Ba lelapa la moithuto o tlhokafetseng morago ga go ja mazimba a kgotlhelegileng ba shupile Lefapha La Thuto ka monwana

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima le etele lelapa la moithuti o tlhokafetseng/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Moranang 2025- Ba lelapa la moithuti wa Grade 3 kwa sekolong se se potlana sa GJ Podile kwa motsesetoropong wa Montshioa, gaufi le Mahikeng, ba re ba setse ban a le dipotso ka mokwa o sekolong se samaganeng le go tlhokafala ga ngwana wa bone ka teng. Bothati go tswa kwa Lefapheng La Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima, ba letse ba etetse lelapa la ga Ogone Sedupelele (8), yo o ileng a tlhokafala morago ga magatwe a gore o jele mazimba a nang le bolthole.

Go begwa fa Ogonne ga mmogo le mogoloe, Gofaone Sedupelele (10), ba ile ba lwala kwa sekolong morago ga go ja mazimba a nang le bolthole, mme ba a rekile go morekisi mongwe wa kwa mebileng.  Go na le dipego tsa gore sekolo gas a dira sepe go na bona gore baithuti ba, ba bona thuso ya potlako.

Sebueledi sa lelapa, Itumeleng Tau are kopano ya bone le bothati go tswa kwa Lefapheng la Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima, e nnile e e tlhaloganyesegang. Tau are ba utlwane, fela ba setse ba na le dipotso ka mokgwa o sekolo se ileng sa samagana le kgetsi e ka gone.

“Fela re dumalane gore e tla re morago ga phitlho, re tla nna le kopano le ba lefapha go tla go atlhaatlha ntlha e. Go ya ka rona, ngwana o tlhokafetseng, o tlhokafaletse kwa sekolong fa mogolo ene a le kwa karolong ya balwetsi ba ba gateletsweng thata (ICU).

“Re na le tumelo ya gore ngwana o tlhokafetseng o, o dutse diura di feta pedi kwa sekolong a tlhokafetse. Se se re makaditseng ke gore, bana ba lwala kwa sekolong, mme sekolo ga se dire sepe go re itsise. Se se re utlwisitseng botlhoko le go, ga ba letsetsa le ambulance. Jaanong, dilo tseo tsotlhe ga di a di dula sentle. Re ipotsa gore fa ene e se letsatsi la go tsaya di report tsa bana, go tla be go diragetse eng,” Tau wa tlhalosa.

Tau are ba na le tumelo ya gore ngwana o kwa ICU, Gofaone, le ene o kabe a tlhokafetse, gonne ba dutse nako e telele thata kwa sekolong a lwala. Tau are jaanong, ba batla go tlhaloganya kemo ya lefapha mabapi le pabalesego ya baithuti kwa dikolong.

“Fa bana ba rona ba le kwa dikolong mo tlase ga tlhokomelo ya barutabana, a ba sireletsegile? A mme barutabana ba letleletswe go letsetsa ambulance fa go ka nna le bothata mabapi le moithuti mongwe kwa sekolong kgotsa jang.

“Re ile ra itsisiwe ke motsadi o aneng a ile kwa sekolong go ya go tsaya di report tsa bana ba gagwe. Motsadi wa ntlha o bone tiragalo e ka ura ya borobongwe mo mosong, mme a romelela mmagwe ngwana molaetsa wa WhatsApp. Ka maswabi, mmagwe ngwana one a sena data, mme ga bona molaetsa o,” Tau wa tlhalosa.

Tau are motsadi wa bobedi, Nomonde Cindi, o ile a tla kwa lelapeng ka bone, mme a tsamaya le ngwana wa sekolo o aneng a ile go mo botsha kwa Ogone le Gofaone ba dulang teng. Tau are Cindi o ile a ba tlhalosetsa fa bana ba bone ba lwala.

“Mmagwe bana ba o ile a tabogela kwa sekolong. Ke nnete o ile a fitlhela o mo tonna a lwala thata, mme ene ya re fa a fetsa go mo bona, one a laelwa fa ngwana o mongwe, Ogone, a robetse kwa phaphosing. O ile a mo fitlhela a sa bonye le go bonya, mme a sa itse gore a ngwana wa tshela kgotsa jang.

“Are o fitlhetse letlalo la ngwana le le lesetlha ekare ke gone a bonwang. O ile a tsaya bana bao ba le babedi go ba isa kwa kliniking ka thuso ya mongwe wa barutabana.  Fa ba tsena kwa kliniking, baoki ba ile bam o tlhalosetsa fa ngwana o mogolo a lwala thata mo ebileng ba ka se kgone go mo thusa, mme a tabogisetswe kwa bookelong,” Tau wa tlhalosa.

Tau are, fela baoki ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ngwana wa bobedi e le kgale a tlhokafetse. Tau are sekgala magareng ga sekolo sa GJ Podile le go ya kwa kliniking, ga se fete metsotso ele metlhano.

“Jaanong, seo se bontsha fa ngwana a dutse diura di feta pedi a tlhokafetse. Tiragalo e, ga ya tshwara mmagwe bana sentle, mme o utlwile botlhoko thata. Re le lelapa re wetswe ke leru, mme re ipotsa gore go kgonagetse jang gore batsadi ba le teng kwa sekolong, mme ngwana a tlhokafale jaana?

“Re dumela fa barutabana ba ne ba tsibogile ka nako, re ka be re se fa. Jaaka lelapa, ga rena le madi a go ka tsaya dikgato tsa semolao, gonne re bo gopane ba moikapari. Sekolo se tlhalosa fa se lekile go letsa, mme se tlhalosa fa dinomoro di ne di le robongwe,” Tau wa tlhalosa.

Fela Tau o ganetsana le magtwe ao, mme a re go ne go na le dinomoro tse dingwe tse pedi, mem go baneng sekolo di sa di dirisa.

Mongwe wa batsadi ba ba boneng ka matlho, Nomonde Cindi are one a ile go tsaya di report tsa ban aba gagwe kwa sekolong fa a ne a ka bona tiragalo e. Cindi are ene ya re fa a tsena kwa sekolong, o ile a fetela kwa phaphosing ya ngwana wa gagwe, Andile Cindi.

“Ke ile ka fitlhela baithuti ba setse ba tswile kwa phaphosing, mme ke ile ka botsa gore morutabana o kae. Ke ile ka bolelelwa fa morutabana a tswile. Ke ile ka leba kwa phaphosing ya bana ba ga nnake, gonne le bone ba tsena sekolo kwa GJ Podile.

“Ke ile ka fitlhela morutabana, ga mmogo le moithuti o tlhokafetseng a robetse ka mpa ya sebete, mme a khurumeditswe ka kapi ya tracksuit e a neng a e apere. Morutabana o ile a nkopa gore ke mo shebe gore a ke a mo itse, gonne go tlhalositswe fa a dula kwa di Smarties,” Cindi wa tlhalosa.

Cindi are o ile a khurumulula ngwana go mo sheba, fela o ile a mo fitlhela a sa bonye le go bonya. Cindi are one a mo tlogela, mme a leba kwa phaphosing ya morwae, Andile.

“Ke ile ka fitlhela morutabana, mme ka tsaya se ke se tsayang. Kei le ka boela kwa phaphosing e moithuti o tlhokafetseng  ane a kwa go yone.  Ke ile ka kopa morutabana go ithaopa go ya go batla kwa moithuti o a dulang teng. Fela ke ile ka tlhalosa fa ke sa go tlhaloganye sentle, mme ke ile ka kopa moithuti a le mongwe o itseng kwa lelapeng la moithuti o, go ka tsamaya le nna.

“Re fitlhile kwa lelapeng, mme ke fitlhetse malome wa moithuti o, mme o ile a letsetsa mme mmagwe moithuti o, yo o ileng a tlhalosa fa a setse a le kwa toropong, fela o mo tseleng. Re ile ra boela kwa sekolong, mme ke ile ka fitlhela mmagwe ngwana a tshwere Gofaone,” Cindi wa tlhalosa.

Cindi are, ngwana o neng a le kwa phaphosing, ene one a sa shebiwe. Are, fela morutabana mongwe o ne a ba pega mo sejanageng sa gagwe, mme a ba isa kwa kliniking.

“Ke nnete moithuti o neng a ntsheditswe kwa ntle gore a itewe ke phefo, o ile a patelewa go shutlha matlhatsa a gagwe. Ke fitlhetse baithuti ba ntsheditswe kwa ntle, mme ene one a patelediwa go shutlha matlhatsa le fa a ne a le bokoa.

“Tiragalo e, e nkamile thata mme ke ipotsa gore a bana ba rona ba babalesegile kwa sekolong, gonne tiragalo e, e ka diragalela ngwana mongwe le mongwe. Ke utlwile botlhoko thata, mme ke tshepa fa ba losika ba ka tshidisega,” Cindi wa tlhalosa.

Sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are: “Dipatlisiso mabapi le kgang e di tsweletse, mme re kopane le ba lelapa go ka bona tharabololo mo kgannyeng e. Re tlile go ntsha kitsiso ya dipatlisiso morago ga gore dikonosediwe.

“O tla gopola gore mo ngwageng o fetileng, re ile ra ntsha kitsiso go dikolo, mme re kopa batsadi go se neele bana madi fa a ya sekolong. Baithuti ba, ba reka dijo tse di sa siamang go barekisi ba bam o mebileng fa sekolo se tswa, mme ga nke re itse gore a dijo tseo di siametse go ka jewa.”

Kgabagre, lekoko la ANCWL mo Mahikeng, Kgalalelo Gorapelwe are ba utlwisitswe botlhoko ke tiragalo e, fela ba tshepa fa ba lelapa ba ka tshidisega.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘More boots on the ground’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: SAPS in Northern Cape engage with community members in Prieska/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 April 2025- A man (33) was arrested for possession of tik and mandrax, while a large amount of concoction was confiscated and destroyed during shebeen raids. The suspect was arrested during multi-disciplinary disruptive actions by Provincial Components, the Tactical Response Team, De Aar K9, Prieska SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, Traffic Department, Liquor and Gambling Board and the Prieska Community Police Forum (CPF), which also raided shebeens and drug outlets in Prieska.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said compliance inspections were conducted at shops and liquor outlets in the greater Prieska policing area. Kock said the blitz operations also yielded successes at a roadblock on the N10 road, near Prieska.

“During the roadblock, 48 vehicles and 77 persons were stopped and searched, while seven fines were issued amounting to R3450 for different traffic offences. The police then engaged with the community in the Pixley Ka Seme.

“The community raised issues and concerns. The Keynote address was delivered by the Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, who commended the Prieska Community for their attendance and for the assistance offered to the SAPS and all other relevant role players,” he said.

Kock further said Besnaar also assured the community that the police will be out in full force with more boots on the ground during and beyond the Easter holidays. He added that the communities should practice road safety and continue to be the eyes and ears of the police as crime fighting is everyone’s responsibility.

“If you see something, say something,” said Kock.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SA is one of Africa’s most literate nations

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 April 2025- The government said it welcomes the recent findings by Intelpoint’s Research, which rank South Africa as the second most literate country on the African continent, with an adult literacy rate of 95%. This research is based on the percentage of the population aged 15 years and older who are able to read and write.

The acting GCIS spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said this remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s progressive education policies and programmes, implemented since the advent of democracy in 1994. Mnukwa said it reflects a significant and sustained reduction in adult illiteracy, underscoring the success of ongoing efforts to broaden access to quality education for all South Africans.

“A range of education initiatives led by government since the first democratic government administration until the 6th administration, have contributed to these gains. These initiatives are underpinned by strategies focused on teacher development, access to quality learning materials, and cultivating a culture of reading from an early age.

“In the 7th administration, government continues to prioritise literacy development in the foundational years of education. Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes have been strengthened through the adoption of international best practices, improving school readiness among young children,” she said.

Mnukwa further said government takes pride in this achievement, and is committed to addressing remaining gaps and accelerating efforts toward achieving universal literacy.  She added that they take this opportunity express appreciation to the hard work of the previous Ministers of Education, including the longest serving Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.

“We extend best wishes to the current Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, in continuing with the implementation of measures to improve foundational education and the expansion of teaching in indigenous/ home languages.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA lays criminal charges against Minister Thembi Simelane

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said today has laid corruption charges against the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane. Simelane is alleged to have defrauded Eskom, while working for Vitrovian, her previous employer.

The DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development and Member of Parliament (MP), Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said they are confident that an investigation by SAPS will get to the bottom of these allegations. Breytenbach said the DA has laid charges of corruption against Simelane after she is alleged to have stolen more than R700 000 by fraudulently billing Eskom when she worked for Vitrovian.

“Eskom is reported to have used Vitrovian, a consulting firm, to suppress protests at the Kusile Power Plant during its construction. Vitrovians’s charges to Eskom appear ridiculously inflated and Eskom was allegedly invoiced by Vitrovian for work done by employees that did not exist.

“Simelane’ signature appears on the very first of these fraudulent invoices, directly implicating her in the scandal. This is in addition to Simelane’s alleged involvement and subsequent implication in the looting of VBS Bank,” she said.

Breytenbach further said the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has repeatedly refused to disclose the content of Simelane’s report to him on these allegations, despite several requests by the DA that he does so. She added that Ramaphosa’s continued protection of Simelane raises serious questions on his ability and willingness to root out corruption at the highest level.

“Ramaphosa is allowing a culture of impunity among ANC Ministers implicated in corruption, and if he fails to remove Simelane from her post, he will become complicit in the corruption he says he is intent on fighting.

“We trust that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will launch a full investigation into Simelane and her involvement in this corruption scandal. The DA is determined to purge this government of its corrupt officials, with or without the help of the President, and we eagerly await the outcome of the investigation,” said Breytenbach.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA calls on Phokwane Local Municipality to address outstanding debt

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has requested the Municipal Manager of Phokwane Local Municipality to brief council on action to be taken to address debt recovery shortfalls as debt spikes, impacting on municipal cash flow. DA councillor, Lean Le Roux said councillors, including the Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse, collectively owe the municipality in excess of R1.4 million for outstanding current accounts. Le Roux said six councillors owe amounts ranging between R100 000 and just over R200 000.

“Government and private entities further owe the municipality over R21, 479 million. This includes debt owed by the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, totalling over R6, 874 million, as well as the Frances Baard District Municipality, which owes more than R2,397 million.

“The municipality must urgently adopt a multi-pronged approach to improve its debt collection to safeguard dwindling cash flow and prevent a situation whereby it can no longer pay its creditors,” he said.

Le Roux further said he has requested the Municipal Manager in writing, to formally notify councillors who are in arrears for a period longer than two months and to facilitate account settlements or stop-order agreements, to ensure that the debt is urgently paid. He added that he has also reminded the Municipal Manager that councillors are considered to be in breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct when they are in arrears with their municipal account for longer than three months.

“The Municipal Manager’s failure to properly address councillor debt, will also translate into a dereliction of duty on his part. In addition, I have submitted a request for the Municipal Manager to brief council on his plan to pursue defaulting clients more aggressively.

“Aside from implementing strategies such as the issuing of final notices and targeting chronic defaulters with disconnections, it must also entail the review and finalization of longstanding account disputes, to also allow debtors the opportunity to settle their accounts,” said Le Roux.

He said more than 60 000 people living in Phokwane depend on the municipality to operate as a going concern by breaking the debt cycle and ensuring that it has the financial resources to sustain service delivery.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North west MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi engages with FRPs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, has reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to restoring the financial health and service delivery capacity of municipalities across the province. Speaking during a series of engagements with the Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) deployed to distressed municipalities, Mosenogi emphasized the critical importance of implementing Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs) as guided by the National Treasury.

“The affected municipalities include Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Ditsobotla,

Ramotshere Moilwa, Tswaing, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills and the City of Matlosana. The restoration of the dignity of the North West depends on your commitment to assisting municipalities to implement the financial recovery plans.

“Your deployment is a clear indication that your expertise is not only recognized but needed. The government is counting on your ability to deliver. We reaffirm that the Financial Recovery Plans must be implemented through their prescribed phases, which are Rescue (short-term cash flow management), Stabilisation (improving governance and financial controls), and Sustainability (ensuring long-term financial viability),” she said.

Mosenogi further calls on PERs to ensure municipalities move beyond the Rescue Phase and actively pursue the intended outcomes of their recovery plans as legislated. She added that, in a strong stance on the Eskom Debt Relief Programme, a full compliance by affected municipalities is important.  

“We caution against any compromise on the terms of

programme and encourage the enforcement of measures including service disconnections, if necessary to ensure consumer accountability.

“Although difficult, the disconnection of services may be a necessary step to meet the programme’s requirements. In the long run, this will benefit communities, if a portion of the municipality’s debt is written off, thereby improving the municipality’s capacity to enhance revenue collection,” said Mosenogi.

She stressed that financial recovery is not just about balancing books, but about enabling municipalities to fulfil their constitutional mandate of delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to economic development. Mosenogi said a municipality’s financial health directly affects its ability to invest in infrastructure, education and public services, which are the building blocks of economic growth.

“This, in turn, attracts investment, creates jobs and improves the quality of life for our people. The North West Provincial Government remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that municipalities become sustainable, accountable and service-oriented institutions,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

MTN donates computer lab to Port Nolloth High School

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Learners at the Computer Lab donated by MTN/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 April 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo officially opened the Multipurpose Computer Laboratory at Port Nolloth High School today. Vosloo was accompanied by representatives of MTN whom have provided the school with a state of the art facility, consisting of 30 computers.

“The Computer Laboratory is equipped with all the necessary facilities to expose our learners from a very early age to the use of technology.  We live in a modern world, where technology impacts on our life, work and how we do things.

“Access to Information Technology at home, work and at our schools means that Education can truly become a life-long activity. We are confident that this initiative will further enhance the quality of public education in our schools,” he said.

Vosloo further said jointly with MTN, they will continue to invest in the future of the youth through initiatives such as these, which will ensure their learners a prepared for a changing world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Rosho welcomes the release of equitable shares to municipalities 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 April 2025- The release of the March 2025 tranche of equitable shares amounting to over R689 662 million cleared for transfer to eleven municipalities across the province was welcomed by the ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho. National Treasury had withheld the tranche payment to municipalities that owed creditors, i.e. South African Revenue Service, Pension Fund and Auditor General of South Africa over R205 369 million for persistent Non-Compliance to the Municipal Finance Management Act (MMFA).

“The withholding of equitable shares for non-compliance to the MMFA due to non-payment of third-party payments would have adversely affected service delivery across our communities hence we commend the provincial government’s urgent intervention to ensure compliance and the release of the funding critical for the provision of services. 

“We highly appreciate the response tabled by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, on behalf of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, in response to my oral question,” said Rosho.

She commended the MECs for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi and Provincial Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi for ensuring that settlement agreements to reduce debts were in place and adhered to by Ditsobotla, Kgetlengrivier, Ratlou, Tswaing, Naledi, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane, Kagisano Molopo, Maquassi Hills, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

“Implementation of revenue enhancement strategies that are complemented by prudent financial management as well as  Intensified hands-on support by COGTA and Provincial Treasury will ensure that governance and service delivery are not compromised and that municipalities deliver without fail on the expectation of our communities. 

“The municipalities will be able to attract investments and deliver on their development mandates when they meet their financial obligations and there is visible accelerated service delivery,” she said.

Rosho further said the households, businesses and government departments can contribute towards improving delivery of services by embracing their responsibility to pay their municipal accounts. She added that, Section 5 of the MFMA empowers the National Treasury to monitor the budget of municipalities with the MFMA and take appropriate steps if a municipality commits a breach of the act, including the stopping of funds in terms of Section 216(2) of the constitution.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Escapee who was arrested for business robbery, attempted murder nabbed  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Escapee, Tebogo Mahlangu arrested/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

16 April 2025- The accused, Tebogo Mahlangu (40), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing charges of escape from lawful custody. Mahlangu was arrested in Witbank by the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on 11 April 2025, following his escape from lawful custody in September 2019.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused and his four accomplices, were arrested in November 2015, on charges of theft of motor vehicle, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after they allegedly collided with a Toyota Hilux bakkie, while travelling in an A4 Audi vehicle near Katboschfontein, outside Wolmaranstad on the N12.

Gunya said the Toyota Hilux, which was transporting diamond gravel overturned, its driver was accosted by armed Audi A4 occupants, who robbed him of diamond gravel, pistol and other personal belongings. 

“It is further reported that whilst the robbery was still in progress, an Isuzu bakkie, which was passing by, stopped in an attempt to assist the accident victims as the occupants were not aware it was robbery. 

“The Isuzu occupants were also accosted and the Isuzu bakkie as well as cell phones and other personal belongings of its occupants were stolen. The community members who tried to chase the suspects were shot, however they managed to run to the nearby fields,” he said. 

Gunya further said the swift response by the police led to the arrest of suspects, the firearms and other valuables stolen were also recovered. He added that, they made several court appearances before court, however, on September 2019, while Mahlangu and his co-accused were loaded in a bakkie, Mahlangu allegedly took out a firearm and pointed at a police officer working at court and this led to the escape of all five accused.

“His co-accused persons were all re-arrested and were sentenced except Mahlangu, who has been on the run since the escape. Following a lengthy investigation, he was rearrested at Witbank Court, where he was attending a separate case.

“He appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 8 May 2025, for consolidation of all his cases,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the acting Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure they leave no stone unturned in locating suspects who have contempt for the laws of this country.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Uncle sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for raping his niece 

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 April 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court sentenced a man (39) from Olievenhoutbosch to two life terms for two counts of rape and five years direct imprisonment for the sexual assault of his niece (14). In January 2021, the complainant and her uncle were at a family gathering in Hammanskraal when he approached her in the kitchen while washing dishes and began touching her breasts and private parts. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said in January 2022, the uncle invited the complainant to his place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch and during the night while sleeping in the same bed, he began to rape her. Mahanjana said in the same month, the accused lured the complainant to his place of residence by informing her that her friend was looking for her. 

“On arrival at his place of residence, he undressed the complainant and raped her. In May 2022, as the mother of the complainant was going through the complainant’s phone, she saw WhatsApp messages from the accused asking her why she attended school, instead of visiting him and sleeping over. 

“The mother confronted the complainant and during the confrontation, she informed her about the incidents. The following day, a case was opened against the accused, who was subsequently arrested on 26 May 2022,” she said.

Mahanjana said in court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. She said, however, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. 

“During sentence proceedings through his legal representative, the accused asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences because he is a first-time offender and was employed at the time of his arrest. 

“However, the state prosecutor Anton Burger, argued that he abused his position of trust as a close family member and instead of looking after the complainant, he abused her,” said Mahanjana.

She said, furthermore, Burger emphasised the seriousness of the crimes he committed and how these crimes affected the complainant, resulting in her repeating a grade. Mahanjana said Burger further asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, stating that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.

“In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Pierre Wessel, agreed with the state that the accused abused his role as a caregiver and preyed on the vulnerability of the complainant. Furthermore, he said that the crimes he committed were brutal, and he showed no remorse for his actions. 

“Moreover, he said that the sentence handed down will reaffirm the commitment of the court to hold perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) accountable, especially those who betray familial trust,” she said. 

Mahanjana said, therefore, the Magistrate said he found no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences. She said the NPA welcomes the sentence and hopes that it reaffirms to society their unwavering commitment to hold such perpetrators accountable and condemns such heinous acts of GBV.

taungdailynews@gmail.com