BY Obakeng Maje

NORTH WEST PROVINCE:- The police in the Province will leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring down the level of crime across the Province this festive season. Police will be deployed in most of the hot spots, main roads and highways in the major towns and cities of the Province.  

The South African Police Service is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa. This can only be achieved if individuals and communities cooperate with the Police by volunteering information on criminals and their activities, and by persons taking reasonable steps to ensure their personal safety. In partnership the police and the community can ACT- Against Crime Together, to prevent crime.

Safety at home:

❖  Know all emergency numbers.❖  Keep your cellular phone in your bedroom.❖  Never leave keys in a gate or lock.❖  Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember outside lights that are on during the day draw attention of thieves.❖  Mail left in the gate is also a sign that nobody is home. Get a friend or neighbour to keep a regular eye on your property and to remove mail and newspapers.❖  Never leave workmen unattended in your home.❖  Don’t leave your garage, front or back door open or partially open-it serves as an invitation to burglars.❖  Never open the door automatically whenever the bell rings or if someone knocks. Make sure the person wanting to enter is expected and well known to you.❖  A watchdog is a good early warning system. The unexplained death of a watchdog is a warning sign of a possible burglary.❖  If your alarm system goes off or you hear strange noises, switch on the outside lights, and investigate with caution. Don’t go outside before you are sure that it is safe. If you see anyone on your property that does not belong there, don’t wait, call the police.❖  Keep your entrance clear of plants or obstacles that can provide a hiding place.❖  Install security gates at outside doors and keep them locked.❖  Know your neighbours and build a relationship of mutual trust and support.❖  Keep cash and valuables in banks or safes.❖  Store firearms in a safe and do not let anyone, including household employees and children, know that you have a firearm in the house. A safe out of sight, attached to a wall with roll bolts inside a cupboard is a good choice. 

Safety at the ATM:

❖  Avoid isolated ATMs and using the ATM late at night. Try to select an ATM in well-lit busy areas.❖  If you feel unsafe at an ATM, trust your instincts, go away and use another ATM.❖  Never write down your pin or carry it near your ATM card. Memorise it and keep it a secret.❖  Don’t carry your bank cards with your ID, passport or driver’s licence in the same wallet or folder.❖  Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM.❖  Don’t be distracted, intimidated or hurried into your transaction. Take your time.❖  Never let a stranger touch your card. When paying with your card, do not let it be taken out of your eye sight.❖  Never force your card into the card slot.❖  Be sure no-one is looking over your shoulder when you key in your Pin.❖  Cancel your card if the machine retains it by calling the card stop number. 

How to reduce the risk of rape and sexual offences:

❖  If possible, avoid walking alone. Your best defence is having people nearby.❖  If you walk alone, plan your route carefully. Take note of stores and restaurants that are open, should you need to ask for help.❖  Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.❖  Walk on the side of the street facing the traffic.❖  If you work late, don’t go to your car alone if you can avoid it, ask someone to escort you to your car.❖  Have you keys ready when you approach your car or home and get into the car or enter your home immediately.❖  Never pick up hitchhikers of either sex.❖  Don’t leave food or drinks unattended in public places.❖  Don’t leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met.❖  Don’t hitchhike.❖  Alcohol may be legal, but of you use to much of it, it impairs your judgement, which could make you more vulnerable. Make sure you have friends with you and look after each other. This is especially important for women, young girls/men.❖  Don’t rely on a ride home from someone who is going to drink, as you will be faced with an unsafe situation.❖  Keep in mind: most victims know the rapist. Do not leave the care of your children to anyone you are not 100% sure of. People known to the family commit most child rapes. 

The Provincial Commissioner,  Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo,  indicated that there are a number of areas of concern, looking at the broader crime picture in the Province and more focus will have to be given to Crimes against Women and Children, Rape, Aggravating Robberies, Burglaries and Assaults with Intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm, which seem to be dominating the crime picture. “We are going to deploy members to work with various stakeholders as we always do during this period of the year and we are appealing to all our communities, visitors, tourists and road users to be patient, always vigilant and co-operate with the law enforcement officers who will be deployed on various roadblocks and Crime Prevention operations throughout the festive season so that we all enjoy a crime free holiday”, the North West Provincial Commissioner of the police said.

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg- At a meeting of the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) Emergency Committee held on Friday, 14 December 2012, and finalised on Sunday, 16 December, a number of far-reaching decisions were taken concerning the Report on Match Fixing compiled by FIFA Investigators and received by SAFA on Friday, 14 December.

Firstly, the Emergency Committee considered and accepted the Report as received.

Secondly, the Committee resolved to write to FIFA and acknowledge that, through the actions of members of its staff during the warm-up matches prior to the FIFA 2010 World Cup, there is a prima facie breach of FIFA Statute 13.1 (g), which prohibits the control of its affairs by an outside party, in this case Football 4U International controlled by Singaporean Wilson Perumal Raj and his criminal syndicate.

The Committee also noted that the appointment of Football 4U International was never brought to the attention of the SAFA NEC. 

SAFA apologised to FIFA, and undertook to take the urgent and serious actions to deal with the matter.

The following actions were agreed:

1. That a Commission of Enquiry be set up, under the leadership of a retired Judge, to fully investigate the matter and the members cited in the report, and that this Commission sit as a matter of urgency so that the issue can be speedily resolved.

2. After extensive discussion, the Emergency Committee felt that the President would have to appear before the Commission of Enquiry to explain his role in the matter. Having considered the implications of this for SAFA, the Committee asked the President to take a voluntary leave of absence from his position.

3. That Vice-President, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, be asked to act as President in the interim.

4. That all members of staff mentioned in the report who will need to give evidence at the Commission are likewise put on special administrative leave pending the finalisation of the Enquiry, or pending receiving a clearance from the Commission.  This action in no way implies that these individuals were involved in Match fixing.  It is again simply for good governance that this measure is being implemented.  The members of staff so affected are:  Dennis Mumble, Lindile ‘Ace’ Kika, Adeel Carelse and Barney Kujane.

5. The former CEO, Lesley Sedibe, and the former Head of Referees, Mr Steve Goddard, will also be asked to give evidence and cooperate with the Enquiry.

6. That Pinky Lehoko is appointed as Acting CEO in the interim.

 Outgoing CEO, DR Robin Petersen, stated that these decisions were necessary for good governance and for allowing this matter to be thoroughly and properly investigated.  Although he will be assuming his new role as CEO of the SAFA Development Agency in January 2013, he will be based in the SAFA offices and will work closely with Ms Lehoko in the interim period.

Chief Nonkonyana had the following to say:

“This is a difficult situation for the Association, and for those who have been named in the report.  We hope that there will be no speculation about their presumed guilt or otherwise. We need to allow the investigation to take place speedily and fairly, so those that are innocent can be separated from those who are not.”

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Bloemfontein – ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe’s move to contest the leadership of the party brings hope for many South Africans, an expert said on Monday.

“The nomination outcome indicates there is a voice of reason out there,” said Sethulego Matebesi, political analyst at the University of the Free State.

He said despite the possibility that Motlanthe would be out in the wilderness after the party elections, he had accepted the presidential nomination.

“Irrespective of the outcome, the move has given many South Africans hope, at least there will be a democratic process.”

Matebesi said this would bring confidence back to South Africans in the ANC.

President Jacob Zuma and Motlanthe were nominated for the position of party president at the ANC’s national conference on Monday afternoon.

Matebesi said it was to an extent a surprise that Motlanthe had reconsidered his position as deputy president.

“My feeling looking to the interaction between them – Zuma and Motlanthe – one could actually feel the tension. I do get the feeling Jacob Zuma looks a bit overconfident.”

Matebesi said the loud cheers for Zuma in the tent when his name was called was not the voting process itself and much could still happen.

Mathews Phosa, Cyril Ramaphosa and Tokyo Sexwale were nominated for the deputy president position. Five candidates were nominated from branch and provincial structures, but both Baleka Mbete and Motlanthe withdrew.

The nominations for national chairman were Mbete and Thandi Modise.

The secretary-general position would be contested between Gwede Mantashe and Fikile Mbalula.

Matebesi said Mbalula’s decision to accept his nomination was also surprising because of the feeling that he was still too outspoken.

“It is maybe a bit early for Mbalula.”

Matebesi said the withdrawals for nomination to deputy secretary-general left Jessie Duarte as the only candidate for the position, and this was an indication of the confidence delegates had in her.

Nominations for treasurer-general were Paul Mashatile and Zweli Mkhize.

Tokyo Sexwale and Lindiwe Sisulu declined their nominations for this position.

It was announced that the votes would be counted by hand.

Earlier it was confirmed that Free State and North West delegates would be part of the conference.

The credentials meeting of the national conference decided that voting delegates from the two provinces could participate, ANC spokesman Keith Khoza said. This meant they could vote for the party’s top six officials.

The two province’s delegates were asked to leave the conference venue at the end of the credentials meeting for a decision on the matter to be taken. -Sapa

By Obakeng Maje

North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed her disappointment that 24 hours had hardly lapsed since she decried that the involvement of police in crime undermines the confidence that the public has on law enforcement that two more policemen are facing murder charges.

Premier Modise reiterated her earlier statement that there should be no place in the police service for those who disgrace the dignified blue uniform, those who terrorise our communities instead of protecting them.

“The conduct of police officers should at all times be above reproach whether they are on or off duty. We expect the immediate suspension and disciplinary action to be taken against the three officials arrested for criminal activities” stressed Modise.

The Premier was reacting to reports that a police constable was arrested for allegedly shooting dead a relative in Potchefstroom. According to Lieutenant Colonel Lesego Metsi, the officer allegedly used his service pistol to shoot the 36-year-old man from behind during an argument on Sunday afternoon.

The bullet hit him in the left shoulder. He died at the scene.

The constable was expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, a police reservist was arrested for allegedly stabbing a man to death near Bloemhof.

A woman police constable and two other people were earlier arrested for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and robbing a man in Taung after accusing him of having stolen their property.

They are also expected to appear before their respective courts tomorrow.

Obakeng Maje

The recovery of thirty head of cattle which were reportedly stolen from Verdwaal village near Itsoseng is encouraging, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday.

The stock valued at R80 000 which was reported stolen last week Monday was found kept in a kraal at (Venter Silo) Bodibe village on Friday.

The owner of the kraal was arrested after he failed to convince the police when questioned as to how did he came to possess the cattle and why is he keeping them in his kraal.

The suspect is expected to appear briefly before Itsoseng Magistrate Court on charges of possession of suspected stolen Stock and Stock Theft on Tuesday 18 December 2012.

In commending police for the breakthrough, Premier Modise urged them not to spare any effort to stamp out stock theft as it impoverishes subsistence farmers and commercial officers.

Modise called on 

traditional leaders, farmers unions, farmers, sector departments, crime prevention structures and stakeholders in farming communities to work with the police in order to address challenges experienced with regard to stock theft in the province.These include lack of brand marking, insufficient fencing, part time farmers not always on their farms, improper record keeping of stock and insufficient stock taking, insufficient pounds and the fact that not all farmers are incorporated in Agricultural Unions.

BY Obakeng Maje

Eighteen people living with HIV and Aids in Ngaka Modiri Molema District are to undergo training to run their own farming empowerment project . The skills development programme for beneficiaries of the initiative which is the brainchild of North West Premier Thandi Modise is to commence early in the new year.

Speaking at the launch of the job creation and farming empowerment project recently, Premier Modise said that it should serve as a model for three more projects to be rolled out for people living with HIV and Aids in three other districts in the province.

 Modise said that the project will provide people living with HIV And Aids with access to healthy and nutritious vegetables.

 While it will create permanent and seasonal jobs for the local community, it will assist beneficiaries to establish a viable market level of conventional vegetable production for them to sell them to local and other markets and also assist farmers to be trained at the adjacent Kgora Farmers Training Centre understand how to take care of and support employees infected with the virus.

   Project Coordinator and mother of three, Gladness Seetseng says that the project has not only given hope to people living with HIV and Aids.

“Most of us are unemployed so the project is a lifeline for us to grab the opportunity with both hands,” says 39 year-old Seetseng.

Provincial Chairperson of People living with HIV and AIDS, Rev Neo Moepi said that the project is an appropriate intervention and empowerment programme that expresses in more ways than one the compassion and care that the sector expects from their government and Premier Modise’s foresight and visionary leadership.

BY Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng- A 34 year-old suspect from Lonely Park was arrested in the early hours today for rape North West police said.

“The arrest followed a rape of a 31 year-old woman. According to the victim, she was at  a tavern last night when the suspect asked her to accompany him” Lesego Metsi said.

“The victim further alleges that along the way the suspect pulled out a firearm and threatened to kill her if she scream for help” He adds.

The suspect allegedly raped her and he was arrested this morning by Mahikeng police.

A case of rape has been launched.   

BY Obakeng Maje

Potchefstroom- North West police in Ikageng  are investigating a case of murder after the death of a 31 year-old Keitumetse Masilo  of Promosa.

“According to the information the suspect who is known but not yet arrested  and the victim  had a relationship and  the deceased was stabbed by the suspect after an argument ensued between the two yesterday Saturday at about 19:30” Colonel Lesego Metsi said.

The deceased was reported dead on the scene of crime.

Police are still tracing the suspect.

BY Obakeng Maje

Potchefstroom-Police are investigating two cases of murder on separate incidents.  In the first case a white male person age unknown was found dead along N12 between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.

“According to the information the deceased was found lying on his back with bruises on his head. His waist belt was found next to him.  The  police are suspecting that he could have been robbed before he was killed” Colonel Metsi said.

No one is arrested and police are investigating.

BY obakeng Maje

Rustenburg- Two vehicle collided head on yesterday afternoon at about 17:15 in Rustenburg North West police said.

“The vehicles were travelling on opposite directions along Olifantsnek road when the accident happened. The driver of one vehicle died on the spot and the other who was travelling with his wife were taken to Fencrest Private Hospital” Colonel Lesego Metsi said. Police are investigating a case of Culpable Homicide.