Picture: Six foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied
By OBAKEG MAJE
Six undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during an operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District on 8 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding the possible undocumented persons on the Koinnas road enroute to Kleinzee.
“A waylay operation was conducted along the road and the police arrested four Lesotho men, one Mozambican and one Zimbabwean man respectively for Contravention of the Immigration act.
“Four mineral jig mining machines valued at R550 000 each were confiscated. The operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District continues to intensify,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the efforts of the team for their ongoing actions in an attempt to eradicate the area of illegal mining activities and reclaiming the area from illegal miners.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department is commemorating a Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month by rolling out the first round of the Human Papiloma Virua (HPV) vaccination. Sambatha said the roll-out has commenced on 6 until 20 February 2024 in all primary schools across the province.
He further said the HPV is a viral infection that is transmitted between people through skin-to-skin contact. Sambatha added that, the infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut or sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
“The HPV vaccination is most effective if given before having sex for the first time and is therefore recommended for children aged between 9 and 14 years and is available in all our primary health care facilities. The vaccine prevents certain types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer.
“Children aged between 11 and 12 years, should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. Parents and guardians of unvaccinated teenagers are advised to consult their nearest healthcare facility as soon as possible. Teenagers who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday, require three doses, administered over six months,” he said.
Sambatha said the HPV infections often have no symptoms, so people may not know if they have it. He said where symptoms do appear, will vary depending on the strain of HPV.
“One of the most common strains of HPV is genital warts. Many people with this strain of HPV will not develop any symptoms or know that they have it. Symptoms of genital warts include one or more small, flesh-coloured or grey painless growths or lumps around the vagina, penis, anus, or upper thighs. Itching or bleeding from the genitals or anus and a change to the normal flow of pee (for example, sideways), that doesn’t go away.
“The warts may be difficult to notice if they are internal (inside the vagina or anus). So, we urge parents and caregivers to sign consent forms for vaccination to be administered to their children at schools through the school health outreach programme,” said Sambatha.
He said the vaccine is available through all clinics and at school-based clinics. Sambatha said children must be immunized at an early age to avoid the future burden of diseases that could have been prevented through vaccines.
Picture: A foreign national nabbed for dealing in drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 38-YEAR-OLD man who is a foreign national, has been arrested for dealing drugs in Kimberley on 8 February 2024. The suspect was arrested during illicit mining operation, Vala Umgodi executed by the joint team comprising of South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off regarding a non-compliance at a business premises. Sam said the police conducted a compliance inspection at the said business premises and confirmed the illegal business activities.
“The police in searching the premises, found suspected drugs with an estimated value of R88 500, including tik, cat, dagga, tik lollies and cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
“The suspect was apprehended and charged for dealing in drugs. He will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that this success is as a result of collaboration between the law enforcement agencies and the public, which resulted in the removal of the drugs from society.
Picture: The missing Salman Johannes Mentoor/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Keimoes are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Salman Johannes Mentoor (66). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, Mentoor left his home in Extension 3, Keimoes on 3 February 2024.
Kock said he was last seen on the N14 road to Kenhardt and was apparently heading to Lennertsville.
“Mentoor has a hearing impairment in both ears and is mentally challenged. He has grey hair and half of his right ear is missing. He was wearing a cream trouser, white tekkies and red/brown t-shirt at the time he went missing.
“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Anyone with information can call D/Sgt Marius Fortuin on 084 253 7184. The investigation continues,” he said.
Picture: The learners urged to stay away from substance abuse/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, accompanied by the Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Nomandla Bloem, embarked on a safer schools’ campaign in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 8 February 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the programme was supported by the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Northern Cape Department of Education, the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, the School Governing Body (SGB) in Mecwetsaneng Primary School and the local Traditional Council under Kgosi Selao.
“In outlining the purpose of the day, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, stated that the SAPS management took a conscious decision of providing more support to rural schools, to address activities relating to specific crimes and/or challenges, focusing on bullying, sexual offences, substance abuse, vandalism, burglary, dangerous weapons and gangsterism, amongst other threats.
“Otola and Bloem spoke in unison in pleading with parents to take responsibility for their kids in ensuring that they arrive at school safely and unharmed. They also urged the communities to involve the CPF in school safety programs and report any criminality to the police,” he said.
Sam further said the learners were urged to focus on their education and refrain from using substances such as dagga, cigarettes, okka pipe, and carrying dangerous weapons to school.
He added that, the SAPS management, Bloem and Selao handed over 80 goodie bags that included school shoes to the school principal and SGB.
Meanwhile, Selao thanked all stakeholders for making the day possible and special to the learners.
The ANC in the North West will host the 2024 PEC Lekgotla from 10-11 February 2024 at Rustenburg Civic Centre, in Rustenburg. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said ANC Lekgotla is expected to assess the state of the organisation and the performance of government in implementing the Manifesto of the ANC, resolutions taken in the 2023 Lekgotla, as well as directives taken in between.
“In a quest to accelerate much needed services in the province, the PEC Lekgotla will amongst other things, highlight a clear implementation plan on priorities, which ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa outlined during the ANC January 8 Statement.
“This includes accelerating infrastructure development, boosting the local economy through massive industrialization. The Lekgotla will also discuss how the province can contribute in finding a lasting solution to the country’s energy challenges,” he said.
Three men who were arrested for armed robbery, two counts of attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, unlawful possession of firearm/s and unlawful possession of ammunition, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 February 2024.
Molefi Tshele (37), Joseph Sithole (37) and Vusi Nkambule (41) were remanded in custody until 19 February 2024 for formal bail application.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the accused were arrested during a crime intelligence driven operation by Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Flying Squad, District Detectives Task Team, National Illicit Mining Task Team, Marikana Visible Policing, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Bidvest Security, Protea Security, Car tracker, Ram Risk & Intelligence, HenCor Tactical and Solutions K9 Magnus on 6 February 2024.
“They were arrested after they allegedly robbed three courier bakkies on the Kroondal Road in Rustenburg. According to information, the accused who were driving in Toyota Quantum and Nissan NP200 vehicles, blocked three courier bakkies, then shot the escort driver, who was later taken to a local hospital.
“At the time of the incident, the courier vehicles were on the way to Rustenburg to deliver goods. Thus, the accused took cell phones, tablets and other items and fled the scene. Police were called and subsequent to receiving a tip-off, the team went to a house at Mfidikwe village, outside Rustenburg where the two vehicles were seen entering,” she said.
Funani further said the shoot-out between the police and the suspects ensued. She added that three accused were found inside the house and arrested, while the other four suspects fled the scene.
“The team managed to recover cell phones and other items,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all the South African Police Service (SAPS) units involved and private security companies’ personnel, as well as other stakeholders for their concerted efforts and the sterling job, which resulted in the apprehension of the accused.
Picture: Students embark on protest over registration at Vuselela FET College
By OBAKENG MAJE
The situation has returned to normal at Vuselela FET College in Pudimoe campus. This comes after the student representatives and the college reached an agreement. On Monday, the students embarked on protest and barricaded the entrance of the campus with burning tyres and shrubs demanding that the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele addressed their challenges before returning to class.
It is alleged that, the college demanded that students who were owing, should atleast settle their debts before being allowed to register. One of the student representatives (non-affiliated), Oratile Matsitle said they had a consultative engagement with the college management, but representatives from South African Students Congress (SASCO), budged out of the meeting.
“We had a good and progressive meeting with the college management and we have reached an agreement that the demand of the students will be addressed. The demand was that all students who owe the college must go and collect the agreement forms to individually commit themselves how they will pay the outstanding fee.
“However, SASCO leadership walked out of the meeting and alleged that they will continue with the protest. We kindly advise all students, who owe the college to go and take an agreement form as soon as possible so that they can arrange with management how they will pay their fee, as we have collectively agreed in the meeting,” he said.
The SASCO regional treasurer in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Phemelo Sedimo said: “We had a productive engagement with the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele. We have reached an agreement that students will be registered and return to their respective classes. So, we welcome the agreement.”
Meanwhile, Mawele said some students were denied access into the campus because they do not have Proof of Payment for registration. He said this is the monitoring system they use to ensure that there is law and order.
“Those who cannot produce Proof of Payment were supposed to come to me and say they have a challenge. So, I was surprised to see students embarking on a protest and blocking the gates. Some students were denied access and I think if there are any challenges, the SRC leadership should come to me,” said Mawele.
Picture: Taung Dam experiencing decline on water level
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Department of Water and Sanitation said the water levels across North West Dams have slightly dropped from last week’s 79.0% to 79.1% this week. The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said, the scorching temperatures observed in certain parts of the province is the reason for this modest decline in the water storage.
“Ngotwane Dam fell from 42.6% to 42.1%, while Disaneng Dam slightly dipped from 92.5% to 91.9% this week. Additionally, Setumo Dam moved down from last week’s 104.7% to 103.7% this week.
“This week, Roodekopjes Dam experienced a plunge, going from 90.2% to 87.9%, while Buffelspoort Dam has recorded a slight decline going from 100.6% to 100,4%. Pella Dam has also experienced a notable decline from 52.8 % to 52.0% and Klipvoor Dam has dropped from last week’s 100.7% to 99.6%,” he said.
He further said Molatedi Dam in Zeerust, has decreased from 45.9% to 45.3%. Mavasa added that Lindleyspoort Dam has also experienced a decline descending from 67.4% to 67.1%.
“Marico-Bosveld Dam saw a slight drop, going from 76.6% to 75.7%. Taung Dam, which supplies water to Taung and the surrounding regions, has similarly decreased in dam levels going from 91.1% to 91.0% this week.
“Bospoort Dam has noted an increase this week moving from 101.9% to 102.2% this week. The levels of the Madikwe Dam have also seen an increase from 40.4 % to 42.2%. Vaalkop Dam had a notable increase as well, moving up from 88.5% to 90.9%,” said Mavasa.
He said Olifantsnek Dam has noted no changes this week and is sitting at 84,2%. Mavasa said the department urges communities to utilise water sparingly as most dams have recorded a decline this week.
The members of the community are encouraged to report water leaks and unlawful connections. Damaging water infrastructure should also be reported to the forums that have been established by the department in the communities,” he said.
A 10-man Bafana Bafana bravely gave their all during a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria before eventually losing 2-4 on penalties in Côte d’Ivoire. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ valiant charges had fought very hard to force the match into extra time, and eventually the tense penalty shootout, after the two teams ended the 90 minutes deadlocked at 1-1.
They did it while a man down after Grant Kekana was sent off in the final minutes of extra time.
William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for the Nigerians from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Victor Osimhen was judged to have been brought down inside the area. The South African senior national team clawed their way back in the 90th minute through Teboho Mokoena, who also beat Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from the penalty spot.
The Egyptian referee, Amin Omar awarded the spot kick after consulting Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Bafana Bafana will now play the DR Congo in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Beauty Dlulane said, they have noted with appreciation Bafana Bafana’s performance against Nigeria. Dlulane said South Africa should be proud of their performance at AFCON 2024.
“Bafana Bafana went out fighting and dominated all aspects of the game. They were able to dominate Nigeria and pushed them all the way. The nation supports the boys; we are proud of the effort they put in.
“In semi-finals, worse still in penalty shoot-outs, anything is possible. We were able to push Nigeria, a team composed mostly of European-based players, with mostly locally-based players,” she continued,” she said.
Dlulane said Bafana Bafana’s overall performance in the AFCON 2024 is a vote of confidence in the South African Premier League and in the quality of the local players. She said the nation is immensely proud of the effort, be it on the losing side tonight.
The Guardian 