Picture: The ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC chairperson in North West, Nono Maloyi has successfully interdicted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This comes after the NPA allegedly sent him court orders to sign and inform him that they will re-enrol his culpable homicide case.
Maloyi is facing a charge of culpable homicide, following a fatal crash that resulted in the death of a woman back in 2018. It is alleged that on the night of 1 September 2018, Maloyi was travelling at high speed on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein.
He allegedly crashed into a vehicle that had two occupants. The culpable homicide case against the former North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), was provisionally withdrawn at the Stilfontein Regional Court in 2022.
This was after Maloyi applied for representation to the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), for his case to be struck off the roll.
Meanwhile, the NPA’s acting regional spokesperson in North West, Sive Gunya said: “Yes, the interdict was granted pending the finalization of the review application before the North West High Court. No further comments at this stage.”
Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. F4SD councillor in the municipality, Mika Moeti said they have already submitted the letter to the relevant authorities.
Moeti said they moved a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe due to his failure to fulfil his duties and responsibilities as the mayor. He further said the motion was filed after Gaoraelwe crashed the municipality’s R700 000 luxury BMW X3 on 30 June 2024.
According to police, Gaoraelwe allegedly crashed the municipal vehicle, while trying to evade unknown assailants, who were following him. He crashed the gate after being shot at.
“It is alleged that this is not the first accident involving the carelessness of the mayor. The mayor is said to have then staged a shooting as a means to cover up the incident.
“Gaoraelwe has demonstrated consistent negligence by crashing numerous vehicles that are being paid for by the taxpayers’ money. He has failed to show the qualities of integrity, trustworthiness and accountability, which are essential in a leader,” said Moeti.
He added that Gaoraelwe has exhibited poor leadership by not adequately engaging with the community concerns and failing to provide transparent and accountable governance. Moeti said Gaoraelwe failed to execute oversight on monthly reports according to Section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003 (MFMA).
“As F4SD, we propose that Gaoraelwe be removed from his position as the mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality effective immediately following the council’s vote on this motion,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “The municipality has allocated security guards for Gaoraelwe. This is part of our responsibility as the municipality. So, we have allocated two security guards at night and one during the day.
“This should go on until there is no need/perceived threat. There is no additional cost as these have been drawn from the quota of security guards we already have as part of our contract with Diphetogo Security Services.”
Oliphant said the municipality is aware of the allegations that Gaoraelwe has staged the shooting, but the official information they received was that he collided with the gate as he was trying to evade people who were chasing him.
Picture: The former coach of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Stanley Tshabalala
By OBAKENG MAJE
Orlando Pirates FC legend, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala will be laid to rest on 18 July 2024, which is the former statesman, the late Dr Nelson Mandela’s birthday. Orlando Pirates FC said in a statement that the funeral service will commence at 9am at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto.
“The procession will depart from Grace Bible Church to Westpark Cemetery, where the burial service will be held. After the burial, the procession will return to Grace Bible Church for refreshments.
“Tshabalala died in hospital on Thursday afternoon. Bra Stan, as he was affectionately referred to by everybody, succumbed to the injuries he suffered when he was shot in March this year.”
The South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late former Bafana Bafana coach, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala. He was a much-loved player, coach and administrator.
“The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach and ex-Kaizer Chiefs Talent Scout and Development Coordinator, was very successful and highly respected as a South African football legend.”
Jordaan said Tshabalala made a huge mark for the country and at club level.
“I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Tshabalala and we are praying for them to be comforted. May God grant the family healing during this difficult time. This news is such a shock and we as SAFA would like to convey our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to his family, friends and the club during this difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi said Tshabalala was the face of South African soccer. Godlimpi further said Tshabalala transformed South African football.
‘He was involved at the grassroots level and building football into a professional sport. Tshabalala transformed South African football into a formidable force that is a marvel on the continent and globally, competing with the best in the world.
“Bra Stan played an important role in building Bafana Bafana into a powerhouse, contributing to its growth internationally as the head coach. South Africa prides itself on the growth, performance, and competitiveness of the national senior team,” he said.
Godlimpi added that Tshabalala’s passing leaves a huge void in the sporting fraternity, the country’s football development programmes and the development of sporting facilities. He said Tshabalala was famously known for his unique Piano and Shoe Shineinvention whilst at the helm of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club.
A man (24) was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for malicious damage to property and assault GBH. Edward Emmauel Gideon Mastas went on a rampage on 3 November 2021, when he accompanied a victim (45) to town. Mastas bullied her to go sign and marry him at the Department of Home Affairs.
The victim refused and the accused strangled her. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim escaped the ordeal and went home to Roodepan, where she met up with her daughter and her aunt (51).
“The accused arrived at the victim’s place of residence with the intention to collect his clothes. The accused was afforded entry into the house. Once the accused was inside the house, he went on a rampage by taking a knife in the kitchen and stabbing the aunt several times with the knife.
“He then broke the shanty windows and burned the victim’s clothes. The police attended the complaint and arrested the accused, who was hiding underneath the bed. On 5 November 2021, the accused appeared in court and was sent for 30-day psychiatric evaluations,” he said.
Shemane further said Mastas was found to be fit to stand trial. He added that the Northern Cape Police Management applauded Detective Constable Noma Senye of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough and meticulous investigation.
“The police encourage the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to take safety tips into consideration when experiencing domestic violence. They should avoid confrontations in rooms with only one exit.
“Avoid rooms that contain many potential weapons such as kitchens. They should always carry a list of emergency numbers. Make sure that family members and friends are in possession of a copy of the protection order and warrant of arrest,” said Shemane.
He said they should also keep money in a safe place for taxi or bus fare in case of an emergency. Shemane said they were also advised to keep an extra set of keys for the house or car.
“The victim must have a set of clothes for the children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place. For example, at the neighbour’s house. Victim advised to leave when the partner is not around if they are planning to.
“They should take the children with them and must make sure they are in possession of all essential documents such as the identification documents, medical cards, savings and credit cards,” he said.
A man (24) was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for malicious damage to property and assault GBH. Edward Emmauel Gideon Mastas went on a rampage on 3 November 2021, when he accompanied a victim (45) to town. Mastas bullied her to go sign and marry him at the Department of Home Affairs.
The victim refused and the accused strangled her. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim escaped the ordeal and went home to Roodepan, where she met up with her daughter and her aunt (51).
“The accused arrived at the victim’s place of residence with the intention to collect his clothes. The accused was afforded entry into the house. Once the accused was inside the house, he went on a rampage by taking a knife in the kitchen and stabbing the aunt several times with the knife.
“He then broke the shanty windows and burned the victim’s clothes. The police attended the complaint and arrested the accused, who was hiding underneath the bed. On 5 November 2021, the accused appeared in court and was sent for 30-day psychiatric evaluations,” he said.
Shemane further said Mastas was found to be fit to stand trial. He added that the Northern Cape Police Management applauded Detective Constable Noma Senye of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough and meticulous investigation.
“The police encourage the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to take safety tips into consideration when experiencing domestic violence. They should avoid confrontations in rooms with only one exit.
“Avoid rooms that contain many potential weapons such as kitchens. They should always carry a list of emergency numbers. Make sure that family members and friends are in possession of a copy of the protection order and warrant of arrest,” said Shemane.
He said they should also keep money in a safe place for taxi or bus fare in case of an emergency. Shemane said they were also advised to keep an extra set of keys for the house or car.
“The victim must have a set of clothes for the children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place. For example, at the neighbour’s house. Victim advised to leave when the partner is not around if they are planning to.
“They should take the children with them and must make sure they are in possession of all essential documents such as the identification documents, medical cards, savings and credit cards,” he said.
A man (41) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Kuruman Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend (39). On 27 July 2023, the victim ended her relationship with the accused, Moses Leck Leier and obtained a protection order against him.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Leier went to the home of the victim and threatened to beat her with a chain. Ehlers said he then forced her to his house in Wrenchville, where he raped her.
“The victim reported the incident to the police and Leier was arrested the next day. The accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape of which five years of the sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the period of suspension.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Keitshwaretswe Tshikedi from the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit,” she said.
Ehlers said Tshikedi’s hard work and thorough investigation secured the conviction and sentence.
Picture: Samsung tablets stolen in school/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Two suspects aged 23 and 24 were arrested for possession of stolen property in Mothibistad on 12 July 2024. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding a burglary that allegedly took place at a primary school.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police confiscated 12 Samsung tablets presumably stolen at the school. Shemane said the suspects are expected to appear in Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court soon.
“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.
“Communities are encouraged to blow the whistle on stolen goods and report suspicious individuals,” he said.
A son (27) was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by ther Kuruman Regional Court for contravention of protection order. On 7 November 2023, a son who was staying in the same yard with his mother (58), at Promiseland, near Wrenchville, went to knock on her door.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the complainant did not want to open the door. Shemane said, however, her son started swearing at her.
“The same day, the accused came back and forcefully opened the door of the house. The complainant had her handbag next to her on the sofa containing R600. Later on, the complainant realized that her bag was missing. She went to her son’s shanty after seeing him walking towards the gate.
“The mother asked him where her handbag was. The accused told her to look for it in his shanty. The complainant found that R200 was missing from her handbag. The complainant, who had a protection order against her son, went to the police station to open a case,” he said.
Shemane further said the Kuruman Regional Court convicted and sentenced the accused to 12 months imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the SAPS management applauded Detective Sergeant Jamine Melissa Armstrong of Kuruman Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her dedication that led to the conviction and sentencing of the accused.
“The police in the province will continue to support and protect older persons, promote and advance their rights in our areas of influence,” he said.
Picture: Gelukspan District Hospital under refurbishment
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari visited the Gelukspan District Hospital to get first hand updates and evidence of the refurbishment project progress. The visit was part of Lehari’s Re Bona ka Matlho Programme, which is about visiting hospitals and clinics to get first-hand information.
The visit to Gelukspan Hospital follows a negative media report and complaints from locals over the alleged slow provision of health-care services in the area. Lehari and the management of the hospital, discussed an array of issues including the delay in the completion of the building of a theatre at the hospital.
“The project entails additions and upgrades with the scope covering upgrades to the theatre, mortuary, kitchen and laundry, as well as construction of a new MDR-TB ward.
“It was awarded to a joint venture between Mpfumelelo Business Enterprise and Kolwana Holdings in early 2022, while the site was handed over in August 2022. We discussed challenges encountered during the first stages of project implementation,” he said.
Lehari further said the project managers highlighted that the contractor did not perform nor provide resources as was required per the contract from the outset. He added that subsequently, the contractor was issued with four default notices between September and December 2022.
“A recommendation to terminate the contract was prepared in mid-December 2022. However, in early January 2023, the contractor issued a default notice for late payment to the department and subsequently self-terminated the contract based on the same reason.
“The contract managers further ascertained that the payment in question was not late, but could not immediately be processed as additional information and supporting documents were requested from the contractor, which was timeously communicated to them,” said Lehari.
He said due to the limited progress the termination was not challenged. Lehari said the progress made by the time of termination is that the contractor demolished the existing theatre and mortuary, started on the ground preparing for the new kitchen and started on foundation trenches for a new MDR-TB ward.
“The project was then advertised with the scope that entails the same work as for the first project, excluding the work executed by the first contractor. The bid was awarded to a joint venture between Rembu Construction and Peregrine Multiservice in March 2024.
“The handover of the site was done on 27 June 2024. We demand a commitment from everyone that the project be finished within the agreed time frame. I see progress here,” he said.
Lehari said they must improve in monitoring projects. He said they should also strive to deliver without delays going forward.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng called on all law enforcement agencies in the province to stamp authority in the fight against any form of criminality on the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC).
In his address to the hundreds of law enforcement officers prior to the four hour Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee (TKCNC) domestic operation in Rustenburg, Morweng said the objectives of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), are geared towards improving trade relations between the three member states and are also in line with the department’s mandate of providing protection to the communities.
During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. Amongst them, there was a woman who was arrested immediately on Morweng’s arrival at the operation prior to his address to law enforcement officers.
“Make sure that you deal with any kind of lawlessness that might emerge. It is in our quest to provide stable communities because it is incumbent upon us as government to make sure that there’s relative stability and that will be possible if you carry out your duties with diligence.
“Make sure that all those who are on the wrong side of the law are brought to book without thinking twice.
“We have also arrested ten foreign nationals during the vehicle stop and search exercise. A total number of 500 vehicles were searched,” he said.
Morweng further said the Home Affairs Immigration officers have initiated processes of identifying the nationalities of the said individuals and proper procedures will be undertaken. He added that as part of the operation, two stolen vehicles were recovered by the Gauteng NaTIS, 72 vehicles inspected and charged for various vehicle and driver defaults by both Provincial and Municipal Traffic officers.
“Thirty trucks were inspected and one issued with a fine by the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) for failing to complete consignment note, while the Rustenburg Fire Department charged three trucks for transporting dangerous goods without adequate protocols.
“The Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee Operation was held to promote compliance with law enforcement, promote safety and security and increase law enforcement visibility on the corridor and further to enforce laws and regulations intended to improve traffic safety and enforce related laws to transport, including weight limits and response rules to transportation of dangerous goods,’ said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the Trans Kalahari Corridor is a tripartite trans-boundary Corridor Management Institution that was established with a political and economic vision to pursue or contribute towards deeper regional integration programs of The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD.)
The Guardian 