‘Shortage of doctors and nurses will be addressed’


By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari wrapped up his long week programmes that enable the acceleration of provision of primary healthcare services by visiting Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg. Lehari’s Re Bona Ka Matlho Programme – comes hot on the heels of several visits to hospital sights and intervening were there are primary health service delivery challenges, including those that are infrastructural.

He first visited the Gelukspan District Hospital, which has recently encountered delays on its infrastructure refurbishment projects, followed by his visit to the biggest bedded hospital in the province, Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital.

“I concluded my week long programme by conducting an oversight at Job Shimankana Hospital in Rustenburg. I want security to be beefed up in all hospital complexes I had visited to resolve on challenges around shortage of beds and medicines in some instances.

“Shortage of doctors and nurses will be made an apex priority. We should not be apologetic in resolving issues that shall benefit the poorest of the poorest. I understand that the issue of our people being hospicentric, meaning preferring hospitals over clinics remains a challenge, but we should upgrade our services at clinic-level and Community Health Centres, so we can unburden pressure on our doctors and nurses in hospitals, said Lehari.

He further said they are all going to play a role on this and he expect everyone to do exactly as the same. In between the visits to hospital complex, Lehari added that he also met with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all hospitals, imploring on them to hoist stuff moral support, prioritise cleanliness and committing that as a political Head of the Department, he shall offer them support in achieving all targets of service delivery.

“I have committed that I will continue to visit hospitals and all healthcare centres, including clinics sites to get first hand information on some of the challenges the public has been experiencing,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than 83 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 83 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for contact and property related crimes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the detectives traced and arrested 182 daily wanted for various crimes. Shemane said a total of 30 vehicle control points (VCPs) and seven roadblocks were conducted across the province.

“More than 42 premises were searched, 1404 vehicles were stopped and searched and 2531 persons were searched. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises, formal and informal businesses were also visited.

“During the operations, the police confiscated dangerous weapons , thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, including money believed to be proceeds of crime. The multi-disciplinary weekly high density operation which focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating efforts to curb criminal activities were executed across all districts in the province.

“These police actions and activities that commenced on 8 until 14 July 2024, include vehicle control points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, awareness campaigns and community outreach actions were conducted across the province,” he said.

Shemane further said the operations will continue unabated in all five districts with a zero tolerance approach towards all crimes in the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Provincial Legislature appoints new Portfolio Chairpersons 


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The ANC Caucus in the North West Provincial legislature (NWPL) has welcomed and congratulated members elected as Chairpersons of various portfolio committees. The election held on Thursday, signifies a commitment to serve the people of the North West by addressing the pressing issues that affect communities through the legislative agenda.

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho said the constitution of portfolio and standing committees and election of chairpersons play a pivotal role in the day-to-day work of the legislature in carrying out its constitutional mandate of serving and shaping the future of its people.

Rosho further said with the vast experience and dynamic leadership qualities of the public representatives, the elections of the chairpersons will enhance the heightened scrutiny of government departments and hold the executive accountable. 

“Furthermore, the blend of new and re-elected public representatives in committees is expected to bring fresh insights and strong strategies to the front of coordinating the work of the legislature.

“The committee chairpersons are drawn from various political parties represented in the provincial legislature, marking an unwavering commitment and dedication to working together and collaboratively with all for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.

Rosho added that they have no doubt of the assembled team’s commitment to fostering unity, inclusivity and focus to align with the mandate of the ANC’s 7th legislature to alter the political landscape for the betterment of the lives of its people. She said that in their new roles, chairpersons of various portfolio committees are poised to be the guiding light of unity, renewal and progress leading the province towards a future characterised by robust, but honest parliamentary debates and programmes aimed at leveraging a lot of the people of the North West. 

“The election of chairpersons without contest has demonstrated political maturity, as well as cooperation required for stability, a fledgling constitutional democracy and legislative oversight. 

The ANC Caucus maintains that the elected collective’s proactive mindset and collaborative approach, will significantly contribute to the enhancement of comprehensive and collective work of the legislature,” said Rosho.

Chairpersons of Committee who were unanimously elected are as follows:

* Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, Virginia Tlhapi (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa (ANC), Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts, Smuts Matshe (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Sipho Dial (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane (ANC),

Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, culture, Sports and Recreation, Tina Priscilla Williams (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Paul Sebegoe (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile (DA), Standing Committee on Oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature, Michael Groenewald (FF+), Standing Legislature on Legislative Review and Implementation of House Resolutions, Tebogo Modise (ANC). 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Five people nabbed for theft in Vryburg  


By REGINALD KANYANE 

Five individuals who were arrested for stealing goods in various shops in Vryburg remanded in custody. It is alleged that three women and two men were arrested by a team composed of Vryburg Crime Intelligence, K9 Unit and Visible Policing on 6 July 2024. 

According to North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police observed the accused’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Corolla following intelligence received that the occupants were allegedly stealing goods from various shops in Vryburg. Mokgwabone said the vehicle was subsequently stopped for a search. 

“As a result, the police found plastic bags containing new clothes, pairs of shoes and other goods with price tags, all worth R57 870. The accused, aged between 58 and 62, were arrested after failing to account for the goods.

“They are expected to appear in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2024, for continuation of bail application,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all the units involved in the operation for their collaboration and dedication that resulted in the tracking and arresting of the accused.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Suspects nabbed for being in possession of illegal firearms 


By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (32) was arrested for possession of illegal firearm in Reutlwile Zone 2, near Rustenburg. This comes after the Tlhabane Visible Policing and Designated Police Officer (DPO) working together with Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, conducted a search at an identified address at Reutlwile Informal settlement. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although that did not yield positive results, the operation continued with searches at two other addresses at Reutlwile Zone 2 and 3 respectively. Mokgwabone said in Zone 2, the police arrested a suspect after a silver 9mm pistol and four ammunition were found in his rented room.

“In Zone 3, a search conducted led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol, two magazines and 36 ammunition, but the owner produced a license. As part of enforcing the Liquor Act, 1989, the police seized an assortment of liquor and imposed R1500 fine to the owner of the firearm and the place for illegal dealing in liquor.

“In Mooinooi, near Brits, a crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect (43) on 12 July 2024, after the Brits Trio Task team operationalised intelligence. According to information, the team went to an identified address in Soshanguve Section in Majakaneg village, where they found the alleged suspect who informed the police that he sold the firearm,” he said. 

He further said that prompted the members to proceed to a mine hostel, where a man (43) was arrested after being found in possession of a firearm and two ammunition without a license. Mokgwabone added that both firearms will be subjected to ballistic tests.  

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Bafokeng and Brits Magistrate’s Courts respectively on 15 July 2024, for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the teams for their hard work and patience, which culminated in the removal of the firearms from the wrong hands.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

One of three suspects arrested for armed robbery


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man is set to appear in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery. It is alleged that the man and three accomplices entered a retail store at Matlosana Mall on 12 July 2024, at approximately 3pm. 

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they allegedly robbed the cell phone shop and cash, then fled on foot. Mokgwabone said the Mall security chased them and members of Tactical Response Team (TRT), who were outside the mall, spotted the suspects and managed to arrest one of them. 

“All cell phones were recovered. Investigation into the matter, including tracing of the other suspects, is underway,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved in the arrests for their alertness and quick reaction, which resulted in the successes. Kwena also thanked security officers for their efforts in the fight against crime.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four men who were nabbed for possession of firearm and ammunition remanded in custody


 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Four men who were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition were remanded in custody until 17 July 2024. The accused, Thembinkosi Mbatha (30), Motsaathebe Kopano (51), Gareng Dikgang (35) and Fikile Darala (51), briefly appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 10 July 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Darala, Dikgang and Mbatha, were arrested in Klerksdorp at around 9:50am on 8 July 2024, by the members of Tactical Response Team (TRT). 

“The arrests came after the members who were on patrol, spotted a Toyota Condor of which the occupants allegedly committed business robbery in Ottosdal. It is alleged that before coming to a halt, the occupants of the car threw out a firearm through the window. 

“During the search, the members found a magazine loaded with eight ammunition and two police appointment cards belonging to Motsaathebe Kopano.  The accused were then arrested and preliminary investigation revealed that Motsaathebe Kopano, is a former police officer, who was dismissed a few years ago,” he said.   

Mokgwabone further said at this stage, the possibility of the accused facing more charges cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved in the arrests for their alertness and quick reaction, which resulted in the successes. Kwena also thanked security officers for their efforts in the fight against crime. taungdailynews@gmail.com