Picture: Former CFO at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 November 2024- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on Monday for alleged fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The suspect was arrested in Heidelberg following allegations of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act in the procurement of motor vehicle rental service for the mayor.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said from April to May 2022, the suspect procured motor vehicle rental service for the mayor without following proper supply chain processes. Mathebula said the investigation revealed that the suspect procured these services without the approval of the Municipal Manager.
“As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of over R167 000. The suspect is due to appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 5 November 2024, to face three counts of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 November 2024- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they are in collaboration with the North West University (NWU) in an effort to find a permanent solution on the impasse at Hartbeespoort Dam. Initially, the NWU was commissioned to scientifically investigate the root cause of the violence that affects communities residing around the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Lenkopane further said they have now expanded the scope for the scientific inquiry to research possible economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West province equally. She added that the outbreak of violence in September 2024, in Hartbeespoort Dam has been characterized as racial tension, while in some quarters the altercations were labelled as a scramble for economic opportunities and participation.
“We since intervened, calling for peace and tolerance. We want to find a permanent solution to the problem at Hartbeespoort Dam and we do not want to be seen jumping the gun by arriving at assumption based conclusions on what could be the root cause of the violence.
“What we are condemning outright as a department, are acts of violence, criminality and destruction of property. That is why we have partnered with the NWU under the leadership of Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe to bring about a proper scientific inquiry into this matter,” said Lenkopane.
She said her department has already collected some data and several business people around Hartbeespoort Dam have been interviewed. Lenkopane said the preliminary investigations would not be released until the NWU concludes its report.
“We would then release the report for public consumption and engagement. The commission of the scientific report would end all forms of speculation around the problems of violence at Hartbeespoort Dam and will also identify economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West Province.
“We are working around the clock with all relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problems affecting communities around the Hartebeespoort Dam,” she said.
4 November 2024 – More than 1000 suspects were nabbed during Operation Shanela between 28 October 3 November 2024. The suspects who include 42 suspected undocumented persons, were arrested for various crimes ranging from rape, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Of the 1 487 arrests, 462 were apprehended as circulated and wanted during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. As part of the operations, 150 premises, 2864 persons and 1 308 vehicles were searched.
“Moreover, the operations led to the confiscation of alcohol, six firearms, 75 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, 21,6kg of copper, six vehicles and a variety of drugs and tobacco products,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North west Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, indicated that police will continue working together with other law enforcement agencies across the province, to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. Kwena said they welcome the successes and motivated all law enforcement officers and role players to continue with their efforts in a bid to ensure that members of the community are and feel safe.
Picture: Former SAPS Intelligence Boss, Richard Mdluli
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2024- The Pretoria High Court dismissed Richard Mdluli’s application for a postponement of the trial to await the outcome of his leave to appeal. Mduli’s application for leave to appeal is as a result of the South African Police Service (SAPS) refusing to pay for his legal fees.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said his appeal to the SAPS decision was also dismissed by the court. Mamothame further said Mdluli’s attorney subsequently withdrew on record, citing lack of funds by the client.
“The IDAC prosecutor also argued strongly against the postponement. Mdluli, together with the former South African Police Service (SAPS), Supply Chain Manager Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Solomon Lazarus, are facing charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the police’s secret slush fund from the time they were employed by the SAPS in the Crime Intelligence Services, between 2008 and 2012,” he added.
In dismissing Mdluli’s application, Judge Makamu agreed with IDAC and highlighted that this matter has been on the court roll for a long time and that it prejudices the other two accused, who placed it on record that they are ready to proceed with trial. Makamu indicated that, Mdluli’s leave to appeal has a lot of uncertainties which may require him to approach the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and the Constitutional Court, should the ruling be not in his favour.
Meanwhile, the matter was postponed until 5 November 2024, for Mdluli to approach Legal Aid South Africa to ascertain if he qualifies for legal assistance.
4 November 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday, the country observed National Children’s Day when they take stock of the progress they have made in advancing the rights of South Africa’s children. Ramaphosa said they celebrate this day on the first Saturday of November, which is the month in which the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations in 1989.
He further said the Convention was the first international treaty ratified by our newly democratic government in 1994 in recognition of the centrality of children’s rights to our national development. Ramphosa added that the Convention requires all countries to advance the social, economic, political and cultural rights of children.
“The Convention asserts that every child has a right to survival, development, protection, participation, identity, health, education, non-discrimination, privacy and freedom of expression. These rights are also aimed at creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children, allowing them to grow and thrive.
“The adoption of the Convention by the democratic South Africa was a critical step towards addressing the legacy of our past. Colonialism and apartheid ruined the prospects of millions of black children, who were the youngest victims of deprivation, discrimination and exclusion,” he said.
Ramaphosa said by the end of apartheid, the mortality rate for black children was six times higher than that of white children. He said these disparities reflected everywhere else, from living conditions and access to basic services, to access to social care and services, to education.
“Since 1994, we have registered considerable gains in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention, which are mirrored in our constitution. Successive democratic administrations have established laws and policies to develop the potential of South Africa’s children.
“To ensure children’s right to survival, we have implemented free primary health care for children under six, free basic services to poor families and child support grants. The school nutrition programme has made a significant difference in improving the educational and health outcomes for millions of children from indigent families,” said Ramaphosa.
He said to advance the right of children to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation, they have passed laws outlawing child labour, corporal punishment and child marriages. Ramaphosa said they also have a prescribed minimum sentencing regime for cases involving the sexual abuse of children.
“During the sixth democratic administration, we strengthened the legal regime to expand the definition of sexual offences against children, improve our capacity to combat child trafficking, and introduce more stringent conditions for the registration of sex offenders.
“One of the areas in which we have made the most progress in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is in the right to education. As the UN Children’s Fund has noted: “Since 1994 South Africa has made great strides in realising the right to education, rapidly building an efficient, accessible and quality education system for children and adolescents,” he said.
Picture: Taxi patrollers blocking a motorist/Twitter
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 November 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, has called on taxi associations to be vigilant against the conduct of some of their patrollers, who often flood social media platforms. Selamolela said the committee will soon arrange a meeting with the industry on its programme to, among other things, understand this matter.
“There has been too much negativity about operations of the taxi industry nationwide, and with the invention of social media, one can never tell if the videos and voice notes are regurgitated. However, associations should prevail on their members and have a decent and enforceable code of conduct.
“We must all work to improve the taxi industry, where it becomes transport of choice rather than convenience. Some of the transgressions the drivers commit is wholly unnecessary and can frustrate any improvisation in the industry,” he said.
Selamolela further said, this week, a video of an alleged vehicle blocking a private vehicle that allegedly picked up a hitchhiker surfaced. He added that the South African National Taxi Association Council (SANTACO) representative came out to support the patrollers’ conduct and sought to suggest that minibus taxi operators had an exclusive right to pick up people.
“The Department of Transport informed the committee on Tuesday that, it is looking to pilot an electronic payment system in association with the industry. But not only that, the department is looking to review and improve the amount paid to the taxi recapitalisation programme.
“This kind of behaviour, especially if the video on social media is not a dated video, frustrates the work of government and compromises the industry in the eyes of the public. The committee is excited that our government is looking to aid the industry, and therefore, the committee expects the industry to introspect and avoid the proverbial scoring of own goals.
“Public transport practitioners should focus on professionalism, safety and responsible driving. The committee welcomed the successful observation of National Transport Month, which ended on Friday, and called for vigilance amongst all drivers as we head for the festive season,” said Selamolela.
Picture: Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges students
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2024- The North West MEC for of Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said he extend his well-wishes to all students at Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges as they embark on their end-of-year assessments. Sambatha said as the academic year draws closer, he recognises the dedication and resilience these future agricultural leaders demonstrated throughout the academic year.
He further said their commitment to advancing their knowledge and skills within the sector is pivotal. Sambatha added that as they approach this critical phase of their academic journey, he wants to take a moment to wish them the best.
“Your dedication to agricultural education will pave the way for a brighter future. Know that your hard work and perseverance are the seeds sown for a brighter future in agriculture.
“The department stands behind you. We are confident that your efforts will yield great success. Students at the Potchefstroom campus have already commenced their examinations, while those at Taung began today,” he said.
Sambatha said these assessments are set to continue through mid-November. He said a team of dedicated staff at both campuses has worked diligently to maintain a conducive learning environment, ensuring a seamless examination process with secure venues, comprehensive exam schedules, and robust support services.
“The department encourages communities and parents to rally behind these future agriculturists, providing emotional support and motivation during this critical period. Their success will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.
4 November 2024- The North West Department of Education will launch a ground-breaking Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) initiative. The department said the launch marks a pivotal step in promoting cultural inclusivity and strengthening foundational learning through the use of mother tongue instruction, which is Setswana starting the Grade 4 learners.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the event will feature a keynote address highlighting the vision and goals of MTbBE, set to begin in January 2025 for Grade 4 learners, and panel discussions exploring the benefits and implementation strategies of this transformative approach.
“The MTbBE launch will take place at Seasons Conference Centre in Mahikeng on Tuesday. The proceeding will commence at 9am. The MTbBE program is designed to empower North West learners by connecting their education to their linguistic heritage, fostering inclusivity, and building a bilingual foundation.
“In alignment with South Africa’s National Language Policy Framework, MTbBE also draws inspiration from the African Union’s call to build resilient, inclusive education systems across the continent,” she said.
Motsumi further said she will share a keynote address, while panel discussions are lined up by linguistic experts.
Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 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 will apply for bail today. 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.
4 November 2024- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), is set to start today at Taung Regional Court. The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood.
This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
The Guardian 