Daily Archives: February 13, 2025

Scholar transport buses ferrying Jerry Mahura High School learners in Ntswanahatshe unroadworthy

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Picture: The unroadworthy bus discovered at Jerry Mahura High School in Ntshwanahatshe village, near Taung/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it has made an alarming discovery over unroadworthy and non-compliant scholar transport buses. This comes after the committee conducted unannounced inspections at Jerry Mahura Secondary School in Ntswanahatse villahe, near Taung, this morning with Traffic Law Enforcement Officers on site.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said this was driven by alarming discoveries in previous oversight visits, where buses were found to be unroadworthy and non-compliant, despite repeated assurances from the department that monitoring was being conducted. Sonakile said the latest oversight, reinforced by traffic law enforcers, exposed yet another round of shocking violations.

“One bus was immediately discontinued due to severe safety risks, with multiple charges laid against it, including wornout tyres, no operating permit, no route permit and driver without a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).

“We have taken a no-nonsense approach to scholar transport oversight. In a bold move, the further inspections uncovered even more infractions. Another bus, along with two Iveco vehicles operating at the school, saw their drivers slapped with fines for expired licenses, expired vehicle discs, and other regulatory breaches,” he said.

Sonakile further said among the most alarming discoveries was a bus carrying 90 learners, far exceeding capacity while transporting a 20-litre container filled with diesel. He added that, it was also found with broken seats, a clear hazard for young passengers.

“The committee commends the swift action taken by traffic law enforcers during this oversight. However, these findings underscore an undeniable truth. the department has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of scholar transport.

“Despite repeated warnings and ongoing concerns, there is still no sign of the promised audits. Some of the buses are registered in the Northern Cape with that province’s registration numbers,” said Sonakile.

He said the committee has resolved to convene a Scholar Transport Service Providers Public Hearing to hear their side of the story and gain insight into the challenges they face. Sonakile said this will be a crucial step in understanding where the system is breaking down and how to fix it.

“Once engagements with service providers are complete, the committee will table a resolution in the legislature proposing consequence management against those responsible for this ongoing crisis.

“Scholar transport safety is non-negotiable, and accountability must be enforced without exception,” he said.

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North West MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane’s ‘bad’ behaviour under scrutiny after ‘attacking’ SCOPA members  

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

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 February 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane is under scrutiny after she allegedly attacked the Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in North West.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA), Smuts Matshe, who condemned the alleged behaviour of Lenkopane, said she opted to abuse her presence at a Scopa meeting convened on 12 February 2024, in Schweizer Reneke, to process the 2023/24 Audit Report of the North West Parks and Tourism Board by attacking Members of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee.

Matshe said the previous day, 11 February 2025, Lenkopane was scheduled to appear before the committee with the department and all its entities, but unfortunately the North West Parks and Tourism Board, failed to attend. He further said the committee resolved that the absence of the North West Parks and Tourism Board from the session is unacceptable and within 24 hours, the entity should present its report, hence the meeting that was held on Wednesday.

“The presentation from the North West Parks and Tourism Board failed to respond to all written pre-submitted questions of the committee. The committee then directed that since there was no report to be engaged, the Board must submit a proper report within seven days.

“I was surprised by the behaviour of Lenkopane towards the conclusion of the meeting as she attacked almost all Members of the Committee, accusing them of having vested interests in the entity,” said Matshe.

He added that, the Members of the Committee had not even put forward their views since there was no report to engage.

“An attack on Members of the Committee was the last thing one expected from a Member of the Executive Council. To even accuse members of being conflicted is not only being arrogant but disrespectful to the work of the Legislature.

“I am satisfied that none of the Members of the Committee were ever employed or deployed to oversee the North West Parks and Tourism Board for the period under review (2023/24) and therefore there should be nothing stopping them from carrying out their work as Members of the Legislature,” said Matshe.

He said the conduct of Lenkopane appears to be an attempt to intimidate and silence Members of the Committee from effectively playing their oversight role. Matshe said Lenkopane has no authority to direct SCOPA or any of its members on any matter, including how they must process reports from her department or its entities.

“Lenkopane should be advised that there is no credibility crisis regarding MPLs elected to serve in different committees. The view of the committee is that the conduct of Lenkopane is quite unfortunate, unlawful and at best immoral.

“I will be taking up this matter with the Political Office Bearers of the Legislature as well as relevant structures of the House to ensure that no MEC is allowed to undermine committees of the North West Provincial Legislature,” he said.

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Second accused in court over pension fraud worth R2.3m

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 February 2025- A woman (42) briefly appeared before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud worth R2.3 million. It is alleged that, in October 2021, a woman (63), was approached by her friend, who recruited her to join an investment scheme.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, she allegedly took her to a traditional healer at Golf View in Mahikeng, who then advised her to resign as she was due for pension so that the ancestors could bless her. Malwetse said the complainant was allegedly provided with a bank account belonging to Makgomo Doris Ngcobo.

“The money was transferred into the said account and thereafter they all ignored her calls. The matter was referred to the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling.

“Following a lengthy investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued for Ngcobo and her husband, Mcbeth Ngcobo (49), however, Doris could not attend court as she was already in custody on a separate fraud case,” she said.

Malwetse further said Mcbeth appeared alone before court on 16 January 2025, and was released on R10 000 bail. She added on 12 February 2025, Doris was arrested at Johannesburg prison, where she is still awaiting trial.

“She appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 18 February 2025 for bail application judgement,” said Malwetse.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.

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Teaching and learning return to normal in various schools across Vaalharts cluster  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

13 February 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it is pleased after schools in the Pokwane and Magareng Municipal areas resumed normal operations. This comes after Vaalharts School Governing Body (SGB) Forum allegedly shut down schools in protest over lack of funding.

Teaching and learning was affected for over a week in 15 schools.

However, the North West Department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said all schools are open, principals and educators have reported for duty. Van der Merwe said, however, there has been a high absenteeism rate among learners across 10 schools on Wednesday.

“District officials and Circuit Managers monitored the reopening of all schools, and no disruptions were reported. Principals and School Governing Body (SGB) members have received a copy of the court interdict, and notices to parents have been issued by all schools regarding the return of learners.

“All parents are called upon to ensure that the learners attend school promptly from Thursday. This will allow schools to recover the learning and teaching losses caused by the unlawful closure of schools,” he said.

Van Der Merwe added that the department, along with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will continue to monitor the situation closely.

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A man sentenced to three years for dealing in drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 February 2025- A Congolese man (33), was sentenced to three years imprisonment or a R30 000 fine by the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court. This comes after Leki Martin was arrested by the Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Organized Crime Investigations unit, SAPS Crime Intelligence, Kuruman SAPS Public Order Policing unit and the SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre on 26 February 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the team executed an entrapment action through an undercover agent to purchase drugs from Martin at his house in Newtown, Postmasburg.

“The accused was arrested on 26 February 2024, and police opposed bail. He remained in custody until his sentencing on 12 February 2025. Martin was sentenced for dealing in drugs and received a R30 000 fine or three year prison sentence.

“The SAPS Management commends the Provincial Organized Crime Investigations Unit and all other role players for their outstanding work and reiterated that the police need the community and the communities needs the police in fighting crime,” said Kock.

He further said criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.

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15 learners have no scholar transport

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Picture:  North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management visit at Christiana Traffic Station/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 February 2025- Fifteen learners from Britton village, which is located approximately 20km from the school had no access to scholar transport. This startling revelation was uncovered during the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management visit.

This week, the committee conducted an oversight visit at Kromellenboog Combined School in Christiana to assess scholar transport operations. During the visit, the committee engaged with the school principal and conducted a physical inspection of the buses.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile said it was discovered that the contracted service provider failed to supply the required number of buses, leading to dangerous overloading. Sonakile said they immediately engaged the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, which committed to visiting the school and providing a report on the corrective actions taken.

“Following the committee’s intervention, the department agreed to adjust existing routes to accommodate these learners by redirecting a nearby service provider.

“Concerns regarding school infrastructure were escalated to the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, who assured us that education officials would visit the school for an assessment.

Meanwhile, the committee also visited the Christiana Traffic Station. Sonakile engaged with station management on operational challenges and expressed satisfaction with the feedback received.

“The issue of procurement for essential tools of trade was addressed, with the department confirming that procurement processes were underway. Regarding staff vacancies, the committee resolved to escalate the matter to the Head of Department and the MEC, as the station cited delays due to concurrent approval processes required before filling critical posts.

“The committee also commended the station for its efforts in maintaining a strong law enforcement presence in the town, ensuring improved traffic regulation and public safety,” he said.

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Two chaplains applauded for their bravery

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Picture: Chaplains Mario Titus and Sekopane Mosetle/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 February 2025- Two South African Police Services (SAPS) chaplains attached to the ZFM District Employee Health and Wellness section, were commended by the District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, for their swift response which disrupted a possible theft out of motor vehicle incident.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said Chaplains Mario Titus and Sekopane Mosetle, were busy with their normal daily duties when they noticed two men offloading items through a canopy window of a van.

“They approached to investigate and the two fled on foot, leaving the items behind. The members placed the items back in the vehicle after trying to pursue the suspects.

“The public is urged to ensure their safety and that of their property at all times when parking their vehicles by ensuring that all doors and windows are locked and scanning the surrounding area before leaving the vehicle unattended,” said Masegela.

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Financial constraints affected various road construction projects in Taung

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Picture: The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads visiting various road construction projects in Taung/Facebook   

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 February 2025- The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads said it has noted with dismay the challenges regarding completion of various road construction projects, in particular Taung. This comes after the committee conducted oversight visits to assess the upgrading and special maintenance of road D120 from Modimong to Taung, as well as the upgrading of gravel to surface road D201 from Pampierstad to Mokgareng through Mocweding to Mokassa villages.

According to the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Paul Sebegoe, these startling revelations were uncovered during the oversight week programme that the North West Provincial Legislature is currently embarking on in all sub-districts of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Sebegoe said the objective of the oversight visit is to strengthen oversight and public participation and to promote accountability and transparency in government.

“The committee noted that the contractor (Lilithalethu Trading 41 cc) was appointed in November 2024, to upgrade and provide special maintenance of the D120 road, but has not commenced with road works due to financial constraints.

“The contractor is due to start the 14.7 km roadworks in May 2025. We proceeded to visit D201 road, from Pampierstad to Mokgareng through Mocweding to Mokassa, which is a 60km phase where several challenges were found. The road is approximately 80km south of Vryburg and approximately 15km south-west of Taung Station, which connects Mokassa village with Mocweding, Tlapeng and Pampierstad, situated in the Northern Cape,” he said.

Sebegoe further said they noted that road works were delayed as the project started in March 2022, and was supposed to be completed in September 2023. He added that the project did not get completed due to financial constraints, poor performance and community unrest.

“The North West Department of Public Works and Roads, informed the committee that due to poor performance of the contractor, penalties for failure to deliver the project on time were invoked.

“The contractor has currently solicited a competent subcontractor to deliver the project,” said Sebegoe.

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Two nabbed for contravention of liquor act

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Picture: Police raiding liquor stores/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 February 2025- Two suspects were arrested for contravention of the Northern Cape Liquor Act. This comes after the police in Northern Cape, conducted stop and searches, where public drinking outside a local tavern in Paballelo Township, near Upington was addressed.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said, during other operations in the Kalahari area, the police in Rietfontein, raided two premises where they arrested a suspect for dealing in dagga, amounting to R4 800 and illegal trading in liquor. Masegela said the liquor was also confiscated.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, initiated an operation to address the illegal sale of liquor and other contravention of the law despite continuous interventions and actions by the police.

“The operation was conducted in the Rosedale and Paballelo area, together with members from the ZFM District office, Rosedale SAPS, Paballelo SAPS, Upington K9, POP, ZFM District CPF, Rosedale CPF and the Environmental Health Inspector.

“The members conducted compliance inspections at four tuckshops in the Rosedale and Paballelo area. They confiscated liquor and expired food amounting to R18 937, where three tuckshops were closed down due to non-compliance, while one owner was issued with a R1500 fine,” said Sebili.

She sent a stern warning to criminals, citing that police actions will be intensified with more actions to limit the space for criminals to operate.

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Committee raises concerns over lack of passenger liability insurance regarding scholar transport

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 February 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature, conducted an unannounced oversight visit at Moreri Secondary School in Tseoge village, near Ganyesa. The committe’s visited the school to assess scholar transport operations as part of the Oversight Week that the North West Provincial Legislature is currently embarking on in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

During the engagement, the Chairperson of the Committee, Freddy Sonakile said they were informed of a tragic incident in October 2024, where a Grade 10 learner lost his life while attempting to board a scholar transport bus. Sonakile said the committee was concerned to learn that no psychological support had been provided to the school following the incident.

“Additionally, serious concerns were raised about passenger liability insurance as it was alleged that neither the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management (CoSaTMa) nor the Department of Education had provided any support to the learner’s family.

“Children remain the responsibility of the department, while commuting in scholar transport. When accidents occur, the department, as the custodian of the program, must take full responsibility,” he said.

Sonakile further said the committie will engage the North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, to revisit this case and assess the department’s response to similar incidents. He added that, a formal request will be made by the committee to solicit a  comprehensive report on scholar transport compliance across the province, including proof of passenger liability insurance for all service providers, as this is a mandatory requirement for operating within the program.

“The committee has repeatedly urged the department to exercise due diligence in awarding scholar transport contracts. Service providers operating without the necessary documentation are a direct liability and the department will be held accountable.

“The era of placing learners’ lives at risk is over. We have extensively engaged the department on scholar transport issues and adopted clear resolutions. Any continued non-compliance, without consequence, signals complicity  which will be treated as contempt of the Legislature and dealt with accordingly.” said Sonakile.

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