Category Archives: NEWS

A slight decline on female representation at National Parliament

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Picture: A National Assembly in process

By OBAKENG MAJE

The secretary to the national parliament, Xolile George, who received the lists of designated National Assembly members, applauded the Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo for managing the delicate constitutional process with precision and integrity, arranging this significant occasion seamlessly.

Zondo handed over the lists of designated National Assembly members to George on 6 June 2024.

George said Zondo’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the smooth transition of power is commendable. He further extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

George added that conducting free and fair elections is no small feat, and IEC has done so with unparalleled excellence.

“Your world-class systems have empowered millions of South Africans to express their democratic choices. It is through your tireless efforts that our citizens could vote with confidence, knowing their voices would be heard and their decisions respected.

“Your commitment to transparency, efficiency, and fairness has once again reinforced the integrity of our electoral process. I offer my deepest gratitude to the over 16 million eligible voters who participated in these elections,” he said.

George said despite facing challenging weather conditions at times, the voters demonstrated remarkable patience and resilience. He said their participation in this highly contested and historic election – marking the 30th anniversary of the constitutional democracy – is a testament to your commitment to shaping the future of our nation.

“Your decisions have determined who will represent you in Parliament, and it is now our responsibility to ensure that the new Parliament carries your aspirations and hopes for a better future.

“At the end of the 6th parliamentary term, a notable 45% of the National Assembly’s MPs were women, totalling 181 female representatives. This strong presence of women was evident from the beginning of the term when 179 women were sworn in as members of the National Assembly,” said George.

He said throughout this period, the Parliament consistently ranked within the top 10 of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) rankings for world parliaments with the highest representation of women, underscoring our commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.

George said while the list that they received might still change at some stage consistent with the laws and procedures, their initial assessment indicated that in this list, female representation experienced a slight decline, dropping from 45% in 2019 to approximately 43.5%, with a total of 174 elected members, who are women.

He said despite this decrease, the National Assembly remains dedicated to advancing gender parity and continues to be a significant player on the global stage for its efforts in promoting women’s representation in politics.

“It is also worth noting that this National Assembly list boasts a significant representation of young people, with nearly 50% of its members falling within the 20 to 50-year age cohort.

“This demographic shift is a positive development, aligning the assembly more closely with the population where young people form the majority. Such a youthful composition is expected to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a dynamic approach to addressing the challenges and aspirations of society,” said George.

He said this will ensure that the legislative body remains attuned to the needs and ambitions of the younger generation. George said as they move forward from this pivotal moment, it is essential to outline the administrative process that will follow this handover.

“Once the Chief Justice has determined the date of the first sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), we will activate all necessary arrangements.

“This entails ensuring that elected members are received from various parts of the country, that they are onboarded efficiently, their details captured accurately, and they are adequately prepared for the first sittings,” he said.

George said this comprehensive onboarding process includes orientation sessions to familiarise new members with parliamentary procedures, protocols, and their roles and responsibilities.

He said they have a well-coordinated plan in place to facilitate the smooth transition of new members into their parliamentary roles.

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Two men sentenced to 22 years imprisonment each for kidnapping and raping a minor

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two men sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. On 2 June 2013, a girl (11), was sent to the local shop to buy some sugar and some other grocery essentials. Upon exiting the shop, she was called over by a young neighbourhood man, who she knew by his acquaintance to her aunt’s son. 

The victim was then taken to the toilet behind the shop, and the neighbourhood young man Emmanuel Modise (27), who was 17 at the time, and two of his friends, then proceeded to rape the complainant. After that, the young men took her to a local soccer stadium, where one of them raped her once more. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the girl then ran home and informed her family about what had happened. Senokoatsane said the following day, a rape and kidnapping case was opened. 

“The police promptly commenced their investigations and the accused were arrested. The trial commenced in April 2023 and the prosecution led by Regional Court Prosecutor, Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor, called three witnesses, which included the complainant, her sister, and the former co-accused to the accused before the court, who had already pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment, in respect of this case. 

“Even though the state witnesses placed Modise and Ditebogo Tshegodikae (34), on the scene, including their former co-accused, they both denied their involvement in the offence. Modise and Tshegodikae (who was 24 years-old at the time), tried to establish an alibi for the night in question,” he said. 

Senokoatsane further said during the argument on sentencing, the defence alleged that the accused should not be sentenced to the prescribed minimum sentence (life imprisonment), as they were young when they committed the offence. He added that they were both first offenders at the time of committing this offence. 

“The prosecution conceded that substantial and compelling circumstances existed, which permitted the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. 

“The prosecution, however, informed the court that the accused were now serial sexual offenders and required serious intervention to be rehabilitated and that the court should sentence both the accused to 20 years of direct imprisonment each,” said Senokoatsane.

He said the court agreed that substantial and compelling circumstances did exist, allowing it to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Senokoatsane said the court, among other factors, regarded the late conclusion of the matter as a substantial and compelling circumstance. 

“The court stated further that the accused’s actions on the night in question were not that of youthful young men and said that the accused treated the complainant like an animal on the night in question. 

“The court, before delivering the sentence, said that it would show mercy to the accused even though they did not show mercy to the complainant. The court sentenced both the accused to 7 years imprisonment each in respect of kidnapping of a minor and they were sentenced to 22 years imprisonment each for rape,” he said. 

Senokoatsane said both these sentences are to run concurrently. He said the accused were further declared unfit to possess a firearm (Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act). 

“The accused were also declared unfit to work with children (Section 120 of the Children’s Act) and their names be added to the Register of Sexual Offences (Section 50 of the Sexual Offences Act),” said Senokoatsane.

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Four suspects nabbed for armed robbery

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four suspects aged between 18 and 44 were arrested for armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspects were arrested during a joint operation by the Sun City and Madikwe Visible Policing, Madikwe Detectives, as well as Mabeskraal Visible Policing.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspects were arrested in connection with the armed robbery allegedly committed at Dwarsberg. Mokgwabone said following the incident, police were mobilised in Mabeskraal, Sun City and Madikwe, to block all major routes entering and/or exiting the three station policing areas.

Mokgwabone said consequently, a suspicious blue Hyundai was stopped at Ledig village for a search. He further said as a result, the police allegedly found two unlicensed firearms, ammunition and suspected stolen goods, six ammunition, 11 cell phones and an assortment of cigarettes.

“All four occupants of the vehicle were then arrested. The suspects; aged between 18 and 44, are due to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their collaborative efforts that led to the success.

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Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A Nigerian foreign national (26) is expected to appear in Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng on 10 June 2024, for possession and dealing in drugs. The suspect was arrested on Thursday morning, 6 June 2024, by Mmabatho Visible Policing members during a crime intelligence-driven and tactical operation.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police allegedly kept observation along Bray Road, where they spotted the suspect’s vehicle (White Volkswagen Polo with Gauteng Province registration number). Mokgwabone said a car chase ensued after the suspect ignored the police’s instruction to stop.

“The determined police eventually stopped the vehicle and conducted a search, which led to the discovery of 43.8 grams of crystal meth and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16 000.

“The suspect was then arrested. Moreover, the team confiscated the suspect’s vehicle,” he said.

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Four suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi 

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Picture: Some of foodstuffs seized by the police/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Operation Vala Umgodi continues to hit hard on illegal miners. This comes after the crime-intelligence team allegedly spotted suspicious men aged between 18 and 30, carrying a bag at James Shaft, near Stilfontein on 5 June 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the operational team was mobilised and managed to arrest the suspects. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly discovered two 12 volt batteries and one pulling winch near a ventilation shaft. 

“The goods were apparently due to be lowered underground. The suspects are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2024, facing charges of conspiracy to commit crime and theft.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that three of the suspects are Mozambican foreign nationals and two of them are undocumented. The fourth suspect is a South African,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in another incident on Tuesday evening, 4 June 2024, the Vala Umgodi team conducted a waylay operation at Tony Shaft near Khuma Township, near Stilfontein. He added that upon arrival at the shaft, the police allegedly spotted zama-zamas, who ran in different directions and disappeared in the bushes. 

“The police subsequently discovered one Uzi machine gun with a magazine, 10 ammunition, various foodstuffs and a pulling winch. It was established that the firearm was stolen during a house robbery in Klerksdorp in March 2023. 

“In the third incident, the police spotted suspects who were allegedly lowering foodstuffs at James Shaft in Stilfontein in the early hours of Friday morning, 31 May 2024. Upon arrival of the police, the suspects allegedly ran away and left behind a lot of maize meal, a Nissan bakkie and a rope used to get the foodstuffs underground,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the goods, including the bakkie, were confiscated. Mokgwabone said the investigations including confirmation of the vehicle ownership are underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their tireless efforts in the fight against illicit economic activities.

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A man found guilty of dealing in drugs 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man was found guilty by the Springbok Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Micheal September was found guilty on three counts of dealing in drugs on 5 June 2024. 

According to the Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, the accused was arrested on 29 March 2021, by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team during an undercover operation. 

“Three transactions were conducted with him, where he sold Methamphetamine (TIK) and Methaqualone (Mandrax tablets) to a combined value of R25 000. A thorough investigation by the team led to the conviction of September. 

“The case was postponed to 3 July 2024, for probation report and correctional service report,” she said.

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A man nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen rifles

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Picture: Some of rifles seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

A wanted suspect (38) in connection with house-breaking and theft incident has been arrested. This comes after a swift response by the police from Nababeep and Springbok.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the incident occurred in Jacobs Garden in Concordia in the Namakwa District.

Ehlers said the Detectives in Nababeep, accompanied by members of Springbok Public Order Police and Springbok K9 Unit, followed up information and traced the wanted suspect.

“The suspect was apprehended at his residence in Concordia on 6 June 2024, at approximately 08:00. The suspect was found in possession of suspected stolen goods, including an amplifier, two cordless microphones, and two speakers.

“Further investigation led the police to where the suspect had hidden the suspected stolen firearms. The police recovered and seized a 6mm hunting rifle with ammunition, a revolver with ammunition and an air rifle,” she said.

Ehlers further said the suspect will appear in Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon.

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Motshameko wa mantshano magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela Wonderous FC o tla boelediwa kwa Ganyesa

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Setshwantsho: Motshameko wa mantshano magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela Wonderous FC kwa Ipelegeng Stadium, Schweizer Reneke

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Motshameko wa mantshano magareng ga setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Mogopela Wonderous FC ya mono Taung, kgatlhanong le setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC sa kwa Vryburg, o tlile go tshamekelwa kwa Ganyesa Astro Turf kwa Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Motshameko o wa mantshano, ke wa poeletso morago ga gore o emisiwe kwa lebaleng la metshameko la Ipelegeng, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, mo dibekeng tse pedi tse di fetileng. Seno se tlile morago ga gore go tsoge tlhatlharuane magareng ga ditlhopa tse, mme molatedi wa Mogopela Wonderous FC one a tlhabiwa ka thipa ke mongwe o go belaelwang ele molatedi wa setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC.

Bakatisi ba setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC, ba ne ba ipelaetsa le go latofatsa moletsaphala gore o ikaba ka letlhakuri morago ga go neela setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC penalty. Fela, motshameki wa Nkamodira FC, one a fosa penalty eo.

Ene ya re morago ga metsotsonyana, setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC sene sa nosa. Fela, ene ya re go setse metsotso e se kae pele ga motshameko o ya bokhutlhong, bakatisi ga mmogo le balatedi ba setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC, bane ba itelekela mo lebaleng, mme seo sene sa lebisa kwa go emisweng ga motshameko.

Jaanong, SAFA mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, ene ya laela gore motshameko o, o boelediwe mme o tla tshamikiwa ntle le balatedi. Setlhopa se se fenyang magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela FC, se tlile go leba kwa metshamekong ya mantshano ya porofense go rakana le ditlhopa tse dingwe go tswa di dikeng tse difarologaneng mo porofenseng.

Setlhopa se se tla fenya, se tlile go fetela kwa leking ya ABC Motsepe.

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Orlando Pirates FC release four players

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Picture: Orlando Pirates FC release players

By BAKANG MOKOTO

As the football season draws to a close, many Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams not only mark the end of the campaign, but also bid farewell to some of their esteemed players. Orlando Pirates Football Club has released Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thabang Monare and Kermit Erasmus as their respective contracts come to an end on 30 June 2024.

Orlando Pirates FC official statement reads it is with a deep sense of gratitude that they reflect on the contributions of these players during their time with them. It says Richard Ofori joined the Mighty Buccaneers in 2020 and quickly became a cornerstone of their defence, playing 58 matches and securing 29 clean sheets.

“Yet, his influence extended beyond the pitch. Ofori was a unifying force within the squad, and his four years here, have left us with countless positive memories.

“Siyabonga Mpontshane (38) will be leaving after nine seasons with the us. His tenure has been marked by exceptional discipline and dedication, making him one of our most respected and appreciated members of the team,” the club said.

It said that from the day Thabang Monare (34), stepped foot in the club, he gave it his all. Desh as Monare is affectionately known in football arena, has been the embodiment of hard work and resilience, featuring in 93 matches for the Buccaneers. 

The statement said Monare leaves the club with 2 Nedbank Cup, 2 MTN8 Cup and a silver medal for the CAF Confederation Cup. Orlando Pirates FC said on the other hand, Kermit Erasmus rejoined them in 2022 after nine years away and made an immediate impact by helping us clinch the MTN8 title.

“With over 117 matches under his belt in Pirates colours, Eramus has solidified his legendary status at the club. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these players for their unwavering service and commitment to the club. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” the statement said.

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Brave Bafana shrug off travel challenges to share the spoils with Nigeria in tense away qualifier

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Nigeria/Google

By REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana shrugged off travel challenges to draw 1-1 with Nigeria during a pulsating 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.

It was a tense showdown between the two long-time foes, but Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges rose to the challenge and took the fight to their West African hosts from the opening whistle. After one of their longest trips to Nigeria, spanning more than 30 hours, Bafana Bafana will feel they could have won the match.

The South African senior men’s national team were the first to get their name up on the stadium scoreboard after irrepressible midfielder, Themba Zwane opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a delicious pass from Yaya Sithole. Maestro Zwane was like an orchestra conductor interpreting composer Broos’ team sheet, and he executed the task at hand with his signature silky brush of the ball.

It was such a moment of inspiration from the visitors that the home fans were stunned into silence by the buildup, and by Zwane’s delectable final execution.

But the hosts equalised through Faruq Dele-Bashiru soon after the restart in the second half to put the Nigerians back in the game. The Bafana Bafana players put their bodies on the line to keep Nigeria at bay, and also try to find the goal that would have given the visitors a victory away from home.

Bafana Bafana goalie, Ronwen Williams pulled off stunning saves to ensure that the South African senior men’s national team will return home tomorrow with a point from Nigeria. It was a team effort, and all the players gave their all in Uyo.

Bafana Bafana face Zimbabwe in their next World Cup qualifier in a match that is to be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June 2024. Kickoff is at 6pm and tickets to this encounter are now available at the match venue, Free State stadium.

The gates will open at 3pm and the tickets are priced at R50 for adults. Kids, scholars and students will pay R20 (school uniform and student cards required for over 12-year-olds). Tickets are also available at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, Postnet etc.

Hospitality tickets are available from the stadium, and they are priced at R1500 and R2000 packages, including food and drinks.

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