Picture: A missing Monnanyana Johannes Mahusi found unharmed/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A-55-YEAR-OLD man from Granspan village near Taung who went missing more than a month ago, was found unharmed in Pokeng near Rustenburg. Monnanyana Johannes Mahusi, who left home to go back to work in Luka village near Rustenburg allegedly never reached his destination.
The North West police spokesperson, Adele Myburgh said: “Mahusi allegedly spoke with his wife telephonically on 6 January 2022. During the conversation, Mahusi indicated that he was at Lichtenburg Garage buying food,” Myburgh said.
She said a case of a missing person was opened after Mahusi never reached his destination and could not be located.
Picture: ANC councillor, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) accused of assaulting a reveller/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside with other three accused are set to appear at Taung Regional Court facing a GBH assault case today.
It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung after a commotion in 2021.
It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries.
He was taken to a local clinic and transferred to Taung District Hospital.
According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to injuries sustained. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded, alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau while lying down after the beatings.
Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”
At the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”. The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.
The case was transferred to Taung Regional Court and the accused are out on a warning.
A 41-YEAR-OLD serial rapist was sentenced to three life imprisonment by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Wednesday. Pontsho Mosinki was arrested after he raped an elderly woman (70) and other two women aged 19 and 20 in Ganyesa near Vryburg.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Mosinki was charged on four counts of rape and four of housebreaking with intent to rape. The court sentenced him to three life terms on three counts of rape, ten years on another count of rape and five years on each count of housebreaking.”
Judge Andre Peterson ordered for the sentence to run concurrently.
Police reports revealed that Mosinki committed these offences between 2017 and 2018 before he was apprehended in June 2019. He was in police custody during the entire duration of the trial as his bail was denied.
According to Mamothame, the accused broke into the homes of the victims at night, while they were asleep. He said Mosinki threatened to kill them if they did not abide by his instructions.
“The 70-year-old disabled woman was raped twice in 2017 and 2018 respectively. She sadly passed away in 2021, after having testified in court in 2020. The Judge who was presiding on the case also passed on in the same year and the matter had to be restarted again.
“Following the appointment of Judge Peterson, the deceased statements on the two rape charges were admitted as evidence in court. The trial was further delayed by Mosinki firing his Legal Aid Attorney and he was subsequently allocated a new one who had to be granted time for consultation,” he said.
Mosinki also repeatedly raped women aged 19 and 20 respectively. He said in all these cases, he was linked through DNA specimens in the commissioning of these offences.
In aggravation of sentence, Adv Florence Rasakanya urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and argued that the accused be sentenced to life imprisonment. She further argued that the accused was a remorseless individual who was not even a candidate for rehabilitation.
Judge Andre Petersen agreed with the state and described Mosinki as a sexual predator that attacked and raped innocent women for no reason. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari- Sekhaolelo lauded the SAPS and Advocate Rasakanya on a successful conviction.
Picture: The deceased, NWU Digital Marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
A murder case against four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) who allegedly killed the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Mbatha, was postponed by the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court to April 8 2022.
The accused were linked to Mbatha’s gruesome death after intensive investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on 21 June 2021. The house was searched and the police found the bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet.
Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house. The DNA samples positively identified Mbatha who was burnt beyond recognition as the deceased person.
His body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2022.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said the state is waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to transfer the case to the North West High Court.
“The state will await the DPP’s authorisation of transferring the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, owing to the serious nature of the offence committed. The DPP’s office has acknowledged receipt of the application and requested a postponement to finalise the application.
“The four accused were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police. Meanwhile, Modise is still at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued and bail revoked. Masetlha abandoned his bail application, while Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each,” Mamothame said.
He further said the bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. Mamothame added that the accused are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.
Picture: The deceased, former teacher, Jaqueline Motabogi (67)/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
A 34-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear before the Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for murder of a former teacher. The suspect allegedly shot and killed Galotlwaele Jaqueline Motabogi (67) who is a former teacher at Mothelesi Secondary School in Shaleng village near Pampierstad on Sunday.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the suspect allegedly forcefully gained entry into the house of Motabogi through the kitchen door.
“The suspect allegedly stole the keys of her Toyota Fortuner. The victim allegedly heard her vehicle’s engine running and went to investigate. When the suspect saw the victim, he shot her. The Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene and declared her dead.
“Furthermore, the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s car. The suspect fled the scene and police launched a manhunt. Through the Gauteng police, the suspect was traced to Pretoria where he was found hiding,” she said.
Funani said police seized the Toyota Fortuner, five cellular phones as well as a hunting rifle. She said the suspect is facing charges of murder, being in possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, being in possession of suspected stolen property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The suspect was transferred back to North West.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the Gauteng police for their cooperation in arresting the suspect. Kwena also condemned the incident and instructed the detectives to make sure that they oppose bail when the suspect appears in court.
Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the economy in the North West as it contributes 2.9 % to the GDP in the provincial economy. The province is also the third largest producer of maize and this translates into 17% of maize produced in South Africa.
While the province is leading the pack in terms of poultry production as well as vegetable produce such as beetroot and onions, it is trailing behind in terms of agro-processing.
However, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape said this needs to change.
“We need to build partnerships with established and emerging farmers, but critically, we need to prioritise investments on agricultural infrastructure and facilities. Moreover, we need to put more emphasis on mentorship and training for emerging farmers.
“This will go a long way in accelerating transformation in the sector through expanding our production but most vitally prioritizing access to markets. Government is looking at capitalising on the provincial and district corridors to lure investments into the province,” Maape said.
He said among others, this will be carried out through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan (ASDP) to respond to challenges such as water provision and road infrastructure. Maape further said the plan is to assist them in creating a tangible environment for business to thrive in the province.
“We are busy patching potholes and resurfacing our roads, so that our produce can move with ease from one point to the other. This model is being implemented across the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said: “A turn-around strategy has been developed to enhance performance of the agricultural sector in the province. One of the pillars is aggregation which is a market access model where investment is made on infrastructure and facilities to accelerate sustainable access to markets for emerging farmers.
“This includes the investments on priority value chains which are able to enhance performance of multiple producers within a specific geographic location. The meeting with farmers forms part of on-going efforts by the government to resuscitate and grow the sector, while creating opportunities for new entrants to participate actively in the provincial economy.”
Picture: The Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile addressing municipal employees/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have over 522 406 population and housed 0.9% of South Africa’s total population. The executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile who convened a strategic meeting with the municipal employees in Vryburg on Monday said, it is imperative for all employees to understand their roles.
“It is the responsibility of officials to implement, impart their professional skills and expertise into their work. It is also important that both politicians and administration work together as one at all times in order to serve the public with dignity and respect.
“I encouraged the employees to carry out this exercise as it will check if there are staff challenges when it comes to execution of municipal programmes and projects. One of the key things is to enhance the quality of service to the residents of this region,” he said.
Babuile said he believe that, at no stage should the political head should explain the reason for poor service delivery. He said it is commendable that the session was warmly welcomed by all employees.
“Remember, municipality contribute directly to economic growth by providing a range of essential services to households, commercial enterprises, industries and institutions such as schools and hospitals.
“So, it is important for us to ensure that we increase our contribution to economic growth by improving the reliability, quality and efficiency of these services. It also means getting the skills mix right by having an appropriate balance between managers, technical personnel and others, with vacancies kept to a minimum,” said Babuile.
He said municipal employees and skills they bring to workplace are critical input in the delivery of all services a municipality delivers. The beleaguered municipality invested R150 millions of taxpayers’ money to now defunct VBS Mutual Bank back in 2018.
Picture: One of the vehicles overturned in the fatal accident/Suppled
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two people have died following an accident at the Mareetsane junction on the N18 road between Setlagole and Mahikeng this afternoon. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said the flow of traffic is currently affected and the road users are requested to proceed with caution.
“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences message to the families of the deceased. I plead with road users to obey the rules of the road and to only proceed when it is safe to do so,” Lehari said.
The investigations into the fatal accident are underway.
Picture: North West Provincial Government delagation meets with US Consul General, Vincent Spera/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Kenetswe Mosenogi said Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is confident that the visit by the United States Consul General, Vincent Spera and his delegation will ultimately facilitate improved collaboration and delivery of services to the people of the province.
Mosenogi said their discussion touched on trade and investment opportunities available in the province, which include mining and mineral processing value chain, ICT Broadband, Agriculture and Agro-Processing and renewable energy.
“We have agreed that the NWPG and the US Consul General will as part of exploring areas for possible trade and investment, engage the affected stakeholders and arrange a visit to the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“We would also like to thank the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg for their continued support and shared interest in contributing towards the province’s economic prosperity and strengthening its health system for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.
Spera heads the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, a branch of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa, is responsible for exploring areas for collaboration and investment in the North West, Free State and Gauteng Provinces.
In his meetings with the Mosenogi, and department of Health, Spera stated that two of the top priorities of the Consulate Johannesburg, and the U.S. Mission more broadly, are sharing prosperity through economic development and improving health outcomes.
“With the already existing partnership, particularly on issues of health which include government’s response to HIV, TB and COVID-19 amongst others, we need to determine whether we are sharing the same priorities.
“The extent to which the partnership is making the desired impact, and where there are challenges, how can we collectively resolve them for the benefit of the North West community,” he said.
He added that he had the pleasure of meeting with local and provincial leaders as well as business and labour representatives. Spera also said he welcome the depth of the conversations he held during his visit including the desire of the leadership to continue working with them.
“These direct connections have helped our team better understand the issues and priorities in the province from a variety of perspectives. I look forward to future engagements to continue to build the relationship between the United States and South Africa,” said Spera.
He also met with the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and his executive, as well as Kgosi Neo Mokgweetsi who represented Kgosi Jeff Montshioa. They discussed areas of possible collaboration with the local municipality, particularly the socio-economic issues.
The delegation also embarked on a walk-about to Lonely-Park clinic and the North West University (Mafikeng campus). On 3 February 2022, the Consul General and his delegation visit the USAID and PACT supported Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Koster where he was joined by the MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa.
A 34-YEAR-OLD police officer is expected to appear at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Monday for corruption. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said according to reports, a vehicle belonging to a stock-theft related case was impounded and booked in as evidence in January 2022.
Funani said subsequently to the suspect’s court appearance, his case was withdrawn for further investigations.
“The suspect was released from detention and he allegedly received a call from the police officer who promised to release his vehicle provided he pays a certain amount of money. The man consequently reported the matter to the police who commenced with investigations.
“The man allegedly arranged a meeting with the police officer on 4 February 2022 to hand him the money he requested. They ultimately met at the man’s house, where the police officer was arrested by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) after collecting the money, which was found in his possession,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the ACIU members for their excellent work in netting the police officer. Kwena further said corrupt employees have no place to hide in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and that those who are involved in criminal activities, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.
