One suspect linked to 10 separate cases ranging from business robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, carjackings, and kidnapping to rape, which were committed in Taung and Pudimoe between October and December 2020 was arrested.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect’s accomplice, Master Lobelo (38) is currently serving 10 years imprisonment. Mokgwabone said in an effort to bring perpetrators of serious crimes to book, they have conducted operations consisting of all units under the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigations between 27 and 28 September 2023.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspects and recovery of 54 suspected stolen livestock in various parts of the province. The suspects were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, theft of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property as well as theft and possession of suspected stolen stock.
“During the operations, 18 cattle, 35 goats, and a sheep, all valued at R261 000 were recovered. Furthermore, four cloned vehicles that included a Mercedes Benz A45 and Volkswagen Touran worth R4 890 000 were recovered,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, in addition, and as part of enforcement of various legislation, 57 fines worth R70 000 were issued for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). He added that all suspects appeared at various courts in the province on 29 September 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the police for their diligence that resulted in the successes.
Picture: The Hawks arrested a former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municiaplity’s traffic unit/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municipality in De Aar has been sentenced to eight years by the Hangover Regional Court for fraud. Nomava Luwalala (44), who was working as a cashier at the municipality’s traffic department unit, manipulated the eNatis system for a period of time covering July 2019 to December 2020, while performing her duties.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said, she failed to report all the monies received. According to Thebe, this resulted in the municipality suffering a loss of R120 252 000.
“Luwalala was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that she is not convicted of fraud, theft, or attempted theft during the period of suspension. The accused was further directed to pay back an amount of R120 252 000 in installments of R10 000 until the total amount was paid.
“Luwalala made her first court appearance shortly after she was arrested on 1 December 2022. The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on all 20 counts of fraud as charged,” he said.
Thebe further said the Hawk’s Serious Corruption Investigation team executed a warrant of arrest on 1 December 2022 and successfully investigated the matter resulting in a conviction.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the work done. Mabuela added that what mostly pleases him is that, the municipality will recover the loss as per the court order.
Three men who were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, and malicious damage to property in Matshepe village, near Mahikeng were remanded in custody. Ontlametse Masibi (24), Itumeleng Lehulere (37), and Mokgatle Sejake (40), briefly appeared at Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were arrested by the Provincial Detectives on 27 September 2023 after an intensive investigation and suspect raiding operation. Mokgwabone alleged that the suspects kidnapped Kabelo Majoro on 29 June 2023.
“Majoro, who was accused of stock theft, was found dead the following day near to Magojane farm. The accused were further linked with the violence, which flared up in the village in August 2023. During the incident, several houses including those used for training and consultations by traditional healers as well as two vehicles were set alight, while the third vehicle was damaged.
“The incidents, with the exception of the kidnapping and murder, occurred after the callous murder of Chief Gopane Phillip Motuba (65). The case against the accused was postponed to 5 October 2023 for a formal bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mokgwabone said the investigations into the alleged murder of Motuba is still underway and no arrest has been effected.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their hard work. Kwena further urged the community to come forth with any information that could assist in solving all the crimes reported in the village.
Picture: Tuckshop owners nabbed for selling suspected stolen goods/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two men aged 28 and 36 were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property valued at approximately R43 000. On 1 October 2023, the Kimberley Crime Prevention police received a complaint alleging that, a local tuckshop is selling private label branded property in bulk belonging to local Supermarkets.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said: “The duo will soon appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.”
While we have made significant progress in recovering from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, most South Africans are feeling the pressure of rising prices and a slow economy.
The economy is now larger than it was before the pandemic and the 2 million jobs that were lost have largely been recovered. Yet the combination of global economic instability and the effects of our electricity crisis have meant that our economy continues to grow too slowly and is unable to create jobs at the pace we need.
While government has done much to implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which we launched in October 2020, we have always maintained that the success of our efforts would depend on greater partnership across society.
Last week, together with several Cabinet colleagues, I held a meeting with business leaders organised under the umbrella of Business for South Africa (BS4A).
Last month, I met with the leadership of the country’s four labour federations, where we agreed to work more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy. We will be meeting again soon to discuss the areas where we can deepen cooperation.
These efforts are important because an economy that is growing slowly cannot create enough jobs. It can also not generate enough revenue for government to fully implement the programmes needed to improve people’s lives. The fact that the country’s debt service costs are the fastest growing budget item means that spending on education, health, social protection and infrastructure come under even greater pressure.
We have therefore given the pursuit of inclusive economic growth the greatest priority. We are acting with increased focus and effort to remove the most immediate constraints on growth – and doing so together with our social partners.
Our collaboration with business, for example, has moved far beyond discussions. Since June this year, government has been working closely with Business for South Africa on critical actions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption.
Last week’s meeting confirmed that good traction has been achieved in these areas, most notably in the work being done by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) to end load shedding and achieve energy security.
A good example of the work being done is the mobilisation by business of additional capacity and skills to support the recovery of Eskom’s power plants. This includes the deployment of technical support teams to five power stations, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka, and experts to help speed up the repair of units at Kusile power station that were damaged in November last year. This weekend, Kusile unit 3 was returned to service two months earlier than planned.
Full implementation of the plan to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations, add new generation capacity and reform the energy sector is expected to result in over 12 000 megawatts of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system by the end of 2024.
Work is underway to improve the operational performance of the bulk freight rail network and port system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC). Corridor recovery teams have been established for five strategic rail corridors, comprising Transnet executives, industry representatives and independent experts. They are working to urgently increase the volume of freight traffic on our rail lines.
Through this collaboration, business is working with government to build capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the South African Police Service to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
This work is being made possible by the willingness and determination of all social partners to collaborate on practical actions that make a measurable difference in the performance of our economy. While these partnerships may take different forms and may be at different stages of advancement, both business and labour have shown their commitment to work with government to address these challenges.
It is this kind of cooperation in action, even more so than negotiated agreements, that gives meaning to the concept of a social compact that is based on achievable outcomes.
Yet, while we have together identified key milestones and timeframes, the success of all these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives of the South African people.
From the progress that has been made to date, I am certain that this is a task at which we will together succeed.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engages with Grade 12 learners/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
It is all systems go as only 30 days left before Grade 12 learners sit for their 2023 National Final Examinations. The North West Department of Education said it has launched the Last Push campaign at a spring camp of Onkabetse Thuto High School in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng on 30 September 2023.
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said a total of 383 learners from neighbouring schools across Ratlou, are lodged at the school with subject specialists, and teachers, who are going to help them with gaps in their different subjects.
Motsumi said amongst other supporters of the last push launch, was the Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Motlhomola Jafta, who encouraged school support from a local community level.
“I am pleased by the success of the launch and stakeholders who came out in numbers. This is what we mean by community involvement and I wish to see this in all districts as l will continue to visit all camps.
“We are pleased with the success of the launch and encourage more stakeholders throughout the province to support learners. The department is conducting 92 camps across the province and is expected to end on 10 October 2023,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Motlhomola Jafta said: “We have joined the school community to pledge solidarity from the local municipality level by organising parents, local businesses, and faith-based organisations to support schools by keeping children off house chores and concentrating on school work during this important time of the year.
“We work closely with the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) to ensure service delivery concerns are met in schools. So, we are happy to work with schools until this time of the examinations.”
The North West University (NWU) Subject Chair and Associate Professor for the School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, Prof Frank Neumann warns about alien pollen as winter ends. Neumann said that even though spring entered with sunny pleasantness, thousands of “attackers” sprang into action to plague the part of the population that suffers from allergies and hay fever.
He further said these assailants have one thing in common.
“They are mostly alien pollen that should not have been in South Africa in the first place. They come from plants that are often under climatic stress because they are unsuited to this climate and constantly release high amounts of pollen at short intervals.
“These culprits are exotic trees and plants found in South African gardens originating from Europe, Asia, and North America in the Northern Hemisphere. They begin to pollinate from August onwards, with fungi joining soon after the first spring rains,” said Neumann.
He added that, these pollen producers, are in the “who is who” list of popular trees and garden plants. Neumann said this includes the London plane tree, mulberry, birch, cypress, and oak.
“Add grass pollen and spores of fungi to the mix and you have a potent cocktail for allergic discomfort. Ragweed, a North American weed also known as Ambrosia, is adding its highly allergenic pollen to the mix, especially in areas like Potchefstroom, where my students and I are measuring pollen counts for research purposes, as well as contributing data to the Real Pollen Count website.
“The ragweed counts reach moderate levels in Potchefstroom and are much higher than in the rest of South Africa so far. Ragweed pollen is highly allergenic and there seem to be high occurrences of the pollen close to our sampling site,” said Neumann.
He said they have state-of-the-art equipment to trace pollen spores. Neumann, who is a Palynologist and also works in the field of aerobiology said their work is all about measuring allergy-causing pollen spores in the atmosphere.
“The identification and measurement of airborne pollen and fungal spores (aerospora) is a pioneering aerobiological project in the North West province. It was initiated on 15 November 2022,” he said.
This was supported by a local General Practitioner and Allergologist, Dr Jurgen Staats. He found indications of allergenicity there in the local population during skin prick tests.
Meanwhile, an Aaerobiologist, Dr Dorra Gharbi shared the same sentiments. She said they started measuring the aerospora (pollen and fungal spores) in the atmosphere as part of the project.
“A state-of-the-art seven-day volumetric spore trap has been installed on the roof of one of the NWU’s buildings to determine exactly which kinds of allergenic pollen are prevalent on certain days and in what quantities.
“The project, which is still in its infancy, is part of the nationwide South African Pollen Network (SAPNET). Its principal investigators are Prof Jonny Peter and Dr Dilys Berman from the Lung Institute Allergy and Immunology Clinic at the University of Cape Town,” said Gharbi.
The most wanted suspect linked to a spate of crimes committed around Freedom Park in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg was arrested. It is alleged that Victor Kefuoe Tsoloane AKA Kajibane (34) was arrested during a multi-disciplinary search operation.
North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the operation was conducted by police from the Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Phokeng Crime Prevention and Detectives.
He said the police received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of the most wanted suspect.
“On 26 September 2023, the police swoop on the suspect. It is alleged that he was relocating from Freedom Park to Kanana in an apparent attempt to evade arrest for the crimes he allegedly committed in the area. Thus, an observation was kept on the relocation process and the suspect was eventually cornered and apprehended at a certain yard in Kanana.
“In the process, the police searched and confiscated a 9mm firearm loaded with eight ammunition hidden in the luggage. Further search led to the discovery of 18 different ammunition. This resulted in Tsoloane’s arrest and being charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition,” said Tselanyane.
He said the accused briefly appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 29 September 2023. Tselanyane said, Tsoloane was remanded in custody.
“Tsoloane is facing two counts of murder, which were allegedly committed in February 2023. His case was postponed to 2 October 2023 for further investigations,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police and members of the community, who came forward with the information that led to these arrests. Kwena reiterated that police will be relentless when conducting their duties to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book.
The Naledi Local Municipality in Vryburg said it is on the cusp of a transformative moment of reducing environmental pollution and promoting responsible waste management. The municipality’s acting spokesperson, Portia Kopano Maphike said they are working in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Mmula Group and Polyco.
“The municipality is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking initiative called the Packa-Ching Mobile Recycling Unit. This initiative is poised to revolutionize waste management, empower the community and drive environmental sustainability in Vryburg.
“The initiative aims to turn trash into treasure for a Greener Vryburg. This is the sustainable approach to recycling. At the heart of the Packa-Ching programme, lies the commitment to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment,” said Maphike.
She further said the innovative mobile recycling unit is designed to incentivize recycling by allowing community members to exchange recyclable materials for valuable rewards. Maphike added that they are grateful that some entities like Shoprite and Sasol have come on board as sponsors.
“This is how the initiative will work. The Packa-Ching mobile units will be strategically stationed at various locations throughout Vryburg, making it convenient for residents to drop off recyclable materials.
“Trained personnel will be on-site to assist in sorting and weighing the materials. The recyclables will be categorized to ensure efficient recycling. Participants will also be rewarded for their recycling efforts,” she said.
She said these rewards can include vouchers, discounts, or other incentives provided by sponsors like Shoprite and Sasol. Maphike said the success of the Packa-Ching programme hinges on community involvement.
“So, community members can be part of this recycling revolution by starting to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclables in their households. Items like paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and aluminium can be recycled.
“They can now visit the Packa-Ching mobile units at designated locations to drop off their recyclables. We urge them to be part of the effort to keep Vryburg clean and green. They should also encourage their friends, family and neighbours to join the recycling movement,” said Maphike.
She said the more people get involved, the greater the positive impact. Maphike said all stakeholders’ involvement is pivotal in making this initiative a reality.
“The initiative was launched at Huys Park opposite the municipality offices on Market Street on 27 September 2023. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward a cleaner, more environmentally responsible future for our beloved community.
“So, we urge community members to join us as we embark on this eco-friendly adventure, one recyclable at a time. Together, we can make Vryburg a model of sustainability and ensure that waste is no longer a problem but an opportunity. Let’s Packa-Ching for a brighter, greener tomorrow,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi received an award for initiating school sports/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi received an award for initiating school sports. The award was bestowed to Motsumi during the glitz and glamorous gala dinner ceremony hosted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) in North West at Mmabatho Palms on 28 September 2023.
In her acceptance speech, Motsumi said she acknowledged the work done by all stakeholders to bring the vision to pass.
“I wish to thank all stakeholders and vision bearers who embraced the vision to bring back school sports. We cannot sit and watch our children perish in illegal substances when we can also develop them outside classroom walls by nurturing their talents through school sports.
“As the department, we are open to engaging in further talks with SAFA North West in establishing competitive leagues such as Sasol leagues in schools,” she said.
The gala event was graced by Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos and SAFA North West president, David Molwantwa among others to honour the North West sportsmen and women for their tireless work in contributing to the sports fraternity.
The Guardian 