12 September 2024- A man (56) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley High Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Derrick Fyvers killed a man (29) in Verwoerd Park in Kimberley on 8 September 2016.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Fyvers and his accomplice, approached a well-known guesthouse in Green Street in Verwoerd Park, Kimberley under false pretence. Sam said they pretended to be guests, who were looking for accommodation, but their intent was to rob the guesthouse at gunpoint.
“The deceased who was awoken by a commotion and the screaming of the receptionist, was fatally shot when he went to investigate. Fyvers, who is a repeat offender, was arrested and found guilty.
“He was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for possession of an illegal firearm and additional 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition,” he said.
Sam further said Fyvers’ accomplice, Marlon Koopman (40), was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances He added that both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said she is delighted and welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the accused. Otola praised the Serious and Violent Crimes Investigating Officers, Detective Lt Colonel Basil Buys and Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe, for their thorough and meticulous investigation of the case ensuring the lifelong incarceration of Fyvers.
“The police remain focused in ensuring that justice is served for victims of violent crimes by strengthening the investigative capacity of the police. The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services” she said.
Picture: Dr Nicholas Keetile, who is an Oncology Pharmacist at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 September 2024- According to Mayo Clinic, which is a private American Academic Medical Centre in Rochester, Minnesota, U.S. said, chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. The clinic said chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction.
“Though chemo brain is a widely used term, the causes of concentration and memory problems aren’t well-understood. It’s likely that there are multiple causes. No matter the cause, chemo brain can be a frustrating and debilitating side effect of cancer and its treatment.” the website said.
It said researchers are working to understand the memory changes that people with cancer experience. However, chemo brain remains a relatively understudied area in oncology and as such, Dr Nicholas Keetile, who is an Oncology Pharmacist at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, has a distinguished career dedicated to advancing our understanding of this complex issue.
Keetile said he is dedicated to advancing the understanding of chemo brain.
“Chemo brain is a term used to describe cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy, a phenomenon that affects many cancer patients. This condition can manifest as memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and problems with multitasking.
“Thirteen years ago, I started my pharmaceutical career at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital as an intern. My motivation to specialize in cancer pharmacy was sparked by my awareness of the widespread shortage of licensed cancer pharmacists during this time,” he said.
Keetile further said he learnt about the toxicity of cancer medications, while perusing the specialised position, which is where he saw a need for competent individuals in this field. He added that he decided to train to be a pharmaceutical mixer by studying chemo brain.
“I am the only person in the country studying the phenomenon of brain chemotherapy. I look to find niches that are despaired in pharmacy and extend myself in that regard.
“I have published some highly informative articles on chemo brain in reputable peer-review journals and also actively engaged in research to innovatively discover effective treatments for this debilitation,” said Keetile.
Meanwhile, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital, Dr Johann Fourie, indicated that there is a cohort of patients managed for chemo brain. Fourie said this is a rare skill of managing cancer patients exhibiting chemo brain symptoms, which benefits patients in Dr Ruth Segomotso Mompati District.
“The benefits entails improvement of cognitive domains and ultimately the overall quality of life. This domain includes memory attention, concentration and executive function. The patients in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, are the only cohorts in South Africa who are receiving specialised care and the feedback from them has been positive,” he said.
Picture: Some of the weapons seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 September 2024- North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said as part of the roadshow aimed at ensuring school readiness and safety, they have conducted an unannounced visit to Meriti Secondary School in Meriting village, near Rustenburg, on 11 September 2024.
Motsumi said during the visit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) carried out a search and seizure operation as part of their collaboration with the Department of Education through the Adopt-a-Cop flagship program.
“The search uncovered knives, space muffins, marijuana, cigarettes, and an old police belt, raising serious concerns about the presence of illicit items on school grounds.
“Meriti Secondary School has recently experienced a rise in violent incidents, with two learners being stabbed by former students, resulting in their admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” she said.
Motsumi further said these incidents have highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts to combat crime and gang-related activity within schools. She added that the search and seizure initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and prevent gang-related activities from infiltrating school grounds.
“Grades 10 to 12 have been identified as areas of concern and in response, the department has provided psycho-social support and motivational talks to assist the learners.
“The importance of parental involvement in safeguarding learners and ensuring a conducive learning environment. It is crucial for parents to play an active role in their children’s education and well-being,” said Motsumi.
She said they also need to acknowledge the deep impact that psycho-social support has on their learners’ success, especially as they prepare for their final exams. Motsumi said together with the community, they can address the root causes of gang-related issues, which in some cases, may be fuelled by underlying tribal tensions.
“Our visit also aimed to assess the school’s readiness for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with Meriti Secondary School having an enrolment of 1,730 learners, including 280 Grade 12 learners who will sit for the 2024 final exams,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Banna ba le bane ba tshwere sejanaga sa Fidelity poo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa mono Taung se tlhalositse fa kgetsi ya kgothoso e e diragetseng fa pele ga lebenkele le le itsegeng la Shoprite, e shutiseditswe kwa lekaleng la The Hawks. Go begwa fa banna ba le bane, ba ba neng ba tlhometse go utlwala, ba ile ba kgothosa sejanaga se se rwalang madi sa Fidelity ka Mosupulogo.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, banna ba ba sa itseweng ba, ba ile ba kgorogela batlhankela ba tshireletso ba setlamo sa Fidelity ba ba neng ba pega mabokoso a le mararo a tsenyang madi mo sejanageng sa bone.
“Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba kgweetsa sejanaga sa modiro wa Volkswagen Tiguan, mme ba ile ba thuntsa le go tlogela mokgweetsi wa sejanaga se se rwalang madi sa Fidelity ka dikgobalo.
“Tiragalo e, ke ya ura ya borobongwe mo mosong kwa toropong ya Taung. Sepodisi se ile sa ragogela teng, mme ba fitlhetse sejanaga se se rwalang madi sena le diphatlha tsa dikolo tsa sethunya. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga se se rwalang madi a ile a tswa kotsi, morgao ga go thuntsiwa mo legetleng la gagwe la moja,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Mokgwabone are, go begwa fa batlhakedi ba ba tshireletso, ba ne ba pega dibokoso tse di senang madi mo sejanageng sa bone fa ba ne ba tlhaselwa. Mokgwabone are, go begwa fa mongwe wa ba belaelwa a ile a tswa kotsi, morago ga go thuntsiwa mo leotong.
“Sepodisi se fitlhetse sejanaga se se neng se dirisiwa ke bo rasethunya ba, se tlogetswe kwa sekgweng ma gareng ga Taung le Hartswater.
“Go bontsha fa babelaelwa ba, ba ile ba tshaba ka mabokoso a le mararo a neng a sena sepe mo teng. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme kgetsi e shutiseditswe kwa lephteng la The Hawks,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Setshwantsho: Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa Choseng/Setshwantsho-papiso
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Sepodisi sa kwa Pudimoe mono Taung, se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se setla morago ga gore go bonwe marapo a motho kwa molapong kwa motseng wa Choseng, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la Labobedi.
Go begwa fa ka letsatsi la Tshipi, banna bangwe ba ba neng ba ile go epa moshawa kwa molapong, ba ile ba bona tlhogo ya motho, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga marapo a motho teng kwa molapong ka Labobedi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Ke nnete, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa sekgweng sa kwa motseng wa Choseng morago ga gore banna ba ba neng ba ile go epa moshawa ba bone tlhogo ya motho.
“Tlhogo eo ya motho e bonwe nako e ka nna ura ya bo robongwe mo mosong. Ene ya re ka Labobedi, sepodisi se ile sa epolola marapo a motho. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe gore e ka tswa ele marapo a ga mang, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”
Mokgwabone are sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso.
Picture: The identikit of a suspect in connection with house robbery/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2024- The Kimberley Murder and Robbery Unit are seeking the assistance of the public in tracing a wanted suspect in connection with an alleged house robbery that took place in West End Kimberley on 6 September 2024. The complainant alleged that she was asleep in her room during the early hours of the morning when she woke up to find a man in her room demanding her phone.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “An altercation ensued between herself and the unknown man, resulting in her neighbours coming to her rescue and the assailant fleeing with her phone.
“The suspect is unknown and the police were able to compile an identikit as per the attached photo. The suspect is described as slender built, Setswana speaking man aged between 25 and 35.”
Sam said the police urge anyone with information that can help with the investigation and the apprehension of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Andrew Segoje at 071 208 3094/ 082 302 0407 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS app.
He said all information received will be treated confidentially.
10 September 2024- A man (34) was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for Assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Carnarvon Regional Court on 6 September 2024. On 19 March 2024, at approximately 9:15pm, a woman (27), was at the tavern with her friends in Carnarvon when the accused, Dillon Van Rooi called her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Van Rooi called and asked the victim to accompany him to his place of residence. Shemane said when the victim refused, Van Rooi took out a knife and threatened her to walk with him.
“At the accused residence, he started to assault the victim and stabbed her with a knife. The victim opened a criminal case and subsequently the accused was arrested. The bail was successfully opposed.
“Van Rooi was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for Assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Pixley Ka Seme , Major General Nomana Mtukushe, applauded Detective Constable Leevirne Raaf of Carnarvon Detectives for her thorough investigative work and collaboration with the prosecutor , Corrie Jonkers in securing the conviction and sentence.
10 September 2024- A businessman, Thoshan Panday (52), was denied bail by the Durban Magistrates Court and his matter was postponed to 25 September 2024, for an indictment to be served. Panday is facing 27 counts of fraud, alternatively contraventions of tax legislation, which outlines false returns in respect of VAT and Annual Income Tax.
According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, relying upon an affidavit of the investigating officer, the prosecutor argued that Panday was a flight risk. Mamothame said in respect of a pending matter in the High Court, where he faces charges of racketeering, fraud and corruption, Panday had been granted bail subject to stringent conditions, including that he surrender his passport to the investigating officer.
“Panday, however, contravened his bail conditions by misrepresenting to the High Court in 2022, that he required his passport to enable him to travel to several destinations in Europe in December 2022 returning in January 2023.
“Unbeknown to the state, Panday travelled to the United States of America (USA) in the face of the High Court order permitting him to travel to Europe only. The State alleged that upon entering the USA, Panday presented a passport, which he had previously stated under oath in court proceedings had been lost and which he had reported as lost to the Department of Home Affairs,” he said.
Mamothame further said upon his departure from the USA, Panday presented a further passport which upon his return to South Africa, he claimed was also lost. He added that the prosecution argued that it was not in the interest of justice to grant Panday bail as he was proven not to be a credible person and thus constituted a flight risk.
“The prosecution also drew attention to evidence that Panday had previously interfered with state witnesses, had tried to bribe an investigating officer and was proven to have the financial means to live a luxurious lifestyle even after his assets were restrained by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
“The Magistrate agreed with the submissions of the prosecutor and dismissed Panday’s application to be released on bail. In the corruption matter that is ongoing before the Durban High Court, where he is charged with eight others, the state alleges that he was effectively in control of several entities which had received payments from the South African Police Services (SAPS) amounting to approximately R47 million, owing to a corrupt relationship formed with members of the Supply Chain Management Division of the SAPS,” said Mamothame.
He said these payments were allegedly made by the SAPS in respect of services rendered, preceding and during the Soccer World Cup in 2010. Mamothame said Panday now faces tax fraud charges as a result of the submission of tax returns in respect of the entities that he had controlled which received payments from the SAPS during the 2010 and 2011 tax years.
“After the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) had extended its investigations into the tax compliance of the entities controlled by Panday, tax investigations conducted by SARS revealed that declarations made in the tax returns were false.
“It is alleged that SARS had suffered prejudice in the amount of approximately R 7.3 million as a result of these false tax declarations. He will remain in custody until the completion of his trial,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2024— The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said there is a significant improvement in the audit outcomes of the North West municipalities as highlighted in the Auditor General’s 2022-23 report. Mosenogi said the Auditor General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke’s recent presentation to Parliament, underscores a noteworthy achievement.
She further said 18 municipalities, including several in North West, have successfully moved out of the negative audit category. Mosenogi added that this progress is a testament to the concerted efforts and enhanced support from provincial and national governments.
“In the North West, of the 22 municipalities, 21 submitted Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the 22/23 financial year, except Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Three municipalities, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, obtained unqualified opinions in 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
“Moses Kotane Local Municipality obtained an Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2021/22 financial year. In 2022/2023, it regressed to Qualified Audit Opinion. Moretele Local Municipality improved to Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2022/2023 financial year,” she said.
Mosenogi said in 2021/22 Financial Year, 10 municipalities, Bojanala District Municipality, Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Kagisano Molopo, Greater Taung, Mahikeng, Ramotshere and Tswaing, received qualified Audit Opinions.
She said in 2022/23, an improvement of two more qualified audit outcomes was registered and these municipalities are Kgetleng-Rivier and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
“For 2022/23 financial year, the improved audit outcomes were recorded by Moretele from Qualified to Unqualified, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality from averse to Qualified and lastly Kgetleng-Rivier Local Municipality from Disclaimer to Qualified Audit outcomes.
“In the 2021/22 financial years, disclaimer Audit Opinion was registered in 7 municipalities, Kgetleng, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa, Naledi and Ratlou. In 2022/2023, there were improvements which resulted in reduction of disclaimer from 7 to 4, and the four remaining are Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa and Ratlou Local Municipalities,” said Mosenogi.
She said in the 2022/2023 financial year, only Madibeng and Naledi, received adverse Audit Opinions. Mosenogi said notwithstanding that only one municipality did not submit, the number of disclaimers have decreased, number of qualified audit opinions has increased, which indicates an improvement and sustained improvements in terms of unqualified audit opinions.
“Despite persistent challenges, there have been positive strides. Importantly, the support by the provincial governments has played a crucial role in this improvement, demonstrating our commitment to better financial and performance management.
“In recognition of the challenges experienced by Ditsobotla, the provincial government through the Provincial Treasury assisted Ditsobotla Local Municipality by preparing and ensuring that the 2021/22, 2022/23 including the 2023/24 financial statements are submitted by August 2024, and this significantly reduces the number of outstanding AFS for Ditsobotla,” she said.
Mosenogi said her department remains dedicated to supporting municipalities in enhancing their financial health, compliance with legislation, and service delivery. She said they will continue to work diligently to address areas of concern and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
10 September 2024- We have recently returned from Beijing, where we attended the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which brought together heads of state and government from across the continent. The summit was preceded by my second state visit to the People’s Republic of China where a number of Cabinet ministers and myself were hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A number of Ministers and myself had an opportunity during the visit to meet several Chinese companies that operate in South Africa or are looking at opportunities in our country.
One of these companies was Hisense, a Chinese electronics manufacturer that has been part of an exciting South African success story.
Just over 10 years ago, Hisense established a R350 million manufacturing plant in Atlantis Industrial Park in the Western Cape. Having grown into a prominent brand in the South African market, Hisense is now exporting some of its products to other African countries and the United Kingdom from its Atlantis plant.
The company reports that it has created over 1,000 direct and over 5,000 indirect jobs in Atlantis. Local producers are prioritised for the company’s packaging needs. Hisense provides on the job skills training to its workforce and has a skills transfer programme between China and South Africa for technicians and engineers.
The Hisense story shows the great potential that exists for investment in advanced manufacturing in South Africa and to reach a far broader continental market. It is also a good example of job creation, skills development and technology transfer.
Hisense is just one of a growing number of Chinese companies that are expanding their footprint in South Africa, bringing much-needed investment and jobs. I met with other Chinese companies that are looking to invest in South Africa, particularly in the areas of energy, infrastructure, technology and advanced manufacturing.
During the state visit, China and South Africa agreed to upgrade our relationship to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era. This signifies the strengthening of the political, economic and social ties between the two countries.
China is our largest trading partner, having overtaken the European Union in 2023. However, there is an imbalance in the structure of our trade. South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China and imports largely manufactured products from China.
During our discussion, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for the development of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and to receive greater volumes of finished goods from South Africa.
President Xi has committed China to open its markets to more South African products and would seek to further broaden the frontiers for Chinese investment in the South African economy.
We are particularly encouraged at the potential of greater cooperation, investment and trade between our two countries in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient economic growth. For example, South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage – and China as a proven track record in developing innovative solutions in these areas.
There is also great potential, and much interest, for Chinese private commercial firms, state-owned enterprises and banks to invest in our country’s infrastructure build programme. This aligns with our plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.
Investment does not only flow in one direction. I also met with South African companies operating in China. They have found that South African and Chinese companies can complement each other well, and have both benefited from an exchange of expertise and technology.
The value of such cooperation extends beyond our two countries. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which will provide access to a market of over 1.3 billion people, provides an even greater incentive for investment by China and other countries in Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
This was underlined during the FOCAC summit attended by more than 50 African countries, where President Xi announced ten partnership actions that China would take together with African countries to support the modernisation of their economies. These actions cover areas like trade, industrial development, agriculture, health and infrastructure.
At a time when African economies are growing closer together, China’s technological capabilities can support Africa’s industrialisation and enable the continent to export more than just raw commodities.
The strengthening of ties with major trading partners like China continues to yield benefits for the South African economy and people. The Hisense investment in Atlantis is a case in point, with many other companies following its lead.
It is clear that relations between South Africa and China have entered a new era of opportunity. Our visit has strengthened trade and investment ties and cemented our shared commitment to grow our economy, create jobs and advance prosperity for the people of our two countries.
