15 December 2024- The Galeshewe police appeal to the public to assist in locating the family (next of kin) of an unknown deceased man. The unknown pedestrian was fatally injured during a recent motor vehicle accident in Barkly Road in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating his family/relatives. Kock said the deceased is about 45 years old, 1.7 meters tall, dark in complexion, with short black hair and of medium build.
“He apparently goes by the name of “Eric Moncho”. He has been residing in Colville in Kimberley, but is said to be from the Hartswater or Pampierstad area, hence its believed that he has no relatives in Kimberley.
“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielligh on 082 469 0547. The investigation continues,” he said.
Picture: The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 December 2024- The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 11 December 2024.
This event followed the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Colour Walk earlier in the morning. The event commenced at Galeshewe Police Station with a motorcade led by the Kimberley CC Riders motorcyclists.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her entourage, Traffic Department, SAPS members and the Community Police Forums, were part of the event. The school principal of Kimberley Boys High School, Xolile Taba pledged their continued support to SAPS, especially as the country concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
“We need to stand together against GBVF. We also encourage men to become actively involved in advocating for gender equality, preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“We need to change our belief on gender norms, taking an active stand against domestic and sexual violence, and sustaining these changes in their personal lives – all of which contribute to reducing the rapid spread of HIV,” he said.
Meanwhile, Otola reiterated in her keynote address that they acknowledge that elderly citizens are often targeted by criminals and they want to assure them that SAPS is doing everything in their power to prevent and combat these heinous crimes.
“We value the wisdom, experience and contributions the elderly citizens bring to the community. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we want to take this opportunity to appreciate and honour our elderly as we vow to work tirelessly to keep them safe and secure this Festive Season and beyond.
“We handed out Christmas gifts to all the elderly and enjoyed an early Christmas lunch with all the attendees at the event. The day was concluded with Christmas carols, and a vote of thanks by Colonel Sebe Qunta of Proactive Policing,” she said.
Picture: The SPAR Proteas and SA Men’s Netball Team at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on 14 December at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- South Africa achieved a historic double victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, with both the SPAR Proteas and the men’s team crowned champions on Saturday at the MTC Dome. The SPAR Proteas showcased their dominance in the women’s final, defeating Uganda 65-50 in what was a tense game.
The South African ladies displayed exceptional court coverage, intercepting key passes and forcing turnovers throughout the match against a Ugandan team that fought gallantly.
The SPAR Proteas’ accurate shooting and fluid movement through the court, particularly in the midcourt where they consistently gained advantage, proved too much for Uganda to handle.
They established an early lead, winning the first quarter 16-12. SA extended their advantage in the second quarter to go into the halftime break ahead by 30-24 goals.
The SPAR Proteas continued to pull away in the third [50-33], ultimately securing a convincing 65-50 victory.
SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk expressed immense pride in her team’s performance following their triumphant victory at the Africa Netball Cup. Van Dyk highlighted the team’s dominant third quarter as a key factor in their success.
“I’m a very happy coach. The players made us proud today,” she admitted. What the players accomplished today was one of our goals to be African champions.
“A massive third quarter for us, 20 for us and 9 for them, was crucial in securing the victory. It was a really quite hot week, very physical and hard,” she said.
Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana expressed immense relief and pride in the team’s performance.
“We knew there was a lot of pressure on us after the disappointing World Cup result against Uganda. We had to overcome that hurdle. We wanted to get rid of that monkey on our back and prove ourselves.
“It was a really tough week. No match was easy and we had to adapt to each opponent’s unique style of play. “I’m extremely proud of the way the troops handled the weeks,” she said.
Meanwhile the SA men’s team also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Eswatini 60-39 to defend their Africa Netball Cup title. The South African men displayed a powerful and aggressive style of play, dominating the centre court and feeding their shooters with pinpoint accuracy.
Eswatini struggled to contain the South African attack, with their defence unable to withstand the relentless pressure.
SA men dominated throughout the match, winning each quarter convincingly: 17-12, 32-23, 46-29 and 60-39.
SA men’s coach, Jabulani Vilane, credits teamwork and strategic planning for their victorious Africa Netball Cup campaign.
“We are the Champions of Africa Netball Cup. Our boys played very well and were on top of their game. We gave them time to relax and think, as well as recap about the mistakes that their opponents are making and we managed to stick to all our game plans.
“I’m very happy with what the boys did and with the management that I’m working with,” he said.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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