Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Jermaine Seoposenwe/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana forward, Jermaine Seoposenwe said she believes that the crunch match against the Netherlands at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, will need the team’s complete focus as they attempt to make it past the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Banyana Banyana has already marched into the history books after becoming the first ever South African national team, men and women, to make it out of the group stages of a FIFA tournament. The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team achieved the feat after they beat Italy 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon to set up the second round clash against the Netherlands in the tournament currently being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. 

Kick-off is at 4h00am.   

“I think we are definitely a lot more focused now because the situation is win or go home. (We will need) complete focus going into this match and trying to do our best to see if we get a good result.

“As professionals, you have to take the criticism just as well. At the end of the day, there are a lot of things that people say, but I think as a team, we understand what we are capable of, who we are and what we have achieved thus far,” said Seoposenwe.

She further said, if they allow all the external factors to come and create division within the team, that division will show on the pitch. Addressing the criticism the team received after their 2-2 draw against Argentina, Seoposenwe said, it did not affect the unity of the team and they will continue to fight for each other.

After reaching the second round, the African champions received well wishes from around the globe, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, COSAFA President Artur de Almeida e Silva and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, among many others.

 “So many things have been said about so many players and the coach, and you still just see unity on the pitch, we fight for each other and we continue to play for each other,” added Seoposenwe.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis also stated the difference in preparing for the group stages as compared to preparing for the knockout stages.

“I think the turnaround time and the time in between is short, so you are also trying to manage the freshness as well as trying to get ready for the match. That’s the only difference I think. We travelled and we had only two sessions and the game is the next day,” Ellis said.

The Netherlands are ranked 9^th in the latest FIFA rankings with South Africa at 54. On paper, the Dutch nation has the upper hand in the head-to-head stats, winning the last three fixtures against Banyana Banyana – 2-0 in a friendly match in 2016, 2-1 in a friendly match in 2019 and a 5-1 victory in 2022 just before Ellis’ side went to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stages, the Netherlands finished their group undefeated with 2 wins (1-0 against Portugal and 7-0 win against Vietnam) and a draw (1-1 against the USA). South Africa’s showing in their group included a loss (2-1 against Sweden), a draw (2-2 against Argentina) and a win (3-2 against Italy).

However, Ellis said the past results will not play a role in a tournament that is a different ball game with both teams coming into the showdown highly motivated.

Banyana Banyana’s main sponsor Sasol continues to believe in the team and Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships Nozipho Mbatha sent affirming words to the side.

“The performance of Banyana Banyana during the group stages of this year’s World Cup was beyond exceptional and deservedly earned a place in the World Cup history books. Making it to the Round of 16 speaks volumes on the determination and drive for greatness of the team to change the narrative of South African women’s football.

“This display of character, tenacity and bravery is how the team continues to live the impossible, on and off the field. As Sasol, we stand united together with 60 million South Africans to wish the team only the best of luck for tomorrow’s match against the Netherlands,” said Mbatha.

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Picture: Eskom High Voltage testing equipment/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Eskom applauded the members of Upington Detectives and Crime Prevention for recovery of Eskom High Voltage testing equipment.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the Eskom High Voltage testing equipment worth R1 001 730 was reported stolen from a vehicle in Upington.

“The Station Commander of Upington Police Station, Brigadier Peet Coetzee acknowledged the letter of appreciation from the management of Eskom, recognizing the excellent and swift investigation by the members of Upington Detectives and Crime Prevention that led to the recovery of Eskom High Voltage testing equipment.

“Upon receiving the docket, the team leader of General Crimes, Lieutenant Colonel Letlhogonolo Kanakang, assigned it to Constable Clarence Olyn and they followed up instantly.

“The description of the equipment was provided to them and they immediately dispatched crime-prevention to be on the look-out. They worked jointly on the case and information was received, which ultimately led to the recovery of the equipment at Upington taxi rank,” he said.

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Picture: A missing person, Thuto Mogorosi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Galeshewe request the assistance of the public in locating missing Thuto Mogorosi (14), who was last seen on 21 July 2023 in the company of her friend, Phatsimo at 19681 Tyala Drive in Galeshewe.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane Mogorosi is a Grade 9 learner at St Boniface High School and speaks Setswana, English and Afrikaans.

“Mogorotsi was last seen wearing long blue and white tights, a blue striped white jersey and pink floppy shoes. She is described as well built, with oval brown eyes with short black hair.

“Should anyone have information about the whereabouts of Mogorosi, they can contact the Captain Sabata Tsiu at the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on 082 495 4605 or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or either sms anonymously to 32211or use the MySAPS App,” said Shemane.

He further said, all information received, will be treated confidentially. Shemane added that the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man from Jan Kempsdorp was sentenced to four years for assaulting his girlfriend. On 20 August 2022, Boitumelo Aron Brown called his girlfriend (38), who was visiting her neighbour and assaulted her for no apparent reasons.

Northern Cape spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a victim previously had a protection order against Brown. Shemane further said the matter was reported to the police.

“A case was open and the accused was traced and arrested. He was charged for contravention of a protection order. On 4 August 2023, the Jan Kempdorp Magistrate Court convicted and sentenced Brown to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of 5 years,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded D/Sgt Ntombi Rhonele Dayiya for her thorough and sterling investigation that led to the accused being convicted and sentenced. Otola reiterated that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can never be condoned as a normal behaviour in society.

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Picture: The Lesotho national nabbed for dealing in drugs/Supplied

By OBAKENFG MAJE

A Lesotho national was arrested for dealing in drugs. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Hopetown visible police assisted by Kimberley K9 unit, conducted intelligence driven operations in Hopetown.

“The police received a tip-off and raided the identified location. During the operation, Tik and cash to the value believed to be the proceeds of crime was confiscated.

“The police will continue with their collaborative efforts to bring perpetrators of drug dealing to book and requested the community to anonymously report any information regarding drug dealing to the police,” said Shemane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 54-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to three life sentences by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping a girl (12). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the first incident took place at Seven Miles village, near Mothibistad on 25 October 2019 around 8am.

Shemane said, the aunt of a girl, was summoned by the school because the victim was having abnormal pains and was previously admitted to hospital. He further said, the victim told her aunt and teacher that, she has been raped by the accused since 2018 to October 2019.

“In the first incident, the victim reported and narrated to her aunt that, when she was sent to take food to her other aunt, she was sexually assaulted. The victim indicated that on arrival, her aunt was not home, but found the suspect at her aunt’s house.

“The suspect then grabbed her and took her to his bedroom, undressed and forcefully raped her inside his house. The suspect then threatened her with injury if she told anyone of the assault,” said Shemane.

He added that the second incident took place when the victim went past the suspect’s house. Shemane said the suspect called the victim and took her inside the shanty.

“He locked it and forcefully raped the victim. In the third incident in June 2019, a rape case was opened. The victim was taken to hospital and the suspect was arrested.

“The bail was opposed until the completion of the matter. On 3 August 2023, the Mothibistad Regional Court convicted and sentenced the accused to three life sentences. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered into the national sexual offenders’ register,” he said.

Shemane said the accused was also declared unfit to work with children.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded D/Sgt Precious Shoeman for her thorough and meticulous investigation that led to the life-long incarceration of the perpetrator. Otola said there is no place for such criminals in society.

“We will remain steadfast in ridding them from our communities. The members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) will remain committed in fighting crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups,” she said.

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Picture: A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 31-YEAR-OLD man sentenced to life imprisonment by Northern Cape High Court sitting in Upington for killing his girlfriend, Aldine Titus (25). On 19 June 2019, a lifeless body of Titus was found at her home in Kanoeneiland with multiple injuries.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu cluster, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said it was discovered that, Titus was in an altercation with her boyfriend, Reuben Motsie, who assaulted her grievously with different objects including a broom stick, fork and an iron pipe.

Masegela further said, Motsie left her motionless and fled the scene. He added that, the police launched a manhunt and the investigating officer, Sgt Pule Lichakane traced and arrested Motsie in Welkom, Free State.

“The sentence was handed down in Upington on 2 August 2023. The investigating officer was commended for ensuring that GBVF perpetrators are brought to book,” he added.

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Picture: A woman breastfeeding her child/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha calls on workplaces to ensure that there are adequate breastfeeding facilities and become breastfeeding-friendly. The department marks the World Breastfeeding Week from 1 until 7 August 2023 under the theme: “Enabling breastfeeding and making a difference for working parents.”

Sambatha further said he has recognised that, workplace challenges often are one of the most common contributory factors for women to stop breastfeeding their babies sooner than recommended. He added that they call on corporations to become breastfeeding friendly.

“If South Africa is to reach the 2025 United Nations (UN) target of an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% for the first six months of an infant’s life, we need to empower and support women who breastfeed in our organisations.

“Some of the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers returning to work include a lack of time to breastfeed their babies. With hectic work schedules, it can be difficult for mothers to find the time to breastfeed regularly,” he said.

Sambatha said another challenge the working mums face is that, some workplaces do not have proper nursing rooms for breastfeeding mothers due to various reasons. He said this was part of the reasons given by working mothers, who have opted to discontinue breastfeeding exclusively and resorted to alternative methods such as formula feeding or introducing infants to solids much earlier than the recommended age. 

“Having unsupportive managers is another challenge that working mums who breastfeed face. Even if the workplace has facilities that can accommodate working mothers, many companies have not implemented accommodative practices for their breastfeeding employees.

“We are now using the world commemorations of Breastfeeding Week to remind mothers of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that promote healthy growth and development,” said Sambatha.

He said it offers protection against various illnesses, such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and allergies. Sambatha said it further nurtures a deep emotional bond between the mother and child, promoting security, comfort, and closeness.

“The health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. No other food or liquid is needed during this period. Continued breastfeeding for two years or longer with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods is also ideal.

“The crucial function performed by the four districts’ Breast Milk Bank Facilities in the province, as well as the importance of Donor Breast Milk (DBM) and nursing in lowering infant mortality and morbidity at the beginning of the human development chain, with a special emphasis on premature neonates,” he said.

Sambatha said, currently, the province has Breast Milk Bank facilities hosted in public hospitals across all four districts. He said they operate from Potchefstroom, Mahikeng Provincial, Joe Morolong Memorial, and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospitals respectively.

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Picture: The alleged illegal miners nabbed in Stilfontein/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Six men aged 37 and 39 have been arrested for being in possession of gold bearing material in Stilfontein on 25 July 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said five out of six men are facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“The suspects were apprehended on 25 July 2023 after the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team followed up on information received. The suspects were ultimately found and arrested at an abandoned workshop next to a scrapyard in possession of gold bearing material.

“The fight against illicit mining gained success. All suspects have been remanded in custody and are expected to re-appear in court on 3 August 2023,” said Botma.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the illicit mining team members for their swift response, which led to the arrest. Kwena strongly warned that illicit economic activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will be dealt with harshly.

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Picture: Dagga worth R59 000 confiscated/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (27) has been arrested for being in possession of dagga worth R59 000. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, on Monday, the Springbok Highway Patrol and the Public Order Policing Units as well as the Provincial Traffic Department conducted a Vehicle Inspection Point (VCP) in Springbok.

Sam said a white light motor vehicle with three occupants was stopped and searched.

“Dagga valued at R59 920 was allegedly found and confiscated. A man was arrested and charged for possession of drugs. In an unrelated incident on Tuesday, the Keimoes police received information from the public about drugs stored at a house in Keimoes.

“They operationalised the information and obtained the relevant search and seizure warrants. The police raided the identified house and allegedly found and seized mandrax tablets and Tik all valued at R3061.30,” he said.

Sam further said the suspect (43) was arrested and charged for possession of drugs. He added that drugs impact negatively on the lives of the youth, families and also on the country.

“Therefore, the police will confiscate any drug no matter how small. That is a success on itself,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga lauded the collective teams and the public for ensuring the removal of drugs within the communities. Ngubelanga said they are happy that the police managed to bring the perpetrators to book.

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