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)
Picture: Children who re-surfaced at unused Stilfontein mine shaft repatriated to Mozambique/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2024- North West Department of Social Development has repatriated 27 teenage boys from Mozambique back home after they resurfaced from Stilfontein unused mines more than a month ago. Among the 27 undocumented children, 15 were found by the police in Klerksdorp and 12 others resurfaced from the abandoned mines.
The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie said the minors were placed in temporary safe care in the capital Mahikeng for two weeks. Dantjie said they were involved in illegal mining activities in Stilfontein.
“Their placement in temporary safe care by the department, is in line with the provisions of Children Act, which mandate social workers or police officials to remove a child who is in danger and place them in temporary safe care.
“On Tuesday, at 00:00, the social workers managing the case set out to repatriate the children to Lebombo Border with a police escort. This comes after they got permission from the court to release them from their place of safety,” she said.
Dantjie further said the court allowed them to repatriate these minors and hand them over to their counterparts in Mozambique, who will then reunify the children with their parents. She added that this was made possible after the Mozambican Consulate issued them with temporary travel documents and allowed a care-to-care process between the Social Development Departments in the two countries.
“This was facilitated by the Department of Social Development and International Social Workers Services. The children will be handed over to social workers at the Lebombo border on Tuesday.
“We have expressed profound gratitude to our departmental team led by the acting Head of Department, Dr Fezile Ngqobe for arranging temporary safe care for children and also working around the clock to repatriate the children to their original country,” she said.
Dantjie said they thank all the stakeholders, who came forward and played a critical role in ensuring that these children receive the necessary care and protection. She said they also thank the Mozambican Consulate for speeding up the process of repatriation.
“My department together with the stakeholders, we are ready to provide similar services to other children, who may resurface from the old gold mines in Stilfontein,” said Dantjie.
Picture: Safer Festive Season campaign underway/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, led a multi-disciplinary road block with the Provincial Traffic Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the R27 road linking Calvinia and Niewoudtville on Tuesday.
A total of 158 vehicles were stopped, searched and inspected for roadworthiness and several fines were issued.
Vass said as the province intensifies its law enforcement campaign for a safer festive season and safer roads, to reduce fatalities, they will continue to call on all road users to obey the rules of the road and to buckle up. He said they should avoid speeding or drinking and driving, as part of the key principles to ensure safer roads across the province.
“Similar roadblocks and safety campaigns will be rolled out across the province,” said Vass.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 December 2024- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over the second batch of 10 vehicles to senior traditional leaders in the Province. Molapisi said this will enable them to execute their statutory and customary duties in their traditional councils.
He further said his department is empowered by law to provide enabling resources to ensure that traditional leaders can effectively deliver on their responsibilities. Molapisi added that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance their capacity to serve their communities.
“This initiative is important and is a symbol of respect, support and acknowledgment for our crucial role in governance and cultural preservation.
“We encourage the recipients to protect and maintain the vehicles, which are intended to aid in fulfilling their responsibilities more efficiently,” he said.
Molapisi said the symbolic handover of these vehicles is a testament to how much they value their traditional leadership. He said it is his belief that these vehicles will empower every deserving Kgosi, making their valued work easier.
“The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility and service delivery of traditional leaders, enabling them to connect more effectively with the communities they serve.
“As the vehicles were officially handed over, the atmosphere was one of appreciation and optimism, with leaders expressing their gratitude for the support and investment in their work,” he said.
The Chairperson of House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe said, the government is doing all in its power to recognize the unique role of traditional leadership in preserving heritage, resolving community disputes, fostering unity and assisting government in achieving their developmental goals in traditional communities.
“This initiative demonstrates the province’s commitment to empowering us as traditional leaders, ensuring that we have the resources necessary to carry out our duties.
“It also highlights the critical importance of the partnership between traditional leadership and the provincial government in driving development and improving the lives of the people” said Maotwe.
Amongst those who were handed the vehicles, was Kgosi Sekgopisi Nawa of Baphuting Ba Ga Nawa, who expressed excitement over this.
“I am very excited. I am happy that at the end the government is fulfilling its promise of supporting traditional leaders by providing resources that we need. We really appreciate this support which will make a difference in our communities,” said Nawa.
Meanwhile, the batch of 10 vehicles handed over, was the second batch after the first batch of 17 was handed earlier this year, since the pronouncement of this initiative during the 2023 CoGTA Budget Speech.
The remaining senior traditional leaders will be assisted in the MTEF period.
17 December 2024- A former teacher (41) at Raslouw Academy from Valhalla, briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. He is facing charges of three counts of exposing pornography to children and four counts of sexual grooming of two female learners aged 13 and a boy (15), respectively.
It is alleged that in August 2024, the accused contacted three learners from the school, sent them nude pictures of himself, and requested them to send theirs in exchange. After one of the victims allegedly sent his picture to the accused, he proceeded to call the victim through video call, where he demonstrated himself inserting his penis into a bottle.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said one of the victims reported the matter to the school teacher, who requested them to bring their phones to school for observation. Mahanjana said the parents of the victims were informed about the incident by the school and a case was opened against the accused in August 2024.
“After investigations by the police, the accused was arrested on 13 December 2024, at his place of residence. In court, the matter was postponed to 24 December 2024, for a possible bail application and the accused is remanded in custody,” she said.
17 December 2024- Over 1200 suspects were nabbed during the High Density Operation Shanela. The weekly multidisciplinary operation, which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, focused on the enhancement of crime reduction and combatting within the North West.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the police actions executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols.
Tselanyane said this includes, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.
“The prevention of drugs and other commodities smuggling were also prioritized. During the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, a total of 1466 vehicles and 3415 persons were stopped and searched.
“As a result of these operations, among others, 141 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 19 for murder and attempted murder, 109 for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act,” said Tselanyane.
He said 50 suspects were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 94 for possession of drugs and 69 for illegal dealing in liquor. Tselanyane said in the efforts to eradicate the proliferation of firearms, 10 firearms that included 3 handguns and 7 rifles were confiscated.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their endeavours in ensuring that there was a significant reduction in reported crime incidents in some areas where the operations were carried out.
17 December 2024- In a bid to prioritize animal health and welfare, state veterinary clinics across the North West, will remain operational throughout the festive season. This is to ensure an uninterrupted access to critical veterinary services for farmers, pet owners, and the public.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said, while clinics will operate with skeletal staff, every effort has been made to ensure no one requiring essential veterinary care will be turned away.
Sambatha further said services will be available during regular working hours, except for public holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to animal health needs. He added that this is an important initiative.
“Like human beings, animals have critical healthcare needs that cannot be overlooked. This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening veterinary services across the province.
“The health and welfare of animals are central to the well-being of our agricultural sector and the communities we serve. This necessary arrangement guarantees farmers and pet owners’ continuous access to veterinary care during this busy period,” said Sambatha.
He said farmers and pet owners are encouraged to make full use of these services to ensure the health, productivity, and safety of their animals. Sambatha also extended heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated veterinary staff, who have selflessly committed to working during this period.
“We acknowledge their sacrifices in ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, while they could have been with their families.
“This initiative is part of the department’s broader effort to prevent and control animal diseases, which, if left unchecked, could negatively impact agriculture, a critical pillar of the provincial economy,” said Sambatha.
Picture: Criminals allegedly vandalised and stole borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm Borehole Station/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
17December 2024- The Mamusa Local Municipality said criminals have stolen and vandalized borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm on Monday. Now, the municipality said this has resulted in water supply disruptions in Extension 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The acting Municipal Manager at Mamusa Local Municipality, Frans Mabokela said: “The water supply to Extensions 6, 7, 8, and 9 has been disrupted due to acts of criminality at the Mareeson Farm Borehole Station.
“As a result, the mentioned areas will unfortunately not receive water until further notice. We want to assure the community that this matter is being treated with the utmost urgency and has also been reported to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.”
Mabokela further said efforts are underway to assess the damage and expedite repairs to restore the water supply as soon as possible. He added that they appeal to the community to contact Ipelegeng Police Station for any information that may assist in arresting perpetrators.
Picture: An off-duty police officer allegedly assaulted a civilian at Rustenburg Police Station premises/Video
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 December 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Management in North West said it condemns in the strongest possible terms an incident doing the rounds on social media platforms, wherein an off-duty police officer is allegedly seen assaulting a member of the public at Rustenburg Police Station.
The occurrence allegedly followed an argument that ensued in a barber shop at one of the malls in Rustenburg and involving the police officer, assault victim and other people on Saturday afternoon, 14 December 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said following the incident, one of the victims went to the police station to lodge a complaint. Tselanyane said the reports suggest that the police officer also went to the police station, where he found the complainant at the parking area.
“He allegedly chased the complainant until inside the police station premises and assaulted him. The on-duty police officers’ swiftly intervened and calmed the situation.
“The victim consequently opened a case of assault against the member, who also laid a counter charge of assault. Investigation into the matter is underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Management pointed out that the member’s conduct is totally unacceptable and displays a total disrespect for the rule of law by a law enforcement officer.
The Guardian 