Daily Archives: February 10, 2025

Teaching and learning affected in 13 schools across Vaalharts cluster   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2025- Teaching and learning was affected in various schools in the Vaalharts cluster on Monday. This comes after School Governing Bodies (SGBs) members allegedly prohibited learners from entering school yards in protests.

They accused the Northern Cape Department of Education of underfunding various schools, which led to a possible shutdown of 33 schools in that cluster. 

Now, the Vaalharts SGB Forum, alleged that the North West Premier, Zamani Saul and the Northern Cape Department of Education, failed dismally to address their plea. The forum called on the department to ensure that there is budget allocation, so that schools can run in a proper manner.

However, the Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, came out guns blazing and said the department is addressing a serious issue involving an ‘illegitimate’ group known as the SGB Forum, which has been disrupting schooling in the Phokwane and Magareng Municipalities.

Van der Merwe said despite principals and educators reporting for duty, 13 schools were forced to close due to the actions of this group. He further said these actions have been deemed unconstitutional, as they prevent learners from accessing their right to education, even going so far as to lock school gates and remove educators from their school premises.

“In response, the department has sought assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to manage the situation in certain areas. The department is taking immediate legal action to secure an interdict against the SGB Forum and will withdraw the functions of certain School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in accordance with the law.

“This disruption is seen as a violation of education rights, and the department is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to these events. Furthermore, the department has confirmed that the allocation of resources for schools will proceed as scheduled and believes that the disruption has no justifiable cause,” he said.

Van der Merwe added that it is suspected that other, unspoken motives may be behind these actions. He said the department expects normal schooling to resume in the affected areas starting from tomorrow.

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Five accused sentenced to 12 years

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 February 2025- Five accused were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each by the Atamelang Regional Court for robbery and malicious damage to property. Nkakane Tshilo (33), Modise Rabi (47), Kgomotso Jwere (25), Yvonne Monnamme and (33) Goitseone Serache (42), were sentenced in connection with an incident wherein they attacked Andru Mining Company employees on 20 December 2022. 

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the victims were at a filling station in Setlagole village, near Atamelang, when the accused forced them out of the vehicle. Manyoba said one of the accused, drove the car and stopped it along the N18 road, where they poured it with patrol and set it alight.

“Although the accused fled from the scene after the incident, the meticulous investigation by Detective Sergeant Mbulelo Isake, led to their arrest a few hours after the incident. All five accused were declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section (103) 1 of Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

“They were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each for robbery and 5 years each for malicious damage to property, which will run concurrently with the sentence on count 1,” she said.

 Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked all members involved as well as other role players including prosecution for their dedication that ensured that the accused are convicted.

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A man sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for gang-related murder

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Picture: A bloody knife that was found on a murder scene/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

February 2025 – A man (24) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for murder. Kamohelo Siko was arrested on 24 May 2023, in connection with the murder committed at Extension 11, Kanana Township, near Orkney.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the police in Kanana were on 18 March 2023, called to the scene, where the body of Tebogo Molema, 35, was found with a stab wound on the chest. Manyoba said the victim was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).  

“It came out during the trial that the accused was in the company of his friend when they met Molema. On responding negatively after the accused asked him if he was a member of an SVK gang, the victim was stabbed with a knife. The accused has been in detention since his arrest after being denied bail.

“Upon being sentenced, Siko was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 (1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked all members involved as well as other role players including prosecution for their dedication that ensured that the accused is convicted.

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The Bosasa linked corruption case against Mathenjwa postponed

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By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2025- The High Court of South Africa Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg, postponed the corruption case against Trevor Mathenjwa to 13 May 2025 for pretrial. The state has provided his new attorney with disclosures.

Mathenjwa is facing corruption charges linked to BOSASA, amounting to approximately R300 000.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this amount was allegedly offered and received as gratification from BOSASA and its subsidiary Sondolo IT, where Mathenjwa is a director, to the late Dudu Myeni for the upgrade of the security systems to her home. Mamothame said he is currently out on R10 000 bail and is expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in May 2025.

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A corruption case against Botswana policeman postponed

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Picture: Botswana policeman, Mompolloki Boitshoko nabbed by the Hawks/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2025- A Botswana policeman, Mompolloki Boitshoko (42), whowas arrested for corruption and conspiracy, briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court.The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 25 November 2024, near Mahikeng, where the accused allegedly offered a SARS official an amount of R100,000, for him to release an impounded truck at the border.

During his bail application, which was held on 5 December 2024, evidence presented in court revealed that there was a truck that was detained by South African Revenue Services (SARS) at Skilpadshek Border post that had cigarettes worth over R1 million.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the driver of the truck was apprehended for contravention of the Customs and Exercise Act 91 of 1964. Gunya said the alleged truck, cigarettes, and trailers, were seized.

“The Botswana policeman allegedly phoned one of the SARS officials to pay him so that the truck can be released. An entrapment was set, which resulted in his arrest by the members of the Mahikeng-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

“The case has been adjourned until 12 March 2025, for the accused to appoint an attorney and further investigations. The bail of R20,000 has been extended until his next court appearance,” he said.

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Spar Proteas succumb to England in Nationas Cup

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Picture: Spar Proteas players against England/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 February 2025- Despite a gallant effort, the SPAR Proteas succumbed to a 61-55 loss in a thrilling Nations Cup final played at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. The match that was anticipated to be a nail-biting final, was attended by a sell-out crowd of 7000 spectators.

This comes after both teams engaged in a closely contested clash a week ago, which South Africa beat the hosts 61-59. On Sunday, however, the SPAR Proteas faced their toughest challenge in the tournament playing the hosts at home for the title.

The Proteas started the game impressively with Sanmarie Visser (GK) making life difficult for the English goal shooters in the circle. South Africa held England throughout the first quarter, leading 15-12 going into the break.

However, the England Roses quickly regrouped and demonstrated remarkable skill in the second quarter closing the gap. After two missed attempts at goal from South Africa, the host nation levelled the score and then took the lead.

The Spar Proteas coach, Coach Jenny van Dyk said with England leading 26-23 and four minutes remaining in the second quarter, South Africa needed to regain control. Van Dyk said, however, they struggled with several turnovers, allowing England to extend their lead to 30-28 by halftime.

“In the first half, the team recorded 16 turnovers. For comparison, South Africa had only 15 turnovers throughout the entire game against Malawi on Saturday. England continued to build momentum in the third quarter, extending their lead to six points.

“South Africa encountered a difficult six minutes in the third quarter when centre Refiloe Nketsa was sent off court for dangerous play. This situation gave England a significant advantage. However, instead of faltering with a player down, South Africa remained resilient and aggressively pushed forward scoring two goals, but England managed to maintain a four-point lead,” she said.

Van Dyk further said as the quarter progressed, England continued to keep their score ticking upward. She added that, despite being a player down, the SPAR Proteas fought valiantly, narrowing the gap from six points to three by the end of the quarter, which concluded 46-43 in favour of England.

“During the third quarter break, I urged our team to focus on ball control and the basics as the fourth quarter commenced. South Africa battled back to level the score at 46-46. England responded by pulling ahead by six points and held on to secure the victory 61-55.

“We acknowledge that, Nketsa’s sending off posed a significant challenge for the team. I’m not even quite sure what happened there, but we’ll have to go back and look at what could have gone wrong. But no excuses today. I felt that we spent six minutes playing with only six players on the court in a final, you know we have to ask the questions what happened there,” said van Dyk.

She praised her team forstanding their ground even when outnumbered in the third quarter. Van Dyk said at the end of the day, coming back into the game with only six players on board, she just thought that was the true South African character and the nation’s spirit.

“It’s about finishing strong and we said it from the start that it was important for us to stay in the game and I felt that we did. With five of the world’s top 15 netball-ranked nations from Africa, I questioned whether our unique African style of play was considered when competing against teams from other continents.

“If this style is not acknowledged and officiating does not align with the African approach, they are forced to adapt to succeed at international competitions. So at the end of the day, there’s no excuses for us. We’ve had a great campaign, but we’ve been away from home for a long time and that being said,” she said.

Van Dyk said she is very proud of her players. She said she felt they showed so much character. She also congratulated England as they fought well.

Meanwhile, the SPAR Proteas will be returning back in South Africa on Tuesday (OR Tambo International Airport), 11 February 2025, at 09:30am.

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Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao ya kwa Matlhako 2 di tla tswelela kamoso

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Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya polao ya kwa Matlhako 2/Morongwa News

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

10 Tlhakole 2025- Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e tla tswelela mo letsatsing la kamoso. 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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A woman who allegedly poured her stepdaughter with boiling water out on R500 bail

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Picture: A girl with burned wounds/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 February 2025- A woman was granted R500 bail by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 7 February 2025, for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused handed herself over to the police on 6 February 2025, after becoming aware that members of Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, were looking for her.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said, this comes after a complaint of apparent abuse of a child (7), was received on 31 January 2025. According Manyoba, the accused, who is the child’s stepmother, allegedly poured her with boiling water.

“The incident occurred last month at Tshing Township, Ventersdorp. Consequently, the child sustained injuries on her legs and upper body. Following assessment of the child by a Forensic Social Worker, the Department of Social Development made arrangements for the victim to be taken to her biological mother in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The investigation into the matter are underway. The case was postponed until 7 March 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest. Asaneng thanked the whistleblowers and the police for their cooperation and protecting the child from further abuse.

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A man sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for robbery

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 February 2025- A man was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Wolmaranstad Regional Court for three counts of robbery. The accused, Kgotso Emmanuel Thabe (20), was a member of a gang known as Manthintha when arrested in October 2024, after he robbed construction workers of their cash amounting to R950.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the matter was reported to the police and the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit took the docket for investigation, which led to the arrest of Thabe. Manyoba said Thabe was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which six months is suspended for a period of 5 years on condition that he is not convicted on a charge of robbery during the period of suspension.

“This is the second conviction the Anti-Gang secured this week. The first conviction was secured against Kamohelo Siko, who was also sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on 5 February 2025, by the Stilfontein Regional Court for gang-related murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, appreciated the unit for securing sentences, which he said will send a warning that crime does not pay.

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A decomposed body of a missing Mozambican man found on a farm

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By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2025- A decomposed body of a missing Mozambican man was discovered on a farm on Friday. It is alleged that Blessing Magero (33), went missing on 28 January 2025.

According the North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba, the deceased was last seen hunting with his two friends at Britsbos Farm, near Letlhabile. Manyoba said the trio was allegedly shot at and two of them managed to escape, however, Magero never returned home.

“The investigation comprised of K9, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and members of Community in Blue was conducted at Britsbok Farm on 7 February 2025. The engagements with a private security company personnel steered the team to a place in the farm, where a decomposed body, which was later identified as that of Magero, was found.

“A case of murder was registered and a Norinco rifle and ammunition were confiscated for investigation purposes. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues,” she said.

Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked the team for their dedication and instructed that a thorough investigation be conducted to ensure that those who are responsible for the alleged murder are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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