Category Archives: NEWS

A businessman arrested for alleged fraud amounting to R47m  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2024- A Durban businessman, Thoshan Panday (51), briefly appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, on 27 counts of fraud, alternatively Contraventions of Tax Legislation, which outlaw false returns in respect of VAT and Annual Income Tax (AIT).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 9 September 2024, for a bail application. Mamothame said the state intends opposing the bail.

“The state alleges that Panday was effectively in control of several entities, which had received payments from the South African Police Services (SAPS) in an amount of approximately R47 million, owing to a corrupt relationship with members of the Supply Chain Management Division of the SAPS.

“These payments were allegedly made in respect of services rendered to the SAPS preceding and during the Soccer World Cup in 2010. He faces charges together with eight others in the High Court of racketeering, fraud and corruption. This matter is ongoing,” he said.

Mamothame further 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.

He added that 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.

“To give effect to a whole-of-government approach by addressing financial crimes, including tax crime, cooperatively, SARS and the IDAC are collaborating to enhance voluntary tax compliance by making non-compliance hard and costly.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA: “Ditsobotla Local Municipality heading toward a total collapse again”

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 September 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla said it will write to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng Molapisi, as well as the North West MEC of Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, to urge them to take decisive action in dealing with the defiance and deliberate flouting of laws by the municipality.

The DA Constituency Head in Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Joe McGluwa said deliberate disorder and lawlessness have once again rendered the municipality unstable and will soon lead to the total collapse of the municipality once again. McGluwa alleged that the ANC is finding itself in the centre stage once more, as its divided caucus plays a key role in the commotion within the municipality.

“Pairing this with the defiance from councillors representing the EFF, F4SD and Save Ditsobotla, the instability of the municipality creates a ripple effect shaking the municipality to the core.

“Despite being warned by the Department of COGTA that the municipality cannot afford to appoint a Municipal Manager (MM), the grouping persisted,” he said.

He further said last week, the Speaker cancelled a planned sitting citing a security threat. McGluwa added, however, the grouping went ahead with the sitting, tabled a motion against him and nominated a new Speaker.

“Today, the new Speaker called for a council sitting to appoint senior managers—another irregular appointment process. All this is taking place within a municipality that cannot afford to pay salaries or even deliver the most basic services, such as water and electricity, to the residents.

“Last week, the Auditor General (AG) also revealed in his report that Ditsobotla is one of only two municipalities in the country that did not submit its 2022/2023 Annual Financial Statements (AFS),” said McGluwa.

He said if no response on their letters comes forth within the next seven days, they will have no choice, but to seek the intervention of COGHSTA Minister, Velinkosi Hlabisa. McGluwa said the residents and businesses of Ditsobotla are suffering.

“We call on all parties in the GNU at national level to bring the national sobriety into this municipality for the sake of the residents of Ditsobotla, who deserve none of this current drama.

“Although the DA in Ditsobotla wishes to distance itself from the chaos that is the municipality, we will not stop fighting for the residents until Ditsobotla Local Municipality and the town as a whole return to their former glory,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

An unknown man hospitalised after being knocked by a taxi

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The unknown man in hospital after being knocked by a taxi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Roodepan Detective Unit is seeking the assistance of the public in tracing the relatives of an unknown man. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the man was allegedly knocked over by a taxi in Barkly Road, near Coro Bricks on 30 July 2024.

Shemane said: “He is being treated at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley and is in a serious condition, and unable to speak. He further said the police are urging anyone with information that can help with locating his relatives to contact the investigating officers, Detective Captain Teno Slambert on 071 675 4427 or Sergeant Melanie Boughan, on 084 406 8772 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police are looking for missing Richard Samuel Steenkamp

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Missing Richard Samuel Steenkamp/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2024- The police in Roodepan are requesting assistance in locating Richard Samuel Steenkamp (73), who went missing in Roodepan, Kimberley. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, Steenkamp was last seen on 16 August 2024, at the C-Block Shanties in Freezia Street, Ivory Park in Roodepan.

“He apparently suffers from Alzheimers and was wearing Black and White Orlando Pirates T-shirt, black Tracksuit pants, blue and white striped Adidas sandals with white and black socks.

“The family reported him missing over the weekend and requests that anyone with information, to contact Detective Captain Deon Rheeder on 082 469 0681. The investigation continues,” he said.

Kock also reminded the public that there is no

waiting period to report a missing person.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The Hawks and AFU secured a preservation order against Chikwanhadze over a Ford Focus worth R48 000

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Hawks Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team with the assistance of Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), secured a preservation order of Ford Focus estimated at R48 000 against Jefta Chikwanhadze (36). The order was granted on 4 September 2024, by Kimberley High Court.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said this follows a tip-off regarding theft of copper cables at Adeisiestad Farm, near Olifanthoek.

“The information was followed up by Upington visible policing and a silver Ford Focus was spotted not far from the farm. Members tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not stop.

“A chase ensued and the vehicle was stopped. A search and seizure was conducted on the said vehicle and during the search, copper cables with an estimated street value of R35 000 was recovered,” he said.

Thebe said Chikwanhadze was arrested with his co-accused Joe Mawere Mkanya (32), and they were charged for theft.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee calls for acceleration of implementation of master plans

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dina Pule/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday welcomed the presentations it received from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on the Poultry Master Plan and Sugar Master Plan. It also welcomed the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development’s presentation on the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP).

The committee heard that the AAMP is a sectoral economic framework designed to coordinate efforts, bring efficiency and transparency in the implementation, and provide the common goal and indicators of success in contributing to the National Development Plan.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dina Pule said AAMP was signed in May 2022, by the agriculture social partners as the template for inclusive growth, investments, sustainable jobs, transformation, and market development for the sixth administration.

Pule said the Poultry Sector Master Plan was signed in November 2020, by all stakeholders of the former Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, including the poultry industry, importers and exporters, and also labour representatives.

“The committee heard that the plan was developed to address several serious challenges faced by the poultry industry. For example, the industry had to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing feed costs, impediments to exports due to the outbreak of avian influenza and significant imports.

“The poultry industry was the largest contributor to the agricultural sector with a total annual gross value of production of almost R72 billion in 2022, accounting for 17.1% of the total agricultural gross value,” she said.

Pule further said on the Sugar Master Plan, the committee heard that the plan was developed to address several serious challenges faced by the industry and to ensure its long-term sustainability. She added that it was adopted as a phased approach.

“Phase one was about restructuring and setting foundations for diversification to stabilise the industry and restructure industry capacity and costs in an orderly manner to ensure alignment with current and future market size.

“During deliberations on the plans, the committee heard the challenges each plan faced. Members asked that the qualitative implementation of all the plans be sped up. As not all the questions were responded to, the committee asked the departments of agriculture and trade and industry to respond in writing and submit the responses by Friday,” said Pule.

She said at the end of the 7th administration in 2029, there must be tangible results for implementing the master plans. Pule said the Government of National Unity (GNU), must be able to show something – evidence of good results and meeting the objectives that are clearly spelt out in the plans.

“The committee told the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa that, it received a request from unemployed Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPs) to intervene between them and the department over possible appointments as there is a need for extension of services.

“The committee asked Capa for a report on the issue so that it intervenes if it is possible. Members also shared concerns with her about media reports that, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, allegedly appointed people in senior management positions in his office, who allegedly have Grade 12 in a country with a high number of unemployed and highly qualified graduates,” she said.

Pule said they called it insensitive for a member of cabinet given the challenges of unemployment, especially for qualified black graduates.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee briefed on electricity and energy nuclear new build programme

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2024 – The Department of Electricity and Energy and Eskom on Wednesday briefed the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy on the status of the nuclear new build programme and the extension of the Koeberg nuclear power station’s lifespan.

The department provided an update on the preparations underway for the 2 500 MW nuclear new build programme as directed in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Nonkosi Mvano said this includes market testing through a Request for Information, an analysis of potential ownership and financing models, and ongoing engagement with the National Nuclear Regulator. Mvano said Eskom also presented details on the plans to extend the operational lifespan of the Koeberg nuclear power station by 20 years beyond its original design life, which will involve major equipment replacement and regulatory approvals.

“The committee members raised several questions and concerns during the meeting. These included the affordability and cost-effectiveness of nuclear compared to renewable energy, especially given the fiscal constraints facing the country.

“There were also questions about the readiness and commercial viability of small modular reactor technology, which is still largely in the design and prototype phase, as well as the status and potential revival of the pebble bed modular reactor programme developed in South Africa,” she said.

Mvano further said the committee called for thorough public participation and transparency in the nuclear new build process, as well as ensuring alignment between the nuclear programme and the country’s energy and climate goals.

She added that the department and Eskom committed to providing further information and responding to the committee members’ questions, including questions on the demand analysis, cost estimates and plans to leverage South Africa’s nuclear fuel manufacturing capabilities.

“The committee members also stressed the importance of undertaking rigorous cost-benefit analyses and exploring all financing options, including public-private partnerships and vendor financing models, to ensure the nuclear programme is affordable and provides value for money.

“Concerns were also raised about the need to update the environmental impact assessments for the proposed nuclear sites given the time that has elapsed since the initial studies were conducted,” said Mvano.

She said the committee will continue to exercise oversight on the nuclear new build programme and Koeberg’s life extension as these critical energy infrastructure projects progress.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two men sought for armed robbery

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Two suspects who alleged robbed a victim off his cell phone/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 September 2024- The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating an armed robbery that occurred on 14 July 2024, at approximately 15:30pm. It is alleged that a man (21) and his friend, were walking in Beit Street, Kimberley North, when they were accosted by a group of men.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said two of the men allegedly took out a knife and firearm. Kock said they allegedly threatened the victims and the friend managed to flee.

“The two men robbed the victim of his cell phone. The men were medium built, dressed in red and yellow t-shirts, and spoke Afrikaans.

“Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant JR Webb on 079 212 7682. The investigation continues,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

RBI commended for its efforts in promoting accountancy education

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi commended the Royal Bafokeng Institute [RBI] for its efforts in promoting accountancy education among learners/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has commended the Royal Bafokeng Institute [RBI] for its efforts in promoting accountancy education among learners. Motsumi delivered an address at the RBI Accountancy Education Summit held at the Phokeng Civic Centre today.

She further said the theme was: “The South African Accountancy Education Crisis: How do we solve the challenges?” Motsumi added that the summit’s objective was to examine the current state of accountancy education in South Africa, encompassing primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions and the industry.

“The overarching aim is to tackle the issues confronting accountancy education and devise strategies to stimulate interest and performance in this crucial field of study.

“These challenges include declining enrolment numbers, as well as learners’ underperformance and teachers’ inadequate grasp of the curriculum.There is a necessity of comprehending the historical context of accountancy education in South Africa, particularly within previously disadvantaged communities, to address these challenges effectively,” she said.

Motsumi said they must reconceptualize their schools as hubs of excellence, where accountancy education is accorded priority and students are encouraged to pursue this field of study with confidence. She said her department remains committed to addressing these challenges, facing the accountancy fraternity with urgency by working closely with the Royal Bafokeng Institute to produce a generation of financial professionals within the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

An undocumented man arrested with drugs worth R41 000

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The drugs confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2024- An undocumented man (35) was arrested for dealing in drugs. This comes after the police raided a drug house in the Rosedale area on 4 September 2024, after they received a tip-off.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said a tip-off was received about an alleged drug dealing at the premises.

“The police obtained and executed a search warrant at the said residence, where they discovered mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R8 000 and methamphetamine valued at R 33 000.

“The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon. The tireless efforts by members of Upington Border Police to fight crime was applauded by the management of the ZFM District,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com