A man (50) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for damaging of essential infrastructure. On 19 February 2024, an incident was reported to the police in Brandvlei regarding the burning of copper cables.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon further investigation, the acused, James Klein was found in possession of copper cable that he was burning.
“He was subsequently arrested and it was established that the cables were the property of Telkom. Detective Sergeant Lwazi Ngindana was assigned to investigate the case and he successfully managed to oppose bail.
“Klein was remained in custody until his sentencing. On 29 July 2024, the Calvinia Regional Court convicted and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for the damaging of essential infrastructure of which 4 years was suspended for 5 years,” said Shemane.
He further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Shemane added that Detective Sergeant Ngindana was commended for the meticulous investigation that led to the sentencing of the perpetrator.
“The safeguarding and securing of essential infrastructure remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape, thus the sentencing of Klein was embraced by the management,” said Shemane.
Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the media plays a significant role in keeping the communities abreast of key government programmes that are primarily aimed at changing the lives of the people for the better. Mokgosi, who held a Provincial Media Day at Protea Hotel in Mahikeng on 2 August 2024 said, they have invited the media as part of their ongoing efforts to cement the relations with members of the media.
He further said as Members of Executive Council (MECs) in the North West, they met with the media after he delivered a speech on the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), to highlight and put emphasis on the priorities of the 7th administration. Mokgosi added that they affirm and fully support the independence of the media to hold the government accountable as enshrined in the constitution.
“This Media Day that we are launching today will be held annually after the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) to communicate developmental initiatives of this administration, as well as interventions on various socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and income inequalities afflicting our communities.
“We will also hold quarterly media sessions with yourselves to report progress registered in attending to a number of challenges, remedial action plans and achievements.
We are not ignorant to challenges confronting our province and we are hard at work to speedily resolve them,” he said.
Mokgosi said in the past two weeks, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), have been tabling their Budget Votes and Policy Speeches that are aligned to their Annual Performance Plans (APPs) to ensure that they create economic opportunities for their people, whilst attending to their concerns on service delivery. He said the period from now until 31 March 2025, the 7thadministration will be completing the work of the 6th administration to ensure a seamless transition between the two administrations.
“The full account and report back of the 2024 SOPA will therefore be in February 2025, which will also include a full resourced Programme of Action of the 7th administration. The provincial government has subsequently developed a Programme of Action for the 2024 SOPA for implementation.
“Today, we have invited you to highlight what the priority areas of the 7thadministration are. We have appointed the Economic & Investment Advisory Council, consisting of Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Economists, Industry Experts, Organised Agriculture, Labour, Tourism Sector, Mining and Independent Experts,” said Mokgosi.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said she has noted with great sadness the loss of five young lives in a horrific crash between a bus and a train earlier this week in Mpumalanga. Maimela said it is indeed a great loss.
“We note more and more accidents on our roads that take the lives of innocent young learners. The youth are the future of our country. These learners will now never reach their full potential to contribute to the growth of South Africa.
“According to reports, the five learners died when a bus they were traveling in and a train collided on the R104 Road, near Mafube village between Wonderfontein and Arnot on Wednesday. A further 11 learners were reported to be injured in the crash,” she said.
Maimela further said this is indeed a great loss. She added that they mourn with the parents, families, school community and all those affected by this accident and they wish the injured a speedy and complete recovery.
“We appeal to the providers of scholar transport and public transport owners to screen drivers before hiring them to ensure they are fit to be trusted with transporting passengers,” said Maimela.
Picture: The situation at the Brits Forensic Pathology Services/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in the North West has called on the North West Department of Health to immediately shut down the Brits Forensic Pathology Services. This comes after the union painted a grim picture regarding the status quo of the mortuary.
NEHAWU regional secretary in Bojanala District, Shadrack Ramaru said the union is revolted by the terrible state of Brits Forensic Pathology under the North West Department of Health, where workers are subjected to intolerable harmful working conditions.
Picture: Situation at Brits Forensic Pathology Service/Supplied
Ramaru alleged that they have always raised concerns about non-compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Act in several institutions of the Department of Health and there seems to be no willingness from the side of the department to address these challenges.
He further said workers are without proper Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and office space for forensic staff. Ramaru added that workers allegedly utilize their cars as offices in this cold winter season.
“The sub-district management failed dismally to protect workers and their main focus is exerting pressure on workers to report for duty knowing fully well the state of OHS in the mortuary.
“The fact that the Department of Labour issued notices in December 2022, for the department to effect improvements, however, to date there are no improvements nor a sign that the department will act,” he said.
He said what the department has done to their members, was a total disregard to legislative prescripts that govern public service. Ramaru alleged that what is happening at the mortuary is mutilation of Basic Conditions of Employment and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“The dilapidated state of the mortuary, damaged refrigerators, non-functional toilets and failure to provide water has contributed to workers not coping at all with their daily duties. It is therefore, a serious misconduct from the side of the department to have failed to ensure proper basic conditions of employment.
“As the NEHAWU, we call for the immediate closure of Brits Forensic Pathology services due to non-compliance with OHSA and BCSA and all workers employed under the workplace, must be taken for medical check-up on the departmental costs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said: “The department has a very strong Occupational Health and Safety culture that was strengthened during COVID-19. There are functional Occupational Health and Safety committees that are functional at all levels of the service platform.
“The department can also confirm that all labour unions are part of these structures, which have registered much progress. Indeed, the department is aware of the situation at the Brits Forensic Pathology. It is not true that workers are without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and office space for forensic staff.”
Mothibedi said there is adequate PPE with a buffer stock in the storage area in Orkney College. He said the department acknowledges the fact that space is not adequate to accommodate every staff in their individual offices, but all staff do get accommodated.
“This mortuary was donated by a mining house and the department will be refurbishing the infrastructure once the Phokeng Mortuary project is completed. It is also not true that workers utilize their cars as offices in this cold winter season. There is a well-furnished office space that is used by staff.
“The allegations that the sub-district management failed dismally to protect workers and their main focus is exerting pressure on workers to report for duty knowing fully well the state of OHS in the mortuary are unfounded,” said Mothibedi.
He said indeed the Department of Labour has issued a notice, but that was issued mainly dealing with infrastructure gaps that required huge financial investment. Mothibedi said the department prioritised the total refurbishment of Phokeng Mortuary, which was in an extremely bad condition to a point of closure by the then MEC.
“It is the intention of the department to refurbish all the mortuaries, with Brits being earmarked as the next in line following Phokeng. An alarm was raised through NEHAWU about the alleged state of disrepair within the mortuary and calling for closure of the facility and the provincial management responded immediately.
“There were challenges that were identified and action was taken to resolve them. Only one fridge was reported to have stopped working for a day on the 24 July 2024, and the supplier was activated and got it fixed the next day,” he said.
Mothibedi said due to challenges of water interruptions in the area sometimes and the water pump that was malfunctioning, water could not be pumped from the water storage in a pressurised manner, which affected even the cleanliness of the facility. He said, however, a new water pump was installed on 26 July 2024, to increase the water pressure.
“There are 11 toilets of which three were found to be malfunctioning and the district maintenance team is attending to them. There is a process that is followed for any facility to be closed, which can come in the form of the Department of Labour, Environmental Health Office and Member of Executive Council,” said Mothibedi.
He said in this case, the department believes that much work has been executed and will continue to work on these things in a phased-in approach due to budgetary constraints. Mothibedi said it is the responsibility of the department to subject the employees to medical surveillance through OHS and it will be implemented as per OHS Director recommendations.
Picture: One of the accused arrested by the Hawks for dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and facing 250 counts of money laundering amounting to R4.6 million/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two persons who were arrested for dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and facing 250 counts of money laundering amounting to R4.6 million, briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 2 August 2024. John Siphiwe Mahlangu (44) and Emily Dube (39), were arrested in Ledig, near Rustenburg on 1 August 2024, following intensive investigations on drugs and drug trafficking activities around Ledig and Sun City.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Mahlangu was charged on five cases of drugs and drug trafficking. Mathebula said this comes after intelligence-driven operations.
“He also faces money laundering charges in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998. Dube was only charged with money laundering after investigation revealed that large amounts of money were transferred from Mahlangu’s bank account into her bank account between 2019 and 2020.
“The accused made a brief court appearance and were remanded in custody until 13 August 2024, for formal bail application,” he added.
Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation team for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused are brought to book.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warned that police will not tolerate anyone who takes the law into their own hands. This comes after Gregory Phatshwane (43), Kagiso Mokwalase (32) Tshepo Thipe (33) and Mosimanegape Sekhomba (43), briefly appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg for kidnapping and murder.
It is alleged that the accused kidnapped Ponono Sekgopi (43) from a tavern on 28 July 2024, in Phokeng after accusing him of burglary. They allegedly took him to Kotokoto Dam, where he was assaulted.
Kwena said Sekgopi was found dead by a passerby and informed the Royal Bafokeng Reaction Force members, who alerted the police. He further said the preliminary investigations led to the discovery of a Nissan Almera vehicle with blood stains in the boot.
“The accused were eventually arrested and their blood stained clothes were seized. We condemn the incident and urged the community to work together with the police through existing and recognised structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF), rather than taking the law into their own hands .
“The accused were remanded in custody until 6 August 2024,” added Kwena.
A man (24) was sentenced to 19 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances, house breaking and theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Juvanne Mathee threatened Andrew Laven (58) at knife point before robbing him of his money. Mathee also broke into the house of Stoffel Booyen (51) and stole his cell phone.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused also robbed a foreign national (29) at a tuck shop before fleeing. Shemane said after a spate of offences, Mathee was arrested on 9 November 2023.
“A bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until his sentencing. On 29 July 2024, Mathee was convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years imprisonment for housebreaking and theft.
“He was also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The count 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence in count 1. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Charlotte Makgari, applauded Detective Constable Abigail Morgan for her thorough investigative work that ensured that the accused is removed from society for a lengthy period.
A man (28) was fatally shot in Newpark in Kimberley. The preliminary investigations indicate that, on Wednesday evening, 31 July 2024 at approximately 9pm, the deceased was fatally shot in his white Toyota Hilux Bakkie.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the victim and his spouse (27), were at the gate entering into their townhouse complex when an unknown man allegedly approached and fired several shots into the vehicle, fatally wounding the deceased.
“The police are investigating a murder and attempted murder case. Any person who can assist with information regarding the incident can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Thabang Kamolane on 082 302 0407 or during office hours at 053 838 4344.
“All information will be treated confidentially and police investigations are continuing. The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are probing the fatal shooting,” he said.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
By REGINALD KANYANE
Banyana Banyana will face FIFA Women’s World Cup finalists, England in an away international friendly match in October. Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said her squad will meet the Lionesses at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 29 October 2024, in a match that will be part of the African Champions’ preparations for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
“After the two away international friendly matches against Senegal in June (1-1 and 2-0), this is a great opportunity for us as we continue with our preparations for WAFCON.
“It gives us time to really prepare well for this challenge to defend our WAFCON title. I’m also excited that the challenge of facing England, the European champions, will test us in a different way. We hope our fans in the UK will come out in numbers to support us. Lastly, a very big thank you to both SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support and in getting us this top nation to test us as we continue with our preparations to defend our title in the WAFCON,” she said.
It has been more than 14 years since the South African senior women’s national team faced the European champions, with England winning their group stage meeting in the Cyprus Cup 1-0 in February 2010.
SAFA CEO Lydia Manyepao said: “It is a great opportunity for us as African champions to play against the European champions as a stage for our players to showcase how far we’ve developed as a nation. Playing in front of a large South African and African expat community living in England will give coach Desiree and the girls an extra gear to get a good result.”
Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand & Sponsorships shared the same sentiments. Mbatha said they are thrilled to support SASOL Banyana Banyana as they prepare to face England in this upcoming friendly.
“This match will present an excellent opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and skills for the 2024 WAFCON tournament. We believe that they will use the power of sport to inspire and unite South Africans, and on behalf of Sasol, we wish them all the best,” she said.
Picture: The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha, was recently honoured as the Emerging Psychologist of the Year at the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA) Presidential Merit Awards held at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg.
SIOPSA is a member-based, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) established to enhance the industrial and organisational psychology profession in South Africa. These awards are held annually in recognition and celebration of excellence in industrial and organisational psychology.
This accolade stands as a testament to Botha’s exceptional contributions to the field of industrial psychology. She said receiving the award was a tremendous honour and represents the collective hard work of those dedicated to driving change.
“Receiving the award is a testament to my efforts in advancing the field of industrial psychology. Professionally, it validates the contributions I strive to make within the industry.
“Personally, it is a recognition of the perseverance and dedication required to overcome the numerous challenges in this field, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” said Botha.
Botha’s journey has been characterised by perseverance, hard work, and a tireless commitment to advancing the field of industrial psychology. Throughout her career, she has been a champion of addressing key challenges faced by emerging industrial-organisational psychologists.
Her efforts, alongside like-minded individuals, led to the establishment of an interest group aimed at tackling issues such as unclear registration processes and limited internship opportunities. She said this collaborative initiative has fostered a more supportive environment for emerging professionals in the field.
Botha has carved a path of success through sheer determination. Her dedication to the industry is further reflected in her role as the chairperson of the Assessment Centre Study Group, chairperson and EXCO member at SIOPSA, and Project Manager of the SIOPSA Learning Academy.
“I was influenced by my family’s deep roots in psychology, with my grandfather and mother being renowned industrial psychologists, so my career path in this field was a natural progression.
“My dedication and hard work eventually led to the establishment of Inpsyght Consulting, a thriving business specialising in talent management solutions and workplace counselling,” she said.
Botha grew up in Vanderbijlpark and completed her undergraduate, honours, and master’s degrees at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus. During her studies, she sought opportunities to job shadow and assist industrial psychologists in administrative tasks.
During her master’s studies, she worked as a psychometrist and began her journey as an industrial psychology intern.
“The path to registration in our field is tough, so I took over my mom’s consultancy and turned it into a successful business specialising in talent management and workplace counselling. It was a challenging journey, working around 17-18 hours a day, but it all paid off in the end.
“Building a robust professional network, staying up-to-date with industry advancements, seeking mentorship, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial for success. Additionally, maintaining resilience and adaptability is key, as the journey to becoming a registered industrial psychologist can be demanding but immensely rewarding,” said Botha.
She counsels aspiring industrial psychologists to prioritise continual learning and evidence-based practices.
The Guardian 