Picture: Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass, Sol Plaatje municipal speaker, Dipuo Peters and Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Martha Bartlett/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 April 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass undertook an oversight visit to the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM), as part of a drive to accelerate service delivery and ensure better coordination between the two spheres of government. Vass said the visit began with a high-level meeting, attended by the Executive Mayor, Martha Bartlett, the Municipal Speaker, Dipuo Peters, Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), and senior administrative leaders of the SPM.
“During the session, reports were presented on the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) project aimed at addressing the municipality’s water challenges, as well as the ongoing issues in Diamond Park related to sewerage.
“The meeting also focused on the municipality’s planned interventions to resolve these issues. Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Newton Water Reservoir and the Diamond Park area to further assess the situation on the ground,” he said.
Vass further said he was joined by the acting Head of Department (HoD), advocate Mogami Manyeneng and Senior Managers from the department. He added that they are encouraged by the positive feedback on the BFI water project and the ongoing efforts to resolve the water challenges in the city.
“We have established a task team consisting of the Department of COGHSTA, the Sol Plaatje Municipality and National Department of Water and Sanitation to explore long-term solutions for the sewer challenges in Diamond Park, while acknowledging the municipality’s interim measures to alleviate the situation for residents.
“Similar oversight visits will be conducted in other municipalities across the province to ensure that all municipalities are mobilized to accelerate the resolution of service delivery issues,” said Vass.
Meanwhile, Bartlett said: “We are pleased that Vass took the time to visit today, as it has provided us with an opportunity to engage on critical issues of service delivery.
“We value the support from COGHSTA and trust that such engagements will continue regularly so that we can work together to better serve our communities.”
Bartlett said the visit also aimed to reinforce intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery, in line with the priorities of the 7th administration and the integration and partnership model set forth by the District Development Model (DDM).taungdailynews@gmail.com
2 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today agreed to recommended that advocate Dinkie Portia Dube, be appointed as Deputy Public Protector. The position of Deputy Public Protector became vacant following the appointment of the previous incumbent of the post, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, to the position of Public Protector.
The Chairperson of Committee, Xola Nqola said, the recommendation of Dube was unanimously supported by the multiparty committee. Nqola said the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was not part of the interview process and thus made no contribution to process.
“All members that participated in the interviews agreed that Dube is the best candidate from the list of those interviewed. She was calm and collected during our very robust interview process. She also has a wide knowledge of the field and articulated her responses eloquently during the process.
“The committee could not, however, agree on recommending a candidate for the vacancy on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The committee is tasked with appointing a commissioner and to fill the vacancy for the Deputy Chairperson of the SAHRC,” he said.
Nqola further said, at first, the ANC component of the committee recommended a candidate, but did not have the support of other parties. He added that, the Democratic Alliance (DA) indicated that the process should be restarted, as it had not delivered a suitable candidate.
“The Freedom Front Plus supported the DA’s position. The MK Party initially wanted the decision to be deferred to another date, but later submitted that the process should be restarted as there was no suitable candidate.
“During the deliberations, the EFF highlighted that the rules of Parliament are silent on whether members who were absent from an interview process are able to vote. The EFF then indicated its position that the committee cannot operate on the basis of what happened in the past but should rather abide by what is contained in the rules,” said Nqola.
He conceded that the rules are silent on whether committee members who did not participate in an interview process can vote in the matter. Nqola said the best way forward is for the committee to postpone the decision on the recommendation for a Commissioner to the SAHRC until they receive advice from Parliament (Constitutional and) Legal Services Office on the matter, of which members have the right to vote.
“The committee will now draft a report on the recommendation of Dube to serve as the Deputy Public Protector. After the adoption of the committee report, the report will then be sent to the National Assembly for its decision,” he said.
2 April 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape said it has noted the judgment of the Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Gqeberha, which found televangelist, Timothy Omotoso (63) and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zikiswa Sitho (33), not guilty on the 32 charges the state indicted them on.
Delivering the judgment, Judge Irma Schoeman found that the trio was not guilty due to the technicality, mainly that the former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state.
Video: One of Pastor Timothy Omotoso’s alleged victims of rape, Cheryl Zondo, says she is disappointed over Omotoso’s acquittal. @Taung_DailyNewspic.twitter.com/fa0SLO2Uju
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali said it is for that reason that the prosecuting team will study the judgement and decide which legal avenues to explore. Tyali said since the arrest of the trio in April 2017, their trial has been protracted with numerous obstacles, including interlocutory applications by the accused that even included Constitutional Court challenges.
“The most recent applications were for five special entries for a mistrial and an application made on 16 January 2024, where the defence made an application for the judge to reconsider her previous judgment on the application for discharge according to Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which were successfully opposed by the state.
“The delays caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court,” she said.
Tyali further said that has led to the reduction of the charges from 63. She added that, in as much as the NPA does not seek to secure conviction at all costs, it remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of crime and will go at all lengths to give a voice to the victims by exploring all the possible avenues.
One of Omotoso’s alleged victims, Cherly Zondo said there were online fabrications spread about them. Zondo said they would also experience abuse while walking down the streets.
“Our lives have never been the same after coming out about this. One has to wonder if this is what the past eight years of our lives have come down to. The main concern is not knowing what he did to us, but knowing that he is not going to stop.
“He is going to continue doing that to other women and girls. That is what we wanted this to stop and be prevented. It should end with us and not go any further. But, he is not going to stop because it is within his nature,” she said.
Zondo said she feels like it is kind of an enabling to him and she thinks things might only get worse from here. She said they should agree that evil prevails in this world and it is really unfortunate.
Meanwhile, the ANCWL secretary-general, Nokuthula Nqaba said justice delayed is justice denied for rape survivors in this case. Nqaba said they note with deep concern and outrage the acquittal of Omotoso on criminal charges.
“This judgment not only strikes a blow to the courageous women, who came forward at great personal risk, but also raises serious questions about the strength of our justice system in prosecuting Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation.
“We issue this statement to call on the NPA to urgently consider an appeal against this acquittal. The legal system cannot be seen to fail survivors because of procedural technicalities or an overly narrow interpretation of evidentiary rules,” she said.
Nqaba asked if this case speaks to broader systemic issues, where the voices of survivors are adequately heard, respected and protected in the courtroom? She asked if where rules of evidence applied in ways that unfairly discredited witnesses, especially women survivors?
“Did the court adopt a highly rigid approach that failed to weigh the pattern of abuse? We remind the NPA of its constitutional obligation to act in the interests of justice, especially where there is a strong public interest and a pattern of predatory behaviour.
“We question the integrity and impact of the judgment, while we respect the independence of the judiciary. We are compelled to raise concerns regarding the dismissal of survivor testimony on grounds that appear to undermine the lived experience of victims,” said Nqaba.
She said they are concerned about the over-reliance on legal technicalities, which they fear may embolden other alleged abusers. Nqaba said the message this sends to women and girls is that, even when they find the strength to speak out, the system may not protect them.
“This judgment is a dangerous precedent, potentially reinforcing rape culture and religious cover for abuse. Deportation of Omotoso must be pursued given the serious nature of the allegations even if acquitted and the public outrage, we call on the Department of Home Affairs to immediately review Timothy Omotoso’s immigration status and consider his deportation.
“His presence in South Africa is no longer in the public interest. He is not a citizen, and the allegations involve systemic abuse of local women and minors under the guise of religion. Deportation laws in South Africa allow for the removal of a foreign national, whose presence is deemed undesirable, even absent a conviction,” she said.
She said they urge the government to act boldly to protect women and uphold public morality. Nqaba said justice must be seen to be done.
“This is not only a legal issue but a moral, societal, and gender issue. We must ask ourselves what kind of country allows foreign religious leaders accused of sexual crimes to walk away without accountability, then remain among us, as if nothing happened?
“We stand firmly with survivors. We demand an appeal. We demand accountability and we demand deportation. Justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done,” she said.
2 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will file papers in the Western Cape High Court to challenge Parliament’s passing of the 2025/26 national budget. The leader of DA and a Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen accused Action SA of handing over VAT hike to the ANC on a platter.
Steenhuisen further said what happened was unthinkable, unlawful and unconstitutional. He added that the Action SA and the ANC, were joined in passing this VAT Budget by the IFP, PA, GOOD, Rize Mzansi, UDM, PAC, Al Jama-ah and BOSA, who collectively have chosen to make life more expensive for South Africans.
“The DA has vehemently opposed the Finance Minister’s Budget proposal, and we have negotiated for amendments that would have ensured economic growth and job-creation, because that is what South Africa needs.
“Instead of the budget being amended to address the needs of struggling South Africans, the budget has been passed by the National Assembly with VAT hikes to make life more expensive for South Africans,” said Steenhuisen.
He said yesterday’s sitting of Parliament’s Finance Committee was not compliant with the standing rules of Parliament, in that the Fiscal Framework was not put to the committee to approve or reject, and one proposal during the meeting of one political party was taken as adopted without the other tabled amendments being considered. Steenhuisen said this legal shortcoming was carried forward into the National Assembly today.
“In the National Assembly this flawed Finance Committee report was approved by several parties in the National Assembly, but not the DA. This approval by those parties effectively means that the Budget measures announced by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana in his March 12th Budget Speech have now been adopted by the National Assembly.
“The DA’s court challenge rests on two key grounds such as the procedure of the Finance Committee on 1 April 2025, to consider and approve the Fiscal Framework, and the constitutionality of certain revenue collection and expenditure measures becoming binding through a speech by Godongwana without Parliament having to consider, oversee or approve them,” he said.
Steenhuisen said they are looking forward to this matter being addressed in court, for the benefit of all South Africans who do not agree to this budget. He said they refuse to give in to the ANC’s tax increases.
“They remain hellbent on making people poorer. The ANC is out of touch with the people and if they bought their own groceries or filled their own tanks, they would know how expensive life already is,” said Steenhuisen.
2 April 2025- A man (39) sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the North West Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Mmabatho for 157 counts of fraud and 53 counts of money laundering. The accused, Jan Jacobus Van Niekerk was sentenced to further five years for money laundering.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, effectively resulting in 15 years of imprisonment. Gunya said in addition, Van Niekerk was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The conviction stems from his tenure as a Financial Accountant at Botselo Mills, a company producing maize products such as super maize meal, samp, and rice near Delareyville, in the North West.
“As an accounting officer, Van Niekerk had access to the company’s bank account and was authorised to transact within its banking system. Investigations revealed that between 5 January 2017 and 29 July 2022, he fraudulently created authorisation forms to release funds, misrepresenting transactions to divert company money into his six personal bank accounts.
“Posing as legitimate service providers, he siphoned over R8 million from the company over six years. Van Niekerk’s actions resulted in severe financial setbacks for the company, leading to retrenchments. He was arrested and later released on bail,” he said.
Gunya further said Van Niekerk pleaded guilty to all charges. He added that, during sentencing, state prosecutor advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola, argued that his crimes were motivated by greed, as he was already earning a salary.
“She further emphasised that his fraudulent activities had direct consequences, including job losses. Delivering the judgment, Magistrate Mothibi noted that Van Niekerk showed no remorse and failed to apologise to the complainant.
““The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting commercial crime and ensuring justice is served,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, said: “We welcome this sentence as a warning to others who may consider engaging in financial crimes.”
2 April 2025- A former boyfriend (32) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. On 1 November 2022, a woman (26), and her friends, visited her former boyfriend in Greenpoint, Kimberley.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the accused chased the friends away and locked the shanty with the victim inside. Kock said the accused assaulted, strangled and raped her during the night inside his shanty.
“The victim managed to escape the next morning and reported the matter to the police. The accused was arrested the same day. Bail was denied until he was sentenced on 25 March 2025.
“The accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and three years for kidnapping,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Constable Shaun Boer of Kimberley FCS for his dedication and hard work throughout the investigation that led to the outstanding GBVF sentence. Otola also thanked the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), for the sound collaboration, proving that the long arm of the law will not be selective nor will it be kind to GBVF perpetrators.
2 April 2025- The radio personality and entrepreneur, Thys Khiba has dumped Klerksdorp-based community radio station, Star FM. Khiba, who joined the station a few months ago, announced his resignation two days ago.
In a statement, he thanked his listeners at Star FM and said this choice has not been an easy one, as his time at the Star FM has been filled with invaluable experiences and cherished memories.
“This serves to inform you that after much reflection and consideration, I have made a decision to resign as Breakfast Rush show host and employee at Star FM.
“This decision comes earlier than the end of my contract and before the announcement of a new line up, which is expected to be changed before 1 April 2025,” he said.
Khiba further said it was not an easy decision as he always wanted to serve the people of his hometown, Klerksdorp on the broadcasting space. He added that, however, he will still continue to serve them as the senior journalist of City Reportnewspaper, which is covering the local stories and events of the City of Matlosana.
“I celebrate and cherish every memory created, and the joy of connecting with our wonderful and respectful audience. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues, management, and most importantly, my family. I am preparing myself to join another radio station that I will announce its name and my new role soon.
“Of course, this includes my other roles as a journalist for Free State Report and City Report. I have always wanted to be in the space that challenges me and allows me to grow professionally.
“I cannot conclude without extending my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey since 2013, when I joined NWU River FM, Karabo FM 103.7, Platinum North West TV, Central News, Free State Report and NWU Student 24/7,” said Khiba.
2 April 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he condemn in the strongest terms possible, the barbaric acts of violence, by a group of people that had brought in an injured individual at Bapong Community Healthcare Centre, in the early hours of Sunday morning, 30 March 2025. Lehari said the preliminary report, indicates that a group of five people, who were allegedly unruly and are suspected to have been consuming alcohol, arrived at the facility and refused to be searched by security officials at the gate, as per regular protocol, and made their way into the facility.
He further said the group also allegedly refused to queue and wanted to be attended to immediately before all other queuing patients, who had been patiently waiting for their turn to be attended to by the nurses. Lehari added that, the unruly group then allegedly assaulted a security official, who was trying to intervene and maintain order at the facility.
“The department wishes to also debunk social media reports and set the record straight that none of our healthcare professionals in particular nurses were ever assaulted during this ordeal. I want to say to these individuals that, we have opened a criminal case against them and we will follow it through until they are arrested.
“We call on the community to work with us and identify these individuals who are disregarding the laws of our country,” he said.
Lehari said they convened a meeting on the same day, which was attended by senior officials from the department both from the district and the province – and all affected stakeholders at the facility, including local councillors, MMC for Health at the Madibeng Local Municipality, unions’ representatives, security officials, and healthcare professionals, amongst others, to delve deep into this matter.
He said they agreed on that a criminal case be officially opened, all healthcare professionals including security personnel that were on duty on the day, are afforded psycho-social support and security being reinforced at the facility, including sending more arm guards.
“Security is being equipped with all necessary tools, including metal detectors. Enhance working community centred campaigns on the delivery of healthcare services.
“We send a stern warning to those that are frequenting healthcare facilities in the wee hours, as a results of brawls from places that sell alcohol to behave, saying otherwise anyone undermining health processes is challenging the state,” said Lehari.
He said their healthcare professionals are doing so much to save lives and the last thing they need, is individuals, who had consumed alcohol to come and cause chaos in the facilities, demanding to skip the queue. Lehari said they will face the full might of the law and will set a good example with these ones who assume that they are more important that other patients.
“We call for calm and assuring all residents in and around Bapong village and the surrounding areas – that the facility is safe and remain operational,” he said.
2 April 2025- More than 761 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for variety of crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders, rapes, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of explosives used mainly in the commission of illegal mining and Cash-in-Transit robberies, dealing in and possession of drugs and driving under the influence of liquor, among others.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the operations led by the District Commissioners, were conducted from 24 until 30 March 2025. Mokgwabone said out of the 761 arrested suspects, it is worth noting that 470 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists.
“In addition, 18 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act, while others were apprehended for illegal mining in Klerksdorp and Hartbeespoortdam policing areas. As part of Operation Shanela, the police identified crime generators through Joint law enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.
“Four unlicensed liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and large quantities of liquor and items such as refrigerators were confiscated. In Sun City, a team comprising various police unit, arrested two suspects in Mogwase on 28 March 2025, where they were attending court as accused in a case of murder allegedly committed in September 2024,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the pair was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a man (32) in Ledig village near Sun City on 23 March 2025. He added that, during the arrest, police confiscated a red Toyota Corolla and a choking apparatus.
“The duo, Zamile Zinzile (37) and Robert Kgakatsane (33), briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 31 March 2025, for kidnapping. Meanwhile, the search for the kidnapping victim paid off when his body was found along the R566 road between Tlaseng and Tsitsing villages, outside Rustenburg.
“Similarly, the team arrested the third suspect (34). He is expected to appear in court on 3 April 2025, together with the initial accused and they will all be facing charges of kidnapping and murder,” said Mokgwabone.
He said in Buhrmansdrift, members of Mahikeng Flying Squad were on routine patrol duties on 17 March 2025, when they stopped a suspicious blue Toyota Avanza on the R49 (Mahikeng/Zeerust) road for a search. Mokgwabone said the action led to the discovery of copper cables in the boot of the car.
“The suspects who indicated that they are both security officers, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods. Further investigation into the matter established that the cables were stolen from a transformer in Zeerust,” he said.
Picture: Illicit cigarettes smuggled in the border/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 April 2025- A Zimbabwean man was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment or to a fine of R40 000 by the Lehurutshe Regional Court for contravening the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. In addition, the accused, Joseph Kusekwa (43) received a wholly suspended sentence of 24 months or a fine of R20 000 suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of contravening the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 during the suspension period.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Kusekwa was convicted of failing to declare goods upon entering South Africa. Gunya said the conviction stems from an incident on 21 July 2023, when a truck with two trailers was stopped and searched at the Skilpadshek Port of Entry.
“The driver, Kusekwa granted permission for the search, which led to the discovery of 1119 master cases of Derby cigarettes concealed in the truck. Kusekwa was unable to provide documentation for the cigarettes.
“A South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officer called to the scene, confirmed that while the cigarettes complied with the Tobacco Product Control Act Regulations, they were not declared in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,” he said.
Gunya further said, Kusekwa was arrested and both the truck and cigarettes were seized by customs officials. He added that, the court heard that had the cigarettes been legally imported, the payable duties would have amounted to R29 million.
“However, SARS suffered no direct financial loss since the goods were intercepted before reaching the illicit local market. In court, Kusekwa pleaded guilty in terms of a Section 105A Plea and Sentence Agreement.
“During sentencing, the state prosecutor, advocate Cain Nontenjwa, emphasized that illicit trade in goods results in significant tax losses and negatively impacts the legal cigarette market,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team. Makhari stressed the importance of enforcing South Africa’s tax laws to uphold justice and prevent non-compliance.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit trade and ensuring adherence to customs regulations,” she said.
The Guardian 