Picture: The underground kingpin, Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 January 2025- Four police officers were arrested in connection with the escape of underground kingpin, Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli from lawful custody in Stilfontein. The accused persons, Warrant Officer Jack Motlhabya (37), Warrant Officer Menzi Shabalala (38), Sergeant Ntutuko Dladla (40), and Sergeant Samkelo Mbotho (38), who are attached to the Stilfontein Vala Umgodi operation, were arrested this morning in Stilfontein.
“They have already appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on a charge of defeating the ends of justice. They were all granted bail of R1000 each. Internal departmental processes are underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng has welcomed the arrest of four police officers. Asaneng said no one is above the law.
“We are pleased but at the same time disappointed in the arrest of our own. Let the law take its course. We are still searching for Tiger and believe we will get answers soon from those allegedly responsible for his release from lawful custody,” he said.
31 January 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the North West Provincial Task Team (PTT) said it convened its latest meeting on 31 January 2025, to assess the state of readiness for the highly anticipated provincial congress. The structure said after thorough and robust deliberations guided by the principles of organisational discipline, unity and renewal, the PTT has resolved to postpone the provincial congress to a later date.
The ANCYL provincial convener, Wessels Morweng said this decision was not taken lightly, but was deemed necessary to ensure that the congress is held in an environment that is conducive to the advancement of the revolutionary agenda of the ANCYL, Economic Freedom and Social Change Now and Not Later and the broader National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“The PTT recognises the immense responsibility placed upon its shoulders to deliver a congress. The PTT remains steadfast in its commitment to the renewal and rebuilding of the Youth League as a radical, militant, and disciplined organisation.
“We call upon all members, supporters and stakeholders to remain disciplined, patient and focused during this period of preparation. We remain guided by the timeless wisdom of our forebears, who taught us that discipline and unity are the bedrock of any successful revolution,” he said.
Morweng further said the ANCYL North West PTT is confident that this decision will ultimately strengthen the organisation and ensure that the upcoming provincial congress is a resounding success.
Picture: The suspects nabbed for rhino poaching/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
31 January 2025- Two suspects were arrested for rhino poaching during a multi-disciplinary team for arresting two suspected rhino poachers during joint operations on 28 and 30 January 2025, respectively. The team comprising of Lehurutshe Stock theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Madikwe Game Reserve Anti-Poaching Unit and SANPARKS officials, arrested Eric Ndlovu (47) at Hartbeesfontein Police Station, where he was in detention for rhino poaching allegedly committed earlier this month.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused has been on the radar following the linkage to four rhino poaching cases reported in Madikwe Game Reserve between June and August 2023. Mokgwabone said ensuing investigations into the matter led the police to Sghandaff in Soshanguve Township, Gauteng Province, where the second suspect (27), was caught on 30 January 2025.
“This brings to six, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the four Madikwe cases. The initial four suspects were nabbed between October 2023 and March 2024. Following his arrest, Ndlovu appeared in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 30 January 2025.
“He was remanded in custody until 5 February 2025, for possible bail application. Ndlovu is also facing separate charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition following his arrest during a crime intelligence-led tactical operation in Rustenburg on 8 January 2025.
“He was then linked to the Hartbeesfontein rhino poaching case. Meanwhile, the suspect (27), is expected to make first appearance before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 3 February 2025,” he said.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended extolled the police for their team work and dedication that led to the arrests.
31 January 2025- The former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama, Garry Pita, Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Regiments Capital Directors Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonhya, Trillian Asset Management’s Director Daniel Roy (Novum Asset Management), Kuben Moodley, and Albatime Pty LTD owner, appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on charges of the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud, money laundering and corruption.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamomothame said the matter was postponed to 2 February 2026, for trial. Mamothame said the state and defence teams will in the interim engage on the issue of further particulars, which they intend to request from the state, and the judge ordered that it be resolved by 30 June 2025.
“The matter relating to Adv Shaun Abrahams will be adjudicated by the ombudsman, following the state’s opposition of Adv Abrahams, who was the NDPP, representing an accused in this matter.
“Their charges which include fraud, corruption, and money laundering, stem from the locomotives transaction advisory tender awarded to the McKinsey-led consortium in 2012, resulting in the procurement of 1064 locomotives valued at over R54 billion,” he said.
Mamothame further said it is alleged that Regiments Capital, who benefitted, was irregularly brought into the contract, increasing the contract value and scope to over R395 million.
Picture: Some community members attending Thuntsa Lerole campaign in Schweizer Reneke
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
31 January 2025- As part of array of community-impact Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari oversaw the roll-out of integrated health services at Glaudin, Migdol and other surrounding areas in Schweizer Reneke. Lehari said the high impact health services on provision, included immunisation, hypertension, diabetes, mental health, TB screening and Body Mass Index (BMI) screening.
“Tackling issues related to behavioural patterns and lifestyle, the Department Healthy Lifestyle flagship programme, Tshela Ka Itekanelo rolled out services that included health education on nutrition programme and awereness on food poisoning at schools. The department also donated sanitary towels at Itshupeng Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, in Schweize Reneke.
“The delegation then proceeded to conduct the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight programme at Glaudina clinic, where we held talks with both clinic management, operational and sub-district managers, including patients. We emphasised that patient-care, especially to the most disenfranchised communities remains high on the agenda of the 7th administration,” he said.
Lehari further said his department also had exhibitions at the feedback session, where professionals were assisting communities with all health-care services available on sight. He added that, departmental officials also distributed both female and male condoms including encouraging communities to visit facilities for regular checkups.
“The department then wrapped up its health package by distributing assistive devices in a form of wheelchairs to the elderlies and people living with disabilities. These activities were part of broader activities rolled out by the North West Provincial Government,” said Lehari.
Picture: Environmental Health Practitioners inspecting some of tuckshops
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass encourages all Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), spaza shops owners and other food-handling convenience stores across the Northern Cape to register their businesses by the extended deadline of 28 February 2025. Vass said those who would lime to register, they should approach their local municipalities across the province.
“Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their registration acknowledgment, still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses. For this process, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and other regulatory authorities will still inspect registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that these businesses are eligible to trade.
“The government will continue to implement the action plan across all its spheres to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the province,” he said.
Vass applauded businesses that have already approached their municipalities across the province to register their businesses in line with the address by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 November 2024. He further said in the address to the nation following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.
Vass added: “We plead with all businesses that have not yet registered to heed the call and to comply with the requirements to register no later than 28 February 2025. This will assist the government to better support this important sector of the economy and ensure that we preserve lives.
“South Africans who are landlords are also prohibited by law, not to register businesses on behalf of illegal foreign nationals. Any South African who has been found to have fraudulently registered a business on behalf of an illegal foreign national will face the might of the law.”
He said the multi-disciplinary inspections to strengthen adherence to legal frameworks governing trade and food safety across the Northern Cape are continuing. Vass said the government is committed to safeguarding public safety and preventing future outbreaks through sustainable practices and partnerships.
31 January 2025- Two men who were arrested for allegedly damaging the essential infrastructure, were remanded in custody until 4 February 2025, for formal bail application. Monyashe Thembeni (35) and Orekeng Mooketsi (32), were arrested at around 7pm on 28 January 2025, after the police responded to a complaint about two men, who were allegedly seen damaging and removing the roof of a small structure adjacent to the water reservoir in Burgersdorp, Lichtenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “In effecting the arrest, the police allegedly found the pair in possession of a water pump.”
Picture: The accused, Monyashe Thembeni/Supplied
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police for the swift reaction and cooperation with members of the community, which led to the arrest. Asaneng further warned that tampering with and / or damaging essential infrastructure is a pure criminality that interferes with the provision or distribution of basic services.
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Picture: Two men who were arrested for allegedly damaging essential infrastructure/Supplied
31 January 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said Orbit TVET College stands out as a ‘beacon of excellence’ within the otherwise challenging technical and vocational education and training (TVET) section, epitomising the ideals of what a TVET college should aspire to be. This comes after the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education concluded the North West leg of its oversight with a visit to Orbit College in Rustenburg yesterday.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie said they were impressed by Orbit’s skills development during their class-by-class visits and tour of the college’s infrastructure. Letsie said committe members urged Orbit to maintain its high standards and continue the excellent work that the college is doing.
“The committee also commended the level of professionalism at Orbit, noting that this is what a TVET college should aspire to be. However, we noted that despite the excellent work, Orbit is not immune to the problem of staff in acting positions, which was raised by both labour unions and the Student Representative Council.
“The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said, “We have committed ourselves in this term to have a meeting with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to discuss governance issues, including DHET’s inability to fill vacant posts.”
“Currently, we have deputy principals and senior managers in acting positions, which should have been permanently appointed by the colleges themselves, but this has not been done. Not filling these posts takes a toll on the already available human resources, stretching them to do more work,” he said.
Letsie further sais Orbit College was also commended for its partnership with Intel Corporation and the DHET to inspire students to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence. He added that this collaboration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative AI solutions.
“Additionally, Orbit College was encouraged to enhance its ICT systems to streamline and improve the efficiency of student registration processes. Today, the committee will conduct its last oversight with a visit to the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria,” said Letsie.
.31 January 2025- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Mokgopane Hendrick Thokoane (45), will be back at Christiana Magistrate’s Court today. Thokoane, who was granted a R10 000 bail, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) on three counts of fraud and for contravening Section 173(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said during the proceedings, it was revealed that Thokoane, in his capacity as the CFO and Senior Manager of the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, was responsible for assisting the Accounting Officer in managing the municipality’s bank account and implementing its budget.
“The investigations found that between April and May 2022, the accused procured services from Thabethe and Co to lease a vehicle for the mayor of the municipality, Sebang Motlhabi, without submitting the necessary documentation to the Office of the Municipal Manager.
“Notably, Thabethe and Co, leased the vehicle to the municipality without receiving a proper request for quotation or submitting any quotation to the Supply Chain Management office,” he said.
Gunya further said Thokoane allegedly misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the lease, falsely asserting that it had the Municipal Manager’s approval. He added that as a result of these misrepresentations, the municipality reportedly incurred a financial loss of approximately R167,600.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed Thokoane’s arrest and commended both the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their efforts in ensuring that the accused appeared in court. Makhari reiterated the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating commercial crimes and emphasised the importance of upholding justice and integrity within public service.
31 January 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it acknowledges that it has experienced a delay in the disbursement of norms and standard allocations due to budget constraints. However, the department refutes allegations that the situation escalated as a result of mismanagement of funds.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said at the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, the department absorbed a budget reduction of R232 million and a further reduction of R60 million during the financial year. Van der Merwe said over and above, the financial impact of 2024/25 wage adjustment was not allocated funding.
“The cost of living adjustment for the 2024/25 financial year is estimated at approximately R295 million. This is in relation to the wage agreement concluded for the 2024/25 financial year at 4.7% for all government employees.
“Therefore, the total funding gap due to budget reduction and the wage bill adjustment is almost R600 million for the 2024/25 financial year. Therefore, any suggestions that the department has squandered money unnecessarily are unfounded and devoid of any truth,” he said.
According to van der Merwe, the department has always been regularly subjected to oversight by the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, to account for the Annual Performance Plan (APP) implementation progress, where they transparently account fully on spending patterns and challenges.
“We further encourage any member of the public or education stakeholder, who is in possession of any proof of mismanagement of funds, to come forward and report this matter to the department, Office of the Premier or law enforcement entities.
“Through our engagements and the support of the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury, we have secured a portion of the funds, which was paid to all schools,” said van der Merwe.
He said the funds were utilised to procure stationery, additional learning and support material, services to schools, learning aid for special schools and hostel subsidies. Van der Merwe said, however, additional funds are required to pay the outstanding allocations to schools.
“Important to note with regard to the provision of Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM), schools were provided with an option of procuring their textbooks either centrally or directly from suppliers.
“A total of 350 schools opted to procure their textbooks centrally, and the Department ensured 100% delivery. The other 204 schools made their own respective arrangements with suppliers,” he said.
Van der Merwe said the department is processing the payments this week to schools in terms of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). He said this will enable schools to provide a nutritious meal to learners for the rest of the first quarter.
The Guardian 