of partnering with SAFA in developing youth football.

“We are excited to be having this tournament taking place here again. As SAFA, we want to thank Engen. The province has just celebrated the qualification of Highbury FC to the ABC Motsepe League, and most of those players are a product of this tournament. So, it means a lot for us and our government of Eastern Cape when they (Engen) invest in us as it helps us produce players.

“Engen’s tireless efforts in providing a platform for talent identification was also credited for the ongoing emergence of South African football talent is even represented at international competitions,” he said.

 Fina further said they look at key Bafana Bafana players such as Ronwen Williams, who played in this tournament. He added that the province will be hosting the COSAFA Cup next week, most of the players that will be playing there have played in this tournament.

“So, it means a lot to see such because most people see the result but are not aware of the process and this is where it all starts, where you have partners like Engen leading the way when it comes to development.

“The tournament’s return to the Eastern Cape also coincides with the first official appearance of one of the tournament ambassadors’ first appearance, in Akhona Makalima – a native of the Eastern Cape province,” said Fina.

Makalima, a FIFA, CAF and SAFA accredited referee forms part of the Engen Knockout Challenge team of ambassadors, with the primary role of helping in the identification and guidance of young referees at the Engen Knockout Challenge. 

“It is an absolute honour for me to be joining the Engen Knockout Challenge family. I am particularly excited in the effort being made to afford young and aspirant match officials an opportunity to learn and acquire the experience needed.

“Such opportunities are rare for match officials, so the role being played by Engen is quite critical for match officials at grassroots level” said Makalima.

As expected, Day one of the competition produced interesting encounters, with teams in both the boys and girls putting their best foot forward.

The tournament concludes on 22 June with the winners in both the boys and girls’ division guaranteed a place at the Engen Champ of Champs in September this year.

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