Five suspects in court for alleged kidnapping and murder

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Picture: The police at a crime scene/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 January 2025- Five suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping and murder of Lesego Klaas Makaku (26) in Hartbeespoortdam. This comes after Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone at a tavern in Sangiro Informal Settlement, outside Hartbeespoortdam. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that, on 31 December 2024, the deceased was visiting his girlfriend when they both went to a nearby tavern for some drinks. Tselanyane said while there, Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone.

“Furthermore, it is alleged that he was forcefully dragged outside the tavern to the street, where he was severely beaten by a group of people. Information received was that Makaku was also dragged to the nearby dam and thrown inside. 

“Only his t-shirt was found near the dam and allegedly taken by his girlfriend, who informed the deceased mother. As a result, the mother reported the incident to the police and a missing person’s report was registered,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the police then conducted preliminary investigations to search for the missing person and police divers searched the area at the dam and the body could not be found. He added the enquiries were also conducted around the area about the last people seen with the missing person.

“Subsequently, on 2 January 2025, two people of interest were taken in for questioning. During the interrogation, one of the suspects took the team of investigators to bushes near Sangiro Informal Settlement, wherein the half-naked body of the victim was found in the early stages of decomposition.

“Following the discovery of the body, police went to the shacks of three more suspects. They were also apprehended, but one suspect is still at large. All suspects aged between 19 and 40, are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 6 January 2025, on charges of kidnapping and murder. Investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the barbaric act and urged owners of taverns and licensed liquor premises, as well as their patrons, to help the police prevent crime and criminality in these public places, which are meant to promote responsible drinking in a safe, secure environment by the government. Asaneng said it is totally unacceptable and intolerable that these places are instead turning into crime hotspots and crime generators where disregard for the rule of law is the norm.

“Many incidents of murder, robberies, assaults, rapes, drunken driving are committed by patrons of some of these unfortunately licensed outlets and worryingly some are committed in full view and in the presence of owners of these establishments and in full view of other patrons, who not only fail to prevent, stop or report these serious crimes to the police.

“Community Policing Forums (CPFs), religious and community leaders are called to rise up and put a stop to this blatant, endemic criminality in the communities,” he said.

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Safer Season Operations To Continue Unabated

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Picture: Some of items confiscated during operations/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

6 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations will continue unabated. The police said as the festive season celebrations wind down, they will continue to squeeze the space for criminals to operate.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during week long disruptive actions across all five districts in the province, a total of 230 suspects were arrested for crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and illegal dealing in liquor.

Ehlers said a zero tolerance approach by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies to address priority crimes resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs, alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“In Kakamas, two suspects were arrested after dagga with an estimated value of R31 500, was found in their possession. Disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 8 993 persons and 4442 vehicles.

“A total of 13 arrests were executed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers. This led to the closure of 20 unlicensed liquor outlets,” she said.

Ehlers further said traffic flow is expected to increase as holidaymakers return home. She added that hence, the police urge all motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and to practice road safety at all times.

“Communities are encouraged to share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.

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No salaries for embattled NTI employees

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Picture: NTI employees embarked on protest/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 January 2025- The employees of embattled North West Transport Investment (NTI) said they had a grim festive season. This comes after the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management through its entity, NTI failed to pay their salaries.

The aggrieved employees spent their Christmas and New Year holidays in buses next to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in an attempt to get attention of those in power.

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in North West said it is utterly disappointed that workers at the NTI company have still not received their salaries. The SACP provincial spokesperson, Jeffrey Lesie said, according to the workers, this has been the situation for several months now.

“While many other workers were on their festive break, these workers and their families were left stranded. The NTI is an important provincial state-owned entity, which provides bus transportation for working-class communities in parts of the North West and Gauteng.

“Unfortunately, due to maladministration, the board was dissolved and the company was placed under business rescue. To add salt to the wounds of the workers and communities that use this service, things have only worsened under the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) since his appointment two years ago,” said Lesie.

He further said The BRP has sold company assets, workers’ salaries have not been prioritised, transfers given to the BRP from the government and revenue from ticket sales are unaccounted for. Lesie added that they call on the provincial government to appeal the recent court decision that nullified the government’s decision to terminate the BRP’s contract.

“Secondly, we call on the North West Department of Community Service and Transport Management to ensure that the R70 million allocated for workers’ salaries is given to workers through a separate account so that BRP does not misuse it, as recommended by the North West Portfolio Committee.

“We condemn the attempt to collapse this important company of our people by greedy individuals such as the BRP. We applaud the work done by the Portfolio Committee and Provincial Public Accounts Committee,” he said.

Lesie said they call on the law enforcement agencies to act speedily on the criminal case that the Portfolio Committee has instituted against the BRP. He said lastly, the party stands with the workers and appreciates all their efforts in trying to save the NTI.

“We call for the unity of the workers in the NTI regardless of union affiliation. Only through the efforts of the workers and the intervention of the government that this important instrument of transportation for working-class communities can be saved,” said Lesie.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will update the media today regarding the NTI issue. Morweng said he has come to note that some NTI employees have been protesting near the NWPL precinct since the middle of December. 

“Reportedly, over non-payment of salaries. The challenges at the entity are not new and have recently been exacerbated by the failure of the accounting authority to pay employees’ salaries.

“As the shareholder representative, we will be addressing the media to clarify the department’s position, as well as to provide a way forward in bringing some stability to the entity,” he said.

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Hospital flooded due to heavy rain

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Picture: The Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig village, near Rustenburg/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 January 2025- Patients in the maternity ward at Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig village, near Rustenburg, were affected by flooding. This comes after water entered the facility through the sliding door and disrupted the smooth running of healthcare services on Saturday.

However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said it is true that the hospital has experienced a flooding incident in the maternity section yesterday due to heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the facility’s drainage system.

Mothibedi said the flooding occurred when water entered through the sliding door and a blocked drain, creating a temporary disruption in the area.

“We are pleased to report that the situation has been promptly addressed. The hospital’s dedicated cleaning team acted swiftly to drain the water, ensuring that the environment was restored to its normal condition.

“Importantly, no patients were affected during this incident, and all maternity services continued without interruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe warned that heavy rains are expected. Segwale said they want to alert motorists returning to economic activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025).

“The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public. Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of South Africa.

“These regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Weather forecast for Sunday, 5 January 2025, where scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over the central interior as well as the eastern parts of the country,” he said.

Segalwe further said there is a likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70 mm. He added that to this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible. The use of vehicle headlights, while driving at a reasonably low speed, will be useful during the showery conditions.

“Motorists should ensure clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the occurrence of heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances. Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property.

“It is strongly advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads. Projected rainfall accumlations for Sunday (5 January 2025) where amounts of 50 to 70 mm can be anticipated. Usually, summer thundershowers are confined to the afternoon and early evening hours,” said Segwale.

He said, however, the continuous flow of warm moist air (tropical moisture) to South Africa from countries to the north is expected to cause showers at any time of the day. Segwale said this means that ordinary or even heavy showers could be expected even between 6pm in the evening and 1am in the early morning.

“According to the Road Traffic Management Centre (RTMC), these are the critical hours that road users should avoid driving. For this festive season, a higher number of road fatalities than previous years, has already been reported, and the SAWS, in collaboration with the RTMC, would like to urge motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant and careful on the roads during these conditions to prevent the further loss of lives.

“The rainfall distribution is anticipated to remain scattered to widespread across the central and eastern regions of the country on Monday, 6 January 2025. These conditions will most likely be accompanied by the persistence of disruptive rain and localised flooding across North West, the Free State, Gauteng as well as the western Bushveld of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

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PICC will oversee the mass pass out of initiates in Batlhaping Baga Maidi

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Picture: Initiates during mass pass out ceremony/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 January 2025- The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will this coming weekend oversee the mass initiation pass out ceremony for initiates from 35 initiation schools, including female initiation in nine villages of Batlhaping Baga Maidi led by Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane.

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) through the PICC, has been mandated in terms of Customary Initiation Act (CIA) No.2 of 2021 to coordinate all initiation schools, practices and activities within the province.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi spokesperson, Learto Gambu said, last year, marked the customary initiation year for communities of Batlhaping Baga Maidi villages.

“All initiates will assemble at the Tribal Kgotla during the pass out ceremony and it is expected that Motlhabane will address and give them a regiment name in accordance with the customs and tradition.

“The mass initiation pass out ceremony will commence at the Batlhaping Baga Maidi Traditional Council Offices in Manthe village, near Taung at 5:15am.

“The initiates will assemble near Manthe main road before a procession to Kgotla. At 6am, the mass initiation pass out ceremony programme will commence at Kgotla,” said Gambu.

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Plans in place to preserve indigenous languages  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 January 2025- Section 6 (2) of the constitution mandates the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to put mechanisms in place to develop previously marginalized languages (Act 108 of 1996). The use of the official language Act, Act No. 12 of 2012 gives effect to the implementation of language policies, structures, and plans.

The Pan South African Language Board Act (Act 59 of 1995) provides for the promotion of multilingualism. North West Provincial Languages Act 1 of 2015, determines the provincial official languages of Bokone Bophirima regulates and provides for the languages by all organs of the state.

The department said it promotes multilingualism, redresses past linguistic imbalances, and develops the previously marginalized languages by facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge, and information. It says it will continue to elevate the status and advance the use of South African Sign Language in the province.

“Encouraging the learning and use of other official Indigenous languages to promote national unity and linguistic and cultural diversity. Facilitate the formulation and implementation of provincial language policy and internal language policy of the Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation department. “Liaise with and advise various government departments, municipal authorities, and public entities on the equitable use of official languages in the province. Conduct advocacy campaigns on the promotion of multilingualism.”

The department said it also facilitates the establishment of the North West Provincial Language Council. It said this includes facilitating measures for the development of indigenous languages.

“Facilitate the establishment of language units in all government departments. Ensure that people receive information in the language of their choice by translating and editing documents from the source language to the targeted languages used in the province.

“Identify and coin terminology for various fields where there is a lack of terminology. Development and promotion of indigenous literature. Develop awareness programmes on South African Sign Language,” it said.

The department said it will continue to facilitate the development of systems to ensure access to information by deaf people. It said it liaises with stakeholders in terms of promotion and development of South African Sign Language.

“Facilitate the expansion of pool SASL literate employees in all government departments and municipalities. To provide SASL interpreting services, develop emerging interpreters and raise awareness about South African Sign Language interpreters.

“To advise the MEC on any language related matter in the province. Monitor the implementation of the use of official language act 12 of 2012 (UOLA) and the North West Provincial Languages Act of 2015 (NWPLA).”

Meanwhile, the department said the North West Publishing House preserves and promotes indigenous literary heritage. This includes encouraging a culture of reading and writing in all communities.

“To encourage publications of books from a broad variety of subjects in Indigenous languages. To promote the rights of and prevent the exploitation of emerging writers.

“To assist writers to become self-sustainable in marketing and selling their books and to implement skills development programs for the writers.”

The department is working with strategic partners such as Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and its structure. This includes North West Institute of Higher Learning, Provincial Legislature (Hansard Section), municipalities, all government departments, library and archive services, language activists across the province, community based organisations, deaf communities, deaf organisations, dead federation of south Africa (DeafSA) North West, South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) North West, Heritage and Museum Services, North West Communities and publishers.

South African Sign Language (SASL)

South African Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own grammatical structures, SASL can be used in every setting and represents cultural identity by deaf people.

Finger spelling

Alphabet chart aims to use a one-handed alphabet method of spelling words using hand movements. Deaf awareness and equitable treatment of South African Sign Language) SASL.

Aims to create awareness among deaf culture. Deafness, status of SASL, SASL, interpreting service. Deaf education and deaf rights. It also fosters parents of deaf children to learn SASL in order to be able to communicate with their deaf children. Language service: (018) 388-2822/25/28/3067

Fraud or corruption hotline number is 0800 701701

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Police condemn teens who jumped on state vehicle

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Picture: A video of teenagers jumping on a police vehicle

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it noted with concern a video circulating on social media platforms, wherein teenagers can be seen jumping on a police vehicle in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the incident was reported on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024, when members in a police vehicle were busy with routine patrols during day shift. Myburgh said when the vehicle drove past a tavern, teenagers jumped on and off the vehicle.

“No persons were injured and the state vehicle was not damaged,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his concern about the incident and warned that such acts can lead to criminal charges such as malicious damage to property or obstructing/hindering the police in their duties or causing serious injuries.

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Undisclosed amount of money stolen during Cash-in-Transit robbery

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Picture: The Cash-in-Transit van bombed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 January 2025– The police have launched a manhunt following a Cash-in-Transit heist that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 31 December 2024. It is alleged that a Cash-in-Transit van with two security officers inside, was travelling from Moruleng village to Mogwase at around 6pm, when the incident occurred.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said along the way at Letsheng Section just before the van could go over a speed hump, it was allegedly blocked by a Mercedes Benz sedan that came from the side road. Tselanyane said according to information, a number of heavily armed suspects emerged and started firing shots at the escort vehicle that came to a halt not far from the scene.

“The crew managed to flee unharmed. Another BMW vehicle blocked the road for other road users. The two security officers inside the cash van were forced out at gunpoint and robbed of their firearms.

“An unconfirmed number of suspects used explosives to blow up the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of cash. Moreover, the Mercedes Benz and the cash van caught fire as a result of explosives and the suspects fled from the scene driving in three vehicles that included a BMW, a white Toyota Fortuner and a white Ford Ranger double cab bakkie,” he said.

Tselanyane further said no one sustained injuries during the incident. He added that the suspects are unknown and still at large.

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Fifth escapee from police cells nabbed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 January 2025- The police in North West said they have arrested the fifth escapee, Thapelo William Molebatsi (25) at abandoned farm houses in Swartruggens on 30 December 2024. The police said they have received a tip-off following the request for public assistance in locating Molebatsi, who is also known as Makwete.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Molebatsi was the only outstanding escapee. Myburgh said the police received a tip-off regarding Molebatsi’s whereabouts and the information was operationalised by the Swartruggens Detectives and Visible Policing members on 31 December 2024.

“Molebatsi escaped with four others from the Swartruggens Police Holding Cells on 8 December 2024. He is expected to appear in Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on a charge of escape from lawful custody on 2 January 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded the police, as well as all other role players for their diligence in ensuring that all four suspects were re-arrested and brought to book.

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A man who allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend hangs self

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By REGINALD KANYANE

2 January 2025- Two lifeless bodies were found in the veld at Lotwane Section in Ramokokastadt. The gruesome discovery was reported to the police in Mogwase on 30 December 2024, at around 7am.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselenyane said it is alleged that members of the community were walking past that area when they saw man and woman bodies. Tselanyane said the female body, Kefilwe Mosane (26), was found lying naked next to a footpath in the veld with lacerated stab wounds on her neck. 

“Mosane’s clothes and underwear were hidden about 30 metres deeper into the bush. Furthermore, about 20 metres from her body, was the body of a man, Khumo Moatshe (38), hanging from a tree with a rope around his neck.

“The preliminary police investigations revealed that the two were allegedly living together, but the woman had allegedly moved out due to domestic violence the previous week,” he said.

Tselanyane further said it was also confirmed that on the night of the murder and suicide incident, the murder suspect had phoned the victim to come and collect one of their children, who was crying relentlessly and in need of her mother. He added that Mosane responded to that call and that was the last time she was seen alive.

“The police investigations continue,” said Tselanyane.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned this domestic violence incident in the strongest possible terms. Asaneng urged members of the community to seek professional help on how best to deal with this societal problem, rather than resorting to violence.

“We also extended our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.

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