A man (35) was arrested for fraud, forgery and uttering. Bofelo Keatleretse Ngwenya, who was arrested earlier today by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, briefing appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2024. Ngwenya’s arrest follows a probe into her alleged involvement in fraudulent activities when she had a contract with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to provide car rental services for the department.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that she allegedly entered into a contract with the department to transport its employees to various destinations for official duties. Mathebula further said Ngwenya was expected to provide these services from 1 until 9 October 2022, for an amount of over R74 000.
“Investigation revealed that the accused submitted invoices bearing the logo of a different car rental company, instead of her own. It was further revealed that the submitted invoices were of a VW Polo, instead of a Hyundai H1, which she had offered to the department.
“Following an investigation, the accused was charged with fraud, forgery and uttering. She was released on warning and her case was postponed to 15 July 2024,” he said.
Picture: The missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A childhood friend, Vincent Motlogelwa is offering a R20 000 reward for information that leads to missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), being found. Seipone, who resides in Kolong village, near Taung, went missing on 25 June 2024.
According to the police in Taung, Seipone was last seen by his mother on 25 June 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the search was conducted around the area and its surroundings without any success. Funani further said at the time of his disappearance, Seipone was wearing blue pants and black and white tekkies.
“He is dark in complexion, 1.6 height, with a slender body and short hair. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Tebogo Mochwa on 082 469 0332, alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,”she added.
Meanwhile, Motlogelwa said: “The family is devastated after Seipone went missing. So, we urge anyone with information that might lead to the whereabouts of Seipone to call us on 0765138602. We have also tabled an offer of R20 000 for any information that could be useful in finding my brother.”
Picture: The roof of Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, near Moretele, stolen/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they strongly condemn the recent theft of the school roof that spread across three classrooms at Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, near Moretele. Motsumi said the incident was discovered on 6 July 2024.
She further said this has caused significant disruption to the educational environment and the community at large. Motsumi added that in response to this unfortunate event, the department has swiftly arranged a library as a temporary measure for multi-grade Grades 1, 2 and 3 learners to ensure that they continue their education without interruption, especially during the harsh winter season.
“We urge parents to remain calm as we work diligently to resolve the situation and implement the best possible solutions. We express deep concern and disappointment regarding this incident. We can confirm that the roof of the structure that accommodates three classrooms, Grade R, 1, 2 and 3, has been stolen.
“I wish to state that the theft of the school roof is not only a criminal act, but a direct attack on the future of our children. It is disheartening to see such behaviour, especially as we prepare for the reopening of schools for the third term in the thick of winter,” said Motsumi.
She said that this act not only disrupts the education of the learners, but also undermines the rights of children, human dignity and the progress they have made in improving the performance of the schools. Motsumi said incidents like these hinder the strides they are making.
“We are committed to ensuring that our learners receive the education they deserve. We will not allow such acts to derail our efforts. However, in the meantime, we have arranged a library to accommodate three grades and a mini library for Grade R.
“The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice. We appeal to the community to assist in safeguarding our schools and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” she said.
Picture: The former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder and attempted case against the former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), has been postponed by the Taung Regional Court until 7 August 2024, for further investigations. Mangwegape, who is out on R5000 bail, briefly appeared at Taung Regional Court on Monday.
He is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring 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.
Meanwhile, the state is still waiting for the ballistic test results.
The police in Mahikeng request members of the community who may have information that can assist in the identification of the unknown body of a woman, to call Sergeant Ferdinand Majova on 082 416 2614. The body was found next to the road, near Danville in Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the naked body of a woman was discovered by a passerby in the early hours of Friday morning, 5 July 2024, and informed the police.
“The deceased is estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 40. She was found naked and her face covered with a cloth. Preliminary investigations revealed that the body was dumped where it was found.
“Those who might assist the police with any information can call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, one can share anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App from one’ smartphone,” he said.
Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna le lekgarebe la gagwe e buseditswe marago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Rustenburg go fitlha di 25 Diphalane 2024, fa di patlisiso di tswelela. Lerato Ntsimango (31) ga mmogo le molekane wa gagwe, Ofentse Mabeo (26), ba ba ile ba lelelwa ke ditshipi morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore ba bolaile ngwana (4) wa lekgarebe le, kwa Extension 7, kwa motsesetoropong wa Boitekong, gaufi le Rustenburg, a tla nama ba dutse kwa ntlolefitshwana.
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 simolola 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, Ntsimango 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 ne ba tlhageletse 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: The president of RSA, Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the deaths of four SANDF members
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the deaths of four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers. These SANDF members were on duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi – an operation that deals with illegal mining activities.
According to the SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, the deceased were deployed on a 24-hour shift at Shaft 3 (a dormant mining shaft) in Orkney, near the disused Harry Oppenheimer Stadium, which has been a hot spot for illegal mining. Dlamini said they were found inside a container structure, which was used as a guard house for those on 24-hours duty on 6 July 2024.
“They were found upon opening the doors of the container, when the next shift was taking over the following day. The police were called in and upon inspection of the scene, all four had died with their rifles on them and their personal items still with them. The district surgeon was called to the scene and examined the bodies and confirmed no injuries.
“A team from the Pretoria FSL Chemistry Unit, also attended the scene and preliminary findings are that the death of the soldiers could have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a possible fire made by them during the cold night inside the container,” he said.
Dlamini further said the bodies of the deceased were ferried to the Klerksdorp State mortuary for further investigation and post-mortem. He added that the names of the deceased will be announced once the families have been informed.
“All processes and formalities have been completed followed with the announcement of the funeral arrangements. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa and Deputy Minister of Military Veterans, Richard Mkhungo, together with the acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya sent their condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family,” said Dlamini.
He said an inquest has been opened by the police following the deaths.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said: “I am deeply saddened by the deaths of the deceased who passed away overnight on 5 July 2024, while on duty to combat illegal mining. As Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to their commanders and colleagues.
“My thoughts are with the team of soldiers who discovered their deceased colleagues in a container. While police are investigating the matter, the deceased troops, who showed no injuries and were fully kitted and armed, are believed by the police and the SANDF to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a fire they made to keep warm.”
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie will on Tuesday, visit Ipeleng Bagodi Old Age Home in Jericho. Dantjie’s visit follows the killing of an elderly man, Thema Motsepe (80) by two elderly men, Daniel Madumo (92) and Jeremia Mmatli (75), who were arrested and later died in detention.
The North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said the infamous old age facility, has been operating without a licence and has never received any funding from the department because of its non-compliance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act.
“Dantjie has since the furore about the Jericho facility, called on community members to refrain from using the services of unregistered old age homes. She said community members can obtain information about fully registered and credible old age homes from the departmental service points, which are available in every local municipality.
“Dantjie, together with the local councillor and the departmental management, will engage the facility manager to chat about the future of the facility. She will visit the facility at 2pm,” said Siko.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Vila Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the reopening of schools for the third quarter on 8 July 2024, following the winter recess. Motsumi extends her heartfelt gratitude to parents for their dedication and care in looking after their children during the break.
She further urges parents to ensure that all learners return to school promptly to complete the curriculum.
“We are deeply grateful to all parents for their continued support and care for our learners during the winter recess. As we reopen schools, our children must return and engage fully with their lessons to achieve the educational milestones set for this year.
“Education is a shared responsibility, and your role is indispensable in ensuring that our learners remain on track. We warmly welcome teachers back from their well-deserved break and call upon them to be prepared to resume the curriculum with renewed energy and commitment,” said Motsumi.
She added that their teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our learners. Motsumi said she encourages all educators to approach this term with enthusiasm and dedication as they work together to provide quality education for all.
“To ensure a smooth transition and effective monitoring of the reopening process, departmental senior managers will be monitoring various schools across the province. These visits are aimed at assessing readiness and providing necessary support to both learners and educators.
“The department remains committed to providing a conducive learning environment and ensuring that all learners receive the education they deserve,” she said.
The Guardian 