Daily Archives: August 29, 2024

NUMSA to march against non-compliant security companies

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2024- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) will today embark in a joint march to the Office of the Premier in the North West. NUMSA said the march is against non-compliant security companies.

NUMSA National spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said they will be participating in a picket to demand that the Treasury get all security companies to comply with the payment of benefits for workers in the security sector.

“The Provincial Treasury department is located in the Office of the Premier. We will be handing over a memorandum of demands to the Office of the Provincial Treasury and we have been informed that the Premier will also receive the memorandum of demands. 

“Companies that do business with the government must comply and they should not be granted government tenders, if they are participating in the fraudulent looting of workers’ monies,” she said.

Hlubi-Majola said NUMSA will be participating in a joint picket with other unions in the security sector. She further said unions like South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), Abanqobi Workers Union (AWU), Kungwini Amalgamated Workers Union (KAWU) and the South African National Security and Allied Workers Forum (SANSAWF), are going to march and they will hand a memorandum of demands.

Hlubi-Majola added that they will also name and shame security companies that do not comply by paying benefits like the pension fund and medical insurance. She added that thousands of workers in the security sector have been robbed of their benefits because greedy employers are pocketing this money for themselves. 

“For example, Mjayeli Security is one of the many companies that we are complaining about. It was fined more than R100 000 by the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) for non-compliance, because it is alleged that it deducts money from workers for provident funds, but does not pay it over to the service provider.

“Mjayeli is taking the decision of the bargaining council on review. They have a terrible reputation and unfortunately, many workers are complaining that the company is not complying,” she said.  

Hlubi-Majola said this is a campaign that NUMSA has been involved with since 2023 to name and shame security companies that are refusing to comply with the main collective agreement in the security sector. She said whether a security company is a member of the bargaining council or not, they are bound by the terms of the agreement and they have no choice, but to pay medical insurance, provident funds.

“They must pay the minimum hourly rate as stipulated in the wage agreement. The gathering spot will be at Montshioa Stadium and Garona Building will be our final destination,” said Hlubi-Majola.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Manthe arson case accused back in court

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Seven accused persons in an arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Regional Court, where some of accused persons are expected to take the stand. 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 and charged for arson.

The seven accused 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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police a looking for a person of interest in a rape case

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The person of interest in rape case/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 August 2024- The Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating the alleged rape of a girl (15). The incident took place on 13 June 2024, at approximately 3pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehler said it is believed that, the victim was walking home, when she was accosted by an unknown man who covered her mouth with a cloth, resulting in her losing consciousness.

“She woke up on the ground a short time later. Anyone who has information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable Majola at 076 016 7859. All information will be handled confidentially,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Community members encouraged to join CPFs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Community members attending community engagement/Suppliee

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 August 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, MEC Bentley Vass, together with the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, hosted a community engagement at the Kagung Community Hall in Mothibistad on 28 August 2024.

The engagement was attended by relevant heads and representatives of entities, including Commissioner, Subashni Moodley, the Regional Commissioner for Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape, SAPS District Commissioners and Provincial Heads, Advocate Mpho Tau from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the chairperson of District Community Policing Forum, Tebogo Kedithibetse.

Vass said the focus of the engagement was to encourage stronger relationships between the community and law enforcement in order to address challenges faced by the police and the community alike. He further said this platform created an opportunity to regain the trust of the community in the police and the modelling of a dialogue between SAPS and relevant government departments.

“We need to promote the fostering of solidarity within the community to instil an overall sense of security. The community structures play a vital role and we encourage communities to join community structures and neighbourhood watch sectors.

“Crime against children remains a priority and swift action must be taken. A zero tolerance approach must be followed towards Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related offences. The community members were afforded the opportunity to voice concerns and share information with the panel of guests, who provided responses accordingly,” added Vass.

Ngubelanga furnished remarks and emphasized the importance of sound partnerships. He encouraged the community to reclaim their streets and not be afraid of criminals.

“We need to highlight the danger of substance and alcohol abuse as they are the generators of crime. So, we urge the community to utilise the services offered by the SAPS Inspectorate component, when lodging complaints relating to services delivered by SAPS.

Meanwhile, Kedithibese said: “The community engagements will continue to be conducted throughout the district to address concerns and strengthen partnerships.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three suspects nabbed for possession of suspected stolen goods

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The suspected stolen laptops recovered/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2024- Three suspects aged 36, 61 and 68, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after the members from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit followed up on a tip-off regarding a house-breaking and theft case that was reported.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the identified premises in Mogul Park, a man was found on the premises and questioned. Shemane said he informed the police that he knew where the suspected stolen goods were sold.

“He led the police to a house in Stokroos Street, Squarehill Park. The house was searched and industrial power tools were found, which were allegedly stolen. Two suspects were arrested and then informed the police where the other goods were stored.

“The information provided led the police to Tswelopelo Correctional Service, where a member was approached and he took police to his house, where they found a suspected stolen 55-inch plasma television and subsequently arrested the suspect (61),” he said.

Shemane said upon further investigation, the police recovered laptops, a cell phone, electrical equipment, and a television worth approximately R45 000.

Meanwhile, the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, applauded members for their continued efforts in responding swiftly to information received and recovering suspected stolen goods that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. Mtongana said the public is urged not to buy stolen goods offered for sale as it is a criminal offence.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 August 2024- A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend (19). On 6 February 2024, at around 1am, the victim was stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend, Samson Malote and died on the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Malote was arrested and police opposed bail successfully. Kock said he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Colesberg High Court.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, is delighted with the recent life sentence that was handed down to Malote. Ngubelanga commended the police Detectives of Colesberg, Warrant Officer Thandisizwe Magade, Sergeant Thembumzi Mbatiwe and Constable Johan Kleinhans, for their relentless commitment that led to this outstanding GBVF conviction during Women’s Month.

“We appreciate the collaboration between SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for securing this significant sentence and assuring the public that justice will be served for crimes committed,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com