Picture: The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development visiting Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it has written a letter to the North West Social Development to demand answers regarding the delayed funding of the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg.
The Portfolio Committee said it was met with several challenges at the centre, which is an independent living institution for the elderly that accommodates senior citizens who are capable of living on their own, but may require minimal support services.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said they conducted an oversight visit at Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg, as part of the oversight week programme that took place in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Magagane further said the oversight week programme started on the 11-13 February 2025, with the aim of strengthening oversight and public participation, as well as to promote accountability and transparency in government.
“Challenges found at the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home were that the North West Department of Social Development has not allocated funds to the centre for the current financial year and were not given any formal reasons for the delay. The centre only receives R97 845 per annum which is minimal to cover daily operations and basic essential needs of senior citizens.
“So, we have resolved to write a formal letter to the Department of Social Development to solicit reasons for the delay on funds, especially that the centre adhered to compliance requirements,” she said.
Magagane added that they will give feedback on resolutions taken based on responses given by the department at the end of March 2025.
20 February 2025- The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was granted a final forfeiture order by the Northern Cape High Court against the owner of the automobile, Jefta Chikwanhandze (38).
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said information at their disposal indicated that, in December 2023, police in Upington, received a complaint of theft of copper cables from a nearby farm.
“The police came across a silver Ford focus not far from the scene of crime. During the search of the vehicle, copper cables were recovered and they immediately placed two suspects, Chikwanhadze and his accomplice, Joe Mkanya (33) under arrest for theft of copper cables.
“The vehicle valued at R48 000 was seized as it was used in the commission of crime. A criminal investigation pertaining to this matter is still ongoing,” he said.
Picture: Some of the roads are flooded in Morth West/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 February2025- Many roads continue to be either inaccessible or slippery across the North West province due to torrential rainfall. The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) made up of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it would like to warn the public and motorists to be extra cautious.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said rains that have been experienced in the past few days caused flooding of low-lying bridges, dams and rivers. Mokgwabone said furthermore, major roads in the have been flooded in some areas such as N12, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp, R503 in Hartbeesfontein, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville.
“This includes R30 between Klerksdorp and Venterdorp, R509 between Koster and Lichtenburg, R52 between Koster and Rustenburg and N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole.
“Motorists are therefore requested to drive carefully and avoid crossing flooded roads. Parents and the general public should where possible, avoid swimming or crossing low-lying flooded bridges, rivers and roads as it is dangerous to do so,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the PROVJOINTS has activated District Joint Operational Centres (JOCs). He added that the public is requested to monitor weather alerts on various communication platforms and to contact local Disaster Management Centres or police stations.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 February 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he hosted a successful special MUNIMEC (Municipalities and MEC) meeting to discuss critical issues affecting local government in Springbok on 19 February 2025.
Bass said the MUNIMEC is a strategic meeting of the MEC with Executive Mayors/Mayors, and Municipal Managers, to discuss and resolve critical issues affecting the local government sphere.
He further said a total of 29 out of 31 municipalities in the Northern Cape, attended the special MUNIMEC. Bass added that, the presentations made included a report on the ward configuration process led by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
“We also received a presentation on the progress made by municipalities to adopt the standard draft by-laws for the registration of businesses, the spending by municipalities on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the revenue enhancement strategies of municipalities.
“We are happy that during the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month, progressive pronouncements were made, including relooking at the funding model of local government, to ensure modern and fit-for-purpose local sphere of government,” he said.
Vass urged the local government leadership in the province to fully take part in all the processes that will unfold affecting local government, emanating from the president speech during the SoNA. He also announced that the provincial cabinet is finalising plans to host the Northern Cape Local Government Summit.
20 February 2025- A man (22) from Manokwane village, near Taung, was sentences to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for killing his uncle, Morongwa Victor Kepi (68). On 28 January 2024, Victor along with his two friends, went to the deceased’s house In Maphoitsile village.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Victor had told his friends that his uncle had agreed to lend him a car and he intended to collect it. Gunya said upon arrival, one of the friends remained outside, waiting at the gate, while the accused and the other friend entered the house.
“Inside, the deceased was in the bedroom while his son sat in the lounge. The accused confronted his uncle in the bedroom and demanded the car keys. When the deceased refused, a scuffle ensued. The accused then took out an okapi knife and stabbed the deceased four times in front of his friend and his uncle’s son.
“The court heard details of the brutal attack, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim. Following the stabbing, the accused fled the scene. His friend and the deceased’s son, in shock, ran to seek help, leaving the victim’s lifeless body covered in blood,” he said.
Gunya further said a case of murder was opened, leading to the accused’s arrest on 9 February 2024. He added that, Victor remained in custody since his arrest.
“During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, his friends testified as state witnesses, stating that they were unaware of his true intentions and had believed his claim that the deceased had agreed to lend him the car.
“During sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaone Makgopa, urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, emphasising the elderly victim’s vulnerability and the gravity of the crime. She pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions,” said Gunya.
The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, and Magistrate Buti Zulu, sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecutorial teams. Makhari said this sentence sends a strong message that justice will prevail, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.
Picture: Learners struggling in a flood in Mochudi village, Botswana/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 February 2025- The North West Department of Education urges parents and scholar transport operators to exercise caution, while transporting learners to schools given the increased rainfall in certain areas of the province.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the department calls on all learners and teachers in the province to refrain from traveling near rivers and dams, as such activities pose a significant risk to personal safety. Motsumi said in addition, they implore school transport drivers to adhere to safe driving speeds during adverse weather conditions.
“We recommend that parents refrain from taking their children to school in such severe weather. During these conditions, we encourage children to avoid playing in running water or near pools, as these activities can heighten risks to their safety.
“Furthermore, we advise parents to regularly monitor weather updates to ensure the well-being of their families,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the torrential rains are continuing in all parts of the province and have resulted in floods in most areas, especially in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts. Molapisi said in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the most affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities.
“Reported incidents included motorists who have been stuck due to flooded roads. Some roads were closed and motorists were redirected to trafficable roads.
“Other roads which were reported to have flooded in the province included N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole, N12 near Stilfontein, R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, R503 at Hartbeesfontein, N4 near Dinokana, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville and on towards Vryburg, R52 between Koster and Lichtenburg,” he said.
Molapisi further said this includes N14 near Coligny, R509 between Koster and Magaliesberg, R30 between Derby and Ventersdorp and R52 between Koster and Rustenburg. He added that they appeal to motorists to exercise caution when travelling on these and other roads as flooding may continue.
“Some houses, mainly mud houses, have been affected and damaged in some areas in the province. Municipalities continue to conduct impact and needs assessments to determine the extent of damages and establish the kind of assistance that would be needed.
“Where there is a need, temporary structures will be provided and affected families will be given social relief packages such as food parcels, blankets and mattresses,” Molapisi said.
He said In Bojanala Platinum District, flooded roads were also reported in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Molapisi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, some roads are also flooded and some mud houses are affected in Tigane Township.
“The Department of CoGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including municipalities to coordinate social relief intervention for affected houses.
“Our disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rains persist,” he said.
North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre Contacts: 018 388 3888 or 0800 018 000.
Picture: The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism said it has resolved to take legal action against the Chairperson of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, advocate Matshidiso Mogale together with other Board Members, who include Barney Lobelo, Sharon Sepeng, Tonto Nkadimeng, Mothusi Raphadu and Dr Goitseone Pholo, for failure to appear before the committee for the second time to account on the delayed payment of salaries and status quo of the entity.
The committee said the Board previously failed to appear and account in a meeting convened on the 4 February 2025. According to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mpho Khunou, they are concerned about how the acting Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), are appointed and dismissed in a short period of time without following proper procedures.
“There have been six acting CEOs in the last six months as witnessed with Jeff Mabunda, who acted from 1 October to 31 December 2024. Charlene Jacobs from 3-24 January 2025, Dr Goitseone Pholo for less than a month, then we heard that on the 18 February 2025, Jonathan Denga was appointed to act as well.
“According to the available records, the entity does not have funds to pay salaries for February and March 2025. We urge the department to come up with plans to ensure that the salaries are paid on time until the end of the financial year,” he said.
Khunou further said it was worrying that the Board members failed to appear twice to account on the operations of the dysfunctional entity, which has been facing numerous cash flow challenges to pay salaries including for its subsidiaries, creditors and debtors respectively.
He added that Board members have failed on their legal duties to account on the operations and to ensure that there are proper governance systems and sound cash flow through revenue collection.
“The failure to appear before the committee shows that they are undermining the work of the legislature to hold the entity accountable as there are many challenges facing this entity.
“The committee will ensure that the two employees, Mabunda and Jacobs, who presented reports on the state of the operations at the entity and have since returned to their substantive positions, will be protected from victimisation,” said Khunou.
He said the committee was also concerned that a member of the board, Pholo was appointed as acting CEO after the resignation of Jacobs as this meant that she was now a player and referee at the same time. Khunou said they will need a full comprehensive report on the activities of the board, which they also feel was not appointed legally.
“They were expected to bring their expertise through different sub-committees such as governance, risk, finance and related matters to ensure implementation of the core mandate of the entity, but we have not seen any improvement only that the entity is bankrupt as presented by the two former CEOs.
“The committee will propose a full legislature enquiry into the operations of the entity and its subsidiaries. We’re seriously worried as our parks have not been functional enough to generate their own income due to the instability of the entity’s management and are in total disarray and not ready to be one of the chosen G20 platforms,” he said.
The Deputy Chairperson of the board, Prof Vuyo Peach together with another Board member, Kgosi Lencoe who attended the meeting, admitted that proper processes of recruitment of board members were not followed when they were appointed as they said they were just invited to be on the board through emails and phone calls.
Two former Acting CEOs of the entity Mabunda and Jacobs, who were invited by the committee to account on their tenures as acting CEOs, they made a presentation informing the committee that the entity’s annual budget allocation was R221 million divided into four tranches of R55 million per quarter in 2023/24 financial year from department, and was expected to generate additional R97 Million through own revenue collection.
Mabunda said: “Our cash flow challenges started when we only generated about 40% of revenue and had a shortfall of 60 percent.
“We then requested advance payments of R27.3 million in May 2024 from the second quarter’s tranche from the department to meet financial obligations.”
He said the trend continued in the following quarters, but they had a concrete plan to generate enough income through the concessions in the nature and game reserves.
19 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs said it is pleased on the progress made by the department regarding unblocking housing project. This comes after the committee completed its oversight visit to assess the provision of houses and also progress of unblocking housing projects in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, commended the North West Department of Human Settlements on the good job they have done. Makgokgowa said the housing projects that the department has unblocked are on the verge of completion and that showed commitment on the side of the department.
“The committee conducted oversight visits at Mankuroane Gardens housing project in Mokassa village, near Taung. The program is aimed at strengthening oversight and public participation and to promote accountability and transparency in government.
“During the program, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) interact with different provincial departments and their MECs, mayors, accounting officers and members of the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC),” she said.
Makgokgowa further said different Portfolio Committees conduct oversight visits to various projects in the district to check their status quo and challenges therein. She added that the Baga-Phuduhucwana unblocked housing project is situated in Mokassa 2, Tamasikwa and Lokgabeng villages.
“The project was blocked in February 2020, due to poor workmanship of the contractor and underlying challenges. It was unblocked in 15 June 2024, where Hakhensa Consulting was appointed to finish different milestones such as foundations, wall plates, roof levels and other steps at a value of R13.7million.
“I have minimal complaints on what we actually found on the housing projects that the department has unblocked. What I can say is that for the department to continue doing this hard work and to work together with the committee to make sure that our citizens get access to proper and decent houses,” said Makgokgowa.
The North West MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, also expressed his
Satisfaction. However, Molapisi calls on more collaboration between municipal and departmental officials in ensuring proper service delivery.
“There has to be proper coordination between both spheres of government. We all have same goal of delivering houses with basic services to our communities. We must do all this guided by the district development model as directed by the president,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director for Human Settlements in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mpho Jaards said: “Despite the challenges of budget cuts that has affected the performance of the department, they are working tirelessly to ensure that service delivery is not affected in the housing delivery.
“This is a continued effort by the department to afford our communities to benefit by building them appropriate houses so as to sustain their livelihoods.
He said the department has prioritised working together with the committee to speed up the completion of unblocking housing projects across the province.
19 February 2025- The police in North West said the process to identify 93 bodies of suspected illegal miners retrieved from Buffelsfontein Gold Mine’ Shaft No 11 between 3 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, is still underway. According to the police, the process came after they conducted post-mortems on all bodies.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said nine bodies were brought to the surface through a pulley system/rope by community volunteers between 3 December 2024 and 9 January 2025. Mokgwabone said 78 bodies were brought to the surface between 13 and 15 January 2025, during the Mine Rescue Operation.
“Five suspected illegal miners died, while admitted in hospitals between 20 January and 12 February 2025. Of this number, four resurfaced at Buffelsfontein shaft No 11 and one at Margaret Shaft. One was brought to the surface at Margaret Shaft.
“In the investigation into the inquest dockets of the nine initial bodies, three were successfully identified and handed to family members. All are from Mozambique,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said as part of investigations, DNA samples were obtained from 78 bodies retrieved during the Mine Rescue Operation. He added that 54 fingerprints were obtained from 78 bodies for comparison.
“This process resulted in the identification of 10 bodies through previous arrests in the country. The nationalities of the identified deceased showed that seven are from Mozambique, one Zimbabwe, one Lesotho and one from South Africa.
“In an effort to get more identifications, members of the public and the community who do not know where their next-of-kin are and they know or suspect that they were working in and around Khuma/Stilfontein as zama zamas,” said Mokgwabone.
He said those who have not seen or heard from their next-of-kin for some time, were requested to get into contact with the investigation team at Stilfontein Police Station between 4 and 14 February 2025. Mokgwabone said this led to the obtaining of 45 control samples.
“The nationalities of the next-of-kin from whom samples were taken showed that 18 were from Mozambique, 6 from Lesotho, 8 from Zimbabwe, 12 from South Africa and 1 from Botswana.
“The working relationship among the above-mentioned countries continues in an attempt to identify the bodies. For enquiries regarding the identification process, Colonel Francois Jacobs can be contacted at 082 373 8216,” he said.
19 February 2025- A man (27) sentenced to two life sentence terms and 44 years for rape by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for rape. Itumeleng Reclin Machabe, who is also known as Bendow, was convicted for raping and killing Relebogile Segami (11), raping two other minors and distributed pornographic images of young people.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused raped a girl (13), committed fraud, contravened Section 19 (a) of Act 32 of 2007 (exposing or displaying of child pornography or pornography to a child) and committed crimen injuria. Senokotsoane said Machabe also committed attempted extortion and raped a girl (15).
“He was charged for attempted murder too. On 30 March 2022, Relebogile Segami was reported missing by her family and the police, together with members of the Galeshewe Community, began searching for the young girl.
“Unfortunately, her body was discovered on 31 March 2022, near the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley. During investigations, the police discovered that Machabe was the last person seen with the victim before her disappearance,” he said.
Senokotsoane further said the police promptly managed to arrest Machabe and he made his first court appearance on 4 April 2022. He added that the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
“When the accused applied for bail in the Galeshewe District Court, the court heard that the accused was facing another charge of rape and that he was out of bail on that matter.
“The prosecution’s successfully opposed bail application against the accused in this Schedule 6 matter, given the seriousness of the charges against him,” said Senokotsoane.
He said during the police investigations into the accused, other victims of the accused came forward to open cases against him. Senokotsoane said the investigations established that the accused’s path of terror began as early as 2013 when the victim (13), and the accused a minor himself, alleged that the accused had raped her.
“A case docket was then registered and later withdrawn by the family after dragging for some time. The main reason being that the ongoing case was affecting the victim horribly and she could not cope with her school work and resulted in her failing twice in the two years during the case in court.
“Upon Machebe’s arrest in 2022, the victim gathered some strength to testify against the accused this time around, even though the crime dates back over 10 years and during the emotionally charged trial in the High Court,” he said.
Senokotsoane said during the trial, the prosecution, represented by state advocate Elmari Kruger, put it to the court that the accused had intentionally targeted minors, whom he knew were vulnerable, young, innocent and naïve. He said Machabe was not remorseful for all the heinous crimes he had committed against minors and how he had destroyed the lives of not only the victims, but their families as well.
“The court, through testimonies of the victims and witnesses, heard how the accused had lured victims and how he had utilised social media platforms to use the victims’ compromising photos and published them on his platforms after requesting the nude photos.
“The court also heard how the accused had raped one of his victims, who was a minor at the time multiple times. The accused had intentionally molested the minor, wanting her to perform unspeakable acts on him as well,” said Senokotsoane.
He said the victim told the court that the accused intimidated her by telling her that he was going to throw her in a dam should she scream. Senokotsoane said although there was little substantial evidence as the swabs taken on victims, including the deceased body of one victim and the clothing that was found around her neck, showed insufficient male DNA, the forensic report explained this may have been caused by many factors such as weak sperm count, the male being asospermic, does not have a nucleus in his sperm cell.
“The male could have ejaculated outside of the body, he may have used a condom, may have cleaned the victim, or the victim may have cleaned herself and does not necessarily exempt one from a crime.
“The state mainly relied on circumstantial evidence and urged the court to take note of the discrepancies and improbabilities in Machebe’s version of events,” he said.
Senokotsoane said the NPA envisages that the sentencing of Machabe will not only give the victims hope, closure and a sense of freedom but also send a harsh message to criminals of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) related matters in that the prosecution working with law-enforcement partners will act harshly in investigating and prosecuting these crimes and they shall face the full might of the law should they be found guilty of such criminal conduct.
Meanwhile, in aggravation, the prosecution argued that it is a known fact that South Africa faces insuperable levels of violent crime, particularly targeting vulnerable groups, which include women and children. The state further argued that there were no substantial and compelling factors that could make the court deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life when it comes to crimes of this nature.
In sentencing, the court found the accused guilty on all counts except for count 17 (attempted murder) due to a lack of evidence. The court sentenced the accused to life terms and 44 years imprisonment.
The court also ordered that the name of the accused be registered in the National Register of Sex Offenders. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The accused was sentenced on the day Segami was to celebrate her 14 years birthday.
