Daily Archives: December 14, 2024

Former Deputy Director of Statistics SA in court for fraud

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2024- A fraud case against the former Deputy Director of the Department of Statistics South Africa Phakane Moses Masukela (43), has been transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Molopo Regional Court to 24 February 2025.

Masukela briefly appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court, facing two counts of fraud and alternatively two counts of theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that the total amount of approximately R90 000 was lost in the process. Gunya said Masukela is out on R1000 bail.

“During proceedings, it was disclosed that Masukela was employed by the Department of Statistics South Africa in the capacity of a Deputy Director: Programme Officer. It is alleged that on 5 April 2024, he accepted employment from Ratlou Local Municipality in the capacity of a Senior Manager: Corporate Services.

“It was revealed that on 2 May 2024, he commenced employment with the municipality. However, he commenced employment without having resigned from his position with the Department of Statistics South Africa and without having informed either Statistics South Africa or Ratlou Local Municipality that he was gainfully employed by them simultaneously,” he said.

According to Gunya, investigations revealed that Masukela received a salary from the Department of Statistics South Africa on 15 May 2024, and on 24 May 2024, he received his salary from the Ratlou Local Municipality. He further said in court, it was revealed that when the accused had to be at work with both employers, he would submit leave forms to be at one place of employment at a time.

taungdailynewws@gmail.com

Legal Aid SA dismisses Mdluli’s appeal for legal representation  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former Intelligence Boss, Richard Mdluli 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2024- The Pretoria High Court postponed the corruption case against Richard Mdluli and his co-accused to 14 April 2025, for trial. This follows the dismissal of his appeal to Legal Aid South, after they rejected his application for legal aid.

The Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Mdluli confirmed in court that he will source the services of a private attorney to represent him in the trial.

“Mdluli, together with the former South African Police Service (SAPS) Supply Chain Manager, Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer, 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 said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron said: “We have noted that the long-awaited trial date for former Gauteng crime intelligence boss, Richard Mdluli, is set for April 2025.

“Mdluli and his cohorts have been accused of corruption, fraud, and theft during his tenure as the head of Crime Intelligence in Gauteng in that he allegedly dipped into the entity’s secret service slush fund.”

Cameron said after his successful efforts to discredit the now-defunct Scorpions in the 2000’s, Mdluli has tarnished the reputation of SAPS’s critical Crime Intelligence division ever since. He said not long after, Mdluli was also convicted of kidnapping and assault.

“The senior ranks of SAPS crime intelligence have been riddled with allegations of impropriety for years. The latest revelations regarding Major-General Tiyo’s dismissal from, and as-yet unexplained sudden reinstatement to, his position as the Western Cape crime intelligence head has only deepened the serious failures at SAPS crime intelligence.

“SAPS still has a great deal of work to do in cleaning up the mess that Mdluli left behind, not to mention the internal struggles which continue to plague the division,” said Cameron.

He said bringing breakers like Mdluli to justice gives heart to those men and women in blue, who remain committed to building a peaceful and prosperous South Africa. Cameron said those in SAPS who continue to ensure discipline, accountability, and fairness are the cornerstone of our law enforcement services.

“The DA will continue to monitor this case carefully and continue in its work in Parliament to ensure that this critical component of our law enforcement complement is brought back on its feet and capable of doing the work to keep South Africans safe and secure,” said Cameron.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three nabbed for dealing in dagga

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A consignment of dagga confiscated by police/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 December 2024 – Three suspects were arrested for dealing in dagga on separate occasions in Potchefstroom and Bloemhof respectively. The suspects were arrested following a tip-off regarding unknown suspects alleged to be transporting a large quantity of dagga between Gauteng and North West Provinces. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, consequently, intelligence-driven operation was conducted on 9 December 2024, by the police and other role players, including a private security company. Mokgabone said during the operation, a Toyota Hilux with two occupants was stopped in Potchefstroom and found loaded with 440 kilograms of dagga.

“The two occupants, a woman and a man, were arrested. The second Toyota Hilux was stopped on the N12 road in Bloemhof and a man was arrested after the vehicle was found loaded with 259 kilograms of dagga. 

“It was established that both vehicles were in transit to Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province. The police are still looking for the fourth suspect who attempted to bribe a police officer by depositing R20 000 into the member’s account,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the police have confiscated both vehicles as instrumentality used in the commission of the crimes. He added that Monica Mnyakeni (60) and Gerald Mnyakeni (25), briefly appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024.

“They were remanded in custody until 18 December 2024. In Bloemhof, Khumbo Mahlalela (24), appeared in court on 11 December 2024. He was remanded in custody until 23 December 2024, for bail application. 

“Investigations into the cases are underway. This is a success in an effort to fight against illicit drug trafficking,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North west Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all the members, who ensured the arrests of alleged drug traffickers.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two initiates died after being ‘illegally’ circumcised

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A hut at initiation school/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

14 December 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs wrapped up its three-day oversight visit to Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts. During this visit, the committee assessed some initiation sites’ compliance with the Customary Initiation Act.

The committee focused on districts that historically were hotspots for initiation-related deaths. Concluding the oversight visit at the OR Tambo’s Mhlontlo Local Municipality yesterday, the committee was informed of three deaths of initiates during the summer initiation season in Mhlontlo.

The Chairperson of Committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize said two of the deaths were initiates who were illegally circumcised, and one of them was legally circumcised. Mkhize said no tangible and satisfactory report was provided on the arrest of the perpetrators of the illegal initiation.

“I tis important to act against such perpetrators to stop the death of initiates – some of whom are breadwinners. He said all those involved in the initiation should uphold the slogan, “they must go alive and come back alive,” meaningfully.

“The committee appreciates the decrease in the death of initiates in the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts. We call for a more aggressive fight to stop the death of initiates. The fight should be likened to the fight against a pandemic, noting the fight against HIV and COVID-19 as examples,” he said.

Mkhize further said this aggressiveness should be emulated to prevent initiates’ deaths. He added that the committee found the visit enlightening and sympathised with the stakeholders responsible for implementing the law and curbing all unnecessary, avoidable and predictable deaths.

“The initiation is a complex tradition, and lives are lost largely because of ignorance and the wrong mindset. We call for proper alignment between all the role players, who were implementing the tradition to change mindsets,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

MRM calls for rural safety operations targeting stock theft syndicates

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The cattle seized by police/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West called for rural safety operations targeting stock theft syndicates and opportunistic crime throughout the festive season. The MRM’s call for increased police visibility and regular patrols in rural communities follows 11 December 2024’s arrest of two men reportedly found in possession of nine suspected stolen cattle near Stella, outside Vryburg.

A Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele commend the vigilance of farmers around the area, who were in hot pursuit of the two culprits when Jacobus Venter (28) phoned police alleging that his life and that of Isaac Matebele (44) with whom he was driving were in danger.

Kgwele said they welcomed the arrest of Venter and Matebele, whose single cab they were driving in was nearly torched by 50 local farmers who had responded to the alleged stock theft incident.

“Although this was understandably an emotionally charged encounter due to the devastating impact of stock theft on subsistence and commercial farmers, who are impoverished by crime, we appeal to farmers not to take the law into their own hands and to respect the rule of law.

“According to police, preliminary investigations revealed that the pair allegedly stole livestock on three different occasions in Ramabesa Section, Setlagole village between 20 November and 4 December 2024, then sold them at an auction in Ottosdal,” he said.

Kgwele urged police not to leave any stone unturned, adding that an in-depth probe will establish whether the pair who appeared in court earlier in the day were involved in other incidents of stock theft.

“If found guilty, forfeiture of the bakkie and trailer should follow to send an unequivocal message that vehicles used in the commission of crime are regarded as proceeds of crime,” he added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest, which he said will definitely assist in solving several stock theft cases.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA concerned regarding shortage of EHPs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Spaza shops raided across the country/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it is deeply concerned by the alarming failure of the National Department of Health to address the critical shortage of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), with 73 vacant posts still unfilled.

The DA said this neglect is occurring in the face of an escalating crisis of food contamination, which has already claimed 23 lives, including a heart-breaking majority of children aged 3 to 6 years.

DA spokesperson on Health, Michele Clarke said the President’s declaration of this issue as a national disaster underscores its gravity. Clarke said yet, the Department of Health has not taken the necessary steps to empower EHPs to perform vital inspections and enforce food safety standards.

“These health practitioners play an essential role in ensuring that food provided through school feeding schemes and sold at spaza shops meets safety regulations.

“Their work is critical to protecting the wellbeing of our children and communities, particularly as the festive season approaches and the risk of further incidents looms large,” she said.

Clarke further said the DA is appalled by the continued inaction, which has left communities vulnerable to preventable tragedies. She added that as a nation, they cannot afford the cost of human lives resulting from contaminated food due to insufficient oversight and inspection.

“To address this dire situation, the DA will be writing to Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to demand immediate feedback on the timeline for filling these essential positions. We will seek clarity on the department’s plans to mitigate the current crisis and ensure that necessary inspections are carried out to prevent further loss of life.

“We call on the government to prioritize the recruitment and deployment of Environmental Health Practitioners without delay. The safety and health of our children must not be compromised due to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies,” she said.

Clarke said the DA will continue to hold the government accountable and work tirelessly to ensure that every South African has access to safe and uncontaminated food. She urged communities to report any concerns about food safety to local authorities and support efforts to safeguard public health.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister: Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said the government strengthened action against foodborne illnesses to protect lives and livelihoods. Hlabisa said the government recognizes constitutional obligation to protect, promote, and fulfil the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

“This duty takes on even greater urgency in light of the alarming escalation of foodborne illnesses, which have disproportionately affected children and vulnerable communities, leaving a tragic wake of loss and hardship.

“With over 25 young lives lost to recent food poisoning outbreaks, this growing crisis has highlighted the grave danger foodborne illesses pose to public health, especially in under-resourced townships and rural areas,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Lack of communication between Minister of Public Works and IDT’

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 December2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure said it is deeply concerned about the lack of communication between the Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

This has become apparent in the Minister’s meeting with the committee on 27 November 2024 and in recent media reports alleging the involvement of the IDT in the tender process to install PSA Oxygen Plants at 55 public hospitals.

The Chairperson of Committee, Carol Phiri said the Minister informed the committee on 27 November about the alleged irregularities involving the installation of the PSA Oxygen tanks at public hospitals. Phiri said these allegations were subsequently reported in the media, including electronic media.

“Unfortunately, most reports and comments lacked substance and material evidence about the alleged irregularities. As the executive authority leading the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Minister has substantial power that includes calling on the boards of entities and boards of Trustees to fully report to him on any matter.

“Since his appointment, the Minister has not met with the IDT. This seems to be at the heart of the narrative that the IDT, its Board, and its officials acted irregularly in the tendering process,” she said.

Phiri further said, if material evidence shows culpability on their part, however, this committee will call for legal actions against the entity. She added that, currently, it remains to search for what lies behind this narrative.

“In order to ensure the veracity of the information, we had a meeting with IDT on 12 December 2024, to get information from the entity on the allegations made by Daily Maverick.

“What has come to light is that the appointment of the service providers was undertaken based on the concurrence and budget confirmation received from the national Department of Health (DOH) and the funder of the project, the Global Fund (GF),” said Phiri.

She said a phased approach which includes the maintenance period was approved by both the DoH and the GF. According to Phiri, furthermore, the GF Country Team, after satisfying themselves with the processes undertaken, approved that the IDT could commence with the installation of the PSA Oxygen tanks in the form of a “No Objection Letter.”

“Despite this important information being accessible from the IDT, the allegations seemed to have been stretched into the domain of the IDT as the implementing agent of the DoH.

“This is a serious matter as it continues to erode the integrity of the IDT, its Board, and its officials. It is unfortunately also hurting the DPWI. The committee will soon request the IDT to formally report to it and put on record a sequence of events leading to the appointment of the service providers,” she said.

Phiri said: “I urge the public to allow law enforcement agencies to do their work as there is an ongoing investigation by the Hawks on this matter.

“The committee commends the Minister of Health for his media statement particularly radio interviews where he continuously urged the media not to speculate and put the IDT and the HoD through the court of public opinion, but to allow the investigations to unfold.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Parliament delighted with its progress

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2024 – Parliament said it is delighted with its progress during the first six months of operation after the National and Provincial Elections. Parliament said since the establishment of the 7th democratic administration has hit the ground running, demonstrating a strong commitment to its constitutional mandate and the people it serves.

The Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza said in this short period, Parliament has successfully convened multiple sittings, engaged in debates and passed several key pieces of legislation. Didiza said the various parliamentary committees have been particularly active, conducting oversight visits, holding public hearings and scrutinizing government actions with diligence.

“The public engagement has taken centre stage with Parliament implementing new initiatives to involve citizens in the legislative process. The institution has leveraged technology to enhance transparency and accessibility.

“This includes streaming debates and committee meetings online, while ensuring that the limited committee rooms and plenary venues are optimally utilised to accommodate members of the public,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed satisfaction with the milestones achieved by the 7th Parliament so far. Mtshweni-Tsipane said the establishment of the Joint Rules Committee was a critical step, paving the way for separate Rules Committees in both Houses.

“These pre-eminent committees are responsible for developing the procedures and policies that govern the operations of the NA and the NCOP. In the NA, 34 oversight committees were established, along with the election of chairpersons and the designation of members to serve in these structures.

“These committees were configured to align with the cabinet structure, ensuring dedicated oversight of each government department and its entities. In the NCOP, 10 Select Committees were constituted and appropriately clustered to prioritise the interests of provinces in the national sphere,” she said.

Mtshweni-Tsipane said these parliamentary committees serve as the “engine room” of Parliament, overseeing the performance and accountability of various government departments. She said a priority has been placed on building the technical and resource capacity of committees to strengthen their ability to scrutinise the actions of government departments and entities.

“These committees have already made significant strides, successfully passing all departmental budgets, reviving key Bills that had lapsed at the end of the Sixth Parliament, and conducting effective oversight.

“Between July and December, the NCOP held 39 hybrid and virtual sittings, serving as important platforms for fulfilling its constitutional mandate. These sittings focused on critical areas such as budget votes, statutory appointments, the passage of legislation, and debates on pressing national issues,” said Mthsweni-Tsipane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SPAR Proteas one step closer to glory

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The SPAR Proteas players during the game/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2024- The SPAR Proteas are one step closer to African Netball glory, securing a 63-41 victory over Zimbabwe in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup semi-finals. The SPAR Proteas put up an impressive performance, overpowering a determined Zimbabwean side that fought tirelessly until the final whistle.

The South Africans displayed superior speed, accuracy and court coverage in the first semi-final clash. They took a narrow 17-13 lead in the first quarter, capitalising on strong centre-court play and accurate shooting.

In the second quarter, SA extended their lead with pinpoint passing, effective centre-court pressure and clinical shooting from the circle. They went to the break leading 34-21.

The SPAR Proteas continued to dominate in the third quarter, maintaining a strong defensive presence and consistently finding gaps in the Zimbabwean defence. During this period, the score increased to 50-32 in favour of the Proteas.

In the final quarter, Jenny van Dyk’s charges maintained their composure, ultimately securing a 63-41 victory over Zimbabwe. This victory extends South Africa’s unbeaten record against its opponents in recent years, winning all 11 encounters against Zimbabwe.

SPAR Proteas “Ready” for Uganda Final Showdown

Ahead of the highly anticipated final against Uganda, SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk shared her thoughts on the team’s preparations and the challenge ahead. Reflecting on the semi-final victory over Zimbabwe, she emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the match while highlighting the depth of the South African squad.

“We take on Uganda exactly as expected. We have prepared for this from the very start and we have prepared with them in mind. The players had a rough start to the semis.

“But before the end of that first quarter, they pulled it back so well, so good job for Zimbabwe. They started strong in that match, but also an excellent performance from our South African players to keep the consistency throughout most of the game,” she said.

Van Dyk further said she meant, being able to play all 12 players in the semi-finals speaks volumes of the type of players they have. She added that the team is ready.

“We’ll be doing quite a lot of work. From now till tomorrow, we will prepare for the final preparation for Uganda. But we are already confident that we will go out there and do our utmost best,” said.

Meanwhile, the SPAR Proteas played Uganda in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup final on Saturday at 2pm. Uganda secured their place in the final with a 51-43 victory over Malawi in the second semi-final, setting the stage for their 20th encounter with the Proteas.

Head-to-Head History

South Africa hold a dominant 15-4 record against Uganda in their previous 19 meetings. While South Africa has enjoyed significant success in recent years, including a string of victories in 2021, Uganda has shown a growing competitive edge, notably securing a 54-48 win in Birmingham in 2022.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

14 illegal foreign miners sentenced to two years imprisonment

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 December 2024- Nineteen illegal miners were sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 11 December 2024. The convicts comprise of 14 Lesotho, 4 Mozambique and 1 Zimbabwe undocumented foreign nationals aged between 20 and 40.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said each of the convicts was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused person is not convicted for contravention of Section 5A of Act 28 of 2008 read with Section 1, illegal mining committed during the period of suspension.

“In addition, each accused person was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R6000, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused person is not convicted for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) read with section 1, 9(3) & (4) of Act No. 13 of 2002 (illegal immigrant – illegal entry) committed during the period of suspension,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the accused are part of scores of illegal miners arrested in November 2024, after resurfacing at Margaret Shaft, in Stilfontein. He added that the Vala Umgodi operations in the province continue to assert the authority of the state.

“Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs is currently processing the convicts for deportation. The sentencing shows that the integrated and relentless efforts to fight illegal mining were strengthened,” said Mokgwabone.

taungdailynews@gmail.com