A corruption case against Botswana policeman postponed

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 December 2024- A corruption case against Botswana policeman, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko (42), has been postponed to 7 February 2025, by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today for further investigations.

Boitshoko was arrested for alleged corruption by the members of the Mahikeng-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng on 25 November 2024. It was reported that, the officials from the SARS’ Syndicated Tax and Customs Crime Division, received a tip-off on 15 November 2024, that a truck will be entering the Skilpadshek Border Post from Namibia with illicit cigarettes.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the truck arrived at the border post, and the driver indicated to the officials that he had no cargo to declare. Gunya said upon inspection, the officials allegedly found 288 master cases containing Remington Gold Blue cigarettes packed inside a trailer.

“The cigarettes with an estimated value of over R1 million were found to be illicit. Consequently, the driver was apprehended for contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. The truck, cigarettes, and trailers were seized.

“On 20 November 2024, a SARS official was reportedly contacted by an unknown man, who offered to pay R100 000 for the release of the truck. An entrapment was set, which resulted in the arrest of a Botswana national after he had paid R104 400, 00 to the SARS official,” he said.

Gunya further said the accused appeared in court and was granted R20 000 bail.

Meanwhile, acting North West Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, has welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. Munzhedzi commended collaboration between DPCI and SARS in ensuring that the accused faces full might of the law.

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A Zimbabwean man who is suspected to be alleged serial rapist arrested

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By OBAKENG MAJE

5 December 2024- A Zimbabwean man (34), believed to be a serial rapist, has been arrested by the police at his residential area in Ikageng Extension in Klipgat, near Brits on 2 December 2024. This comes after being linked to the rape of three young girls, aged 12.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the police arrested the accused after one of the victims’ mother found her daughter at the man’s place on Sunday evening, 1 December 2024. Myburgh said the girl later told her mother that the accused raped her.

“The mother immediately reported the matter to the police. It is further alleged that this demeanour has been going on since January 2024. The victim was part of a group of girls that were allegedly lured to the accused’s house, where he would pay them money to rape them and the incidents were never reported.  

“The suspect, who is illegal in the country, was arrested and the possibility of linking him to multiple cases of the same nature cannot be ruled out. He was arrested by the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) in the North West,” she said.

Myburgh further said the accused appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 4 December 2024, and was remanded in custody until 20 January 2025.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the investigating officer for his diligence and working around the clock to arrest the suspect during the 16 Days of activism campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are brought to book and face the full might of the law.

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Rural women’s mental health under spotlight

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Picture: Dr Patience Kovane from North West University/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 December 2024- The North West University (NWU) said rural women are too often forgotten and relegated to an afterthought regarding mental health. The university said their plight unheard, their future uncertain.

Dr Patience Kovane from the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the NWU, has made it her mission to promote the mental health of these often-overlooked women. Kovane said women in South Africa’s low- and middle-income communities suffer from perinatal mental health issues.

“The university is putting their needs in the spotlight. Perinatal mental health issues are emotional or mental struggles that mothers may face during pregnancy or after childbirth, such as depression, anxiety or stress.

“These challenges can affect the mother’s well-being, the baby’s development and the family’s stability. Addressing these issues is vital to ensure healthier moms, stronger babies and supportive families,’ she said.

Kovane further said many women are unaware that they have a mental illness because people usually brush it off as perinatal blues. She added that it is important to recognise and assess mental health illness in the perinatal period at an early stage.

“I focus on perinatal mental health, which is the mental health of women from the onset of pregnancy until one-year post birth. My aim is to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to the body of knowledge that advances evidence-based practices that will further help to address perinatal mental health issues.

“This will positively contribute to happy mothers and healthy infants in these communities. According to research, one in five women experiences mental health illness during the perinatal period,” said Kovane.

She said in South Africa, perinatal mental health issues like depression and anxiety affect many women due to social, economic and cultural challenges. Kovane said poverty, limited healthcare access and stigma worsen the problem, impacting mothers, babies, and families.

“Addressing these issues is crucial to improve maternal well-being and child development across communities. Globally, perinatal women face significant psychological challenges, often exacerbated by disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors and cultural influences.

“In low- and middle-income countries, these challenges are particularly severe, especially following pregnancy loss, where support systems are often lacking. I am proposing a PhD study to develop and validate psycho-educational guidelines aimed at supporting perinatal women who experience pregnancy loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death) in the North West region,” she said.

Kovane said many women in this situation receive little to no support from the healthcare system. She said in addition, this project seeks to raise awareness among midwives, enabling them to assess, prevent, and recognise mental health issues during the perinatal period at an early stage.

“Through capacity-building workshops, the project aims to educate both midwives and perinatal women on mental wellness.

“This initiative has the potential to strengthen health systems by equipping healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to integrate perinatal mental healthcare into routine antenatal visits” said Kovane.

She said ultimately, the project seeks to improve the quality of care and support for women during this critical period. Kovane said no longer forgotten, no longer an afterthought.

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School administration clerk in court over embezzlement of funds allegations

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Picture: Administration clerk, Refilwe Seabelo/Twitter 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 December 2024- Refilwe Seabelo (35), who is employed by SG Ntuane Primary School at Tlhatlhaganyane village as an Administration Clerk, briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing charges of theft and fraud amounting to R177 000.

It is alleged that, in 2020, the School Governing Body (SGB), discovered suspicious transactions from two school bank accounts.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), The matter was reported to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. The investigation revealed that an amount of R177 000, was transferred from the school’s bank accounts to Seabelo’s personal bank account.

“The funds were used for her own personal gain. Seabelo was reportedly one of the signatories in the school’s bank accounts. She was subsequently arrested on 3 December 2024, on charges of fraud and theft.

Seabelo briefly appeared in court and was released on R5000 bail. The matter was postponed to 7 February 2025, for appearance at Specialised Commercial Crime Court.”

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Vaalkop Dam Reaches Historical Low Levels

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 December 2024- The Vaalkop Dam from which Magalies Water abstract raw water for potable usage has regrettably reached critically low levels of about 23% of available raw water for abstraction. The current situation is allegedly exacerbated by below average rainfall patterns during this time of the year.

The Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said, persistent heatwave in the region and deterioration of raw water quality in the catchment due to pollution has also impacted Magalies Water’s ability to produce requisite water volumes for potable use by bulk customers.

Magae said at this stage, the raw water pumps have not been able to abstract much needed raw water volumes for treatment purposes, as a result of the low dam level. He further said if abstraction volumes are not reduced, this can result in the complete damage of the pumps, which are designed to operate optimally in different conditions.

“In order to prevent damage to the pumps, Magalies Water with immediate effect will reduce abstraction by 30%, while monitoring the dam level, and further reductions in abstraction volumes from the dam water will be implemented if the situation continues without much change, in an attempt to prevent raw water unavailability.

“The bulk customers such as Rustenburg Local Municipality, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Royal Bafokeng Administration and mines operating in the above municipal areas,” said Magae.

He added that, Rand Water supplied areas from the scheme. Magae said the department of Water and Sanitation has been informed of the current challenges, in order to develop urgent interventions, which will ameliorate the situation at hand.

“Magalies Water urges customers to use the water sparingly during this period, and further apologizes for the inconvenience that this development has caused,” he said.

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R1,4 billion Eskom case against Hlakudi and co-accused postponed

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 December 2024- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the case against Frans Hlakudi and 11 of his co-accused, was postponed to 5 March 2025 for pre-trial. Meanwhile, the Sterkfontein hospital declared Antonio Trindade unfit to stand trial after he underwent a medical assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial.

The Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Trindade’s matter was subsequently separated and he will be back in court on 8 May 2025, for further medical re-assessment. Mamothame said Michael Lomas was also joined with the other accused following his extradition from the United Kingdom.

“Hlakudi, who was a manager at Eskom at the time of the alleged offence together with his co-accused, is facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering, following his alleged direct involvement in the R1,4 billion meant for the upgrade of Kusile power station in Mpumalanga, between 2014 and 2017.

“Lomas will remain in custody, while the other accused are out on bail,” he said.

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Manyane Game Lodge gutted by fire

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Picture: The Manyane Game Lodge in Mahikeng 

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 December 2024- The Manyane Game Lodge has been gutted by fire. Even though the details surrounding the cause of the fire are sketchy, it is alleged that the usage of gas torches might have sparked the fire.

According to the North West Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi, on 3 December 2024, fire started in the afternoon as a subcontractor was busy waterproofing roof level concrete water channels on top of completed structures.

Matebesi said the sub-contractor was using a gas torch with open flame to stretch materials used.

“During this process, thatch material from the building they were working on caught fire. The thatch roofing had been completed on the affected structures.

“Wind fanned the fire and blew it across to the nearby building. All in all, three buildings were gutted – restaurant, conference hall and the entrance gate,” he said.

Matebesi further said Mafikeng Fire Services had responded to the incident and has been working hard to minimize damages. He added that all the flames were dowsed off by 4pm.

“In the end, the three structures have lost their roofs completely, while the brickworks are still standing. The chalets are not affected by fire and are still intact.

“Technical staff and Working on Fire teams are on site to ensure that the fire does not affect the reserve area,” said Matebesi.

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A call for Ramaphosa to step down intensifies

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 December 2024- The Save South Africa Movement lambasted the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and accused him of continuing to take decisions that are anti-South African. The movement said Ramaphosa has proved once more that he has no regard for what the citizens are saying.

This comes after Ramaphosa allegedly declared that the Nigerian tourists can now apply for a visa without presenting any passport.

The Save South Africa Movement spokesperson, Tebogo Mashilompane said Ramaphosa was careless, about the views of ordinary citizens.

“Firstly, Ramaphosa made a public declaration that Nigerian tourists can now apply for a visa without presenting any passport. We view this statement as reckless and irresponsible because there is too much fraud and internet fraud, and this means the President has surrendered his authority.

“Secondly, Ramaphosa mentioned without doubt that Nigerian products must be on the shelves in South African Shops. However, the announcement is regrettable because, we have many South Africans who are still struggling to put their products on the shelves, but the President would give attention to Nigerian products while emerging South African business people find it hard to put their products on the shelves,” he said.

Mashilompane further said what also makes it sad to them is the fact that, they are currently fighting the issue of poisoners consumables from spaza shop owners. He added that they believe that Ramaphosa should have been sensitive to the current situation they are currently facing as the nation.

“Thirdly, this one has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the President has no interest in fighting corruption and the corrupt. The President, instead of removing Thembi Simelani completely, decides to reward her with yet another important portfolio.

“As Save South Africa, we continue to be disappointed at the conduct of the President and we reiterate our call that the President must step down before he, completely, destroys our beautiful country,” said Mashilompane.

He said Save South Africa, further stated that they will not take Ramaphosa seriously, as he continues to undermine the majority of this country. Mashilompane said they continue to call for the stepping down of the Ramphosa as he continues to show no interest on issues that affect ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said: “South Africa has implemented modernised and streamlined visa application procedures as part of ongoing visa reforms to enhance economic activity, boost tourism and protect national security.

“These reforms aim to improve efficiency and convenience, without compromising the integrity of the visa system. South African missions in Nigeria have introduced measures that simplify the process for prospective travellers.”

He said this forms part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide. Ramaphosa said applicants are no longer required to submit their physical passports at the time of application.

“Instead, they only need to provide certified copies of their passport biopage for initial processing. However, applicants must present their physical passports during the application process for verification and confirmation.

“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports, along with their applications. At the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation,” said Ramaphosa.

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Seven bodies retrieved from Stilfontein mine shaft

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Picture: The Stilfontein mine shaft

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said a total of seven bodies have been retrieved via Margaret Shaft in Stilfontein in the last five weeks. Morweng said the process of identifying the deceased and determining the cause and time of death is underway.

He further said they have noted and welcome the police report that 26 illegal miners have resurfaced from the disused mine in the last 48 hours. Morweng added that, of these, 14 are Mozambicans, 11 are Lesotho nationals and one is a South African.

“There had been an encouraging steady increase of illegal miners who have been surfacing on their own volition in the last seven days. I have been tasked by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to chair a Multi-Sectoral Task Team to encourage miners to surface through safer shafts,” he said.

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ANC urges motorists to buckle-up

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 December 2024- The ANC said the festive season has begun in earnest after a productive year from which the people deserve a rest to be with their families and friends. The party said as the year ends, people will be travelling to various parts of the country to be with families and exploring the beautiful land.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said they appeal to all road users – both motorists and pedestrians – to exercise extreme caution and care in the usage of the roads as they travel during this festive season to various destinations across the country.

Bhengu-Motsiri said road fatalities put hardships on families and a heavy financial strain on the state, accounting for loss of the beloved ones and bread winners.

“We appeal for the responsible use of our roads by adhering to the rules and road signs, driving within the required limit. Of importance, is to refrain from consumption of alcohol while driving, and as passengers and pedestrians.

“Buckle up, be patient, respect fellow road users and take frequent rests. The ANC wishes everyone a safe journey and to arrive alive. Let us use our roads responsibly,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said the loss of one life is one too many. She added that they urge motorists to drive safe and stay alive.

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