Daily Archives: December 23, 2024

Minister’s action on SABC Bill unconstitutional

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Picture: SABC offices in Auckland park, Johannesburg

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 December 2024- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, has unequivocally condemned Minister Solly Malatsi’s challenge on the Speaker of the National Assembly over the withdrawal of the SABC Bill from Parliament as reported by the Sunday Times on 22 December 2024.

Diko is of the view that this action is not only unwarranted in its spirited pursuit to unilaterally withdraw the Bill, but is also unconstitutional. She said the committee has never accepted the withdrawal of the Bill by the Minister, it has instead sought clarity from the Executive on the Minister’s authority for the unilateral withdrawal of the Bill before Parliament.

“The committee has reiterated that Bills before Parliament from the Executive do not belong to individual Ministers but to the Cabinet as a whole. Malatsi’s attempts to dismiss constitutional procedure as mere “convention” or a “gentlemen’s agreement” is not just incorrect—it is a dangerous misrepresentation of the law.

“The constitution, to which all members of the cabinet are bound, explicitly states in Section 85(2) that Executive authority is vested in the President, who exercises such authority together with other members of cabinet to, amongst others, prepare and initiate legislation,” said Diko.

She further said the Rules of the National Assembly do not take precedence over the constitution. Diko added that, as such, no single Minister, including Malatsi, has today or ever had the authority or power to unilaterally introduce or withdraw Bills in Parliament without the consent of the Cabinet.

“Earlier on, the committee welcomed the necessary clarification and corrective instruction provided to the Minister by the Deputy President and Leader of Government Business in this regard.

“The Minister should fully comprehend the limits of his powers, especially in relation to law-making, the role of the Cabinet, and that of the Leader of Government Business,” said Diko.

She said similarly, where necessary, clarification should also be provided to the Minister on the distinction between Private Members’ Bills, to which a Member of the Executive is not entitled, and Bills piloted by the Executive.

Diko said the Speaker of the National Assembly is the leader of a separate arm of the State -the Legislature- which acts as the guardian of the democracy, and stands firm against any attempts to undermine its authority and procedures.

“Cabinet members are expected to respect this role by ensuring that the authority of the Office of the Speaker is not undermined through frivolous challenges which disregard not only established protocols on engagement between the Speaker and the Executive but also the doctrine of separation of powers.

“For our part as the committee, the amendment of the SABC Bill will be among the first orders of business in the new year,” she said.

Diko said while Malatsi has raised some valid concerns regarding the powers to be accorded to the Minister to appoint board members of the proposed commercial subsidiary of the SABC, his other objection regarding the absence of a funding model in the current version of the Bill is unfounded, flimsy and inconsequential.

She said they trust that when the Minister takes the opportunity to present the department’s responses to the committee, he will also concede that, unless the SABC Bill is a Money Bill, Ministers cannot legislate a funding model from the fiscus.

“To this end, we urge the Minister to cease dilly dallying on this point and to act with urgency in developing the funding model, which the SABC Bill provides a legislative framework for and which the SABC desperately needs.

“We noted and welcomed the invaluable inputs received from civil society organisations and other stakeholders, saying that their inputs will be thoroughly considered and addressed in the committee’s deliberations and reflected in the final legislation presented to the National Assembly for consideration,” said Diko.

She said, lastly, the doors of the committee shall remain open for constructive engagement with the Minister.

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Shaleng triple murder case back in court

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Picture: The accused, Olebogeng Mampe Kale

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 December 2024- A triple murder case against the accused, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), will resume today at the Kgomotso Periodical Court. This comes after the case was postponed for further investigations.

Kale is accused of killing his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), his mother, Phodisho Kale (68), and his younger sister, Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on 15 November 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigations revealed that members of the family were inside their shack, sitting around the coffee table when the accused entered and struck them over their heads with a knobkerrie.

“He allegedly fled the scene afterwards. All three victims were declared dead on the scene and Kale was apprehended by the police on 16 November 2024. The accused was remanded in custody until the next court appearance,” he said.

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Monna wa kwa Shaleng o latofadiwa ka go rema mmagwe ka selepe le go mo tlhaba ka thiba go fitha a tlhokafala

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Setshwantsho: Mapodisi ako lefelong la tiragalo morago ga gore monna a latofadiwe ka go rema mmagwe ka selepe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Sedimonthole 2024- Monna wa dingwaga di le 26 wa kwa motseng wa Shaleng, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Kgomotso mo letsatsing la gompieno. Monna o, o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao le maikaelelo a polao.

Se se tla morago ga gore a latofadiwe ka go rema mmagwe ka selepe le go mo tlhaba ka thiba go fitlha a tlhokafala ka di 21 Sedimonthole 2024. Gape, go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a tlhaba kgaitsadie ka thipa.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, are go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ne a tsena kwa ntlung le go batla madi mo go mmagwe ka dikgoka. Tselanyane are mmagwe mmelaelwa, one a letsetsa ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana, Masego Gabadise go tla go mo thusa.

“Go begwa fa Masego a ne a fitlhela mmelaewa a teketa mmagwe. O ile a leka go tsireganya, fela go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a mo tsogela kgatlhanong le go mo tlhasela.

“Go begwa fa a ile a ntsha thipa, mme a mo tlhaba. Go ya ka dipego, Masego o ile a tabogisediwa kwa bookelo go bona thuso ya potlako,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

Tselanyane are go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a tlhasela mmagwe ka selepe le go mo tlhaba ka thipa. Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a sia kwa lefelong la tiragalo.

“Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

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A woman killed in car accident

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Picture: A woman, Innez Prince killed in a car accident/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 December 2024- A woman (21) was killed in an accident near Shell Ultra in Kimberly on Saturday. The accident took place around 5am.

The deceased was allegedly crossing the road when she was knocked over by a VW Transporter and died on the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the grey VW was traveling with 6 occupants and all escaped the accident unscathed.

“The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are investigating a culpable homicide after an unknown female was killed in an accident. The deceased is unknown and could be in her 30s.

“She is light in complexion, black hair, about 1,6 meters tall, medium build and dressed in blue jeans, blue top and white Crocs. Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Modise Moshotloa on 082 302 0407 or contact 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. The investigation continues,” he said.

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More than 460 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 December 2024- More 460 suspects including wanted suspects were apprehended during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for various offences during a tracing operation by the detectives.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, shoplifting, assault on police members and assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

Kock said this includes attempted murder, assault common, undocumented immigrants, possession of suspected stolen property, theft, copper cable, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and malicious damage to property. He further said others were arrested for burglary residential, burglary business, driving under the influence of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor theft and warrant of arrest.

“Operation Shanela, the multi-disciplinary, intelligence driven high density crime prevention and combating operation has an enormous impact in stabilising and fighting crime in all five districts of the province.

“The high density operations commenced on 16 until 22 December 2024, across the province and executed 26056 actions such as regular stop and searches, vehicle check points, roadblocks, cordon and searches, high visibility patrols including foot patrols.

“The police also traced wanted suspects with a focus on the apprehension of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets’ businesses and second hands goods dealers,” said Kock.

He added that the following operational actions and successes were recorded across the five districts. Kock said multiple vehicle check points and roadblocks were conducted during which 6881 vehicles and 13147 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous disruptive actions included police stop and search actions, blue light high visibility patrols and several compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, shebeens, taverns, liquor outlets and businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, thanked the police for their efforts in the reduction of all categories of crime and commended District Commissioners, Senior Management, external law enforcement agencies and stakeholders including the community policing forum structures in leading and participating in the Shanela Operations during the festive season.

“We praise you for robustly combating crime by discouraging criminal activities and by reassuring our communities that their safety is of paramount importance during the Festive Season and beyond.

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‘More boots on the ground during festive season’

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Picture: Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 December 2024- The police in Northern Cape said there will be more boots on the ground during the festive season. This comes after newly recruited constables were drafted to reinforce the capacity of ground forces.

According to the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, law enforcement will be supported by Community Police Structures (CPS), reservists and other relevant external role players.

Otola said priority crimes, including all contact crimes, residential and business robberies, damage or tampering of essential infrastructure, crimes against women and children, as well as drug and alcohol related crimes and road safety will be vigorously policed.

“We re-assure the communities of the Northern Cape that the police are ready to protect and serve this festive season with a zero tolerance approach toward criminal elements within the province.

“Detectives will be out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects who have been evading the law. We reiterate that alcohol and substance abuse will not be tolerated as this leads to the commission of serious and violent crimes,” she said.

Otola further encouraged motorists and pedestrians to practice road safety precautions to ensure that all road users are safe and minimise the occurrence of fatalities and serious road accidents.

She added that disruptive actions, such as roadblocks and vehicle check points will also focus on the prevention of drinking and driving.

“Specialized units such as the Search and Rescue Unit will be available to police areas with bodies of water, such as dams and rivers, throughout the province.

“Residents and visitors to the Northern Cape, who enjoy the hot climate, are encouraged to practice water safety and to be cautious at all times. Do not go swimming alone or when under the influence of alcohol,” said Otola.

She urged parents to be aware of the whereabouts of their children at all times. Otola said home owners are also encouraged to safeguard their property when they are away on holiday.

“Shoppers are also urged to be alert and vigilant in busy shopping centres. Do not carry large amounts of cash, pay with a debit or credit card whenever possible.

“Do not get overburdened with shopping bags, always keep one hand free. We commend the community for their invaluable contributions by providing essential information that leads to the arrest of perpetrators,” she said.

Otola urged the community to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via MY SAPS app. She said all information will be treated confidentially.

“We hereby wish all visitors and inhabitants of the Northern Cape a safe and secure festive season and beyond,” said Otola.

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