Category Archives: NEWS

Judge Yvonne Mokgoro to be laid to rest on Thursday 

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Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1. Mokgoro, who was an esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said in recognition of Mokgoro’s distinguished career and contribution to the nation, Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.

“The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country from 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 23 May 2024.

“Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course. Mokgoro was one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994. She was also the first black woman judge of the apex court,” he said.

Magwenya further said during Mokgoro’s legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He added that she was a member of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. 

“In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” said Magwenya.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape said Mokgoro’s partner, David Mmelesi might face charges of culpable homicide. This comes after she was horribly injured in a car accident near Warrenton in Northern Cape last year. 

This forced her to withdraw from any public engagement to focus on her recovery. However, she passed away recently and Mmelesi, who was allegedly the driver during a car crash, was charged for reckless and negligent driving. 

Mmelesi is currently out on warning.

The NPA spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “He is criminally charged and facing one count of reckless and negligent driving. There is a possibility of amending his charges to culpable homicide following the death of the judge. 

“The accused will be back in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on 30 May 2024. Mmelesi briefly appeared on a J175 and is currently on warning.”

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266 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

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Picture: Police conducting search during Operation Shanela/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The police in Northern Cape said the ongoing Operation Shanela, which is a high density operation, was executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly apprehended 266 criminals. 

Ehlers said 100 out of 266 suspects were wanted for evading the police. She further said the suspects were wanted in connection with murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.

“Other arrests include possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

“Roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 7 429 persons and 3 276 vehicles were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were also conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets,” said Ehlers. 

She added that this resulted in the closure of four unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said in an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited. 

“Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cable. Several awareness campaigns and community interactions were led in the province to address priority crimes.

“Police in Frances Baard District, visited areas such as Greenpoint, Pampierstad, Galeshewe, and Roodepan, were visited to promote mental health and child safety. The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, engaged with the communities in Tsineng and Kathu, where bullying was addressed at schools, as well as awareness pertaining to the prevention of robberies.

She said schools were visited in Rietfontein, which falls under the ZF Mgcawu District, in support of the Women Against Crime campaign.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all commanders, members and relevant stakeholders, who contributed towards the successes achieved, as well the communities for their cooperation. 

Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.

“The Rate Our Service online survey can be used by scanning the QR code to comment on the services provided by the SAPS in the Northern Cape,” she said. 

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A teacher in court for allegedly raping two learners  

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A primary school teacher (47) in Leeudoring, near Wolmaranstad, was arrested for allegedly raping siblings aged 12 and 14. This comes after the principal and mother of the two learners registered cases at the Wolmarastad Police Station on Tuesday. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the incident took place in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad. Funani said the suspect allegedly would ask the two minors to help him carry books or go and fetch something at his office, where he performed sexual acts.  

“He was arrested at the school on 16 May 2024. The teacher was remanded in custody until 21 May 2024, for formal bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said it is sad that the victims were allegedly abused by someone, who was supposed to protect them. 

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Police: “Adhere to precautions for personal safety”   

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Pictures: Criminal allegedly hijacking a vehicle/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape said it has noted with concern that perpetrators allegedly threaten victims with realistic looking toy firearms. The police urge community members to adhere to precautions to ensure personal safety.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said individuals must always be vigilant and stay alert. She further said they should always stay with a group when possible. 

Enhlers added that if there is a fight or argument, people should stay out of it and get help. 

“When traveling by vehicle, lock all doors and close windows, especially at night. Tuck shops and small businesses must adhere to operating times and not remain open until late at night. 

“Do not transport valuable items in your vehicle. Also, avoid unlit and secluded intersections, when traveling at night or early morning. Do not slow down or stop your vehicle when approached by strangers and always check, if you are not being followed,” she said. 

Enhlers said people should check their streets when approaching their homes. She said they should also be aware when parking their vehicles. 

“Keep alert when entering your vehicle and have your vehicle key ready. Try to remain calm at all times,” said Enhlers.

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Ramaphosa: “Your vote is important and it counts” 

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 29 May 2024, the country will hold elections for national and provincial government. He said many of them remember the historic Election Day in 1994, when they voted for the very first time for a democratic government of their choice.

“We all remember how we felt as we stood in long queues patiently waiting to cast our vote for a government of our choice. As we cast our votes, we were mindful of the weight of history. 

“We were mindful of the fact that so many people had struggled and sacrificed for this right to vote and many had lost their lives in the cause of freedom. The right to vote has been the cornerstone of our democratic order and is enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” he said.

Ramaphosa further as the people cast their ballot, firstly through special vote on 27 and 28 May 2024, and many of them on 29 May 2024, they will be demonstrating their faith in the democratic order. He added that, by placing their crosses on the ballot papers, they will be executing a responsibility that history has placed on their shoulders.  

“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourself the direction that our country should take and determining the path that we should follow to get there. By voting, you are taking responsibility for your future and the future of your community. 

“Your vote is important and it counts. As the election campaigns have unfolded, we have shown that we are a diverse, tolerant, and free society where different views can be heard and are respected. Let us continue in this way and all work together to ensure that we have an election that is free, fair, and peaceful. I call upon you to go and vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Co-Chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said: “We are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.

“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.”

Mosikili said while measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of them. She said it is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home.

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A man who is accused of killing a nurse in Schweizer Reneke back in court

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Picture: The slain nurse, Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against a man (24), who allegedly killed a nurse at Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke back in 2022, will resume today at the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp. Bongane Gregory Shebi is facing a charge of murder and robbery after he allegedly killed Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare in cold-blood at her rented home in Ipeleng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on 12 October 2022.

The then National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her landlord on 13 October 2022, with her throat cut open.

Mamothame further said the landlord subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating the cause of her death.

“The accused became a person of interest after police received information, while doing investigations, that he was spotted not far from where the incident took place, walking with bloodied clothes. A search for him ensued and he was ultimately arrested on 15 October 2022.

“Upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police of his intention to confess. He was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that the accused alleged he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession, that he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said Shebi alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person whom he was with.

“The police have indicated that, evidence obtained at the scene, indicated that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of this offence. Investigations have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial.

“Meanwhile, Shebi will remain in police custody until the completion of his trial after his bail application was rejected. During the pre-trial conference, the state and the defence attorney confirmed that consultations were completed and all the necessary documents were provided by the state,” said Mamothame.

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Two suspects nabbed for residential burglary 

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Picture: Some of stolen items confiscated by the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Two suspects aged 25 and 28, were arrested for burglary residential and business burglary, respectively. This comes after employees at a local coffee shop in Prieska allegedly reported for work on 16 May 2024, and noticed that the cash register and money had been stolen. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, upon further inspection, they allegedly found that a window had been broken.

“On 17 May 2024, the members from the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit, embarked on a tracing operation. Both suspects were traced and arrested, and the stolen goods were recovered. 

“In a separate incident, the complainant allegedly returned home after leaving his home locked and secure. He allegedly discovered that the door had been forced open and several items were missing, including a flat screen television, laptop, and groceries,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their swift action and continued efforts towards policing property related crimes. 

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A man sentenced to 39 years imprisonment for rape 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man was sentenced to 39 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for rape and assault. On 26 November 2023, two young women aged 21 and 22 respectively, were walking from one compound to the other in Kakamas in the early hours of the morning, when they met an unknown man, who was later known to be Derrick Brussel (43).

Brussel stabbed one lady with a bottle neck and directed them to the nearby school, where he tied them up and took turns raping them. They managed to escape after some time and went to seek help.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “The accused was identified and arrested on 10 December 2023. He pleaded guilty on both counts of rape and was remanded in custody until his sentencing.

“Brussel was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment on the first count of rape, 14 years for second count of rape and 3 years for assault. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

Masegela further said the investigating officer, Sergeant Tsholofelo Mohutsiwa, was applauded for the excellent investigation and for ensuring that another Gender-Based Violence (GBV) perpetrator is removed from the community. 

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Mayor tabled R360m budget for 2024/25 financial year  

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said they were able to deliver on some of the services they undertook to deliver to the communities during 2023/24 financial year, regardless of serious budget constraints. 

Gaoraelwe, who tabled the municipality’s 2024/25 financial year at Sebitloane Special School in Taung on Friday said, for they are strong and believe that gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. 

“This budget comes at a time when the general state of our economy is unsatisfactory. This has resulted in the decrease of income from grants we receive from other spheres of government and negatively impacted our ability to deliver services to our communities.  

“In response to this situation, the municipal council has deliberated on, and approved our institutional cost containment strategy. This is meant to assist us to curb high costs of doing business and find innovative ways of increasing our revenue,” he said.  

Gaoraelwe further said this indicates that they were going to be uncompromising in their efforts to collect revenue from different government entities and households. He added that the budget comes after extensive consultation with members of the communities over the last two weeks through mayoral imbizo.

“We remain committed to the realisation of our five key performance areas, such as basic service delivery and infrastructure development, municipal transformation and organisational development, Local Economic Development, municipal financial vitality and management and good governance and public participation.

“In this budget, I am able to announce that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework proposes the appropriation of a total budget operating revenue of R360 million for 2024/2025 financial year,” said Gaoraelwe.

He said the municipality has a total operating expenditure of R356 million and a total capital expenditure of R72 million. Gaoraelwe said when compared to the 2023/2024 adjusted budget, the total operating revenue for the 2024/2025 financial year has increased by 4%. 

“This is a result of an increase in allocation from the government sphere and annual increase in tariffs. The two outer years are expected to increase by 5% and decrease by 1% respectively. A Total Operating Expenditure is expected to decrease by 2% in most contracted services. 

“This will also affect other recurring expenditure items in the 2024/25 financial year when compared to 2023/24 financial year. This is in the spirit of trying to contain costs and live within our means, however, without jeopardising the utmost need for service delivery,” he said. 

Gaoraelwe said zero based budgeting is used as far as possible. 

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