Picture: A man arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 252 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as illicit mining, undocumented immigrants, dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, a possession of counterfeit goods.

This also includes the possession of drugs, robberies, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other crimes during the multi-disciplinary high density, Operation Shanela.

The Northern Cape Police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the Detectives also traced and arrested 111 daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, murder, rape, assaults and other crimes.

“Beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, and cash were confiscated during actions. Efforts were intensified at identified general dealers and wholesale outlets that resulted in the remarkable confiscation of illicit cigarettes, tobacco products and expired goods valued at almost R20 million.

“Also, the multi-disciplinary team executed 211 compliance inspections at tuck shops, liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers and scrap metal dealers. We will continue to stamp down the authority of the state during the weekly operations,” he said.

Shemane further said the disruptive actions focused on enhancing crime prevention and combating actions. He added that, these disruptive tactical intelligence-driven operations by several SAPS Units, District offices, and police stations include Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, Commercial Crime, Detectives, Firearms, Liquor And Second Hands Goods(FLASH), and Public Order Police, VISPOL in conjunction with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Brand Ambassadors, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development and Municipalities across all districts resulted in the execution of 1452 actions to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.

“Various actions in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies were executed and included, random stops and searches. 5792 persons were searched and 2545 vehicles were stopped and searched, high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks. Farms and mines were also visited.

“An intelligence-driven operation in the Frances Baard District, led to the confiscation of contaminated fuel at depots valued at R1 000 000,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest of suspects and significant confiscations.

Otola said during the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operation in Upington on 17 November 2023, she renewed the commitment of the police and there will be more boots on the ground in an effort to fortify and ensure that, the community and their property will be safe and secure during the festive season and beyond.

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Picture: The carcass of sheep/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects have been arrested for stock theft in Wolmaranstad. This comes after the police received a tip-off on Friday that, the suspects have allegedly loaded suspected stolen sheep in a silver Mitsubishi vehicle and they are traveling between Wolmaranstad and Bloemhof on N12 road.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, five sheep in total, were reported to be stolen in Chris Hani Township, near Wolmaranstad. She said, subsequently, the Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police (POP), Wolmaranstad Police, and Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit, stopped the suspected vehicle.

“They found four occupants inside and upon searching the vehicle, a sheep was found in the boot. The occupants were arrested after they failed to account for the possession of the sheep.

“Further investigations led the police to three addresses in Wolmaranstad, where five sheep carcasses were found. This led to the arrest of another suspect. A total of five suspects aged between 25 and 36 are expected to appear before the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 2023 for possession of suspected stolen property,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their dedication, thorough investigation, and diligence that resulted in the arrests. 

Kwena added that the community’s involvement in the fight against crime is essential as the police alone, will not be able to solve crime.

“We also urge farmers to ensure that, their stock is marked in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002),” said Kwena.

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Picture: A Toyota Quantum for sale/ Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects have been arrested for fraud and assault after they allegedly scammed unsuspecting customers R150 000. It is alleged that Tebogo Deco Chosi (32), Mpho Pitso (38), and Daniel Gideon Rwexane (36), advertised on Facebook that they are selling a Toyota Quantum in Kanana Township, near Orkney.  

The unsuspecting buyer and his son, allegedly drove from Mahikeng to Orkney on 11 October 2023 in meet the seller in quest of buying the advertised Toyota Quantum. He was allegedly shown the vehicle at a house in Kanana and then transferred R150 000 through the banking app into the seller’s bank account.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the victim and his son were suddenly overpowered by eight men, who claimed to be police officers. Myburgh further said the victims were allegedly assaulted and robbed of their cellphones.

“One of the suspects sends cash via “Cash Send” from the victim’s phone. They further took the victim’s bank card and forced him to give them the PIN number.

“They ultimately withdrew money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). After the ordeal, the victims were released and went to report the matter at the local police station. The accused appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 14 November 2023, on charges of fraud, robbery, assault, and impersonating police officials,” she said.

Myburgh added that the accused were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 21 November 2023. Furthermore, she said the police investigations linked the suspects to three more cases reported during September and October in Jouberton and Kanana Townships.

“In one of the robbery cases reported in Jouberton on 24 September 2023, police also arrested Seokama Abrams (50), Zamile Marote (51) and David Metlholo Mereko (60). They used the same modus operandi of luring the unsuspecting victims by advertising a Toyota Quantum taxi via Facebook.

“The suspects made the first appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 30 October 2023. The trio was also remanded in custody and are expected to re-appear before the same court soon,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their dedication, thorough investigation, and diligence that resulted in the arrests. Kwena urged members of the community to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements and to meet potential sellers or buyers in public places for their own safety.

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Picture: The deceased, Ben Gumbi gunned down outside a coffee shop in Rustenburg/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

Another suspect linked to the murder of Rustenburg prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) has been arrested in Hillbrow, Gauteng Province on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the suspect (29) was arrested by collaborative efforts of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Hillbrow Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, and Rustenburg Detectives.

Myburgh further said Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023. She added that the suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo vehicle, which was found abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets, a few minutes after the incident.

“The suspect will appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 2023 facing a murder charge,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their dedication and for bringing the perpetrator to book to face the full might of the Law.

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Picture: A Grade 8 learner, Tlotlo Ntokwe allegedly attacked by another learner/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bullying continues to be prevalent in various schools across the North West. In the latest turn of events, a Grade 8 learner at Lethola Secondary School in Taung, was allegedly beaten by another learner last week. It is alleged that, a commotion between two learners ensued over a timetable. A learner was left bleeding from his nose and rushed to the local hospital for medical attention.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, indeed, there was a fight between two learners and the school management is taking strategic measures to address the matter.

“The principal of Lethola Secondary School confirmed the incident. The fight happened before the school started, outside the classroom. Two boys fought over a timetable when the other one alleged that, the other boy stole his timetable.

“The principal took the injured learner to the hospital, where he underwent an x-ray. Parents of both learners were also called and disciplinary processes are scheduled to take place next week. The case will be followed to it.,” he said.

However, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) national coordinator, Sello Mhladisa said: “Our view as the COSAS is that, bullying is a psychological problem that needs attention. So, we will familiarise ourselves and liaise with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to say that, psychologists should be deployed in schools on a full-time basis.

“This will assist because social workers will be in a better position to identify and analyze the psychological needs of the learners. Remember, learners are from different backgrounds and schools cater to a diverse society. If you go to schools, the majority of learners are from different backgrounds.

Mhladisa further said, some of the learners have been exposed to violence at their respective homes and when they get to school, they take it out on other learners. He added that bullying is a societal problem that needs to be addressed.

“If schools decide to punish or arrest those learners who transgress, then we are going to either punish or arrest everyone because most people are suffering from psychological problems including teachers. I also think the DBE is not doing enough, hence we call for social workers to be deployed in schools.

“Teachers are not trained psychologists and they are there to teach and deliver curriculum. We have so many social workers who are unemployed across the country and they can assist in addressing these challenges,” said Mahladisa.

Meanwhile, the Scielo Organisation said: “Bullying is a global phenomenon that has the potential of impacting on children both physically and psychologically. It sometimes causes children to drop out of school and permanently damages both the psyche and education of the child.

“As indicated above, children are sometimes even killed in the process. When these incidents occur at school, a recent study revealed that a substantial amount of all bullying incidents do occur in the school context. The parties involved are often minors and therefore a critical analysis is necessary with regard to the rights of the victim and the offender.”

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Picture: The Bafana Bafana players celebrating a win against Benin/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana get FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign off to A winning note. This comes after the buoyed Bafana Bafana beat Benin 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana coach, coach Hugo Broos and his players had wanted a victory in their opening match of Group C and the Egyptian Premier League club, Al Ahly player Percy Tau got the ball rolling when he scored the opening goal of the match in the third minute.

The South African senior men’s national team was in control in the first half and increased the lead shortly before the halftime break through Mamelodi Sundaowns’s defender, Khuliso Mudau. But the visitors fought their way back in the second half when Benin’s Steve Mounie pulled a goal back in the 69^th minute.

Broos thanked the Durban supporters for coming out in numbers to cheer on the team and added that, Benin produced a more aggressive display in the second half.

“But we kept working hard till the end of the match, and that was the most thing in this game. I was very happy to see the crowd today, the team deserves this kind of support.

“The team returned back to Johannesburg immediately after the game, where we will travel to Rwanda on Sunday (19 November 2023). We will face Rwanda in the second FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday (21 November 2023) and then return to South Africa on 22 November,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL)’s Deputy Speaker, Linah Miga, has encouraged various voters across the province to collect their Identity Documents (IDs) at various offices of the Department of Home Affairs for voter registration weekend of 18 until 19 November 2023.

Miga said this comes after the establishment of the North West Provincial Home Affairs Stakeholder Forum, which serves as a mechanism for ensuring collaborations in addressing services related to the Department of Home Affairs.

She further said Section 118 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, requires that the legislature must facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the legislature and its committees.

“Through engagements at this forum, it came to light that there are thousands of ID smart cards that have not been collected from the various district offices of the Department of Home Affairs. According to the provincial report on uncollected IDs as of 6 November 2023, there are 26,863 Smart IDs in 15 district offices, as well as 684 green ID books.

“The breakdown per district shows that, a total number of 2840 uncollected IDs in Klerksdorp, 2613 in Potchefstroom, 1390 in Wolmaranstad. In Bojanala region, there are 2948 uncollected IDs in Rustenburg, 2093 in Brits, 2282 in Mankwe, and 1304 in Swartruggens,” said Miga.

She added that, in Ngaka Modiri Molema region, there are 1216 uncollected IDs in Lichtenburg, 2089 in Mmabatho, 1200 in Atamelang, and 998 in Zeerust. According to Miga, in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, there are 479 uncollected IDs in Taung, 816 in Ganyesa, and 2595 in Vryburg.

“Considering that a lower voter turnout was reported in the past elections, particularly in the North West, the legislature wishes to plead with all communities to visit the Home Affairs offices in their areas for collection of smart IDs.

“The call to action is made urgent by the fact that Voter Registration for the 2024 General Elections is scheduled for 18 and 19 November 2023 in the various Voting Stations across the country including the province.

“It is therefore imperative for those who have not collected IDs to do so in order to embrace and honour their right to vote in the coming General Elections,” she said.

 Miga also said, the Provincial Home Affairs Stakeholders Forum encourages communities to make use of the opportunity created by the IEC, whereby Voting Stations will be opened from 7am until 5pm on 18 – 19 November 2023 in order for citizens to register to vote in the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mambolo said: “The Electoral Commission declares its readiness to conduct a General Registration weekend as part of the program for the preparations for the 2024 General Elections. Over two days on 19 and 20 November 2023, we will welcome the eligible citizens at 23 000 296 registration stations across the country.

“The registration stations will operate between 8am to 5pm on both days. Opening of all registration stations this weekend provides equal opportunities to all South Africans to access the voter registration process. The registration weekends as a modality of the registration, provide us by far the greatest registration yields in comparison with other methods.”

Mamabolo said of these voting stations, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of 28% include either categories such as community halls and other municipal infrastructure.

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Picture: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu visiting water project in Zeerust/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said he will ensure that Operation Bulela Metsi meets its obligations to the people of Dinokana and ultimately the whole province. Mchunu said they have invested R106 million into the Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project that is implemented by Magalies Water in Zeerust.

He further said, the Dinokana Water Project, is one of the 27 water and sanitation projects under Operation Bulela Metsi that were unlocked and reprioritised as a result of intergovernmental interventions led by his office and the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) early this year.

Mnchunu added that he conducted an oversight at the construction sites of the water project and met with the community of Dinokana.

“The delegation was taken through the ‘sacred’ Dinokana Eye, a natural spring where the source of the water and the pump station are located and also conducted a walkabout at the site where a 15-kilometer bulk pipeline is being laid.

“Through the intergovernmental structures set in the province and the constitutional mandate of each institution, the program will ensure that every household has access to water through a standpipe. So, the people need to be patient as the projects are being implemented in phases,” he said.

Mchunu said they are happy that, there is progress and that ultimately, water will reach everyone who needs to benefit from the project. He said they are now here to point to the work that is currently being carried out.

“Refurbishing the pump station is critical so that all the pumps are working optimally in order to pump the required quantities and be able to meet the demand of these communities in the four wards.

“The project scope underway entails the refurbishment and upgrade of the Dinokana Rural Water Supply Infrastructure, which consists of high lift pump refurbishment and upgrade from 2 Ml/day to 4 Ml/day, refurbishment of boreholes, upgrading of spring water pump station and pipeline, refurbishment of the distribution system up to the bulk water reservoirs and constructing an additional 2 Ml reservoir to provide additional gravity pressure,” said Mchunu.

He said already over 1000 metres of the bulk pipeline has been laid, works on the refurbishment work have commenced, and work on the bulk distribution network has also commenced. Mchunu said that 17 local people benefited through the Dinokana Water Supply Intervention project, and 5 more job opportunities will in the future be added to benefit 25 locals each per ward.

“We encourage those with illegal water connections to report to the local mayor to be legally connected for free. This way, they won’t face the wrath of the law. We also call on the community to safeguard the infrastructure.

“Connecting water illegally damages the pipes and further assigned one of the local youth in Dinokana to lead in the fight against vandalism of the water infrastructure. Dinokana Water Supply intervention project which commenced on the 30 September 2023, is expected to be completed on the 30 September 2024,” said Mchunu.

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Picture: The GWK merged with VKB Group/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

GWK said it merger with VKB has produced a positive impact in less than six months. According to the GWK Engagement Manager, Madri Scheepers, the merger was officially approved by the Competition Authorities earlier this year.

“There are positive stories about the impact of the merger and the people in this story have already emerged. Directly or indirectly, people, including employees, customers and communities in the areas where GWK and VKB operate businesses, have begun to experience the positive impact of the merger.

“Value has already been unlocked for the VKB Group (or the combined group) in specific divisions, either monetarily or through efficiencies. More positive news is that, the combined group is moving forward and successfully finding solutions for more efficient energy consumption at various business units,” she said.

Scheepers further said this value can be attributed to several factors and one of these, is the leadership of the GWK/VKB’s integration committee, which follows a structured and comprehensive process to lead the integration process in collaboration with the executive leadership team of the VKB Group.

She added that, apart from the input of this committee, the dedication of the employees of the combined group is worth mentioning.

“Every day, employees embrace the changes and focus on utilising the opportunities on a professional, personal, and business level. These people are, and have always been a core focus for GWK and VKB, even before the merger.

“As a combined group, employees have the certainty that no retrenchments linked to the merger will take place for 36 months from the effective date and eligible employees will soon share in the benefits of employee trusts,” said Scheepers.

She said in addition to this, employees have more opportunities to develop and grow their careers as part of one of the largest agricultural businesses in South Africa. Scheepers said as part of the integration process, dedicated focus and hard work are being done to unlock benefits for clients as a result of the merger.

“This applies to commercial and emerging producers who each play a valuable role in the sustainability of agriculture – something vital to the combined group. The focus on support for emerging producers and the establishment of these producers as sustainable commercial farmers in the future, are supported by projects that are already actively operating for the last few years, as well as access to financing and other services. 

“The latter includes established and committed financing solutions and input financing to eligible emerging producers, which are available through the combined group (subject to the credit policy and relevant legislation),” she said. 

Scheepers said potential qualifying beneficiaries can send their enquiries to contact@vkb.co.za. She said currently, the processes and qualifying requirements are being put in place for managing financing options – the group will communicate with relevant stakeholder groups as soon as more information is available.

“The company’s connection with PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions) is a further vital partnership to promote innovative and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector and to support communities, as well as promote sustainability within the industry. 

“An example of one existing project is Agriqua, which is a structured mentorship programme that has been successfully implemented and is operating in the Taung area. One hundred and fourteen producers form part of the programme, which strives to support emerging producers in preparation for establishing commercial farms,” concluded Scheepers.

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