Setshwantsho: Mosetsanyana, Boingotlo Makaota o go begwang a bolailwe/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
11 Ferikgong 2025- Setopo sa lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 16, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la gompieno. Sepodisi se bega fa lekgarebe le, le ka tswa le bolailwe ka Labone bosigo.
Se se tla morago ga gore moagisani mongwe a begele sepodisi fa a utlwile segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone. Go begwa fa moagisani o, a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona monna mongwe ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe di 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 lekgarebe mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe jaaka Boingotlo Makaota. 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 monna o bonweng a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, dipatlisiso tsa go tshwara mmelaelwa di tsweletse, mme monna mongwe o bonweng a tsamaya le mmelaelwa fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye o a botsolotswa ke sepodisi.
Kgabagare, 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.
11 January 2025- The Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (DMRE) has refuted the allegations that the court mandated the rescue operation at Stilfontein Mine. The department said MACUA’s widely published claims to the contrary are false and in contempt of the court.
“These unfounded allegations distort the truth by suggesting that the court mandated the rescue operation, which is unequivocally false. On Friday 10 January 2025, Lawyers For Human Rights brought an urgent application to the Gauteng High Court of on behalf of Zinzi Tom.
“It was in fact, the state that appraised the court of the relentless and ongoing efforts by its agencies, since December 2024, to find a resolution. We wish to clarify that the decision to deploy rescue services was made independently and prior to the urgent application brough by MACUA.”
The department said this decision reflects unwavering commitment from government and the sector, represented by the Minerals Council of South Africa (MCSA) to facilitate the exit of those illegal miners, who remain underground. It said government, through DMRE has finalized an agreement with Mine Rescue Services and work related to the rescue operation has already commenced at the mine site.
“Further details on the rescue process will be communicated in due course. The statement is issued on behalf of all state respondents cited in this case.”
11 January 2025- Four men who are accused of business robbery in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, were arrested. This comes after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokasa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
11 January 2025- A man (39) was sentenced to five life terms imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Sexual Offences Court in Mmabatho ON 9 January 2025. This comes after Vincent Akombe was accused of rape cases, which were reported between April 2012 and June 2016, in the policing area of Mmabatho.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the convict accosted couples, whilst relaxing in their cars along or in the vicinity of Bray road. Mokgwabone said Akombe would rob the victims aged between 29 and 40, of their personal belongings including cash, cell phones and clothes.
“In addition, he would tie male victims’ hands and feet with a rope and rape females. Consequent to broad investigation, two possible suspects were identified, arrested and buccal samples collected.
“The results thereof, linked Akombe to all the cases, which were combined for the purpose of trial,” he said.
In addressing the court for a harsh sentence, the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, submitted that the accused took advantage of the vulnerability of women. Diseko said the state further submitted that the accused should be punished for his monstrous deeds and be removed from the community.
“There were no substantial and compelling circumstances that may lead the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, which is life imprisonment.
“The convict was as a result, sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the five counts of rape and all robberies, and will run concurrently. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences, which they said will without doubt serve as a deterrence and sound a warning to potential criminals that the long arm of the law will ensure that no criminal is spared.
They also commended the Investigating Officer, D/Sergeant Tshepiso Makunye of Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, as well as all other role players for their tireless efforts to ensure that the conviction is secured.
Picture: The accused, Ziyahd Hoorzook in court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- A terror financing case against the accused, Ziyahd Hoorzook (35), has been postponed by the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court until 15 January 2025, for further bail application. Hoorzook is facing multiple charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA), including six alternative counts for contravening Section 4(1)(f)(ii) of the Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said additional charges include contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998 and the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 for failing to secure firearms in the prescribed manner.
“During court proceedings, it emerged that on 30 November 2017, Hoorzook allegedly transferred R11,500 in cryptocurrency to a Bitcoin account. Investigations revealed that this transaction was linked to foreign military assistance provided to an organisation alleged to be involved in terrorist activities.
“On 3 October 2024, the police searched his residence, where they discovered two licensed firearms that were not secured in a safe as required by law. Hoorzook was subsequently arrested on 3 January 2025 and has remained in custody since,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the collaboration between the NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), that culminated in the accused’s court appearance.
10 January 2025- A man (27) who is a parolee was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Nigel Magistrate’s Court for rape. Sphiwe Isaac Makula from Duduza, raped a woman (19).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that Makula be declared unfit to possess a firearm and that his name be added to the national register for sexual offenders.
“In the early hours of 11 March 2022, the victim was walking back home from a friend’s place in Duduza, Makula approached her, grabbed, and took her to the nearby bushes where he proceeded to rape her.
“After he fled the scene, the victim received a lift on the street and was taken to the police station, where she reported the matter to the police. After investigations by the police, Makula was arrested on 24 November 2022, at his residence and has been in custody since,” she said.
Mahanjana said during the trial, Makula pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. She further said, however, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During the sentencing proceeding through his legal representative, Makula asked the court to consider the two years he spent in prison awaiting the finalization of the trial when imposing a sentence. However, state prosecutor Phumulani Nkalanga argued that Makula was not a first-time offender as he committed the offence while on parole for a similar offence that he was convicted of in 2011.
“Furthermore, he asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that the seriousness of the crime, coupled with no compelling and substantial circumstances, warranted no lesser punishment,” said Mahanjana.
She said the NPA welcomed the sentence handed down and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of victims, as well as holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile, when handing down the sentence, Magistrate Juan Voogt, agreed with the state and said that Makula could not be rehabilitated because he was previously convicted of a similar offence. Voogt said Makula is a danger to society, especially women therefore it is in the interest of justice to remove him from society.
“I found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence,” he said.
Picture: The legendary musician, Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said the passing of the legendary Kwaito artist, Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane on Thursday at the age of 51, represents a significant loss for South Africa and the entire music industry.
McKenzie said born in 1973 in Soweto, Doc Shebeleza grew up in a family that valued cultural expression. From an early age, he was exposed to diverse musical influences, from kwaito to traditional South African music, which would later shape his artistic journey.
“In 1995, he released his debut album, Shebeleza, which featured the iconic hit Ghets Ghetsa. This success was followed by the album S’kumfete, which included another hit track of the same name.
“Over the years, he cemented his legacy with three more albums, Tiger (1997), Ebumnandini (2000), and Jiva Yoyo (2001). In recognition of his contributions to the genre, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards,” he said.
McKenzie further said Doc Shebeleza’s influence extended beyond his own work, as illustrated by rapper Cassper Nyovest’s tribute song Doc Shebeleza, which celebrated his lifestyle and impact. He added that, Doc Shebeleza later collaborated with Cassper on the song Monate So, showcasing mutual respect and admiration between generations of artists.
“Following his retirement from the music industry, Doc Shebeleza dedicated himself to philanthropy. He founded the non-profit organisation AMAHA (African Musicians Against HIV/AIDS), which focused on social initiatives for the underprivileged.
“Through AMAHA, he contributed to building hundreds of homes for those in need, distributed wheelchairs, and worked tirelessly alongside other legendary artists to uplift communities,” said McKenzie.
He said Doc Shebeleza’s passion for helping others remained central to his life’s work until his untimely passing.
“In recent years, Doc Shebeleza faced health challenges, having been hospitalised twice last year until his tragic passing on 9 January. On behalf of the Ministry, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless fans whose lives he touched.
“South Africa has lost not only a music legend but a compassionate soul whose contributions to our cultural heritage and community upliftment will not be forgotten,” he said.
McKenzie said Doc Shebeleza’s music, laughter and legacy will continue to resonate in their hearts.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the music fraternity on the passing of Doc Shebeleza.
“Ingwazi brought a fresh perspective and entertainment value to the kwaito genre in the early 2000s. The heavens better be organising something big for our artists, or why would they leave us like this.”
McGluwa said this sad loss was made worse by the fact that Afro-pop sensation, Winnie Khumalo is yet to be buried.
“Doc Shebeleza’s passing is painful as he was destined for so much more than he realised in his young life. He was instrumental in kwaito circles and founded and mentored groups like Amasgumfete.
“He was a typical musician and entertainer who easily connected with his audiences by melody and dance moves. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Picture: The residents of embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipalityembark on protest over lack of electricity
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has today written to the National Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting them to urgently place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national administration to restore service delivery and good governance.
The DA said despite about 30 Section 139 North West provincial government interventions since 2000, which ultimately led to the dissolvent of the municipal council Ditsobotla in 2022 and the current efforts by the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) to stabilise the financial situation of the municipality, these efforts have been ineffective largely due to ANC political instability and factionalism within the council and a reluctance to root out corruption.
The DA spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in North West, Chris Steyl said, repeated engagements by the provincial and national portfolio committees of COGTA and SCOPA, have not yielded any positive impact. Steyl said the Ditsobotla Local Municipality would appear before these committees in parliament and the Provincial Legislature, agree to implement committee recommendations and resolutions, only to discard these commitments the minute these committees adjourn.
“The municipality has collapsed and is completely bankrupt with its liabilities exceeding its assets. Service providers cannot be paid and refuse to respond to job orders.
“Water and electricity infrastructure has completely collapsed, leaving large sections of the municipality without any water and/or electricity supply for weeks on end, never mind the inability of the administration to respond to other service delivery needs,” he said.
Steyl further said residents are desperate and angry. He added that, seeing regular violent protest action take place, leaves other communities to endure the terrible situation created by the inability of the municipality to deliver services.
“They also have to endure the consequences of further damage to infrastructure, which compounds the general misery residents are forced to contend with.
“The DA has requested the President and the Ministers of COGTA and Finance to take control of the situation and conduct an independent financial assessment of the municipality,” said Steyl.
He said they should craft a funded and implementable recovery plan to stabilise the municipality and administer its affairs towards servicing residents, while an independent skills audit of all senior and middle management officials as well as a forensic financial audit is conducted.
Steyl said all municipal officials in senior and middle management who are identified to either lack the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to perform their functions must be removed from office.
“Municipal officials and political office bearers who are identified in any corrupt financial activities must be prosecuted and the necessary asset forfeiture processes initiated.
“These interventions are the only real hope for positive change in Ditsobotla. Dissolving the council yet again will not solve any of the structural issues that continue to persist, any such consideration must be rejected in its entirety,” he said.
Steyl said the time has come for decisive action to end the decades-long rot in Ditsobotla and restore the municipality to its former glory as an economic agri-economic hub in the North West.
Picture: A suspect nabbed for allegedly being in possession of a firearm/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2024- A man (36) was arrested at Extension 9, Khuma Township, outside Stilfontein on 8 January 2025, in a joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime and Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP).
The arrest emanated from investigation, which led the Northern Cape team to the North West Province. The suspect was nabbed after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it transpired during the tracing of other suspects that three of them died during a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday morning, 6 January 2025, while driving on the N12 road on their way back to Khuma after allegedly committing a business robbery in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
“The reports suggest that three men died instantly, while one was seriously injured and is still admitted to hospital. The fifth suspect allegedly ran away from the accident scene, where some of the goods linked to the Ikageng business robbery, were found inside the suspects’ vehicle.
“Ensuing investigation into the matter, established that one of the deceased suspects was previously arrested for assault and malicious damage to property committed between 2015 and 2021, in Vuwani, Limpopo Province,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in the Northern Cape, the suspects were wanted for three business robberies, two armed robberies and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) bombing. He added that the crimes were allegedly committed in Hartswater, Warrenton and Pampierstad between October and December 2024.
“The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today for unlawful possession of a firearm,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police from both provinces for their collaboration, which led to the arrest and exposing of the suspects, who terrorised business communities.
The Provincial Commissioners pointed out that the investigation, which linked the suspects to offences in different provinces, clearly indicates that crime has no boundaries and need collaborative efforts.
Picture: the late Nompumelelo Evelyn Lubidla/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 January 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial official funeral category 2 for the late Nompumelelo Evelyn Lubidla. A special provincial official funeral category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the president of RSA on request by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul.
Saul said Ramaphosa has also instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the province on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect to the late Lubidla. He further said they have established a provincial funeral task team that includes members of the Lubidla family to ensure that the government affords Lubidla a dignified funeral.
“I have also delegated the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene to officiate over the funeral. Lubidla served in parliament as a senator on the senate from 1994-1996 and on the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from 1997-2004.
“She formed part of various committees during her term in parliament. These included the ‘Theme committee 4’, in parliament which was the parliamentary working committee charged with the important task of drafting Chapter 2 of our constitution,” added Saul.
He said on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, he sends his most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the friends and loved ones of the late Lubidla. Saul said may her soul rest in peace.
“The proceedings will commence at 11 Pickering Road, Rhodesdene, Kimberley on Saturday, at 6am. The funeral service will then start at the St Cyprian’s Cathedral at 7am.
“Members of the public may also view the funeral live on the Northern Cape Government Facebook page,” he said.
The Guardian 