Magalies Water welcomes the declarations of the Water and Sanitation Indaba

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Picture: Magalies Water logo

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 March 2025- Magalies Water said it has taken note with great appreciation of declarations made at the Water and Sanitation Indaba recently held in Gauteng Province. According to Magalies Water, these commitments represent a fresh mandate from the highest echelons of government in the country, with support from the highest office in the land.

Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said the Indaba took place at a time when the water sector faces numerous challenges, to which Magalies Water is not immune. Magae said as an organisation that has emerged from a reconfiguration process, which resulted in the expansion of its service mandate to cover the rest of the North West province, they are working diligently to finalize the updated Bulk Water and Sanitation Master Plan.

“Previously, this strategic document focused on the Bojanala Platinum (North West) and Waterberg Districts (Limpopo). Upon the conclusion of the review, it will shed light on the entire North West’s water challenges and future demands.

“It will also be a key driver in our quest to expand the entity’s presence in previously un-serviced areas by ensuring that all future water and sanitation projects undertaken are informed by feasibility studies and bankable business cases that highlight the need for bulk infrastructure investments across all four districts of the North West,” he said.

Magae further said much of the North West province’s water resources are strained, limited and in certain areas lack the requisite bulk infrastructure to respond more pragmatically to water-related challenges. He added that to this extent, Magalies Water has been implementing key projects that seek to address the water supply challenges, where it currently has operations.

“Below are some of the projects the entity has undertaken in the last seven financial years and has continued to implement beyond the reconfiguration process as part of its growth strategy into the future.

“Pilanesberg South Bulk Water Supply project in Rustenburg Local Municipality – where a 50 megalitre reservoir has been completed, as well as a pump station. This project also includes a construction of a 30 megalitre reservoir in Tlhabane Township, which has also been completed,” said Magae.

He said upon full commissioning, this project will impact about 63 238 households bringing about much-needed relief to residents in areas with historically high-water demand patterns. Magae said Klipvoor Bulk Water Supply Scheme is a bulk water infrastructure mega-project.

“The project beneficiaries include Moretele, Bela-Bela, Modimolle-Mookgophong and Mogalakwena Local Municipalities. Currently only two out of seven work packages are in the construction stage, as project implementation processes for the other work packages are still at early stages.

“Magalies Water is currently engaging national government departments on funding models, and technical project scoping. The Vaalkop Water Treatment Plant upgrade project is also underway. We are nearing the upgrade and optimization of the raw water pump station,” he said.

Magae said the raw water pump station has been upgraded from a capacity of 270 Ml/d to a 360 Ml/d, including linking of the raw water pipeline and supernatant to a common inlet works. He said practical work on this aspect of the project is earmarked for end of May 2025.

“Implementation Readiness Study for the upgrade of Vaalkop Water Treatment Plant from a 270 Ml/d to a 360 Ml/d, including upgrading of the distribution works is underway, and this mega project will be submitted to National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure for blended funding.

“This catalytic project will ensure water security in the Bojanala Platinum District of the North-West. The Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme is a multi-phased project being implemented by the Magalies Water,” said Magae.

He said a total of R640 617 000 had been budgeted for the scheme from the Department’s Regional Bulk infrastructure Grant (RBIG). Magae said Phase 1 of the project was an upgrade of the Klipdrift Water.

“Treatment Works from 18 ml/d to 42ml/d completed in 2022. Phase 2 consisted of 30-kilometre bulk pipeline from the treatment plant towards the far west end of Moretele, while Phase 3 is currently under construction, and includes the construction of a reservoir and bulk pipeline, to ensure reliable supply of potable water to seven villages identified in far west of Moretele including Swartdam, Noroki, Ratsiepane, Moeka, Ga-Motle, Kromkuil and Mmakaunyana,” he said.

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Molapisi appoints new acting NWHC Board

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Picture: The new NWHC Interim Board members/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 March 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has appointed interim board members for the North West Housing Corporation (NHWC) with effect from 1 April 2025, until a new board is appointed. Molapisi has made appointments in terms of Section 3(2) of the North West Housing Corporation Act No 24 of 1982.

He further said the primary mission of the NWHC is to provide housing through development and property management. Molapisi added that he has appointed Dr Manketsi Tlhape, Kabelo Mataboge, Wendy Nelson, Dikeledi Moagi, Samuel Tsagae, Sarah Nkatlo, Seatlathebe Lepomane and Lenah Miga.  

“In terms of Section 3(2) of the Act, I have designated Tlhape as the Chairperson of the Interim Board with Mataboge, serving as her Deputy. The interim board has been directed to lead review of the current Act and kickstart the process of filling the vacancy of the CEO, as the tenure of the incumbent ends in July 2025.

“Immediate focus will also be on the Smart and Mega Cities Project, including the Mahikeng Student City. We wish the interim board well in its efforts to assist the housing development mandate in the province,” he said.

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Mosadi o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka thipa  

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 Mopitlwe 2025- Monna o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Schweizer Reneke mo letsatsing la kamoso mabapi le polao. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore monna o, o ile a tlhaba mosadi wa dingwaga di le 33, ka thipa mo thamong ka di 30 Mopitlwe 2025.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go begwa fa moswi a ne a tsamaya le mokapelo wa gagwe kwa mmileng wa Extension 6, kwa motse-setoropong wa Ipelegeng, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke mmelaelwa. Myburgh are go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a mo tlhaba ka thipa.

“Moswi o ile a rwalelwa kwa bookelong go ya go bona thuso ya potlako. Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa bookelong, le go batlana le mmelaelwa. Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa.

“Mmelaelwa o tla tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo mo letsatsing la Labobedi. Dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e di a tswelela,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.   

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Seven suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police conducting patrol and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 March 2025- Seven suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for drunk and driving, possession of drugs, riotous behaviour, shoplifting, and contravention of immigration laws after they were found to be illegally in the country.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police further discovered an unregistered Day Care Centre operating without the required documentation in a Kuruman residential area, and the local Department of Social Development personnel were contacted for further handling. Pilane said the senior officers led a deployment of police members in executing high density operations in the Kuruman and Bothithong policing prescient, supported by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers.

“The police actions focused on combating aggravated and business robberies, burglary at residential premises, preventing stolen property in transit, combating drugs and human trafficking, as well as stock theft.

“The multi-disciplinary operations were executed by members from the affected stations, SAPS K9 unit, Flying Squad, members from the Provincial Proactive Policing, Provincial Corporate Communication and the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS),” he said.

Pilane said the disruptive actions commenced on 28 March 2025, and concluded on 29 March 2025, with stop and searches, foot patrols, blue light patrols, compliance inspections and drugs searches were the order of the day. He said the police conducted roadblocks on the N14 road during which 392 vehicles were stopped and searched. 

“Fines amounting to R38 500, were issued for various road traffic violations. During compliance inspections at tuckshops and taverns operating in Kuruman and Bothithong were also visited. One tavern was closed down and a fine was issued for non-compliance,” said Pilane.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, appreciated all role players and law enforcement agencies, who were involved in the crime blitz for the collaboration in terms of combating and preventing crime during the operations. Baloyi said these actions reaffirmed that police will continue to stamp down the authority of the state in the district, especially as they are approaching the Easter holidays and beyond.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities via the MYSAPS App or the 08600 10111crime stop number,” he said.

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Alleged cellphone robber found dead

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Picture: A man died after accused of stealing cellphone/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 March 2025- A man (25) who was reported missing was found allegedly dead in Kuruman. It is alleged that the deceased was forcefully put into a scholar transport vehicle near a high school in Wrenchville as he allegedly robbed off a learner (16) his cell phone earlier that morning.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said an investigation was launched after his family reported him as missing on 14 March 2025. Ehlers said the police received a tip-off regarding the missing person’s whereabouts and operationalised it.

“The body of the victim was found in Kuruman on 19 March 2025. The suspect (33) was arrested and investigation continues. The police in Wrenchville are investigating a case of murder,” she said.

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Two cashiers from Phokwane Local Municipality nabbed for a R3m fraud

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Picture: The accused persons, Thato Morake and Ayanda Ndwanya/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 March 2025- In keeping with the Hawks’ motto of “Seek, Find and Strike”, Kimberley Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team made a series of arrest on 27 March 2025. The first arrest took place in Victoria West.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the team arrested Randile Jacobs Shuping (38), who is accused of withholding third party payments, while serving as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Thembelihle Local Municipality. Thebe said the alleged contravention took place between February 2021 and July 2023.

“One of those third parties is Consolidated Retirement Pension Fund (CFR). The action left Thembelihle Local Municipality with a debt of over R6 million in pension fund contributions for employees, thereby contravening Section 13A of the Pension Fund Act 24 of 1956, with 1800 counts of the said contravention.

“Shuping was taken to Hopetown Magistrate’s Court immediately after his arrest, where he was granted a R5000 bail. The matter was postponed until 25 April 2025. The second arrest with municipal focus took place in Hartswater,” he said.

Thebe further said the team arrested two Phokwane Local Municipality cashiers for fraud, alternative theft and money laundering. He added that, Thato Morake (34) and Ayanda Ndwanya (35), are accused of defrauding the municipality between January 2022 and August 2023.

“Auditing undertaken by the municipality, revealed that the duo captured municipal payments as direct deposits in the internal financial ledgers while they do not reflect in the bank statements.

“It appears that the suspects were pocketing cash payments for personal use and reflecting them as directs deposits. The municipality suffered a total loss of over R3 million,” said Thebe.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Northern Cape, Major General Stephen Mabuela, expressed his appreciation to the investigation teams for proper investigation and placing the dockets before court. Mabuela said the plan is to intensify the arrests and place most of the matters before courts and generally being concluded.

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DA demands Northern Cape Dept of Agriculture to stop man made drought in Onseepkans

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Picture: A farming project in SA/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape urges the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform to ensure that it properly hands over the irrigation system in Onseepkans to the Department of Water and Sanitation and fulfil necessary conditions to prevent a man made drought.

The DA Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Reinette Liebenberg, who is also a spokesperson on Agriculture said, at departmental insistence, the former irrigation canal was replaced by a pump-driven pipeline system in 2014. Liebenberg said, but the quality of the pipeline’s construction is questionable and the filters are continuously clogged with sludge and other debris.

“This endangers water provision to the harvests of 162 emerging farmers and commercial agribusiness, including 110 hectares of raisins cultivated on communal land as well as export grape production, lucerne and dates.

“Despite departmental assurances that a solar farm would be established to power the pumps, commercial agribusinesses are still burdened with the costs of the Eskom account. It seems they are expected to pay indefinitely while the department does little to secure the promised solar power support,” she said.

Liebenberg further said understandably, commercial farmers want to withdraw from the arrangement. She added that this will affect maintenance of the pipeline and could worsen water supply constraints.

“The DA has repeatedly called the head of the department to engage with the Onseepkans Irrigation Board. It’s disappointing to learn that his intervention was limited to encouraging all roleplayers to find a workable solution, without any concrete answers on the table from the department.

“The latest Eskom bill amounted to nearly R600 000, which was brought to the department’s attention, with no response. If that is the departmental approach, we must ask when it intends fulfilling its own obligations of this deal?” she asked.

Liebenberg said she has submitted questions to the department to probe its intentions, including the status of handing over the project and contingency plans for water provision, if commercial farmers withdraw from the project. She said given the poor response from the department, she will also be escalating this matter to the premier.

“Farming is difficult enough. We cannot allow departments to make matters worse for farmers who keep the agricultural sector going and who play a key role in putting food on our tables,” said Liebenberg.

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A man who raped a girl and gave her R5 jailed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 March 2025- A man (47) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for raping a minor (11). On 1 April 2023, the victim was at home with the accused in 7de Laan, Bergsig in Springbok.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused attempted to forcibly kiss the victim, then closed her mouth when she screamed for help. Shemane said he sexually assaulted her and then gave her R5.

“The victim ran to aunt’s home and reported the incident, who immediately contacted the police and subsequently the suspect was arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until he was convicted and sentenced.

“The Springbok Regional Court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to twelve years imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of any similar offence during the period of suspension,” he said.

Shemane further said in addition, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He added that, the SAPS in the Northern Cape remain committed in the fight against crimes targeting the vulnerable groups of society.

“The Namakwa District Management applauded Detective Constable Agnes Vena of Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her outstanding investigative work that led to the incarceration of the accused and justice for the victim,” said Shemane.

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Three suspects from Zimbabwe and Mozambique nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: The generators confiscated during raids/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 March 2025- Three suspects from Zimbabwe and Mozambique aged between 32 and 35, were arrested for illegal mining at Shivan Mine Dam in Klerksdorp during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were arrested by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Illegal Mining Task Team assisted by the Explosive Unit, as part of combating illegal mining.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. Myburgh said on arrival at the mine, numerous persons were observed busy with illegal mining activities.

“On seeing the police, they fled from the scene, but police managed to arrest three suspects (two are Zimbabweans and one is from Mozambique). On the premises, police allegedly found a variety of explosives, including 20 capped fuses, 20 blasting cartridges and 120m of detonating cord.

“Furthermore, 13 generators, two water pumps and five mining drills were also confiscated. The suspects will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court 27 March 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession of explosives, illegal mining and the Contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002),” she said.

Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded the police involved in the operation for their ongoing efforts that resulted in bringing the suspects to book. Asaneng said the public is advised to report crime, including through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Two municipal officials in court for graft case

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 March 2025- The Mmabatho Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg, postponed the case against Benjamin Mathews Mogotsi (51) and Constance Motaung (50), to 29 May 2025, for the matter to be transferred to the Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg. The duo was arrested on Wednesday by the office of the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the accused persons are both charged with four counts of fraud. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that the Mpheni Social Club was established by the employees of Rustenburg Local Municipality.

“The social club was to assist members who joined, to share the money contributed after twelve months. Mogotsi was elected as the Chairperson of the club, and Motaung as the Treasurer. Investigations revealed that between 25 and 29 November 2023, Mogotsi and Motaung withdrew funds from the club account without the permission or authority of other members, stealing over R600 000.

“In court, the state did not oppose the release of the accused on bail as they are not a flight risk. However, the state asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions. The court granted both accused a R5000 bail each with normal bail conditions,” he said.

Gunya further said both accused were ordered to hand in their passports to the investigating officer.

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