A shop owner (44) briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 July 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of a man (19). It is alleged that a couple from Masenkeng Section in Oukasie Township, near Brits, saw Nhlakanipho Ndwandwe lying unconscious with multiple injuries on their driveway at around 7:30am on 1 July 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said they then called the police. Funani said upon arrival, the police summoned an ambulance and the victim was transported to a local hospital.
“A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was registered. The case was later changed to murder after the police received a phone call that the victim died. As part of the investigation, the police looked for the people who were last seen with the victim.
“Consequently, one of the suspects’ friend who was also assaulted, disclosed what occurred early that day. The suspect was ultimately arrested on Monday evening, 1 July 2024, at his shop and was charged with murder. The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and unidentified accomplices assaulted the victims after accusing them of robbing people who visit his shop,” she said.
Funani further said more arrests are imminent.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Brits Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspects. Kwena also thanked the community for working together with the police to ensure justice.
He added: “I gave instruction that no stone should be left unturned to ensure that everyone involved is put behind bars.”
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 13: General view of participants and activities during the SA Rugby Get Into Rugby Festival at Voorbrug Sport Field on September 13, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The 2024 edition of the nationwide grassroots, get into Rugby (GIR) programme targeted at children aged 6 to 13 is officially underway and heads to the Free State province on 18 July 2024. A festival event, two days before the world champions’ Test Match against Portugal in Bloemfontein, will take place to officially mark the return of the Engen-sponsored Get into Rugby season.
The grassroots rugby initiative saw 244 788 boys and girls play the game across all nine provinces of the country in 2023, touching the lives of 114 281 boys and 130 507 girls, who might previously have never experienced organised sport, let alone rugby. The programme also offers young, aspirant rugby coaches, both male and female, an opportunity to develop their rugby coaching skills – a key aspect that aligns with Engen Sports’ values of creating a holistic platform for youth sport development.
Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro said that Engen was looking forward to another season of impacting and contributing to the growth of rugby in South Africa through the programme.
“The Engen Get Into Rugby programme is quite important to Engen due to its unique ability to reach children at grassroots level. Over the years, sport has proven to be a fundamental aspect of the growth of children.
“As proud sponsors of this programme, Engen takes pride in contributing to a unique platform that encourages not only sport development, but the holistic development of the children to ensure that rugby and society benefit from well-groomed future rugby players,” said Tiro.
The festival in Bloemfontein will be visited by Springbok players to add inspiration and impetus to the young players, while Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, emphasised the importance of providing new experiences and opportunities to young people.
“The Get Into Rugby programme has successfully introduced hundreds of thousands of children to rugby and sport over the many years and we’re grateful for Engen’s continued support. This programme is the first rung on a ladder which leads to our men’s and women’s Springbok teams. But, as much as that, it offers an opportunity to play organised sport for many children who would not ever have the chance to experience it,” said Oberholzer.
Note: Get into Rugby is a nationwide grassroots rugby initiative operated under the auspices of SA Rugby and is a brainchild of World Rugby in its strategy of growing the game globally through encouraging players of all ages to try, play and stay in rugby.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players during the COSAFA Cup
By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana defeated Eswatini at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqheberha with a score of 1-0. The team, led by Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, secured the win through an early goal from Thabang Sibanyoni in the third minute.
Despite this victory, they were unable to progress to the semifinals of the COSAFA Cup after finishing second in Group A with five points, behind leaders Mozambique. The tournament rules stipulate that only the three group winners and the best-placed second team can advance to the semifinals.
Mkhalele expressed pride in his players, highlighting their efforts, character, and humility. Even though the team did not make it to the knockout stage, he commended them for their performance against Eswatini.
“The main goal of participating in the regional event was to develop a larger pool of players and further SAFA’s long-term vision. My pride is in the players and the valuable lessons they learned during their matches against Mozambique, Botswana, and Eswatini.
“The tournament provided an opportunity to identify players who could potentially contribute to the senior Bafana Bafana team for World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under head coach, Hugo Broos,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said he aims to strengthen partnerships within the agricultural sector. Sambatha met with Organised Agricultural Associations/Unions on 1 July 2024, and the purpose of the meeting was to identify the challenges within the farming communities.
He further said his department will positively contribute towards enhancing efforts of improving food security and addressing the triple challenges that affect the province. Sambatha added that he would like to work with solution-oriented stakeholders to improve services to the farmers of the province during the 7th administration.
“Working together with all stakeholders to form sectoral contributions will assist the department and its associations to perform very well for food production, we need each other to make a better contribution to the economy of the North West.
“We acknowledge the appointments of both the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso. The mobilization of agricultural associations with all their contributions to work together will form part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in attempts to boost the sector, expand production, grow the economy and create employment,” he said.
Sambatha said he will additionally engage with all stakeholders of the department around the province for a meet and greet session in the coming weeks to kick-start planning for the new administration.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari with his staff/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said his department is one of the most important portfolios. Lehari said therefore, he encourages managers to work together and to always be on time when responding to challenges.
He further said as a hands-on leader, he also encouraged managers to proactively conduct oversight visits to all health facilities across the province. Lehari added that his immediate task will be to engage on support visit to health facilities.
“I have started his engagements with the management of the Department on 2 July 2024, during the Departmental Management Meeting held at Mmabatho Palms Resort in Mahikeng. This introductory session was also used to brief me on various programmes of the department and the men and women entrusted with the responsibility.
“I assured the management of commitment to health delivery and sound working relationship. When I work with people, I like peace because peace brings stability and stability brings unity. So, people should not have fear of the unknown just because there is a change in the administration,” he said.
Lehari also expounded on his ‘style of leadership’, which is people oriented. He said people who are leading must bring change and there should be no stress on people whom they are leading and they will be productive.
“There were only four programmes in my previous portfolio, while the North West Department of Health has eight huge programmes,” said Lehari.
A man (50) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for attempted murder. On 2 December 2023, Letlhogonolo Sejake went to his ex-girlfriend’s house with whom he has two children.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said when Sejake arrived at his former lover’s home fuelled by the rage of jealousy that she had moved on, started to attack her with an axe. Senokoatsane said while attacking the victim, their son (6), was also injured in the process.
“During the trial, the court heard how the accused, who could not accept that their relationship was over, went on a drinking spree and later decided to detour to the complainants’ house because he heard she had a new boyfriend.
“In arguing the state’s case, the state prosecutor, Kekeletso Lokota, put it to the court that domestic-related assaults leading to loss of life were rife and a clear message needed to be sent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) that courts are serious about fighting the scourge of GBVF-related cases,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said Sejake was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with 5 years suspended and 6 years for assault GBH. He added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a fire.
“The sentences are to run concurrently and Sejake’s name will also be listed as someone unfit to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act,” said Senokoatsane
The Department of Social Development said it is concerned about alcohol as the first drug of choice by young people. Recently, South Africa joined the world to commemorate World Drug Day.
The theme for World Drug Day 2024 is: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.
The department spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant said drugs not only destroy lives, but also disrupt communities, fuel crime and weaken economies. Oliphant said according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise.
“The World Drug Day highlights the global commitment needed to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking through education, support, and rehabilitation. The day underscores the necessity of international cooperation as drug trafficking is a trans-national challenge that requires a coordinated response from governments, organisations, and individuals.
“The theme teaches countries the importance of understanding that effective drug policies need to be grounded in science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights. The day also emphasizes a thorough comprehension of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug use,” she said.
Oliphant further said the World Drug Day 2024 also emphasises the importance of ending stigma and strengthening prevention efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She added that can be achieved by uniting globally and prioritizing compassion and education and making significant strides toward a drug-free world.
“Individuals can contribute to the commemoration of this day by spreading awareness, supporting local prevention and rehabilitation programs, participating in community events, and advocating for policies that address drug abuse and trafficking.
“The 2024 Commemoration was preceded by a National Anti-Drug Awareness week, which commenced from 18-22 June 2024. During that week, it was critical for the department to lead various activities in all provinces to highlight the harmful use, abuse, misuse of alcohol and drugs,” said Oliphant.
She said they have initiated a forum led by the Liquor Board to regularly engage traders and the communities on pressing matters such as illegal shebeens that are mushrooming uncontrollably. Oliphant said the crime rate is associated with substance abuse such as the selling of drugs and other harmful substances outside some taverns.
“Young people cited boredom, peer pressure and easy access to drugs and alcohol as some of the major challenges present in their community. They asked parents to actively support initiatives that educate everyone about the risks associated with substance abuse, advocating for a proactive approach to community wellness.
“The department is concerned that alcohol remains the first drug of choice for young people and the policy of Prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) will be finalised for tabling to cabinet for approval. The policy seeks to empower the country to deal with the abuse of alcohol, especially by children and replace effective policies with evidence-based policies,” said Oliphant.
She said the significance of World Drug Day 2024, lies in its ability to raise awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Social Work Policy Manager at the National Department of Social Development, Motshabi Nkoane, has raised a concern on the high level of alcohol abuse in South Africa, especially, amongst young people which includes binge drinking.
“Substance abuse is not a department issue alone and therefore, all relevant stakeholders, including, councillors, traditional leadership and communities, should be involved to fight the scourge of substance abuse as stipulated in the National Drug Master Plan, which is the overarching blueprint of the country’s response to substance abuse,” she said.
Picture: World renowned broadcaster, Stephen Grootes/Google
By BAKANG MOKOTO
World renowned broadcaster, Stephen Grootes has re-joined Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk. The former SABC’s SAfm host tendered his resignation on Tuesday.
The former senior political correspondent for Eyewitness News, who was also a senior contributor at the Daily Maverick also confirmed this on his official X account (formerly known as Twitter).
“It has been the honour of my professional life to speak to the entire nation every morning over the last six years, and I have learnt an incredible amount from presenting SAfm Sunrise. I will deeply miss the Sunrise team, our listeners and particularly our callers,” he said.
Grootes is regarded as an individual with an encyclopaedic knowledge of South African politics and well-connected within media and political circles.
Meanwhile, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing), Mmoni Seapolelo said they regret to inform SAfm listeners and clients about the imminent departure of Stephen Grootes from the station at the end of July 2024, to pursue a new career opportunity.
“SABC Radio management thanks him for his loyal service and impeccable work ethic and wishes him well in his future endeavours. A new presenter for ‘SAfm Sunrise’ will be announced in due course,” she said.
The Northern Cape police said Operation Shanela remains intentional and continues to stamp down the authority of the state during weekly disruptive actions. This comes after the arrests of 336 suspects for an array of criminal offences across all five districts in the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said they have intensified police operations with specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas and they have endured multitude of successes.
Kock said actions and police activities executed during the operations, include vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.
“More than 44 VCPs and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2643 vehicles and 6369 persons were stopped and searched. A total of 13 731 police actions were executed and included compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, school visits as well as farms.
“Numerous awareness campaigns focusing on safer schools programmes and campaigns educating the community and youth on safety aspects, were conducted,” he said.
Kock further said the Northern Cape Provincial Community Policing Board, also conducted sessions in Calvinia, Springbok and Upington. He added that the suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, stock theft, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property and dealing and possession of drugs.
“This includes arrested for dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants, as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act. Out of 336 total arrests, 148 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences.
“The arrests were executed during tracing operations by detectives in the five districts. Disruptive actions focusing on the illegal trading in liquor resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal liquor outlets and other hot spot crime areas. Numerous illegal liquor outlets were closed down during interventions,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that the police will continue to robustly and vigorously prevent and combat crime. Otola also commended all the law enforcement agencies and external stakeholders, including the CPF structures for their concerted efforts in addressing crime collaboratively in the province.
Two men aged 28 were arrested for rape and house robbery. It is alleged that during the evening of Monday, 24 June 2024, at about 7pm, the woman arrived at her place of residence from a local store.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said while she was busy unlocking the door, she was allegedly accosted by two men, who both brandished knives. Pilane further said the suspects allegedly threatened her not to scream and forced her to comply at knife point.
“Both assailants took turns raping her and after the incident instructed her to bath. The two suspects then ransacked the victim’s flat and allegedly took cell phones, a laptop, and clothes belonging to her, locked her inside and fled the scene.
“She managed to call for help from the neighbours and the incident was later reported to the police. On 28 June 2024, one of the suspects was spotted wearing shoes belonging to the victim and was arrested,” she said.
Pilane further said the second suspect was later arrested and both positively linked to the crime. She added that both suspects briefly appeared in the De Aar Magistrate’s Court on 1 July 2024.
“We urge individuals to follow safety tips to keep them safe from becoming rape victims. They should always be aware of their surroundings. They should avoid being alone in isolated places and if possible, always have a safety buddy.
“Avoid being alone with people you do not know or trust. Always inform someone close of your whereabouts and avoid excessive use of alcohol,” said Pilane.
The Guardian 