Picture: One of the accused persons shooting Ben Gumbi outside a restaurant in Rustenburg/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the accused persons in the murder of North West prominent businessman Ben Gumbi has been remanded in custody. Thabani Gwala (30), briefly appeared at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court today after he was arrested in Hillbrow, Gauteng Province on Thursday last week.

His case was postponed to 4 December 2023 for a formal bail application.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Gwala was arrested following a collaborative effort of a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of Hillbrow Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, and Rustenburg Detectives.

“The first accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33), was denied bail after the state successfully opposed it. His case was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations. Ngubane also is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi.

“According to the police, Ngubane was also arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He was arrested in Germiston, Gauteng Province on 12 September 2023 after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail,” he said.

Mamothame further said Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted R1000 bail. He added that Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.

“The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car, which was found abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets a few minutes after the incident. The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on it were false,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, police investigations are still underway to track down other suspects believed to be on the run.

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Picture: The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) officials during sod-turning of Kgomotso Traffic Licensing Centre 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Residents of Kgomotso village, near Taung call on the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari to hand over the Traffic Licensing Centre in their area. According to the residents, the centre was constructed and completed a few years ago.

One of the residents who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are now forced either go to Taung Licensing Centre or to Hartswater. However, Taung is too far compared to Hartswater. But in Hartswater, we sometimes experience challenges because our area falls under North West province, while Hartswater is in Northern Cape.

“So, we urge the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to open the centre. Most of the vehicles here are registered under Northern Cape due to the non-operational of the centre.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said: “The department awaits equipment that we have ordered and it is envisaged to have the centre opened before the end of the financial year. There are no infrastructural hiccups, but the only pending issue is to have all equipment ordered be installed.

“Remember, a block building used to be a school, so it was renovated by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to the tune of R1.2 million. So, following the completion and handover of the building by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, minor poor workmanship was detected and requested to be fixed before the site can be operational.”

 Mothibedi further said, they can now confirm that, the issues had been dealt with. He added that, it is imperative to note that the licensing centres should meet certain requirements before being opened to the public.

“This relates specifically to the supply, delivery, and installation of NaTIS equipment, which is still to be delivered by the service provider. So, we anticipate delivery of the equipment and activation of the system to be still within the current financial year,” said Mothibedi.

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Picture: Women in Entrepreneurship/Generic  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

In commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Month, the Orbit TVET College’s Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), successfully hosted a Women in Business Seminar for local start-ups and existing businesswomen on 17 November 2023.

According to the Centre Manager, Peter Matlou, this prestigious event was aimed at celebrating female entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of contributing towards curbing the current unemployment rate that the nation is faced with, as well as providing the attendees with valuable information and insights on opportunities available to support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women.

“This event is specifically designed with a primary focus on supporting emerging and disadvantaged businesses. It also aims to equip local female entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

“Most significantly, it aims to offer an entrepreneurial platform for local female-owned SMMEs to commercialise the vocational skills that will see them move from being ‘job seekers to job creators,” he said.

Matlou further said, that to date, CFERI has equipped several entrepreneurs with contemporary entrepreneurship training and support that is essential for mitigating business challenges in the 4IR era. He added that the centre supports start-ups with entrepreneurial training, coaching and mentoring.

“It promotes the economic participation and inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities through access to entrepreneurial education, business development and support.

“He added that they invited the attendees to bring forth their innovative business ideas to the centre so they can be supported and guided. 

In her Keynote speech, Basetsana Setshogoe, business owner and also an ORBIT TVET college alumni, shared that being a graduate of the college and witnessing how much support the organisation is providing to capacitate aspiring entrepreneurs is heart-warming as the current economic state relies heavily on employment creators.

“Starting a business has never been a smooth ride for me, just when I thought we were starting to gain momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. I was forced to look at new ways of streamlining my business approach.

“I want to encourage you to embrace technology, adjust and adapt to this ever-changing world. Don’t be stuck on one product or service, start thinking about whether you’re still going to be able to provide the service as technology changes – look for new ways to improve your services,” she said.

Setshogoe urged business owners to never allow the lack of finances to stop them from achieving what they want. She said they should start now with what they have no matter how small.

“If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, go for something that is natural to you, something you know and are passionate about. Be able to deliver something different, and most importantly, know your niche and stick to it,” said Setshogoe.

Meanwhile, among the guest speakers, were representatives from ABSA and NYDA who shared business opportunities within their organisations that can benefit SMMEs.

The acting Campus Manager, Issac Mokwena said: “The collective expertise and commitment to driving economic growth by all the panellists has undoubtedly contributed to the success and intended goal of this seminar. I am impressed by the centre’s commitment to develop and support a new breed of future-fit entrepreneurs and to encourage our youth to be economic influencers and game changers who will contribute towards an even better economy.

“As we are gathered here, I would like to encourage you all today to stand your ground, be fierce and go out there to claim what belongs to you as a young woman. I wish for you not to be intimidated by the opposite gender, you are capable on your own and you are sufficient.”

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Setshwantsho: IEC e rotloeditse baagi go ka tla ka makatla a namane

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Modulasetilo wa Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) mo Bokone Bophirima, Dr Tumelontle Thiba are, ba itumeletse thologelo e ba e boneng ka mafelo a beke fa ba ne ba tsweletse ka ikwadiso ya ditlhopho. Thiba are, le fa ba itemogetse dikgwetlho, sengwe le sengwe se tsamaile fela jaaka ba ne ba solofetse.

“Jaaka IEC, re tsamaile sentle, mme re bone baagi ba feta 181 000 ba etela mafelo a rona a ikwadiso go ralala porofense ka bophara. Seelo sa rona se re ne re se ipeetse sa ikwadiso ya ditlhopho, ene ele go bona batho ba bantsha (new voters) ba le 29 000.

“Fela go fitlha ga jaana, le fa re setse re tsweletse ka go tlanya dinomore, re ka go netefaletsa fa re eme go 20 000 go fitlha ga jaana. Gape, se ke tla se tlhalosang ke gore, batho ba ba ikwadiseditseng ditlhopho mo matsatsing a mabedi a fetileng, 50% ya bone e nnile basha ba dingwaga ma gareng ga 16 go fitlha go 21,” Thiba wa tlhalosa.

Are le fa ba itemogetse dikgwetlho kwa motseng wa Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, ene ese sepe se se kalo. Thiba are, go begwa fa ka Lamatlhatso, monna mongwe one a gana ka dinotlolo tsa container ya baagi e ene e tshwanetswe go dirisiwa ke badiri ba IEC.  

“Mme seo se ne sa lebisa kwa goreng sepodisi se tsereganye ka go roba container eo. Maitlhomo ene ele go letla badiri ba rona ba IEC gore ba tswelele ka tiro ya bone. Ko Apple Dry, baagi ba ne ba ganela rre yo oneng a tshwanetswe go tlhoma tente gore a e tlhoma.

“Seo se diragetse ka Lamatlhatso, fela ka la Tshipi, badiri ba rona ba ile ba tswelela ka tiro ya bone go se letsapa le le ba fisang pelo. Kwa Uitkyk, Weltevreden ga mmogo le Mooipan, baagi ba ile ba thibela badiri ba IEC,” Thiba wa tlhalosa.

Thiba are baagi ba ne ba lotlela mafelo a neng a tshwanetswe ke go dirisiwa ke ba IEC, fela ba ile ba roba ele ka maitlhomo a go kgontsha badiri ba bone gore ba tswelele ka tiro ya ikwadiso. Are, mo mafelong otlhe a ikwadiso ale 1737 go raralala porofense, ke a le supa fela a nnileng le mathata a go bulwa thari.

Fela mongwe wa baeteledipele kwa motseng wa Itireleng, Itumeleng Pholo are, ba ne ba kwalela IEC le go ba itsise gore jaaka morafe, ga batle go ikamanya le kwadiso eo ya ditlhopo.

“Rele baagi ba motse wa Itireleng rene ra itsise ba IEC gore ga re tle go ikamanya le kwadiso ya ditlhopo tsa bosetshaba tsa ngwaga o tlang. Ebile, ga re tle go letlelela lekoko lepe la ditlhopo mo motseng wa rona.

“Ka Moshupulogo wa beke e e fetileng, re ile ra nna le kopano le go kwalela ba IEC gore ba se tsene ka motse wa rona. Fela, ka Lamatlhatso, sepodisi se tswa go roba container ya baagi le go letla badiri ba IEC go e dirisa,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.

Pholo are jaanong ba akanya go ya go bula kgetsi ya go thuba kgatlhanong le sepodisi, gonne ba ba siamoletse.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ee, ke nnete jaaka sepodisi re a itse ka morero o. Fela, ba IEC ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba nnile le tumalano le mongwe wa container eo go ka e dirisa.

“Jaanong, dinotlolo tsa container eo, di ne di seo mme fela mongwe wa container eo one a letlelela sepodisi go roba ka maitlhomo a go letla badiri ba IEC go ka tswelela ka tiro ya bone.”

Van Rooyen are ga gona kgetsi e e butsweng kgatlhanong le sepodisi go fitlha ga jaana.

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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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