5 November 2024- The Pretoria North Regional Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a confiscation order against Sarathamoney Devi Sigamoney (67), after she was convicted on charges of perjury, fraud and theft. Sigamoney defrauded the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pension pay-outs, while being the sole director of a company that was awarded tenders worth approximately R88 million from the South African Police Service (SAPS), to supply office furniture between 2017 and 2022.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the order stipulates that an amount of R138 593.00, together with interest at a prescribed rate of 11.25% per annum, calculated from the date of this order to the date of payment, be paid back to SASSA. Mamothame said the accused was also ordered to provide proof of payment to the state.
“This is the NPA’s strategy to use the forfeiture powers of the AFU to take away the proceeds of crime back to the state, to ensure that crime does not pay. Following her conviction on the matter, sentencing is set for 14 January 2025,” he said.
Picture: Some of residents who are virtually impaired receive spectacles/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 November 2024- Ten visually impaired residents from Dithakwaneng village, near Vryburg, received pairs of spectacles. The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said this will assure them to improve their vision.
Lehari further this was part of the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Accelerated Service Delivery Programme campaign. He added that the spectacles were manufactured at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital Eye Care Clinic, which offers same day provision of prescribed spectacles from an in-house Optical Laboratory.
“The centre further performs optical surgical procedures to improve and restore eye complications. It is important for government to provide assistive devices to people with varying impairments and disabilities to improve their quality of life.
“In the past, people were forced to accept the in inevitable and adapt to their circumstances. However, all that has changed as we have introduced intervention mechanisms intending to assist them navigate their health challenges,” said Lehari.
Lehari said his department is determined to reach out to more people and provide restorative devices to enhance their vision. He said they are in the fortunate position to provide excellent eye health care to local people through public health facilities like Joe Morolong and Job Shimankana Tabane
Hospitals, which house on-site ophthalmology services to ensure people are able to have improved vision, which translates to an improved quality of life.
5 November 2024- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), was postponed to Thursday by the Taung Regional Court. This comes after court recording machine malfunctioned.
The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood.
This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
5 November 2024- A policeman (28) allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Tlhalefo Setlhare (38), a man and injured another person before turning the gun on himself. It is alleged that, friends were having a house party in Zone 2 in Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg on 2 November 2024, when Constable Lesego Eugene Phefo took out a firearm and started shooting.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Setlhare and a man (name and age to be confirmed), were shot multiple times and died on the scene. Myburgh said Phefo was also found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head and a firearm close to his body.
“The police in Itsoseng are investigating a double murder, attempted murder and inquest cases. The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the province, mourns the death of Phefo.The fourth person, who was seriously injured was ferried to hopscotch for medical attention.
“The Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) declared the trio dead on the scene,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Kwena reminded and urged all SAPS employees to use the services of Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) in case of any challenges.
Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today. This comes after a court recording device malfunctioned yesterday and the magistrate decided to postpone the matter.
Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).
“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.
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.
5 November 2024- North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he is elated to announce that all outstanding 30% exceeding overtime payments, will be paid fully to all employees including nurses and doctors. Lehari and his management have been engaging both labour unions and all healthcare professionals to ensure negotiations are conducted peacefully.
He further said the announcement to unions comes after prolonged discussions for approval of payments with the Office of the Minister of Public Service and Administration (PSA), Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Provincial Treasury and Office of the Premier. Lehari added that they have convened an urgent meeting with leaders of labour unions to announce this pleasant news.
“This is one of the first issues I found on my desk upon arrival in this department. I am glad that it has now been resolved. We are all aware that government processes take time and we also know that consultation is very crucial when dealing with public funds.
“It may have seemed as if we were moving at a snail pace, but we were not. I want to thank all of you here, that even under extreme pressure to go on strike, you remained very disciplined, understanding the oath you took, to save lives at all material times” he said.
Lehari then announced that a Monitoring Task Team composed of senior departmental managers, representation from all six unions and other stakeholders, should be established to assess and verify employees’ claims and oversee all payments to ensure the process is transparent, fair and hoist an element of accountability. He said his department has budgeted over R51 million to compensate workers, who have rendered their services beyond the 30% overtime payment requirements.
“I need to stress out that as unions, you are now part of the team that will ensure that the process is fast tracked, while eliminating all financial risks. We are working on ensuring that we inject more nurses into the system so that you are not required to be overstretched and work so many hours without immediate compensation,” said Lehari.
5 November 2024- A man (20) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for rape. On 22 December 2022, a girl (12), went to her neighbour at Dubai Section in Lethabong Gardens, near Rustenburg to ask for food because her mother was not home at the time.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the neighbour dragged her inside his house and raped her. Myburgh said thereafter, he gave her a plate of food to eat.
“The child reported the ordeal to her mother when she returned home. A case was reported to the police and the suspect was arrested a few days later. He made his first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2022.
“He was denied bail and remained in detention until his sentencing on 30 October 2024. The convict was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Furthermore, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sergeant Irene Ngwato of Mogwase FCS Unit for her diligence to ensure that the convict is put behind bars.
5 November 2024– A man (58) was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for rape. On 19 September 2019, an aunt found a note between the school books of her niece (10), highlighting that her uncle raped her at the age of 7, during school holidays.
The letter suggested that the incident took place in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said her uncle was 50 years at that time. Myburgh said after finding the note, the aunt informed the child’s mother.
“Subsequently, the mother spoke to her child who admitted that what she wrote in the note was true. The police were as a result, informed and the child was taken for medical treatment that confirmed the rape.
“The suspect was traced and arrested two days later. He appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for the first time on 23 September 2019, and was found guilty on 30 October 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sergeant Mmathapelo Sebogodi of Tlhabane FCS Unit for her diligence to ensure that the convict is put behind bars.
Picture: Former CFO at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 November 2024- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on Monday for alleged fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The suspect was arrested in Heidelberg following allegations of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act in the procurement of motor vehicle rental service for the mayor.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said from April to May 2022, the suspect procured motor vehicle rental service for the mayor without following proper supply chain processes. Mathebula said the investigation revealed that the suspect procured these services without the approval of the Municipal Manager.
“As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of over R167 000. The suspect is due to appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 5 November 2024, to face three counts of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 November 2024- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they are in collaboration with the North West University (NWU) in an effort to find a permanent solution on the impasse at Hartbeespoort Dam. Initially, the NWU was commissioned to scientifically investigate the root cause of the violence that affects communities residing around the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Lenkopane further said they have now expanded the scope for the scientific inquiry to research possible economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West province equally. She added that the outbreak of violence in September 2024, in Hartbeespoort Dam has been characterized as racial tension, while in some quarters the altercations were labelled as a scramble for economic opportunities and participation.
“We since intervened, calling for peace and tolerance. We want to find a permanent solution to the problem at Hartbeespoort Dam and we do not want to be seen jumping the gun by arriving at assumption based conclusions on what could be the root cause of the violence.
“What we are condemning outright as a department, are acts of violence, criminality and destruction of property. That is why we have partnered with the NWU under the leadership of Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe to bring about a proper scientific inquiry into this matter,” said Lenkopane.
She said her department has already collected some data and several business people around Hartbeespoort Dam have been interviewed. Lenkopane said the preliminary investigations would not be released until the NWU concludes its report.
“We would then release the report for public consumption and engagement. The commission of the scientific report would end all forms of speculation around the problems of violence at Hartbeespoort Dam and will also identify economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West Province.
“We are working around the clock with all relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problems affecting communities around the Hartebeespoort Dam,” she said.
