Picture: A bus carrying 20 passengers overturned/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 20 passengers were admitted to local hospitals in Hanover and De Aar for medical attention after sustaining serious or minor injuries. This come after the bus that they were travelling in overturned.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police in Richmond are probing the cause of a bus accident that occurred on 8 July 2024 at approximately at 4:30am.
“The accident occurred on the N1 road between Richmond and Hanover when a passenger bus traveling with 20 occupants allegedly overturned. At around 9am, a Toyota Quantum with two occupants, drove into the back of an ambulance that was dispatched to the accident scene.
“The female ambulance driver was injured and her male assistant escaped unscathed. Both the male occupants of the Quantum only sustained minor injuries.
“The cause of both accidents are under investigation. Anyone with information can call D/Const Rodney Julies on 082 302 0371. The investigation continues,” he said.
Picture: The Municipal Manager at embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Olaotswe Bojosinyane
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Thabo Nkashe, has introduced the newly appointed Municipal Manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyane to the staff. Bojosinyane was appointed during municipal special council meeting held on 4 July 2024.
Nkase said the former Municipal Manager at Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Olaotswe Bojosinyane, was appointed a substantive Municipal Manager in terms of the provisions of Section 54A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No 32 of 2000 and Regulations.
He further said Bojosinyane was appointed by the council on a three year fixed contract basis effective from 8 July 2024. Nkashe added that Bojosinyane was appointed at a critical time when the municipality desperately needs an administrative head to steer its strategies towards growth and development in the interest of the citizens.
“The appointment of the substantive Municipal Manager will greatly influence and improve the municipality’s financial position and its audit outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Municipal Manager at Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Bojosinyane said he boarded the Ditsobotla bus- drive energetically and enthusiastically to head it towards its intended direction. He also indicated that he is a team player and will work with everyone to ensure that they collectively turnaround the municipality’s situation and improve its implementation of IDP and drafting of the financial statement.
“As head of the administration, I will be responsible and accountable for tasks and functions as provided for in the legislations, as well as those delegated by the mayor and the municipal council,” said Bojosinyane.
More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across North West. According to the North West police, the operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between from 1 until 7 July 2024 and was a huge success.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
Funani said this includes possession of drugs, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Of the 1042 arrested suspects, 555 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 408 were held during Detectives suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 45 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others,” she said.
Funani further said the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, precious stones, explosives, 49 live rounds of ammunition, 11 firearms, liquor and two vehicles. She added that duirng the operations, 24 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shutdown.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members, units and other role players who were involved in the operation. Kwena also thanked them for all the time that they dedicate in making sure that the province is protected and safe.
Last Friday marked 100 days since South Africa last experienced load shedding. This is the longest continuous period without load shedding since 2020.
While this is a welcome milestone, it is not a reason to relax. Our electricity system remains vulnerable and we cannot yet rule out a possibility of further load shedding.
Rather, this milestone provides encouragement for us to do more and to work faster to ensure a secure supply of electricity now and into the future.
We have seen real progress in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, which we initiated in July 2022, and are now witnessing some of the results of the cooperation between government, business and other social partners.
Thanks to the diligent implementation by Eskom of its Generation Operational Recovery Plan as well as a stepped up maintenance schedule, there has been a marked improvement in the performance of the power stations that produce the bulk of South Africa’s electricity.
Eskom last week successfully commissioned Unit 5 at the Kusile power station, adding an additional 800 MW to the grid. This follows the power utility’s work to return three units at Kusile to service ahead of schedule.
The improvement in the reliability of power supply has been a relief for households, who have been able to go about their daily lives without the inconvenience of loadshedding. It has also been a great relief for businesses.
The latest consumer confidence index compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) found that the suspension of load shedding was a factor that contributed towards increased consumer confidence in the second quarter of this year.
This improvement is also a boost to the national economy, which is reliant on the availability and reliability of electricity supply for growth. There is cause for optimism that business and investor confidence will improve.
Earlier this month steelmaker ArcelorMittal announced that it would not go ahead with plans to close its operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, citing improvements in the country’s electricity and logistics situations as among the factors behind its decision.
In its April Monetary Policy Review, the South African Reserve Bank noted that “as electricity supply improves gradually, underpinned by the ongoing private investment in renewable energy generation and increased maintenance by Eskom”, South Africa’s near and medium-term outlook for growth is set to increase.
The Reserve Bank underscored the importance of the full implementation of energy and logistics sector reforms if growth is to improve.
We are committed to continue and complete the far-reaching structural reforms we started during the sixth administration to resolve the immediate electricity supply challenges and lay the groundwork for energy security into the future.
These reforms included the removal of the licensing threshold for new power generation projects, tax incentives for rooftop solar, opening more bid windows for renewable energy projects, and improving Eskom’s operational viability.
The latest milestone reached in the structural reform journey is the commencement of trading last week of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTSA), which will own and operate the country’s national electricity transmission system. This forms part of the reforms we have been driving to establish an electricity market that will enable competition, secure supply and revolutionise the energy sector.
As the Government of National Unity begins its work, we will sustain this momentum.
For us to continue to implement the Energy Action Plan and support the hard-working management and staff of Eskom, who are day by day helping to bring us out of this crisis, we must all pull in the same direction.
By focusing on the broader picture and by scaling up what has already been achieved, we are in a far better position to achieve the task we have set ourselves: to end load shedding and achieve an energy-secure future.
We have reached 100 days without load shedding by working together.
This should encourage us to redouble our efforts and to strengthen the collaboration between all stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisihis staff/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has challenged management in both the Departments of Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to address service delivery challenges faced by communities in the province.
Molapisi has already started engagements with the National Department of Human Settlements and the Provincial Treasury to assist with sufficient budget in order to implement Human Settlements responsibilities.
“Our position must be clear and concise in order for us to be in a better position to drive our vision and mission and this will require us to engage openly on the capacity we have to meet the objectives of the 7th administration.
“We echoing the message of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during his inauguration acceptance speech that, we are duty bound to devote ourselves to the preamble of the constitution, which commits them to heal the diversions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.
Molapisi further urged the executive management of both departments to develop a road map that seeks to respond to Mokgosi’s pronouncements. He also emphasized that this road map must be clear in addressing their major indicator of restoring the dignity of the people of the province.
“Whilst there is enormous improvement registered on the eradication of blocked projects, on top of the list should be the priorities that they have committed ourselves to eradicate mud houses and asbestos roofs.
“These pronouncements were made during Human Settlements Summit. We will also assess our performance regarding the 40% target set aside for women owned companies. Provide updates on backlogs, including those on the Military Veterans Housing Programme,” said Molapisi.
Moreover, he added that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs needs to strengthen its internal capacity in order to support municipalities and traditional leaders.
He emphasised the need to regularly meeting with the mayors and relevant stakeholders in order to deal with some of the challenges at local government level, whilst he indicated that Ditsobotla Local Municipality is receiving the necessary attention.
“Our communities want service delivery and expect nothing less. With regards to traditional affairs, we will have an engagement session with the Executive Committee of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, to discuss issues affecting traditional leaders,” said Molapisi.
Meanwhile the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo also took an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the former North West MEC, Nono Maloyi for his sterling leadership during his tenure and further congratulated and welcomed Molapisi, who is equal to the task as a leader and assured him of the support and commitment of the entire management and staff of the department.
Lekgarebe (31) le lekau la gagwe (26), ba leletswe ke ditshipi morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore ba bolaile ngwana (4) wa lekgarebe le, kwa Extension 7 kwa motsesetoropong wa Boitekong, gaufi le Rustenburg. Go begwa fa baratani ba, ba bolaile mosimanyana o, mme ba mo epela mo lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa sekgweng kwa ntlenyana ga Boitekong. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, baagi ba ne ba tshimolola go botsa dipotso morago ga go sa tlhole ba bona mosimanyana o.
“Ene ya re ka Phukwi 2023, bangwe ba baagi ba ne ba simolola go botsa mmagwe mosimanyana o dipotso gore ngwana o kae. Fela, go begwa fa mmangwe moswi one a itoma diteme le go palelwa ke go neela baagi dikarabo tse di tsepameng. Go begwa fa moswi a bonwe labofelo ke baagisani ka Phukwi 2023.
“Ene ya re mo go yone beke e, baagi ba ne ba lotlegela molekgotlha wa bone ka tiragalo e. Bangwe ba baagi, ba ne ba latela mmagwe moswi le go mo tlhoma dipotso gape. Go begwa fa mmagwe mosimane o, a ne a ntsha mosi ka sekhurumelo le go ipobola fa ene le molekane wa gagwe ba bolaile mosimane o, mme ba mo epela kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa sekgweng gaufi le Boitekong,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Go ya ka Funani, baagi ga mmogo le molekgotlha, ba ile ba neela mmagwe ngwana le molekane wa gagwe kwa sepodising. Go ya ka magatwe, go begwa fa mosimanyana o, a ne a bolawa morago ga go thuba thelebeishene ya molekane wa ga mmagwe.
“Babelaelwa ba solofetswe go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Rustenburg ka Mosupulogo mabapi le polao ya mosimane o,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o kgadile tiragalo e ka bogale, mme o akgotse sepodisi morago ga go tshwara babelaelwa. Kwena are o itumelela go bona baagi ba sa itseela molao mo matsogong.
“Ke laetse babatlisisi mo kgetsing e, go ka dira ka natla. Ba tshwanetse ba batlisise kgetsi e go utlwala le go bona thito-kgang ya yone,” Kwena wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Audi A4 vehicle that was allegedly used in commission of crime
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Three suspects aged 24, 27 and 34, are expected to appear in absentia in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2024, for aggravated robbery. The suspects were arrested by police in Reivilo on Thursday after they attempted to rob a shop owner.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the victim was walking to his uncle’s shop when accosted by the suspects, who were driving a white Audi A4 with Northern Cape registration. Funani said one of the five occupants allegedly pointed him with a firearm and robbed him of a black plastic he was carrying.
“The victim allegedly screamed and called his uncle, who came out with his pistol and fired shots at the vehicle. The victim allegedly managed to take a cover, then took out his firearm and fired shots. One of the suspects died on the scene, while two others managed to flee on foot.
“The police were called and one of the suspects, who allegedly suffered injuries during shooting, was arrested on the scene and transported to the local hospital for medical attention. Following a search conducted around Reivilo, two suspects who managed to flee on foot and were also injured during shooting incident, were found and arrested,” she said.
Funani further said they were also taken to the hospital, where they are under police guard. She added that a search is underway for the fifth suspect.
“Investigations into the matter continue,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for a swift reaction that led to the arrests of the suspects.
Picture: The former Meat Brother Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), who is out on R5000 bail, will be back in court today. Mangwegape is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) on 17 December 2023.
Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the establishment that was full to capacity on a fateful day. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.
Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.
Mangwegape’s case was postponed, while the state is still waiting for ballistic test results.
Picture: Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber
By REGINALD KANYANE
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber commended the police for arrests and offered support to enable successful prosecution of persons alleged to have violated immigration laws. Schreiber said the police attached to the Paarl branch, executed arrests related to alleged violations of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, which is an offense in terms of the Immigration Act.
“These offences are in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. We further offered the Directorate for Priority Crimes and Investigation (DPCI) the Department’s support and cooperation to enable swift and successful prosecutions in this case.
“The approach of the department is to the dual imperatives of attracting lawful investment and skills to grow the economy and create jobs, while restoring the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system. So, we will ensure that violations are prevented and prosecuted,” he said.
Schreiber further said they will ensure that it is anchored in the respect for the constitution and the rule of law. He added that this requires the department to enable lawful investment, tourism and the attraction of skills on the one hand, while enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, corruption and unlawful actions on the other hand.
“Building an immigration system that enables economic growth and job creation, while safeguarding our country from illegality. This will require a whole-of-government approach and collaboration across departments.
“The department is committed to playing its role alongside law enforcement and prosecutorial services, and invites the DPCI to contact the department for any assistance it can provide in this regard. The swift arrest of persons alleged to have violated our immigration laws in the same week that I extended a concession that safeguards applicants who abide by the law, sends a strong message that the new leadership at Home Affairs understands the differentiated approach that is required to grow the economy while securing our country,” said Schreiber.
He said the granting of the concession to legal applicants indicates that tourists, investors and skilled workers, who respect South African law can look forward to improvements in Home Affairs systems.
Schreiber said the swift arrest of alleged lawbreakers by police and the cooperation of Home Affairs in seeking their successful prosecution serves as a warning to criminal elements that the days of impunity are over.
“By pursuing the dual imperatives of growing the economy and upholding the rule of law, we will build a working Home Affairs that makes South Africa work,” said Schreiber.
The Guardian 