The North West MEC for Education,Viola Motsumi commended the swift action by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the community of Pella village, which led to the recovery of stolen assets following burglaries at three schools over the weekend. Motsumi said the schools that were affected by the break-ins are Tapos Primary School, Sewagodimo Technical School, and Morare Secondary School.
“They suffered losses, including tablets designated for Grade R learners and a refrigerator. Thanks to a tip-off from vigilant community members, the CPF was able to recover these stolen items.
“So far, one of the perpetrators has been apprehended and investigations are ongoing. We would like to praise the community and CPF for their prompt response and active role in safeguarding the schools,” she said.
Motsumi further extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Community Police Forum and the residents of Pella, for their swift action in recovering the stolen assets. She added that their vigilance and commitment to protecting the schools are invaluable.
“Incidents like these remind us that the security of our schools is not just the responsibility of the department, but of the entire community. Together, we can ensure that our learners’ educational resources are protected and that our schools remain safe environments for all.
“As department, we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and the community to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said Motsumi.
The accused, Samuel Ngonyamo (42) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, while Oliah Mthethwa (44) was sentenced to three months imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, or legible to pay a R1000 fine.
In October 2023, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) received a tip-off regarding two men who were alleged to be in possession of a firearm, near a certain restaurant in Ventersdorp.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the information was operationalised and the police searched a bag the duo was carrying. Gunya said inside the bag, an AK 47 rifle with magazine and ammunition were allegedly found.
“It was also established that the suspects did not possess documents to be in the country and were subsequently apprehended. The accused were denied bail and following a series of court appearances, they were eventually sentenced.
“The court has ordered that the duo be deported to their country of origin after the completion of their sentences,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for ensuring that the accused are brought to book.
A man (42) was sentenced to life term and 30 years imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court for murder. Buti Alfred Samoen from Mamelodi Township, in Gauteng, was arrested for killing an e-hailing driver, Modingoane Pitjadi (30).
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Sameon was sentenced to 30 years for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 10 years for attempted murder.
Mahanjana further said the accused was also sentenced to 5 years for kidnapping, 5 for assault with intention to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 3 years for possession of unlicensed firearm, 2 for unlawful possession of ammunition, 2 years for pointing of a firearm and 2 years for malicious property damage.
“The court ordered that all other counts should run concurrently with that of life imprisonment except the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, therefore the effective sentence is one life term and 30 years direct imprisonment.
“On 10 April 2022, the deceased was on his way back from dropping his friends in Nellmapius, when he was hijacked by Samoen off his Hyundai Accent vehicle and kidnapped. Thereafter, he took him to his place of residence in Mamelodi East, where he killed him and dumped his body at Phomolong Informal Settlement,” she said.
Mahanjana added that on the same day, while using the deceased vehicle, Samoen and his accomplice forced the second complainant’s vehicle to a halt in Moretlwa Street, Mamelodi East, and began to rob him and his family of their cell phones, car keys, driver’s license and cards. She said during the robbery, Samoen fired a shot through the passenger door, which resulted in the complainant’s son (27), being shot in his leg.
“Subsequently, both Sameon and his accomplice fled the scene and a case was opened by the complainant against them. He proceeded to his family residence in Mamelodi, where he accused his cousin of stealing his Universal Serial Bus (USB).
“During the argument, he assaulted him with a firearm on his head and further proceeded to point his aunt with the same firearm and fled. On 8 May 2022, Samoen returned to his family residence, where he broke the windowpanes and clay pots insisting on staying at the residence, which he later left,” said Mahanjana.
She said after investigations by the police, Samoen was found and arrested at his girlfriend’s place of residence in Nellmapius, on 22 June 2022, and has been in custody since.
“During the trial, Samoen pleaded guilty to the charge of malicious property damage, but pleaded not guilty to other charges preferred against him. However, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentencing proceedings through his legal representative, Samoen asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences because he has two children that he needs to take care off,” said Mahanajana.
She said Samoen also asked the court to consider the time he spent in custody since his arrest.
However, the state prosecutor, Adv Thembile Nyakama argued that Samoen was not a first-time offender. Nyakama said he had previous convictions of malicious property damage, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm, assault, kidnapping, and house-breaking and two pending cases of attempted murder.
“He cannot be rehabilitated outside the prison walls because he committed the offences he has been convicted of while on parole. Furthermore, Samoen was not remorseful and that during his term in prison, he was allowed to transform his life, but failed to do so.
“Therefore, we ask the court not to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences. We also have a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Court Preparation Officer, Lebohang Lebese, where Pitjadi’s sister stated how the death of his brother affected her and the family,” said Nyakama.
She said in another VIS, Samoens’ aunt and cousin also stated how they fear Samoen and how his actions have affected the family.
Meanwhile, the acting Judge Matlapeng agreed with the state and said that Samoen showed no remorse for his actions, and he killed the deceased in a gruesome way. Therefore, Matlapeng said he found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences.
Setshwantsho: Mongwebi o itsegeng le mong wa The Meat Brother’s Pub wa maloba, Tshwaro Mangwegape
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Mogwebi o itsegeng gape ele mong wa maloba wa lefelo le le rekisang bojalwa la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo. Mangwegape yo o kopang lekgotlha gore le tsholole kgetsi ya gagwe ya polao le maiteko a polao, o tla utlwa ditlamorago tsa kopo ya gagwe mo letsatsing la gompieno.
Kopo eno, e ile ya tlhagisiwa ke mmueledi wa gagwe, Isang Nakale. Nakale are kgetsi e, e tshololwe gonne bosekisi bo tsweletse go goga dinao mo go yone. Go ya ka Nakale, labofelo bosekisi bo ile jwa kopa magistrata gore a busetse kgetsi eno morago fa bo sentse bo emetse diteko tsa sethunya.
Nakale are, seo se feleletsa se ama molatofadiwa, gonne o senyegelwa ke madi go dula a boa-boa kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme go sena lepele le morago. Nakale are kgotlha-tshekelo, e tsholole kgetsi e, mme e tla e busetsa fa bosekisi bo setse bo itekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko.
Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go thuntsa le go bolaya naledi ya kgwele ya dinao ya setlhopha sa NWU Soccer Institute, Undivile “Vila” Mdi (28) le go gobatsa tsala ya gagwe, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba etela lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub mono Taung ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate. Fela go begwa fa lefelo leo le ne le tletse phetelelo.
Go ya ka dibego, Mdi le Kokwe ba baneng ba le mo gare ga lefelo leo, ba ile ba tswela kwa ntle, mme batlhokomedi ba ile ba ba lemotsha fa ba se kitla ba kgona go boela mo teng, gonne go tletse.
Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga tlhatlharuane magareng ga Mangwegape le banna ba. Go begwa fa Mangwegape a ile a ntsha sethunya le go thuntsa Mdi, ga mmogo le Kokwe.
Go begwa fa Mdi a ile a tlhokafalela kwa bookelo, mme Kokwe ene o ile a amogelwa le go kgaolwa leoto. Mangwegape, yo o neetsweng beile ya R5000 ke kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo ka di 21 Phatwe 2024.
Kgabagare, mongwe wa baeteledipele kwa motseng wa Manokwane, Kgakololo Koji are: “Mo nakong e e fetileng, ke ile ka naya kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung bopaki. Ba tshegeditse bopaki jwa gore, fa o batla gore o se ye kgolegelong mo Taung, o tshwanetse go nna le mmueledi o diphatsa.
“Jaanong, re a itse gore go diragalang. Fela jaaka kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung ene yam o ganela ka beile, kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West kwa Mahikeng, e ne e tshwanetse gore le yone e mo ganele ka beile.”
Koji are fa kgetsi e e ka tshololwa, o ikana a sa dutle gore ba tlile go itseela molao mo matsogong.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has granted the Electoral Commission of South Africa time to conclude a comprehensive report on the recently concluded National and Provincial elections. The committee said it is important that it reflects on the positives and challenges encountered during the elections to ensure that future elections experience less challenges.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said: “It is important that the committee receives a considered report that covers broadly the positives and challenges experienced in the past elections.
“A comprehensive reflection will ensure that the entire process is open and transparent and will enhance accountability.”
Chabane further said the committee raised serious concern that there were administrative lapses in the issuing of study visas for the 95 Libyan nationals that were detained at a military training camp in Mpumalanga. He added that the issuance of the visas without following due process and approval without the necessary information requires urgent action to safeguard the country’s security.
“Despite these concerns, however, the committee appreciated the swift action of law enforcement agencies and the use of intelligence to identify and detain the 95 Libyan nationals that led to their deportation from South Africa. The collaboration with communities in sharing information is also a welcomed occurrence which must be encouraged going forward.
“The department’s anti-corruption unit must extensively communicate its contact platforms to ensure that people are aware and able to share information about fraud and corruption around services of the department,” said Chabane.
He said it is concerning that the preliminary investigation has uncovered that there was a gap in the administrative process between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation stationed in Tunis and that there was no process to consult, seek advice or obtain authorisation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), before issuing the visas.
Chabane said this gap presents a security risk and puts into question the verification processes applied in issuing visas.
“The committee was informed that among the anomalies identified by the preliminary investigation included the offline systems at the mission, which resulted in handwritten documents.
“This includes the use of outdated forms that do not comply with prescribed forms in the Immigration Regulations, study visas issued despite no indication in the forms that the applicant was applying for study visas, omission of critical information in the application forms, no evidence of sufficient funds for application to maintain them, while in South Africa as prescribed, and non-verification of police clearance certificates before processing the application,” he said.
Chabane said these lapses are substantial and are at the heart of the verification process before granting a visa. He said lack of this critical information has a potential to undermine the ineffectiveness of our immigration regulations and renders useless the verification process.
Picture: Former National Assembly Speaker, Thandi Modise and ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) is set to establish a Multi-Party Women’s Caucus. This follows the recent Provincial Whips Forum convened by the Chief Whip of the NWPL, Motlalepula Rosho, aimed at dealing with issues impacting women’s leadership across levels of governance.
The forum hosted by Rosho in partnership with the Office of the Speaker, Desbo Mohono under the theme: “Women Leadership Workshop and Emotional Intelligence,” sought to highlight the difficulties women in leadership positions go through and the impact these has on their emotional well-being to advance inclusivity, empowerment and transformation agenda.
“The resolve to constitute the women’s caucus is informed by the ever-evolving political landscape and the collaborative efforts forged by the legislature in handling matters pertaining to women.
“The Caucus’ commitment is to ensure that women’s issues find expression in the programme of the legislature and in government so that there can be a seamless implementation of the programmes affirming the lot of women,” said Rosho.
She further said the key milestones recorded in the 7th legislature among others is that, for the first time, Chief Whip of the House is a woman, opposition parties have women whips and the Chair of Chairs is a woman including some who are Chairpersons of Committees.
Rosho added that speaker-after-speakers, emphasized the unity of action amongst women leaders and the broader society to champion the cause of women and the entire populace.
Meanwhile, the event was graced by notable women such as the former Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature and former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mme Thandi Modise, as well as former Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Pinky Moloi.
They both encourage women to stand together in pursuit of their common programme advancing their interests irrespective, where they come from. The significant dialogue hosted in the month of August, which has a political significance in the history of South Africa’s women struggles, including quest for democracy and freedom, also coincided with the birthday of one the revered stalwarts and struggle icon of the revolution, Mme Gertrude Shope, who turned 99 years.
Picture: North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation(ACSR), Collen Maine along delegates, officially opening a library in Mmatau/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Collen Maine said the library is a critical resource that will transform and strengthen the lives of the people. Maine, who officially opened a new modular community library in Mmatau on 19 August 2024, urged community members to take care of the facility.
He further said this is for the benefit of the community. Maine added that the Mmatau Community Library was built at a cost of R3 million, and the facility is fenced and has protection guards.
“The library features a reception area, a section for children – with furniture and toys aligned to the needs of the children that will be using the library. This also includes a computer section with five computers and one reserved for the visually impaired, WIFI, and R1.2 million-worth of furniture.
“We plead with the community to take care of the facility. I trust and urge the community of Bakwena ba ga Modisana to protect the library and not allow any person or group of people to express their frustrations on this library by burning and vandalizing it,” he said.
Maine said although they understand that there may at times be service delivery challenges, they believe there are better ways of expressing dissatisfaction – and vandalising facilities is not one of them.
“The library is well-equipped with technology to help you access the internet, which you can use to access opportunities for research, searching for job opportunities and academic development. We urge you to use WIFI sparingly for educational and research purposes only. I now leave the responsibility to protect this library, the books, computers, and everything with the community of Mmatau.
“As government, we have made a promise and delivered. Now, it is your responsibility to take care of this beautiful library. This facility is going to play a crucial role in producing future leaders,” he said.
Picture: The police conducting a patrol and search during Operation Basadi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Northern Cape police said Operation Basadi continues to yield success as a build-up to the community imbizo that will be hosted by the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga. The community imbizo will be convened at the Hebron Park Community Hall in Windsorton on Wednesday at 11am.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said crime prevention actions were executed on 20 August 2024, and the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicky Mtongana, was the Overall Commander, while the Boetsap Station Commander, Captain Mary Modise, took the lead as female Operational Commander during Operation Basadi.
“The Provincial Components, the Frances Baard District office, members of Windsorton, Delportshoop, Boetsap and Kimberley SAPS, Provincial and local Traffic Departments, the Departments of Labour, Home Affairs and various Sol Plaatje Municipal components, joined forces to squeeze the space for criminals to operate in Windsorton.
“The disruptive actions executed included compliance inspections, vehicle check points(VCP), foot and vehicle patrols in Windsorton and surrounding areas. The team conducted compliance inspections at several tuckshops, passports verification and documents of foreign nationals during the business visits,” he said.
Kock further said during the VCP, the team stopped and searched 45 vehicles, 43 persons and distributed crime prevention safety hints flyers to motorists. He added that disruptive actions took place at several hotspot areas, which included raids at suspected drug houses.
“The team executed high visibility blue light patrols in Holpan, Hebron Park and Kutlwano in the Windsorton policing precinct. The SAPS mobile Community Service Centre was utilized to bring SAPS services closer to the community,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicky Mtongana, commended all the stakeholders, who participated in the operations for the collaboration in working towards creating a safer town and invited the Windsorton and surrounding communities to attend the Frances Baard Community Imbizo, that will take place on 21 August 2024.
Picture: The workers at Zeerust Hospital in a meeting with the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The workers, who down tools for the past two days at the Zeerust Hospital, have resolved to return to work. This comes after they had a consultative engagement with the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari.
The workers who are affiliated to DENOSA, NEHAWU and HOSPERSA unions, have been protesting for the past two days. They presented several issues which they demanded should be addressed.
These issues were contained in a Memorandum of Demands (MoD), which was handed over to Lehari and was also read in the presence of all those who were in attendance.
The main issue among the demands raised was payment of the 30% overtime. This issue was seen as a contributing factor or as a result of other associated issues of demands like shortage of personnel, which they said was at a critical level, filling of replacement posts, the old and non-responsive structure.
This also includes too many acting positions, translation of the ranks of some of the employees and appointment of a full time CEO. Other issues raised include providing personnel for distribution of patients’ food, management of the food service tender, the need to be consulted on nurses’ uniform, renovated wards remain unused and the need to upgrade the hospital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lehari, who was accompanied by the provincial, district and hospital management team, together with the chairperson of the hospital board and the local councillor, allowed workers to present their issues. When responding to the workers’ demands, Lehari assured the workers that the majority of the issues raised are being attended to except that there seems to be a communication gap between management and the workers.
He was however quick to point out that the purpose of the meeting was to find solutions.
“The core issue which is payment of overtime exceeding 30% is receiving attention at the highest level. At the provincial level, the CFO has assured me that the department has managed to set aside about R51 million to pay all workers categories, who are illegible.
“The department is ready to pay. We only await approval from the National Department of Public Service and Administration and I can assure you of my commitment to make a follow-up with the national ministry,” said Lehari.
He further said within seven days, he will come to give them feedback. Lehari added that both management and the unions will have planned meetings to discuss all the issues raised by the workers.
“For example, I informed the workers that the department has set aside R71 million for upgrading the hospital. The project is about to start, yet the workers did not know. The workers were also not aware that the demand for filling of posts was being addressed as the nurses’ posts were to be advertised.
“The meeting ended on a positive note as the workers resolved to return to work. The acting Hospital CEO made a commitment to work with the unions to resolve all the outstanding issues and to brief the workers on a regular basis,” he said.
A woman (21) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Keimoes Regional Court for murder. This comes after Annolize Beukes stabbed her boyfriend, Danwil Swartz (29) to death.
According to the ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, on 23 October 2022, the couple had an argument during which Beukes stabbed her boyfriend to death. She was arrested Following the meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Constable Eshley Jonkers, who is attached to the Keimoes Detectives.
“The suspect was brought before court, where she pleaded guilty on a charge of murder. The Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape has welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused for murder of her boyfriend.
“The sentence is a clear indication that detectives in the province remain focused and intentional in ensuring that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are brought to justice,” she said.
The Guardian 