Daily Archives: January 26, 2025

Police in Northern Cape urge public to take safety measures when bitten by snake

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Picture: Northern Cape SAPS Porter Pilot, Captain Joanita Becker/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 January 2025- The love for keeping people safe and secure is the main reason why Northern Cape SAPS Porter Pilot, Captain Joanita Becker, trained herself as a registered snake catcher in Kimberley and surrounding areas. On 26 January 2025, Becker immediately responded to the call of a highly venomous Cape Cobra spotted in Belmont SAPS Community Service (CSC).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said, upon arrival, she found and caught another Puff Adder just outside the CSC. Kock sais it took Becker 20 minutes to trace and catch the Cape Cobra, while it was hiding in a filing cabinet in the police station.

“The snakes were released into their natural habitat and its micromodeling dictates it should be between 2km and 10km from where it was found so that it stands a good chance of survival,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Vape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Becker for going the extra mile in ensuring the community and SAPS members is safe and secure at all times. Otola sais Becker completed her level 1 and 2 snake catchers course between 2019 and 2022, in Kimberley through the African Snake Bite Institute and is trained to identify, catch and release a snake into its natural habitat.

“She was also trained to administer first aid to snake bite victim bearing in mind that both the Cape Cobra and Puff Adder, are rated the most dangerous and poisonous snakes in Africa. A victim needs immediate anti venom to be administered by a medical practitioner when fallen prey to these snakes.

“We urge our people to adhere to the safety hints when you encounter a snake. Do not approach. Freeze and see snakes reaction. Back up slowly and call for help from local Wildlife Snake Rescue Institute,” said Otola.

She said people who are bitten by snake should apply pressure to wound and wrap tightly with bandage. Otola said they should not suck out venom from the wound.

“Do not suck out venom from wound. Immobilise a limb and limit movement. Immediately seek medical treatment when you see symptoms of pain, swelling, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. React fast as every second counts to save a life.

“Poison Information Call Centre helpline for advice is 0861 555 777,” she said.

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A call to represent Northern Cape on Board of National Arts Council

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika, invites nominations for a suitable candidate to represent the Northern Cape to serve on the National Arts Council Board. Matika said in terms of Section 4(1) of the NAC Act (Act 56 of 1997) read with Section 21(a) of the Cultural Laws Amendment Act (Act 36 of 2001) , it specifies that the Council of the NAC shall consist of nine provincial representatives who shall within the province in question by public and transparent process, which shall be determined and overseen by the responsible member.

He further said the nominee should possess special knowledge and experience in the field of Arts, Management, Finance, Human Resource, Legal, Marketing and Liaising, Fundraising and willingness to render community services.

Matika added that the remuneration of the appointed Council Member will be in line with the rates prescribed by the National Treasury.

“All nominations must be in writing with the following information, a nomination letter containing full names and contact details of the nominee, signed letter of acceptance (of nomination) by the nominee, and a recently updated Curriculum Vitae of the nominees, including 3 contactable references.

“This includes certified copies of the nominees’ identity document as well as educational qualifications. No nomination will be considered unless all of the above documents are included. Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates,” he said.

Meanwhile, nominations should be submitted to the Office of the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture by 7 February 2025.

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Newly-appointed Northern Cape MEC, Limakatso Koloi vows to take her department to greater heights

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over baton to the newly-appointed MEC, Limakatso Koloi

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 January 2025- Following the announcement by the Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul on the appointment of the new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison (DTSL), Limakatso Koloi, the MEC of COGHSTA, who until yesterday was also responsible for DTSL, Bentley Vass, hosted a handover meeting with Koloi.

The ceremony was attended by Head of the Department of DTSL, Rodney Pieterse and Senior Managers, as well as the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, and Deputy Provincial Commissioner. Vass congratulated the new MEC and wished her all the best with the new responsibilities.

“The government committed to deliver services effectively and address the pressing needs of communities of the Northern Cape. We express confidence in the abilities of Koloi to propel the DTSL to greater heights.

“I am now henceforth, the Executive Authority, responsible only for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA),” he said.

Meanwhile, Koloi shared the same sentiments. She said she was humbled by the appointment and that she was looking forward to her new role to advance the interests of all communities, working with the administrative leadership of the department, and of the SAPS and fellow colleagues in the Provincial Cabinet (MECs) under the stewardship of Saul.

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New film poised to bring significant exposure

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 January 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it is thrilled to announce that an exciting new film is set to begin production in the heart of the Northern Cape. The department said this cinematic venture is poised to bring significant exposure to the region while addressing pressing social issues through a gripping narrative that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

The department spokesperson, Nelly Pheleu said this up-and-coming film, with its compelling themes and unexpected plot twists, is not only a creative milestone but also a platform for exploring the social challenges faced by communities. Pheleu said the department is proud to support a project that reflects the resilience, depth, and vibrancy of South African storytelling.

“The movie, Poachers Moon written by Tom Datnow tells the story of a bond between two friends with different racial and economic backgrounds during apartheid South Africa.

“The production is expected to have a profound economic and cultural impact on the province. Local businesses, from hospitality to logistics, stand to benefit immensely from the influx of cast, crew, and other stakeholders,” she said.

Pheleu further said in addition, the project will create temporary job opportunities for local artists and highlight Kimberley’s unique landscapes and heritage as a prime filming destination. She added that the department remains committed to supporting creative industries that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.

“This film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to vital social issues and fostering cultural pride. Filming is set to commence on January 20, 2025, with further updates to be provided as production progresses.

“The department encourages the community to embrace this exciting development and extend their warm hospitality to the visiting filmmakers,” said Pheleu.

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Portfolio shocked as principal shot dead

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Police and emergency responders on the scene of a shooting outside the Ekuthuleni Primary School in Kraaifontein, Cape Town on 23 January 2025. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/EWN

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 January 2025– The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the callous killing of Ekuthuleni Primary School principal, Jeffrey Sigudla in Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, Western Cape. Feni said what is alleged to have occurred has been a traumatic experience for all those who witnessed it, particularly for the young learners.

He further said the law enforcement should spare no effort in finding the culprits of this heinous act and the reasons they committed it. Feni added that the school principals are vulnerable to these kinds of hits and this is becoming normal.

“The media reports indicated that on Wednesday, the primary school principal was shot and killed in front of members of the school community. The assailants remain at large.

“We call on communities to jealously protect their schools and to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. This raises concerns about security issues around schools,” he said.

Feni said they ought to strengthen security, but that should not replace community vigilance on these challenges, as well as school vandalism. He said as much as they do not know why this happened, people ought to remember that principals are appointed by the department and the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on account of their competence in school management.

“The committee sends its deepest condolences to the bereaved Sigudla family, their friends and the school community. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Feni.

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Nine suspects nabbed for being in SA illegally

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 January 2025- Nine suspects aged between 28 and 44, were arrested for allegedly being in the country illegally during Operation Vala Umgodi. This comes after they allegedly failed to produce any documentation that allowed them to be in the country.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police deployed at Operation Vala Umgodi allegedly received a tip-off from crime intelligence, regarding people who were involved in illegal mining activities at Nuttabooi Informal Settlement in Kleinzee, on Saturday, 25 January 2025, and are allegedly in the country illegally.

“The police, together with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) operationalised the information received at the identified informal settlement. The multi-disciplinary team proceeded and arrested two suspects, aged 40 and 42, for illegal mining.

“The police further issued two fines amounting to R1500 each to a man aged 23 and a woman (27), for selling liquor without a license. Equipment believed to be used in the commission of a crime and liquor were confiscated by the police,” he said.

Shemane further said the public is reminded that illegal mining is a criminal offence and urged to report illegal mining and other related crimes to the police crime stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.

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Goods worth R2m seized by the police, three suspects nabbed  

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Picture: Some of the suspected stolen goods seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 January 2025- Three suspects aged 20, 24 and 36, are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 27 January 2025, for possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested during a collaborative effort by the Brits Trio Task Team, Operational Coordination Centre (OCC) and Crime Intelligence.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this comes after the alleged hijacked truck, trailer and goods worth more than R2 million, were recovered on Thursday evening, 23 January 2025. She said the success was achieved after the Bojanala District Crime Intelligence, followed up on a tip-off regarding activities of a group suspected of truck hijackings.

“The team observed a storage facility at Rietfontein, close to Hartbeespoortdam, for several days until a truck pulling a trailer and escorted by a Toyota bakkie, was spotted entering the premises on Thursday afternoon, 23 January 2025. 

“Further observation led to the arrest of three suspects, who were found using a forklift to offload goods from the trailer. A search conducted around the place led to the discovery of a signal jammer,” said Myburgh. 

She further said the determined police worked hard to locate the lawful owner of the trailer and goods after it was established that it was hijacked in Olievenhoutbosch, Gauteng Province, earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police for a sterling job, as well as continuous and collaborative efforts in the fight against crime.

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ANC welcomes intervention at embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

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Picture: The ANC logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 January 2025- The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, undertook an accountability and assessment oversight meeting to Ngaka Modiri Molema District in the North West under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”. Masemola said this meeting stands as one of the important milestones in the work being done by CoGTA to turn around municipalities experiencing challenges.

Masemola further said the provincial leadership welcomed the visit as it is a catalyst that sets the tone for addressing head on the challenges facing the municipalities. He added that the engagement responded to the challenges raised by the state of local government report produced by DCoG and the local government audit outcomes report released by the auditor-general in August 2024, which painted a grim picture of the state of municipalities.

“This District Development Model (DDM), the Ministerial visits to priority Districts encourages an all-of-government and all-of-society approach to governance, emphasising the need for collaboration and coordination in an effort to ensure service delivery at the local level.

“The challenges identified from the presentations included, but not limited to corruption, which compromises effective governance in municipalities and ultimately service delivery. This includes poor leadership on various government programmes and contributes to challenges in service delivery.

“Hence, we called for strategic leadership in municipalities. The issue of skills was also raised looking at shortage of skills to work on various service delivery programmes of the government, including in supply chain management (SCM), this leading to delays in service delivery,” said Masemola.

He said the meeting urged that qualified people should be appointed to lead the work in municipalities. Masemola said the dilapidated infrastructure was also raised as one of the challenges, which inhibits effective service delivery challenges.

“Some prefer new infrastructure over maintaining existing one. The challenges with projects that are not completed suggest that there is no sufficient oversight, which might lead to delayed or no completion of projects which can assist in the delivery of service.

“The other key challenge that became clear from the discussions was poor financial management which can negatively affect service delivery. Mismanagement of finances has a ripple effect on the entire service delivery chain,” he said.

Masemola said the passing of unfunded budgets was described as the worst mistake, which will gradually move the municipality to being dysfunctional. He said the government has to ensure responsiveness in engaging communities on matters related to service delivery.

“Municipal officials can through their responsiveness lead to service delivery improvements. The discussions on the above and other perennial challenges, which frustrate service delivery and the effective and efficient functioning municipalities will contribute to an action plan that will be continually monitored for implementation.

“There is a need to move towards an ideal municipality anchored on the provisions of our constitution. We emphasise our through the implementation of Section 154 of the constitution,” said Masemola.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson in the North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “We warmly welcome the ministerial support and outreach led by Masemola, alongside North West Premier, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi, CoGHSTA MEC, Oageng Molapisi, Provincial Treasury MEC, Kenetswe Mosenogi and municipal leadership in Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

“This outreach comes as a result of ANC’s consultative engagement with various stakeholders, including ANC National Head Quarters regarding the persistent service delivery challenges particularly in Ditsobotla Local Municipality.”

Maruping said it also represents a crucial step in addressing the pressing developmental needs of the communities and enhancing service delivery in the district. He said the ANC applauds the government’s commitment to engaging with both executive and accountable authorities including community stakeholders to identify challenges and implement effective solutions.

“According to Section 154 of the constitution, this is a response to ongoing service delivery issues and demonstrates the government’s dedication to providing essential services that supports citizens’ well-being and development,” said Maruping.

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Banna ba le babedi ba baneng ba tshwerwe ke sepodisi mabapi le polao ya ga Seokame ba golotswe

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Tumelo Seokame

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

26 Ferikgong 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba ba letseng ba tshwerwe ke sepodisi mabapi le polao ya ga Tumelo Seokame (22), ba golotswe ke sepodisi. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, banna bao, ba letse ba tshotswe ke sepodisi sa Vryburg go ya go botsolodiwa mabapi le polao ya ga Seokame.

“Ke nnete, sepodisi se letse se tshotse banna ba le babedi go ya go ba tlhoma dipotso mabapi le polao ya ga Seokame, mme go fitlhetswe fa ele gore ga ba na kamano le go bolaiwa ga ga Seokame. Ka jalo, ba ile ba gololwa.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Seokame one a thuntsiwa le go bolawa ke banna bangwe ba ba sa itsiweng kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi (19 Ferikgong 2025).

Go ya ka dipego, go bonwe sejanaga sa modiro wa VW Polo sa mmala o motala wa loapi ka nomoro plata ya porofense ya Gauteng, se se neng se kaila-kaila gaufi le legae la moswi eleng Tumelo Seokame. Go begwa fa ka nako eo, Seokame one a le kwa lefelong la boiketlo ga mmogo le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Go begwa fa Seokame ane a tsamaya le lekgarebe la gagwe go ya go robala. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba, ba ile ba ya go mo batla kwa gagabo, mme ba motlhoka.

Fela go begwa fa Seokame ya re a sentse a itheeditse kwa lelapeng la kgarebe ya gagwe, banna ba le bane ba ba sa itsiweng ba ne ba itelekela teng koo, mme ba kopa thuso mabapi le sejanaga sa bone se seneng se ba fa mathata.

Go begwa fa seo, ene ele tsela ya bone ya go gogela Seokame kwa ntle gore ba kgone go mo tlhasela. Go begwa fa lekgarebe la ga Seokame le ne la utlwa sethunya se gelebetega kwa ntle, mme moraganyana, one a bona Seokame oneng a phukga-phukga madi a tla a taboga le go siela mo ntlung.

Go ya ka dipego, Seokame one a laela lekgarebe la gagwe go le botsa phokoje fa ene a ne a leka go thiba setswalo. Go begwa fa lekgarebe la gagwe le ile la betsega ka letlhaba-phefo, fela one a kopana le mongwe wa banna ba kwa ntle.

Go begwa fa ka lesego, monna owa a sa montsha dikgobalo. Go begwa fa mongwe wa banna ba, a ile a tswelela ka go raga setswalo, mme one a tsena le go thuntsa Seokame makgetlho a le supa.

Go ya ka dipego, Seokame o thuntsitswe mo tlhogong makgetlho ale mabedi, gangwe mo letsogong, le mo mokwatla. Bathuso ya potlako ba ne ba bidiwa le go netefatsa fa Seokame a ragile kika kwa lefelong la tiragalo.

Kgabagare, sepodisi sa mono Bokone Bophirima, ga ise se netefatse bonnete jwa kgang e.

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EFF to wage a war against poor service delivery in Ditsobotla

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The EFF members during celebrations/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 January 2025- The North West High Court of South Africa sitting in Mahikeng heard an urgent application by ousted Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Thabo Nkashe, who was removed through the motion of no confidence during the council sitting held on 17 January 2025.

The applicant sought a relief from the court to be reinstated as the mayor, as well as suspending the decisions of council sitting, which unanimously voted him out of office by majority of councillors following the motion of no confidence due to gross incompetence.

North West High Court Judge Reid found that the applicant failed to persuade the court to reinstate him as mayor thus duly ordered that application be struck off the roll due to lack of urgency with costs of the application to be paid by the applicant is his personal capacity.

Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Mazwi Moruri said: “Key to the facts, the court found that the applicant never took the oath of office before the juristic officer of the court for a period of 18 months and of which is a legal requirement.

“We welcome the outcome of the court and called for a united action to best attempt to salvage what is left of the municipality henceforth. We want to spark a new sense of positivity.”

Moruri further said, a few days ago, they have attracted the North West Provincial Government’s attention in a positive way which resulted in the visit of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi on 21 January 2025.

He added that, they declared the support of the provincial government to assist in every effort to resuscitate the municipality to at least provide continual services such as water, electricity, refuse collection amongst others to the people.

“We convey the truth that it is possible to serve the people of Ditsobotla. It all starts with resetting the minds and attitude of employees towards serving the people.

“It would be very difficult to encourage a sense of positivity in the residents if the people who are supposed to serve them with devotion are not in good shape,” said Moruri.

He said the situation facing the municipality is revertable, despite daunting challenges and or problems. Moruri said they call on the stakeholders to join hands and make Ditsobotla Local Municipality work for its people.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it has noted with a grave concern

the persistent political instability and poor service delivery in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The party said since the municipal by-elections in 2022 to date, the councillors at Ditsobotla Local Municipality voted out both the speaker for municipal council and the municipal mayor for the third time, respectively.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said: “It follows inevitably, therefore, that the quality of life amongst most residents has not improved in the past years. The frustration of the residents concerned with lack of access to basic services such as water and electricity is picking up, and it manifests itself through service delivery protests.

“Reports on rampant corruption, maladministration and nepotism are proof enough that the municipality is faced with a critical leadership chaos and credibility crisis.”

Moema said it clearly appears that better life in Ditsobotla is exclusively enjoyed by the families,

friends, officials and staunch political allies of those who are tasked with allocating the scarce resources of the people. He said Mokgosi and Molapisi promised to speed up service delivery and uphold good governance for, among others, residents of Ditsobotla.

“However, it appears that the situation has moved from bad to worse with the provincial government failing to rescue the situation and there is nothing to prove or

corroborate the veracity of the promises.

“As the EFF, we are calling for the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Mokgosi and Molapisi to intervene to the service delivery crisis in Ditsobotla within the next seven days. Failure to respond, we will prepare the ground and wage a tireless fight on the ground,” said Moema.

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