Picture: The identikit of a suspect in connection with house robbery/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2024- The Kimberley Murder and Robbery Unit are seeking the assistance of the public in tracing a wanted suspect in connection with an alleged house robbery that took place in West End Kimberley on 6 September 2024. The complainant alleged that she was asleep in her room during the early hours of the morning when she woke up to find a man in her room demanding her phone.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “An altercation ensued between herself and the unknown man, resulting in her neighbours coming to her rescue and the assailant fleeing with her phone.
“The suspect is unknown and the police were able to compile an identikit as per the attached photo. The suspect is described as slender built, Setswana speaking man aged between 25 and 35.”
Sam said the police urge anyone with information that can help with the investigation and the apprehension of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Andrew Segoje at 071 208 3094/ 082 302 0407 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS app.
He said all information received will be treated confidentially.
10 September 2024- A man (34) was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for Assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Carnarvon Regional Court on 6 September 2024. On 19 March 2024, at approximately 9:15pm, a woman (27), was at the tavern with her friends in Carnarvon when the accused, Dillon Van Rooi called her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Van Rooi called and asked the victim to accompany him to his place of residence. Shemane said when the victim refused, Van Rooi took out a knife and threatened her to walk with him.
“At the accused residence, he started to assault the victim and stabbed her with a knife. The victim opened a criminal case and subsequently the accused was arrested. The bail was successfully opposed.
“Van Rooi was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for Assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Pixley Ka Seme , Major General Nomana Mtukushe, applauded Detective Constable Leevirne Raaf of Carnarvon Detectives for her thorough investigative work and collaboration with the prosecutor , Corrie Jonkers in securing the conviction and sentence.
10 September 2024- A businessman, Thoshan Panday (52), was denied bail by the Durban Magistrates Court and his matter was postponed to 25 September 2024, for an indictment to be served. Panday is facing 27 counts of fraud, alternatively contraventions of tax legislation, which outlines false returns in respect of VAT and Annual Income Tax.
According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, relying upon an affidavit of the investigating officer, the prosecutor argued that Panday was a flight risk. Mamothame said in respect of a pending matter in the High Court, where he faces charges of racketeering, fraud and corruption, Panday had been granted bail subject to stringent conditions, including that he surrender his passport to the investigating officer.
“Panday, however, contravened his bail conditions by misrepresenting to the High Court in 2022, that he required his passport to enable him to travel to several destinations in Europe in December 2022 returning in January 2023.
“Unbeknown to the state, Panday travelled to the United States of America (USA) in the face of the High Court order permitting him to travel to Europe only. The State alleged that upon entering the USA, Panday presented a passport, which he had previously stated under oath in court proceedings had been lost and which he had reported as lost to the Department of Home Affairs,” he said.
Mamothame further said upon his departure from the USA, Panday presented a further passport which upon his return to South Africa, he claimed was also lost. He added that the prosecution argued that it was not in the interest of justice to grant Panday bail as he was proven not to be a credible person and thus constituted a flight risk.
“The prosecution also drew attention to evidence that Panday had previously interfered with state witnesses, had tried to bribe an investigating officer and was proven to have the financial means to live a luxurious lifestyle even after his assets were restrained by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
“The Magistrate agreed with the submissions of the prosecutor and dismissed Panday’s application to be released on bail. In the corruption matter that is ongoing before the Durban High Court, where he is charged with eight others, the state alleges that he was effectively in control of several entities which had received payments from the South African Police Services (SAPS) amounting to approximately R47 million, owing to a corrupt relationship formed with members of the Supply Chain Management Division of the SAPS,” said Mamothame.
He said these payments were allegedly made by the SAPS in respect of services rendered, preceding and during the Soccer World Cup in 2010. Mamothame said Panday now faces tax fraud charges as a result of the submission of tax returns in respect of the entities that he had controlled which received payments from the SAPS during the 2010 and 2011 tax years.
“After the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) had extended its investigations into the tax compliance of the entities controlled by Panday, tax investigations conducted by SARS revealed that declarations made in the tax returns were false.
“It is alleged that SARS had suffered prejudice in the amount of approximately R 7.3 million as a result of these false tax declarations. He will remain in custody until the completion of his trial,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2024— The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said there is a significant improvement in the audit outcomes of the North West municipalities as highlighted in the Auditor General’s 2022-23 report. Mosenogi said the Auditor General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke’s recent presentation to Parliament, underscores a noteworthy achievement.
She further said 18 municipalities, including several in North West, have successfully moved out of the negative audit category. Mosenogi added that this progress is a testament to the concerted efforts and enhanced support from provincial and national governments.
“In the North West, of the 22 municipalities, 21 submitted Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the 22/23 financial year, except Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Three municipalities, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, obtained unqualified opinions in 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
“Moses Kotane Local Municipality obtained an Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2021/22 financial year. In 2022/2023, it regressed to Qualified Audit Opinion. Moretele Local Municipality improved to Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2022/2023 financial year,” she said.
Mosenogi said in 2021/22 Financial Year, 10 municipalities, Bojanala District Municipality, Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Kagisano Molopo, Greater Taung, Mahikeng, Ramotshere and Tswaing, received qualified Audit Opinions.
She said in 2022/23, an improvement of two more qualified audit outcomes was registered and these municipalities are Kgetleng-Rivier and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
“For 2022/23 financial year, the improved audit outcomes were recorded by Moretele from Qualified to Unqualified, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality from averse to Qualified and lastly Kgetleng-Rivier Local Municipality from Disclaimer to Qualified Audit outcomes.
“In the 2021/22 financial years, disclaimer Audit Opinion was registered in 7 municipalities, Kgetleng, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa, Naledi and Ratlou. In 2022/2023, there were improvements which resulted in reduction of disclaimer from 7 to 4, and the four remaining are Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa and Ratlou Local Municipalities,” said Mosenogi.
She said in the 2022/2023 financial year, only Madibeng and Naledi, received adverse Audit Opinions. Mosenogi said notwithstanding that only one municipality did not submit, the number of disclaimers have decreased, number of qualified audit opinions has increased, which indicates an improvement and sustained improvements in terms of unqualified audit opinions.
“Despite persistent challenges, there have been positive strides. Importantly, the support by the provincial governments has played a crucial role in this improvement, demonstrating our commitment to better financial and performance management.
“In recognition of the challenges experienced by Ditsobotla, the provincial government through the Provincial Treasury assisted Ditsobotla Local Municipality by preparing and ensuring that the 2021/22, 2022/23 including the 2023/24 financial statements are submitted by August 2024, and this significantly reduces the number of outstanding AFS for Ditsobotla,” she said.
Mosenogi said her department remains dedicated to supporting municipalities in enhancing their financial health, compliance with legislation, and service delivery. She said they will continue to work diligently to address areas of concern and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
10 September 2024- We have recently returned from Beijing, where we attended the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which brought together heads of state and government from across the continent. The summit was preceded by my second state visit to the People’s Republic of China where a number of Cabinet ministers and myself were hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A number of Ministers and myself had an opportunity during the visit to meet several Chinese companies that operate in South Africa or are looking at opportunities in our country.
One of these companies was Hisense, a Chinese electronics manufacturer that has been part of an exciting South African success story.
Just over 10 years ago, Hisense established a R350 million manufacturing plant in Atlantis Industrial Park in the Western Cape. Having grown into a prominent brand in the South African market, Hisense is now exporting some of its products to other African countries and the United Kingdom from its Atlantis plant.
The company reports that it has created over 1,000 direct and over 5,000 indirect jobs in Atlantis. Local producers are prioritised for the company’s packaging needs. Hisense provides on the job skills training to its workforce and has a skills transfer programme between China and South Africa for technicians and engineers.
The Hisense story shows the great potential that exists for investment in advanced manufacturing in South Africa and to reach a far broader continental market. It is also a good example of job creation, skills development and technology transfer.
Hisense is just one of a growing number of Chinese companies that are expanding their footprint in South Africa, bringing much-needed investment and jobs. I met with other Chinese companies that are looking to invest in South Africa, particularly in the areas of energy, infrastructure, technology and advanced manufacturing.
During the state visit, China and South Africa agreed to upgrade our relationship to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era. This signifies the strengthening of the political, economic and social ties between the two countries.
China is our largest trading partner, having overtaken the European Union in 2023. However, there is an imbalance in the structure of our trade. South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China and imports largely manufactured products from China.
During our discussion, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for the development of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and to receive greater volumes of finished goods from South Africa.
President Xi has committed China to open its markets to more South African products and would seek to further broaden the frontiers for Chinese investment in the South African economy.
We are particularly encouraged at the potential of greater cooperation, investment and trade between our two countries in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient economic growth. For example, South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage – and China as a proven track record in developing innovative solutions in these areas.
There is also great potential, and much interest, for Chinese private commercial firms, state-owned enterprises and banks to invest in our country’s infrastructure build programme. This aligns with our plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.
Investment does not only flow in one direction. I also met with South African companies operating in China. They have found that South African and Chinese companies can complement each other well, and have both benefited from an exchange of expertise and technology.
The value of such cooperation extends beyond our two countries. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which will provide access to a market of over 1.3 billion people, provides an even greater incentive for investment by China and other countries in Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
This was underlined during the FOCAC summit attended by more than 50 African countries, where President Xi announced ten partnership actions that China would take together with African countries to support the modernisation of their economies. These actions cover areas like trade, industrial development, agriculture, health and infrastructure.
At a time when African economies are growing closer together, China’s technological capabilities can support Africa’s industrialisation and enable the continent to export more than just raw commodities.
The strengthening of ties with major trading partners like China continues to yield benefits for the South African economy and people. The Hisense investment in Atlantis is a case in point, with many other companies following its lead.
It is clear that relations between South Africa and China have entered a new era of opportunity. Our visit has strengthened trade and investment ties and cemented our shared commitment to grow our economy, create jobs and advance prosperity for the people of our two countries.
Picture: A pregnant woman indulging in alcohol/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 September 2024- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has called on pregnant mothers to adopt a healthier lifestyle to ensure the good health of their unborn babies by refraining from consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
Lehari said this comes after the world observed World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day at 9:9am, on 9 September 2024, to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink alcohol while pregnant.
The theme for this year is: “FASD awareness month is “Everyone Plays a Part”.
“The theme, Everyone Plays a Part, goes beyond framing FASD as an individual issue. It is a call to action to support healthy pregnancies as the impacts of FASD matter to the whole community.
“The department continues to roll out health education to mothers and women of childbearing age in all communities to raise awareness about the consequences of FASD,” he said.
According to Lehari, through their healthy lifestyle programme, they want to ensure that every pregnancy and delivery is a safe and an enjoyable experience. He further said they are emphasising the need to care for the health of babies before and after birth to ensure that they have a healthy start to life.
“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) as it is commonly known, is a severe medical condition caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause the child to have disabilities related to behaviour, learning and thinking, and physical development.
“The symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome vary from child-to-child, but are lifelong. There is no amount of alcohol that is known to be safe to drink during pregnancy. A mother who drinks during pregnancy places their baby at risk of FAS,” said Lehari.
He added that the alcohol the mother drinks enters the unborn baby’s bloodstream causing damage to the foetus. Lehari said such damage is permanent and irreversible.
“FAS children will have physical and intellectual problems,” he said.
10 September 2024- Over the weekend the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) advertised the first batch of over 160 vacant positions across provincial departments. The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said this is part of strengthening the capacity of the NWPG to deliver services and to open up the public services to capable professionals, graduates, youth and women in particular.
Mokgosi maintains that the recruitment drive is also aimed at creating work opportunities for qualifying youth unemployed graduates and to fight the scourge of unemployment in the province.
“We are embarking on a developmental trajectory that is aimed at capacitating the state and will see to the full implementation of the plans we have set out for ourselves in the seventh administration. But of critical importance is to take a lead as a government in job creation.
“We encourage residents to look out for the vacancies, which have been advertised on national and provincial newspapers as well as on the websites of the North West provincial government ( http://www.nwpg.gov.za ) and that of the Department of Public Service and Administration (www.dpsa.gov.za ),” he said.
Mokgosi further said through the implementation of the province’s Growth and Developmental Strategy that will be guided by the newly instituted Investment and Economic Advisory Council, the provincial government is looking at creating over hundred thousand (100 000) jobs in Tourism, Agriculture and Construction in the next five years.
He said the creation of jobs must be a multifaceted approach, which must include the private sector.
“We initiated engagements with various stakeholders on how best we can respond to the astronomical figures of unemployment in the province and I believe that all our efforts will yield desired results,” said Mokgosi.
Setshwantsho: Banna ba ba tlhometseng go utlwala ba tshotse madi/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgothosa o tlhometse. Se se tla morago ga gore banna bangwe ba ba sa itsiweng ba ba neng ba tlhometse go utlwala, ba thukuthe sejanaga se se rwalang madi sa Fidelity mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse fela fa pele ga lebenkele le le itsegeng la Shoprite. Go ya ka ba ba boneng ka matlho, banna ba baneng ba tshwere dithunya, ba ile ba kgorogela mongwe wa batlhokomedi ba setlamo sa Fidelity le go mo tseela madi a neng a leka go a tsenya mo sejanageng.
Go ile ga nna le thuntsano ma gareng ga batlhokomedi ba, le bo rra-sethunya ba. Go begwa fa motlhokomedi wa setlamo sa Fidelity a ile a thuntsiwa, mme one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong go bona kalafi.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone o tlhalositse fa a sentse a kokwanya dintlha, mme o tla boela go lekwalo-dikgang la Taung DailyNews ka dintlha tse di feletseng.
10 September 2024- South Africa’s biggest fuel brand and the Official Fuel Supplier of the Springboks, Engen, has officially welcomed four rugby legends as brand ambassadors. Engen is also inviting rugby fans to join it in celebrating this exciting new chapter and to share in the joy of the game loved by so many.
Rugby superstars, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and retired Springbok, Tendai Mtawarira, were unveiled by Engen in Cape Town on 9 September. These icons of the game will join forces with Engen to celebrate the rich heritage and spirit of rugby in South Africa.
Commenting on the announcement, Engen Managing Director and CEO, Seelan Naidoo commended the four Springboks for bringing pride to South Africa through their contributions to the world champion Springbok rugby team, as well as their ability to inspire and connect with people across cultures and backgrounds.
“As a company synonymous with high performance and reliability, Engen is incredibly honoured that Siya, Eben, Cheslin and Tendai have chosen to represent our brand to help us fuel growth and progress in communities across South Africa.
“The four living legends all demonstrate a deep passion and care for our country, which resonates deeply with Engen’s commitment to making a positive contribution,” said Naidoo.
He further said together, they will continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence in every endeavour. Naidoo added that Engen holds a firm belief in the power of sport to connect people from different backgrounds and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
“Through this exciting new partnership, Engen and its ambassadors will collaborate on various initiatives aimed at inspiring South Africans, supporting local communities, and promoting a spirit of unity, perseverance, and excellence.
“The appointment of the four living legends further underscores Engen’s commitment to rugby, which is also seen in the company’s sponsorship of Get into Rugby (GIR), SA Rugby’s grassroots development programme, as well as Engen being the Official Fuel Supplier of the Springboks,” he said.
Naidoo said their fuel sponsorship of the Springbok rugby team is testament to their commitment to supporting excellence and helping foster national pride. He said rugby is more than just a game in South Africa, but a symbol of national unity.
“As the Official Fuel Supplier to the Springboks, Engen is proud to support a team that exemplifies excellence.
“Every player’s hard work, skill, and unwavering commitment have not only driven the Boks to extraordinary heights but have also ignited a sense of unity and joy across South Africa,” said Naidoo.
He said moreover, their involvement in SA Rugby’s ‘Get into Rugby’ youth development programme, reflects their long-standing commitment to helping nurture future sports stars. Naidoo said by supporting grassroots rugby, they aim to provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence, and engage in the camaraderie of sport.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only supporting the game of rugby but also contributing to the development and welfare of broader society,” he said.
Mtawarira, capped 117 times by the Springboks said: “It was an honour to serve as one of the Engen ambassadors. Engen is a household name in South Africa, and across the continent.
“The company’s ever-expanding sports sponsorship portfolio is extremely exciting, and their support for an initiative such as the ‘Get into Rugby’ development programme is especially commendable.”
The president of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark said this is an innovative partnership, which brings together iconic South African rugby stars, who share common values, and the same vision of making an impact in the community. Yormark said collectively, there was clear alignment with Engen, a brand that is synonymous with South Africa, and they are very proud at Roc Nation Sports International that they were able to facilitate this deal for three of their world-class clients, who all also have a very special friendship.
Picture: The scholar transport bus involved in an accident/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 September 2024- More than 15 learners were ferried to the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg on Friday. This comes after their scholar transport bus was involved in an accident in Liliefontein, near Vryburg.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said according to the reports, the accident occurred late on Friday, when a tyre on the bus burst. Motsumi said at the time of the incident, there were 18 learners on board and some had already disembarked at their homes.
“Fifteen learners received trauma counseling at the local hospital. It was revealed that four individuals sustained serious injuries, including fractured legs and arms. The driver has also sustained serious injuries.
“As a result of the severity of their injuries, three learners are currently hospitalized at Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg. We express profound shock upon learning about the accident,” she said.
Motsumi further said they urge all scholar transport operators to drive with extreme caution as scholar transport accidents continue to rise. She added that operators need to ensure that their buses are roadworthy, adhere to speed limits, and carry a limited number of passengers to prevent accidents.
“As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to providing support to those affected, the psychosocial team will continue to offer counseling sessions to the learners.
“Continuous care and assistance during this critical time are essential,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 