Morweng implement new strategies to address scholar transport issue

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 May 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have put measures in place to address the challenges experienced in the provision of the scholar transport service.

Morweng who addressed the media after the recent fiasco, where some scholar transport service providers downed tools due to non-payments said, there had been many challenges that scholar transport experienced and they had to implement some measures to deal with them. He further said these measures include establishing what they call the ‘War Room’ led by the Head of Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana, to resolve problems as they arise and they work together closely with their sister Department of Education.

“When the current contract began, we had 446 operators and in the service level agreement (SLA) we had with them, there are compliance clauses which guide steps to be taken when there are contraventions.

“The contravention as per the SLA includes amongst others, unroadworthy buses, failure to transport learners and endangering the safety of the learners,” said Morweng.

He added that they had already terminated 90 operators for one or more for contraventions mentioned above. Morweng said in the delay of payments, they had received 928 invoices and to date 552 have been processed.

“We experienced a system failure, which affected the processing of these payments. As a result, we have requested the Treasury to allow us to disburse two payments per week instead of one.

“We are now disbursing payments on Tuesdays and Fridays. We have already had two meetings with operators to explain challenges experienced. We are continuing with this engagement to keep operators abreast so that learners do not suffer,” he said.

Morweng said as part of intervention to ensure that operators are paid within the stipulated 30-day period, they are implementing a system used at the national government called ‘Re a patala’. He said it is an invoice tracking system that will assist them to quickly track and address areas where invoices get delayed.

“We are currently using a manual invoice tracking system which is problematic and prone to errors. One other problem with the manual system is that we are unable to see where there are delays in the value chain.

“Re a patala will be monitored daily and will assist in expediting payments once invoices are captured.

Challenges experienced are regretted but we do all we can to ensure that there are no further delays in processing payments,” said Morweng.

He said as has already indicated, engagement with operators is on-going. Morweng said they would also like to express their profound thanks to the operators for continuing to transport learners in spite of delays in payments.

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Police assist woman giving birth

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Picture: Police assisted woman while giving birth/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 May 2025- The ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili praised the police from Lime Acres for their act of empathy. This comes after these police officers assisted a woman, while giving birth on 13 May 2025.

Sebili said the police officers, Sergeant Sehano Khalaki and Sergeant Thabo Kgomojong, attended to a complaint after two women came to the SAPS Administration Building and informed them about a woman who was screaming hysterically at one of the residences.

“However, the women said they do not know what might be the situation. The two members responded to the complaint and upon arrival, they heard a woman screaming. They opened the door, and they found a woman on the couch giving birth.

“The baby was crying and they were both weak and cold. Khalaki assisted the woman, while Kgomojong went to seek help,” she said.

Sebili further said Petra Finsch Mine Ambulance responded and attended to the matter. She added that the child and mother were transported to the hospital for further assistance.

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Police are looking for missing Strausse

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Picture: Missing Manrico Strausse/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 May 2025- The police in Nababeep are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Manrico Strausse (25), who was last seen on 9 May 2025, at his residence in Kort Street, Nababeep. Strausse was reported missing to the police on 13 May 2025, by a family member.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said Strausse was last seen wearing a black Puma t-shirt, with grey sweatpants with a blue and Red Bat cap. Magerman said he allegedly also had Adidas sneakers with a black Playboy bag.

“Anyone with information that can assist in locating Manrico can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Deory Smith at 082 416 9808 or the SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPS app.

“The public was reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. All information received will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.

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R75 000 offered for information on missing Waterboer

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Picture: Missing David Waterboer/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 May 2025- The Detectives from Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit together with SAPS from Springbok and Nababeep, are still tirelessly investigating the disappearance of David Waterboer (14), in Nababeep on 7 February 2025. The police said Waterboer was last seen at approximately 10:50am by his mother before she left for work.   

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said he reportedly intended to attend a sporting event in Concordia. Ehlers said Waterboer was last seen wearing black short pants, a black t-shirt and navy blue sandals.

“A reward of R75 000 is offered by SAPS to any individual who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators and locating Waterboer.

“All information will be handled confidentially and can be relayed to Captain Whynoma Love at 082 874 4532 or 027 712 8104  or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App,” she said.

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Establishment of new anti-corruption agency

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By OBAKENG MAJE

15 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has received a briefing from the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), noticing its “promising” recommendation promoting the establishment of a new anti-corruption agency. The committee heard that the new agency, to be called the Office of Public Integrity (OPI), is intended to be a statutory, Chapter 9 body that will include the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The Chairperson of the Committee, Xola Nqola said while law enforcement is fundamentally important, it is an insufficient deterrent to corruption, the committee was informed. Nqola said these are promising plans on paper, but the committee will monitor the way forward on whether the proposal gets the support to move to implementation.

“According to the NACAC, the OPI will conduct public education, public mobilisation and behaviour change activities, produce policy research and advice, gather data, and provide analytical and corruption intelligence reports.

“It further proposes that the OPI should conduct investigations into systemic corruption with binding remedies, coordinate an all-of-government and all-of-society approach and conduct corruption risk assessments and prevention, and civil asset recovery,” he said.

Nqola said the committee heard that the SIU currently exists because of a proclamation from the President of the Republic. He added that the NACAC indicated that such a proclamation could be withdrawn and a more permanent structure could be realised that includes the SIU.

“According to the presentation, the NACAC is currently conducting consultations with various stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, Crime Intelligence, the Minister of Police and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

“The NACAC is furthermore detailing conceptual frameworks for understanding systemic corruption, specifying the mandate and attendant powers within the prevailing institutional architecture, attending to the governance and roadmap towards attaining Chapter 9 status or as a statutory body, as well as the funding model for the medium to long term,” said Nqola.

He said committee members raised questions about the protection of whistle-blowers and enquired about the work done by NACAC in this regard. Nqola said they see whistle-blowers being assassinated in all corners of the country.

“We need to do better to protect them. NACAC said in response that it has argued for the introduction of a whistle-blower fund, psychosocial support and also worked with organisations providing legal support to whistle-blowers. Furthermore, it recommended to the SIU to consider security support for whistle-blowers,” he said.

Nqola said the committee heard that the Protected Disclosures Act provides scant protection to whistle-blowers and NACAC convinced the President of the necessity for a complete overhaul of the Act. He said the committee also heard that the NACAC worked with civil society, who is in the process of drafting a Private Member’s Bill on whistleblowing.

“We commended NACAC for its efforts in advancing the plight of whistle-blowers. The committee was also briefed by the Magistrates Commission on the progress made in investigations into several magistrates.

“The committee endorsed the commission’s report for the removal of Magistrate Ms R Govender from office. The committee also raised concerns regarding the payment of magistrates on suspension, as seven such magistrates have already cost the country over R31 million,” said Nqola.

He said some of the matters date back as far as 2016 and 2018. Nqola said it concerns them that time’s passage on these matters hinders progress in either reinstating them or appointing new judicial officers.

“It also drains our fiscal capacity. It concerns us that the budget that we pass in reimbursing magistrates for the work that they do in dispensing justice to our people is taken for a ride.

“For a number of years now, we have been paying people who are staying at home and the reason for that is that the commission is unable to conclude enquiries in time,” he said.

Nqola said much as they note and endorse the reports they provide. He said, however, they are extremely concerned about the longevity of these investigations because it drains their fiscus when they are already in a constrained fiscal environment.

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Two men sentenced to three life terms imprisonment for raping two women

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 May 2025- The Zeerust Regional Court has sentenced Gopolang Seikaneng (34) to life imprisonment for rape and an additional eight years for attempted rape. Jacob Mosimane Sebogodi (42) received two life sentences for two counts of rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently and both accused have been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. Gunya said the convictions relate to an incident on the evening of 11 March 2021, at a local tavern in Zeerust.

“Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused promised two young women, both aged 21 at the time, that they would provide transport to their homes in Gopane village.

“While en route, the accused instructed the victims to exit the vehicle and escorted them to an abandoned house. At the abandoned property, both men took turns raping one of the victims,” he said.

Gunya further said Sebogodi then took the same victim to his residence and raped her again the following morning before returning her to the same abandoned house. He added that, Seikaneng took the second victim to his residence, where he attempted to rape her.

“Following a swift investigation, both accused were arrested on 19 March 2021. The victims positively identified them and they were denied bail and remained in custody until sentencing.

“Both men pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ntebaleng Mabale emphasised the high prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the vulnerability of women and young people in South Africa. Mabale presented two Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Thembinkosi Madiba, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims.

“He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. In his judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Okaeng Mothibi, noted the lack of remorse shown by the accused and their deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals.

Mothibi affirmed the need for the courts to protect victims and send a strong message of deterrence,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentences, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service, the prosecution team, and all stakeholders involved. She emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence.

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The Hawks granted R1.6m forfeiture order

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 May 2025- The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberly, granted Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority‘s Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order worth R1.6 million against Mahdi Aki (51) on Tuesday. It is alleged that, during January 2024, members of Public Order Policing acted on information and went to conduct a search and seizure at an identified premises, in the presence of the suspect, the police found two bags of undisclosed amount of money, later when they counted the amount came to R1.6 million. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Akil could not account for that money. Thebe said the matter was therefore referred to the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation, together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit for further investigation, which resulted in the successful granting of a forfeiture order.

“In an unrelated matter, Upington Regional Court found Samson Vusi Dlamini (42) guilty of dealing in drugs and corruption. The conviction came after police searched bags of a truck driver and his passenger at Nakop border between South Africa and Namibia in May 2023.

“The passenger, a Kingdom of Eswatini national, was found with what was later found to be drugs. During questioning, he later admitted to attempting to smuggle drugs and offered the police officer a bribe of R2000,” he said.

Thebe further said Upington based members of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team were called to the scene and subsequently took over the investigation. He added that the suspect was charged for possession of drugs and bribery and remained in custody for the duration of the trial.

“On Tuesday, the Upington Regional Court found him guilty and his case was postponed to 28 May 2025 for sentencing proceedings,” said Thebe.

Meanwhile, in appreciating the work done by South African Police Services (SAPS) members, the Provincial Head of Northern Cape Hawks Major General Stephen Molefi Mabuela said: “Collaborations when fighting crime always bring results, we just have to continue to strengthen those relationships” concluded the general.”

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Motsumi addresses project challenges at Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School   

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School in Reagile Township, near Koster, to follow up on the ongoing construction delays and quality concerns at the site. The visit comes after a recent meeting held under the Thuntsa Lerole Programme, where local business representatives and the primary contractor discussed project challenges.

Motsumi said construction of Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School began in 2022 with an expected completion date in September 2024. She said, however, the project remains unfinished, raising concerns about workmanship and management.

“We express serious disappointment regarding the poor quality of work and multiple defaults observed at the site. We urge the main contractor to rectify these issues and ensure that all construction complies fully with the department’s standards and scope of work.

“During the follow-up meeting, local contractors highlighted difficulties in receiving payments from the main contractor, a factor that has further delayed progress,” said Motsumi.

She further announced a decisive step to protect the interests of local businesses. Motsumi added that, to safeguard the local contractors and ensure timely project completion, all outstanding payments from the main contractor will be redirected through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) directly into the accounts of the local contractors.  

“This move aims to prevent contractors from being left unpaid and to accelerate the completion of the school. We reaffirm the department’s commitment to delivering quality education infrastructure on time and stress the importance of supporting local enterprises in the region of Bojanala and North West at large,” she said.

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Mass suspension and expulsion as SANCO embarks on ‘microbial’ action

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Picture: SANCO logo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 May 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West province said it would like to formally caution all communities, business stakeholders and government entities about certain individuals, who have been expelled and suspended from the organisation. SANCO alleged that these individuals are now engaged in conduct that seeks to sow confusion and mislead the public.

SANCO spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said, they have officially expelled its former National Executive Committee (NEC) member, James Gadinabokao from North West and former SANCO regional secretary in Ngaka Modiri Molema Region, Bennet Masike. Jam said Gadinabokao and Masike were expelled from their leadership positions and also as members of the organisation.

“Gadinabokao’s disciplinary hearing was held on 11 April 2025 at the Garden Court Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport. The hearing proceeded as scheduled with the full complement of the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) present.

“However, Gadinabokao failed to attend and provided no apology or explanation for his absence. Masike similarly failed to appear before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) for his hearing scheduled at the Rustenburg Local Municipality Building on 12 March 2025,” he said.

Jam further said Masike was therefore expelled with effect from 9 April 2025. He added that SANCO in North West confirmed the formal suspension of the Regional Chairperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region, Comfort Kgatwane.

“Kgatwane has been notified to appear before the PDC on 30 May 2025, to answer to charges brought against him under the SANCO Constitution and Code of Conduct. The NEC is also processing the suspension of Sibongile Mulauzi, who is an NEC member from the North West province.

“Mulauzi is accused of conduct inconsistent with the organisation’s values and discipline. Furthermore, disciplinary actions are underway in the Ngaka Modiri Molema Region, with additional suspensions of some of the Regional Executive Members, who are working with Gadinabokao and Masike to undermine the leadership of SANCO,” said Jam.

He said the matter is pending finalisation. Jam said these disciplinary actions follow charges, but not limited to breach of the membership oath (Clause 79(1)(a) of the SANCO Constitution).

“The charge is sowing division within the organisation, including bringing SANCO into disrepute and dereliction of duty. There is also a charge of violating the Constitution, Code of Conduct and membership oath.

“SANCO North West PEC would also like to emphasize that these individuals such as Packet Seaketso and Khumalo Molefe, are not authorised to participate in or represent any SANCO activities,” he said.

Jam said legal advice is being sought on measures to prevent unauthorised use of SANCO’s name, brand, or logo. He said as per the SANCO Constitution, “Any person or entity desirous of utilising the name, logo, or brand of SANCO, may only do so with the express written consent of the General Secretary of the organisation.

“These individuals have shown disregard for SANCO’s constitutional processes and attempted to present themselves as above the organisation. However, as resolved at our 7th National Conference, SANCO is taking a firm stand against ill-discipline and misconduct, without fear or favour.

“We share this communication in the spirit of transparency and with deep respect for our communities and partners. It is also a precautionary notice that individuals may attempt to solicit money or support under false pretences, claiming to represent SANCO,” said Jam.

He said they urge stakeholders to verify any SANCO-related engagement through the Office of the Provincial Secretary. Jam said in accordance with Clause 81(d) of the SANCO Constitution, the affected individuals have the right to appeal or request a review of their expulsion or suspension to the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) or National Executive Committee (NEC) within 21 days of receiving their letters of notification.

“SANCO remains committed to ethical leadership, accountability and the principles that bind us as a civic movement,” he said.

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Monna wa kwa Mokassa 2 o timetse  

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Setshwantsho: Monna o timetseng, Thuto Tlhotlhomisang

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le monna o go begwang fa a timetse, eleng Thuto Tlhotlhomisang (26), wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa 2, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa Tlhotlhomisang a timetse dibeke tse pedi tse di fetileng.

Go ya ka dipego, mme mmagwe Tlhotlhomisang, one a tlogela Thuto mo ntlung fa a leba kwa kerekeng, fela one a mo fitlhela a seo mo go boweng ga gagwe.

Mogoloe Thuto, Tsholofelo Tlhotlhomisang are ba ikuela go botlhe go ka ba thusa go batlana le monnawe.

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