Daily Archives: August 19, 2024

“No intelligence-led strategy to fight gang-related crimes”

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said he has sent a letter to the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, requesting to get an update on the internal investigation following the Judgement of 17 March 2022, by Daniel Thulare that raised serious concerns of possible infiltration of the South African Police Service (SAPS) by gangs in the Western Cape.

Following the assurance made on 1 December 2023 to the 6th Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, the internal investigation has been long standing and assertions made in that judgement have a far reaching impact on the credibility of the SAPS to deal effectively with gang violence in the area.

“The continued violence and murders in the Cape Flats and the lethargic response by the SAPS seem to give credence to the assertions made in the Thulare Judgement. The finalisation of that investigation and the prosecution of officers identified to have worked with the gangs is necessary to curtail the violence in the area.

“There is a concern regarding the continued gang violence in the Cape Flats, where this weekend alone, a number of incidents of murder and attempted murder happened. The continued violence in the Cape Flats requires coordinated, proactive and intelligence led interventions,” he said.

Cameron further said the violence in the Cape Flats this past weekend is symptomatic of the deficiencies within the SAPS operations in the area, which require re-imagination of the interventions to ensure safety and security of the people of the area. He added that it is simply unacceptable and unfair for the people of the Cape Flats that they continue to be subjected to lethargic, haphazard approaches currently followed by the SAPS in the area.

“The finalisation of that investigation will assist to root out rogue elements within the SAPS and give the people hope that operations to deal effectively with gang violence are being implemented.

“There is no single solution to the violence and currently, the SAPS are seemingly operating without a tangible intelligence-led strategy, minimal proactive and limited disruptive and deterrence operations in the area,” said Cameron.

He said that has led to a dangerous environment conducive for criminal activity. According to Cameron, the Thulare Judgement that highlighted the possible infiltration of the SAPS by gangs in the Western Cape, has not been responded to adequately by SAPS management and this directly impacts the morale of the ethical police officers in the area.

“Furthermore, the lack of intelligence operatives undermines the work of the SAPS in the area. As a result, I am of the considered view that an update on the investigation is necessary and that the SAPS management must put plans in place to disrupt the scourge of crime in the area.

“We are also concerned by the brutal killing of six people in Umlazi Township, outside Durban on Saturday. The scourge of murders in the country highlighted the concern with the proliferation of illegal firearms countrywide. The majority of murders are perpetrated using illegal firearms and the SAPS management must intensify operations aimed at removing these firearms from the streets,” he said.

Cameron calls on the SAPS management to intensify investigations to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and prosecuted. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Porojeke ya metsi e tsweletse kwa Kolong

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Porojeke ya metsi e tsweletse kwa Kolong  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Porojeke ya dimilione di feta R80m e eneng ya puagangwa ke rakonteraka wa Phala Borwa le Amawakawaka, e tsweletse. Se se tla morago ga gore masepala wa Sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, o kgaogane le rakonteraka wa Phala Borwa le Amawakawaka, mme o ile wa thapa rakontereka o montsha wa Ultimate Dynamic.

Bontsi jwa baagi, ba ile ba tlhalosa fa tlhokego ya metsi jaanong ele selo-modiro kwa metseng ya bone. Baagi ba, ba tlhalositse fa ba patelesega go tsamaya dikilometara di feta 10 go ka bona metsi. Ene ya re mo dikgweding tse di fetileng, baagi ba kwa motseng wa Kolong, ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto le go thibela ditsela ka dikala tsa ditlhare, ga mmogo le makgetlhe, ba ipelaetsa kgatlhanong le tlhokego ya metsi.

Kgabagare, go ya ka molekgotlha kwa masepaleng wa Sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, yo ebileng ele leloko la kabinete ya ga majoro, mme a ikarabela ka tsa mafaratlhatlha, Pico Seepamere are ba itumetse thata go ka itsise baagi ba kwa metseng e tshwana le Manthe, Kolong, Mothanthanyaneng, Sekhing le metse e mabapi gore e se kgale ba tla be ba nwa metsi, mme ba siele ba bangwe.  

“Ke tla netefatsa gore ke nnete dirori tsa konteraka ya Ultimate Dynamic, di setse di gorogile kwa lefelong la porojeke. Ba simolotse go dira, mme re dumalane le bone gore pele ga Sedimonthole 2024, ba be ba setse ba neetse bagaetsho metsi. Bone ke dikomponi tse dikgolo, mme ra ba tshepang.

“O tla gopola gore re ile ra nna le matsapa mabapi le konteraka ya Phala Borwa le ya Mawakawaka, mo ebile re ile ra tshwanelwa ke go khutlhisa konteraka ya bone. Jaanong, re semeletse mme re ikuela go ba garona ba ba tlileng ba nna le di kontereka tse dinnye (sub-contractors), go ka iponatsa,” Seepamere wa tlhalosa.

Seepamere are ba rata go leboga tirisano-mmogo e ba e boneng go batsaya-karolo botlhe. Are mme ba na le tshepo ya gore leshekere la tlhokego ya metsi e tlile go nna selo sa maloba kwa metseng e farologaneng mono Taung.

“Re tla tlhalosa gape gore botlhe ba baneng ba sa duelwa madi a bone a neng a saletse kwa morago, ba setse ba duetswe. Ba baneng ba sa duelwa, ke bo rakonteraka ba bannye (sub-contractors), mme dithulaganyo di tsweletse gore ba lefiwe moputso wa bone.

“Tota wa itse gore tiro e tshaba diatla. Jaanong, re tlile go tswelela fela jalo ka tirisano mmogo. Re lebogela tirisano-mmogo ya magosi, ga mmogo le balekgotlha ba ba farologaneng, ba ba tshotseng karolo. Re tla tswelela fela jalo ka go netefatsa gore re lwa ntwa e ya tlhokego ya metsi, mme kwa bofelong baagi ba rona ba nwe metsi,” Seepamere wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police looking for a missing person

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Missing Gladness Zeldred Horne/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The police are requesting assistance in locating Gladness Zeldred Horne (25), who went missing in Kimberley. Horne is originally from De Aar, but was visiting family in Utility, Kimberley, and was last seen on 15 August 2024 at 8pm.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Horne is apparently mentally impaired, approximately 1.6m tall, with short black hair, brown eyes and was wearing pink pajamas.

“The family reported her missing over the weekend and requested anyone with information to please contact Detective Constable JR Webb on 079 212 7682. The investigation continues.

“The police remind the public that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Over 800 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offenses between 12 and 18 August 2024. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.

This also includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, of the 828 arrested, 288 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 388 were held during Detectives suspect raiding operations.  

“Additionally, 102 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.

“They were also effected during a raid at Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, 4 cell phones, nine ammunition, a firearm, liquor and three vehicles,” she said.

Funani further said during the operations, three illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. She added that in the Inter-Provincial Roadblock held on the N12 road by Gauteng and North West on 16 August 2024, a total of six suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing, while 438 persons and 191 vehicles were stopped and searched.

“In addition, more than 90 fines were issued to motorists. Different safety tips pamphlets were distributed,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended members, units and other law enforcement agencies for successful operation Shanela that resulted in the arrests of the suspects. Kwena thanked the law enforcement agencies for always putting the safety of North West people first and for dedicating time to Operation Shanela.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

More than 29 undocumented persons arrested for illegal mining 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of equipment confiscated by police during raid/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

More than 29 undocumented persons were arrested in and around Sizamile Township, in Port Nolloth, Bontekoei and Nataboi mining areas. The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team consisting of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services and Springbok Public Order Police, executed the disruptive activities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said numerous mining implements and diamond bearing gravel was confiscated during these operations.

“The suspects were 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.

“If you see something, say something. Also, report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Setopo sa mosadimogolo o neng a timetse se bonwe kwa nageng

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Marotse Kepi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mosadimogolo wa dingwaga di le 67, o goneng gwa begwa fa a timetse, o bonwe a tlhokafetse. Go begwa fa Marotse Kepi wa kwa Kuaneng, kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung, a ne a timela ka di 8 Phatwe 2024.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa are, setopo sa ga Kepi se bonwe kwa nageng magareng ga motse wa Picong le Ga-Mokake ka Labotlhano.

“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa moswi a ka tswa a bolailwe,”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at school 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A panga allegedly being used during a confrontation/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she strongly condemns the violent trespassing incident at Boitshoko Secondary School in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng, where intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at the beginning of August 2024. According to Motsumi, this disturbing event highlights the urgent need for enhanced partnership between the department and communities.

“This collaboration, particularly in high-risk communities plagued by gangsterism, will return discipline to the learners. We strongly condemn the trespassing into the school properties. The activities of trespassers seriously jeopardize departmental initiatives to raise learners’ achievement in the classroom. 

“We are losing important infrastructure in our schools due to this criminal activity, which is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it also belittles the diligent efforts of all law-abiding citizens,” she said. 

Motsumi further said that education is a societal matter, therefore, all stakeholders should take part in ensuring that learners get quality education.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SALGA and Organised Labour Parties conclude third round of Salary and Wage negotiations

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), alongside organised labour, has concluded the third round of salary and wage negotiations, with the Facilitators’ Proposal now on the table. This proposal suggests a 6% wage increase, which all parties will now consider as part of the wage deal. 

Following three intense rounds of salary and wage negotiations held on 15-19 July 2024, 23-26 July 2024, and 12-15 August 2024, at the South African Local Bargaining Council (SALGBC), the facilitators issued the Facilitators’ Proposal, dated 15 August 2024, proposes a salary and wage agreement for a five-year period. 

SALGA spokesperson, Sivuyile Mbambato said the proposal aims to provide for salary and wage adjustments across the board in the context of the realities brought by high inflation, a constrained economy, and limited fiscal resources. Mbambato said should all the parties endorse the proposed salary and wage agreement, it will come into operation with effect from 1 July 2024, and shall remain in force until 30 June 2029. 

“This will be the first ever salary and wage agreement spanning a five-year period ever obtained in the history of the bargaining council and will go a long way in ensuring the much-needed labour stability in the sector. 

“SALGA, the employer body, representing 257 municipalities across the country, along with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), now have a new task at hand which is to sell the Facilitators’ Proposal to their respective constituencies for a mandate and approval,” he said. 

Mbambato further said the Facilitators’ Proposal on a salary and wage collective agreement, among others calls for salary increases. He added that they call for a 6% increase in 2024/25 financial year, with 4.5% effective from 1 July 2024 and an additional 1.5% from 1 March 2025. 

“For 2025/2026, they call for an increase based on the 2025 CPI + 0.75%, effective from 1 July 2025. In 2026/2027, they call for an increase based on the 2026 CPI + 0.75%, effective from 1 July 2026. In the 2027/2028 financial year, they call for an increase based on the 2027 CPI + 1.25%, effective from 1 July 2027. 

“In 2028/2029 financial year, they call for an increase based on the 2028 CPI + 1.25%, effective from 1 July 2028. On CPI adjustments, if CPI falls below 4%, it will be deemed 4%. If it exceeds 7%, it will be capped at 7%,” said Mbambato.

He said linked benefits and conditions of service, they call for a 4.5% increase from 1 July 2024, with an additional 1.5% from 1 March 2025. Mbambato said subsequent increases will align with salary increments as outlined above. 

“Productivity and Service Delivery SALGA’s approach to these negotiations is also premised on the productivity levels of municipalities, linking salary increases to service delivery. On the issue of productivity, the Facilitators’ Proposal states that parties at the negotiation table “recognise that wage increase adjustments strive to reinforce, encourage and promote optimal municipal performance to ensure a higher level of productivity. 

“Therefore, this salary and wage adjustments collective agreement must be seen to attract and retain scarce and critical skills to help municipalities maintain financial sustainability and viability,” he said. 

Mbambato said economic context and exemptions given the challenging economic climate and shrinking municipal revenue, SALGA has been mandated to negotiate a feasible salary and wage agreement. He said part of this was to introduce a revamped exemption procedure to assist financially distressed municipalities to apply to be exempted from the wage deal. 

“Way forward parties must submit their acceptance of the proposal in writing to the SALGBC by 2pm on 2 September 2024,” Mbambato. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Amajimbos beat Lesotho 3-1 in second international friendly

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Amajimbos players against Lesotho/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) beat Lesotho 3-1 in their second friendly match on Sunday morning at the UJ Soweto Campus as the team continues with preparations for the COSAFA U17 Championships to be held later this year.

Coach Khumalo’s charges were dealt with a shock in the first half as they went into the break trailing 1-0. But they quickly rectified their first half complacency with a goal in the 45th minute by Neo Bohlako to get them back into the game, and then ran havoc over Lesotho from that point onwards.

Lebogang Dlamini scored the second goal for South Africa in the 56th minute after a beautiful cross from Emile Witbooi. Witbooi himself got onto the score sheet with a beautiful goal in the 61st minute.

Vela Khumalo made several substitutions during the match to give the whole squad game time. He said that they need to try different combinations and allow the players to understand the national philosophy that they are building on.

“I believe it was good that we conceded early in the game because this gave the players a wake-up call after winning 4-0 in the first match on Friday. At halftime we spoke to them about the many chances they missed in the first half and believe that they took this to heart. 

“We managed to get all the players some game time, and we are taking many positives from this week-long camp, and the two international friendlies we played. We believe we are on track with our preparations for the upcoming COSAFA U17 Championships and believe that we have the core of the team after almost a year of building this squad,” he said.

Amajimbos have completed their week’s camp and will regroup later this month ahead of the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) 6 Nations Tournament in Cote d’Ivoire from 2 -8 September 2024.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Roadshow to all 22 municipalities in an effort to give effect to Section 154 of the Constitution

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi and North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in collaboration with Provincial Treasury, is embarking on a roadshow to all 22 municipalities in an effort to give effect to Section 154 of the Constitution, which directs the provincial government to support and capacitate municipalities.

These sessions are intended to discuss the performance of each municipality based on the Municipal Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) pillars, putting people first in the delivery of basic services, good governance, sound financial management, building capable local government institutions and local government economic development.

Addressing both councillors and management of City of Matlosana and Maquassi Hills this week, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said, the sessions will assist the two departments to develop support and intervention plans based on the specific needs of each municipality.

“We want to see functional municipalities, which are also stable. In that way, we will be able to unleash the full potential of our municipalities and deal with socio-economic challenges the province is facing.  

“So far, the engagements have given us a clear picture of the operation and the status quo of the two municipalities. I implore both councillors and officials to deal with challenges that each municipality is facing,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the concerted effort is aimed at further strengthening areas of collaboration between the two departments to bring stability in municipalities across the province.

“The overall objective of these engagements is to work as a united front to leverage on the strength and expertise of each other. When we work in silos the impact is minimal and we may not be able to achieve the desired outcome. 

“There is a huge outcry by communities regarding the performance of local government in the province. She said the situation needs to be turned around in order to renew public confidence and trust by communities in the performance of these institutions which are the coalface of service delivery,” she said.

Mosenogi added that the deliberations also zoomed into addressing post audit action plans, revenue collections and enhancement strategies, as well as institutional capacity and challenges in discharging their responsibility to communities. She said some of the challenges highlighted in MPAT report include non-functional ward committees, poor management of complaints handling systems, poor maintenance of road infrastructure. 

“The municipality has been receiving unqualified audit outcomes for the past three financial years, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. The roadshow to other municipalities will continue until October 2024,” said Mosenogi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com