Picture: The triple murder accused, Olebogeng Mampe Kale/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 November 2024- A triple murder case against the accused, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), was postponed to 23 December 2023, by the Kgomotso Periodical Court for further investigations. Kale, whois accused of killing his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), his mother, Phodisho Kale (68), and his younger sister, Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on 15 November 2024, briefly appeared before the Kgomotso Periodical Court on Monday and abandoned his bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigations revealed that members of the family were inside their shack, sitting around the coffee table when the accused entered and struck them over their heads with a knobkerrie.
“He allegedly fled the scene afterwards. All three victims were declared dead on the scene and Kale was apprehended by the police on 16 November 2024. The accused was remanded in custody until the next court appearance,” he said.
26 November 2024- Yesterday, marked the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. Since its inception this global campaign has drawn support from organisations and activists in more than 187 countries, including in South Africa.
Violence against women and children in our country is pervasive. Women and children are being beaten, assaulted and killed in the streets, in the workplace, at places of learning, and in their homes.
Women and children are supposed to feel most safe within the home. Yet it is within the home where the majority of the world’s victims of gender-based violence die at the hands of men. A new report by UN Women.
has found that around 60% of victims of femicide in 2023 were killed in a domestic setting by someone close to them.
Intimate partner violence remains the most prevalent form of gender-based violence in South Africa. In the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Study, which was released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) last week, a fifth of all men surveyed said they had committed sexual or physical violence against their partners.
Sexism is at the root of these crimes: the belief that men and boys are superior to women and girls. We must therefore address head-on the idea that women are the ‘property’ of their husbands and boyfriends, and that they can be beaten, abused and even killed at whim.
We must address the economic dimension, where men think they have the right over the bodies of their wives because they are breadwinners, or because they finance the lifestyles of their girlfriends. Many women find themselves trapped in situations of economic dependence, feeling they have to put up with abuse because the alternative is destitution.
The fight to end gender-based violence must begin with prevention.
This means, among other things, that we must address the way many men and boys are raised and the way they are socialised.
Last year, I participated in a Young Men and Boys Indaba. What struck me during this engagement is the important role of socialisation. These young men had an inherent sense of empathy towards their female relatives and classmates, and understood that men and women have equal rights.
But at some point in their lives, they were exposed to a form of toxic masculinity in which ill-treating women is seen as macho and manly. Treating women with respect is seen as weak or ‘simping’. It is deeply troubling to witness how this has taken hold among the younger generation and online.
Ending gender-based violence begins with changing the narrative. Women’s rights and gender equality are non-negotiable. They are not culturally relative or open to interpretation.
Young men and boys must be educated on the importance of equality between men and women. They must appreciate the value of healthy relationships as opposed to transactional arrangements. Young men must be taught the importance of consent.
We therefore applaud the many men who have come forward to sign the Pledge for South African Men to End Gender-Based Violence, either in person or online. We encourage more men to make this stand by signing the pledge and through their daily conduct towards women.
Gender-Based Violence thrives in a climate of silence. Women are often told by family members or religious, traditional and community leaders to go and ‘work things out’ with husbands who are beating them. This must stop.
Other men are sometimes part of the problem. By remaining silent when they know that their friends, classmates or co-workers are abusers, they are complicit in the crime. Perpetrators of such acts should be isolated. It should be made clear that their actions are unacceptable and reported to the police.
We need to create safe spaces – whether in schools, religious settings, workplaces or police stations – where women can speak freely about experiences of abuse, and where they can find care and support.
Workplaces must strictly enforce laws against sexism in the workplace. There must be far greater consideration and accommodation of female workers when it comes to working late and to providing more security in isolated work facilities.
Just as gender-based violence affects everyone, so too we must all work together to overcome it. We need all community, civic and religious formations to form part of this effort. At this time of activism, we must mobilise businesses, trade unions, academic communities and public servants to get involved.
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism let us continue to work together to make our country safer for women and children.
We must all play our part. We must all speak up and speak out. Gender-based violence and femicide have no place in our society. | SONA 2024
26 November 2024- An off-duty policeman, Constable Mojalefa Mogwebi was allegedly shot dead in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Sunday morning. Mogwebi’s lifeless body was found in his vehicle by neighbours, who alerted the police.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, Mgwebi was allegedly killed in the early hours of Sunday morning, 24 November 2024. Funani said the deceased was stationed at Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and was found with gunshot wounds on his upper body.
“Mogwebi was last seen by his cousins, whom he dropped at their residential places after attending a family gathering in Klerksdorp on Saturday. The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage.
“Investigations into the matter by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation continue,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, conveyed his profound condolences to the family, friends, relatives and colleagues of the late constable. Kwena said that, it is sad to lose a member due to murder and that the incident will have a direct impact on service delivery to the communities.
“I have instructed the investigators to leave no stones unturned in ensuring that those who are responsible are brought to book. The public is urged to report crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion Hotline: 080 091 1011,” he said.
26 November 2024- A woman (32) briefly appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday for human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police. The charges stem from allegations that, on 10 November 2024, the mother sold her two-year-old son to unidentified individuals.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, on 13 November 2024, the woman allegedly reported a false case to the police, claiming that her son had been kidnapped by unknown men in a vehicle.
“During the police investigation, it was uncovered that the kidnapping claim was false. The woman later confessed to fabricating the story. She was subsequently arrested on 19 November 2024 and has been in custody since her arrest.
“The whereabouts of the child remains unknown, and police efforts to locate him are ongoing. The case has been postponed to 29 November 2024 for a possible bail application and the state intends to oppose her release on bail,” she said.
26 November 2024- The ANC said it cautiously welcomes the 2nd Quarter Crime Statistics Released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 25 November 2024. The ANC said the release of these statistics serves not only as an act of transparency and accountability, but also as a call to action for all South Africans.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi-Bhengu-Motsiri said these figures lay bare the grim realities of crime and its impact on social stability, economic growth, and investor confidence. Bhengu-Motsiri said these challenge them to work collectively as a nation to combat the brazen criminality instilling fear in the communities.
“The ANC believes that addressing crime requires a unified effort. Communities, through active participation in Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and patrols, alongside organs of civil society, must remain central to the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
“Mobilizing these resources will strengthen efforts to reclaim our streets and protect our people. Key highlights of the 2nd Quarter crime statistics include decrease on murder cases by 5.8%, robbery decreased by 8.8%, sexual offences have decreased by 2.5%, including rape that has decreased by 3.1%.
“While these decreases signal progress, the ANC remains deeply concerned about the persistent levels of crime, particularly those linked to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and drugs. These issues demand urgent attention and decisive action,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said the scourge of illegal mining must also remain a priority. She added that the intensification of Operation Vala Mgodi is crucial in addressing this threat, which undermines economic stability and contributes to illicit financial outflows.
“The release of these crime statistics coincides with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. This alignment reminds us of the urgent need to address the violence plaguing women and children, who remain among the most vulnerable members of our society.
“The ANC calls for renewed commitment to curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting the rights and dignity of all people. Working alongside communities, civil society, businesses, and other stakeholders, the ANC reaffirms its commitment to building safer and more secure communities,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said the government must prioritize investing in crime prevention through increased budget allocations to bolster efforts against criminality and safeguard the state’s security. Bhengu-Motsiri said they acknowledge the valuable contribution of the private security industry, which has become a key partner in crime prevention.
“Initiatives such as Operation Shanyela, the deployment of Crime Wardens (Amapanyaza), the work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks), in collaboration with private security actors, are yielding positive results in the fight against crime.
“As we approach the festive season, the ANC urges heightened vigilance from both communities and the police. Efforts must be intensified to prevent crimes such as mall robberies, house break-ins, and Cash-In-Transit heists. Suspicious activities should be promptly reported to law enforcement agencies. The ANC applauds the tireless and patriotic service of the South African Police Service,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said they salute the bravery of officers who risk their lives to serve and protect the communities and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. She said the killing of police officers is an attack on the democratic state and must be met with the full might of the law.
26 November 2024- African Champions Banyana Banyana departed for Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Monday to play their last two international matches of the year. The international friendlies against the Jamaicans are part of the Sasol- sponsored South African senior women’s national team’s preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be played in Morocco from 5 until 26 July 2024.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges will take on the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and again on 2 December 2024. These games mark a good year of preparation against contrasting opponents after two away matches against Senegal in June 2024, and against Denmark and England last month.
Safa.net can reveal that Ellis has been forced to make three late changes to the squad she announced last Thursday. Hilda Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini have been ruled out due to injury and will be replaced by Thubelihle Shamase and Antonia Maponya.
Lonathemba Mhlongo has been called up in place of Sibulele Holweni, who misses out due to illness.
The squad will arrive in Montego Bay on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, in the evening and will have to adjust to a lengthy seven-hour difference, before beginning their preparations for their first match on 29 November 2024, at 8pm local time, 3am (SA time).
25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Setopo sa mosadi se bonwe se kaola-kaola mo godimo ga metsi kwa Taung Dam mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa setopo se, se sa itsiwe gore ke sa ga mang go fitlha ga jaana.
Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a latlhegetswe kgotsa a timeletswe ke mongwe wa losika le ditsala, go ka ikgolaganya le seteishene sa sepodisi sa Taung.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Typhosa van Rooyen are: “Setopo seo se ile sa ntshiwa mo metsing ke basepodisi kwa Taung Dam, gaufi e motse wa Cokonyane mono Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Jaanaong, mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a bone tiragalo e, a ka letsetsa Sarasanta Tebogo Monchwe mo dinomoreng tsa mogala tsa 082 469 0332. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”
25 November 2024- More than 948 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West during Operation Shanela. The operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between 18 until 24 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said, the suspects were amongst others, arrested for illicit mining, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. Funani said these include possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Out of the 948 arrested suspects, 439 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, illicit mining, house robbery and business robbery.
“Two hundred and fifty-nine, were arrested during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Additionally, 64 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing,” she said.
Funani further said the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and many others.
She added that the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, computers, laptops, counterfeit goods, 9 cell phones, illegal cigarettes, 29 ammunition, four firearms, copper cable, liquor and four vehicles.
“During the operations, 14 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. The Operation Shanela continues to yield more positive results,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province and for making sure that the citizens are protected.
25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung sa kaile fa se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 63, wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa, gaufi le Taung, a fitlhelwe a ikgwageditse kwa sekgweng gaufi le molapo kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen, Molebatsi Edward Maine, one a tswa kwa lelapeng la gagwe ka di 20 Ngwanatsele 2024, mme ga ka a itsise ope gore o ya kae.
“Go ile ga bulwa kgetsi ya motho o timetseng, mme dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa. Fela ka di 23 Ngwanatsele 2024, setopo sa ga Maine se se neng se kaleditswe, se ile sa bonwa kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng.
“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa go ka tswa gona le letsogo la tshwene mo tiraglong e. Kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
25 November 2024- The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola said they welcome the judgement handed down in the North Gauteng High Court, which dismissed the application brought forward by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution.
Masemola said the application sought amongst others, to compel various government departments including SAPS to provide all necessary emergency disaster relief to illegal miners underground by providing food, water, medical aid, blankets and any such medical relief necessary. He further said the application also compelled government departments, including SAPS to extract the alleged trapped miners from underground.
“The SAPS has always maintained that it has never been in violation of any constitutional right to life and to dignity. The SAPS has never blocked any shaft nor blocked any illegal miner from exiting through any disused mine shaft, as is evident with the 1239 illegal miners that have resurfaced in the past few weeks.
“The SAPS remains adamant that there is no illegal miner that is trapped underground and that they simply refuse to resurface because they are avoiding arrest. This is evident with the 14 illegal miners, who resurfaced last night at shaft 10 which is linked to shaft 11,” said Masemola.
He added that the SAPS as a caring government department, has also in the past two weeks allowed for limited food supply and water to be taken down to the illegal miners. Maemola said instant porridge, mageu and water, were indeed taken down.
“The medical emergency personnel have also always been on standby to treat all those who resurface. The SAPS is mandated according to Section 205 of the constitution to prevent, combat as well as maintain law and order.
“It is against this objective that the SAPS’ role and objective for Operation Vala Umgodi is to prevent, combat and stop illicit mining activities that are taking place in the Stilfontein area,” he said.
Masemola said the SAPS operations continue where static deployments are still in place to stamp the authority and for the rule of law to be upheld. He said relevant authorities will soon provide an update on how far the rescue operations are.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, will address the media on an ongoing Stilfontein illegal mining saga. The media briefing will take place at Stilfontein Police Station on 25 November 2024, at 3pm.
The Guardian 