Three Mozambican nationals sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for theft

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 January 2025- Three Mozambican nationals were sentenced to 23 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for theft involving ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as for Contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The accused persons, Andries Chilenge (43), Oscar Tembe (33), and Julius Khoza (46), received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in prison.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said charges relate to an incident between Boshoek and the Phokeng railway, near Tlhabane on 11 November 2023. Gunya said the men were implicated in the theft of a 353kg copper railway cable valued at over R146 000.

“Investigations revealed that around 11pm, on the evening of the incident, transit security personnel patrolling the area discovered the severed cable. A coordinated search was immediately launched, involving a drone and a team of eight security officers,” he said.

He further said these suspects were spotted near the railway and apprehended. Gunya added that the police were called to the scene and the severed cables were recovered and confiscated.

“During the trial, the state called a Transnet investigator who detailed the severe consequences of tampering with essential infrastructure, including disruptions to the transportation of goods and significant financial losses. The state prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the crime, urging the court to impose stringent sentences.

“The presiding officer concurred, stating that the actions of the accused posed a significant danger to the community and that they needed to be removed from society,” he said.

Gunya said Chilenge was sentenced to 18 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act, Tembe, 13 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act, while Khoza was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act. He said the court ordered that the sentences for contravening the Immigration Act run concurrently with the sentences for theft.

“Additionally, the accused will be deported to Mozambique upon completing their prison terms,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences and commended the prosecutor, investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

“These sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring that justice is served,” she said.

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Molapisi appoints new North West Rental Housing Tribunal members

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Picture: The North West MEC for Corporative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi along with newly appointed members/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 January 2025- The North West MEC for Corporative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has welcomed new members of the North West Rental Housing Tribunal at a ceremony in Mahikeng recently. The appointment follows the end of the three year term for the previous members who served from 2021.

Molapisi said the Rental Housing Tribunal is established in terms of the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, and is responsible for resolving complex rental issues across the North West and also facilitate conflict resolution, as well as establishing sound relations between tenants and landlords in the rental sector. He further congratulated the members and wished them well in their new responsibilities.

“Our department will utilise their expertise in resolving conflicting issues between landlords and tenants and avoid any unfair practices within the rental sector and many others. We also encourage the members to work as a team and called on the members to work across the clock as conflicts happen from time to time.

“We urge the members to avoid unnecessary postponement of cases due to the cost containment that the department is faced with. However, we assure them that they will have departmental support and that I have confidence in them in handling challenges that they will be confronted with during their three year term,” said Molapisi said.

He added that, the new members will be led by Kagiso Mike Khaoue as Chairperson. Molapisi said Khaoue assured him and the department that, they will strive to ensure they deliver as per their mandate, as well as to comply with all the prescripts of the law.

Khauoe said: “The Tribunal sets out guidelines to be followed when parties enter into a rental agreement. The body is again tasked to promote stability in the rental housing sector by resolving disputes that may arise from time to time.

“Issues such as house rules set out by landlords, receipts for rental payments, services cut-offs’ without a court order, withholding of tenants possessions, overcrowding and subletting, exploitative rents, service charges and damage to property are general conflicts that cause disputes between the landlords and tenants. Such challenges are mostly resolved through the Rental Housing Tribunal.”

Meanwhile, other members of the Tribunal include Advocate Matshidiso Mogale as Deputy Chairperson, Goitsemodimo Seleka, Bafedile Shuping and Attorney Tlotlo Kegakilwe.

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Three bodies retrieved from a river

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Picture: The police retrieve bodies of the deceased persons from the river/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 January 2025- A triple murder, kidnapping and assault to cause a Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) case against three accused persons, Mosweu Letsie (32), Tumisang Khoachone (21), Tshidiso Mohloboli (18) and Itumeleng Mosweunyane (24), was postponed until 27 January 2025, for formal bail application. It is alleged that on Saturday evening, 18 January 2025, a fight broke out between Basotho at a tavern in Extension 3 in Kanana, outside Orkney.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the initial information indicated that, the one group overpowered the other and forced five victims into a vehicle and kidnapped them. Myburgh said they drove to Schoonspruit river, where they allegedly assaulted these victims.

“One of the victims escaped and four others were thrown into the river. One of the victims swam to safety, whilst three others went missing. The matter was reported to the police, who immediately searched for the victims, who could not be found.

“The police divers were activated the next day, 19 January 2025, to assist with the search operation. The first body was recovered by police divers early on Monday morning, 20 January 2025, approximately 800m downstream from the initial crime scene,” she said.

Myburgh further said a second body was recovered at midday on Tuesday, 21 January about 650m downstream and the last body was recovered later the same day at about 4:40pm about 1.5km downstream from the crime scene. She added that excellent investigations by the Detectives led to the arrest of the first suspect on 20 January 2025.

“Four suspects were identified and arrested. Letsie, Khoachone, Mohloboli and Mosweunyane, briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court between 20 and 22 January 2025, on charges of murder, kidnapping and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). They were all remanded in custody until 27 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for working around the clock to identify and arrest the alleged criminals and retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the river. Asaneng also sent a strong warning that lawlessness will not be tolerated and said criminals will face the full might of the law.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa Matlhako 2 ya tswelela

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boingotlo Makaota

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Ferikgong 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mabapi le kgetsi ya polao. Go begwa fa Phemelo Maine (40) a puagantse kopo ya gagwe ya beile, fa kopo ya beile ya ga Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), e ka rediwa ka di 23 Ferikgong 2025.

Maine le Phatlhanyane ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16). Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 mo bekeng e e fetileng ka Labotlhano.

Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe mo bosigong jwa Labone gone mo bekeng e e fetileng. Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine.

Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, modula-setilo wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka tiragalo eo, mme re tlhabilwe ke ditlhong thata. Re dira boikuelo go makgarebe a atlhogang gore ba itlhokomele thata jang mo makawaneng a tlang kwa morago a.

“Ko bofelo, ba feleletsa ba ba tseela matshelo, mme re ba rotloetsa thata gore ba itlhokomele. Re leboga sepodisi sa rona sa Afrika Borwa ka gore se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.”

Tanyane are ba romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.

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A wanted suspect nabbed for allegedly committing various offences such as rape and assault

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 January 2025- A man (31) was arrested by the Sun City Detectives and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), during intelligence-driven operation for the alleged rape. It is alleged that, observation was kept at Witrandjie village, where the police searched for the suspect and allegedly found him hiding under the bed.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspect was arrested and detained for two counts of rape and one of assault common. Myburgh said the first rape case was reported in Sun City on 20 August 2023.

“It is alleged that a victim (27), visited a tavern in Rustenburg to celebrate her birthday, where she met the suspect. The next day the suspect invited her and her friend back to the tavern and even arranged transport to fetch them. He then asked her to accompany him to fetch something at home.

“On their way, he became aggressive, grabbed her cellular phone and raped the woman upon arrival at his house. The second rape incident was reported on 3 August 2024. It is alleged that a woman (20), was driving around with friends, using the vehicle of the suspect’s friend in Witrandjie village, near Sun City,” she said.

Myburgh further they all visited a tavern in Phatsima and later went to the suspect’s house, where they all went to sleep. She added that, the suspect allegedly woke up the victim, became aggressive and forcefully took her to another bedroom and raped her.

“In another incident, an assault case was reported during the early hours of 26 March 2023. The suspect allegedly assaulted a victim (32) at Ledig village by spraying him with pepper spray and assaulting him with his fists.

“The suspect appeared before the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court on 21 January 2025 and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 31 January 2025, for a bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for bringing a wanted ‘criminal’ to justice. Asaneng reiterated that the police will continue to ensure that residents of this province are and feel safe at all times.
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Counterfeit goods worth R206 000 confiscated

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Picture: Some of counterfeit goods seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said a successful operation aimed at addressing the issues of dealing with counterfeit goods by Upington Border Police in conjunction with the Brand-Holder Attorneys Spoor and Fischer in Upington on 21 January 2025, seized great results.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela during this action, the street vendors and other dealers, were visited where counterfeit goods, including clothing items valued at R206 000, tobacco valued at R26 100 and gas cylinders at the value of R18 700, were confiscated.

“The seized items were handed over to the relevant stakeholders for further investigation and handling. The good results by the collaborative operation were applauded by the management of the SAPS in the ZM Mgcawu District,” she said.

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MK Party calls on USA president, Donald Trump to investigate Ramaphosa over US Dollars found at his Phala-Phala Farm 

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Picture: The Phala-Phala Farm owned by Cyril Ramaphosa, where US Dollars notes were found stashed in mattress and sofas

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) said it extended its heartfelt congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States of America (USA). The MK Party president, Jacob Zuma said this moment marks a pivotal opportunity for global politics to embrace justice, fairness, and respect for national sovereignty.

Zuma said his party viewed Trump’s leadership as a ‘beacon of hope’ for dismantling systems of exploitation and oppression that were perpetuated under previous administrations. He further said Trump’s administration’s vision signals a transformative shift toward addressing long-standing global injustices.

“Trump’s dedication to ending the war in Ukraine is a praiseworthy step toward peace in a region devastated by unnecessary violence. The MK Party has consistently condemned this war as a profit-driven venture, orchestrated by the military-industrial complex of the previous administration, a money-making scheme at the expense of countless innocent lives.

“The lives of unarmed women and children in both Ukraine and Russia have been sacrificed for corporate greed, making President Trump’s efforts to end this bloodshed an act of profound compassion and justice,” said Zuma.

He said in addition, the MK Party applauds Trump’s firm stance to end the unjust and ongoing evil attacks on Palestine. Zuma said the illegal occupation of Palestinian land since 1948 remains a glaring injustice,

and the suffering inflicted by decades of aggression must end.

“The MK Party hopes that Trump’s administration will work toward a just, permanent resolution that recognises Palestinian sovereignty and alleviates the longstanding plight of its people.

“The MK Party also welcomes Trump’s intention to lift unfair sanctions imposed on progressive nations such as the Russian Federation, Cuba, and African states. These sanctions have long stifled development and autonomy, punishing nations for seeking self-reliance and independence,” he said.

Zuma said Trump’s willingness to reverse such aggressive policies demonstrates a commitment to fostering equitable global relations. He said in South Africa, the MK Party is confident that Trump will advocate against the exploitative agreements between the Ramaphosa administration, the UK and Europe, particularly regarding South African coal.

“His administration’s push for countries to develop their own energy policies represents a commendable respect for the sovereignty and unique material conditions of each nation.

“Furthermore, we trust that the Trump administration will investigate the involvement of the U.S. Dollars in the Phalaphala Farm saga, where millions of U.S. currency were stashed under Ramaphosa’s mattresses and sofas,” he said.

Zuma said furthermore, Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the corrupt World Health Organization (WHO), reflects his determination to challenge the institutions that serve political agendas

and political masters, rather than genuine global progress. He said the MK Party urges him to extend this stance to other exploitative bodies, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), which have historically

operated in service of narrow interests rather than the greater good.

“Finally, the MK Party calls upon Trump to lead efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council. The current structure perpetuates an imbalance of power that undermines the sovereignty and dignity of nations worldwide.

“We trust that Trump will use the power and influence of the USA to champion a fairer and more inclusive system that acknowledges the equal status of all

member states,” said Zuma.

He said they are optimistic that Trump’s administration will usher in a new era of equitable global governance. Zuma said they remain steadfast in the commitment to supporting initiatives that promote justice,

peace, and sovereignty for all nations, and we look forward to collaborating on efforts that advance

these shared ideals.

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NWPTB employees not paid their salaries

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has strengthened its monitoring and oversight mechanisms to intervene at the North West Parks and Tourism (NWPTB). This comes after the entity’s failure to pay employee salaries, despite receiving its quarterly financial allocation from the department at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the current financial year.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they have consistently released the quarterly allocation to the entity as per the legislation, with the last of the year released earlier following the entity’s request. Lenkopane said failure to pay salaries might be a bad omen brewing a regress on the department’s employed mechanism to right the financial wrongs and deficiencies that adversely affected the entity’s audit outcomes.

“This is a risk and the entity’s financial management needs more attention. It is inconceivable that the entity is unable to pay salary at the beginning of the fourth quarter, while the funds have already been transferred.

“This appears to be a regular occurrence, but it needs to change. The risk of not paying salaries is not a new phenomenon in the entity. This situation has been prevalent in the previous administration dating back as far as 2022,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the records prove that the entity has failed to generate and or sustainability manage revenue for its benefit. She added that this situation cannot continue unattended, especially in this new administration.

“The department is left with no choice but to put magnifying glasses on the financial affairs of the Board. I have since instructed the department’s Accounting Officer, where necessary, to invoke the Treasury Regulation 8.4.2.

“It gives him powers to withhold a transfer payment or grant, other than division of revenue, if he is satisfied that the entity is failing to meet certain financial conditions, and no financial value is realized,” said Lenkopane.

She said this provision of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) applies to all the entities. Lenkopane said the department has begun the process of putting measures to strengthen the oversight on the entities.

“This is to help steer the ailing entities to the right direction. A task team consisting of financial experts and auditors from DEDECT will be appointed to look closely into the finances of the entity.

“The team will also be mandated to open all the reports written by the experts that were appointed by the Board of Directors during the 6th administration and to implement their recommendations,” she said.

Lenkopane said the NWPT Board of Directors has, in its first meeting of 2025, drafted a Revenue Enhancement Plan and resolved to appoint a subcommittee to look into Revenue Enhancement, and exploit the opportunities in biodiversity economy. She said her department is in full support of this initiative in quest for diversification to explore closely into these particular untapped and sustainable biological resources, altogether with their markets for contribution into the Provincial Gross Domestic Product.

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Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko found guilty of fraud   

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Picture: Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 January 2025- Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko (43), found guilty of fraud by the Taung Regional Court. Matlhoko was facing two counts of fraud after she submitted fraudulent travel claims between October and December 2017, while she was still employed at the college.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit revealed that Matlhoko submitted claims for a vehicle that was at the garage for repairs. Gunya said it was further established that she utilised an official vehicle for the two trips she submitted claims for.

“The accused was paid over R17 000 for the claims submitted. Following an investigation, Matlhoko was arrested in March 2020, and released on warning. She made several court appearances until she was found guilty on two counts of fraud and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment or to pay R12 000.

“Half of the fine which is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing and lauded those who worked on the case.

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Donald Trump to thrash SA’s economy?

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Picture: USA president, Donald Trump

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- He is back and South Africa’s economic welfare – like that of most other global economies – is not on his list of priorities. On Monday, 20 January, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America (USA) and wasted no time in making the same waves that were hallmarks of his first presidency.

He signed orders to remove the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement. Trump has never shied away from his rhetoric of America first, second and third.

According to economist Prof Waldo Krugell from the North West University (NWU), “bad outcomes” might be on the horizon for South Africa.

“There has been much speculation about what Donald Trump’s second presidency of the USA will mean for South Africa and our economy. Most of the comments are about his trade policy and the possibility of tariffs on imports into the USA.

“This is especially about trade with China and Mexico. There is also talk of a general tariff for the products they import, but something like this should not have a major impact on South Africa’s export competitiveness, because all countries are affected,” he said.

Krugell said the greater danger is that the Trump administration will pay little attention to the rules of the World Trade Organization. He said it will affect South Africa, if they simply decide to, for example, charge additional tariffs on steel, cars, or citrus.

“The much bigger impact will be how his policies affect economic growth, employment, government debt, inflation, and interest rates in the USA and how that will spill over into our own exchange rate and interest rates.

“The import tariffs will increase inflation. If his pro-business policies accelerate their economic growth, it will increase inflation. If his deportation immigration policy shrinks their labour force, it will increase wages, which increases inflation,” said Krugell.

He further said he will keep their interest rates high and the dollar strong. Krugell said, if his tax relief plans increase their national debt, it will also keep interest rates high.

“These are bad outcomes for South Africa. Our economy is barely growing and has very little inflationary pressure. We would like to cut interest rates further, but will not be able to do so if USA rates remain high and the rand-dollar exchange rate is weaker.

“Trump’s influence on the domestic fortunes of the USA might pay dividends, but his four-year term will do little to make South Africa’s economy great again,” he said.

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