Category Archives: NEWS

More than 96 Traditional Authorities received the financial reports of their respective councils

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By OBKENG MAJE 

In a significant stride towards transparency and empowerment, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), has concluded a series of handover roadshows marking a historic moment for 96 Traditional Authorities. 

The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said this initiative started on 16 April in Rustenburg and ended on 2 May 2024 in Molopo/Mahikeng and Ditsobotla areas respectively. Rosho said at the heart of these gatherings, was the dissemination of financial reports pertaining to the D-Account, an initiative emblematic of the 6th administration’s commitment to accountability and development.

“These roadshows unfolded a narrative of empowerment and recognition of the pivotal role traditional leadership plays in the province’s socio-economic fabric. The handover of the D-Account to the Traditional Authorities is befitting of a legacy initiative of the 6th administration of the government that symbolizes a transformative shift in governance dynamics, particularly in the context of traditional authorities.

“The handover of Traditional Councils’ financial reports culminated from a meeting of Traditional Leaders that was hosted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs that took place on 13 – 14 April 2023 in Rustenburg Sun City, where all the Traditional Leaders in attendance, echoed sentiments of wanting detailed information pertaining to their financial records that were maintained by the Provincial Treasury,” she said. 

Rosho said this handover project has been undertaken to de-mystify the misinformation surrounding the “D” account. She said for decades, the call for transparency regarding these accounts was echoed through the corridors of Traditional Councils.

“Now, with the compilation of 29 years’ worth of financial reports spanning from 1994 to March 2023, this aspiration has finally materialized. The architect behind this endeavour, paid homage to the collective vision of past premiers, affirming the shared commitment to realizing this long-awaited dream.

“The receiving of this information from D-account assists Traditional Councils to understand the financial position of their Traditional Councils. The significance of this initiative extends beyond mere financial disclosure but also underscores the profound acknowledgment of traditional leadership’s indispensable contribution to South Africa’s constitutional democracy and community development,” said Rosho.

She said this journey seeks to support and transform traditional council institutions in accordance with constitutional imperatives, restoring their integrity and legitimacy. Rosho said the integral focus of this process is the empowerment of traditional authorities with the information pertaining to the financial income (in flows) and expenses (outflows) that have taken place over 29 years.

“The introduction of the Traditional Khoisan Leadership Act, (TKLA) has brought the positioning of Traditional Leaders into sharp focus, as well as the need to be involved in the financial management affairs of their Traditional councils. 

“Traditional Leaders are now positioned as key stakeholders in development endeavours. The D-Account will serve as a catalyst, offering these institutions a platform to engage meaningfully with government at all levels and enter into partnerships that facilitate service delivery,” she said.

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Banyana Banyana to face Senegal in international friendly matches

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Champions, Banyana Banyana, will play two away international friendly matches against Senegal during the FIFA break in the coming weeks. Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis’ charges said they will face the West Africans in their backyard on 31 May and on 4 June 2024.

“We have always said that we are going to utilize the FIFA dates going forward and we now have these two international friendlies against Senegal. We need to stay active to be ready and prepare for the WAFCON.

“There are players coming back from injury, and we also want to see other players during these friendlies against Senegal. We need to prepare and be ready for WAFCON. We haven’t received any communication on when it is going to happen, but we will utilize these FIFA dates to make sure that we start preparing,” she said. 

Ellis further said the next WAFCON will be held in Morocco, but the dates of the start of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s defence of their continental title are yet to be announced. She added that the final 23-player squad for the away international friendlies against Senegal will be announced in the coming days. 

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SANCO North West condemns violence and property destruction in the recent protests in Mahikeng

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Picture: SANCO calls for calmness in Mahikeng amid violent protest 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it condemns the violent protest that was witnessed in Mahikeng, resulting in road closures, stoning and burning of vehicles. SANCO said the protest also had a negative impact on teaching and learning. 

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said, while standing in solidarity with the community in the fight against corruption and the demand for improved service delivery, they emphasize the importance of responsible protest and adherence to proper channels. 

Jam further said the organization condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric and irresponsible nature of the violent protest, as disrupting schools and damaging property do not align with the reasonable exercise of protest rights.

“We urge the community to refrain from destroying existing infrastructure, while pursuing necessary changes. Incidents such as burning a school bus and destroying vehicles, including a bakery truck, are not constructive developmental actions but criminal acts that warrant an arrest.

“Such destructive protests lack legitimacy as demands are not properly articulated or presented to relevant authorities. The unrest is allegedly driven by a group of individuals calling itself the business chamber, which reportedly seeks preferential treatment in government projects and has been known to obstruct such developmental initiatives,” he said.

Jam added: “This group are known for using violent protests to pressure the government into awarding them business opportunities without adhering to proper procedures, citing issues like high crime rates, corruption, lack of developments, and poor service delivery as justifications for the protest.

“We also urge the government not to succumb to pressure tactics and to ensure that all business opportunities are awarded through transparent and equitable processes, benefiting all citizens of the province equally.” 

He said while SANCO acknowledges the government’s commendable efforts in transforming the province into a construction site and accelerating service delivery, they emphasize the need for more improvements to uplift the standard of living for the communities. 

Jam said they have observed the launch of major projects such as the Mahikeng Student City, construction and handover of new schools, clinics, houses, tar roads, the Ikageng Light Industrial Park, Bulk Pharmacy in Ventersdorp, opening of new malls, resealing of Mahikeng town roads, and plans for refurbishments of Pilanesberg and Kgosi Dick Montshioa Airports.

“These endeavors are welcomed as are envisaged to generate employment, fostering business opportunities, and contributing to the province’s economic growth. The organization encourages constructive engagement over violent protests, as engagements provide an opportunity for all parties to clarify their positions and find solutions to their problems.

“We also believe that instigators of such violence are not representative of the ANC and are opportunists seeking to tarnish its image. ANC members should know how to address their issues,” said Jam.

He said if there are those involved in these actions, they call on the party leadership to swiftly attend to them as it is unfair for communities’ livelihoods to be disrupted because of internal party differences. Jam said SANCO calls on the Mafikeng community to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in combating these disruptive elements and safeguarding peace and service delivery. 

“Additionally, we urge the ANC Provincial leadership to address this issue urgently, while advocating for calmness as law enforcement carries out its duties,” he said.

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Modiri wa bookelo jwa Taung, Phemelo Goiwakae o latofatswa ka go teketa mongwe wa baeti kwa bookelong 

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Setshwantsho: Modiri wa bookelo jwa Taung, Phemelo Goiwakae/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mongwe wa baagi go tswa kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, Oratile Coetzee, o lela a sa kgaotse, mme o latofatsa mongwe wa badiri ba bookelo jwa Taung, Phemelo Goiwakae ka go mo teketa. 

Seno se tla morago ga gore, Coetzee a tlhalose fa ba ne ba tabogiseditse mongwe wa ditsala tsa gagwe, Paul Lesetedi yo oneng a tlhabilwe ka thipa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako. 

“Re ile ra fitlha kwa bookelong jwa Taung, mme ra fitlhela badiri bangwe ba robetse. Re ile ra kokotha, mme go sena ope yo o re tlhagang thuso. Go ile ga tsoga kgaruru ma gareng ga rona le badiri bangwe, gonne ba ne ba sa batle go thusa Lesetedi yo oneng a phokga-phokga madi, mme ba mo beile fela mo setulong.

“Ke ne ka bona Goiwakae a robetse morago ga gore a bidiwe ke mongwe wa baoki. Fela, one a latlhelela letsogo, mme a boa a robala. Ke ne ka ntsha mogala wa letheka, mme ka ba tshosetsa ka gore ke isa kgang e kwa dikuranteng,” Coetzee wa tlhalosa. 

Coetzee are fela one a kgorogelwa ke Goiwakae, mme a mo latofatsa ka go mo tsaya ditshwantsho. Coetzee are, gone ga tsoga kgaruru magareng ga gagwe le Goiwakae.

“Goiwakae one a nkitaya ka seatla se se bulegileng, mme a tsaya mogala wa me wa lethaka a o roba. O ile a o latlhela fa fatshe morago ga moo. Ke ile ka leka go ya go bula kgetsi kwa sepodising, fela botsamaisi jwa bookelo bone jwa ntetsetsa go tla go buisana ka kgang e mo letsatsing le le latelang,” Coetzee wa tlhalosa.    

Mokhuduthamaga wa Boitekanelo mono Bokone Bophirima, Madoda Sambatha, one a kgala tiragalo e ka bogale. Sambatha are ga gona modiri ope yo o nang le tetla ya go teketa motho mongwe le mongwe o etelang setheo. 

“Santlha se ke batlang go se totobatsa ke gore, ga gona ope yo tshwanelwang ke go robala mo tirong. Se se tsenyeletsa le badiri ba ba dirang bosigo. Sa bobedi ke gore, ga gona modiri ope wa lefapha o nang le tetla ya go teketa batho ba ba tlang kwa ditheo tsa rona. 

“Modiri o, o thapilwe ke lefapha go ka neelana ka ditirelo go baagi, mme ene o bone go le botokwa gore a tlhasele baeti ba rona. Jaanong, seo se farologane thata le se a se thapetsweng kwa setheong sa rona,” Sambatha wa tlhalosa. 

Sambatha are, bookelo bo tshwanetswe ke go tsaya dikgato tse di gagametseng kgatlhanong le Goiwakae. Gape are, botsamaisi jwa bookelo bo tshwanetswe ke go netefatsa fa ntlha eno e rarabololwa ka bonako. 

“Botsamaisi jwa bookelo jwa Taung, bo tshwanetse gape ke go tsaya dikgato kgatlhanong le badiri botlhe ba ba robalang mo tirong,” Sambatha wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa Goiwakae a ile a neelwa lekwalo-kgalemo la bofelo (final written warning) ke botsamaisi jwa bookelo morago ga tiragalo e.  

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‘EPWP jobs only reserved for ANC card-carrying members’ 

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Picture: The EPWP workers/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West alleged that the ANC is utilising the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) program for the voting campaign. This comes after an outcry that some individuals across villages in North West, were unduly appointed for EPWP program. 

F4SD spokesperson, Khumo Pule said they express a deep concern regarding the reported utilization of the EPWP for political campaigning purposes by the ANC. Pule said the EPWP was established with the noble objective of addressing unemployment and poverty in South Africa by providing short-to-medium term employment opportunities, through the implementation of various projects. 

“However, recent events have shown that the ANC has been using EPWP projects as a tool for advancing its political agenda, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 Provincial and National elections.

“While political parties have the right to engage in campaigning activities, it is essential that such activities are conducted within the bounds of ethical and legal frameworks,” he said.

Pule further said exploiting government-funded programs like the EPWP for one sided purposes, undermines the integrity of the program and raises serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process. He said as F4SD, they call upon all political parties, including the ANC to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability. 

“Furthermore, we have written a letter to the Office of the Public Protector to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that public resources are not misused for political gain. We are very disappointed that, above all, only ANC card-carrying members were recruited into this province. 

“As such citizens and stakeholders in the democratic process, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. 

“We must safeguard the integrity of our democratic institutions and strive to create a political environment characterized by fairness, equality, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Learto Gambu has not responded to Taung DailyNews questions regarding these wide-spread allegations. The response will be incorporated in the article when received.

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DA to approach SIU over the delays on Mahikeng Road Construction Project  

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Picture: The Mahikeng Road Construction Project  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it is time for accountability in Mahikeng’s chaotic Nelson Mandela Road Project. The DA said it demands answers on the never-ending Nelson Mandela Road Project in Mahikeng. 

DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said a 4km stretch of the road in the middle of Mahikeng, connecting to Botswana, is a critical economic route, but has been the epicentre of chaos. Sonakile further said the original agreement was to upgrade the road within three months.  

“After an extension period was given, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads MEC, Saliva Molapisi and the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi, were both on record stating that the road would be completed by December 2023. 

“Maloyi made further promises in his 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he would follow up on the progress of the dubious road construction. The initial budget allocated for this project was R47 million. However, through a variation order, the amount has now almost doubled to R79 million,” he said.  

Sonakile added that, despite the ballooning figures, the road remains incomplete with no signs of completion in sight. He said to make matters worse, workers have recently downed tools for a week because they did not receive payments.

“Traffic control on this busy road is a nightmare and the potholes have increased as motorists attempt daily to navigate between the chaos. Mostly opting to use internal Golf View or CBD roads to avoid congestion, increasing the damage to road surface on those roads that are not made to carry the increased heavy traffic.

“The road is also the main entrance to Mahikeng Mall, which is also undergoing construction, creating even more chaos. The deliberate delays and failure to deliver a proper road have a negative impact on investor confidence in the town,” said Sonakile. 

He said the failure to deliver basic services, led to the departure of Clover Company in neighbouring Lichtenburg town, leaving hundreds unemployed. Sonakile said one would have thought that ANC comrades would have learned their lesson.

“We will also approach the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in North West to request an inquiry into the awarding of the contract, the subsequent variation order, and the reason why the construction of the road remains incomplete after a year.  

“The DA will also request the SIU to investigate the roles of departmental officials, including the Head of Department (HOD), Moss Kgantsi in this dubious road project,” he said.

Sonakile said the ANC government is once again making it clear that they have no appetite to deliver proper infrastructure in the North West. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said: “The department is aware and can confirm that workers have resumed work and implementation of the road project is going as planned. In any working environment, there are labour disputes. 

“In this case, there were issues that had to do with compensation of employees, which we have established that the contractor had not paid employees though we had paid for services rendered.”

Gambu said to this date, this matter has been attended to decisively. He said the progress registered on the project to date is over 80%. 

“We are confident that by the end of May 2024, the road will be completed. Obviously with the consideration that like any other project, there will be outstanding issues that find expression in the snack list. 

“But, the road will be open, smooth and trafficable. The department will continue its endeavour to improve the quality of the road network in the province. We have on numerous occasions indicated that the road project initially did not consider the culverts, which run beneath the road to avoid damage by water during heavy rain,” said Gambu.

He said the contractor also struggled with supply and delivery of culverts, which added to the delay. Gambu said they have also witnessed rains that led to flooding of the excavated area thereby not able to proceed until the water has subsided.

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A man sentenced to six years imprisonment for impregnating a minor  

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man has been sentenced to six years by the Fraserburg Regional Court for statutory rape. Zwelitsha Mbongashe (25) was involved in a seven-months romantic relationship with a girl (15) between 1 August 2022 and 7 March 2023. 

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, Mbongashe impregnated the girl in the process. 

“The accused had a seven-month intimate relationship with the victim, until health officials discovered that the victim was pregnant. So, based on her age, the matter was reported to the police.

“The accused was arrested and found guilty of statutory rape on 6 May 2024. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment, which was suspended for 5 years and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be recorded in the National Sexual Offenders Register,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence. Otola praised the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Jacques Nielsen from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for placing evidence before court that ensures the protection of children’s rights.

“An adult who is 18 years or older, is not allowed to date or have a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 16,” she said.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a mentally challenged woman

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man who raped a mentally challenged woman and stole her money, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court. Fenandes Damon (38) raped a woman (42) Komaggas in 2020. 

Damon and the victim, were walking home from a local liquor outlet, but he diverted her to an unknown rocky area in Komaggas, were he raped and stole her money. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “The victim reported the occurrence to the police. Damon was sentenced to life imprisonment for one count of rape and 12 months imprisonment for theft. 

“The court instructed that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down to Damon. Otola also applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable MD Cloete from the Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), for the thorough investigative work and ensuring that justice is served for mentally challenged victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). 

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Molekgotlha wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Pinky Mosinkiemang o latofadiwa ka go ina khadi monwana mo diphirong tsa EPWP 

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi go tswa kwa metseng e e farologaneng go ralala Taung, ba kaile fa ba sa tle go letlelela bogwenegwene jo bo diragalang mo porogerameng ya EPWP. Seno se tla morago ga magatwe a gore, balekgotlha bangwe go tswa kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung, ba tsweletse go thapa batho bangwe ka bokukuntshwane. 

Go ya ka mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa motseng wa Lokaleng mono Taung, Thato Mampane, are gona le batho bangwe ba ba thapilweng ka bokukuntshwane kwa bookelong ja Taung. Mampane are ba letse ba etetse bookelo jwa Taung le go ya go leka go emisa diphiro tseo tse di sa lolamang. 

“Fela, kopano ya rona ile ya emisiwa ke molekgotlha, Pinky Mosinkiemang. Se se utlwisang botlhoko ke gore, balekgotlha ba rona ba mo Taung ba thapile batho ba EPWP kwa bookelong jwa rona jwa Taung. Fela, maloko a dikomiti tsa dikgorwana tseo ga ba itse sepe. 

“Jaanong, re ba kopile go nna le kopano le bone le go ka tlhaloganya gore go diragetseng. Fela, ba ile ba re puaganya, mme ba tlhalosa fa kopano e fedile. Seo se bontsha gore ga re batho ba sepe mo pele ga bone,” Mampane wa tlhalosa. 

Are fa a gopola sentle, Mosinkiemang ke ene o a neng a latofatswa ka go thapa bana ba baneng ba tsenela ikatiso ya bo rrapharakano kwa masepaleng o mo golwane wa Taung ka bokukuntshwane. Mampane are le gompieno, gape, Mosinkiemang wa tlhagelela mo ditatofatsong tsa go thapa ka losika kwa bookelong jwa Taung. 

“Fa go thapiwa ga batho ba EPWP gone go tsamaisitswe sentle kwa metseng ya rona e farologaneng, re kabo re se fa. Jaanong, gotlhelele ga ya tsamaisiwa sentle. Seo se bontsha fa puso ya rona e e eteletsweng pele ke lekoko la ANC, e sa re kgathalele. 

“Ka re ebile barongwa-pusong ba yone ba kgona gore puaganya re tsenetse kopano. Gape, re ile ra ikuela go motsamaisi (CEO) wa bookelo gore a emise batho ba ba thapilweng, mme re rarabolole bothata jo. Fela, le ene o ile are latlhelela matsogo,” Mampane wa tlhalosa. 

Mampane o tsweletse ka gore, ba itse gore batho ba ba thapilweng ke ditsala tsa badiredi-puso bao. Are se se bontsha fa motsamaisi wa bookelo le ene a na le karolo mo bogwengweneng jo bo diragalang. 

“Ke eng se se mopaledisang go emisa batho ba ba thapilweng, mme kgang e e rarabololwe? Seo se bontsha fa ele selo se ba se tlwaetseng,” Mampane wa tlhalosa. 

O mongwe wa baagi go tswa kwa Ditshilong 2, Eric Mess le ene o kaile fa se ele bothata jwa baki e e senang letsogo. Mess are o makadiwa ke gore fa balekgotlha ba tshwanetse ba ba neele dikarabo, ba ema ba tsamaya. 

“Mosinkiemang o emisitse kopano, gonne a tshaba go tsaya maikarabelo. Ga go kgonagale gore re nne le baemedi ba dikgorwana ba be ba ithapa gape mo ditirong tsa EPWP. 

“Ka tlwaelo, baemedi ba dikgorwana, ke bone ba ba neelang molekgotlha maina a batho ba ba tshwanetsweng ke go thapiwe. Fela dilo di fetogile ga jaana, gonne ke bone jaanong ba ba ithapang. Ebile ba bagwe ba thapile basadi ba bone, ga mmogo le ditsala tsa bone. Re batla go tlhaloganya gore go dirisitswe tsela efe ya go thapa,” Mess wa tlhalosa. 

Are ga ba bona dikarabo, mme ba ile ba laelwa go ya go kopana le mmusakgotlha wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Grace Moipolai go bona dikarabo. Mess are mo letsatsing la gompieno, ba tlile go boela kwa bookelong gape, le go ntsha batho ba ba thapilweng go se ka fa molaong. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Ricky Oliphant, o kaetse Taung DailyNews fa a ile go batla dikarabo, mme o tla boela go rona. Fela go fitlha ga jaana, Taung DailyNews e sentse e beile letsogo mo phatlheng. 

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The Hawks secured a preservation order worth over R300 000 against Kagiso Seolwanyane 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Mahikeng-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Asset Forfeiture Unit, have secured a Preservation Order of a vehicle worth R338 700 against Kagiso Abram Seolwanyane (60) at the North West High Court in Mahikeng on 6 May 2024. 

This follows the arrest of Seolwanyane in June 2023, after a tip-off was received regarding suspects who were travelling to Mahikeng allegedly wanting to sell a Pangolin for R60 000. 

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer, Amogelang Malwetse said the information was operationalised and a Toyota Hilux GD-6 was monitored, stopped and searched along Vryburg road. Malwetse said during the search, a bag containing Pangolin was allegedly found inside the vehicle and Seolwanyane was immediately arrested and charged for illegal possession of Pangolin.

“The vehicle was seized as it was used to commit an offence of selling endangered species. Following investigation on the matter, a Preservation Order worth R338 700, was granted on the vehicle,” she said.

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