Picture: Some of the suspected stolen goats/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The fight against crime in rural areas gained success after police arrested eight suspects in two separate incidents. In the first incident reported in the early hours of Friday, 19 July 2024, the police said they received a tip-off regarding a suspicious vehicle on the N14 road (between Ventersdorp and Carletonville).
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police in Klerkskraal assisted by Potchefstroom Flying Squad, managed to stop two taxi vehicles and arrested six suspects aged between 23 and 45, after they could not account for 30 sheep and 18 goats found inside the two taxis.
Myburgh further said they will appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2023, for being in possession of suspected stolen property. She added that, in another separate incident reported later on the same night, Boons police members on patrol on the R509 road (between Derby and Magaliesburg), noticed a suspicious Toyota Quantum taxi.
“The vehicle was stopped and two passengers jumped out of the vehicle and ran off, but police arrested two others. When searching inside the taxi, police found 37 goats and the suspects could not account for them.
“The duo aged 30 and 38, will appear before the Koster Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024, for possession of suspected stolen goats. In both these cases, the animals were not marked,” said Myburgh.
She said the police would once more urge farmers to mark their animals according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No 6 of 2002), because many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals. Myburgh said if an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided.
The National Press Club (NPC) has announced the election of its new Executive Committee (EXCO) for 2024/25. Kennedy Mudzuli editor/bureau Chief: Pretoria News, has been elected chairperson of the National Press Club. News24 journalist Belinda Pheto is the new deputy chairperson and Lali van Zuydam, research and communications associate at the Institute for Methods Innovation is the new treasurer.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) is Antoinette Slabbert, who is the senior financial journalist for Rapport Newspaper.
“I thank the outgoing committee for completing the rebuilding of the National Press Club after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of our valued sponsors the North West University and Absa, a solid foundation has been laid for future growth,’’ Mudzuli said.
The office bearers are joined by the following elected executive committee members, Mashudu Sadike, senior multimedia journalist (The Star, Saturday Star), Pieter Cloete, video journalist (Maroela Media), Aserie Ndlovu, producer and presenter @ Capital Live SA 99.0FM.
“Ananias Ndlovu, Naledi News editor, Mosidi Mokgele, PR and Marketing Consultant, Essence Consulting, Dineo Horner, (CPRP) Unisa: administrator (research, marketing and communication), Albi Modise, Snr executive: marketing and communications Gautrain Management Agency, William Baloyi, chief director: media engagement, GCIS,” he said.
Mudzuli further said the team will be supported by newly-appointed secretariat Ncobile Mahlangu. He added that they are excited by the skills and energy of this committee and believe they can deliver even more value to their members in the coming year.
“It is our mission to provide a platform where journalists and communication professionals can interact and build the networks that are core to our industry. The National Press Club is the biggest organisation of its kind in South Africa, representing working journalists and communication professionals. It recently celebrated its 46th year of existence,” said Mudzuli.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko congratulated Nwabisa Makunga on her election as Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF). Diko said she believes that Makunga is the perfect fit to lead SANEF following her role as Deputy Chairperson and her vast experience in the newsroom leadership.
“We look forward to working with SANEF on strengthening the relationship between the state and media. SANEF plays a critical role in ensuring media transformation in form and content, fighting against misinformation and disinformation, as well as fostering collective understanding of the media ethics and issues affecting the media sector broadly.
“SANEF describes itself as the watchdog for freedom of expression and press freedom, whereby it advances for quality in journalism and campaigns for ethics and diversity in South Africa’s media,” she said.
Picture: lecturer in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), Cobus Steenkamp/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has seen the majority of its ministries experiencing a change in leadership, with the Ministry of Police now being led by Minister Senzo Mchunu, with deputy ministers, Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo.
It is a new dawn and, according to Cobus Steenkamp, a lecturer in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), the ideal opportunity for the ministry to invest in the professionalisation of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and also in private sector security organisations.
Steenkamp further said it is an area he feels that has been grossly neglected. He added that the number of personnel in the employ of the SAPS, who hold tertiary-education bursaries is disproportionately small compared to the total number of employees.
“More SAPS members should be encouraged and helped to pursue further tertiary qualifications. Considering that the SAPS has a personnel strength of 179 502 and that in the 2022 academic year, there were only 404 continuous tertiary-education bursary holders.
“Only 276 new bursary applicants received bursaries between 2022 and 2023. It means that just 0,004% of SAPS personnel are tertiary-education bursary holders. We need closer cooperation between the SAPS training institutions and universities that provide police-related qualifications,” said Steenkamp.
He said currently, only one meeting takes place annually between the SAPS head office and attending universities, which is too few. Steenkamp said furthermore, policing within the broader field of public administration is an evolving area of academic interest and close relationships are therefore necessary for relevant police-related curriculum development.
“Funding needs to be made available for conferences with the intention to develop police-related academic discourses, as well as to facilitate networking with practitioners.
“Policy development regarding promotions within the SAPS that specifically acknowledges tertiary-education qualifications as an element of career development, career enhancement and promotion must also be put centre stage,” he said.
Steenkamp said then there is the question of how to integrate the technological advances of the fourth and fifth Industrial Revolutions into SAPS units, where applicable. He said he advocates the provision of funds for relevant research projects relating to the application of technologies, that SAPS units should be provided easy access to relevant academic and operational research, and that the SAPS needs to be provided with a budget for pilot studies to be undertaken at unit and station or department level.
“Another issue to be addressed is that of marketing and promotion. There is an undeniable need to include tertiary education and the benefits of personal development into the orientation programmes of new trainees at the various police academies, as well as at the provincial training institutions within the SAPS structure.
“Lastly, there is a concern of career development. The ministry needs to provide opportunities for SAPS personnel to attend career fairs at universities to equip themselves with information on the programmes in policing that are available, and allow university personnel specialising in career guidance – for example, from the NWU – to visit SAPS training institutions to assist police officers in their decision-making on further studies” said Steenkamp.
He said the ministry must also include programme information on police studies provided by universities in internal career development programmes, as well as at SAPS career centres.
A suspect (30) was arrested for the alleged murder of her ex-boyfriend (40) in Dihatshwane village, outside Mahikeng on Friday morning. It is alleged that on 18 July 2024, the deceased called and invited the suspect over to his residence.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on her arrival, a conflict allegedly ensued. Myburgh further said the suspect allegedly strangled the victim and stabbed him on his chest.
“She then fled the scene. However, after informing a family member the next morning, the police were informed. After the discovery of the deceased, the suspect was arrested and is expected to make her first appearance on a charge of murder before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024,” she added.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the Mahikeng police for their quick response that led to this arrest.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo said he had noted the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ’s) ruling on the occupation of Palestine by Israel, declaring Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territory as amounting to annexation.
Mahumapelo said the ICJ made the ruling on 19 July 2024, in Hague that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and should come to an end “as rapidly as possible”. He further said the President of the ICJ read out the non-binding advisory opinion issued by the 15-judge panel on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
“The judges pointed to a wide list of policies – including the building and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, use of the area’s natural resources, the annexation and imposition of permanent control over lands and discriminatory policies against Palestinians – all of which it said violated international law.
“The court said Israel is violating international laws against acquiring territory by force and is impeding Palestinians’ right to self-determination. The ICJ said other nations were obliged not to “render aid or assistance in maintaining” Israel’s presence in the territory,” he said.
Mahumapelo added that it said Israel must end settlement construction immediately and existing settlements must be removed, according to a summary of the more than 80-page opinion read out by the President. He said the committee has noted the ICJ’s ruling on Israel for its occupation of Palestine.
“We have noted the ruling as a progressive and historic development and wish for more progressive and binding resolutions that will liberate the people of Palestine from the violence and aggression of Israel,” said Mahumapelo.
Picture: Police conducting stop and searches during raids/Supplied
BY OBAKENG MAJE
A 62-YEAR-OLD suspect was arrested for illegal liquor trading. On 19 July 2024, police in the John Taolo Gaetswe (JTG) District, conducted high density operations together with Provincial Pro-Active Policing, the Department of Home Affairs and Traffic Department.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the disruptive actions included stop and searches, road blocks, visits to malls and shopping complexes. Shemane said intelligence-driven information was followed up and executed.
“During the execution of the operation, police arrested 53 undocumented persons and various premises were searched in Mahore Park, Bankhara/Bodulong. A premises was searched in Seoding Weg, where drugs with an estimated street value of R2 800, were confiscated,” he said.
Shemane further said this resulted in the arrest of a foreign national (45) for possession of drugs. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at scrap yards and second-hand goods dealer (27) was fined R1500.
“During the roadblock conducted on the N14, 187 vehicles and 329 persons were stopped and searched. Fines for various traffic violations amounting to R26 400 were issued.
“On the R31 road, 85 vehicles and 53 persons were stopped and searched, and fines amounting to R5000 were issued. Sixteen Daily wanted suspects were traced and arrested and various dangerous weapons were confiscated,” said Shemane.
He said the high density operation will continue unabatedly in an attempt to squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
Picture: Some of winners at North West Media Awards
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The much-anticipated 2024 North West Media Awards (NWMA) nominees were announced in Rustenburg on 16 July 2024. The NWMA founder and organiser, Ananius Ndlovu said the awards, which are now in their 6th year, continue to grow with a total of 682 nominations received and 208 nominees shortlisted.
Ndlovu said the nominees represent a wide array of media outlets, including individuals, newspapers, radio stations, private sector and government institutions. He further expressed his excitement about the continued growth of the awards and the encouraging support from investors, partners, and sponsors.
“The North West Media Awards are becoming bigger and better each year. We are thrilled to see a significant number of nominees from community media, highlighting the vital role they play in our society.
“This year’s awards feature 16 categories, with seven categories to be judged and nine categories open to public voting. The judging and voting periods will run from 1 August 2024 to 30 November 2024. The grand awards ceremony will take place at the Orion Safari Hotel in Rustenburg on 6 December 2024,” he said.
Ndlovu added that they invite everyone to participate in the voting process and support their favourite nominees.
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi said he will convene a broader stakeholder engagement within 14 days, which will be followed by the community meeting. This comes after local residents closed the municipal offices complaining about lack of employment opportunities, maladministration, nepotism and other service delivery related issues.
Molapisi further said the consultative engagement will give feedback to the community on the issues they raised.
“We have met with the political leadership of Tswaing Local Municipality led by mayor, Norah Mahlangu and representatives of the community in an effort to address concerns raised by the community. It is in the best interest of the community to allow members of the community access to the municipality in order to receive much needed services.
“We are serious about bringing stability to all municipalities. Our interventions and support here at Tswaing and elsewhere, should be supported by all and sundry,” he said.
Molapisi added that it is a demonstration enough for their commitment to service delivery and proper municipal governance.
Picture: Missing James Mogotsi Mmolotsane/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The police in Phokeng request the community’s assistance in locating James Mogotsi Mmolotsane (23), who is residing at Mafenya Rasimone Section in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Mmolotsane was last seen by his mother on 12 July 2024, when he left home to buy cigarettes at a local tuckshop with his dog.
“Three days later, the dog returned, but Mmolotsane never did. A search was conducted around the township and surrounding areas of Phokeng without any success. Furthermore, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a mustard jacket and light brown trousers. He is dark in complexion, with a slender build body,1.6m tall and has black hair,” she said.
Myburgh further said anyone with information regarding Mmolotsane’s whereabouts, can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya of Phokeng Detectives on (014) 566 1700 or 073 801 7173. She added that those who have information can go to the nearest police station.
“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Myburgh.
Picture: Some of dagga confiscated by police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A woman (48) was arrested for dealing in drugs. This comes after the members from Crime Intelligence in ZF Mgacwu District received a tip-off pertaining to the storage of drugs at a premises in Rosedale.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said on Friday, a tactical intelligence operation was executed at the identified address on Friday.
“This was done in conjunction with crime intelligence and Upington Border Police. On arrival, a suspect was found on the premises and a search was conducted in her presence. The search led to the discovery of dagga to an estimated value of R42 525,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and urged the community to report drug-related activities in order to aid the police in the eradication of drugs in the province. Otola said this will ensure that dealers are brought to book.
The Guardian 