Setshwantsho: Tlhokego ya ditirelo ke tlhoba boroko kwa kgorwaneng ya borataro

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Go tsogile tlhatlharuane kwa kgorwaneng ya borataro e akaretsang motse wa Myra, ga mmogo le Mogopela B kwa Taung. Seno se tla morago ga gore, baagi ba kaele Taung DailyNews fa ba sa bone ditirelo go tswa kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung gonne ba voutetse lekoko la sepolotiki la Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD).

Go ya ka molekgotlha wa kgorwana eo, Seakgamoriri Mmokwa wa lekoko la sepolotiki la F4SD, gona le maiteko a go netefatsa fa baagi ba sa bone ditirelo, gonne ba voutela F4SD. Mmokwa are, o lobaka a ikuela go masepala go ka tokafatsa ditirelo kwa kgorwaneng e, fela maiteko a gagwe a iteile sefololetsa.   

“Re itemogetse gore tshwetso tsa baagi tse ba di dirileng fa gone go dirwa Integrated Development Planning (IDP), ga di a tsewa tsia. Baagi ba dirile ditshwetso tseo ngwaga le ngwaga, mme ga gona sepe se se dirilweng.  

“Go bontsha fa go sa tle go dirwa sepe, gonne gona le Portfolio Committee ya mafaratlhatlha e e dirang ditsitsinyo ka di porejeke tse di tla tlang, fela kgorwana ya borataro ga eo moo, ntle ke porojeke ya go tsenya dipone tsa mo mebileng (high mast light) dile nne ka 2026,” Mmokwa wa tlhalosa.

Are, gona le porojeke ya metsi e eneng e tshwanetswe go ribololwa ka 2021, fela masepala one a e gogela morago ntle le mabaka a tsepameng. Go ya ka Mmokwa, masepala o tlhalositse fa madi a porejeke eo, a le mantsi. 

“Fela seo ene e se nnete gonne porojeke eo, ene e tlile go jela masepala madi a lekanyediwang go R7m. Fela, go bontsha fa go nnile le botsokunape gonne, motsamaisi wa maloba wa masepala, one a tsenya khansele ya masepala ka sekgwa ka go ba kaela fa porojeke eo e tlhoka R30m.  

“Jaanong, seo se re lemotsha gore kgang e, e dirilwe ka bomo gonne baagi ba ne ba tlile go bona fa F4SD e direla baagi. Le gompieno jaaka ke bua le wena jaana, ga gona metsi kwa kgorwaneng ya rona ya Myra le Mogopela B,” Mmokwa wa tlhalosa.

Fela motlatsa modula-setilo wa Myra Civic Movement, Obakeng Sentshegeng, o latofatsa Mmokwa ka go sa tsenele dikopano tsa baagi tsa kgwedi le kgwedi. Sentshegeng are, ba na le matsapa a tlhaelo ya metsi kwa motseng wa bone, ebile one a leba kwa dikantorong tsa masepala mo letsatsing la maabane go batla dikarabo.

“Metsi a na le kgwedi yotlhe a seo, mme go sena ope fela kgotsa molekgotlha wa rona go re bolelela gore go diragalang. Gape, molekgotlha wa rona ga tsenele dikopano tsa kgorwana ya gagwe. Ke ile ka leba kwa dikantorong tsa masepala, mme ka kopana le modiri teng yo ke ileng ka mo tlhalosetsa ka matsapa a rona a tlhaelo ya metsi.

“Fela, rre o, one a mpotsa gore molekgotlha wa rona ke mang, ebile le mokgatlho wa sepolotiki o re o voutetseng ke ofeng. Seo, se ile sa ntemosa gore re otlhaelwa gore re be re voutetse mokgatlho wa F4SD ka ntlheng ya gore, ga re bone ditirelo kwa motseng wa rona,” Sentshegeng wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, masepala ga wa araba mo ntlheng eo.

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Picture: A call centre that causes an outcry/Google 

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Municipal Manager at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Itumeleng Jonas said they will not be side-tracked by mischievous reports that, the municipality has paid a R38 million for a call centre. Jonas, who was speaking to Newzroom Afrika TV channel said, they have responded to a clarion call made by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to have a call centre in each district to dichotomise service delivery challenges.

“The process in terms of the appointment of the service provider was done in December 2021. In February 2022, the former Municipal Manager, awarded the tender to the bidder. The appointment letter stated categorically that, the service provider was appointed for three years to the tune of R38 million.

“The appointment letter stipulated that annually, the municipality has to budget a R12 million. In that R12 million, there are certain activities included such as the appointment of individuals, the annual licence fee, monthly fee and Adhoc training,” he said.

Jonas said the council approved a budget for a call centre and all processes unfolded were above board. He further said the appointed service provider was the lowest amongst them all.

“The inclusive monthly fees to the training component, are to the value of R1.4 million. So, at this particular moment, we have not paid R38 million. All payments will be subjected to the approval.

“We have received calls from various community members regarding sewage spillages and shortages of water through the call centre and we were able to address those challenges,” added Jonas.

However, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said they would engage various law enforcement agencies to probe the tender. According to allegations, the approval of the tender was done, while the EFF executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile was at the helm of the municipality.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said: “I think we must make it quite clear that, as we were working in the office, we have never received such a discussion or never been in a position, where the Office of the Speaker, summoned the executive mayor to the council to discuss such item in a special council meeting.

“So, we are quite surprised by the revelations that office of the former executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile was really faced with such discussion. So, we have never came to a point where we discussed such. So, we are not aware of that particular call centre.”

Meanwhile, the chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Aaron Motswana alleged that, the municipality created a duplicate call centre with public funds that were meant for service delivery.

“We urge the North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi to take necessary steps to stop rampant corruption, fraud and looting at an industrial scale in the municipality.

“This shows thuggery, theft, and fraud of the highest order that when thieves ran out of ideas on how to authorise theft of taxpayers’ monies, the only logic was for them to create a shack and imaginary computers, handheld radios and vehicles to justify their greed,” he said.

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Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi cracking down on illegal businesses/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi said, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is responding well to a clarion call to crack down on business non-compliance. Tlhapi said in an unwavering display of commitment to business compliance and the safety of consumers, they led an extensive business compliance inspection in Phaposane and Gamanyai villages, near Ganyesa on Friday.

“This operation is a cornerstone of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole and it reinforces the provincial government’s unwavering dedication to ensure businesses adhere to South Africa’s stringent regulations. So, the aim is to deliver a firm message that compliance is non-negotiable.

“During the inspection, the vigilant team uncovered startling business practices across 13 tuckshops from vendors sleeping on the job to poor hygiene standards, non-compliance with price displays, the sale of expired and improperly labelled goods as well as selling of unverified products,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the Municipal Health Inspectors (MHIs) upholding the highest regulatory standards, condemned non-compliant products valued at R20 000. She added that, two tuck shops faced temporary closure until they met the compliance requirements outlined in the Foodstuffs Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.

“Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration unit) apprehended nine foreign nationals with expired passports or lacking essential asylum and refugee documents. The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) also seized two illegal Bingo Merry Roulette gambling machines during this operation.

“They sent a stern warning against underage gambling. The enforcement inspection also extended to liquor outlets, where a striking 6 out of 7 outlets were found in breach of the Liquor Act 27 of 1989. These outlets were in violation of various sections, including the unlawful rental of licenses,” said Tlhapi.

She said, there was a failure to keep a license in the outlet licensed premises, and also to maintain bona fide restaurants as per the condition of the license. Tlhapi said the team issued fines amounting to R10500 to all non-compliant liquor outlets. 

“The Thuntsha Lerole Programme goes beyond regulatory enforcement, exemplified by the donation of wheelie bins, indigenous and fruit trees to the Phaposane clinic and Kegakilwe Primary School in Tlaakgameng.

“This initiative promotes waste management and environmental sustainability, aligning with the government’s ambitious target to plant 10 million trees over the next five years,” she said.

According to Tlhapi, officials from the department’s Business Regulation unit leveraged the Thuntsha Lerole platform to conduct a workshop with local business owners around Tlakgameng village. She said the workshop elucidated the department’s role in regulating businesses and issuing licenses under the new North West Business Licensing Act No. 3 of 2019.

“The act mandates licensing for businesses selling consumables, beauty, lifestyle products, services, and entertainment services. As a testament to fostering local employment, the department awarded job contracts to nine Data Capturers from Kudunkgwane and Tlakgameng villages.

“These young individuals will assist the department in registering and verifying businesses operating within Kagisano Molopo for inclusion in the provincial business licensing database,” she said.

Tlhapi said her department strongly encourages the local business owners to collaborate with these Data Capturers to ensure full compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act and other relevant legislation.

She said the comprehensive operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the government to safeguard South African businesses and consumers, reinforcing the importance of compliance and accountability. 

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Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go begwang ele tsa bogodu

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le bararo ba go belaelwang ele ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Klerksdorp mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le go tshola dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu mo go bone.

Banna ba, ba leletswe ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12 kwa motse-setoropong wa Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp ka di 2 Ngwanatsele 2023. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi di le 29 tse go belaelwang fa ele tsa bogodu.

Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa dipudi tseo kwa motseng wa Manthe, mme ga fitlhelwa fa ele tsa monna mongwe wa morui, Thapelo “Raider” Katong. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba ne ba le mo tirong, ba ne ba bona sejanaga se se belaetsang, mme ba se sala morago.

“Bane ba se emisa, mme a kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba ne ba fitlhela dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba le bararo ba ne ba tshwarwa, mme ba tla tlhagelela kwa Kgotlha-Tshekelo ya Klerksdorp fa Ngwanatsele a tlhola matsatsi ale 6.

“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: The suspected stolen Nissan NP200 discovered/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 617 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, conducted across North West province on 2-6 November 2023. The suspects arrested were amongst others, for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary of residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle, theft out of/from motor vehicle, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, of the 617 arrested suspects, 181 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, house robbery and business robbery.

She further said, moreover, 65 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, and many others.

“The operation also resulted in the confiscation of mandrax tablets, four dangerous weapons, three handguns, one rifle, 29 rounds of ammunition, 20 cellular phones, liquor and copper cables,” said Funani.

She added that, during Operation Shanela conducted in Mahikeng on 2 November 2023, a man (25) was arrested for being in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.

“During this joint intelligence-led operation, police followed up on a tip-off about suspects possessing a suspected stolen vehicle. They immediately went to his home and a search was conducted.

“Subsequently, a white Nissan NP 200, which was reported hijacked at Mmabatho early October 2023, was seized as well as an empty 9mm magazine, nine rounds of rifle ammunition, and three shotgun ammunition were recovered,” said Funani.

She said the suspects, who were arrested during Operation Shanela, are expected to appear in different courts around the province today and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for these successes and thanked the police for working hard to keep suspects behind bars in the province.

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Picture: The missing man, Katlego King Sedumedi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The police in Phokeng request the community’s assistance to locate a missing person, Katlego “King” Sedumedi (24), who is residing at GG Section, near Tlhabane. Sedumedi was last seen by his sister on 24 October 2023.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said, a search was conducted by the police, family and community around the neighbourhoods of Tlhabane and Phokeng without any success. Funani said, during Sedumedi’s disappearance, he was wearing a black T-shirt and black trouser.

“He is dark in complexion and has brown eyes with a medium built body. He is 1.3m tall with short black hair. Anyone with information regarding Sedumedi’s whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya of Phokeng Detectives on 082 5487195, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-off can be communicated via the MySAPS App,” she said.

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Setshwantsho: Monna o oneng a begwa fa a timetse, Major Okedutse Itumeleng o bonwe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa kwa Vryburg yo oneng a begwa fa a timetse, Major Okedutse Itumeleng (47), o bonwe ke bangwe ba baagi a rapaletse fa thoko ga tsela kwa motseng wa Kroondal, gaufi le Rustenburg. Go begwa fa Itumeleng one ana le dintho tsa go teketiwa.

Go begwa fa Itumeleng, a amogetswe kwa bookelong jwa Job Shimankane Tabane ka dikgobalo tse di masisi. Go ya ka dibego, one a teketiwa ke batho ba bas a itsiweng.   

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Leftenente Kolonele, Amanda Funani are, go begwa fa Itumeleng, ane a tseelwa dilwana tsa gagwe jaaka karata ya banka ga mmogo le mogala wa letheka.

“Go begwa fa Itumeleng a ne a pegwa ke banna ba le babedi mo sejanageng ka 27 Diphalane 2023 go tswa kwa Vryburg, mme ba kaya fa ba leba kwa Johannesburg. Go begwa fa Itumeleng, a ne a leba kwa toropong ya Johannesburg fa se, sene se diragala. Fela, banna ba, ba ne ba leba kwa Rustenburg.

“Sepodisi ga mmogo le baagi ba kwa Vryburg, ba ne ba bolotsa letsema la go batlana le Itumeleng, fela ga seka ga nna le nko e e tswang lemina. Re le sepodisi, re leboga baagi ba ba thusitseng mo go boneng Itumeleng,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: Head of Department at North West Health Department/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha has suspended the Head of Department (HoD), Obakeng Mongale (52), pending contravention of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) over R470 million tender case. 

This comes after Mongale’s arrest by the Hawks last week.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Mongale who is former Head of Department at North West Public Works and Roads, briefly appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 2 November 2023, for alleged contravention of Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1 of 1999.

Mamothame said, Mongale handed himself over to the police on 2 November 2023. He further alleged that, in 2008, Mongale awarded IIima Projects and Tsoga Developers a tender to the tune of over R470 million to construct Brits Hospital.

“The investigations by Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, revealed that, the two companies were awarded the tender without meeting requirements. In 2010, Ilima Projects was allegedly placed under provisional liquidation, which resulted in the termination of the contract.

“A new company was appointed to complete the construction of the hospital. The department had spent over R57 million when the contract was terminated. The new contractor had to carry out two major remedial work amounting to more than R4 million, which resulted in the extension of time and cost, which constituted wasteful expenditure,” he said.

Mamothame added that, Mongale was released on R50 000 00 bail and his case was postponed to 31 January 2024 for further investigation. He said, Mongale has been ordered to hand in his passport to the investigating officer and not to communicate with state witnesses.

“Court further ordered the accused not to leave the province without informing the investigating officer,” said Mamothame.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded both the investigation and prosecution team for working in collaboration towards ensuring that the accused is brought before court to answer to the allegations against him.

Meanwhile, Sambatha said: “Mongale been granted a special leave of absence to afford him time to deal with allegations of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which have been levelled against him. While Mongale has protested his innocence, it is only fair that he should be given space and time to deal with the allegations.

“I have therefore granted him a special leave of absence pending the finalisation of his court case. Affording Mongale a special leave of absence, will assist the department to seek legal counsel on the matter.”

He said, however, the determination of leave of absence (Clause 26.3) does provide for special leave for various reasons including “for any other purpose”.  Sambatha said he has also taken a decision to appoint the Chief Director for Corporate Services, Dr Madipuo Tlhogane as the acting Superintendent-General for the period of the special leave of absence of the substantive SG.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for rape. On 13 January 2021, Pogisho Joseph Skalk (27) forcefully entered the house through a window, where he found an elderly woman (62) asleep at Mountain View, near Pampierstad.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said, Shalk assaulted and raped her. Pilane further said the accused was positively linked to the rape through DNA.

“He was arrested on 18 March 2022 and his bail application was successfully denied until he was convicted and sentenced. In addition to the hefty sentence, he was declared unfit to own a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said, they welcomed the sentence and lauded the good investigative work of Detective Sergeant Daniel Nhlathi of Hartswater FCS Unit. Otola added that they embraced the sentencing and urged the community to take a stand, instead of keep quiet about GBV-related cases.

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