Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will present the department’s 2024/25 budget speech at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday. Morweng spokesperson, Charles Matlou said this will be in line with key areas of priority that the department will focus on, in order to render better services to the people of the North West Province.
“The speech will also highlight significant progress registered by the department from the previous financial year,” he said.
North West Premiere Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Provincial Council on Aids, wished the North West delegation well as they leave for Germany to attend the 25th International Aids Conference.
The North West delegation, led by MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Basetsana Dantjie, will attend the 25th International Aids Conference (AIDS 2024) in Germany from 22-26 July 2024 in Munich, Germany.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said the primary objective of the conference is to advance the HIV response and share innovative and scientific methods in accelerating access to HIV services to all people across the world. Tatai further said as the world’s largest conference on HIV/AIDS, it brings together scientists, policy makers, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media, and communities to further develop strategies aimed at fighting HIV-AIDS.
“Since its inception in 1985, the conference has served as a platform centred on strengthening policies and programmes that ensure an evidence-based response to HIV related epidemics.
“Delegates will also share knowledge, best practices and lessons learnt from the HIV response over the past forty years, as well as COVID-19, MPOX and other public health threats to strategically develop a unified and equitable response to the pandemic,” he added.
Picture: Seven accused persons on Manthe arson case
By OBAKENG MAJE
The trial on Manthe arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been completed. The case has been postponed to 29 August 2024, for heads of argument before judgement.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested by the police in July 2022, during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Picture: Former senior manager of Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality set to appear in court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former Senior Manager at Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality in Ganyesa, was arrested along with her partner for alleged corruption. The suspect (37) and her partner (39), were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Brits on Friday.
According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the duo’s arrest emanates from an investigation into allegations of corruption in the awarding of a tender to supply and deliver eight laptops for the municipality.
“Investigation revealed that a senior municipal official allegedly awarded her alleged partner’s company a tender to the tune of R185 000 to supply and deliver the laptops.
“Further probe uncovered that the tender was awarded to a bidder with the highest quotation to other bidders. In March 2018, the municipality reportedly paid a company belonging to the municipal official’s partner an amount of R185 000,” he said.
Mathebula further said upon receiving the funds, the alleged partner to the municipal official, allegedly transferred an amount of R150 000 to a company belonging to his partner, the municipal official. He added that the pair has been charged with corruption and will appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024.
Picture: Some of undocumented immigrants arrested/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
More than 60 undocumented immigrants were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and other crimes during weekend operations that commenced on Friday. The suspects were nabbed by the multi-disciplinary teams comprising the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue undoubtedly to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts in the Northern Cape.
“The teams’ actions and activities included visibility patrols, stop and searches and raids at specified addresses. The team in the Frances Baard District, pounced on construction sites and detained 35 undocumented immigrants of whom 24 were verified and processed for court.
“The team further arrested suspects for illegal mining and traced wanted suspects who have been evading court proceedings,” he said.
Sam said in the Namakwa District, the police received a tip-off regarding illegal mining activities in the Sizamile Informal Settlement in Port Nolloth and detained 22 undocumented immigrants. He said suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs as well as contravention of the mining statutes.
“Several suspects were also fined under the Road Traffic Management Act. The teams confiscated numerous mining implements believed to be utilised in the commission of these crimes. Undocumented suspects are detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation and all those arrested for other crimes will be presented to Court soon.
“The police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, will continue to stamp their authority in clamping down on illegal mining and other related crimes. If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
Basadi In Music Awards organisers said they are thrilled to announce their partnership with the Creative Arts Directorate a division of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation for skills transfer program, which is aimed at nurturing the next generation of musical, entertainment and creative talent in South Africa.
Basadi In Music Awards CEO, Hloni Modise-Matau said the collaboration will see the launch of two workshops, which will focus on women passionate about working in the production space in industries such as sound engineering, stage management, lighting and behind the camera to name but a few.
“Fifteen candidates will be selected for a paid internship, where they will be granted an opportunity to work at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards happening on 10 August 2024, receiving a stipend of R3000 each.
“The programme forms an integral part of Basadi in Music Awards and its pillar of being more than just an award ceremony, but a platform that creates opportunities for the queens in the music industry. Candidates will also get a letter of recommendation from Basadi in Music Awards,” she said.
Modise-Matau further said the workshop will happen on 6 August 2024 at Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre from 10am until 2pm. She added that, additionally the program will include a development showcase, where 8 artists will be called to perform and showcase their craft granting them exposure, experience and be given a stipend.
The Head of Department (HOD) of the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, China Mashinini said: “I am thrilled to see the launch of our partnership with Basadi In Music Awards and the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation under the Creative Arts Directorate.
“This initiative is a significant step in bridging the skills gap and creating opportunities for our talented women in the production and entertainment industries. By offering technical skills workshops and hands-on experience, we are empowering young women to become leaders in their fields and contributing to the vibrant future of the arts in South Africa.”
Mashinini said they are committed to supporting such transformative programs that uplift the communities and celebrate the creative talents of their people.
Meanwhile, an actress, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said she is immensely proud and excited to be part of this transformative partnership with Basadi In Music Awards and the Creative Arts Directorate. Nduneni-Ngema said this collaboration underscores their commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities and empowering the next generation of talented women in the production and entertainment industries.
“By providing hands-on experience and skill-building workshops, we are not only fostering future leaders but also ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in South Africa. We look forward to witnessing the incredible growth and achievements of these aspiring professionals.
“I am very excited about this partnership. This is the first time we are supported by the government and this is a project close to my heart because skills transfer is an important pillar of Basadi in Music,” she said.
Nduneni-Ngema said she is excited for the candidates that will work at Basadi In Music Awards, as they will receive the tools they need to look for employment. She said they live in a country where experience is the main thing industries look for and she is super proud that they will be able to provide that to these young women.
Picture: Some of stolen items recovered by police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Three suspects aged between 24 and 36 were arrested for house-breaking, theft and possession of stolen property. On 19 July 2024, the De Aar Public Order Police was conducting crime prevention operations in De Aar when they received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly selling an amplifier and sound mix in a Nonzwakazi residential area.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane swiftly responded and allegedly found the suspects in possession of the suspected stolen items. Shemane said the vehicle used in the commission of the crime was also confiscated by the police.
“In an unrelated business burglary and theft case in Prieska, the complainant reported that upon her arrival at her place of work situated in the industrial area in Prieska, she discovered that the bathroom window of the business premises was open.
“The complainant discovered that items such as tools and other valuable items were missing and subsequently reported the incident to the police. On 20 July 2024, members of Prieska Crime Prevention, followed up on information regarding possible suspects, which led to the arrest of three suspects between the ages of 18 and 26,” he said.
Shemane further said investigation by the crime prevention members, led to the arrest of a fourth suspect (35), for possession of suspected stolen property. He added that the police recovered all the stolen property.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the De Aar and Prieska Magistrate Courts, respectively. 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,” said Shemane.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said that the dismissal of a senior instructor at the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Philippi Training Academy on allegations of rape against a female trainee, is a good start to rid SAPS of members exposing themselves to misconduct and crime.
In response to a letter sent by Cameron, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has informed the Chairperson that a disciplinary process was concluded, which recommended the dismissal of the senior instructor.
“The dismissal of the disgraced instructor is a strong indication of the drive to root out criminals within the SAPS. It is also a strong message that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will not be tolerated within the SAPS and in the country in general.
“The need for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conclude the investigation to ensure effective prosecution of the matter. While the officer has been arrested and is now out on bail, the completion of the investigation is critical to ensure that effective prosecution happens,” he said.
Cameron further said the Committee has identified the fight against GBV as one of its critical areas of focus for the 7thparliament and is committed to ensuring effective oversight over the work of the SAPS as it relates to the scourge of GBV in the country.
He added that it is unacceptable that those in positions of authority can abuse financial resources and trainees and every effort must be made to hold those in power accountable.
“The speedy conclusion of the investigation will go a long way in efforts to reclaim the credibility of the SAPS. The Committee has confidence in the Minister of Police’s efforts to root out corrupt elements within the SAPS,” said Cameron.
Meanwhile, on allegations of criminality and mismanagement at the Philippi Training Academy, the Minister has assured the Chairperson that the allegations are being investigated and feedback will be provided in due course.
Picture: The community of Vaaltyn barricading the entrance with tree branches/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
Three suspects aged between 38 and 55, were arrested by the police for public violence. This comes after an alleged disagreement between a mine employer and a self-elected unrecognised committee, led to a gathering at Robega village in Chaneng, near Phokeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said during the meeting, employees who wanted to report for work were allegedly threatened and compelled to abstain from going to work. Myburgh said furthermore, numerous cases were opened after employees, who went to work, were shot at and their property (mostly vehicles) were damaged.
“These incidents led to the establishment of a task team, consisting of Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit and Phokeng Detectives. After information was gathered, warrants of arrests were obtained and operationalized on 19 July 2024.
“Two suspects were traced by the task team, assisted by Vala Umgodi members at a mine in Phokeng and arrested. A third suspect handed himself over to the police in Rustenburg. The suspects will appear before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on charges of public violence on 22 July 2024,” she said.
Myburgh further said more arrests are imminent. She added that anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation, can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kabelo Kwele on 079 173 0679.
“Anonymous tip offs can be reported on Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the mySAPS app from your smartphone,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the team for their dedication and hard work that led to this success. Kwena said the police will continue to ensure the safety of workers, who contribute to the economy of the country.
Picture: One of the firearms confiscated by police/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (41) briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms. Isaac Matlhaki was arrested after the police received a tip-off.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police operationalised ther information and that led them to a house in Extension 14 in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on 17 July 2024.
“The police found the accused in the premises and searched the house. Two firearms were allegedly discovered of which the serial numbers were filed off, leading to his immediate arrest.
“He was remanded in custody until 29 July 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the police will not be successful without the community being the eyes and ears of the police.
The Guardian 