A police officer has been arrested for double murder. It is alleged that, the suspect (48) shot dead his estranged wife (44) and her alleged lover (30) on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the incident took place at Sandvlakte, near Zeerust.
“The off-duty police officer who is stationed at Nietverdiend went to a house in Sandvlakte, where he allegedly found his estranged wife who is also a police officer and stationed at Kopfontein Port Entry with a male companion. He allegedly fired several shots and instantly killed his estranged wife and her male companion.
“Subsequent to the incident, the suspect handed himself to the police, and the firearm that was allegedly used during the commission of the crime was confiscated. The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigations into the matter are underway,” Mokgwabone said.
The suspect is expected to appear at Zeerust Magistrate’s Court soon for double murder.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both victims.
Kwena further urged employees to use the services of the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) and other professionals, rather than resorting to violence.
Picture: An athlete, Amogelang Tatai in a final burst of his record-breaking performance/Kagiso Mbatha
By VUSI KAMA
If the young primary and high school athletes at the provincial athletics event recently held in Potchefstroom had one thing in mind, it was the famous Olympic slogan: “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.
In many of the track and field events at the two-day meet at the world-famous Kenneth McArthur Stadium, records were either equalled or downright tumbled. The event was jointly backed by the Departments of Education and, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
Boys and girls from Dr Kenneth Kaunda District were on fire over the two days. They blitzed their way to the top of the table in the Primary and High Schools competitions which were held on two successive days.
On both days the log standings were a mirror image, with Bojanala second, Ngaka Modiri Molema third and Dr Ruth Mompati consistently placed fourth. The future champions on both days made the task look easy as they were fighting for places in Team North West.
Qualifying athletes in the primary schools’ section will represent the province at the national athletics event in Pietermaritzburg from March 19 – 21. Their elder High School brothers and sisters will be at the national event in Germiston in April.
In the Primary Schools contest two provincial records were broken, while one was equalled. In the 150m Under-12 Boys hurdles, Reuben Smit went home with a new record of 20.91 (21.13), while he equalled Richardt Jourbert’s 2022 previous of 11.4 in the 75m Under-12 Boys hurdles. In the Under 12 Boys high jump, Benyamin Kriek soared higher than his counterparts at 1.52, in the process beating DC Theron’s 2015 record of 1.50.
However, it was the High Schools contests that proved to be a spectacle to behold. What with a whopping 56 records broken and only one equalled. Three of the stars of the show broke their own records.
They were 15-year-old Carli Visser (90 metres hurdles) who outdid her own 2022 performance, clocking 13.27 from a previous 13.34. In a remarkable execution, Kate-Lynn Fourie equalled Visser’s previous.
In another jaw-dropping performance, Henrico Kruger (Under-15, 1 500m) shaved his own previous record from 05:10.10 in 2022 to 04:52.63. Equally illustrious was Bojanala’s 16-year-old Temoso Masikane, a long jumper.
The serial record-breaker was on song as he got the crowd to clap with him as a build-up to his new North West record of 7.54, beating his own previous of 7.18. The teen got the crowd clapping louder and faster, in awe of his breath-taking performance.
After his stunner, the 2021/2 South African Championships Silver medallist had this to say: “It feels really great when things go according to plan. The weather conditions were great.”
Parent Natha Gulmini from Hartebeespoort Dam was one of the spectators who were impressed with the athletics meet.
“The event was well-organised and the vibe was very good.” She is mother to Juliana Gulmini, who came first in the Girls Under-10 contest. With sterling performances like those witnessed at the Potchefstroom meet, there is little doubt that we will one day see one or more of the athletes at future Olympic events.
A decomposed body of a missing girl was discovered buried in the backyard of her boyfriend (23) on Wednesday. Karabo Monyana (15) who resided at Monageng Street in Cyferskuil near Makapanstad went missing on 5 March 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, Monyama was last seen on 5 March 2023 at around 1pm, when she left her home to go and watch soccer at a nearby field. Funani said, however, she never returned back home.
“A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and Cyferskuil precinct without any success. During her disappearance, she was wearing a white crop top, a green mini skirt, and black Adidas sneakers.
“Now, the police have discovered her decomposed body in a shallow grave. The boyfriend was arrested and charged with murder, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice,” she said.
According to Funani, the suspect will appear at Moretele Magistrate’s Court on 10 March 2023.
Picture: A Polo VW vehicle that was allegedly used in a commission of crime/Bodumedi FM
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects who were arrested after a high police chase in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke are expected to appear at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court.
According to Bodumedi FM, the police arrested the suspects who were in possession of stolen goods on Tuesday. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani told Bodumedi FM that, the police received a tip-off from the Mahikeng Flying Squad about a vehicle, that was used in a commission of a business robbery in Mmabatho.
“When a vehicle matching the description of the wanted car was spotted driving at a high speed, Schweizer Reneke and Ipelegeng police gave chase. The VW Polo eventually came to a stop when it collided with an electricity pole in Ipelegeng.
“The suspects aged between 25 and 28, were found to be in possession of bags containing clothes, cigarettes, and cigarette lighters. A toy gun and cell phones were also confiscated,” Funani said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-appointed North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department will address challenges experienced in various schools across the province such as over-crowding, lack of scholar transport, dilapidating schools including rationalization.
Motsumi, who visited Sebitloane Special School in Taung on Wednesday said, it does not make any sense to see many school buildings being abandoned, while learners have to travel far from their areas to attend school.
She had a consultative engagement with principals from various schools across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
“Our schools are confronted by the challenge of overcrowding, so we have taken a decision to build one classroom per school. Building classrooms in schools will reduce the challenge of overcrowding.
“We are not going to buy mobile classrooms anymore because they are too costly. We would rather build brick-and-mortar classrooms with that money. I also pledge my support to all educators in the province,” she said.
Motsumi further said, the “meet and greet” roadshow started in Bojanala District, proceeded to Ngaka Modiri Molema District, and is now held in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. She added that, as department, they highly appreciate the hard work of teachers across the province.
“I came here to thank you for your hard work, which you display in our schools on daily basis. The North West province has improved in the matric results with 1.6% and this is because of the teachers’ hard work.
“We are aware that, educators are confronted with a number of challenges in schools, but the department’s primary responsibility is to ensure that, they receive unwavering support,” said Motsumi.
She said the ‘time of making empty promises’ to educators is over now. According to Motsumi, communities are also tired of empty promises.
“Now, we have to make sure that we deliver schools to our communities without any delays. I also expect to meet the school principals and educators of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on Thursday at Milner High School in Klerksdorp.
“Another thing, we want to reclaim our position as one of the two best-performing provinces in terms of National Senior Certificate results. But, we can only do that, if we redouble and multiply our efforts,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape shared the same sentiments. Maape said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) that, a detailed Provincial Matric Results Improvement Plan to take forward the achievement will be communicated during the MEC’s budget speech.
“Our government will also roll out access to the internet through broadband and Wi-Fi from the current 25% of learners to 75% in the current academic year. This will see the government expanding broadband connectivity to schools to the tune of R31.2 million.
“Poverty and hunger impact on the mental state of learners and their ability to fully participate in effective learning. In fulfilling our obligations to meet the adequate nutrition levels of the most vulnerable, Dingake Primary in Verdwaal, Rabodigelo Primary in Ditshilong (Taung), Gaeonale Primary in Kgokgojane, Modubyane Primary in Pitsedisulejang and Kgolane Primary in Dwarsberg will be amongst the first 300 schools in poor and economically marginalized communities, where breakfast will be introduced,” he said.
The North West police request the community members’ assistance to locate a missing girl (15) who resides at Monageng Street, Cyferskuil, near Makapanstad.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Karabo Monyama was last seen on 5 March 2023 at around 1pm. Funani said Monyama left her home to watch soccer at the nearby field.
“However, she never returned back home. A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and Cyferskuil precinct without any success.
“During her disappearance, she was wearing a white crop top, green mini skirt and black Adidas sneakers. She is light in complexion with a slender body structure and black hair,” she said.
Funani further said, anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Edward Moeng of Cyferskuil Detectives on cell: 082 569 4455. She added that anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App or phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Picture: Water system allegedly vandalized by community members/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some residents allegedly vandalised the water supply infrastructure in Vryburg. The Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Cooper Groep said the recurring ‘acts of sabotage’ continue to hamper the municipality’s ability to supply adequate water to the people of Naledi.
“The residents deliberately sabotaged and vandalised the water supply infrastructure. So, we hereby notify the community about the above-mentioned matter.
“As previously indicated on a publication, the information communicated on this platform seems to give the perpetrators a map to the municipality’s pursuits and success in relations to operations,” Groep said.
He further said, just last week, the municipality had successfully refurbished all the boreholes. Groep added, yet again, some individuals have gone on to totally annihilate the Swartfontein transformer resulting in a loss of all the pumps in the said precinct.
“It is against the aforementioned that Vryburg town, Kismet, Colridge, Huhudi and the Extensions are experiencing a lack of water supply. The community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activities witnessed,” he said.
Recently, the residents of Vryburg embarked on protests demanding water. They also accused some government officials of corruption. It is alleged that some government officials closed the valves of reservoirs so that water tankering systems can be put in use.
It is alleged that the municipality spends over R2 million every month on the water tankering system.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said, his department has prioritised communities with critical water shortages in the province.
“The North West Provincial Steering Committee has received an assessment report on the state of water and sanitation service provision in the province and has instructed the Committee’s Technical Task Team to start prioritising critical projects that will ensure immediate restoration of water in areas with existing infrastructure in the province.
“The assessment report was tabled to the Steering Committee attended by the co-chair, North West Premier, Bushy Maape, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, executive mayors from both district and local municipalities, the Magalies Water Board, traditional leaders and community leaders from various municipalities in the province,” he said.
According to Mchunu, the report has painted a clear picture that the province has enough sources of water, both on surface and groundwater to support domestic and other users, however huge infrastructural challenges in various parts of the province impeded the resource to be transferred to the users.
He said, most of the challenges identified stemmed from lack of capacity, skills and budget to carry out operations and maintenance, illegal connections, incomplete projects and infrastructure vandalism in the Water Service Authorities (WSAs) and municipalities’ reticulation systems.
“The task team will now start the process of prioritising projects for immediate interventions and get commitments from all role-players to enable the work to go ahead as we need to pump water to the people and put this water crisis in the North West behind us.
“There is extensive work lying ahead, and this collaborative process will enable our plans to take off with speed to restore water and sanitation services in the province. The task team should be able to provide us with this roadmap soon,” said Mchunu.
Picture: The graduates from Potchefstroom College of Agriculture/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A total of 63 students from Potchefstroom College of Agriculture have recently graduated in mixed agriculture. The graduations took place at the college on 3 March 2023.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said the college has obtained a 63% pass rate with 63 students conferred. Mohono further said 63 students pursued a Diploma in Agriculture in Mixed Farming.
“The last year of experimental learning took place at an approved enterprise thus completing the requirements of their qualification. So, I want to commend these students for their commitment and collaborative work that resulted in the achievement realised on this auspicious day.
“Your skills must be used for the betterment of your communities. Beyond graduating from this incredible institution, you still have a lifelong responsibility to continue learning to continuously change the lives of our people,” she said.
Mohono further said, the modules completed include Agricultural Management, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Production, and Plant Production.
Meanwhile, one of the graduates, Aluwani Manyabwe (23) from Limpopo, who completed his experimental learning at Vukani Piggery said, his three years of studying were tough, but he managed to graduate first class despite the challenges he faced.
“Truly, working and living on the farm assisted me in acquiring artificial insemination, boar, and dry sow management skills and knowledge,” Manyabwe said.
Another student, Olivia Ngwanatheko Mariri (25) declared PCA as her college of choice because it was the only college she found that offered both animal and plant production and aspires to become an agricultural entrepreneur.
“I also want to impact the lives of young people in our communities, because I have realised that agriculture is not regarded as a profession or a career.
“You can still be successful even though you didn’t study courses are normally viewed as being for success,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho said the 2023/24 budget proposals set out the funding proposals for various service delivery programmes that will be executed as part of the 2023 (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) MTEF.
Rosho tabled the provincial government budget at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Tuesday.
“This budget embodies the accomplishments and pledges made since the commencement of our journey in 2019. When the current administration began its term in 2019, it inherited the administration with huge service delivery challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“Despite these challenges, the government continued to ensure sustained funding for key service delivery programmes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the province revised the 2020/21 budget thrice, which was unprecedented,” she said.
Rosho further said, the budget had to be reprioritised to provide for socio-economic relief, increased public health spending and a vaccine rollout. She added that, this budget aims to showcase the government’s commitment towards funding service delivery programmes.
“It will also set a solid foundation for the next administration to sustain the execution of the programmes meant to eradicate the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
“We pledge to use public funds responsibly by reducing unnecessary spending, increasing efficiency and savings through the appropriate use of technology and economies of scale,” said Rosho.
She said the greatest contributor to the province’s economy in 2021 was the Bojanala Platinum District, which contributed R98.3 billion, which is a reduction from R106.7 billion in 2019. Rosho said, however, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District was the lowest contributing region, which contributed R19.8 billion in 2021.
“The overall allocation for the province is R50.856 billion, R51.932 billion and R54.379 billion in 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years respectively.
“The allocations to Departments and NWPL, included in the main allocations per year are increases in conditional grants of R742.197 million in 2023/24, R49.185 million in 2024/25 and R83.977 million in 2025/26,” she said.
According to Rosho, these increases are mainly attributed to Health, Education and Public Works & Roads. She said the NWPL receives an amount of R503 million.
“Included in this allocation is an additional R12.8 million of which R5.8 million is for improvement in conditions of service and R7 million for general budget pressures and revision for organisational structure.
“The Office of the Premier receives an amount of R482 million. The ICT transformation in the province has been allocated R119 million each year to enable connectivity across the province in most public institutions including schools, libraries, clinics and hospitals and upgrading of the government ICT systems,” she said.
Rosho said the provincial treasury receives an amount of R565 million to continue with the provision of technical support to municipalities, departments and public entities.
She said the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management is allocated R2.333 billion.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is allocated an amount of R659 million to effectively monitor, support and promote local government and institutions of traditional leadership through a cooperative governance system.
“The Department of Health receives an amount of R15.219 billion. The Department of Education is allocated a budget of R20.575 billion. The Department of Social Development is allocated R1.713 billion,” said Rosho.
She said the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation receives R742 million, while the Department of Public Works and Roads receives R1.087 billion.
“The Department of Human Settlements is allocated R1.999 billion and the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism receive an amount of R1.009 billion.
“The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is allocated an amount of R1.229 billion. The province has been experiencing high rainfalls resulting in floods in some parts of the province,” she said.
The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa has made a few changes to the National Executive. Ramaphosa has appointed Paul Mashatile as the deputy president.
This comes after the former deputy president, David Mabuza’s resignation. Ramaphosa also appointed the former mayor of City of Tshwane, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as the minister electricity.
“The purpose of these changes is to ensure that government is properly capacitated and directed to give effect to the commitments made in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the budget speech.
“We have said that, the people of South Africa want action. They want solutions and the government to work for them. All members of the executive, have been directed to focus on those agreed actions that will make a meaningful difference now,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said, this will enable real progress within the next year and that will lay a foundation for a sustained recovery into the future. He added that, all parts of government are focused on addressing those issues that concern South Africans such as load shedding, unemployment, corruption, poverty and the rising cost of living and crime.
“There has been some concern expressed by South Africans about the amount of time it has taken to finalise these changes to the executive.
“This delay is the result of a number of processes that needed to be followed. Some of which relate to the requirements of the constitution relating to the appointment of members of the national executive,” said Ramphosa.
He said, understanding that just over one year remains in the term of this 6th administration, these changes are not about overhauling the national executive.
Ramaphosa said the changes that he announced, are intended to fill vacancies that have occurred in the executive and to direct government more effectively towards the areas that require urgent and decisive action.
“I have sought to balance the need for new skills and capabilities to drive the agenda that we outlined in the SONA with the important task of ensuring stability and continuity in the work of government.
“In the course of attending to current challenges, we are establishing two new ministries. The first of these is the minister for electricity to deal with the immediate crisis of load shedding,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the second ministry will be the minister with specific responsibility for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation to focus greater attention on the performance of government.
“While this will result in an increase in the number of ministries in the short term, as indicated in SONA, I have instructed the presidency and national treasury to develop a proposal to rationalise government departments, entities and programmes to ensure greater efficiency.
“This work, which will result in the reduction of the number of ministries, will inform the configuration of government going into the next administration,” said Ramaphosa.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has been appointed as minister in the presidency, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma appointed as minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Maropene Ramokgopa has been appointed as minister in the presidency responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation and Mondli Gungubele will head communications and digital technologies portfolio.
Ramaphosa appointed Thembi Nkadimeng as minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Noxolo Kiviet has been appointed as minister of public service and administration.
He also appointed Sihle Zikalala as minister of public works and infrastructure, while Zizi Kodwa will head the sports, arts and culture portfolio.
“Patricia de Lille has been appointed as minister of tourism, Sindisiwe Chikunga has been appointed as minister of transport. With respect to deputy ministers, I announce Nomasonto Motaung and Kenneth Morolong as deputy ministers in the presidency.
“I appoint Sisisi Tolashe as the deputy minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities, Pinky Kekana as deputy minister in the presidency responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, there will be two deputy ministers for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, which is Parks Tau and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe. Ramaphosa said, there will also be two deputy ministers for water and sanitation, which is David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala.
Bernice Swarts has been appointed as deputy minister of public works, while Dipuo Peters being appointed as deputy minister of small business development.
Obed Bapela has been appointed as deputy minister of public enterprises, while Lisa Mangcu appointed as deputy minister of transport.
