Picture: The firearm confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Seven suspects aged between 29 and 32 years are expected to appear in Hartswater Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested on 13 May 2024, during Operation Vala Umgodi, which is an illicit mining multi-disciplinary operation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding a suspected drug premises in Hartswater and operationalised intelligence-driven information. Shemane said during the execution of the operation, suspected drugs with an estimated street value of R9000 were confiscated.
“The drugs, as well as money believed to be the proceeds of crime, were confiscated at Hartswater Taxi Rank. The police also followed up on information at a business premises in Hartswater, regarding the possession of an illegal firearm.
“The premises were searched and the police recovered a firearm with ammunition. The firearm was circulated and found to belong to a person, who passed away in 2007 and was never reported stolen,” he said.
Shemane said subsequently, an Ethiopian national (33) was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. He said two undocumented Malawian men aged 23 and 24, were also arrested.
“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended community members for their continued support in providing information to the police that led to the arrests, confiscation, and recovery of dangerous weapons. Otola said with the assistance of the community, they will ensure that the combating of illicit mining-related activities continues unabated.
A 30-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for attempted rape. Lucas Nqulunga attempted to rape a woman (34) in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 1 August 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim was walking home with the accused when he started to make sexual advances towards her.
“The victim ran away in the direction of her home, but the accused caught up with her and tried to force himself on her. She screamed and her boyfriend, who was at home, came to her aid.
The court imposed a five-year direct prison sentence for attempted rape. The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will be entered into the National Sex Offenders Register,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Palesa Martin for the meticulous investigation of the case.
Otola urged all communities to rate the police efforts by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.
A man (35) has been sentenced to a life imprisonment by the Warrenton Regional Court, after raping a girl (16). Pogiso Tlhoilwe raped a girl in Pampierstad on 20 December 2018.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Tlhoilwe and the victim, were walking home together when he dragged her into the stadium premises and raped her.
“The court also instructed that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, praised the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sidwel Dastile from the Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for the thorough investigative work and ensuring that justice is served for victims of GBVF.
Picture: The missing Fransiena Dede Tommy/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing woman, Fransiena Dede Tommy. Tommy (63) was last seen on 3 May 2024 at Capitec Bank, near Shoprite in the Upington Central Business District (CBD) with two women.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Omphile Masegela said they were seen doing a bank transaction together. Masegela said thereafter, Tommy allegedly left with them and she has not returned home since.
“Tommy was wearing a red blouse, blue denim jeans with blue sneakers. Anyone with information can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400.
“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” she said.
Picture: The firearm and ammunition confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition during Operation Vala Umgodi in Pampierstad on Tuesday. The intelligence-driven operation further led the police to the arrest of two men aged 33 and 42 after they were found in possession of suspected drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a firearm, ammunition and drugs estimated to the street value of R14 485 were confiscated.
“The suspects will briefly appear in the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for their swift response and commended the community involvement in assisting the police to address illicit mining and related crimes.
The Northern Cape police said the policing of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and contact crimes remains their priority. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, however, adherence to the essential safety tips can help the public to stay safe.
Kock said this will prevent them from becoming the victim of crime. He further said those who might plan to meet strangers, should choose reputable venues with positive reviews and a good reputation for safety and security.
“Adopt a buddy system and always go out with a group of friends and stay together throughout the night. Look out for one another and agree on a plan to leave the club together.
“Plan transportation in advance and arrange reliable transportation to and from the club, tavern or social gathering beforehand, ensuring that you have a safe way to return home,” said Kock.
He added that individuals should also watch their drinks. Kock said they should never leave their drinks unattended, as it could be tampered with.
“This will leave you as a victim of date rape. Do not accept drinks from strangers and drink responsibly. Pace yourself and be aware of your alcohol consumption. Know your limits and avoid excessive drinking to stay in control of your surroundings.
“Be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Also, be alert against the people around you. Never walk home alone or take short-cuts through dark and secluded areas. Report suspicious behaviour, whether it is someone pestering an individual or group, or following someone to the bathroom or their car. Report it to staff or security immediately,” he said.
Kock urges people to never go to the toilet alone. He advised individuals to use a buddy system for bathroom breaks. He said they should also keep their personal belongings secure.
“Carry only essential items, such as your ID and some cash, in a secure bag or pocket. Avoid flashing expensive items that may attract unwanted attention from criminals. That may lead to robbery and sexual assault.
“Never accept a ride home from strangers and learn self-defence techniques. Consider taking self-defence classes to empower yourself with basic skills that could potentially save you in a dangerous situation,” said Kock.
He said by following these essential tips, individuals can mitigate risks and enjoy a safe night out. Kock said they should always have an emergency contact on speed dial.
“Call your nearest police station or 10111 when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app.
Some residents in Pudimoe said they hope that the newly-appointed Station Commander in Pudimoe Police Station will bring drastic changes. The residents said Pudimoe has been turned into a “crime haven” by criminals, who continue with a “reign of terror”.
One of the residents who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have a high rate of crime in our area and the police turn a blind eye. Just recently, young men lost their lives after being stabbed to death. We urge the police to combat crime and ensure there is high visibility.
“We understand that some police officers are conniving with criminals, especially drug lords. Our community is living in fear due to these criminals who continue to terrorise us. We hope the newly-appointed station commander will crack the whip against incompetent police officers,” he said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners and District Commissioners, conferred ranks to 13 newly appointed station commanders. The conferment took place on 10 May 2024, at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Office in Potchefstroom.
Lieutenant Col TR Magile was appointed as the Station Commander of Pudimoe Police Station. According to Kwena, Magile has 20 years of service and a Diploma in Policing.
“We have also appointed Lt Col DA Serebolo as the Station Commander of Bloemhof Police Station. Serebolo has 20 years of service and a Diploma in Management. Lt Col MS Modisakeng was appointed as the Station Commander of Lehurutshe Police Station with 29 years of service. He has a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration. Lt Col CSO Letsatsi was appointed as the Station Commander of Swartruggens Police Station and 33 years of service, with a Diploma in Policing.
“Lt Col TV Semeno was appointed as the Station Commander of Ventersdorp and served for the past 32 years. He has a diploma in Policing. Capt MR Molelekoa was appointed as the Station Commander of Boons. Molelekoa has 19 years of service and a Bachelor Degree in Policing,” he said.
Kwena further said he also appointed Capt J Badenhorst as the Station Commander of Boshoek. He added that Badenhorst has 33 years of service and a Diploma in Policing.
“Capt MP Mahube was appointed as the Station Commander of Mareetsane. She has been serving for the past 22 years and has a Diploma in Policing. Capt OM Kegakilwe was appointed as the Station Commander of Morokweng. He has 19 years’ service and a Diploma in Policing,” said Kwena.
He said Capt KM Meleke was appointed as the Station Commander of Ottosdal and has been serving for the past 19 years. Kwena said Meleke has Bachelor Degree in Police Science.
“Capt PB Mogwera was appointed as the Station Commander of Reivilo. He has 19 years’ service and a Diploma in Policing. Capt Plaaitjie was appointed as the Station Commander of Vorstershoop. He has 19 years’ service and a Bachelor Degree in Commerce.
“Capt TC Ngobeni was appointed as the Station Commander of Dwarsberg. He has served for the past 19 years. We would like to congratulate all the appointees. We would also like to remind them that being a station commander is a mammoth task and they are responsible for their jurisdictions,” he said.
Kwena said the station commanders must always be available on their cell phones.
“Station Commanders, you are the extension of the Provincial Commissioner. You are the extension of the District Commissioner. You must be there. In addition, we urge you to take care of both human and physical resources.
“Kindly discourage the tendency of dumping of vehicles involved in accidents at garages without paperwork. Critically, for being the station commander, is giving the people service that they request from you. Ensure that your Community Service Centre is running like a clock,” said Kwena.
As of today, the country will have had no load shedding for over a month and a half. This welcome development shows that the Energy Action Plan we announced in 2022 is working.
It is too early to say that load shedding has been brought to an end. However, the sustained improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations – as well as the new generation capacity we have added to our energy system – gives us hope that the end of load shedding is in sight.
A renewed focus by Eskom on maintenance and the return to service of several units is now showing results. Losses due to unplanned outages have reduced by 9% between April 2023 and March 2024, adding the equivalent of 4,400MW of capacity to our national grid.
Better maintained and more reliable power stations have increased the country’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which is the amount of electricity available from our power stations at any given time. The EAF has been above 60% since April, compared to 53% over the same period last year.
Through dedicated support from our law enforcement agencies and the National Prosecuting Authority, great strides are being made in rooting out corruption at Eskom. Work is continuing in disrupting criminal syndicates and protecting our power stations from sabotage.
The leadership, management and staff of Eskom, particularly the power station general managers and their teams, are to be commended for their efforts. The work of the National Energy Crisis Committee, which coordinates the response across government, has also been vital. The strong partnership with business and the support of other social partners has enabled the deployment of valuable resources and expertise.
The stabilisation in the availability of electricity and reduction in breakdowns signal a real trend in improved plant performance.
Yet, against all the available evidence, some people have claimed that the reduced load shedding is a political ploy ahead of the elections. Some have speculated that there is less load shedding because Eskom is using the diesel-fuelled peaking plants to ‘keep the lights on’ in the run-up to the elections.
This is not borne out by the facts. Eskom is actually using these peaking plants at a much lower rate than the last two years. For example, last month Eskom spent more than half as much on diesel as it did in April 2023.
Another key factor driving the reduction in load shedding is our success in adding new generation capacity, mostly from renewable energy sources.
Removing the licensing threshold for new power generation projects has led to significant private investment in the energy sector. There is now a pipeline of more than 130 private energy projects, representing over 22,500 MW of new capacity, some of which are already starting to connect to the grid.
As a result of the tax incentives and financing options we introduced for businesses and households, by November last year the capacity of rooftop solar had reached over 5,000MW, more than doubling in just twelve months. This has helped to alleviate pressure on the national grid.
More bid windows have been released for new capacity from solar, wind, gas and battery storage, with more than 10,000 MW currently in procurement through public programmes.
Load shedding has been reduced due to a combination of all of these measures: fixing Eskom, unlocking private investment in energy generation, accelerating the procurement of new capacity and supporting rooftop solar.
While we have made progress in addressing the current crisis, we have also put our country on a clear path towards a reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of energy. We have embarked on fundamental reforms to the energy sector that will ensure we don’t experience load shedding in the future.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill, which we tabled in Parliament last year, will establish a competitive energy market in South Africa for the first time. This will encourage investment and bring down electricity prices. We are also expanding our transmission network to accommodate renewable energy in provinces like the Northern Cape, with a plan to build over 14,000 km of new transmission lines across the country.
Just as we note this progress, we must be clear that we are not out of the woods yet. The risk of load shedding remains. We must therefore all continue to play our part by using electricity sparingly and paying for the electricity that we use.
What we can say for sure is that our plan is working. We are determined to stay the course and to continue this work until the energy crisis is brought to an end once and for all.
Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Yvonne Mokgoro/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape said the partner of the retired ConCourt Judge, the late Yvonne Mokgoro (73), could face charges of culpable homicide. Mokgoro 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 her partner, David 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.”
Meanwhile, heartfelt condolences continue to pour into Mokgoro’s family. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said he is saddened by the passing of Mokgoro.
“On behalf of the government, we offer our deepest condolences to Prof Job Mokgoro and the late Justice’s immediate and extended family, as well as her many associates in the legal fraternity in South Africa and abroad.
“Mokgoro was a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from its inception in 1994 until the end of her 15-year term in 2009. She obtained a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B Juris) degree at the then University of Bophuthatswana (now North West University) in 1982, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) two years later, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1987,” he said.
Ramaphosa said she also studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States of America, where she obtained a second LLM degree in 1990. He further said throughout her legal career, she taught a number of courses, including Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law Jurisprudence, History of Law, Comparative Law, Criminal Law, Private Law and Customary Law at a number of universities in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the USA and the Netherlands.
“Mokgoro wrote and presented papers, and participated in a myriad national and international conferences, seminars and workshops in South Africa and internationally, mainly in sociological jurisprudence and particularly on human rights, customary law, focusing on the impact of law on society generally, and on women and children specifically.
“In 2015, she was inducted as a Member of the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her excellent contribution in the field of law and administration of justice in a democratic South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that Mokgoro’s passing deprives the nation of a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist, who served our democracy at its very inception and through the years that followed.
“As we recall the inauguration of our Founding President, Nelson Mandela 30 years ago on this day, 10 May, we count his appointment of Mokgoro to the Constitutional Court as one of the critical, transformative decisions he exercised in those early days of our liberation.
“As a black female judge, she was a pioneering embodiment of and contributor to the transformation of our country and the legal system and new jurisprudence that enabled this transformation,” said Ramphosa.
At MyNorthernCape TV, we pride ourselves on being the fearless voice of our beloved province, and we feel compelled to address the recent Carte Blanche reportage (on Sunday, 12 May 2024) that has stirred significant controversy. Their segment, framed under the campaign titled ‘Broken Promises,’ painted a grim picture of our province, overshadowing the tangible strides made by the people of this beloved Northern Cape province we call home.
Premier Zamani Saul’s impassioned response highlights the need for a more nuanced narrative that acknowledges both challenges and achievements. Dr Zamani Saul has been inaugurated as Premier of the Sixth Administration of the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) after the African National Congress (ANC) achieved success in the 2019 General Elections.
The Misleading Media Narrative
Carte Blanche’s portrayal of the Northern Cape as a ‘forgotten province’ riddled with infrastructural decay is emblematic of a broader media trend that prioritizes sensationalism over substance. By focusing exclusively on negatives, such as sewer spillages and water bursts, and tying these issues specifically to a democratically elected black-led government, the report perpetuates harmful stereotypes. This type of coverage does a disservice to all the people of this province who are working tirelessly to improve their communities and to leaders like Premier Saul who are spearheading these developmental initiatives.
Premier Saul’s Stance: A Call for Context
Premier Zamani Saul’s frustration is palpable and justified. His accusation that Carte Blanche manipulated interview snippets to push a sensationalist agenda underscores a critical flaw in contemporary media practices. Saul’s challenge to Carte Blanche to release the full interview speaks to a demand for transparency and fairness. It is essential for media outlets to provide context and balance, especially when discussing systemic issues. The Premier’s emphasis on the unacceptable nature of suggesting that infrastructural failures are expected in black communities is a powerful condemnation of implicit racial biases that still permeate media narratives.
Progress Amidst Challenges
While it is undeniable that the Northern Cape faces significant infrastructural challenges, it is equally important to recognize the progress being made. Under Premier Saul’s leadership, there have been concerted efforts to upgrade infrastructure, albeit at a pace constrained by economic and logistical realities. The narrative of a ‘forgotten province’ overlooks the strides being made in areas such as renewable energy, economic development, and social programs aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities.
A Call for Balanced Reporting
Carte Blanche’s current campaign, with its bleak portrayal of the Northern Cape, risks undermining the confidence and morale of its residents. Media outlets have a responsibility to provide balanced reporting that not only highlights problems but also showcases solutions and progress. By focusing solely on the negatives, they contribute to a skewed public perception that can hinder further development and investment in the region.
Conclusion: A Plea for Fair Representation
The Northern Cape is far from a doomed province. It is a region with its share of challenges but also one with immense potential and ongoing progress. Media narratives should reflect this dual reality. Premier Zamani Saul’s call for a more accurate representation is not just a personal grievance but a plea for fairness and balance in journalism.
It is time for media outlets like Carte Blanche to rise to the occasion and provide a more comprehensive view that does justice to the resilience and efforts of the people of the Northern Cape.
At MyNorthernCape TV, we are committed to showcasing the true spirit of our province. We will continue to provide fearless and balanced reporting that highlights both the challenges and the achievements of the Northern Cape. Let’s work together to foster a more informed and constructive public discourse.
(NB: The remarks raised in this article are the views of the author and Taung DailyNews nor its associates do not agree nor disagree with the content. The views remain of the author, My Northern Cape TV representative Motheo Seleke)
The Guardian 