By OBAKENG MAJE

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West condemned the alleged assault of two teachers from Dingateng and Mathateng Primary Schools in Masamane village, outside Mahikeng. The MRM Provincial Interim Committee convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they call for an in-depth probe into the protracted protests that culminated into senseless violence and swift resolution of grievances.

Kgwele said such moral decay must be ‘nipped in the bud’ before matters get out of hand. He further said a stern action must be taken against anarchists responsible for the abhorrent and despicable conduct that has not only undermined the said educators’ human rights, but their dignity as well.

“We call on communities to protect educators from opportunistic and disruptive elements that have no interest in their children’s education. Those responsible must be held accountable in order to entrench a culture of zero tolerance to violence in our schools as well as communities and respect for the rule of law.

“The probe must, among others, inquire as to whether authorities had intervened timeously to address grievances that are at play because two months of lost learning and teaching time is also not unacceptable,” he said.

Kgwele added: “They must get to the root cause of the conflict because educators cannot be victimized for external issues that are beyond them such as water shortage in this heatwave.

“The challenges of Educators Assistants and General Assistants must also be speedily resolved to minimize the impact the disruption might have on learners’ end of the year performance.”

He called for urgent mediation to de-escalate the conflict and return the situation to normality. Kgwele also pointed out that the Moral Regeneration Movement’s Charter of Positive Values is opposed to any form of physical, emotional, and or psychological abuse or ill-treatment of another human being.

“The partnership of civil society organisations such as churches, faith- based organisations, trade unions, civic as well as non-government organisations, including traditional leaders is critical for us to work for the physical security of all people in our communities,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “This barbaric incident follows the two months of no schooling due to the allegations of incorrect appointment of the Educators Assistants and General Assistants at Masamane Primary School.

“This includes the shortage of water affecting the flushing of toilets amongst other challenges. The department had on 9 October 2023, sourced out temporary toilets and filled JoJo tanks with water, whilst the contractor was on site to install a borehole at the school.”

Motsumi said on 10 October 2023, the situation returned to normalcy, but community members barred educators and learners, got teachers off their transport and started assaulting them. She said a police report has been filed.

“We are irate about the incident amid educators’ month celebrations. It is so disappointing to leave among beasts, who think they are above benevolence and the law that they would go about slapping teachers.

“As the department and education community, a slap to one educator is a slap to all of us. I will make sure the mighty hand of the law deals with them,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. On 21 October 2018, Thabo William Modibedi approached his ex-girlfriend at a tavern and asked her to go home with him.

She then refused and Modibedi got aggressive in front of other patrons and started assaulting her. The complainant tried to escape, but he caught up with her and continued to assault her as he dragged her to his home.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said upon arrival at Modibedi’s home, he could not find the key to enter and he subsequently dragged the victim to one of the shacks in the yard and repeatedly raped her.

“She later managed to escape and received assistance from one of the neighbours, who then took her to the police to report the matter. Modibedi was arrested on 23 October 2018 and was granted a R1000 bail.

“He pleaded not guilty to the offence. The state was faced with challenges before trial, as one of the witnesses was shot dead, others could not be traced as they had relocated and others stopped attending court and could not be traced,” said Mamothame.

He said during the trial, the then state prosecutor, Adv Tebogo Mokoka, led his evidence with the testimony of the medical practitioner, who examined the complainant and her testimony.

“On 3 May 2022, the court found the accused guilty and his bail was immediately cancelled. The matter was however delayed by two subsequent applications from the defence, to have the recusal of the presiding officer from the case, which the court dismissed.

“They subsequently took the judgement of the recusal to the North West High Court for review and it was also dismissed. On 11 October 2023, a new state Adv, Sicelo Moselakgomo addressed the court in aggravation of sentence,” he said.

Mamothame said Moselakgomo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as the offence that was committed is dehumanising and unacceptable.

Magistrate Lebogang Raborife agreed with the state and remarked on the traumatic experience of the complainant, which resulted in her relocation, and the humiliation she suffered as she sought help from neighbours in a naked state.

“The court declared Modibedi unfit to possess a firearm, unfit to work with children and for his name to be added to the national register of sexual offenders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, investigating officer from the SAPS and other role players, who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book. She lauded the courts for the harsh sentences imposed on such offences.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said they have intensified a fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F). Otola said this comes after they have identified it to be one of the top priorities, which robustly need to be prevented and combatted.

“This is evident in the number of GBV&F-related sentences that our courts are imposing on perpetrators of these crimes that were investigated by 16 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units across the province.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Management, however, urges victims of domestic violence not to become subdued to because of fear of intimidation, fear of not being believed, stigma associated with any sexual abuse and or offence, challenge of accessing police stations and lack of information,” she said.

Otola further said the victims must utilise the services provided by the police. She added that, the police afford the victim of domestic violence protection from abuse in domestic relationships and must assist the victim to get a protection order against the abuser.

“The protection order is an order of the court that prohibits the abuser from committing more acts of domestic violence against the victim. If contravened, the abuser may be arrested and prepared for court.

“The public must also note that, you can apply for a protection order, if you are abused by somebody with whom you are in a domestic relationship with or apply for a protection order on behalf of someone else who is a victim of domestic violence and or any person who you are concerned is abused,” said Otola.

She said affected community members can approach either a social worker, teacher, healthcare worker or a police officer. Otola said if the police treat you badly or deliver poor service, make a formal complaint to the local Station Commander, the Inspectorate Unit of the police or lodge a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which has the power to investigate misconduct claims against the police.

“To protect victims of GBV&F, the Stop Gender Violence Helpline hotline is 0800 150 150, the Child Line 0800 055 555 and or report to the SAPS crime stop number 08600 10111 or the SAPS Service Complaints Call Centre toll free number, 0800 333 177,” she said.

“It is important to note that, the person that is abusing you can be a man or a woman. Women can abuse other women and men can abuse other men as well as women can also abuse men,” she said.

Otola said child abuse is very serious and must be reported to the police immediately.

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Picture: An overflow drainage system in residents’ yards/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community members who were affected by the overflowing drainage system in Phase 3 near Masekwane’s church in Colour Blocking Township, near Vryburg, accused the embattled Naledi Local Municipality of abandoning them.

They alleged that there is a drainage system that has burst into their yards and the municipality is not doing anything about it. According to one of community leaders, Lukas Ekkelton, it’s been two days since they have reported the matter to the municipality, but their plea fell in deaf ears.

“This situation is unbearable and poses hazardous danger to our health. More than six houses have been affected by this sewage burst and we have reported it to the municipality.

“The sewage has now overflowed into my neighbours’ yards. In the other house, there are young children and I am afraid that this might be bad for their health. We have been reporting this to the municipality, without any luck,” he said.

Ekkelton further said there is a lack of communication between the municipality and the residents hence this mess. He added that the municipality should practice Batho Pele principle and ensure that the situation the residents find themselves in is conducive enough.

Meanwhile, the Naledi Local Municipality acting spokesperson, Portia Maphike did not respond to the media inquiry sent to her before publishing this article. However, the response will be incorporated in the article when received.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Former Potchefstroom Flying Squad police officer, Pauline Rabase (52) and Lesego Motsamai (46) who was working as an Administration Clerk at the storage facility in the Klerksdorp Police Station were each sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for theft and housebreaking with intent to steal.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said between 14 December 2007 and 3 January 2008, a burglary took place at Klerksdorp SAPS storage facility, where a safe containing cash to the amount of R150 000 was stolen.

“Meticulous investigations by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit led to the arrest of Rabase, Motsamai and Ivan Smous (38) who passed away before the commencement of the trial.

“The sentences against both accused were wholly suspended for a period of 5 years,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho welcomed the sentence.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) urges job seekers to be wary of a scammer, who allegedly promises unsuspecting job seekers a certain Record position at the department. The department spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said this information is contained in an SMS sent to some job seekers with reference number: VRY 567-451 and is inviting people for interviews at Head Office, Mmabatho.

“The department has no record of such communique. All vacancies’ reference to the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development always bear NWDARD characteristics.

“So, it should be noted that the departmental posts are advertised on the website (dard.nwpg.gov.za), departmental social media pages, and print media. Applications are required to be either hand delivered or posted to specified offices,” she said.

Setlhako further said job seekers, who receive these suspicious employment opportunities need to always verify them by referring to official departmental communication platforms. She added that the department urges the public to be vigilant and not accept job interview invites for posts they did not apply for or job offers when they were not interviewed for them.

“They are further urged to ignore such messages and to alert the authorities including the law enforcement agencies. Please contact Ms Gabaiphiwe Leboko on 018 389 5229 to verify suspicious employment offers,” said Setlhako.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (30) has been sentenced to life imprisonment the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping a minor. Matshidiso Adam Kobe raped a girl (11) on two separate occasions.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim was playing in a neighbour’s yard, where Kobe lived. Mamothame further said the incident took place in Verdwaal, near Itsoseng on 20 February 2021.

“The accused then sent the girl to his shack to get cigarettes, but followed her. He subsequently raped her and after the ordeal, Kobe gave the child a cell phone and instructed her not to tell anyone about the incident.

“Evidence presented in court further revealed that, the day after the incident, the child was again playing with a friend in the same yard. After the friend had left, he then sent the child to his shack, where he followed her and raped her again,” he said.

Mamothame added that, later at home, the child’s grandmother noticed a strange behaviour as the child could not sit properly. He said upon enquiry, the child revealed both incidents.

“She was taken for medical examination, where it was confirmed that she had been violated. The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested on 22 February 2021.

“The court denied him bail and he pleaded not guilty to the offences. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Itumeleng Boikanyo, read the Victim Impact Statement, which cited the mental, emotional, and physical trauma caused by the incident to the victim,” said Mamothame.

He said the court further declared Kobe unfit to possess a firearm and for his name to be included in the national register for sexual offenders.

Boikanyo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to consider.

Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the courts have in imposing harsher sentences on perpetrators of such offences.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded Boikanyo and Constable Tshekiso Jantjie Tau from the SAPS for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book. Makhari calls for a strong advocacy for the protection of children and the most vulnerable members of society.

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A Senior Lecturer affiliated to Centre for Water Science and Management (CWSM) at the North West University (NWU), Dr Rainier Dennis/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A Senior Lecturer affiliated to Centre for Water Science and Management (CWSM) at the North West University (NWU), Dr Rainier Dennis said protecting surface and groundwater from mining activities is crucial to safeguard ecosystems, public health and sustainable water resources.

Dennis said that is why the CWSM at the university and its specialised team of researchers, are doing invaluable work in protecting an indispensable resource.

He further said the CWSM is focused on contract research, mostly in the mining industry with their largest completed mining-related project being the modelling of the entire East Rand basin.

“This was done in conjunction with the German company, DMT. Our purpose is to answer questions like: “What are the expected dewatering volumes associated with a new or existing mine and when the mining operation ceases,” he said

Dennis added that, another question is, what is the expected decant volume, as well as the expected water quality. He said In-house Model Development (IMD)and software development also feature within the CWSM.

“That includes all the software versions of the Groundwater Resource Directed Measures (GRDM) and the maintenance of a software package called Aquiworx, which supports the monitoring of surface and groundwater sites.

“The university is committed to helping achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here, the CWSM plays an integral role, especially considering SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), as well as SDG 15 (Life on Land),” said Dennis.

He said together, these SDGs entail ensuring sustainable water management as well as the protection, restoration and promotion of the sustainable uses of ecosystems and biodiversity. According to Dennis, South Africa faces a number of pressing water-related issues and delivering expertise that can tackle these problems is of paramount importance.

“The modelling of mine-related impacts on both surface and groundwater is our main focus. We also have a strong focus on producing functional students, and actual consulting work in our industry is discussed and the methods are taught in our courses.

“Every year, people from the industry are invited to assess the Honours Degree student projects and many of our students are employed once they complete their studies,” he said.

Dennis said mining-related impacts include giants such as Eskom and Sasol, as they are reliant on mines. He said the impact they and others have on the rivers is very evident.

“Then there is poor service delivery from municipalities and inadequate infrastructure that cannot supply effective water treatment. More than 60% of people in South Africa, especially in rural areas, are reliant on groundwater and we need to protect that water.

“Wellfields that are developed are not managed properly and this leads to their failure. There is also the question of the future impact of climate change on our water resources to consider,” said Dennis.

He said one of the focus areas of the CWSM is to determine the impact of mining on the environment. He said this is done by looking at the best ways to model and predict these impacts:

“The sustainability of our groundwater supply features in most of the models we develop, and currently this is the topic of one of our MSc students’ research.

“Some of the software developed like the GRDM, has tools built in to specifically assist in managing wellfields. Unfortunately, if these tools are not used by the people managing the wellfields, water supply can fail as we see very often,” he said.

Dennis said a lack of service delivery in critical areas and an absence of accountability are just some of the obstacles inhibiting effective water management in the country, but this will not deter the CWSM or the NWU from continuing to produce impactful research that matters.

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Picture: The infrastructure vandalised/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A-39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 31 March 2022, the police received a complaint from a concerned member of the community residing in Nollothville, Port Nolloth.

“The resident complained about a disturbing noise near a Telkom line. The police attached to the Visible Policing unit in Port Nolloth, immediately attended to the complaint.

“The police found a stepladder and an axe near a Telkom pole and saw a person running away. They gave chase and apprehended the suspect who later became known to them as Philemon Hermanus,” said Shemane.

He further said Hermanus was originally arrested and charged for theft of copper cables. He added that, however, the investigating officer, Constable Rogerio Esau secured an additional charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.

“On 11 October 2023, the Port Nolloth Regional Court convicted and sentenced Hermanus to 12 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded Esau for his thorough and meticulous investigation that led the court to impose a harsh sentence on the accused. Otola said damage to infrastructure has a negative impact on the lives of the communities.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities to the nearest police station immediately or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“Alternatively, information can be communicated via the MySAPS App or by sending an SMS to 32211. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Otola.

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Picture: Three of the murder accused, Bakang Katong, Phenyo Katong and Katlego Mosimege/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four accused persons will resume today at the Taung Regional Court. The convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The magistrate, Buti Zulu has excused himself from the case. This comes after Zulu sentenced Bakang to eight years imprisonment in a rape case a few months ago. 

A new magistrate from Vryburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to take over the case.

Meanwhile, the court also heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.

It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.

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