Category Archives: NEWS

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi monitors NSC examinations

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Picture: North West MEC, Viola Motsumi visits Reabona Secondary School/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi embarked on an oversight visit to monitor examinations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District through the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi, who monitored the examinations process at Reabona Secondary School in Maquassi Hills, said her visit was a success.

She further said the monitoring of examinations is aimed at ensuring effective oversight and creating a supportive environment for the 2024 cohort. Motsumi added that, she was accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Susan Djantie, and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR), Galebekwe Tsotso Tlhapi.

“The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to the academic success of the Class of 2024, as well as the strong inter-departmental collaboration within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), to boost learner morale and provide comprehensive support during this pivotal time.

“During the visit, Dantjie further contributed to learner welfare by distributing sanitary towels to learners at Gontshe Primary School in Maquassi, emphasizing the importance of dignity and uninterrupted access to education for girl learners,” she said.

Motsumi said reflecting on the progress of the examinations and the solidarity demonstrated by the social cluster, expressed her satisfaction. She said she is also encouraged by the commitment and resilience displayed by the Class of 2024, as they navigate this pivotal phase of their educational journey.

“The unwavering support from our sister departments exemplifies the government’s dedication to the well-being and success of our learners. This collaborative effort not only reinforces our shared objectives but also ensures that our learners feel supported every step of the way.

“The Department of Education remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality education and foster an environment where learners can excel. The continued partnership across various government sectors reflects the province’s collective vision for a thriving and empowered generation of young minds,” said Motsumi.

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Grade 12 learners moved following stabbing incidents

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Picture: Grade 12 learners from Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg moved to Swartrruggens Gekombeneerde Skool/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 November 2024- The North West Department of Education said in its efforts for a calm examination environment, on Sunday, took 281 Grade 12 learners and 10 teachers of Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg, to Swartrruggens Gekombeneerde Skool to write their remaining examination papers.

The department said the decision of moving learners to an alternative examination centre follows after one of the learners was attacked outside the school premises of Meriti Secondary School last week by a gang of four individuals. It was reported that expelled and suspended former learners of the school stabbed a learner, who ran towards the school for protection.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner in the process. Motsumi said both learners were immediately taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.

“One of the learners sustained four stab wounds and is currently recuperating at home. The department has assured that both affected learners will be allowed to complete their examinations upon recovery.

“Immediately after this incident, I visited the school to meet the School Governing Body (SGB) and parents of learners. I am happy that finally learners of Meriti Secondary School will be able to write their remaining papers in a calm and peaceful environment,” she said.

Last week, Motsumi met the parents and further promised them that, as a department, they will ensure that the Grade 12 learners are provided with a quality space to write their final examinations. She added that, as a department, they have arranged meals which will be served three times a day to the learners.

“They will be provided with accommodation which will allow them to study efficiently. The learners will also be provided with 24-hour security. Meriti Secondary School has been provided with 4 full-time security members.

“They will be able to search learners in the morning and ensure that learners are safe. On 18 November 2024, the Grade 12 learners are expected at 9am to write Life Sciences P2 and at 2pm, they will write Visual Arts and Electrical Technology,” said Motsumi.

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A verdict on bail application against nine accused from Modutung to be made

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Picture: A house belonging to a traditional healer, Omphile Mothisuemang-Legodu set alight

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- Nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, who were arrested for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson, will know their fate today. Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The verdict on their bail application is expected to be announced today.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.

“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.

“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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A man arrested for triple murder to appear in court

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Picture: The suspect who is accused of triple murder/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- A man (33) is expecting to briefly appear before Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Monday. This comes after he allegedly killed his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68) and Sister Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on Friday evening.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the family members were inside their shack, sitting around a coffee table when the suspect entered and struck his father over the head with a knobkierrie. Myburgh said thereafter, family members fled through a window and ran to neighbours for assistance.

“The suspect then assaulted his mother and sister with a knobkierrie over their heads and fled the scene. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called and declared all three victims (father, mother and sister) dead on the scene,” she said.

Myburgh further said with the assistance of community members, the suspect was traced and arrested on Saturday at around 6am. She added that the suspect was charged for the triple murder and will appear before the Kgomotso Periodical Court on Monday.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident. Kwena thanked the community for their assistance and commitment that assisted the police to arrest the suspect and said the police will work hard to ensure successful prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe are expected to pay homage to the Kale family today.

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A father sentenced to three life terms for raping stepdaughter

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 November 2024- A stepfather (50), was sentenced to three life terms for three counts of rape by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for raping stepdaughter (11). This comes after the man raped his stepdaughter multiple times. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the mother of the victim and the man were in a romantic relationship from 2013 until 2020. Mahanjana said they were staying together at the man’s place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch, where two of the incidents happened. 

“On 12 October 2018, when the mother of the victim had gone to the hospital to give birth to a child she shares with a man. The minor was left at the home they shared.  When the father returned from the hospital, he found the minor child in bed.

“He then forcefully removed her clothes, prevented her from screaming and proceeded to rape her. The second incident happened in July 2020, when the mother of the victim had gone to a rural village to visit her mother,” she said. 

Mahanana further said the victim was left in the care of the stepfather, when he returned home drunk that night, he ate his food and proceeded to the room, where the minor was sleeping and raped her. She added that he then told her not to report her mother, and she would be homeless and starve.

“The third incident happened in 2020 after the mother of the victim had broken up with the man. On the day of the incident, the victim and her younger sibling, were left in the care of the man, while the mother had gone to Lens to visit her grandmother. 

“The man came while the victim was in bed when he raped her. When the mother fetched the children later that day she did not report,” said Mahanjana.

She said a while later, on 29 September 2020, when the victim was bathing, the mother noticed flesh coming out of her private part, she enquired what had happened. Mahanjana said after pressing her further, the victim eventually told her mother what had happened. 

“The mother went to the police, where she opened a case of rape against the man. The man was arrested later that day. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied raping the child. 

“However, the state prosecutor, advocate Emile Van Der Merwe, called witnesses, including the child, who testified using the intermediary services. The witnesses adduced evidence which proved that indeed the man raped the child,” she said. 

Mahanjana said during the aggravation of sentence advocate Van der Merwe told the court that the man committed a gruesome crime.  He was in possession of trust, but manhandled and violated the child. 

“He, therefore, asked the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment for each charge. When handing down the sentence, Regional Court Magistrates, Ntlati agreed with the state that the man showed no remorse for his action.

“He raped a child who called him Papa and continues to deny the offences. Therefore, she found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence,” she said. 

Mahanjana said the court ordered the sentences should run concurrently. She said he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

“The court ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders. The NPA welcomes this sentencing, affirming its commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions.

“This case serves as a crucial reminder of the NPA’s dedication to advocating for the rights and safety of victims within our communities,” said Mahanjana.

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Amajimbos gear up for 2024 COSAFA Championships

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Picture: Amajimbos gear up for 2024 COSAFA Championships

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 November 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) will begin preparations for the 2024 COSAFA Championships on 25 November 2024 at the SAFA Technical Centre in the south of Johannesburg. This year’s edition of the regional tournament will be played in Maputo, Mozambique, and will also be used to determine the two nations from the region that will qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which will be staged by Cote d’Ivoire next year.

Amajimbos, who have been hard at work since July 2023, will be looking to secure a ticket to the continental tournament and also confirm a spot in the next FIFA U17 World Cup, which they haven’t qualified for since 2015 in Chile.

Under the Talent Development Scheme (TDS), Head Coach Vela Khumalo, believes that they have a great chance at qualifying for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations as they have had adequate preparation for the upcoming COSAFA Championships.

Speaking to http://www.safa.net, Khumalo said that he has never had such great preparation and believes he has built a squad to be reckoned with.

“The moment we have been preparing for over the past year is finally here, and we are beyond excited. Through the Technical Director of SAFA, our mission has been clear from day one.

“We need to go to the COSAFA Championships to ensure that we qualify for the 2025 AFCON, then the U17 FIFA World Cup like in previous years. We have had a lot of preparation to ensure that we go and achieve this mission,” he said.

Khumalo further said through the FIFA TDS programme, they have played Morocco, Ivory Coast, Colombia, Lesotho Tanzania and Algeria, and they believe that their players have seen what is expected from them when high performance is demanded.

He added that, they are looking forward to the COSAFA Championships and they hope that they can put South Africa back on the map at junior level.

“I have called up a squad of 26 players, which will be trimmed to 20 around 28 November 2024, before the team departs for the regional showpiece on 1 December 2024,” saidKhumalo.

South Africa have been drawn in Group C of the COSAFA Championships which takes place between 4- 13 December 2024. They will be up against Botswana, Comoros and Mauritius for a spot in the semi-finals.

26 player squad:

Goalkeepers

RADEBE Lwandiso     SuperSport United FC

HOLDEN Luke    Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MOSIA Lehlohonolo   University of Pretoria FC

Defenders

PAMA Sive   Cape Town City FC

MOKOKOSI Bokamoso      Kaizer Chiefs FC

BOOYSEN Hayden     Ubuntu Football Academy

MCHUNU Ziyanda     Kaizer Chiefs FC

MZIMELA Khayalethu       British Football Academy

MAJOLA Aphelele      Mamelodi Sundowns FC

LESHILO Bokang Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MALATJI Royce   Kaizer Chiefs FC

RUGUNANAN Tashiel      Kaizer Chiefs FC

MADONDO Ayanda  KZN Academy

MAGASHA Nkanyiso Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MIDFIELDERS

MARALETSI Kamohelo     Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MLANGENI Teboho   Kaizer Chiefs FC

STEVENS Selwyn Mamelodi Sundowns FC

DHLAMINI Lebogang        Kaizer Chiefs FC

MENDES Steven  Hammarby IF (Sweden)

ATTACKERS

WITBOOI Emile   Cape Town City FC

LONZI Sivuziwe Ubuntu Football Academy

BOHLOKO Neo   Kaizer Chiefs FC

MHLONGO Obama    AmaZulu FC

SEKGOTO Omphemetse    Mamelodi Sundowns FC

ADAMS Adriano Cape Town Spurs FC

MLONDO Simphiwe  Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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More than 2089 persons stopped and searched during Operation Shanela  

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Picture: Some of dagga confiscated by police during operation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 November 2024- More than 2089 persons and 4063 vehicles were stopped and searched for the multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela, that commenced on 11 until 17 November 2024. The Northern Cape police in collaboration with other government departments, boldly approached priority crimes, such as firearms, murder, rape and robberies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 4063 persons and 2089 vehicles.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards and recyclers. In an effort to promote food safety, inspections were intensified at informal businesses and spaza shops.

“Inspections led to the closure of 18 unlicensed liquor outlets and the confiscation of a significant amount of alcohol. Drugs, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized,” she said.

Ehlers further said police together with community policing structures, reached out to communities to create awareness regarding tuck shop operating times, sale of expired goods, rural safety and school safety,

She added that communities are encouraged to share valuable information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators and to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals.

“Information can be reported via MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.

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Rescue operation at Stilfontein mine shaft halted

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Picture: The disused mine shaft in Stilfontein

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 November 2024- The rescue operation at Old Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, has been halted. According to the police, the rescue operation that is expected to assist to bring to surface over 1000 illegal miners, who are underground, will resume on Monday.

There is an impasse between the police and illegal miners, who are believed to be heavily armed underground. Three months ago, the police cut the supply of food and water to these illegal miners who are underground in quest of forcing them to come to the surface.  

On Friday, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu engaged in a consultative meeting with community representatives to come up with a plan to rescue these illegal miners. The community members accused the police of showing no respect to human lives after cutting the supply of food and water to these illegal miners and allegedly blocked some entrances.

This allegedly forced the Society for the Protection of our Constitution to go to the North Gauteng High Court on 16 November 2024, and seek interdiction against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister of Police, Minister of Health and Minister of Mineral Resources.

The court order reads: “The application is postponed to 19 November 2024, at 10am. The cost has been reserved and pending finalisation of the application. The mine shaft in Stilfontein, that forms the subject matter of this application, shall be unblocked and may not be blocked by any person or institution whether government or private.

“Any miners trapped in the mine shall be permitted to exit. No non-emergency person may enter the mine shaft.”    

Now, the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Newzroom Afrika that, the strategy that they are implementing, they have implemented it because they are concerned that there is human life in the disused abandoned mine shaft.

Mathe said they have received a report from the mine owner and the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (DMRE), indicating that this particular abandoned disused mine shaft is not safe.

“Firstly, there are hazardous gases that are flowing and the terrain is not quite well. So, you cannot expect our Men and Women in Blue to go down there. As you can see for yourself, it is quite steep.

“So, so who do you expect to go down there and rescue these people? That is why the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu directed the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, to establish a team that will convene a meeting and come up with a plan that will ensure that illegal miners are brought up.

“I can confirm that a particular team has convened a meeting and the decision was taken that a mine rescue expert will come and conduct an assessment. That assessment report will have an outlook of the operational plan that will be presented to the ministers,” she said.

Manthe further said then, the ministers will provide a way forward. She added that, however, they stand firm with their operations.

Meanwhile, the Operation Vala Umgodi task team in the North West continues to call upon those illegal miners, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface. The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in line with safeguarding lives, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have allowed for water and food to be delivered to those underground so that they can safely resurface.

“The police and other safety officials will remain in place in the North West until all illegal miners resurface and are arrested. The SAPS call on these illegal miners to resurface so that they can get relevant help or aid, including any medical attention that may be required. “We appeal to the community in the area to allow the police space to do their job. The SAPS will not allow criminality to thrive,” he said.

Mokgwabone said to date, more than 1,000 individuals have resurfaced from illegal mining activities, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that those who remain underground resurface. He said today, only three illegal miners have resurfaced.

“The SAPS will continue to stamp the authority of the state without fear or favour,” said Mokgwabone.

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Estina linked accused appear in court for SARS Tax fraud

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 November 2024- The trial against Kamal Vasram and Saliesh Indurjeeth relating to the R37,7 million SARS customs tax fraud emanating from the importing of a pasteurisation plant for the Estina Dairy Farm, appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on 14 November 2024.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said a collaborative investigation by IDAC and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) into the Estina Dairy Project, revealed that the duo allegedly submitted fraudulent and inflated customs clearance value at the time of importation approximately R37,7 million for the pasteurisation plant imported from India, declared to be new while it was allegedly second-hand.

“The importation of the pasteurisation plant was allegedly invoiced to Estina by Gateway Limited in the UAE, a company linked to the Guptas. The matter was postponed to 18 March 2025 for further trial, and the accused remain out on R10 000 bail each,” he said.

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Trio nabbed for robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm  

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Picture: Some of stolen items seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 November 2024– Three men were arrested for house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that in the early hours of Thursday morning, 7 November 2024, at Wildebeesfontein Farm in Assen, near Brits, an elderly woman (64), was sleeping in her house when accosted by Loyd Ngobeni (31), Mark Ratau (40) and Alex Tivan (22), who is a Mozambican citizen.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel AdeleMyburgh said the trio allegedly forced entry into the farm house and overpowered her. Myburgh said the victim was assaulted with a firearm over her head and tied up with shoe laces and masking tape.

“The suspects ransacked the house and left with items that included clothing, jewellery, tools, cellular phones, a laptop and camera, among others. A collaboration between the Brits Trio Task Team and Crime Intelligence, led to the identification of the vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo, used during the commission of the crime.

“The owner was identified and it was established that the vehicle was borrowed to Ngobeni, who was traced to Extension 18, in Mamelodi East. He was found and arrested on 11 November 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police seized the stolen laptop, jewellery and the Volkswagen Polo. She added that the second suspect, Tivan, was traced to Group 10 at Sanddrift in Assen.

“He was arrested and the police seized cellular phones found in his possession. The third suspect, Ratau, was traced and arrested next to the R511 road at Assen.

“Upon searching him, police found a 9mm pistol with obliterated serial number and a magazine with 36 ammunition. They briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024,” said Myburgh.

She said the trio was remanded in custody until 20 November 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers for their cooperation and dedication that led to the arrests.

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