18 December 2024- A man (35) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for killing his partner. Gerald Watts (35) was arrested after the police attended a murder scene at a farm in Oorlogkloof on 8 March 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “The police found the deceased, Candy Kotze (30), lying in a pool of blood and the accused was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
“Watts was also declared unfit to possess firearms.”
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said they welcome the sentence handed down to the accused. Otola, praised the Investigation Officer Detective Sergeant Samuel Mapedi for ensuring that GBVF crimes are dealt with harshly during and beyond the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
“The conviction is as a result of strengthened partnerships between investigators and prosecutors. We pledge the commitment of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and protection of all vulnerable groups during the festive season and beyond,” she said.
18 December 2024- As many spaza shop owners grappled with registration, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the extension of the deadline for registration of spaza shops and other food handling outlets.
Hlabisa provided an update regarding the government’s work in implementing the action plan to address the challenges arising from food-borne illnesses.
“In the address to the nation on 15 November 2024, following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.
“Ramaphosa directed that all spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days from the date of his address and that any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements is closed,” he said.
Hlabisa further said the 21-day period directed by Ramaphosa for registering all spaza shops and other food handling outlets ended yesterday. He added that the government still needs to do more work to ensure that the sector is properly regulated and adheres to health regulations.
“The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses.
“Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity,” said Hlabisa.
He said the municipal processes of adopting and adapting the by-laws as gazetted him on 7 November 2024, are highly regulated and need a lot of consultation to complete. Hlabisa said nevertheless, a lot of work was done over the 21 days of registration period.
“In consultation with the President, therefore, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.
“Prior to the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country. Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses,” he said.
Hlabisa said for this process, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.
He said notwithstanding the holiday scaling down of operations, municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those who will be registering.
“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline,” said Hlabisa.
Picture: Six illegal miners resurfaced at disused Stilfontein mine
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2024 – A total of six illegal miners were placed under arrest today, for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. This comes after four illegal miners resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and the other two were pulled out at Buffels Shaft No. 11.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they comprise three Lesotho, two Zimbabwe and one Mozambique undocumented foreign nationals. Mokgwabone said in addition to the stipulated charges, one of the suspects will be charged for possession of gold bearing material.
“All of them are still being processed. The Vala Umgodi operations continue in the province,” he said.
Picture: Police during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2024- Two suspects aged 33 and 34, were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons and suspected stolen property. This comes after the police from Frances Baard District received intelligence-driven information about two wanted suspects who were hiding at Samaria Informal Settlement, situated near the mining areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the joint multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts will continue dismantle illicit mining activities and other related crimes.
Shemane further said the police also conducted patrols around the mining hotspot areas and arrested two undocumented persons aged 26 and 42.
“Additional intelligence-driven information regarding drugs being sold at an identified premises in Santa Zone, Galeshewe, was operationalised. The identified premises was searched, and four suspects were found in possession of drugs.
“The four suspects aged between 27 and 34, included a woman, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs,” he said.
Shemane added that the police confiscated drugs and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“In Kleinzee, members were conducting disruptive operations at Buffel Bank and Nuttabooi when three suspects aged 29, 43 and 46, were arrested for illegal mining and for being illegally in the country after they failed to produce documentation that allowed them to be in the country.
“The police confiscated wooden frame sieves, generators, jack hammer with drills, electric cords, and an okapi knife found in the possession of the suspects,” said Shemane.
He said Operation Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary teams remain committed in eradicating and intensifying efforts in eliminating illicit mining activities and other related crimes in Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts. Shemane said information related to criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.
Picture: Three suspects nabbed for business robbery/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 December 2024- Three suspects aged 24, 30 and 36, were arrested by the police in Barkly West for alleged business robbery Pniel on Tuesday. It is alleged that the suspects entered the shop, robbed the owner a speed point machine and fled the scene in a maroon Toyota vehicle.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the Barkly West Crime Prevention Unit assisted by the Kimberley Flying Squad, were activated and cornered the vehicle at Lorato Park in Roodepan.
“All three suspects were subsequently arrested with the stolen item. It is believed that the suspects are targeting tuckshops to steal speed points and utilise them in criminality.
“The suspects will appear in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Gabathata Makgari, praised the team for the swift response and ensuring perpetrators of business related crimes are brought to book.
Makgari said the public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services and to report criminal activities via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.
Setshwantsho: Sekolo se se potlana sa Motswedi Thuto
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
18 Sedimonthole 2024- Lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo se se potlana sa Motswedi Thuto, gaufi le motse wa Magogong, mono Taung, le ikuela go Lefapha La Thuto kwa Kapa Bokone, go ka batlisisa botsukunape kwa sekolong.
Se se tla morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore madi a sekolo a lekanyediwang go feta milione a nyelele, mme go sa itsiwe gore a ile kae.
Modulasetilo wa lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, Kealeboga Sebe, o latofatsa mogokgo, Victor Nkukane, ga mmogo le tlelaka ya sekolo, Connie Monnahela ka go nna bofitlha. Sebe are ba lobaka ba ikuela go botsamaisi jwa sekolo go ka ba neela dikarabo, fela maiteko a bone a iteile sefololetsa.
“Re itemogetse matsapa a le mantsi kwa sekolong jaaka go latlhegelwa ke madi. Ka di 24 Phukwi 2024, re ne ra tsenela kopano ya sekolo jaaka lekgotlha-tsamaiso, ga mmogo le botsamaisi.
“Mme kwa kopanong eo, re ile ra itsisiwe fa madi a sekolo ene ele R1 370 000.00. Fela re ile ra makadiwa ke gore fa dikolo di bulwa, re ile ra itsisiwe fa go setse R135 000.00,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.
Sebe are ba ile ba leka go botsa botsamaisi jwa sekolo gore madi ao a ile kae, fela ga ba ka ba bona dikarabo. Sebe are se ba se tlhaloganyang ke gore, madi a sekolo ga a tswe fa dikolo di tswadilwe.
“Se se botlhoko ke gore kgwedi le kgwedi go tswa madi a kanang ka R2000 mo polokelong ya sekolo, mme ga re itse gore a ya kae. Ke tlhaloganya gore jaaka lekgotlha-taolo la sekolo, modulasetilo ga mmogo le motshwara-matlotlo, ke bone ba ba tshwanetseng go ka dira ka letlole la sekolo.
“Fela go fitlha ga jaana, botsamaisi jwa sekolo ga bo botla gore re itsise sepe ka letlole leo. Bonyenyane jo re bo fitlhelelang ke go goga setlankana sa dichelete (statement) fela,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.
Are ga ba letlelelwa go ka nna karolo ya setlhopa se se tsayang ditshwetso mo tirisong ya madi kwa sekolo. Gape Sebe are, gona le madi a ntshiwang mme go begwe fa ele a go feba baithuti.
“Mo bekeng ba kgona go ntsha madi a kanang ka R48 000. Seo se bakile kgotlhang magareng ga lekgotlha-taolo le botsamaisi jwa sekolo. Gape, bothata jo re bo itemogetseng ke gore, botsamaisi jwa sekolo bo setse bo dirisa maina a maloko a maloba a lekgotlha-taolo la sekolo a aneng a tlhopiwa ka 2015, le ba sa tlhole ele maloko.
“Batho bao kgale ba ne ba tswa mo ditilong tseo. Fela re tlile go lwantsha botsukunape jo bo diragalang kwa sekolong. Re kgona go tsena kopano le botsamaisi, mme re dumalane, fela o tla be o bona ba setse ba fetogile mme ba itirele fele jaaka ba batla,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto kwa Kapa Bokone, Geoffrey van de Merwe are, lefapha le boloditse dipatlisiso mo kgannyeng e.
18 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is disturbed by the pattern of some of 85 police stations in North West, consistently appearing in the the Top 30 reporting crimes in the country. However, Morweng said, he is pleased to note a significant 4.3% drop of sexual offences, but it was equally depressing to note an incredible 20.3% increase of murder cases.
He further said from July to September 2024 reporting period, the picture has improved slightly due to intensive and incessant work by the police. Morweng added that even with that, it is worrying that there are still areas where crime remains unacceptably high as indicated in the percentage reduction of the 17 community reported crimes, which only decreased by a mere 3.3%.
“Contact crimes which generally are a challenge were reduced by 1.7% and this is due to the nominal increases of some crimes, such as murder which increased by 4.2%, attempted murder by 8.2% and common robbery by 5.7%.
“The reason why there appears to be an exponential increase in multiple murder, is due to the fact that each case has a separate docket and is treated as one. For the reporting period of July to September 2024, there had been 13 incidents of multiple murders recorded,” said Morweng.
He said in one incident, 8 people were killed and in another, 5 people were murdered and 3 in the other incident. Morweng said the other 10 incidents had two people murdered in each.
“In total, 31 people were killed in these 13 multiple murder incidents. It is worth noting that sexual offences were reduced by 3.5% and this is despite the challenges that are associated with the prevention of this crime.
“Sexual offence incidents often occur in private residences or where the victims and perpetrators are in some kind of a relationship or are known to each other,” he said.
Morweng said for the period under review, reported rape cases were reduced by 2.9%. He said out of the 539 reported cases 270, which is 50% of the cases, occurred at residences, either of the victim or the perpetrator.
“In an attempt to address these types of crime, multidisciplinary social crime prevention programmes have been initiated, which include encouraging victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) to speak up.
“Crimes against women and children remains the priority of the police as part of the government GBVF implementation plan. For this reporting period, fewer incidents of murder of children were recorded while incidents of murder of women remain comparatively high,” said Morweng.
He said this is a further testament of the moral deprivation that permeates the family values and social fabric. Morweg said this unfortunately is against the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP), which emphasizes that all people including women and children are equal and free like everybody else to live their lives unimpeded.
“Police alone will not be able to address this phenomenon but we need to restore our family values which focuses on respecting people irrespective of religious, gender or any other differences between us as human beings.
“Impressively stock theft has decreased by 6.1% though there are some areas where this crime is still stubbornly high. Taung and Pudimoe, both in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, remain the province’s problematic areas with both stations ranked number 7 and 23 respectively in the country,” he said.
Morweng said they have recorded a remarkable 16.4% of crimes detected and prevented as a result of police action. He said the target for police detection of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition was however not met.
“This remains a challenge especially because many of the reported serious and violent crimes such as robbery aggravated and murder are committed with firearms.
“It is important for police intelligence and the community including community policing forums to work together to reduce the prevalence of illegal firearms,” said Morweng.
He said there are a variety of factors that contribute to the high levels of crime. Morweng said these factors which require a multi-disciplinary approach, include proliferation of illegal firearms and dangerous weapons.
“The other socio-economic factor is the expansion of informal settlements with spatial development by municipalities.
“The other problem which exacerbates informal settlement is the influx of undocumented persons. For instance, the North West does not share borders with Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Lesotho,” he said.
Morweng said, but curiously, some arrested suspects of the murder, damage to infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft are by undocumented nationals from these countries.
Setshwantsho: Dijanaga di thulane kwa toropong ya Taung
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
18 Sedimonthole 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se butse kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa. Se se tla morago ga gore dijanaga di le pedi tse di neng di lebile ntlheng tse di farologaneng, di thulane kwa toropong ya Taung ka la Tshipi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Typhosa van Rooyen are, dijanaga tse, di ne tsa chika ka gagwe, mme tsa thulana. Van Rooyen are, bakgweetsi ba ile ba leka ka natla go efoga kotsi, fela maloba ene ele maabane.
“Kotsi e, e ile ya tlogela lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 26 yo eneng ele mopalami mo sejanageng sa Hyundai ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, fa bakgweetsi ka bobedi ba dijanaga (27), ba tlogetswe ka dikgobalo tse di botlhofu.
“Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme mogobadi o ile a potlakisetswa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, dipego tse di sa totobalang, di kaile fa banna ba, ba ne ba iphetotse bo ramabelo ba dijanaga, Michael Schumacher ebile ba le mo kgaisanong.
18 December 2024- A tax evasion case against the Director of Mariolene Trading CC, has been postponed by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court until 10 March 2025. The accused, Pieter Jacobus Schotlz, who was absent in court proceedings due to unforeseen circumstances, is facing 35 counts of Contravening Section 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
Scholtz was arrested by the Hawks for failure to submit returns.
According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, it is alleged that, between March 2019 and May 2024, the accused did not submit returns for his company. Mathebula said on 25 January 2022, SARS telephonically reminded him to submit outstanding returns on behalf of his company.
“Subsequently, that written communication was sent to Scholtz by SARS, but he failed to submit returns,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the acting North West Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, have commended all role players for finally placing this matter on the court roll.
Makhari said this comes after the launch of the Honey Badger project in the North West, which focuses on encouraging taxpayers to file their returns.
Picture: The founder and organiser of North West Media Awards, Ananius Ndlovu/Raps Photographer and Projects
By ANANIUS NDLOVU
18 December 2024- Greetings, my friends – welcome to my weekly column. They call me Mananigo, and this week I want to take you on a reflective journey through the North West Media Awards 2024. A journey of determination, frustration, and ultimately, triumph.
Organizing an event of this magnitude is no easy task, especially with no budget to rely on. It takes resilience, sacrifice, and teamwork to pull it off. The Awards Team, I must say, deserves the highest praise. Wow! This group of incredible individuals gave their all, overcoming every obstacle to ensure the event became a reality. It takes a full year of planning, but one thing is certain – we never postpone or cancel. No matter how tough it gets, the show will go on.
Like the powerful lyrics of Labi Siffre’s Something Inside So Strong remind us:
“The higher you build your barriers, the taller I become.
The farther you take my rights away, the faster I will run.
The more you refuse to hear my voice, the louder I will sing.”
And so, we sang louder. We pushed harder. We knew we could make it – and we did! But none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and the community.
A heartfelt thank you to Gaisang Mogale from Orion Safari Hotel. You worked tirelessly to host us, but unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control intervened. Hard luck, my brother – we gave it our best shot.
To the Rustenburg Local Municipality, your support came at a critical moment. Your sponsorship and presence at the event, including the attendance of Executive Mayor Mme Shiela Mabale-Huma, were nothing short of remarkable.
When we thought all hope was lost, a call from Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong reassured us that brighter days were ahead. His words, “Don’t stress; it will pass. We’ll support you,” kept us going. Truly, Modimo ga se setlaela (God is never wrong).
A special mention goes to the Office of the Premier, whose support enabled 10 radio stations from across the province to broadcast the awards live. To Golden Cat Holdings, thank you for ensuring everyone’s safety with your security measures.
Let’s not forget the outstanding contributions of Michelle by Kay N, who delivered top-notch VIP treatment, and Raps Photos and Projects, whose stunning photographs now grace social media. Rustenburg Fashion Week, your models added style and grace to our evening.
To Amogelang Publishing, Cell C, Platinum North West TV, Berlina Lekgethwane Foundation, and KayGee2 Zee Tours, your efforts made this event possible. I can’t forget our incredible hosts: Sydney Letsapa, Jones Blaq Gzus Modibane, and Berlina Lekgethwane (we wish Mr. Lekgethwane a speedy recovery).
A special shout-out to my wife and her team for putting together exceptional catering under immense pressure. To Nyakallo, Tatender, Bonolo, Philadelphia, and Lebo, your hard work shone brightly.
To the judges – Shirley Montsho, Oupa Segalwe, Lucky Mediwane, Liza Jay, Annamarie Max, and Cornelius Monama – thank you for your dedication. You made the tough decisions with integrity.
To all the nominees and winners, congratulations! Out of 207 nominees, 21 winners emerged. Social media buzzed with your stories, and you all deserve every bit of recognition. To Mme Minah Pilane Huma and Dulile Sowaga – Lifetime Achievement Awards recipients – you deserve this. Mr Tebogo Matima thanks for the Modisane Modise tribute. Let’s continue to honour the best in the North West Media space.
Lastly, to my kids Vusi and Junior, along with their cousins Temba, Dimpho Refiloe and their friends, thank you for stepping up and lending a hand.
Apologies for the last-minute venue change and the slight delay in starting, but I hope you’ll agree – it was a night to remember.
(Note: Mr Ananius Ndlovu is a founder and publisher of Naledi News, seasoned journalist and organiser of the North West Media Awards. The content remains Mr Ndlovu’s views and Taung DailyNews nor its associate do not agree or disagree with it)
The Guardian 