10 December 2024- Lorato Junitor Motiki (45), who is employed as the Finance Clerk at the Lichtenburg Primary School, briefly appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 6 December 2024, to face 436 counts of fraud and theft. Motiki was arrested by the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit on 6 December 2024, following investigation on multiple counts of fraud she allegedly committed between November 2019 and June 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said investigation revealed that, Motiki has on the said periods, made multiple transactions from the school’s bank account to her three various personal bank accounts, which she pretended they belonged to service providers, paying for services such as procurement of stationery, security, refunds, water and electricity rendered to the school.
Gunya said the reports further indicated that at times during the same period, she would defraud the school by creating forms requiring authorisation and signatures for release of funds for payment by the school when in reality, none of those services were rendered to the school.
“As a result, the school suffered a loss of over R2.4 million. She appeared before court and was released on R5000 bail. The matter was postponed to 28 January 2025, for the Specialised Commercial Crime Court appearance,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting criminality in government institutions.
Picture: UNISA principal and vice chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 December 2024- The University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Council announced the re-appointment of Prof Puleng LenkaBula as Principal and Vice-Chancellor for another five years, effective 1 January 2026.
This announcement follows a recent review process undertaken of her first term of office. Council was satisfied that the process was robust, rigorous and turned out to be fair.
The decision by the Unisa Council is in line with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 in South Africa, which allows a university principal to be reappointed for a second consecutive term after their first term expires.
LenkaBula was appointed as the first woman principal and vice-chancellor in the university’s almost
150 year-history in January 2021. Her first term has been marked by notable achievements in the university’s improved scientific output, teaching and learning, and research – increase in internationalisation and partnerships, student-centredness and improvement in the university’s academic rankings and financial growth.
Under her leadership, there has also been a notable increase in commitment from academics, researchers and support staff.
Speaking on behalf of the Unisa Council, Chairperson, Dr Dan Mosia said: “Council reaffirms its confidence in the leadership of LenkaBula. She has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and stability at the institution and is ideally positioned to lead Unisa into its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Meanwhile, commenting on her reappointment, LenkaBula said: “I am deeply honoured and appreciative of the confidence expressed by the University Council in her.
“She said she is committed together with the university’s management to advancing the university’s mission of Shaping Africa’s Intellectual Futures and to continue to create opportunities for students and staff alike to succeed.”
She said she is looking forward to working closely with the various university communities, alumni and diverse stakeholders to bring this vision to life.
Picture: Food parcels delivered at Stilfontein Mine Shaft
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 December 2024- Six more illicit miners surfaced at Margaret mine shaft in Stilfontein. A total number of 1420 illegal miners have resurfaced at various abandoned mine shafts and Margaret mine shaft in Stilfontein thus far.
Eight bodies in total were recovered at Buffelsfontein number 11 shaft.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on Saturday morning, six more illicit miners surfaced at Margaret shaft mine. Myburgh said they were all Mozambican foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola said the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria heard the court application brought forward by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action that sought to compel the South African Police Service (SAPS) to allow communities to supply food, water and medication to illegal miners.
Masemola said the SAPS argued and raised concern regarding the implementation of the interim order.
He further said their view is that the continuous supply of food, water and necessities defeats the purpose of their ongoing operations, which seeks to put a stop to these ongoing illicit mining activities. Masemola added that, while the matter was postponed, the court varied the interim court order which was issued on 1 December 2024.
“This court order did not provide limitations to the supply of food and necessities. As of today, limitations have been put into place in terms of this order. Food and water will now be supplied from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.
“No food will be lowered on weekends. Hazardous substances including paraffin, gas, and diesel will no longer be allowed to be lowered down to the illegal miners,” he said.
Masemola said the Stilfontein rescue operation that is being undertaken is not as easy as it seems. He said it is quite complex with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out.
“Unlike the Sabie operation in which the shaft is 150 metres deep, the Stilfontein shaft is 2km deep to where these illegal miners allegedly are, making it a very difficult and high-risk operation to undertake.
“With the rescue team having recommended that the necessary resources and expertise must be acquired.
The practicality and risks involved are also being taken into account,” said Masemola.
He said the liability involved is also a major factor. According to Masemola, police are not experts and can
therefore, not lead this rescue operation.
“At this stage, the mine must acquire services to conduct the rescue operation in which costs are involved. We are in possession of a quotation that indicates that there must also be a 100% upfront payment.
“It should be agreed upon that government must approach this process with due diligence and the utmost care taking into consideration the
applicable supply chain management processes involved,” he said.
Masemola said these processes must be above board in line with relevant prescripts.
9 December 2024- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued 14 compliance notices to suppliers’ non-compliant goods. Twelve of these suppliers are based in the Western Cape, and one each in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said these suppliers have mainly contravened Section 24 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Ntaba said with respect to the Western Cape, the NCC conducted market monitoring inspections in the City of Cape Town, where 40 suppliers were inspected.
“Of these inspected suppliers, 12 have been issued with compliance notices, and 23 are being further investigated. In these inspections, the NCC’s found inconsistencies with labelling requirements, where suppliers did not properly label the goods or affix ingredients on the packaging.
“Failure to label goods in accordance with the CPA contravenes Section 24 read with Regulation 6. Section 24 of the CPA provides that a “trade description must be applied to the goods or any covering, label or in or on reel, or which goods are packaged or attached to the goods,” she said.
Ntaba further said trade description must include the country of origin and any other prescribed information. She added that in addition to these matters, the NCC is finalising investigations from inspections conducted in Limpopo, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Meanwhile, the NCC’s acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu said: “From the concluded investigations, the NCC found that consumers continue to be exposed to unsafe foodstuffs and most suppliers do not comply with the provisions of the CPA.
“The NCC continues to prioritise cases of expired and unsafe foodstuffs.”
9 December 2024- More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles were stopped and searched during the Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela. The disruptive actions across the province commenced on 2 until 8 December 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Segio Kock said the police and other law enforcement agencies executed numerous actions that included, random stop and searches of 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles.
Kock said actions also included visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
“During the operations, 247 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods and possession of drugs.
“This includes robbery, assaults, house-breaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.
Kock further said the police detectives traced and arrested several daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.
He added that the police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated.
“Tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed. Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the safer festive season operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers, that led to the arrest of the criminals.
Otola also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated that the police are ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this festive season and beyond.
Picture: A policeman, Luthando Meintjies, who is accused of rape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 December 2024- A policeman (27), who is facing three counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and one count of kidnapping. On 15 November 2024, Constable Luthando Meintjies, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), allegedly arrived at his place of residence with the complainant (23), at night after consuming alcohol.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said it is alleged that during the night, the accused informed the complainant that she must call her mother as he wanted money to buy more beers. Senokoatsane further said when she could not get the money from her mother, he allegedly began to assault and proceeded to rape her numerous times during the night.
“She tried to escape and hide in the bathroom, but the accused broke down the door to open it. Whilst all this was happening, she was able to send her uncle text messages for him to come and rescue her from the accused.
“The uncle allegedly arrived at the accused’s home with the police. Meintjies was arrested and charged with rape, assault GBH, as well as kidnapping. The matter was remanded to 10 December 2024, for further bail purposes,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sekoatsane said the state will oppose the accused’s release on bail.
9 December 2024- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the progress they have made this year gives them hope for the year ahead. Ramaphosa said the country is nearing the end of another year, marked by both triumphs and struggles.
He further said they celebrated 30 years since the birth of the democratic nation. Ramaphosa added that they reflected on the considerable progress they have made in building a constitutional order anchored on freedom, equality and human rights for all.
“We held our 7th successful, free and fair general elections since 1994. It was a landmark poll, with an unprecedented 70 political parties contesting.
“The election was a credit to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which acquitted itself with distinction, the political parties who campaigned in a spirit of respect and tolerance, and to all South Africans who exercised their right to vote,” he said.
Ramaphosa said democracy has evolved and matured. He said they have a Government of National Unity (GNU), composed of 10 political parties from across the political spectrum.
“They have agreed on three strategic priorities for this administration. The first strategic priority is to grow our economy and create jobs. The structural reforms initiated under the 6th administration, are continuing to create conditions for our economy to grow and to create jobs.
“The country has had over 250 days with no load-shedding. This is due to a combination of increased maintenance and generation recovery by Eskom, the addition of more capacity to the grid including from renewables, and the large-scale uptake of solar and battery energy solutions by households and businesses,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee continues. Ramaphosa said it is working to get more power onto the grid, to expand the electricity infrastructure, to diversify the market for the benefit of consumers, and to lay the groundwork for an energy-secure future.
“There has been a significant recovery of commuter rail, since theft and vandalism during the COVID-19 pandemic nearly destroyed the network. Stations have been refurbished, new state-of-the-art trains are on the tracks, and 31 out of 40 key passenger corridors are now operational,” he said.
Ramaphosa said there were 40 million commuter rail passengers in the last financial year, up from 15 million passengers the previous year. He said they are making progress in the recovery of freight rail and dealing with longstanding operational challenges in their ports.
“We are seeing improvements at the container terminals in Durban and Cape Town, as well as with infrastructure upgrades. While unemployment levels remain extremely high, more South Africans are finding jobs.
“The second strategic priority of this administration is to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. Consumer inflation is at a four-year low, making essential goods like fuel and most food staples more affordable,” said Ramaphosa.
He said over the past twelve months, fuel prices have come down. Ramaphosa said around 60% of the national budget is dedicated towards the ‘social wage’.
“These are the measures that reduce poverty and directly improve people’s lives. In addition to the provision of grants to vulnerable groups and unemployed people, this social wage includes subsidised housing, free basic services, no-fee schools and school nutrition.
“Government has been able to sustain these measures even as public finances are under severe pressure. The third strategic priority of this administration is to strengthen the capacity of the state to deliver on its mandate,” said Ramaphosa.
He said their efforts to improve the capacity and capability of the state to deliver on basic services continue. Ramaphosa said they have experienced moments of great national pride this year.
“Our sportsmen and women made us proud, including at the Olympics and Paralympics. Our nation’s artists hoisted our flag high on the global stage, proving themselves to be among our most valuable exports.
“The momentum we have achieved this year was marred by tragedy. The deaths of a number of children from eating contaminated foodstuffs was a great sorrow and caused deep concern,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they have put a number of stringent measures in place to prevent such tragedies. He said while they are making progress, they have a long way to go.
“The pace of economic growth is still too slow and not enough jobs are being created. Families still struggle with the high cost of living.
“While there has been some improvement in the crime statistics and there have been breakthroughs in tackling crime syndicates, crime and violence is still widespread in many communities,” said Ramaphosa.
Setshwantsho: Dijanaga tsa mediro ya di bakkie dithulane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Sedimonthole 2024- Bapagami ba ba magareng ga dingwaga di le 25 le 45, ba tlogetswe ka dikgobalo. Se, setla morago ga gore sejanaga se ba neng ba se palame, se thulane le sejanaga se seneng se ikemetse sa modiro wa bakkie kwa tseleng ya R375 magareng ga motseng wa Morokweng le Vosterhoop, gaufi le Ganyesa ka Lamatlhatso.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen are, go begwa fa tekesi e ile ya tsenelela le go kgoreletsa sejanaga sa modiro wa Isuzu.
‘Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa Isuzu a ile a leka go efoga go thulana le tekesi eo, mme ka maswabi, o ile a thulana le sejanaga se sengwe se seneng se ikemetse fela sa modiro wa bakkie.
“Bagobadi ba ile ba rwalelwa kwa kliniking ya selegae ka dikgobalo tse di masisi. Go fitlha ga jaana, go butswe kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatswa, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Setshwantsho: Setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se bonwe kwa kanaleng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Sedimonthole 2024- Setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se bonwe kwa kanaleng kwa Extension 7, mono Taung. Go begwa fa monna o sa itsiweng, ga mmogo le dingwaga tsa gagwe, a bonwe a rapaletse mo kanaleng, mme sepodisi sene sa itsisiwe.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen, tiragalo e ke ya ka Labotlhano. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.
“Go fitlha ga jaana ga gona ope o tshwerweng, kgotsa go itse gore go diragetseng. Fela, dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
9 December 2024- The PH Mooketsi High School in Taung is under scrutiny. This comes after allegations that, male teachers at the school are dating female learners.
According to a post on Facebook, one of the teachers posted his conversation between him and an alleged learner. It is alleged that, in the conversation, the teacher said he wished he had kissed the learner, which implies that they had met before.
The message reads: “A mathematical literacy teacher from P.H. Moeketsi High School, allegedly posted a conversation between himself and an alleged learner at P.H. Moeketsi. In the conversation, the teacher sent a message saying he wished he had kissed the learner the last time they met.
“This implies that they had met before. Rumours are circulating that the teacher often looks at young female learners with lustful intentions. The learners claim he dresses inappropriately, deliberately exposing private body parts to make young girls infatuated with him.”
It is alleged that he was seen with the learner at Depot Hall after school (their meeting point). The message continues to read, additionally, it is alleged that he exhibited similar behaviour at his previous school.
“A concerned individual commented, “I know him and that’s his nature”. He constantly chases young girls, forgetting he has a wife and children. Please help report him to stop his alleged misconduct.
“Apparently, some male teachers at P.H. Mooketsi is dating young girls at the school. What are your thoughts on this? Please note that the allegations mentioned are unverified and should be investigated thoroughly.”
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, they have been notified regarding the allegations. Molokwane further said currently, the issue falls under the jurisdiction of labour relations, which is tasked with overseeing the disciplinary procedures.
“The timeline for this process has been extended primarily due to difficulties in the investigation, as some individuals have been reluctant to serve as witnesses. At this time, psycho-social support services are being offered to the affected individual.
“The department is committed to ensuring that justice is achieved in this matter,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NAPTOSA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in North West, Kgomotso Hans said: “We condemn teachers who are having romantic relationships with learners. As NAPTOSA, those teachers who have criminal cases should be dismissed. Those cases should be thoroughly investigated and if the accused persons are guilty, they should be dismissed.
“We do not want those perpetrators near our children. Obviously, this will depend on the seriousness of the case. We have indicated that there are some cases that are petty.”
However, Hans said they will not tolerate serious cases related to sexual abuse of learners.
The Guardian 