Daily Archives: January 29, 2025

Triple murder case postponed

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Picture: Police divers retrieved bodies from a river/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

29 January 2025- A triple murder, kidnapping and assault to cause a Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) case against three accused persons, Mosweu Letsie (32), Tumisang Khoachone (21), Tshidiso Mohloboli (18) and Itumeleng Mosweunyane (24), was postponed by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court to 4 February 2025, for formal bail application. It is alleged that on Saturday evening, 18 January 2025, a fight broke out between Basotho at a tavern in Extension 3 in Kanana, outside Orkney. 

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the initial information indicated that, the one group overpowered the other and forced five victims into a vehicle and kidnapped them. Myburgh said they drove to Schoonspruit river, where they allegedly assaulted these victims. 

“One of the victims escaped and four others were thrown into the river. One of the victims swam to safety, whilst three others went missing. The matter was reported to the police, who immediately searched for the victims, who could not be found. 

“The police divers were activated the next day, 19 January 2025, to assist with the search operation. The first body was recovered by police divers early on Monday morning, 20 January 2025, approximately 800m downstream from the initial crime scene,” she said. 

Myburgh further said a second body was recovered at midday on Tuesday, 21 January about 650m downstream and the last body was recovered later the same day at about 4:40pm about 1.5km downstream from the crime scene. She added that excellent investigations by the Detectives led to the arrest of the first suspect on 20 January 2025. 

“Four suspects were identified and arrested. Letsie, Khoachone, Mohloboli and Mosweunyane, briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court between 20 and 22 January 2025, on charges of murder, kidnapping and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). They were all remanded in custody until 27 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for working around the clock to identify and arrest the alleged criminals and retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the river. Asaneng also sent a strong warning that lawlessness will not be tolerated and said criminals will face the full might of the law.

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Plans to turnaround SOEs in North West

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has taken a firm decision to turnaround State Owned Entities in the province with specific reference to the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). The department said in the 2023/4 financial year, DEDECT allocated a total of R286 million to the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

According to the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, the North West Parks and Tourism Board as a Schedule 3C Public Entity is expected to generate income in order to sustain its operations. Lenkopane said the Board is also expected to account in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Lenkopane further said, the NWPTB is mandated to collect conservation levies, process lease agreements and 34 concessionaires located around Madikwe and Pilanesberg. She added that the NWPTB also manages a number of flats including Taung Hotel and a string lodges that include the Golden Leopard Resort.

“We have since appointed a Board of Directors that is expected to implement the turnaround strategy, especially around revenue enhancement, review of policies, exploitation of biodiversity economy and ensuring that communities benefit from lodges such as Madikwe and Pilanesberg amongst others.

“To date, 13 conservation areas have been claimed by communities and recently, we have been focusing on obtaining feedback from challenges and achievements from the 6th administration,” she said.

Lenkopane said as they enter the last quarter of the first year of the 7th administration, focus is on introducing new systems to improve the overall performance and operations of the entity. She said in the board meeting that took place on 27 January 2025, she emphasized the importance of accountability, revenue generation and community participation in the biodiversity economy.

“Together, we move North West forward in terms of governance. We will focus on filling all vacancies including rangers and gate attendants. The CFO position and all other senior positions in the board will be filled and subjected to performance agreements.

“A summary of key interventions consequence management on all contracts and transactions that do not comply with the PFMA, revenue enhancement, centralisation of Supply Chain Management processes and SLA with entities on money transfers,” said Lenkopane.

She said this includes involvement of communities in the biodiversity economy, institute forensic investigation and introduction of entity oversight mechanisms.

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A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for stealing his late brother’s R300 000

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 January 2025- A man (61) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Upington Specialised Commercial Crime Court for theft. Johan Isaacs was arrested in October 2018 by the Upington based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Isaacs was appointed as an executor on the estate of his late brother. Mnisi said an amount of R323 773 was paid by Liberty into his account.

“He used the funds for his personal gain and did not distribute to the beneficiaries as obligated to do. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing. The court sentenced him to five years direct imprisonment,” she said.

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Tlhokego ya ditsela kwa Baga-Mothibi ke tlhoba-boroko  

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Setshwantsho: Kemedi ya baagi e kopane le mokhuduthamaga, Elizabeth Mokua mabapi le kago ya ditsela/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

29 Ferikgong 2025- Kemedi ya baagi go tswa kwa metseng e farologaneng kwa karolong ya Batlhaping Baga-Mothibi, ya re e solofela fa kopo ya bone e tla diragadiwa. Kemedi go tswa kwa metseng e faorolaganeng jaaka Madipelesa, Shaleng, Gataote le Rietfontein, ene e tsenetse kopano le mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Ditirelo Tsa Setshaba, Elizabeth Mokua mo letsatsing la Moshupologo.

Kopano eo, ene ele mabapi le ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng kwa metseng ya bone.

Mongwe wa maloko a kemedi eo, Roger Mongale are ke nnete ba ne ba tsenetse kopano, mme ba solofela fa Mokua a tla amogela boikuelo jwa bone ka nako. Mongale are ba na le nako e telele thata ba ikuela go puso gore e ba agele ditsela tse di tsamaegang, mem ga go nko e tswa lemina.

“Bothata jo re bo itemogelang ke tsela e e sa tsamegeng go tswa mo motseng wa rona wa Shaleng go ya Kgomotso. Tsela engwe ke e golaganyang motse wa rona le tsela e e yang Kimberley kwa Northern Cape.

“Rona re kemedi e emetseng metse e farologang jaaka Shaleng, Losasaneng, Rietfontein, Gataote, le Madipelesa. Kgang ya tlhokego ya ditsela key a bogologolo thata. Ga e sale re bua ka yone ka nako ya puso ya Bophuthatswana,” Mongale wa tlhalosa.

Mongale are ba dumalane le Mokua gore, o tlile go kopana le tlhogo ya lefapha, mme o tla boela mo go bone ka dikarabo tse di maleba mo bekeng e e tlang. Mongale are gape ba kopile Lefapha go ba golaganya le puso ya Northern Cape, gonne go na le tsela e e tswang mo motseng wa bona, mme e feta kwa Boetsap, e lebe kwa Barkley West.

Kgabagare, majoro wa nama-o-sa-tshwere kwa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe are: “Ke nnete re ne re tsenetse kopano le kemedi eo, ga mmogo le Mokua mabapi le ditsela tse baagi ba ikuelang ka tsone. Baagi ba tlhalositse fa ditsela tsa bone di sa tsamaege, mme ba ne ba ikuela go lefapha le le maleba go ka ba tlhaga thuso.

“Kopano ya rona e nnile le maungo, mme ke nnete gore go na le ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng kwa metseng eo. Re ile ra kopa gape lefapha gore le netefatse fa le tlhokomela ditsela tse di farologaneng, gonne ga di tsamaege.”

Maribe are ba tlhaloganya gore go nnile le go fokodiwa ga tekanyetse-kabo ya lefapha, fela Mokua o ba tshepisitse gore o sentse a ile go kopana le tlhogo ya lefapha, mme o tla boela go bone ka dikarabo. Maribe are Mokua o tlhalositse fa ba tlile go dira tsheka-tsheko ya ditsela tseo, mme ba tle ka ntlhakemo ya bone.

“Gona le ditsela tse eleng gore kago ya tsone e ka diriwa ga mmogo le masepala wa rona. Jaanong se se tlhokegang ke gore lefapha le ye go dira tshekotsheko ya ditsela tseo, mme go itsiwe gore di ka jela puso bokae.

“Ke paki gore ditsela tseo ga di tsamaege, mme go setse go na le baagi ba ba latlhegetsweng ke botshelo ka ntlha ya ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng tseo,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.

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NWHC forge partnership with Midvaal Water

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Picture: The North West Housing Corporation CEO, Bishop Sello Mogodiri along with his delegation at Midvaal Water company/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 January 2025- The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) delegation visited the Midvaal Water Company on Tuesday. According to the NWHC CEO, Bishop Sello Mogodiri, the delegation including developers, was taken on an in-situ tour of the water treatment facilities for a first-hand experience of the Midvaal Water’s capacity and capabilities.

Mogodiri further said the visit comes on the heels of the historic visit by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi two weeks ago. He added that the tour also took place against the backdrop of the cooperation agreement that the NWHC and Midvaal Water entered into almost a year ago.

“We are excited by the state of readiness of Midvaal Water to contribute to efforts to provide water on a sustainable basis to NWHC-planned mega and smart cities.

“I am overwhelmed by what I have just seen. Without doubt, Midvaal Water has what it takes to supply much-needed water to our 10 smart mega cities across the North West province,” said Mogodiri.

He said not only is the spare water capacity available, but Midvaal Water has state-of-the-art facilities that are well maintained and run. Mogodiri said this is what the mega and smart water development needs to make them viable.

“The match between NWHC and Midvaal Water is made in heaven. It is a perfect fit that will not only benefit the residents of our mega and smart cities but also those residing in the adjacent, neighbouring areas, towns and villages.

“We have agreed with Midvaal Water to establish a joint technical team that will develop tangible plans to give concrete meaning to our cooperation agreement,” said Mogodiri.

He said they expect their team to work with the requisite speed and urgency to ensure that an implementation plan is finalised and gets rolled out without any delay.

Meanwhile, the Midvaal Water CEO, Matshedisho Dikoko, shared the same sentiments. Dikoko has expressed his appreciation for the visit by the NWHC delegation.

“We are elated that the CEO of the NWHC and his delegation paid us a visit as part of efforts to secure a reliable source of bulk potable water for the mega and smart cities.

“As we pointed out to Mokgosi during his visit, I, once again, wish to reiterate our commitment to contribute to ongoing efforts to resolve the water challenges afflicting our province,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa ka bobedi, Phemelo Maine le Onkemetse Phatlhanyane

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

29 Ferikgong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 4 Tlhakole 2025.

Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16). Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2.

Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, mme o solofetswe go ka nguna-nguna seo le mmueledi wa puso. Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka gore a neelwe beile, mme kopo ya gagwe e ka rediwa fa kgetsi e boela kgotlhatshekelo.

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Consequences of Expropriation Bill being exaggerated

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Picture: Economist at North West University, Professor Waldo Krugell/Google

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 January 2025- The Republic of South Africa president, Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law. Simply put, the bill allows the state to expropriate land in the public interest, including without compensation.

The economist at North West University (NWU) Professor, Waldo Krugell said signing of the Bill elicited no little backlash from the public, as well as from certain political parties, while others praised it. However, Krugell asked if all the fanfare warranted?

“The answer is an unequivocal no. Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill is not, on the face of it, the crisis that some people make it out to be. It is important to remember that the state has always had the power to expropriate.

“The process of updating the law began in 2004, and last week’s signing of the Bill is not directly related to the debate on expropriation without compensation of 2017 and 2018,” he said.

Krugell further said the new Bill replaces the original law of 1975 and defines the circumstances under which the state can expropriate land in the public interest. He added that it also defines the process by which the state must engage property owners and compensate them.

“The law will now be applied and interpreted by the courts. Although the reaction to the signing of the Bill might have been taken out of proportion, a clearer, more focused message would have done wonders to allay market fears.

“The fact that this sometimes sounds like a crisis says something about our politics. People feel the state can expropriate, but not everyone trusts this government to do so fairly,” said Krugell.

He said political analysts say the President signed the law now because he had to send a signal to ANC loyalists that he still supports their agenda of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). Krugell said he does not know if that faction of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party can still be persuaded, but the signal does nothing for the unity in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“For the sake of investors and the economy, one would much rather hear a focused message of market-oriented reform. Research shows that policy uncertainty is bad for investment and low levels of investment are bad for economic growth.

“Faster growth is all that can create the opportunities that can reduce the inequalities of the past,” he said.

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Three suspects nabbed for being in possession of dagga

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Picture: Dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 January 2025- Three suspects aged 22, 32 and 35, were arrested for possession of dagga in Danielskuil on Tuesday. The police, who were executing crime prevention patrols in and around Danielskuil policing precinct, spotted a suspicious blue Hyundai Gets vehicle and allegedly instructed the driver to pull off the road for a routine inspection.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said upon searching the vehicle, the police allegedly found 10kg of dagga with an estimated street value of R25 000, inside the vehicle. Sam said they arrested the suspects and confiscated the vehicle used in the commission of crime.

“Three suspects were charged for illegal possession of dagga and will appear in the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 January 2025,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, praised the police for being vigilant and proactively sweeping drugs off the streets and communities. Sebili said the public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services.

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Five foreign nationals nabbed for kidnapping, possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 January 2025- Five foreign nationals briefly appeared at Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court for kidnapping, unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and extortion. It is alleged that, Afghan national Maisa Hussain (24), Pakistan nationals Gulfam Azam (29), Yasir Mahmood (29), Bilawal Arif (30), and Faisal Khuoot (30), all residing in Laudium, kidnapped a boy (9), on 19 January 2025 in Laudium.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said a boy was allegedly playing with his cousin on the driveway outside his relative’s home when a car stopped nearby. Mahanjana said five suspects allegedly exited the vehicle, grabbed the boy and drove away.

“The victim’s cousin ran into the house to alert the family, who immediately reported the matter to the police. While at the police station, it is alleged that the victim’s mother received a phone call from one of the accused, demanding a ransom of R15 million for her child’s release.

“The ransom demand was later reduced to R6 million. Following an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the vehicle used in the kidnapping was traced to a shop in Laudium on 24 January 2025, where Hussain and Azam were arrested,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the accused then led the police to a house in Danville, where a victim (9) was found along with Mahmood and Arif, who were arrested at the scene. She added that later that same day, Khuoot was arrested at his residence in Laudium.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 29 January 2025, to arrange for a foreign-language interpreter. The NPA commends the SAPS for their swift action, ensuring the safe recovery of the child and the arrest of the accused.

“The NPA will continue to pursue justice in this matter,” said Mahanjana.

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Lesotho national sentenced to five years imprisonment for robbery

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By OBAKENG MAJE

29 January 2025- A Lesotho national was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane for robbery. Bereng Lesuoa (25) threatened four men and robbed them of their cash and two cell phones at Luka village, near Phokeng in the early hours of Saturday morning, 1 April 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Lesuoa was arrested a year later and made first appearance in court on 4 April 2024. Mokgwabone said he was convicted after several court appearances and sentenced to five years direct imprisonment.

“Lesuoa was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Sub-District 2 Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, welcomed the sentence, which she said will serve as a deterrence to potential criminals. Ntoagae also thanked the Investigating Officer, D/Sergeant Tshepang Badirwang and prosecution for a job well done.

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