Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
The newly-appointed North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has vowed to prioritise the fight against crime. Morweng, who comes from Moshaneng village, near Lehurutshe, he is a Communication graduate from the North West Univesity (Mafikeng Campus).
Despite his relatively young age, he is an experienced civil servant and quite versed with socio-economic challenges in the province. Morweng is a former Director for Recreation Management at the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, where he also served as a Media Liaison Officer (MLO) before becoming Head of MEC Office.
Morweng had recently been an acting CEO of the Mmabana Foundation. He already knows the task at hand and knows what is expected of him.
“You don’t need to read any documents, nor listen to the news to know that our communities are complaining about high crime levels. Before I am a Member of the Executive Council (MEC), I am a citizen and a member of the community.
“Therefore, I know how crime affects the community. My message is simple, arrest all those who are terrorising our communities. The road ahead will not be easy, but collectively pulling together with men and woman around me, we shall overcome,” said Morweng.
Morweng on Monday, met with the Execuive Management Committee of the Department.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe survived a shooting. It is alleged that, Gaoraelwe was shot at by unknown assailants last night.
This is a developing story and more details will follow.
The President of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa has an impact unced his new Cabinet. Ramaphosa said just over a month ago, the people of South Africa voted in a watershed election.
He further said in casting their votes, the people made it clear that they expect political parties to work together to deliver on a mandate of transformation, growth and renewal.
Ramaphosa added that to give effect to this mandate, it was agreed that a Government of National Unity, which brings together parties from across the political spectrum, should be formed.
“This Government of National Unity would be bound by certain fundamental principles and would undertake a basic minimum programme of priorities. Following discussions over the course of the last few weeks, a total of eleven parties have elected to work together in government and in Parliament.
“These are the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation. The partnership between the GNU parties is guided by a Statement of Intent, which outlines fundamental principles and a minimum programme of priorities,” he said.
Ramaphosa said all the parties have made a commitment to respect the constitution and to promote a accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.
He said incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty and inequality.
“The establishment of the Government of National Unity in its current form is unprecedented in the history of our democracy. We have had to consider how to form the new government in a manner that advances the national interest, that gives due consideration to the outcome of the election and that makes use of the respective capabilities within each of the parties.
“We have had to consider not only the immediate needs of the country. We have also had to consider the stability, effectiveness and durability of the government we are establishing. It is true that some South Africans have expressed concern about the length of time it has taken to form a government,” said Ramphosa.
He has merged the ministries of Electricity and Energy. Ramaphosa also separated the ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
“The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile. The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa. The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso. The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
“The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube. The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi. The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele” said Ramaphosa.
He appointed Velinkosi Hlabisa as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Ramphosa said the Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga. The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo. The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
“The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham. The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande. The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina. The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina. He has appointed Enoch Godongwana as the Minister of Finance. He said the Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.
“The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George. The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts. The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi. The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.
“The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane. The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe. The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber. The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza” said Ramaphosa.
He announced Mmamoloko Kubayi as the Minister of Human Settlements and Tandi Mahambehlala as her deputy. Ramaphosa appointed Ronald Lamola as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
“The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng. The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel. The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.
“The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala. The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa. The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai. The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. He said the Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
“The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong. The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi. The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.
“The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala. The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole. The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe” said Ramaphosa.
He said the Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks. Ramaphosa appointed Gayton McKenzie as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and Peace Mabe as the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille. The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau. The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield. The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.
“The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa. The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina. The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo. The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga. The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike,” he said.
Ramaphosa has appointed Pieter Groenewald as the Minister of Correctional Services and Lindiwe Ntshalintshali as the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services. He said these men and women we have appointed to the executive are drawn from all corners of our country.
“They reflect the diversity of our nation. They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people as a whole. None of the members of the National Executive has been appointed to serve the interests of a particular constituency, a particular party or a particular section of society. Collectively and individually, they are responsible to the people of South Africa.
“In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government will work together with other formations to convene a National Dialogue. Through this National Dialogue, all parties, civil society groups, labour, business and other stakeholders will be invited to work together to address the critical challenges facing the nation. We call on all South Africans to participate in the National Dialogue and to give their support to this Government of National Unity as it begins its work,” said Ramaphosa.
He said as the leaders of political parties, as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, as public representatives, they understand and accept the responsibility that they bear. Ramaphosa said they have all been called upon to serve the people of this country, and they will do so to the utmost of their ability.
The President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa will announce a new National Executive this evening, 30 June 2024. The announcement – which will be in the form of a televised address to the nation – follows the inauguration of Ramaphosa on 19 June 2024, which in turn followed the President’s election by the National Assembly on 14 June.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the new National Executive will constitute the 7th Democratic Administration as a Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising a diversity of political parties as an outcome of the national and provincial elections held on 29 May 2024.
“The SABC will provide a content feed to all media and @PresidencyZA will also live stream the proceedings. The announcement will take place at 9pm,” he said.
A suspect (38) was arrested for rape, murder and robbery in Wolmaranstad. It is alleged that on 15 June 2024 at 7pm, the body of a woman (74), was discovered by her son, who brought her dinner.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the son and neighbours allegedly forced entry into Akina Mhaba’s house in Chris Hani Section, in Wolmaranstad. Myburgh said Mhaba was found dead in a pool of blood on her bed.
“A meticulous investigation by the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit paid off when they traced and arrested a suspect in the early hours of Friday morning, 28 June 2024, in Wolmaranstad.
“Intensive investigation led to the arrest of the suspect. Moreover, the police seized blankets belonging to the deceased at the suspect’s house. The suspect is expected to appear before the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on 1 July 2024, on charges of murder, rape and robbery,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and congratulated members of the Provincial Murder and Robbery unit for their dedication that led to the arrest.
A corruption case against a prosecutor has been postponed. Ignacia Koketso Mahlakwane, who is facing a charge of corruption, extortion and obstructing the administration of justice, briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Mahlakwane allegedly on 6 July 2023, accepted gratification of an amount between R70 000 and R80 000 with her accomplice, to decline to prosecute a case of a man, who was appearing before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for a charge of assault with the intent to commit Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“After the man, who is now the complainant in the matter, refused to pay the requested amount on 24 October 2023, Mahlakwane, acting in common purpose with her accomplice, issued a J175 summons for the man to appear in court C at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
“The complainant then reported the matter to the police. After investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Detectives Unit, Mahlakwane was arrested on 26 June 2024 at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. After an unopposed bail application, the matter was postponed to 28 August 2024 for further investigation,” she said.
Mahanjana said the NPA is committed to fighting corruption at all levels, including within its own ranks.
A man (31) was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for sexual assault. On 22 August 2020 at around 8:30pm, a woman (20) and her friend were walking from a Sports Bar in Loeriesfontein, when she was accosted by Garvey De Koker.
Koker made sexual advances to the victim, grabbed her arm and touched her indecently on her private parts. He was arrested two days later and sentenced on 27 June 2024 to 5 years imprisonment, which was suspended for a period of 5 years.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Koker was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The police management in Northern Cape applauded Detective Constable Anthony Willemse from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for the outstanding detective work that ensured the conviction of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrator” he said.
The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape are urging the residents, especially business owners to become more vigilant and alert. The police said they understand the impact that crime has on individuals and businesses, and are committed to working with the public to prevent it from occurring.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police are urging the public to adhere to and implement safety hints to ensure their safety. Kock said the safeguarding of their property by adhering to safety against business robbery.
“Businesses are requested to be extra vigilant around closing times. Never lock your business premises alone and install extra security gates. Appoint security guards and install security cameras, including alarm systems. Ensure that all doors and windows are secure.
“Business owners should remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly. They should also educate staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations. Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items. Tuckshops and other small businesses must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open till late,” he said.
He further said business owners should refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes them a bigger target for business robberies. Kock added that those who want to prevent house robberies, should get a guard dog.
“House owners should install security gates and burglar bars. They should always lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Consider installing an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Do not open the door for strangers and be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the house.
“Immediately contact police when you notice suspicious persons loitering around and sitting on street corners. Do not leave spare keys in an obvious place like post boxes. To prevent general robberies, people should avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas,” said Kock.
He said they should keep their valuables out of sight in public places. Kock urged them to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour.
“Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with you. Keep your cell phone and other electronic devices hidden when walking in public. Do not resist during a robbery, as this may escalate the situation and increase your risk of harm.
“They should not speak to strangers, while busy at ATMs. People should use ATMs that are well lit and not hidden away. Do not give your pin to anyone and cover your pin when doing ATM transactions,” he said.
Kock said they should not withdraw large amounts of cash, rather use debit or credit cards for purchases. He said they should always be aware of their surroundings.
“If possible, withdraw money at the tellers in supermarkets. Be aware of card scammers and we urge individuals to also be aware of tricksters that say they can make their money more when drawing cash from ATMs or banks.
“They should not use an ATM that they suspect was tampered with. He said the police care about their safety and by adhering to the safety hints, they can reduce their risk of falling victim to a robbery.
“Remember, prevention is key. If you witness or experience a robbery, report it immediately to the police. Working together, we can help create safer crime free communities for everyone,” said Kock.
The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape are urging the residents, especially business owners to become more vigilant and alert. The police said they understand the impact that crime has on individuals and businesses, and are committed to working with the public to prevent it from occurring.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police are urging the public to adhere to and implement safety hints to ensure their safety. Kock said the safeguarding of their property by adhering to safety against business robbery.
“Businesses are requested to be extra vigilant around closing times. Never lock your business premises alone and install extra security gates. Appoint security guards and install security cameras, including alarm systems. Ensure that all doors and windows are secure.
“Business owners should remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly. They should also educate staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations. Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items. Tuckshops and other small businesses must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open till late,” he said.
He further said business owners should refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes them a bigger target for business robberies. Kock added that those who want to prevent house robberies, should get a guard dog.
“House owners should install security gates and burglar bars. They should always lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Consider installing an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Do not open the door for strangers and be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the house.
“Immediately contact police when you notice suspicious persons loitering around and sitting on street corners. Do not leave spare keys in an obvious place like post boxes. To prevent general robberies, people should avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas,” said Kock.
He said they should keep their valuables out of sight in public places. Kock urged them to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour.
“Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with you. Keep your cell phone and other electronic devices hidden when walking in public. Do not resist during a robbery, as this may escalate the situation and increase your risk of harm.
“They should not speak to strangers, while busy at ATMs. People should use ATMs that are well lit and not hidden away. Do not give your pin to anyone and cover your pin when doing ATM transactions,” he said.
Kock said they should not withdraw large amounts of cash, rather use debit or credit cards for purchases. He said they should always be aware of their surroundings.
“If possible, withdraw money at the tellers in supermarkets. Be aware of card scammers and we urge individuals to also be aware of tricksters that say they can make their money more when drawing cash from ATMs or banks.
“They should not use an ATM that they suspect was tampered with. He said the police care about their safety and by adhering to the safety hints, they can reduce their risk of falling victim to a robbery.
“Remember, prevention is key. If you witness or experience a robbery, report it immediately to the police. Working together, we can help create safer crime free communities for everyone,” said Kock.
Picture: SANDF solider, Rebaone Kgopane who was killed in DRC/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attack, is Rebaone Kgopane from Matlapaeng village in Taung.
The SANDF announced on Wednesday that two soldiers were killed yesterday, while 20 were injured when M23 rebels attacked the town of Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The SANDF said four members who were critically injured have been hospitalised, while the rest who suffered minor injuries are expected to be discharged soon.
“The families of the two members who lost their lives have been informed and all procedures to bring their mortal remains are in process. The names of the deceased will be communicated in due course.
“On 30 May 2024, Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane passed away following contact between the M23 and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces. Ngubane (39), was the operational medical practitioner in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS),” the statement read.
The SANDF said in February 2024, Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono, were also killed and three of their colleagues were injured in the DRC after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
Meanwhile, the president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of two soldiers and injuries sustained by 20 others in a mortar attack on their base in Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We offer our deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops, as well as their commanders and colleagues.
The President’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries.
“We assure the bereaved families and the injured troops that the South African National Defence Force will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected. As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten.”
Ramaphosa further said SANDF are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.
He added that this was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.
The Guardian 