Monthly Archives: October 2024

The family of a boy who drowned in a canal in Hartswater left dejected  

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, the father of the deceased, Seun Sehemo and his wife

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 October 2024- A family of Kutlwano Sehemo (13), who drowned in a water canal in Bonita Park Informal Settlement, near Hartswater, said they were left dejected by how the police divers dealt with the whole situation. The body of Kutlwano was only retrieved after 48 hours in Maphoitsile village, in Taung, more than 15km away after being washed away.  

It is alleged that on 17 October 2024, Kutlwano and his friends went to the water canal to cool off during the hot weather. However, it is alleged that a Grade 7 learner from Kgono Primary School in Pampierstad, disappeared under the water.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The body of the deceased was retrieved in a water canal in Maphoitsile village and an inquest docket was opened.”

The deceased’s father, Seun Sehemo said it was disheartening to see the police divers doing nothing to retrieve the body of his son. Sehemo said on the first day, the police divers came, but did not enter the water.

“They just came, looked around and left. The following day, they came and did not stay long. Only on the third day, they managed a thorough search and recovered the lifeless body of my son in Maphoitsile.  

“We were sitting at home having sleepless nights, simply because some people who were appointed in positions could not do their work. However, we are grateful that at the end of the day, we will manage to bury our son,” he said.

The Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse said they will support the family throughout the process. Harmse further said they will also engage with other departments for any assistance.

“We will also ensure that we facilitate different departments, where the family needs assistance,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo visited the bereaved family on Saturday. Seitlholo said they call for collaborative efforts between government and communities in relation to public safety around water resources.

“Drowning incidents are prone around canals and other water bodies during summer season, where temperatures are high. We also visited Vaalharts and met with the Vaalharts WUA, Phokwane Local Municipality, to address safety concerns around the canal.

“I’m concerned by the consistent incidents of drowning in this community. We’ve engaged consistently with the Water User Association (WUA) on what we can do as the department to prevent future incidents of drowning,” he said.

According to Seitlholo, the WUA is currently undergoing a process of capacity building and have identified volunteers that are currently on training on how to behave around water and have taken the programme to schools. He said they hope they will have individuals within a radius that will be able to respond quickly to incidents of drowning.

“Fencing is unfortunately not a sustainable solution to the current state of the canal as far as curbing future incidents of drowning. The department conducted the decommissioning of the fencing when the fence around the canals was stolen.

“I visited the family to send personal condolences on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation. As a government, we have a responsibility to show families that we do care and to explain why we cannot fence these canals,” said Seitlholo.

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Police in North West to ensure school examinations take place in conducive environment  

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Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 October 2024 – The North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), has officially launched the annual Safer Festive Operation in Mahikeng on 17 October 2024. The operation commenced on 1 October 2024 until 31 January 2025.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said as part of a holistic, integrated social crime prevention and combating strategy, the operation will be executed in an intelligence-phased approach. Kwena said the first phase of the operation, which is from 1 October to 30 November 2024, is directed towards ensuring that school examinations take place in a conducive, peaceful, safe and incident free environment.

“It is in this regard that, I would like to request, encourage and call upon all the learners, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), communities, parents and Community Police Forums (CPFs), to work together with the PROVJOINTS and the Department of Education, to ensure that the examinations including the important matriculation examination, learners and educators are safe, secure and incident free.

“My message to all learners, especially the matriculants, is to remain focused, continue to study and avoid any activity that may jeopardise their personal well-being and possible unlawful conduct such as indulging in drugs and liquor during and after the examination period,” he said.

Kwena further said the police in the province have been given clear marching orders to deal decisively with any liquor outlets that will sell, supply and host the consumption of liquor to learners.

He added that communities, parents, SGBs and CPFs, are urged not to tolerate a tendency or practice of “Pens down” commonly referred to by learners in Setswana as “Go Tlhatswa Pene”, wherein they engage in wild liquor drinking celebratory parties often with disastrous repercussions for learners.

“The police are also making a call to event organizers, as well as community activists and community leaders to make sure that their events are hosted in accordance with the law. Where there are protests or marches, such are conducted in the manner that does not infringe the law or violate the rights of others.

“The SGBs and CPFs must work with school principals, educators and their local police stations to ensure that schools are crime free zones and that gangs, hawkers or vendors of dangerous foods, drug peddlers face the full might of the law,” said Kwena.

He said the SAPS and the PROVJOINTS would like to take this moment to wish the Department of Education, parents and most importantly, learners a safe, peaceful and successful examination period.

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A man who went missing found in hospital

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Picture: Simon Quincy Khumalo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 October 2024- A man (26) who went missing on 28 September 2024, was found in hospital. Simon Quincy Khumalo, who resides at Corner Heights in Adelaide Street, Cashan, Rustenburg, was last seen by his sister, when he left home to visit friends, but never returned.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a search was conducted around Rustenburg and all leads were followed-up, without successful results. Myburgh said at the time of Khumalo’s disappearance, he was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a blue top and red sneakers.

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a slender build body, 1,6m tall with afro hair. Furthermore, his upper teeth are gold and silver plated.

“We are happy that Khumalo was found in a local hospital, where he is recovering well after allegedly being attacked and robbed in Pretoria,” she said.

Myburgh further said the South African Police Service (SAPS), appreciates the communities’ assistance. She added that community members should keep following their social media page to stay informed.

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‘Protea Women are precious ambassadors of SA’

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Picture: Protea Women against New Zealand during T20 World Cup Final  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 October 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa has saluted the valiant effort shown by Protea Women for the duration of the Women T20 World Cup in Dubai. McGluwa congratulated the team on behalf of the committee.

He further said the performances in the 2024 World Cup, have created an opportunity for the Proteas from now on to unlock its potential. McGluwa added that this will show the world the country’s untapped potential to win big in the future.

“South Africa must hold their heads high for the success they have realised in this year’s tournament. With every participation in global events, our women show unbelievable growth.

“Reaching a consecutive final of this tournament was a victory on its own. It is something we should be proud of as a nation. South Africa heroically defeated Australia on Thursday to firmly have a grip on the trophy,” said McGluwa.

He said they played New Zealand in the final, who set us 158, but South Africa fell just short, despite displaying an unbelievable level of maturity. McGluwa said anything was possible in the finals, and South Africans should be proud of what they have in the Protea Women.

“The silver medallists for the second tournament running, Protea women should be proud. This is an achievement and evidence that we have given a very good account of ourselves. The success of the South African women across sporting codes is something to marvel at.

“Banyana Banyana are reigning African Champions, and the Springbok Women had recently hosted a successful five nations women tournament featuring Australia, Scotland, Japan, and Italy,” he said.

McGluwa said from this point, it was upward and onward for these precious ambassadors of the Republic. He said this should serve as an inspiration and spare young women of all races and backgrounds into choosing cricket, from Gugulethu, Eldos, Umlazi, Sandton and even the rural Limpopo.

Meanwhile, New Zealand beat South Africa by 32 runs in a tantalising Women T20 World Cup final.

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Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched

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Picture: The charred body of Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu and her house that was torched by enraged community members  

By OBAKENG MAJ E

22 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng calls for calm in Magogong village, near Taung. This follows an incident of murder, torching of property and looting of a tuckshop.

This was allegedly sparked by the disappearance of a girl, Rethabile Molapo (13), on 13 October 2024. It is reported that the community was enraged by the accusations of who could be responsible for the disappearance of Molapo.

“The charred lifeless body of Molapo was discovered in a toilet of an abandoned house in Modutung village. A woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing Molapo.

“Mothusieman-Legodu was burned and killed, and also her house was torched. I strongly condemn these criminal activities and calls for calm. I plead with the community to allow the police to do their work, apprehend the culprits of this dastardly act,” he said.

Morweng further said he humbly pleaded with the community of Magogong not to take the law into their own hands and urged police to ensure that they leave no stone unturned/ He added that they must get to the bottom of this horrendous incident.

“I also urge those with information to report to the police, so that the perpetrators are speedily brought to book. No arrest has been effected so far and the motive behind the murder remains unknown,” said Morweng.

 He said investigations are ongoing and police visibility at the area has been heightened to monitor the situation. Morweng sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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Banyana Banyana ready to face Namibia in COSAFA Cup tournament  

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Picture: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 October 2024– South African senior women’s national team will get their 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign underway when they face Namibia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Tuesday afternoon at 5pm. Banyana Banyana will be looking to regain their title in this year’s tournament after three years without success and add to their record seven victories in the regional event.

Banyana Banyana interim coach, Maud Khumalo said she understood the importance of winning the first game.

“To be honest with you, we are in a relaxed mood. In the right set of mind, in a sense that we know it is match day minus one. We know that we have a few hours to play our first game of the tournament, which is very crucial.

“In this camp, everybody is ready, everybody is relaxed and focused. We are hopeful that this year’s title will remain at home. Definitely, we have to lift the hopes of South Africans, and also it is going to give us the right direction in terms of next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco,” she said.

Khumalo further said, everyone who plays against them, is going to come strong. She added that they are ready mentally and physically.

“The girls are ready to go out there to represent the country,” said Khumalo.

Meanwhile, COSAFA Banyana Banyana captain, Thalea Smidt said while they have not had much time together ahead of the tournament, they will take advantage of the opportunities presented to them tomorrow.

“The preparation so far, I think it has been good. We have not really had as much time as we would have desired, but I think we must just make use of the time that we had. I think we did what was important and what would be important for us during the game and what would be needed from us during the game.

“Obviously, the main focus for us these past few days was on the preparations for Namibia because that is our first game. It is currently the most important game because it is the game that is going to set the tone for us in the tournament,” she said.

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An elderly woman who organised a hit on the girlfriend of her ex sentenced to life imprisonment   

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By REGINALD KANYANE

22 October 2024- Three people were sentenced to life imprisonment each by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp for murder and attempted murder. This comes after the accused, Clementinah Kokama (64), was in a relationship with Dingaan Dlamini, which ended poorly, leading to their separation.

Shortly after, Dlamini became romantically involved with Nonzame Hondwana, which Kokama did not take well. Driven by jealousy and anger, she orchestrated a hit on Hondwana. On 1 April 2022, while Hondwana was having dinner at home with Dlamini in Kanana Township, near Orkney, there was a knock at the door.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said when Dlamini opened it, accused, Monokwa Malewu (26), indicated he was there to see Hondwana, then shot her multiple times, killing her instantly. Gunya said Dlamini was also injured in the attack.

“The court heard that the murder was premeditated and that Kokama had paid R20,000 to have the hit carried out. Malewu and Kokama were arrested on 8 April 2022 and have been in custody since.

“Following his arrest, Malewu voluntarily confessed to his involvement in the crime in a statement to Captain Olihile Mokae. The third accused, Moeketsi Petrus Lesuhlo (47), a Lesotho citizen, was apprehended on 17 February 2023,” he said.

In court, state advocate Kokeletso Phetlhu emphasized the rise of violent crimes, particularly those against women, urging the court to impose the harshest sentence. Judge President Hendricks denounced contract killings as among the most egregious crimes.

“Malewu was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and seven years for attempted murder. Kokama received a life sentence for murder and fifteen years for conspiracy to commit a crime, in violation of section 18 (2) (a) and (b) of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956.

“Lesuhlo was also sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and fifteen years for conspiracy to commit a crime under the same Act. The court ruled that all sentences would run concurrently with the life sentences imposed on each accused,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, in response, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences and praised the efforts of the police, state prosecutors, and all involved in securing the convictions.

“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served, and we reiterate that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” said Makhari.

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Baithuti ba le supa kwa Cokonyane ba aparetswe ke moya wa ‘matimone’   

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se segolwane sa Marubising

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Diphalane 2024- Go begwa fa seemo se tlhotse se tswile mo taolong, mme dithuto di batlile di kgorelesege kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Marubising le kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Keikanamang kwa motseng wa Cokonyane, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Go belaelwe fa baithuti ba le mmalwa ba ile ba tshwarwa ke moya wa matimone mo mosong. Se se tla morago ga gore moruti Moses Motlhale a rapelele baithuti pele ga ba tla tshimolola ka go kwala ditlhatlhobo tsa bone tsa mafelo a ngwaga.

Go begwa fa Motlhale, a ile a biletswa kwa dikolong tse pedi tse go ya go rapelela baithuti. Fela go ya ka bo maratahelele, baithuti bangwe ba ile ba aparelwa ke moya wa matimone, mme ba ile ba lela le go gowa.

Go begwa fa baithuti bao, ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba bona dilo dingwe jaaka dinoga le tse dingwe.

Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are, bagokgo ba dikolo tse pedi tseo, ba tlhalositse fa gone go tsweletswe ka thapelo jaaka go ke go dirwe ngwaga le ngwaga pele ga baithuti ba kwala ditlhatlhobo tsa bone tsa mafelo a ngwaga.

“Fela, go ile ga tlhalosiwa fa baithuti ba le supa ba mephato e kwa tlase ba ile ba bontsha fa ba na le kgatelelo ya maikutlo, mme ba simolola go lela le go gowa. Baithuti bao, ba ile ba rwalelwa kwa kliniking ya selegae go ka leka go ba neela thobo ya maikutlo.

“Jaaka re bua le wena jaana, baithuti bao ba siame. Ga gwa nna le di kgoreletsi mo go kwaleng ga ditlhatlhobo tsa marematlou kwa sekolong sa Marubising,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, moruti o a neng a rapelela baithuti ba, Moses Motlhale are: “Ke ne ke ile go rapelela baithuti kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Marubising le se se potlana sa Keikanyamang. Se se diragetseng ke gore, baithuti ba ile ba nna mo seemong se sengwe.

“O tla fitlhela ba na le matsapa a farologaneng go tswa kwa malapeng a bone. Jaanong, erile fa dilo tseo di kopana le thapelo, di be di ba dira gore ba nne mo seemong se ba neng ba le mo go sone.”

Motlhale are go bua nnete, ene ga a rapele mong wa leina thapelo fa a rapela. Motlhale are o tsaya matsatsi a le supa pele ga a ya kwa go tshwanetsweng gore a ye go rapela teng.

“Se ke se buang ka leganong la ka, ke se se tlileng go ntsha dilo tse di maswe. Baithuti ba ne ba sa ngatege, mme ba ne ba wa le go gowa ekete ba bona dilo tsa boloi. Ke tswa go katolola dineo tsa bana, mme bangwe ba tlhalositse fa ba bona digaga le diphala. Ba bangwe ba tlhalosisitse fa ba bone bannabagolo ba tshwere dithobane.

“Ke selo se kgale se direga kwa Marubising. Jaanong, ke ile ka bilediwa le kwa Keikanamang. Ke utlwile gotwe bana ba wa. Fela, ga se ke utlwe sepe kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Lekang. Mme fa go ka nna le mokgwasa le gone, re tlile go ya,” Motlhale wa tlhalosa.

Motlhale are kwa Marubising ga are gatwe, mme o tswa teng. Are baithuti ba bangwe ba buseditswe magaeng, gonne barutabana ba ne ba tlhalosa fa ba kgoreletsa ditlhatlhobo tsa baithuti ba marematlou.

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More 1000 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By REGINALD KANYANE

21 October 2024- More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. A total of 5 416 actions were executed between 14 and 20 October 2024, and that led to the arrest of 1 020 suspects.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 5 416 actions, including amongst others, 10 roadblocks, searching of 164 premises, 2 464 persons, 1 087 vehicles, closing of 9 unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 94. Myburgh further said 41 Second-hand-dealers were inspected, as well as 156 farms and seven informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail (to ensure Labour Law compliance). 

“In addition, 906 patrols and 231 stop and search actions were also conducted. The suspects were among others, arrested for crimes that include robbery, murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault and malicious damage to property.

“This includes burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, illicit mining, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, theft out of/from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle,” she said.

Myburgh added that 31 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She said 60 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Of the 1 020 suspects, 476 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. During the operations, a variety of drugs, 15 cell phones, 8 firearms, 640kg of copper, 309 rounds of ammunition, explosives, liquor, tobacco products, 4 vehicles and other items were confiscated,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continuous daily support and operationalizing of proper planning to ensure safer communities.

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‘We must work to ensure that better prospects await the Class of 2024’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 October 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes all Grade 12 learners well at this challenging and exciting time. Ramphosa said today was the start of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

He further said just over 880 000 candidates sat for this year’s matric exams. Ramaphosa added that these exams are the culmination of many years of hard work, perseverance and resilience, often in the face of difficult odds.

“The Class of 2024 entered Grade 8 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and have had to receive considerable learning support to overcome the resultant gaps in their learning. As a nation, we are proud of the learners who will be rewriting the matric exam this year, having taken advantage of the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Programme.

“Your determination to improve your academic prospects does you credit. It is a life lesson on the importance of not giving up.

Over the past few weeks, learners have been engrossed in study,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they have taken up opportunities for extra lessons, doing revision with their educators and attending the many learner support programmes being run by the provincial departments of education. He said providing learners with the necessary resources to enable them to achieve quality pass rates is a collaborative effort between the Department of Basic Education, provincial education authorities, school governing bodies and families of learners.

“I commend our nation’s educators for their commitment to our matriculants as they reach the end of their secondary school journey. At the annual National Teaching Awards ceremony earlier this month, I spoke of teachers as being like devoted gardeners, whose attention, guidance and encouragement nurtures our nation.

“The successes that the Class of 2024 will undoubtedly achieve will be in no small part due to the efforts of our country’s devoted teachers. All the necessary systems are in place to ensure the exam period goes smoothly,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the Department of Basic Education and the qualification standards authority Umalusi, have been hard at work auditing the more than 9,200 exam centres, appointing and vetting exam markers and approving question papers. Ramaphosa said these include adapted question papers for learners with special needs.

“The department has put stringent conditions in place to minimise the potential for question paper leaks, fraud and cheating. Additional invigilators have been appointed, some examination centres will employ CCTV and security has been stepped up at exam venues to minimise disruptions.

“I want to thank all the matric exam candidates across the country who have signed the NSC Examination Code of Conduct. This commits them to academic honesty during the exam. The annual matric exam period is a period to reflect on the scale of the efforts to absorb these young people into economic activity once they have attained the results they have worked so hard for,” he said.

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