Daily Archives: January 22, 2025

A wanted suspect nabbed for allegedly committing various offences such as rape and assault

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 January 2025- A man (31) was arrested by the Sun City Detectives and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), during intelligence-driven operation for the alleged rape. It is alleged that, observation was kept at Witrandjie village, where the police searched for the suspect and allegedly found him hiding under the bed.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspect was arrested and detained for two counts of rape and one of assault common. Myburgh said the first rape case was reported in Sun City on 20 August 2023.

“It is alleged that a victim (27), visited a tavern in Rustenburg to celebrate her birthday, where she met the suspect. The next day the suspect invited her and her friend back to the tavern and even arranged transport to fetch them. He then asked her to accompany him to fetch something at home.

“On their way, he became aggressive, grabbed her cellular phone and raped the woman upon arrival at his house. The second rape incident was reported on 3 August 2024. It is alleged that a woman (20), was driving around with friends, using the vehicle of the suspect’s friend in Witrandjie village, near Sun City,” she said.

Myburgh further they all visited a tavern in Phatsima and later went to the suspect’s house, where they all went to sleep. She added that, the suspect allegedly woke up the victim, became aggressive and forcefully took her to another bedroom and raped her.

“In another incident, an assault case was reported during the early hours of 26 March 2023. The suspect allegedly assaulted a victim (32) at Ledig village by spraying him with pepper spray and assaulting him with his fists.

“The suspect appeared before the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court on 21 January 2025 and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 31 January 2025, for a bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for bringing a wanted ‘criminal’ to justice. Asaneng reiterated that the police will continue to ensure that residents of this province are and feel safe at all times.
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Counterfeit goods worth R206 000 confiscated

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Picture: Some of counterfeit goods seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said a successful operation aimed at addressing the issues of dealing with counterfeit goods by Upington Border Police in conjunction with the Brand-Holder Attorneys Spoor and Fischer in Upington on 21 January 2025, seized great results.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela during this action, the street vendors and other dealers, were visited where counterfeit goods, including clothing items valued at R206 000, tobacco valued at R26 100 and gas cylinders at the value of R18 700, were confiscated.

“The seized items were handed over to the relevant stakeholders for further investigation and handling. The good results by the collaborative operation were applauded by the management of the SAPS in the ZM Mgcawu District,” she said.

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MK Party calls on USA president, Donald Trump to investigate Ramaphosa over US Dollars found at his Phala-Phala Farm 

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Picture: The Phala-Phala Farm owned by Cyril Ramaphosa, where US Dollars notes were found stashed in mattress and sofas

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) said it extended its heartfelt congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States of America (USA). The MK Party president, Jacob Zuma said this moment marks a pivotal opportunity for global politics to embrace justice, fairness, and respect for national sovereignty.

Zuma said his party viewed Trump’s leadership as a ‘beacon of hope’ for dismantling systems of exploitation and oppression that were perpetuated under previous administrations. He further said Trump’s administration’s vision signals a transformative shift toward addressing long-standing global injustices.

“Trump’s dedication to ending the war in Ukraine is a praiseworthy step toward peace in a region devastated by unnecessary violence. The MK Party has consistently condemned this war as a profit-driven venture, orchestrated by the military-industrial complex of the previous administration, a money-making scheme at the expense of countless innocent lives.

“The lives of unarmed women and children in both Ukraine and Russia have been sacrificed for corporate greed, making President Trump’s efforts to end this bloodshed an act of profound compassion and justice,” said Zuma.

He said in addition, the MK Party applauds Trump’s firm stance to end the unjust and ongoing evil attacks on Palestine. Zuma said the illegal occupation of Palestinian land since 1948 remains a glaring injustice,

and the suffering inflicted by decades of aggression must end.

“The MK Party hopes that Trump’s administration will work toward a just, permanent resolution that recognises Palestinian sovereignty and alleviates the longstanding plight of its people.

“The MK Party also welcomes Trump’s intention to lift unfair sanctions imposed on progressive nations such as the Russian Federation, Cuba, and African states. These sanctions have long stifled development and autonomy, punishing nations for seeking self-reliance and independence,” he said.

Zuma said Trump’s willingness to reverse such aggressive policies demonstrates a commitment to fostering equitable global relations. He said in South Africa, the MK Party is confident that Trump will advocate against the exploitative agreements between the Ramaphosa administration, the UK and Europe, particularly regarding South African coal.

“His administration’s push for countries to develop their own energy policies represents a commendable respect for the sovereignty and unique material conditions of each nation.

“Furthermore, we trust that the Trump administration will investigate the involvement of the U.S. Dollars in the Phalaphala Farm saga, where millions of U.S. currency were stashed under Ramaphosa’s mattresses and sofas,” he said.

Zuma said furthermore, Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the corrupt World Health Organization (WHO), reflects his determination to challenge the institutions that serve political agendas

and political masters, rather than genuine global progress. He said the MK Party urges him to extend this stance to other exploitative bodies, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), which have historically

operated in service of narrow interests rather than the greater good.

“Finally, the MK Party calls upon Trump to lead efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council. The current structure perpetuates an imbalance of power that undermines the sovereignty and dignity of nations worldwide.

“We trust that Trump will use the power and influence of the USA to champion a fairer and more inclusive system that acknowledges the equal status of all

member states,” said Zuma.

He said they are optimistic that Trump’s administration will usher in a new era of equitable global governance. Zuma said they remain steadfast in the commitment to supporting initiatives that promote justice,

peace, and sovereignty for all nations, and we look forward to collaborating on efforts that advance

these shared ideals.

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NWPTB employees not paid their salaries

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has strengthened its monitoring and oversight mechanisms to intervene at the North West Parks and Tourism (NWPTB). This comes after the entity’s failure to pay employee salaries, despite receiving its quarterly financial allocation from the department at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the current financial year.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they have consistently released the quarterly allocation to the entity as per the legislation, with the last of the year released earlier following the entity’s request. Lenkopane said failure to pay salaries might be a bad omen brewing a regress on the department’s employed mechanism to right the financial wrongs and deficiencies that adversely affected the entity’s audit outcomes.

“This is a risk and the entity’s financial management needs more attention. It is inconceivable that the entity is unable to pay salary at the beginning of the fourth quarter, while the funds have already been transferred.

“This appears to be a regular occurrence, but it needs to change. The risk of not paying salaries is not a new phenomenon in the entity. This situation has been prevalent in the previous administration dating back as far as 2022,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the records prove that the entity has failed to generate and or sustainability manage revenue for its benefit. She added that this situation cannot continue unattended, especially in this new administration.

“The department is left with no choice but to put magnifying glasses on the financial affairs of the Board. I have since instructed the department’s Accounting Officer, where necessary, to invoke the Treasury Regulation 8.4.2.

“It gives him powers to withhold a transfer payment or grant, other than division of revenue, if he is satisfied that the entity is failing to meet certain financial conditions, and no financial value is realized,” said Lenkopane.

She said this provision of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) applies to all the entities. Lenkopane said the department has begun the process of putting measures to strengthen the oversight on the entities.

“This is to help steer the ailing entities to the right direction. A task team consisting of financial experts and auditors from DEDECT will be appointed to look closely into the finances of the entity.

“The team will also be mandated to open all the reports written by the experts that were appointed by the Board of Directors during the 6th administration and to implement their recommendations,” she said.

Lenkopane said the NWPT Board of Directors has, in its first meeting of 2025, drafted a Revenue Enhancement Plan and resolved to appoint a subcommittee to look into Revenue Enhancement, and exploit the opportunities in biodiversity economy. She said her department is in full support of this initiative in quest for diversification to explore closely into these particular untapped and sustainable biological resources, altogether with their markets for contribution into the Provincial Gross Domestic Product.

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Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko found guilty of fraud   

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Picture: Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 January 2025- Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko (43), found guilty of fraud by the Taung Regional Court. Matlhoko was facing two counts of fraud after she submitted fraudulent travel claims between October and December 2017, while she was still employed at the college.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit revealed that Matlhoko submitted claims for a vehicle that was at the garage for repairs. Gunya said it was further established that she utilised an official vehicle for the two trips she submitted claims for.

“The accused was paid over R17 000 for the claims submitted. Following an investigation, Matlhoko was arrested in March 2020, and released on warning. She made several court appearances until she was found guilty on two counts of fraud and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment or to pay R12 000.

“Half of the fine which is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing and lauded those who worked on the case.

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Donald Trump to thrash SA’s economy?

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Picture: USA president, Donald Trump

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- He is back and South Africa’s economic welfare – like that of most other global economies – is not on his list of priorities. On Monday, 20 January, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America (USA) and wasted no time in making the same waves that were hallmarks of his first presidency.

He signed orders to remove the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement. Trump has never shied away from his rhetoric of America first, second and third.

According to economist Prof Waldo Krugell from the North West University (NWU), “bad outcomes” might be on the horizon for South Africa.

“There has been much speculation about what Donald Trump’s second presidency of the USA will mean for South Africa and our economy. Most of the comments are about his trade policy and the possibility of tariffs on imports into the USA.

“This is especially about trade with China and Mexico. There is also talk of a general tariff for the products they import, but something like this should not have a major impact on South Africa’s export competitiveness, because all countries are affected,” he said.

Krugell said the greater danger is that the Trump administration will pay little attention to the rules of the World Trade Organization. He said it will affect South Africa, if they simply decide to, for example, charge additional tariffs on steel, cars, or citrus.

“The much bigger impact will be how his policies affect economic growth, employment, government debt, inflation, and interest rates in the USA and how that will spill over into our own exchange rate and interest rates.

“The import tariffs will increase inflation. If his pro-business policies accelerate their economic growth, it will increase inflation. If his deportation immigration policy shrinks their labour force, it will increase wages, which increases inflation,” said Krugell.

He further said he will keep their interest rates high and the dollar strong. Krugell said, if his tax relief plans increase their national debt, it will also keep interest rates high.

“These are bad outcomes for South Africa. Our economy is barely growing and has very little inflationary pressure. We would like to cut interest rates further, but will not be able to do so if USA rates remain high and the rand-dollar exchange rate is weaker.

“Trump’s influence on the domestic fortunes of the USA might pay dividends, but his four-year term will do little to make South Africa’s economy great again,” he said.

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The number of hospitalised illegal miners increases

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it is working closely with the North West Department of Health in ensuring that healthcare is provided to illegal miners in police holding cells. The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on a daily basis, the police conduct inspections at police holding cells.

“Those who require further medical care are referred and admitted to a local hospital under police guard. The number of those admitted in hospital has just risen from 9 on 13 January to 32 on 21 January 2025.

“All who are hospitalised are currently under police guard. The narrative that illegal miners are not receiving adequate medical care is thus refuted and devoid of truth,” she said.

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The family of the late NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile Mdi rope in services of Gerrie Nel in attempted murder and murder case

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Picture: South African lawyer, advocate Gerrie Nel

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 January 2025- An attempted murder and murder case against the owner of Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), has been postponed to 30 January 2025, for pre-trial conference, while the trial is expected to commence on 6 February 2025.

Mangwegape, who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape pulled out a gun and shot them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

The state also highlighted that the ballistic test results have also arrived and it is ready to go to trial.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brother’s Pub. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment.

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant.

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Facebook post of Mpho Skweit, who is Mdi’s uncle suggests that they have roped in the services of South African advocate, Gerrie Nel to come and oversee the proceedings of the trial and provide legal counsel, where necessary.

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Police probe shooting incidents in Rustenburg

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Picture: A gun confiscated by police for ballistic testing/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The police in Sun City have launched investigations following shooting incidents that occurred on Thursday morning, 16 January 2025, at Portion Zero (Tuse Mine), Witrandjie village, near Sun City, outside Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the reports suggest that employees of two private security companies exchanged fire, which resulted in three men sustaining serious injuries. Myburgh said following the intervention and stabilisation of the situation by Sun City Visible Policing and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), firearms that will be subjected to ballistic tests, were seized.

“In addition, two attempted murder charges and three separate cases of malicious damage to property were registered after three vehicles were found with bullet holes.

“The motive of the incident is yet to be established. No one has been arrested and investigations are underway. We would like to indicate that contrary to social media reports, the shooting incidents did not involve the police,” she said.

Myburgh further said members of the community are once again urged to use social media platforms responsibly rather than peddling lies and causing unnecessary panic.

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Mokgosi: “Ditsobotla is faced with serious challenges”

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Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality offices

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they had a consultative engagement with the municipal council of embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg, to deliberate on the state of the municipality.

Mokgosi said the engagement presented to the municipality with urgent deliverables pertaining the need to bring solutions to the lack of operating services such as financial recovery plan, provision of water and sanitation, roads, electricity and management of the bulk accounts.

He further said the municipality is still not functioning as expected and cannot meet its statutory obligations of providing community services even though they have deployed skilled individuals. Mokgosi added that it is clear that Ditsobotla is a municipality that is faced with serious challenges.

“Last week, they made headlines after changing the mayor and the municipal speaker. But, we felt that with all that administrative and political challenges, at the centre of everything is our own people, our community members.

“We convened a meeting last week, where we discussed various issues as a government. In the presence of our meeting, we had officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation, including the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, based on the challenges for service that are here,” he said.

Mokgosi said in their discussion, they agreed that there is a need to engage the municipality so that they are in agreement in terms of how they are going to intervene. He said they have intervened with Section 154 in the Constitution and different subsections of Section 139, but to the large extent, they are of the view that they are not yielding any results.

“We have now decided to come here with the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, to engage the municipal council and say, let’s agree on how we are going to intervene.

“Over and above, we were looking at the provision of electricity. For example, the municipality does not have the financial capacity and necessary skills to handle the provision of electricity,” said Mokgosi.

He said even though the municipality is the licence holder to provide electricity to various communities, they have proposed that Eskom takes over. Mokgosi said the municipality does not have the capacity to invest in operations and maintenance of the electricity, hence every time when there are electricity challenges, it is unable to cope.

“So, we said one of the options is that Eskom should take total operation of the electricity here so that we set aside what the municipality seems to have as a challenge.

“So, is a conversation that we have to come here for because by law, that is the prerogative of the municipality and we cannot just come here and take over that function,” he said.

Mokgosi said they are in agreement and the municipality has expressed its view. He said they will go back and explain the proposal further in detail.

“If we have exhausted all options without a solution, we will be left with no choice, but to apply the law. The environment here is toxic and there is no cooperation. We have deployed people here and they are not given a necessary space to do their work,” said Mokgosi.

The Director from Centre for Good Governance and Social Justice, Boyce Mpempe said: “Stealing from the poor and self-enrichment is a challenge, hence the current situation at Ditsobotla. Those who are elected do not care about the poor of the poorest, but their own needs.

“That has brought divisions amongst themselves and they have lost principles and ethics in the process. You will see councillors interfering in administration issues and having interests in awarding of tenders.”

Meanwhile, the municipality was reconstituted in January 2023, following a by-election in December 2022, occasioned by the dissolution of the municipality due to persistent political and administrative instability.

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