28 October 2024– The police in Phokeng request community assistance in locating a missing woman, Lesedi Lefiri (21), who is residing at Newstand, Boshoek, near Rustenburg. According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Lefiri was last seen by her mother on 9 October 2024.
Myburgh said a search was conducted around Phokeng and all leads were followed-up, but that did not yield positive results. She further said Lefiri was wearing a white T-shirt, light blue Jean with white shoes.
“She is dark in complexion, with brown eyes, a small built body and black, long, afro hair. Anyone who may have information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya on 076 834 4165 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” added Myburgh.
Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2024- Nine suspects who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, for various crimes such as kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, arson and malicious damage to property remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for formal bail application.
Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).
“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house. He added that goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze.
“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
28 October 2024- A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend (21). This comes after Severn police received a complaint on 3 April 2024 from the accused, Tumisang Dioka Metswe, reporting that he found his girlfriend, Malebo Mavis Modise beaten behind a tavern in Madibeng in Severn village.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said the police found Modise covered with a blanket at her boyfriend’s residence.
“She was hospitalised, but later succumbed to her injuries on 7 April 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaotsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johny Besnaar, applauded the Investigation Officer, D/Cst Ompolokile Godfrey Motingwe for the meticulous investigation that led to the lifelong incarceration of the accused and also for ensuring that justice was served.
28 October 2024- We have placed the growth of an inclusive economy and the creation of jobs at the centre of the work of the Government of National Unity. This is taking place alongside actions to tackle poverty and the high cost of living and to build a capable, developmental state.
These priorities are uppermost in our minds as we mark Transport Month this October. The efficient, safe and affordable movement of people and goods around the country is essential for economic growth and jobs.
Goods that are produced by our workers need to move from mines, factories and farms to our country’s markets and international markets through our ports. People need to be transported to workplaces, clinics, hospitals and schools.
When our transport system works well, then the cost of doing business is lowered and our country’s products and services are more competitive. Affordable public transport helps to reduce the cost of living for millions of South Africans.
Our public transport system is in a poor state due to a lack of investment over many years, as well as theft and vandalism, especially during the COVID pandemic. Without affordable and reliable alternatives, households spend a large proportion of their income on transport.
Fixing public transport therefore plays a big role in reducing poverty. A particular area of focus for this Administration is the development of rail as the backbone of transport in South Africa.
Much progress has been made in restoring urban passenger rail to full service. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date restored 31 out of 40 priority rail corridors back to operation. By March this year, 40 million passengers were using public trains, nearly three times more than the year before.
Last year we set up the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) to address our logistics challenges, particularly in a number of goods transportation corridors. Transnet, business and labour are working together to increase the volume of freight that is carried on our rail corridors to be transported to our ports.
The NLCC is supporting the implementation of the Freight Logistics Roadmap. The roadmap covers areas such as the security of the rail network, operational improvements and capital investment.
It is expected that Transnet will finalise a Network Statement by the end of the year, which will facilitate access by third-party operators to our rail network. This will help to increase the volume of goods carried by rail.
By 2029, our rail lines need to be transporting at least 250 million tonnes of freight a year. While we attend to the immediate challenges, we are also looking ahead.
Work is underway to develop a National Rail Masterplan that will lay out the future for rail in South Africa. Among other things, the Masterplan will cover passenger rail in our cities, including rapid rail. It will also cover high speed rail over long distances between centres.
The substantial work required to develop the Masterplan is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The achievement of our ambitious targets will require considerable investment in infrastructure, rolling stock and signalling.
We will need to make use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in areas like cargo tracking, passenger ticketing and securing critical infrastructure. The Government alone will not be able to carry the scale of the investment needed.
That is why we are working to mobilise private sector investment in rail and port operations, while ensuring that the infrastructure remains State-owned. Not only does the development of rail reduce the cost and improve the reliability of transport for both people and goods.
It also makes an important contribution to the reduction of our carbon emissions. Together with support for new technologies like electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells, we can make transport in this country far cleaner and more environmentally sustainable.
While we improve the reach and performance of rail, we need to properly integrate all modes of public transport so that passengers can move seamlessly from one destination to another. Transport planning and policy development must therefore take account of the contribution of all forms of transport.
The Department of Transport is, for example, reviewing the approach to funding bus rapid transport programmes in municipalities and the taxi recapitalisation programme. While we have achieved important progress in restoring our freight and passenger rail systems, we have much further to go.
We will need far more investment, more effective use of technology and closer collaboration between all stakeholders.
We are now on the right track towards a public transport system that is safer, more efficient and more affordable – and that supports the growth of an inclusive economy, reduces poverty and creates employment.
Setshwantsho: Monna wa moswi o dikaganyeditswe ke baagi morago ga tiragalo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
28 Diphalane 2024- Mosadi wa kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o tlhokafetse morago ga go idibala. Go begwa fa Bontleeng Matseko (41), a ne a tsamaya le mogatse go ya kwa toropong fa tiragalo e, e diragala.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are ene ya re mo go boeng ga bone, Matseko one a ikutlwa e kare otshwerwe ke sedidi. Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Lamatlhatso, mme moswi one a le mo tekesing fa e diragala.
“O ile a bewa mo tlase ga setlhare, mme go ile ga bidiwa ambulance. Ka maswabi, o ile a begwa fa tlhokafetse, mme kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, dipatlisiso di tsweletse, mme ga go belaelwe fa go nnile le letsogo la tshwene,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Some of Municipal Health Inspectors raiding non-compliant spaza shops/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2024- The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe said they will intensify a crackdown on spaza shops across Taung. Last week, the municipality confiscated expired food and counterfeit goods worth over R350 000 from various spaza shops in Kgomotso, Losasaneng, Kameelspuits and Ikageng villages in Ga-Mothibi area.
Maribe further said the crackdown duped: Ga Re Shename campaign, targeted shops that sell poisonous foods to the public, which has sparked public outcry. He added that the campaign was in conjunction with various stakeholders such as Home Affairs’ Immigration unit, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Municipal Health Inspectors.
“We embarked on a random search and ensure that spaza shops owners are compliant. You will understand that this comes amid several reports of people who have died and others falling ill after allegedly consuming food bought from spaza shops.
“Even though we have not experienced that in our area recently, it is better to be safe than sorry. This has become a matter of grave concern countrywide lately. We can confirm that expired goods worth over R350 000 were confiscated and disposed of during the campaign,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams told SABC News that they have amended the legislation to ensure that it gives authority to her department. Ndabeni-Abrahams said when she arrived in office, the Portfolio Committee did not pass any legislation that gives authority to the department.
“We have established the Township Economy Task Force, which consists of Food Manufacturers, Consumers Protection, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders.
“We have also reached out to the Department of COGHSTA because licensing lies with the municipalities. We do recognize weaknesses at the local government and that is why you see the Minister of Health getting into that space saying although the National Health Act gives authority, the National Environmental Health should visit the municipalities,” she said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said, however, they are aware of some challenges, therefore the Department of Health will step in. She said the municipalities should strengthen the by-laws and there are the Department of Labour to ensure there is enforcement.
“We have spoken to the COGHSTA to ensure that municipalities impose compliance. Those who have the right to trade are those who have certificates to trade. That is why today, we have the Small Enterprise Act that has just been signed by the president of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramphosa.
“Why is it important to pass legislation? There are a lot of challenges experienced by entrepreneurs that require the department to have authority and time to make certain determination,” she said.
According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, without a law that empowers them, they cannot be able. She said at some point, people may recall that in 2021, during COVID-19 pandemonium, she was criticized for issuing directives on how spaza shops should operate and other informal businesses.
“We will engage the cabinet in November 2024, to bring that policy, including the Township Economic Development and Revitalisation Plan, in order to reclaim and give authority because we never imagined a situation whereby in a township, there could be an influx of illegal foreigners that can trade in the areas.
“The spaza shops were in partnership with Wholesalers and retailers. Firstly, we provided training, registration of those spaza shops and called for applications, where we needed 1000 spaza shops,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
28 October 2024- Four accused persons aged 26 and 40, who were in connection with the murder of Alfred Ntagane Puoeng (34), are back in Taung Magistrate’s Court. Puoeng was reported missing at Pudimoe Police Station on 7 July 2024.
According to the reports, Puoeng was last seen in December 2023, when he left his home in Pudimoe. The missing man’s father allegedly received a tip-off that his son was assaulted by Keaobaka Blos, Mohau Gaobuse, Oaitse Nchweng and Rapelang Blos, for stealing a cell phone.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said in January 2024, the concerned father called other family members to check if they were not aware of the victim’s whereabouts, but nothing positive came out of that.
“In June 2024, the father eventually met the victim’s friend,
who was with him when he was assaulted. After being informed that Puoeng was severely assaulted by four people, who accused him of theft, the father reported the matter to the police.
“It transpired during investigations that four men assaulted and killed Puoeng, then buried him in a shallow grave at a farm, outside Vryburg. The accused persons were arrested at their residences in Pudimoe on 13 August 2024,” she said.
Funani further said the accused persons initially appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2024, and their case was postponed until 21 August 2024, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all members of Pudimoe Police Station and other role players for their collaborative and investigative efforts to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
28 October 2024-More than 1168 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the total arrests, 513 were effected during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 50 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During the operations, 94 premises, 2 424 persons and 817 vehicles were searched. Moreover, goods such as alcohol, 55 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, tobacco products (543 packets) , a variety of drugs, counterfeit goods and precious metals were confiscated.
“A total of 29 illegal liquor outlets / shebeens were shut down. In its pursuit to prevent and combat crime in the province, the high density Operation Shanela remains steadfast in ensuring that those who disrespect the rule of law are arrested,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed successes achieved and reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to address the heightened risk of criminality due to increased movement of people in accordance with the phased approach of the Safer Festive Season 2024/2025 Operations.
28 October 2024– COSAFA Banyana Banyana take on Seychelles in their last Group A match on Monday with an eye on the semi-finals of the regional tournament at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Qheberha at 3pm. Coach Maude Khumalo’s charges confirmed their place after beating Eswatini 3-0 win on Friday.
According to COSAFA, even a defeat would see South Africa progress to the semi-finals. This is because only Namibia or Eswatini, would be able to match their six points, but whoever it is, South Africa would trump them on the head-to-head rule having beaten both in the competition already.
Khumalo said they would not be complacent, and the mandate still remains the same, not to concede and to score as many goals as they can.
“It’s collective teamwork, hence, we got those results (against Namibia and Eswatini). The players are responding very well to all the technical aspects of the game. Regarding our preparations for Seychelles, we’re not going to say, because of this we’re going to score a lot of goals, and we also expect to score a lot of goals.
“Our mandate is to make sure that we don’t concede. We will then try, as much as we can, to score goals because it’s another thing that we need to sharpen. So, in this game coming tomorrow, the plan is to make sure that we don’t concede, but also, to get goals from Seychelles,” she said.
Khumalo further said, whoever they face in the semi-finals they will be well prepared. She added that it’s something that they are looking at because they are looking at the people that gave them a bit of a shake-up in the group stages.
“It is Namibia in terms of their physique and in terms of their running. We saw Zimbabwe, we saw Mozambique, Lesotho and Malawi. Who else can it be? Botswana?” said Khumalo.
Picture: The house allegedly belonging to a traditional healer torched
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested for various offences such as attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court today. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said those arrested are seven men and a woman aged between 29 and 45. Mokgwabone said they were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
He further said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo (11), some community members took the law into their own hands. Mokgwabone added that among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“Moreover, goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “We welcome the arrest of suspects, following the brutal murder of Mothusiemang-Legodu, after community members accused her of witchcraft. This came after the disappearance of a child in the village.
“Following the incidents, I went to visit the families of both the deceased to comfort them on their loss, but also to gather more information as to what transpired. After meeting with both families, I promised to leave no stone unturned in finding the killers of both child and the woman.”
Morweng said he promised when he was there on Wednesday that, they will not sleep until those who are responsible are brought to book. He said he have to congratulate the police for their swift response in ensuring that those who are responsible are brought to book.
“We will not rest until we are able to unravel these mysterious incidents happening in that village, we are not a banana republic. There is law and order that must be upheld, our community must have trust in us to protect them and we will do just that,” said Morweng.
The Guardian 