Picture: Rhino horns seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 November 2024- Three suspects were arrested for being in possession of rhino horns and protected plants in Springbok on 11 November 2024. The suspects were arrested by vigilance of a Springbok SAPS K9 team.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off about an unknown vehicle transporting rhino horns on the R355 road between Springbok and Gamoep. Sam said a tip-off was operationalised and a vehicle check point (VCP) was set up on the said road to stop and search all vehicles.
“The police K9 protected species dog, Ozzy, positively responded to the luggage in one of the vehicles stopped and searched. The police found protected plants with an estimated value of R45 400 and rhino horns valued at approximately R449 000.
“Three suspects aged 23, 47 and 56 respectively, were arrested. The trio appeared in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 12 November 2024,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, thanked the community for being the eyes and ears of the police, by reporting criminality, enabling the police to act swiftly. Andrews reiterated that the police, with the assistance of other stakeholders, will squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
Picture: A Transnet feeder copper cables valued at approximately R21 500 confiscated/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 November 2024- A man (46) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after the police confiscated Transnet feeder copper cables valued at approximately R21 500.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect was arrested by the SAPS Provincial Second Hand Goods Office, the Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) in conjunction with Eskom, Telkom and Transnet. Sam said all stakeholders conducted compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Douglas in the Pixley Ka Seme District.
“The multi-disciplinary compliance inspections focused on illicit metals, contrabands, stolen cables, batteries, concealed business activities and combating transit crimes. A written warning was issued to the dealer for contravention of the Second-Hand Goods Act 6 of 2009.
“In an effort to create awareness amongst the dealers and the community at large, the police distributed crime awareness pamphlets pertaining to dealing and possession of stolen goods,” he said.
Sam further said if community members see something, they should say something. He added that dealing in stolen goods is a crime.
12 November 2024- The ANC said it welcomes the positive employment outcomes highlighted in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2024, released by Statistics South Africa. The report demonstrated the significant strides in job creation and economic stabilisation, which are testament to the ANC’s ongoing economic transformation initiatives as intended in our 2024 election manifesto.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said according to the QLFS, the number of employed South Africans rose by 294 000, while unemployment decreased by 373 000. Bhengu-Motsiri said this progress has led to a notable 1.4% reduction in the official unemployment rate, now standing at 32.1%.
“These milestones underscore the ANC’s commitment to economic transformation and poverty alleviation, as we work towards a non-racial, prosperous South Africa that reflects our enduring values.
“The ANC is particularly encouraged by the substantial employment growth in Community and Social Services (+194,000), Construction (+176,000), and Trade (+109,000),” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said these sectors are vital to communities, directly impacting on people’s lives in alignment with their manifesto commitments to foster job creation and support essential services. She added that their focus on infrastructure revitalisation, community-led projects, and social service enhancement is yielding tangible results for South Africans.
“Nonetheless, the ANC remains vigilant to challenges such as employment declines in the Finance and Private Household sectors and persistently high youth unemployment.
“Our vision extends beyond immediate gains. We are dedicated to sustainable growth and addressing labour market inequalities. We emphasise the need for continuous skills development, particularly for youth, women, disabled and other historically marginalised groups,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said the QLFS findings affirms the ANC commitment to implementing national conference resolutions that prioritise economic growth through job creation, poverty reduction, and increased participation of the African majority, especially youth and women in the economy.
Bhengu-Motsiri said these advancements mark a concrete realisation of the ANC economic transformation agenda, aiming to establish a resilient economy that supports job creation and improves the quality of life for all South Africans.
“As we build on these accomplishments, we remain resilient in our mission to create a South Africa, where every citizen can achieve dignified employment. We call on all South Africans to support our efforts in advancing economic growth and fostering opportunities for all as outlined in our election manifesto.
“The ANC recognises that much work remains to be done to uplift the nation, but we are committed to growing employment through quality opportunities for the African majority in general, and youth and women in particular,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said this effort is part of their holistic approach to economic transformation and reflects the belief that South Africa’s best days are still ahead. She said the people shall share in the country’s wealth.
Picture: SHRA’s acting Compliance, Accreditation and Regulations (CAR) Executive, Biansha Van Staden/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 November 2024- The North West Department of Human Settlements said it has partnered with Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) on a pursuit to address the housing challenges the province is faced with as an intervention strategy to speed up the development of rental accommodation in the province.
The Director for Research and Policy Development and also the acting Director for Rental Housing Tribunal, Hildegarde Du Plessis said, the department needs to ensure that the people of North West are provided with rental accommodation that is affordable and nearer to their workplace.
Du Plesis said the department needs to cater for the needs of communities as one of its priorities.
“There is an urgent need to address this matter, and this collaborative effort aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the priorities of the department which is provision of houses to beneficiaries.
“We urge officials to make use of the online training provided by SHRA on the following website address: http://www.shra.org.za. The fruitful and informative training teaches about property management and it is free of charge,” she said.
According to SHRA’s acting Compliance, Accreditation and Regulations (CAR) Executive, Biansha Van Staden, the initiative is essential in order to provide provinces with individual attention as their challenges are not the same. Van Staden said they will offer training to empower them and provide support.
“We are working together with Rental Housing and Community Scheme Ombud Services (CSOs), to ensure that the rental space is given a priority. Social housing is a state subsidised rental housing targeted at low to medium income groups who earn between R1500 and R15 000 and do not qualify for RDP houses or mortgage bond.
“The purpose of social housing is to contribute to restructuring provinces to address structural economic and spatial dysfunctionalities, Social housing contributes to widening the range of housing options to the poor,” she said.
12 November 2024 – As part of combating aggravated robberies in line with the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela, a suspect was arrested in Tlhabane following a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery. The incident occurred at about 5:30pm on 11 November 2024.
It is alleged that a white Mercedes Benz vehicle rammed into a Cash In Transit security vehicle on the R104 road at Kroondal in Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said although the security guard (driver) continued driving, he was forced to stop after shots were fired at their vehicle. Myburgh said as a result, he and his colleague jumped out of the vehicle, but were caught by suspects who robbed them of their 9mm pistols.
“The suspects then blew the security van up with explosives and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, driving in two vehicles. The security officers were not harmed.
“Following the incident, intelligence gathered led the police to an address in Kagiso Township, in Krugersdorp, whereby a Toyota Quantum suspected to have been used to transport the suspects between Gauteng and North West, was confiscated,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police then proceeded to Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, and with the assistance of Rustenburg Flying Squad, a woman (40), was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning for possession of suspected stolen/hijacked motor vehicles. She added that the police confiscated two vehicles.
“A Toyota Bakkie that was allegedly stolen in Bloemfontein in August 2024, and a Volkswagen Tiguan allegedly hijacked from its owner in August 2024, in Boitekong. The vehicles were confiscated on suspicion that they were used during the commission of the crime.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court soon,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all members involved in tracking the suspect and vehicles for their diligence and applying a multi-disciplinary approach to bring the suspect to book and to ensure a safe and secure environment for all, especially during the festive season.
Kwena is also requesting members of the community to refrain from tampering and/or contaminating the crime scene as it happened in this instance.
“Anyone who may have information that can assist the police in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Mollo Kgekoane of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) on Cell: 082 338 3140,” she said.
Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by police/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 November 2024- A Nigerian man (37) was sentenced to six months imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court, sitting in Tlhabane, for possession of cocaine. The court further ordered that Chukwyemeka Okafor (37), be deported to his country of origin upon the completion of his sentence.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, the charges against Okafor stem from an incident that took place at Lafaragatlhe, near Rustenburg on 28 July 2022. Gunya said the police officers noticed a stationary vehicle belonging to the accused with its lights on beside the road.
“Their suspicion led them to approach the vehicle, where they searched the three occupants inside and discovered the cocaine in Okafor’s trouser pocket. Okafor was arrested on the spot and has been in custody since that day.
“During the court proceedings, he pleaded not guilty. However, the state successfully proved its case through the evidence provided. Despite one of the arresting officers being deceased, the court accepted the remaining officer’s statement under the hearsay rule, allowing the prosecution to move forward,” he said.
Gunya further said the state advocate, Zola Mphayipheli urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime, despite the small weight of the drug involved. He added that Mphayipheli argued that the possession of even a small amount of cocaine poses a significant threat, particularly if it reaches the hands of vulnerable individuals.
“The court acknowledged the serious implications of drug-related offences, especially concerning the involvement of foreign nationals in drug trafficking, emphasizing this concern during its deliberation.
“The magistrate expressed the importance of protecting society while delivering justice,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the diligent efforts of the police, state prosecutor, and all role players involved in this case.
“The DPP emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting drug-related activities, highlighting the negative impact of these substances on the country’s youth.
“The NPA remains committed to tackling drug-related crime and protecting the youth and broader communities from the detrimental effects of narcotics,” she said.
12 Ngwanatsele 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e boela kgotlha-tshekelo mo letsatsing la gompieno. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng (35), o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.
Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.
“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”
Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha 7 Phatwe 2024, go tla go utlwa letsatsi la tsheko.
Kgabagre, mmagwe moswi, Pulane Van Wyk are: “Pelo ya ka e setse e rotha kgodu e khibidu. Jaaka ke bua le wena jaana, ke dula ke tshogile ka gore monnawe molatofadiwa, Tshotlhego, o dula a mpolelela gore molatofadiwa o dula a mo letsetsa, mme are nna ke mo ntshe mo kgolegelong, mme o tla nnaya madi.
“Jaanong, potso ke gore a ke sireletsegile fa go direga dilo tse. Ke ile ka itsise le sepodisi gore a go siame gore ere molatofadiwa a mmpolaetse ngwana a be a dula a romela batho mo go nna gore ke mo ntshe mo kholegelong o tla nnaya madi.”
Van Wyk are o boleletse monnawe molatofadiwa gore fa a sa batle a mo tsenya ka ntlo-lefitshwana, a ye go mo nnaya ngwana wa gagwe. Are Motseothata ene o botokwa gonne ba lelapa la gagwe ba dula ba mo bona kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme ene ngwana wa gagwe ga a mo bone.
12 November 2024 – While Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos agrees that beating Uganda in their own backyard on Friday will be tough, he remains confident that his charges can carry out the assignment in Kampala on Friday.
Broos’ charges face Uganda away from home in Kampala on Friday and then return home to tackle South Sudan at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday in Cape Town, in matches that could see the South African senior men’s national team qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco next year.
The Belgian mentor had his first training session with his players on the opening day of camp in Johannesburg on Monday, and he said he has absolute confidence in his players and believes they can secure qualification on Friday.
“We can end 2024 on a fantastic note. We started the year very well with the bronze medal (at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire) and it would be nice to end it with qualification for AFCON again.
“We will try to qualify in the first game (against Uganda). It will not be easy because we are playing against an opponent who is already qualified, and who is confident. I think they played very good qualifiers, and they are playing at home. But in the past, we succeeded in winning difficult games and we know we can do it because we have quality in the team,” he said.
Broos confirmed that Mihlali Mayambela has been withdrawn from the squad after he picked up an injury, while playing for his Cypriot club Aris Limassol at the weekend. He has been replaced by Devin Titus, who is already in the camp in Johannesburg.
The Bafana Bafana coach has almost all his players in camp and the only outstanding names are Luke Le Roux and Siyabonga Ngezana, who are expected on Tuesday.
Bafana Bafana are in second place in Group K with eight points, just two behind group leaders Uganda (10 points). Tickets to the game in Cape Town have gone on sale. The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed a few days ago that tickets to the highly anticipated encounter are available at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, Postnet, Jam clothing, and at Shell, SASOL and BP garages.
Meanwhile, the gates at the stadium will open at 3pm, and the tickets are priced at R60 for adults. Kids, scholars and students will pay R30 (school uniform and student cards required for over 12-year-olds).
Picture: The Speaker of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Gugulethu Mtshali/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 November 2024- In a letter, the Moses Kotane Local Municipality speaker, Gugulethu Mtshali, has accused the ANC leadership in North West of ignoring her plea to address challenges she experienced, while presiding over municipal council. According to Mtshali, there are individuals at the municipality, who are committing crime with impunity and they are not held accountable.
“I therefore wish that the leadership of the ANC will act fairly and without prejudice to me and hold the ANC caucus of Moses Kotane Local Municipality collectively and individually accountable.
“I draw the attention of the leadership to reports I have submitted through ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, who have neither acknowledged nor responded to all of my correspondences to him,” she said.
Mtshali, who will resign as the municipal speaker on 31 December 2024, said it was never easy to preside over a council of consistent motions of no confidence with no support from the ANC caucus and leadership. She further said there was even an attempt to plant an illegal firearm in her vehicle.
“This attempt was in 2022, where police came and alleged to have received a tipoff. They searched my vehicle and fortunately, there were people in the vehicle throughout the day and that’s how the plot was foiled. I have observed a normality of lack of accountability and a tradition of using patronage to silence communities and councillors, who dare raise questions over any wrongdoings.
“It is concerning to raise serious challenges regarding the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer, who is out on bail of R50 000 for contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act, facing charges of corruption on the VBS charges at his previous employment only for that to be disregarded,” said Mtshali.
She added this includes the consistent appointment of contractors, who never finish their projects and as a result, service delivery is compromised. Mtshali alleged that municipal officials have maliciously outside a council resolution, increased their salary packages contrary to their contracts of employment, and she has been purged for raising such.
“I wish to put it on record that I did not raise these matters for the first time in this letter. I have used each and every platform available to echo my convictions in relation to the state of Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
“However, anyone who seems to be vocal and challenges the status quo, is often offered as a sacrifice to protect impunity, lawlessness and maladministration. So, as a member who fully understands organisational processes, I am fully alive to the understanding that it is the ANC Provincial Executive Committee empowered to deploy and redeploy its members, which is disregarded in my case,” she said.
12 November 2024- The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has advised farmers to be on the lookout for daily extreme weather warnings and implement risk-reduction measures.
The department said large parts of the country are currently reporting reasonable to poor veld and livestock conditions, and many dryland farmers have yet to receive sufficient rain before planting.
According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on 31 October 2024, predictions indicate above-normal rainfall for most north-eastern summer rainfall regions during the entire summer period.
Some interior regions, however, still indicate below-normal rainfall during the mid- and late-summer seasons.
“These predictions may change if the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) predictions become more certain towards a La Niña state and as such, continued monitoring of future seasonal climate watches are advised. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above normal countrywide for the forecast period.
“Considering the seasonal forecast, farmers are advised to approach the season with vigilance and follow the weather and climate forecasts regularly to make informed decisions and wait for sufficient moisture before planting. Drought-tolerant cultivars should be prioritised in areas that have constantly been experiencing dry conditions,” the department said in a statement.
The department also advised farmers in regions that are in a reasonable condition to prepare in line with the expected conditions, in line with the seasonal forecast. However, the department warned against expanding planting land unnecessarily.
“Moreover, farmers should consider short-season cultivars. Farmers should also note that rainfall distribution continues to remain a challenge. Therefore, not all north-eastern areas of the country might receive the anticipated above-normal rainfall that is well distributed,” the department explained.
Farmers are also advised to put measures in place for pests and diseases associated with wet and hot conditions, as “above-normal rainfall and high temperatures are anticipated, especially in the north-eastern parts of the country”.
Farmers using irrigation have been urged to comply with water restrictions in their areas, and continually conserve resources in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983).
The department further urged farmers to keep livestock in balance with the carrying capacity of the veld and provided with additional feed, including relevant licks.
“Livestock should be provided with enough water points on the farm, as well as shelter during bad weather conditions,” the department said.
Fire belts
The department further noted veld fires in several provinces, which resulted in damage to grazing land and infrastructure, and livestock fatalities.
“Winter rainfall areas are drying out, increasing favourable conditions for veld fires. Therefore, the creation and maintenance of fire belts should be prioritised as well as adherence to veld fire warnings.
“Episodes of heatwaves have occurred, as well as localised flooding and remain likely for the remainder of summer. Preventive measures should be in place and farmers are encouraged to implement strategies provided in the early-warning information issued.”
The department said it will continue to monitor the seasonal forecasts and provide updates when necessary.
“In addition, the department will partner with all relevant stakeholders to continue raising awareness in the sector and capacitate farmers on understanding, interpretation and utilisation of early-warning information for disaster risk mitigation and response.” – SAnews.gov.za
The Guardian 