Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance in North West calls on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the mounting corruption allegations at the North West Community Safety and Transport Management. The DA provincial spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile alleged that, there are various questionable operations taking place within the department that is under Sello Lehari as MEC. 

“The department has recently been implicated in serious allegations of maladministration, corruption, and fraud including the appointment of the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) at the North West Transport Investments (NTI), which is a subsidiary of the department. 

“It is alleged that the BRP opened a separate bank account and is not accounting for the use of public funds. It is also worth noting that this department is also subject to SIU investigation into questionable scholar transport contracts under Proclamation R2 of 2018 as well as the R253 million Hawks/SA Express case recommended for investigation by the Zondo Commission,” said Sonakile.  

He further said, it is disturbing that, this department, which is responsible for two vital core competencies in North West, namely transport – a backbone of the provincial economy and community safety – which must ensure the safety of residents continues to be embroiled by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, fraud, and other irregularities. 

Sonakile added that a full-scale probe is urgently needed. Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “With the support of the shareholder, we have intervened at the NTI. The entity resumes operations on Monday and we are unwavering in ensuring that the North West Provincial Government (NWPG)-owned NTI is restored to profitability. 

“The entity has been experiencing administrative and financial difficulties that led it to apply for voluntary business rescue. This compounded challenges even further with creditors including employees being unpaid for more than three months.” 

Lehari said they must work harder to ensure that the entity is completely turned around and fully sustainable. He said they must ensure that NTI is able to generate revenue and pay creditors and ensure no employee goes unpaid again. 

“In a quest to ensure the entity is restored, the department as shareholder, has been engaging all stakeholders including worker representatives. The operation will resume on Monday and we will ensure that all outstanding salaries are also expedited for full resumption of operations at all NTI depots. 

“The engagement with other stakeholders continues. The department officials have been participating alongside other stakeholders to draft a turnaround strategy for the entity and this must be implemented without delay,” he said.

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Picture: The newly-elected regional treasurer in Ngaka Modiri Molema region, the late Dikago Pule/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is concerned about the demise of future leaders. This comes after the passing of the ANCYL regional treasurer in Ngaka Modiri Molema region, Dikago Pule, who died on Sunday morning in a fatal car accident near Zeerust.

SANCO provincial coordinator, Mogomotsi Mosheshe said they are deeply concerned about the untimely passing of young and aspiring leaders, who hold the potential to drive the struggle for economic freedom and a better life for all under the banner of the African National Congress (ANC) alliance structures. 

Mosheshe further said Pule was a vibrant leader of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). He added that the organisation regretted not only his loss but also the loss of all young comrades, who have recently passed away.

“It is truly tragic and worrying to witness the untimely departure of young individuals who were expected to become the leaders of tomorrow. These young comrades harboured ambitious dreams of taking up the batten within the ANC alliance structures to continue with the struggle to address pressing issues such as poverty, and inequality, and ensure quality education for all.

“Their passion and determination were inspiring, and their absence leaves us with regrets and wondering what more they would have achieved in politics and in the pursuit of a better South Africa,” said Mosheshe.

He said Pule’s involvement in politics can be traced back to his days in the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and later, as a vocal cadre in the ANCYL. Mosheshe said Pule was a promising future leader for his communities and the country.

“His dedication to serving the interests of students was evident during his time as the president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the North West University (Mahikeng campus). We remember him for his unwavering commitment to the #FeesMustFall campaign.

“He played a crucial role as one of the students from NWU, who marched to the Union Building to present a memorandum to the president, urging him to pardon the students implicated in the #FeesMustFall activities,” he said.

Mosheshe said Pule’s dedication and contributions to the ANC alliance structures’ course for a better life for all, will not be forgotten. In light of these unfortunate incidents, Mosheshe urges all young people, not just within the ANC alliance, but also across the nation, to exercise extra caution in their endeavours and particularly when using public roads.

A few months ago, Pule survived another accident, where his car overturned.

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Picture: The truck with illicit cigarettes at the Skilpadhek Port of Entry/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 44-YEAR-OLD man is set to appear at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly trying to smuggle illicit cigarettes worth R12 million. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani, on Friday, a truck driver who is a Zimbabwean national, was allegedly seen leaving the Skilpadhek Port of Entry at around 6:40am during load shedding.

“A truck driver was from Botswana. Trucks entering/leaving the country are not allowed to do so during load shedding at the Port of Entries, since computers are off-line. It is alleged that a police official, who was patrolling along the border, saw the truck leaving the border, driving towards Zeerust.

“Reports suggest that the police officer informed his commander and the truck was chased and stopped before it reached Zeerust. The driver was ordered to drive back to Skilpadhek Port of Entry,” Funani said.

She further said, SARS and Customs members were requested to inspect the truck. Funani added that boxes of cigarettes, which the driver failed to declare at customs, were discovered inside the truck to the value of R12 868 509.  

“The driver was arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes. He is expected to appear in Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court today.

“The police official, who allowed the truck to leave the border is being investigated and charges of defeating the ends of justice could be added when the investigations are concluded,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit for the sterling job and for making sure that the suspect was arrested. Kwena said, corrupt police officers will not be tolerated and face the full might of the law.

“Lastly, I would like to applaud the police officer, who reported the incident to his commander. The case was handed over to the North West Hawks for investigations,” said Funani.

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Picture: A diesel spilled on the road/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A large amount of diesel concealed in containers on a Toyota bakkie was confiscated after the owner of the vehicle allegedly failed to account for it. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the incident took place in Colsberg.

Kock said the police actions consisted of stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, cordons, and searches, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, tracing operations by detectives, and visits to businesses and second hands goods dealers executed from 17 until 23 July 2023 across the province.

“The police across the province conducted numerous actions, which included 11 roadblocks, and 36 VCPs. During the operation, 1981 vehicles and 4365 persons were searched and fines were issued for contravention of the law.

“These actions were also enhanced by 1206 high visibility blue light and 1972 foot patrols throughout the Northern Cape. A multitude of disruptive actions was conducted, including 981 stop and searches, cordon and searches at taxi ranks, visibility in shopping malls and complexes and other hotspot areas.,” he said.

Kock further said in total, 3109 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, shebeens, taverns, liquor outlets, firearm dealers, farms, and informal businesses. He added that the outstanding successes were achieved when the police followed up on information and found a substantial amount of copper cable stashed next to a power station in Peter Mokaba Street in Kagisho in Galeshewe, while another man was also arrested with copper worth R1000 in the Kimberley CBD.

“The Hopetown police also followed up on information and confiscated a substantial amount of Tik, Mandrax, and dagga, while another team seized a large amount of dagga in Galeshewe. The police all over the province made routine visits at ATMs, business premises, national key points, post offices, and tuckshops,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola reiterated that the police and external stakeholders will continue with high-density crime prevention and disruptive actions unabatedly to ensure that they squeeze the space for criminals to operate.

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Picture: A pangolin rescued from sellers/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects aged between 48 and 58 have been arrested for ‘illegally’ dealing in pangolin and contravention of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (Nemba) Act 10 of 2004.

The suspects were arrested in Ga-Segonyana, near Kuruman on Saturday.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomzamo Mnisi said a multi-disciplinary operation comprising of Hawks Kuruman-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Kimberley Tactical Response Team, Kimberley Flying Squad, and Kuruman Highway Patrol unit received a tip-off regarding the suspects, who were looking for a potential buyer to purchase a pangolin for R250 000.

“This led to the successful arrest of four suspects. A buy-and-burst operation was conducted near Ga-Segonyana Traffic Department. A live pangolin was rescued and a C180 Kompressor Mercedes Benz used in the crime commission, was confiscated for further investigation.

“All suspects are expected to appear before Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” she said.

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated during a raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 32 and 46 have been arrested for allegedly being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and dealing in drugs. The Hawks in Northern Cape spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said they received a tip-off regarding suspects selling/storing drugs at Riemvasmaak in Deben, Kathu.

“A search warrant was issued by the court and a multi-disciplinary operation consisting of Kuruman-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Kimberley K9, Upington K9, Kuruman K9, and Highway Patrol Unit executed a search at the mentioned address.

“During the search, 38 special revolver firearm with ammunition and a transparent plastic bag containing 54 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R8150 were confiscated. Both suspects are expected to appear before Kathu Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” Mnisi said.

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Picture: The missing Tshepang Mathews Malinga/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A boy went missing in Moumong Section, near Mothutlung village. It is alleged that, Tshepang Mathews Malinga (2) was last seen by his siblings after he left the house to look for his grandmother, who is their guardian.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The police in Mothutlung request the community’s assistance in locating Malinga. According to the information received, he was last seen by his siblings on 21 July 2023.

“Malinga usually leaves the house to look for his grandmother, who is their guardian. An intensive search was conducted around the neighbourhood and surrounding areas of Moumong, however it was unsuccessful.”

She further said at the time of his disappearance, Malinga was wearing a military green jersey with maroon tracksuit pants, green and white shoes. Funani added that Malinga is dark in complexion.

“Anyone with information that can assist with the whereabouts of the Tshepang can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Suthse, on 071 446 3659. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via mySAPS App or you can phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.

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Picture: Joseph Fraizer Macamo/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Madikwe request the community’s assistance in locating the family of Josep Fraizer Macamo (45), who is believed to be a Mozambique national. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, furthermore, Macamo is mentally disturbed.

“He was brought into the station by a member of the community. Macamo claims that, he is from Maputo and has been in South Africa for the past five years.

“He also alleges that, he has relatives that are staying in Springs and Nigel, near Johannesburg. He mentioned that, one of his relative’s names is Mahammed Bashiri Macamo,” Funani said.

She further said Macamo is dark in complexion, with a slender body, 1.7 in height, black eyes, and short hair. Funani added that, anyone with information that can assist Madikwe police in reuniting Macamo with his family to contact the Station Commander, Colonel Linda Boysen on 076 413 1502.

She said, alternatively people can call Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111 and send anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App from their smartphone.

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Picture: The ANCYL member, the late Dikago Pule/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member in North West. Dikago Pule died in a horrific car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning, while he was on his way from the ANCYL Regional General Council (RGC) in Lehurutshe, near Zeerust.

The ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Kutlwano Masibi said, they have learned with great shock of the untimely passing Pule. Masibi said the ANCYL in the province humbly requests that, the public and friends afford the family of Pule space and time to process the tragic news of his passing.

“Further information regarding the funeral arrangement will be communicated at an appropriate time once the family has resolved. As the ANCYL in North West, we send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Pule.

“We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of Pule and his selfless contribution to serving the organisation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, child, and friends,” he said.

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Picture: The deceased, Masego Mocumi, and her daughter, Remo/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother and her daughter from Mamutla village, near Taung, who died in a horrific car accident on R31 road in Danielskuil, Northern Cape last week Sunday, were laid to rest today.

Masego Mocumi and her daughter, Remo, were among nine people who died in a head-on collision between a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a white Polo TSI. The other four deceased persons will be buried at Madipelesa village, near Taung on 29 July 2023.  

Mocumi was working as an admin clerk at Mamutla Clinic. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Molefi Shemane said the accident claimed nine lives of whom three were children.

“Eleven people were hospitalised, of which, three injured were the occupants of the white Polo TSI, while eight people were in the minibus taxi. The police are investigating the circumstances that led to these tragic accidents,” said Shemane.  

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola conveyed her sincere condolences and expressed her deepest sympathy to the members of the bereaved families and the injured.

 Otola also appealed to road users to obey all rules of the road, exercise caution and show good behaviour, while on the road.

Picture: The deceased, Masego Mocumi/Supplied

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape, Ofentse Mokae, who is also DA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Transport, Safety & Liaison said they have submitted a written request to the chairpersons of the portfolio committees of Roads and Public Works and Transport, Safety and Liaison to convene a joint meeting with the respective departments in conjunction with Sanral.

Mokae further said they will also include relevant municipalities so that a comprehensive approach to road safety along the R31 can be taken.

“Government’s failure to increase road safety along the R31 and branching roads is aggravating the unnecessary and tragic loss of lives on what is notoriously known as the “road of death”. On Sunday, ten people died and eleven were injured in two separate accidents along the R31 route in Danielskuil and Kathu respectively.

“These are not isolated accidents. In February, 13 people were injured when a minibus overturned. In September last year, seven people were killed on the R31 in close vicinity of Kuruman in a head-on collision and the list goes on.”

Mokae said they have addressed their concerns on various platforms, including legislature portfolio committee meetings. He said the DA’s Provincial Leader, Harold McGluwa, even raised the matter in a previous debate on the State of the Province Address (SOPA).

“Last month, the DA again wrote to the Northern Cape MEC of Roads, Fufe Makatong, appealing to her to seriously consider the placement of speedbumps at all intersections along this road after another fatal road accident on the connected N14 Kathu-road, but we received no feedback. The R31 route is largely utilized by heavy manganese trucks from mines in the Northern Cape to harbours. This has aggravated potholes and worsened road safety conditions, given narrow lanes and shoulders.

“We note that, portions of the R31 have recently been taken over by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), which has announced an allocation of billions of rands towards road maintenance and construction projects. We also welcome the completion of Transnet’s Mamathwane crossing loop, which should take thousands of heavy manganese trucks off our roads,” said Mokae.

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