Daily Archives: February 21, 2025

Four men who are accused of killing two police officers in Mareetsane found guilty

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Picture: Four accused who killed two police officers/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 February 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were found guilty by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng.

The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, when two SAPS officers from Mareetsane Police Station stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.

Gunya said on the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance.

“As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.

“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.

Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng village, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that, the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.

“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. All four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

“The case has been adjourned to 7 March 2025, for sentencing, and the accused remains in custody,” said Gunya.

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A fraud case postponed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 February 2025- The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court postponed the corruption case against Mohammed and Raeesa Mooidheen to 27 February 2025, for legal representation. Their legal representative withdrew and the court granted a postponement for them to source legal representation.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state placed it on record that it has been ready to proceed with trial since 2023, and the delays by the two accused prejudice the other two accused who are also ready to proceed with trial.

“The two are charged together with Vernon and Aradhna Pillay, wherein they are facing charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.

“The married couples stand accused of cashing in on gratifications estimated at R8.6 million, that includes cash and luxury cars, by inflating prices for Impulse, a subcontractor to ABB,” he said.

Mamothame said Mohammed and Vernon were employees of ABB at the time the offences were committed and they allegedly inflated prices in exchange for money and cars.

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G20 First EWG meeting press for additional 5% reduction in the NEET rate by 2030

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Picture: The G20 Summit logo

By REGINALD KANYANE  

21 February 2025- The G20 First Employment Working Group (EWG) came to an end on Friday, with a commitment by governments for a further five-year target called the Nelson Mandela Bay Target on youth unemployment, aiming for a 5% reduction in the not in employment, education, or training (NEET) rate by 2030.

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Attaché based in Geneva, Siyabonga Hadebe, told delegates at the G20 EWG that the Nelson Mandela Bay Target was aligned with the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets in 2030. Hadebe said the G20 Summit in Antalya Türkiye in 2015, focused on achieving a number of targets.

He further said findings of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, showed on its progress in 2022, that the goal towards achieving the Antalya target, to reduce the share of young people risked being permanently left behind by 15% by 2025.

Hadebe added that since the adoption of the G20 Antalya Goal in 2015, the past decade has been a period of unprecedented transformation in the world of work.

“The rise of remote and hybrid work models, breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, and the rapid growth of the gig economy have fundamentally reshaped labour markets.

“These shifts have redefined the experience of young workers, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges. The Nelson Mandela Bay Target is not merely a continuation of past efforts but a transformative step forward,” he said.

Hadebe said it builds on the progress and lessons learned from the Antalya Goal, while addressing the evolving realities of the global labour market. He said the new commitment calls on G20 members to reduce the proportion of youth (ages 15–29) not in employment, education, or training (NEET) by a further 5% by 2030.

“Address gender disparities and expand access to quality jobs for young people, focusing on empowering young women. The Nelson Mandela Bay Target on Youth Employment is a call to action to scale up investments in youth employment by operationalising comprehensive youth employment strategies.

“These strategies must prioritise the creation of more and better jobs for young people to ensure that they are not only employed but also engaged in work that offers dignity, security and opportunities for growth,” he said.

According to Hadebe the presidency is flexible and amenable to adjustments, counter-proposal and enhancements, aiming at introducing our joint and genuinely consulted Nelson Mandela Bay Target and its elements at the Meeting of Ministers in August and the Leaders’ Summit later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour Acting Director General, Viwe Mlenzana, welcomed the constructive engagement by G20 member States and invited countries during the meeting. Mlenzana said youth unemployment in some G20 countries remains high at rates above 10% and inputs provided by delegates provide G20 with crucial tools for enhancing employment policies.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay Target builds on the Antalya goals and sets a clear goal on reducing NEETs, enhancing youth transitions through decent work and ensuring no young person is left behind.

“The strong support expressed by member States and invited countries today reaffirms our shared reality to turn this vision, inclusive growth, targeted skills development, and robust social protection systems,” he said.

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A wanted suspect linked to series of house-breaking nabbed  

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Picture: The evasive suspect arrested for house-breaking/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 February 2025- The wanted suspect (25) was arrested by the Northern Cape Tracking Team that embarked on a tracing operation on 20 February 2025 in Pretoria. The suspect, who was evasive, was arrested for a series of house-breaking at a residence in Kawoeki Land Information Settlement, near Eersterust, after a meticulous investigation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said: “The suspect was wanted in connection with multiple housebreaking and theft cases in Olifantshoek. Ehlers said he has been evading court appearances and court orders.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their tenacity and thorough investigative work that led to the apprehension of the suspect. Otola said Detectives will continue unabated with tracing operations to trace wanted suspects who evade the law. End

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Sejanaga sa lepodisi la Taung se jelwe ka molelo

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Setshwantsho: Sejanaga sa lepodisi, Godfrey Mhambi se jelwe ka molelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Tlhakole 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshuba ka molelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore sejanaga sa modiro wa RunX sa lepodisi la mo Taung, Sergeant Godfrey Mhambi (41), se jewa ka molelo kwa Motseng wa Ditshilong, gaufi le Taung.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse mo letsatsing la maabane fa masigo asa.  

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, go begwa fa Mhambi le ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba robetse fa tiragalo e, e direga.

“Sepodisi se a itse ka tiragalo e, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Go begwa fa Mhambi a ne a robetse kwa lelapeng la gagwe, mme ene ya re fa masigo asa, o ile a utlwa alarm ya sejanaga sa gagwe e lela.

“O ile a tswela kwa ntle, mme ka maswabi, o ile a fitlhela sejanaga sa gagwe se le mo kgabong ya molelo. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mhambi o tlhalosiwa jaaka mongwe wa mapodisi a pelo-kgale kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung, ebile a lwantsha bogodu jwa leruo ntle le go kgala mathe ganong.  

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‘Shortage of SASSA service points in North West a concern’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 February 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has written a letter to the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, as well as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), requesting urgent clarification on the extremely short list of service points identified, where SASSA beneficiaries can obtain their new Postbank black cards.

The DA Spokesperson on Social Development in the North West Hendriëtte van Huyssteen said just like in the rest of the country, thousands of SASSA beneficiaries in the North West are required to transition from gold cards to Postbank black cards by 20 March 2025. Van Huyssteen said, despite the urgency of this transition, only 11 service points have been designated across the entire province.

“This limited number of locations is entirely insufficient given the vastness of the North West, creating financial and logistical challenges for many beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those living in rural areas.

“We demand additional service points to be introduced before the deadline to improve accessibility and that adequate measures are put in place to ensure that all beneficiaries can transition to the new card on time,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further said they also request that mobile units be used to ease the logistical challenges on the beneficiaries in remote areas. She added that the government has a duty to administer resources justly and ensure that all beneficiaries have equal access to their grants without undue hardship.

“The DA remains committed to advocating for fairness and dignity for all,” said Van Huyssteen.

The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe has vowed to monitor the successful implementation of the card migration from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold card to Postbank Black card, whilst ensuring no beneficiary is disadvantaged. Tolashe said the process to migrate SASSA beneficiaries to Postbank has been giving her sleepless nights as it directly affects SASSA beneficiaries.

“SASSA has been caught in the crossfire on decisions made by Postbank and the South African Reserve Bank. However, our department and SASSA could not be bystanders, as a result, intervention had to be made by our department, SASSA, and endeavour to assist Postbank and our beneficiaries to ensure that they receive their grants.

“This process is directly Postbank responsibility and unfortunately our department and SASSA is at the receiving end and blamed for the crisis. Hence, we went further to emphasise the need to strengthen the collaboration of Postbank to ensure SASSA support the successful migration to beneficiaries,” said Tolashe.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango said: “We raised serious concerns about the way in which the project was conceptualised and managed from the start and communication was inadequate.

“We also expressed displeasure about the inconvenience beneficiaries have suffered due to the long queues and slow services, calling on the Postbank to redouble its efforts to ensure that all beneficiaries are treated with dignity and are helped expeditiously.”

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Mokua warns road users of rainy weather conditions   

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Picture: One of the damaged roads in South Africa/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 February 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has urged all motorists and pedestrians to be cautious and vigilant during prevailing rainy weather conditions. Mokua said the South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued a warning on persistent and extreme heavy rainfall that will hit parts of the country, causing roads to be wet and slippery and ultimately causing damage to some of the road infrastructure.

“The North West province is amongst the provinces that have been experiencing heavy on and off showers which have greatly affected provincial road infrastructure.

“The department has noted some of these damages that have impacted on daily commuting, especially of learners as some schools have had to close due to non trafficable roads,” she said.

According to Mokua, the department has rolled out a number of road projects across the province in an effort to improve on the already existing road infrastructure, however due to current weather conditions, work on site had to stop. She further said they are aware of the severe damage and negative impact that this rainfall has had on the roads.  

“We have been working on patching potholes, resealing and re-graveling some roads, but due to the rainfall we have to pause until the weather permits for work to continue. We appeal to road users to bear with the department as plans are underway to attend to the damages and ensure that roads are safe and trafficable.

“The departmental roads infrastructure team, despite the rainy weather, is continuously assessing the damages on the roads and will definitely ensure that these are attended to immediately when the weather permits,” said Mokua.

She added that, where possible, they will assist with diverting flow of water in some areas. Mokua said they want to assure road users that the province will become a construction site as they gear themselves up to restoring order and functionality on the roads once the rain stops.

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A policeman arrested for fraud

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By OBAKENG MAJE

21 February 2025-A policeman arrested for fraud and defeating the ends of justice. The accused, Sergeant Tebogo Galetlhobogwe (45) briefly appeared at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, Galetlhobogwe, who is attached to the Detectives, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to release a detainee arrested for possession of drugs. Mokgwabone said this comes after Galetlhobogwe attempted to have the prosecutor sign the R500 admission of guilt fine documents.

“However, the vigilant prosecutor checked the charge sheet and established that the said case was postponed until 25 November 2024, for a bail application.

“The accused allegedly then took the documents to the clerk of court and paid R100 admission of guilt fine, but the prosecutor registered a case before the suspect could be released,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit investigated the case, which was later referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and came back with a decision to arrest. He added that, the investigations into the matter, including in terms of the SAPS Disciplinary Regulations are underway.

“Galetlhobogwe was released on R2000 bail and his case was postponed until 4 April 2025,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his disapproval for the police’s conduct, which he said is unprofessional, dishonest and tarnishes the image of the SAPS will not go unpunished. Asaneng also thanked the police and prosecution for collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption. 

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