2 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it has noted media reports about the Public Protector’s report on Thabo Bester, however, it has not been briefed about the report or such a report being referred to by the National Assembly (NA).
According to the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said the committee is aware about the matter of Bester that was reported to the committee of the 6th parliament. Ramolobeng said the 7th parliamentary committee has not been briefed about the Bester matter and nor was anything referred to the committee on the matter.
“We are just noting media reports about the Public Protector’s report at the moment and requests from media houses for interviews on the committee’s views on the report.
“Unfortunately, as the committee has not been briefed about the report, we have no opinion or views on it. We emphasise the commitment of the committee on its oversight role on the portfolio it oversees, that includes the Department of Correctional Services and its entities,” she said.
Ramolobeng said that is what they can say at the moment.
2 October 2024– The National Referees Committee and the Referees Department, have congratulated referees, Abongile Tom and Akhona Makalima, on their appointments by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in officiating as VAR and AVAR in the recent CAF Super Cup match between Al Ahly and Zamalek in Egypt.
Zamalek won 4-3 on penalties to claim the 2024 CAF Super Cup at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 27 September 2024.
South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan said this remarkable achievement is testament to their dedication, skill and professionalism. Jordaan said they are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the honour they bring to South African officiating on the continental stage.
“Their appointment not only highlights their individual excellence, but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring referees in our country. As top VAR officials on the continent, we are confident that Tom and Makalima, will continue to uphold the highest standards of officiating.
“We look forward to their future contributions to the training and development of match officials in South Africa, especially as we have entered discussions to one day introduce VAR technology in our domestic competitions. Once again, congratulations to them,” he said.
He further said they are proud of Tom and Makalima. Jordaan added that they wish them continued success in their officiating careers.
“I was delighted to see the great strides that South African match officials continue to make on the international stage. This recognition on the global stage is an inspiration to all officials, who also follow in their footsteps,” he said.
2 October 2024- A boy (15) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for four counts of rape. The boy committed these cases over the last three years.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said On 5 September 2022, a girl (12), was walking home after school. Myburgh said she was approached by the suspect, who was her classmate.
“He grabbed her water bottle and ran away. The victim chased after him into a secluded area, where she was overpowered and raped. In a second incident reported on 16 June 2023, a girl (11), was riding her bicycle in the street when the suspect offered to repair the damages on it.
“After fixing the bicycle, he rode it into the nearby bushes, while testing it. A girl followed him and he then attempted to rape her. However, a man who was a passer-by intervened,” she said.
Myburgh further said the boy fled the scene. She added that in a third incident that was reported on 3 October 2023, a boy (11), was riding home on his bicycle, when the suspect forcefully took it.
“He fled with it and the victim followed him, while pleading with him to give back his bicycle. Furthermore, he rode into the nearby bushes, where he overpowered the boy and raped him.
“The fourth incident was reported on 1 February 2024. A girl (5), was playing in the neighbour’s yard when the suspect joined her. He called her behind a shack where he raped her,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the sentence and applauded the Investigating Officer, Constable Tsekiso Tau of Lichtenburg Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Kwena also commended the prosecution for their teamwork and being equal to the task of ensuring that the accused is convicted.
Picture: A policeman arrested for criminal offences/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 October 2024- A policeman (26) briefly appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2024, for attempted murder, common assault and malicious damage to property. Thapelo Frederick Seiphehlo, who is a constable attached to Lichtenburg Police Station, was arrested in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, 29 September 2024, in Masutlhe village in Mmabatho.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Seiphehlo was apprehended after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend (30) at her house. Myburgh said furthermore, he allegedly forced entry into the house by kicking the door open.
“The victim indicated to the police on the scene that, two weeks before this incident, she was also shot at and showed the officers a bullet hole in her wardrobe.
“The matter was referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation,” she said.
Seiphehlo was remanded in custody until14 October 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms and said that employees involved in criminal conduct will face the full might of the law.
Picture: Some Bojanala Buses gutted by fire/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has implored on police to expedite investigations into what appears to be an arson. This comes after 23 buses belonging to Bojanala Bus Company based in Rustenburg, were found gutted by fire this morning.
Morweng said he is imploring on the police officers to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of Bojanala Bus fire that was reported this morning, from the company’s two depots. He further said two cases of malicious damage to property were reported to Phokeng Police Station in the early hours of this morning, 1 October 2024.
“It is alleged that the fire erupted at Bojanala Bus Company’s two depots and completely gutted a total of 23 buses. According to reports, six buses were destroyed by fire at Chaneng and 17 at Tlaseng depots.
“The company estimates the loss to be around R69 million. We further appeal to the members of the public to assist the police with any information that can assist them on their investigation,” said Morweng.
He added that they do have trust in the police to investigate this matter. Morweng said, however, it is important for the members of the public to also assist with whatever nuggets of information they may have.
“It is an unfortunate incident that at some point will affect community members, who rely on these buses that transport them on a daily basis. We strongly condemn the incident.
“The Bojanala Bus Company is one of the two bus companies that provide subsidised commuter transport services in the Bojanala District,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “Anyone who may have information that can assist the police with the investigation can contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Johannes Montsho of Phokeng Detectives on 076 834 3531 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.”
1 October 2024- A man (21), who is facing a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as a charge of murder for killing Renee Lea (57) in Standerton. Cuan Karelse briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 24 August 2024, the accused slipped into the deceased’s place of residence as she was driving in her vehicle. Mahanjana alleged that Karelse tied her up, robbed her of her belongings, wrapped her with a carpet, put her in the boot of her car and drove with her to Pretoria.
“When the deceased’s daughter could not get hold of her on the phone, she called the tracker company to allocate the car. The tracker company then located the car at a petrol station in Moreleta, Pretoria while the accused was inside the shop.
“The petrol attendants identified the accused as the person, who was driving the vehicle. The tracker company personnel then apprehended the accused when they opened the boot of the car,” she said.
Mahanjana further said The deceased body was found with cables around her neck and mouth covered with tape. She added that the police were called and the accused was arrested.
In court, he asked to be released on R1000 bail because he wanted to take care of his pregnant girlfriend. However, the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma, opposed the accused release on bail and told the court the state had a strong case and overwhelming evidence against the accused.
Furthermore, Maruma said, should the accused be released on bail, he might evade trial.
Magistrate Msulwane agreed with the state and found that the accused failed to convince the court that exceptional circumstances exist that warrant his release on bail. Therefore, bail was denied and the accused was remanded in custody.
The matter was postponed to 5 December 2024, for further investigations.
Picture: Two undocumented suspects nabbed/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 October 2024- Three undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during an integrated multi-disciplinary intelligence-driven operation dubbed Operation Phakisa that was executed in the Namakwa District from 26 until 29 September 2024.
The maritime operations were jointly executed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Provincial Border Policing, Border Policing, Search and Rescue, Springbok K9, Springbok Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), Springbok Crime Intelligence, the Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit, Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) and South African National Parks (SANPARK).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the operation was also executed in Kleinzee, Groenrivier, Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay and Alexander Bay. Shemane said during the coastal patrols, including foot, vehicle and vessel patrols, a total of 115 vehicles and 329 persons were stopped and searched at vehicle check points.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at businesses, harbours, launching pads, camp sites, and aquaculture premises. During coastal patrols, two suspects were arrested in Kleinzee for operating a fish processing establishment without a permit under the Marine Act.
“A fine of R2500 was issued for employing undocumented persons during construction site visits in Port Nolloth, and one suspect was arrested for possession of drugs in Port Nolloth,” he said.
Shemane further said the police confiscated several items, including drugs, cash, two Bosch engine hammer mills, and fourteen and a half bags of dry kelp with a total value of approximately R87 960.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the cooperation between the police and other government entities in ensuring that there is a collective effort in policing and preserving marine resources along our coastal areas situated in the Namakwa district.
1 October 2024– From 2 October 2024, the price of petrol will go down by between R1.06 and R1.14 per litre, whereas diesel will go down by between R1.12 and R1.14 per litre. The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources said it welcomed the reduction of fuel price in October, bringing much-needed relief to motorists for the fifth consecutive time.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule said that the price cuts are a testament to what the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy reiterated to the 6th parliament committee to the effect that petrol prices are the result of various international and national elements.
He further said to this end, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, cited the appreciation of the South African rand against the US dollar in September 2024 to R17, compared to R18 in August as one of the reasons for the price cut in October.
“We welcome these price cuts with open arms and hope that they continue steadily for the foreseeable future,” added Mahlaule.
1 October 2024- The highly anticipated Rustenburg Film Festival (RFF) is back and set to take place at the Rustenburg Civic Centre and Ster-Kinekor Theatres Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg from 6 until 10 November 2024. The Rustenburg Film Festival acting Director, Bonginkosi Ncube said this year, film enthusiasts and industry professionals will gather for an unforgettable cinematic and collaborative experience that transcends borders, cultures, and narratives. Ncube further said with an impressive record-breaking, 1102 entries from 55 countries, RFF carefully selected 96 films from 22 countries for its 9th instalment.
“The Rustenburg Film Festival is more than just a venue for movie screenings. It’s a vibrant celebration of film’s power to bridge cultures and spark meaningful conversations. Prepare to be inspired by powerful documentaries that explore both deeply personal and universally relevant themes.
“Highlights include AmaPiano Pioneering DJs, which delves into the rise of a music phenomenon in South Africa, and Senegal, a Round Trip Dream from Spain, capturing the hopes and realities of migration,” he said.
Ncube added that local talent shines with must-see films like The Breastfeeding Warrior – Phila Portia Ndwandwe and Truth Be Told – Bheki Mlangeni – Pathways to Light from South Africa’s master documentary filmmaker, Enver Samuel (Indians Can’t Fly, Murder in Paris).
He said the feature film line-up is as diverse as it is compelling. Ncube said from the heart-warming tale of family and redemption in Boeta Is Coming Home (South Africa), to the gripping story of identity and survival in My Name is Misan (Nigeria), these films push the boundaries of narrative cinema.
“Each offers a unique voice and perspective. Creativity knows no bounds in the world of short films. South Africa’s Equilibrium, a tale of balance and chaos, and France’s Beyond the Door, a chilling exploration of the unknown, are just a few examples of the impactful shorts set to leave audiences breathless.
“Beyond the screenings, RFF 2024 offers an extensive program of industry events designed to inspire, educate, and connect attendees. From masterclasses in film production and directing to insightful sessions on the future of AI in filmmaking, the festival serves as a hub for creativity and innovation,” said Ncube.
He said he is excited about their debut Quick Starter series this year. Ncube said this is a special programme that runs parallel to the festival and is designed for new entrants.
“We are proud of our relevant partnerships with Final Draft, who will supply 50 licenses to all our Scriptwriting Masterclass attendees and Canon, who this year will bless our filmmakers with 2 amazing camcorders.
“On the more professional side of the fence, some highlights include an insightful “Building Creative Nations” panel, which explores the future of co-production treaties between South Africa and other African countries, along with discussions on the growing influence of Spanish cinematography,” said Ncube.
Setshwantsho: Monna o latofadiwang ka go boalya lekau la mokapelo wa lone wa maloba, Olebile Jan Sereetsi
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
1 Diphalane 2024- Monna wa kwa kgaolong ya Marikana kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang kwa Christiana, Olebile Jan Sereetsi (40), yo o latofadiwang ka go bolaya mokapelo wa lekgarebe la gagwe la maloba, o ganetswe ka beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go begwa fa ka di 26 Lwetse 2024, molatofadiwa a ile a leba kwa ntlung ya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, mme a mo fitlhela a na le lekau la gagwe, Charlie Kate (31), mme go ile ga runya kgotlhang.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, go begwa fa Sereetsi a ile a tlhaba Kate ka thipa, mme a mo gogela kwa sekgweng se se gaufi.
“Go begwa fa Seetsi, a ile a kgabetlhela moswi ka go mo kgaola maoto le go mo segolola serwe sa gagwe sa senna. Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a latlhela dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele mo molapong, ga mmogo le setopo sa moswi.
“Go begwa fa lekgarebe la moswi, le ile la lotlegela sepodisi ka se se diragetseng, mme a bega fa lekau la gagwe le timetse. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa sepodising go ka batlana le moswi,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Funani are mongwe wa baagi one a loma sepodisi tsebe gore o bone Sereetsi a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme a lebile kwa molapong. Funani are, lekala la sepodisi le le sapang, le ile la bidiwa le go batlana le setopo sa ga Kate kwa molapong.
“Sepodisi se ile sa bona serwe sa moswi sa senna, ga mmogo le dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele di latlhetswe mo molapong,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Kgetsi kagtlhanong le Sereetsi, e buseditswe morago go fitlhelela ka Labotlhano.
Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o kgadile tiragalo e ka bogale. Kwena are batho ba ithute go rarabolola dikgotlhang tsa bone ntle le ntwa.
“Re rata go akgola sepodisi go ka tshwara molatofadiwa ka bonako. Re kgala tiragalo e ka bogale,” Kwena wa tlhalosa.
