A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. On 27 July 2020, the accused, Daniel Mathuse, who is the uncle to the victim (9), tried to lure her away from where she was playing with her brother, but she refused.
Mathuse then took her by force and later raped her near the dam in Extension 6 in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West Sivenathi Gunya said, people went to search for the child and found her with the accused. Gunya said this comes after it was reported that her uncle forcefully removed her from where she was playing.
“The child reported to the witness what happened and Mathuse was subsequently arrested. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in court, but later, after the evidence of the victim was led and the DNA report became available, he made a formal admission in terms of Section 220 of Criminal Procedure Act,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Hester Pretorious, argued that the court should give a deterrence sentence to the accused, as he violated the rights of the young girl. She further argued that Mathuse was supposed to protect his niece, instead he sexually assaulted her and took away her dignity and her confidence.
“There is a scourge of violence against women and children in the country and the court must protect the victims. So, we urge the court not to deviate from the imposed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” added Pretorious.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, the police and other role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victim. She said the DPP hopes this sentence will serve as a deterrent to other relatives that violate the rights of children in their households, instead of protecting them.
“We encourage relatives to play the parenting role and urge the community to report any acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to the relevant authorities,” said Makhari.
As part of addressing illegal mining, 32 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during the integrated Vala Umgodi Operation in Mooinooi and Mogwase. The suspects briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 21 August 2024, for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested between 20 and 21 August 2024. He said of the 32 accused, 12 were found guilty and fined R1 500 or sentenced to three months imprisonment respectively.
“The other 18 accused will remain in custody until 2 September 2024. Meanwhile, the last two accused were released after it was established that they are documented. The accused, who are foreign nationals from Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, include nine women.
“The operation also led to the confiscation of various illegal mining equipment, which were found abandoned. They include three water pumps, water pipes, extension cord and three excavators,” said Mokgwabone.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi with the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has introduced his Economic and Investment Advisory Council. Mokgosi said the council is free to robustly review any economic policy/plan, whose implementation will not translate to any improvement to the situation.
He further said their plea is that, where changes are required, it should be limited to sharpening the implementation tools and not rehashing existing plans. Mokgosi added that they have adopted a complex balancing act approach of fusing change and continuity to limit the time spent on planning.
“Therefore, any proposals we make should appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face – the 54% unemployment rate. The composition of this council is intended to facilitate cooperation and collaboration across economic sectors. Government alone will not achieve much.
“We are limited by the constraints of our fiscal size in comparison to other provinces. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the government and the people of the North West to thank each and everyone who has accepted the invitation to serve in the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council,” he said.
Mokgosi said it takes a great courage and determination for one to make himself/herself available to serve in an economic advisory structure of a province, which has the largest unemployment rate in the country and even higher amongst the youth. He said the latest Quarterly Labour Survey Force by Statistic South Africa, paints a grim picture about the standard of living in the province with the expanded unemployment rate sitting at 54%.
“More than 30 000 people in the province, have joined the ranks of the unemployed. This inaugural meeting of the council impresses upon us to talk less and get into action. We are facing a provincial emergency of disastrous proportions, which challenges us to expedite intervention measures aimed at finding solutions to our ailing economy and the poverty afflicting our provincial population.
“The provincial government has prepared the groundwork for this council by revising the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, reviewing the functionality of our state-owned entities, and developing a provincial mega infrastructure projects implementation plan,” said Mokgosi.
He said they are quite aware that as experts in their respective fields, they may find some shortcomings with some of these initiatives. Mokgosi said they respect their professional and technical independence.
“We will value your advice. Over 60% of our provincial budget is consumed internally through funding government administrative costs and salaries. However, we have a great potential as a province to revive our economy, industries and create jobs.
“There are signs of recovery, but not at the pace and scale required to make an impact. If we introduce correct policies and plans, the agricultural industry is expected to attract investments to the tune of over R10 billion, followed by the construction sector at R6.6,” he said.
Mokgosi said this will result in the creation of over 50 000 job opportunities. He said there are opportunities to revive and harness the diverse offerings of the tourism industry, which could leverage an annual growth rate of 5% by 2030, with a potential investment value of R39 billion, where over 100 000 jobs could be created.
The names of the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council
Professor John Lamola, Professor Thabo Thekiso, Professor Raymond Parsons, Professor Mogadi Malope, Kopano Konopi, Kelepile Dintwe, Willem De Chanonnes, Zwelibanzi Mantambo and Nolitha Fakude.
This Council will also comprise of the following Members of the Executive Council
Bitsa Lenkopane, Madoda Sambatha, Wessels Morweng, Oageng Molapisi, Viola Motsumi, Kenetswe Mosenogi and Elizabeth Mokua.
Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari during his oversight visits/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has conducted unannounced oversight visits at several health facilities across Moretele Local Municipality on 22 August 2024. Lehari, who was accompanied by the Provincial, District and Members of Clinic’ Committees , through his “Re Bona Ka Matlho”Oversight Programme, visited Swart-Dam/Rekopantswe Clinic in Swart Dam village.
He further engaged both the clinic management and members of the Clinic Committee focused on issues that need interventions to improve the provision of primary health-care services. Lehari added that issues raised includes the challenge of staff shortages, water and ablution facilities.
“This is one of the important clinics in this area and services a host of people. We need to improve both clinically and logistically, especially on the shortage of nurses. It is urgent and we will come back to ensure all issues are addressed within a reasonable period of time.
“The issue of water and ablution will be attended to immediately. We then proceeded to a 24-hour Mogogelo Clinic, in Mogogelo village. I was briefed about issues related to security postings. There is a need for a guard house, availability of store-room for medication, shortage of nurses and overall capacity of the clinic,” he said.
Concluding all three oversights, Lehari visited the clinic in Ratjiepan village. He was optimistic following his visits to all 265 clinics, 48 healthcare facilities and 19 public hospitals in the province.
“As the province, we are in the right trajectory. I have conducted oversights at at least three facilities in just a day. I sat and listened to management and most of the issues raised, were resolved immediately, in real-time.
“On issues related to infrastructure and shortage of personnel, I have given clear directives that they should be resolved within a reasonable time. We will hire over 100 nurses to capacitate our clinics. From my visits, they should be changes and bring about improvement in our endeavour to efficiently provide primary healthcare services to our people,” said Lehari.
He also thanked all nurses and staffers for their unwavering commitment and spirit of indefatigability, displayed amidst all challenges raised. Lehari committed that his administration will throw all its weight in support of staff and management of all healthcare facilities to enable them to executive their responsibilities.
In a grand gesture of appreciation, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, hosted a surprise gala dinner on 22 August 2024, at Kgaswane Lodge in Rustenburg for the provincial winners of the Teaching Awards. The winners will soon represent the province on the national stage at the prestigious National Teaching Awards.
Motsumi said the exclusive event was a night to remember. She further took the opportunity to personally thank the teachers for their unparalleled dedication to uplifting the standard of education in the province.
“These exceptional teachers have not only excelled in their classrooms, but have also become shining examples of what passion, commitment, and innovation can achieve in our education system.
“Their contributions are the foundation upon, which our future generations will build. So, tonight, we celebrate their extraordinary efforts. I do not doubt that our educators will make us proud,” added Motsumi.
She said they carry with them the hopes and dreams of the province. Motsumi said she believes they will leave an indelible mark on the national competition.
“The provincial winners are currently fine-tuning their presentations in preparation for the national event, which will take place on October 5th at the Birchwood Hotel.
“With a blend of excitement and nerves, these educators are set to showcase the best of North West’s educational excellence,” she said.
Two people aged 35 and 52 were arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Soweto, Johannesburg, for alleged fraud. In August 2021, the suspects allegedly submitted a falsified application for funding to National Lottery Commission (NLC) on pretence that they are committee members of a Non-Profit Organization called Kgatelopele Foundation.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said upon receipt of fraudulent application for funding, the application was taken through the NLC’s processes after which the funding of an amount of R885 000 was approved. Mnisi said the NLC paid R500 000 to the account of Kgatelopele Foundation as a first tranche.
“An amount of R380 000 was due to be paid after receipt of progress report on the projects, which were in terms of fund application planned for the community of Platfontein in Northern Cape as a second tranche,” she said.
Mnisi further said both accused, Jeremani Petrus Sedibe and Malesela Johannes Khosa, briefly appeared in Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 21 August 2024.
Picture: Some of equipment confiscated by police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Twelve suspected illegal miners were arrested in Bleksop, near Rustenburg on 15 August 2024, during Operation Vala Umgodi. The accused briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 19 August 2024, for possession of copper cables and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The accused persons include five Zimbabweans and seven Mozambicans. Mokgwabone said during the arrest, the police seized illegal mining equipment, including five generators, water pump, five jack hammers, garden spades, pound hammers and a battery.”
Mokgwabone said the accused were remanded in custody until 3 September 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. Kwena further praised all members involved for their tireless efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya polao, Simon Molale/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lekawana le le latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gauif le Taung, o tla nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana. Seno se tla morago ga gore kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Simon Molale (22), e busetswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, fa a ne a dira kopo ya beile.
Go begwa fa Medichane a bolailwe ke mokapelo wa gagwe, mme sebakwa sa tiro e, se sa itsiwe. Go ya ka mongwe o boneng ka matlho, lekawana le, lene la tlhabakaka lekgarebe le, mme one a tshaba mo lefelong la tiragalo fa a bona batho.
Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.
“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Kgetsi katlhanong le Molale e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 26 Phatwe 2024, mo a solofetsweng go dira kopo ya beile.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ‘disgrace’ Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe has ‘fell on his sword’. This comes after the ANC in the North West fired him from his mayoral position.
Gaoraelwe has been criticised over the years due to his alleged lifestyle since he was appointed as the mayor. On 3 October 2022, he crashed a R700 000 luxury BMW X3, while on leave.
This was followed by a series of accidents and up-to-date, Gaoraelwe has allegedly crashed four municipal vehicles. A few months ago, the ANC in North West promised to crack the whip on its councillors, who have been incompetent and use their positions for self-aggrandisement.
The ruling party took this decision after it completed an intense process of assessing the performance of its councillors in all 22 municipalities. ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in 2021, they took a resolution to assess all councillors in all municipalities and to remove those who underperform.
Maruping said the party views the sphere of local government as crucial when it comes to service delivery.
“You will remember that in 2021, we launched what we call a Local Government Barometer. Now, the Local Government Barometer is an assessment instrument, where we measure functionality of municipalities’ troikas and performance of councillors.
“This is a mid-term assessment, where the ANC is contacting all municipalities to assess their performance. So, where there is a need for interventions and let’s say a certain councillor or mayor must be removed, that is exactly what is going to happen. So, the decision has been informed by the assessment report that was tabled,” he said.
Maruping said they have recalled Gaoraelwe and they have already informed him.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor, Mmoni Letele said they welcome the removal of Gaoraelwe. Letele further said even though Gaoraelwe has been fired, he still needs to be held accountable for his wrongdoings.
“He must be held accountable regarding his involvement in car accidents. Gaoraelwe was involved in four car accidents and taxpayers’ money was used to fix those vehicles. So, he must pay that money out of his own pocket.
“We understand that the next person to ascend to the mayoral position will be elected by the municipal council. However, we would like to see an astute individual, who will uphold the constitution,” she added.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments. Nape said the removal of Gaoraelwe is the most welcoming news.
“You will remember that, we are the first people to call for his removal. We had tabled a motion of no confidence against the mayor. Unfortunately, we did not receive the necessary support. Even now, you will understand that we are at the forefront of the investigation regarding his series of dubious car accidents.
“So, we believe that Gaoraelwe has caused the municipality reputational damage. The municipality was a source of embarrassment under Gaoraelwe stewardship,” he said.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti said the municipality needs someone with values, integrity and principles. Moeti said the mayor plays a crucial role within the municipality and Gaoraelwe did not have that.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was not available for a comment as his phone rang unanswered.
Barely two months after the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi appointed his Member of Executive Councils (MECs), he is now forced to relinquish some of them from their duties. This comes after the ANC National Executive Committee’s decision.
According to our highly-placed source, those who will bear the brunt are some of male MECs due to gender disparities. The ANC NEC has instructed the ANC in North West to remove some of male MECs from their positions and appoint females.
On 21 June 2024, Mokgosi appointed five men and five women as MECs in his EXCO. However, he was supposed to apply the 60/40 method.
The ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “This is the matter that is going to be discussed during the ANC Provincial Working Committee (PWC) and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting over the weekend. So, we will clarify the media on that matter next week.
“Truly, it is not a matter of reshuffling per se, but we are correcting the gender disparity and it must be implemented.”
When Mokgosi announced his Members of the Executive Council (MECs), he appointed Madoda Sabatha as the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessels Morweng as North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
“I have also appointed Oageng Molapisi as North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane as North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, while Viola Motsumi will remain as the North West MEC for Education.
“Kenetswe Mosenogi has been appointed as North West MEC for Provincial Treasury, Sello Lehari as North West MEC for Department of Health. Elizabeth Mokua has been appointed as North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads, while former Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Dantjie, has been appointed as the North West MEC for Social Development,” he said.
Mokgosi further said that the 7th administration is a culmination of wider consultations within and outside the government. He added that this decision represents a dynamic interface between the exercise of the Premier’s constitutional prerogative in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution and the established democratic practice of consultation with the leadership of the province, national and the alliance.
“I am confident that the Executive Council of the 7th administration is made up of men and women of high ethical standards, who are committed to serve the people and understand the implications of the oath of office they are to take before assuming their official duties.
The composition of the Executive Council affirms our commitment to assert gender equality and representation.
“It is a collective of institutional memory, fresh talents and skills required to accelerate service delivery and build on the foundation of the sixth administration. The Executive Council is enjoined by the Constitution to work as a unit under the leadership of the Premier and to be collectively and individually accountable to the Legislature for the exercise of their powers and performance of their functions,” said Mokgosi.
He said EXCO is ultimately accountable to the people of the North West, whose power of the vote is the foundation of our existence. Mokgosi said they dare not disappoint them.
“By powers vested in me in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I hereby appoint the following Members of the Executive Council to lead the 7th administration.
“I congratulate all newly appointed MECs and wish to remind them all that we have been given the last available opportunity by the people of the North West to work for them and not ourselves nor our families and friends,” he said.
Mokgosi said the people in the province expect that they act with integrity in the conduct of their duties and carry themselves with dignity in both our social and official conduct.
The Guardian 