14 November 2024: Two brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for raping a woman (31). Kobus and Abraham Syster aged 25 and 31 respectively, raped a woman on 2 January 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said two accused gained entrance to the victim’s home and took turns raping her, while her boyfriend was asleep. Sam said the duo then fled with the victim’s belongings.
“The brothers pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 12 months for theft, both sentences to run concurrently. The court also declared both suspects unfit to possess firearms and instructed that their names be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, praised the prosecution and investigating teams led by Advocate Nicola Van Niekerk and Detective Sergeant Ricardo Kock, for their thorough and meticulous investigation of the case ensuring the life-long incarceration of the accused. Otola reiterated that partnerships are key in the fight against GBV.
“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, police will be bold in their approach and support the theme: “30 Years of Advancing collective action to end Violence against women and children.”
“The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services and to report criminal behaviour via the MySAPS App and 08600 10111. All information will be handled confidentially,” he said.
Picture: The cattle of a farmer struck by lightning/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 November 2024- In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the livelihood of Ngaka Modiri Molema farmer, Christopher Maema, was severely impacted when a lightning strike tragically claimed the lives of 53 of his valuable cattle on his farm located 40km North West of Zeerust town on 10 November 2024.
Despite this devastating loss, Maema found solace in the unwavering support extended by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, who personally visited his farm on 13 November 2024, to show solidarity and offer encouragement.
Expressing deep empathy for Maema’s plight, Sambatha acknowledged the severe financial and emotional toll of this unexpected event.
“It is heart-wrenching to witness the challenges faced by our farmers, especially when nature strikes in such an unforeseen way. Upon learning of the incident, the department promptly dispatched a team to Maema’s farm.
“The team conducted a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the damage and is currently compiling a comprehensive report to guide support efforts in the wake of this unfortunate event,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maema said through this show of solidarity, the department reaffirms its commitment to the farming community, ensuring that no farmer stands alone in the face of hardship.
“I am visibly moved by the department’s gesture and I expressed my gratitude. Having the support of our leaders and the department has given me a renewed sense of hope. I know I am not alone in this and as a man, I will have to soldier on,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addressing learners at Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are deeply concerned following the unfortunate incidents that took place at Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg on Tuesday, where two learners from Grade 9 and Grade 10 were stabbed in separate, but related incidents that are believed to be linked to gangsterism.
Motsumi said one of the learners was attacked outside the school premises by a gang of four individuals, reportedly expelled and suspended former learners of Meriti Secondary School. She further said the learner ran towards the school for protection, and in the ensuing chaos, the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner.
“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.
“The police were called to the scene to address the incidents and ensure the safety of the school community. We convened an urgent meeting with the School Governing Body (SGB), parents and the school management on 13 November 2024, to address the safety concerns and establish measures to prevent future occurrences,” said Motsumi.
To strengthen security at the school, she announced that four security personnel will be deployed to guard the school, with their deployment commencing on 14 November 2024. Motsumi emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive environment for learners as they continue with their academic activities, particularly during the examination period.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are paramount. We have taken immediate action to deploy security personnel to safeguard the school premises and restore calm. I urge all members of the school community to remain calm and cooperate with the measures being put in place as we ensure by all means that those responsible get apprehended and justice is served.
“The department continues to work closely with law enforcement and other stakeholders to address any form of violence in schools and promote a safe learning environment for all learners and teachers during this examination period and beyond,” she said.
Picture: The police at a shaft, where illegal miners are stuck underground in the disused mine/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 November 2024 – The Operation Vala Umgodi task team in North West continues to call upon illegal miners, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface. In line with safeguarding lives, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have allowed water and food to be delivered to those underground, so that they can safely resurface.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police and other safety officials, will remain in place in the North West until all illegal miners resurface and are arrested. Mokgwabone said 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. To date, more than 1000 individuals have resurfaced from illegal mining activities, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that those who remain underground resurface.
“Today, only three illegal miners have resurfaced. The SAPS will continue to stamp the authority of the state without fear or favour,” he said.
14 November 2024- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari added his voice to millions around the world to mark World Diabetic Day. Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed to raise awareness of this worldwide health issue.
Lehari said the World Diabetes Day offers a chance to highlight the importance of diabetes as a worldwide public health concern and the individual and group efforts required to enhance the disease’s detection, prevention, and treatment.
He further said the theme for this year: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, reflects their dedication to lowering the risk of diabetes and making sure that everyone with the disease has access to fair, thorough and high-quality care.
“Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It is classified in 4 types known as type 1, Type 2, Gestational and prediabetes.
“During type 1 diabetes, your body produces little or no insulin. Type 2, insulin is not adequately used by the cells in your body. One kind of diabetes that appears during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes,” said Lehari.
He added that after the baby is born, this kind of diabetes usually disappears. Lehari said on the other hand, you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes in the future.
“If you have had gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can occasionally be identified during pregnancy. With prediabetes, blood glucose levels that are higher than usual but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes are found in people with prediabetes.
“You are more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life if you now have prediabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of kidney, nerve, heart, and eye damage. Symptoms of diabetes includes increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, slow-healing sores or cuts and frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections,” he said.
Lehari said it can be managed by routine blood glucose tests, controlling blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, quitting smoking, creating a healthy diet, getting physical activity, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep and constantly taking diabetes medication including blood pressure and cholesterol medication.
He said long term complications of diabetes include cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues such as, but not limited to heart attack, stroke, skin infections, sexual dysfunction due to nerve and blood vessel damage, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness, hearing loss and amputations.
“The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has rapidly increased in South Africa, from 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019. Of the 4.58 million people aged 20–79 years who were estimated to have diabetes in South Africa in 2019, 52.4% were undiagnosed,” said Lehari.
14 November 2024- A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the De Aar High Court for killing his girlfriend, Roylene Mondsinger (33). On 3 November 2022, Pheral Bamberg and his girlfriend, were sitting with friends at their home in Carnarvon, when an argument ensued after their friends left.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Bamberg attempted to leave to go to her mother’s house when the accused assaulted her. Ehlers said Bamberg decapitated her, leaving her body in the kitchen, and went to sleep in the bedroom.
“The victim’s mother made the shocking discovery the following day and immediately alerted the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. Bamberg was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing on 13 November 2024 in the De Aar High Court.
“The excellent collaboration between Carnarvon Detectives and the state prosecutor, secured the life sentence handed down to Bamberg for the brutal and heinous murder of Mondsinger,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the investigating officer, Detective Constable WJ Heyns, and Advocate T Engelbrecht for securing the appropriate sentence. Otola reiterated that domestic violence related incidents will not be tolerated and police will heighten their efforts during the festive season and beyond to ensure that victims are protected and perpetrators feel the full wrath of the law.
“The SAPS encourages communities to report criminality via the MySAPS App, or 08600 10111 and the National Extortion Hotline at 0800 911 011. All information will be treated confidentially. #If you see something, say something,” she said.
14 November 2024- A man (25) was sentenced to eight years by the Danielskuil Regional Court for attempted murder. Thabiso Maphala stabbed his girlfriend (22), four times with a knife on 202 November 2023, at Finsch Hotels Hostels in Lime Acres.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said two years of eight years in the attempted murder case has been suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of attempted murder during the period of suspension. He said Maphala was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the acting ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, lauded the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Zamubuntu Ngebulani and state prosecutor, Kenneth Motsatsi for the collaborative efforts and ensuring justice for the victim of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Ngebulani encouraged communities to participate in the “Rate Our Service” online survey to assist the SAPS in improving their service to the public.
“We also encouraged the public to report crimes via the MySAPS App, 08600 10111, and the extortion hotline at 0800 911 011. All information received will be handled confidentially,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Dithunya le matlhatlhela tse di bonweng kwa Lehatlheng ke sepodisi
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
13 Ngwanatsele 2024- Batho ba babedi ba ba ileng ba tshwarwa kwa Lehatlheng kwa motseng wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung ka di 8 Ngwanatsele 2024, ba golotswe ka beile ya mahala. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Keneilwe Kgorotlhe-Mothupi (26) a ile a tshwarwa ka diritibatsi di tshwana le mandrax, Crystal Meth, Nyaope, ga mmogo le matokwane tsa boleng jwa R21 200.
Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa thopa madi a seatleng a lekanyediwang go R7000, a go dumelwang fa a ka tswa ele ditlamorago tsa thekiso e ya diritibatsi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi sa Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are sepodisi se ile sa fetela kwa ntlung enngwe teng kwa Lehatlheng le go e phuruphutsa, mme se ile sa tshwara monna, Kula Gasealahwe 51, morago ga go fitlhela diritibatsi tsa mandrax tsa boleng jwa R2500 le dithunya, ga mmogo le matlhatlhela.
“Sepodisi se ile sa phuruphutsha ntlo eo, mme sa fitlhela dithunya tse pedi tsa 9mm le di magazines, magazine ole mongwe wa sethunya sa R5, dikolo di le 6 tsa sethunya sa R5, dikolo di 31 tsa sethunya sa 9mm, ga mmogo le dikolo di le tharo tsa sethunya sa 7.5mm. Sepodisi gape se fitlheletse di radio di le tharo tsa puisano.
“Balatofadiwa ba tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung ka di 11 Ngwanatsele 2024,” Mokgwabone.
Go begwa fa Kgotlha-tshekelo e neetse Kgorotlhe-Mothupi yo go begwang fa ele mosadi wa motshwarwa mongwe, Thapelo “Bendo” Mothupi, yo o atlholetsweng ngwaga le le kgwedi kwa ntlolefitshwana, beile ya mahala, ga mmogo le Gasealahwe.
Go begwa fa se se tlile morago ga gore Mothupi a letsetse sepodisi, mme a tlhalosa fa diritibatsi le dithunya tse di bonweng, ele tsa gagwe. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 10 Sedimonthole 2024.
Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o akgotse sepodisi morago ga go tshwarwa ga balatofadiwa.
Picture: Some of illegal miners arrested by police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 November 2024- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it is shocked by the discovery of illicit mining taking place in Khuma Township, Stilfontein. This comes after dead bodies have allegedly been discovered by community members, who have surveyed the mine.
The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said community members conducted an investigation underground when their family members did not return home for days and alerted the authorities. Moema said according to the South African Police Services (SAPS), there are over 4500 miners trapped underground.
“The EFF is dismayed by the report that the North West Provincial Government, South African Police Services, Department of Mineral Resources and Emergency
Services do not have the capacity to go underground to retrieve surviving miners and account for the dead bodies.
“The SAPS has only stopped the supply of food underground as a mechanism to force the miners out of the mine. The reliance of the state organs on the community to assist in conducting investigation and oversight renders the government incompetent, complacent and shockingly incapacitated,” he said.
Moema further said they call upon all state organs, including SAPS Specialized task unit, the army and emergency services to collaborate in retrieving the alleged dead bodies, sick and all persons underground. He added that they call for law enforcement agencies to work with miners to capture syndicate bosses involved in the selling and buying of extracted minerals.
“The root problem of illicit mining lies in the fact that mining companies that previously operated at the site have neglected the site without putting in place rehabilitation and security measures.
“The EFF acknowledges that illegal mining is often a consequence of broader socio-economic issues such as poverty, unemployment and lack of formal job opportunities,” said Moema.
He said many people involved in illegal mining do so out of economic necessity, as formal employment options are limited, particularly in impoverished areas. Moema said in this regard, the EFF emphasizes that a broader strategy to tackle poverty and unemployment is needed in parallel with efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
“While we condemn illicit mining in its current form, we also support the idea of formalizing and regulating small-scale mining. The EFF argue that the state should create legal frameworks to support small miners, providing them with the necessary tools, licenses and access to resources, thereby reducing the incentives for illegal mining.
“The EFF expresses concerns about the devastating effects of illicit mining, both on the environment and the lives of miners. Illicit mining often occurs in unsafe and exploitative conditions, where miners face significant risks without the necessary protection or support,” he said.
Moema said illicit mining often results in accidents, violence, and the environmental harm caused by the lack of regulatory oversight.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A number of illegal miners who resurfaced rose from the initial 269 to 439. In total, the number of illegal miners who resurfaced between 18 October and 5 November 2004, rose to just above 1000.
“The suspects are still being processed accordingly. The 55 suspects arrested on 2 November 2024, appeared in court 5 November 2024. However, charges against them were withdrawn. They were nevertheless detained by Immigration Officials in terms of Section 34 of the Immigration Act, 2002, pending deportation order.”
13 November 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the quarterly Labour Force Survey regarding job creation in the province is on a positive trajectory. Thus far, half of the population of North West province is unemployed.
However, according to Statistics South Africa, the province has created 69 000 jobs in the third quarter of 2024.
Mokgosi said he has noted the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey Report by Statistics South Africa with optimism and as a signal that efforts for economic reforms and job creation are starting to pay off.
He further said the province has initiated various intervention measures such as the finalization of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, the appointment of the Economic and Investment Advisory Council, resuscitation of the Skills Development Forum, as well as the accelerated and expanded advertising of vacant posts in the public service.
“All these efforts are aimed at addressing the scourge of unemployment in the province. While this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. We welcome the recent statistics on Quarterly Labour Force Survey, however more than half of the population remains unemployed.
“Expanded unemployment in the North West remains stubbornly high at 51.5%. The province will host a Jobs Summit early next year to strengthen the government’s efforts for job creation. We have decided to call a jobs summit early next year with different stakeholders to see how best we can find solutions to challenges of unemployment in the province,” said Mokgosi.
In preparation for this summit, he said they have lined up a series of meetings with industry leaders in Agriculture, Tourism and Mining. According to Mokgosi, it is through these efforts that they can be able to have consensus on how they deal with this challenge.
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West said it has noted with interest that the rate of unemployment has declined in the province, showing some indication that some jobs have been created over the past quarter.
COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said this further provides some sign of improvement when looked at on a yearly basis. Konopi said this is the area which will demonstrate that there is still much work to be done for the provincial economy to absorb as many entrants to the labour market as possible.
“The official unemployment rate of the province declined by 4.5% in the past quarter and by 1.8% on a yearly basis. At the same time, official unemployment declined by 2.7% in the past quarter and by 0.3% on a year-on-year basis.
“While we note this improvement, the unemployment of the province still remains the highest if one looks at the expanded rate and the second highest at the official rate. The sectors which have grown the most are manufacturing, which grew by 26.2% on yearly basis but shrunk by 3.3% on quarterly basis,” he said.
Konopi said this was followed by agriculture which grew by 21.4% and no shrinkage. He said the third one is mining which grew by 10.2% and no shrinkage at all.
“While we can see based on the stats above that there is some increase in the number of people who have gained employment, this has not put a dent on the unemployment rate of the province.
We believe that for the unemployment to substantially decline, we need an employment growth rate of about 5% per quarter.
“It is then that we will see a real decline in the unemployment rate.
We believe that for the employment to grow we need a real policy shift in the economy of the province. We must also see commitment on investment on economic infrastructure to stimulate economic growth,” Konopi said.
He said while they are aware of the plans of the 7th administration, they believe some of the commitments need to be sped up so that they can see real economic growth, which is able to absorb many unemployed people of the province.
