Ethiopian man arrested for being in possession of two firearms and ammunition

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Picture: Firearms and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Ethiopian foreign national (27) was arrested for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, the police at Hartbeespoortdam, allegedly received a tip-off and operationalised it. Funani said the police received an intelligence that a shop owner allegedly kept unlicensed firearms at his shop.

“The suspect’s shop at Schaumburg Informal Settlement was searched on Thursday night. The action resulted in the discovery of two firearms and ammunition in the backroom. 

“Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect was in the country illegally and was using illegal documents belonging to an elderly man (65),” she said.

Funani said the suspect was charged for possession of two unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. (Act No. 13 of 2002).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police who were involved in the operation for their sterling job. Kwena also thanked members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime and ensuring that criminals are put behind bars, where they belong.

“The public is urged to report crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline: 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Two nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen goods

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Picture: Some of the belongings seized by the police/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- Two suspects arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods at Ten Rooms Informal Settlement on Thursday, by the Brits Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, as well as Hartbeespoortdam Visible Policing and Detectives during a joint tactical operation.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, a search was conducted at the suspects’ place and that led to the recovery of one HP printer, a cooler bag, two laptop bags, a roll bag with wheels and a black jacket. Funani said all the belongings were worth R5000.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the goods were stolen during a business burglary committed earlier this month in Hartbeespoortdam. The accused, Samuel Ngobeni and Samuel Mokgarudi, both aged 42, briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 22 November 2024.

“The pair was remanded in custody until 27 November 2024, for bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 District Commissioner, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape, hailed the police for dedication and concerted efforts that resulted in the success.

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Nigerian man arrested for being in possession of drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

24 November 2024- A Nigerian foreign national (37) was nabbed at his residential place in Klerksdorp on Friday night, 22 November 2024. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug dealing activities. The suspect was ultimately arrested after allegedly being found in possession of drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said: “The suspect is expected to appear before Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the police in Klerksdorp for their effort. Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Three foreign nationals arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cables

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Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 41 and 51, were arrested by the police on 23 November 2024. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected stolen copper cables in Klerksdorp.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said the reports suggest that, Transnet Security Officer was conducting patrols along the railway lines when he saw three men, who are Zimbabwean, Lesotho and Mozambican foreign nationals digging. He allegedly approached them to check what they were doing.

“The security officer found them in possession of copper cables. He then alerted the police who responded quickly and arrested the trio. Further probe established that the suspects are in the country illegally. 

“The suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024, facing charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002),” said Funani.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the Klerksdorp Police and Transnet Security Officer for their collaborative efforts.

Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Bosasa-linked corruption case against Mathenjwa set for trial

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 November 2024- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the corruption case against Trevor Mathenjwa to 7 February 2025 for pre-trial. Mathenjwa is facing corruption charges linked to BOSASA, amounting to approximately R300 000.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this amount was allegedly offered and received as gratification from BOSASA and its subsidiary Sondolo IT, where Mathenjwa is a Director, to the late Dudu Myeni for the upgrade of the security systems to her home.

“He is currently out on R10 000 bail and he is expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in February next year,” said Mamothame.

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‘Corruption, cover-up allegations at Phillipi Training College a concern’

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Picture: The SAPS members during parade

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 November 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Police said on Wednesday, it has learnt with dismay that investigations into allegations of mismanagement at the Phillipi Training College have made little progress over the last two months. This comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) gave the committee a preliminary update and a more comprehensive briefing is planned for next week.

The Chairperson of Committee, Ian Cameron said they conducted an oversight visit to the college in September 2024, following allegations of mismanagement, criminal activity at the training academy, corruption and leadership failures that threatened the academy’s effectiveness and, consequently, the future of policing in South Africa.

“On Wednesday, the committee heard that the complainant who gave details of fraud and corruption was interviewed, and a statement was obtained. The witnesses mentioned by the complainant were also interviewed and 19 affidavits were obtained.

“The committee also heard that the report on the internal audit is expected to be finalised soon. However, committee members expressed grave concern about the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation’s (the Hawks) slow progress in acting on allegations of blatant corruption,” he said.

Cameron further said they maintained that the update did not reveal anything new or different from what the committee had been told in September. He added that the committee also noted that the SAPS did nothing about disciplinary actions, and none of the officers who stole ammunition or commanders who covered it up were charged.

“The committee was also concerned about witnesses’ anonymity, as there are reports that witnesses were called over loudspeakers for everyone to hear. The committee wanted to know what the SAPS was doing to protect the witnesses and noted that the process followed set them up as targets instead of protecting them.

“It is either a lack of interest or there is a deliberate pushback because there has been no action whatsoever. Commanders seemingly still have access to bank accounts, and the whistle-blower, who is a good, dedicated, career police officer, has now been suspended,” said Cameron.

He said it is estimated that over R100 million has been stolen over the last six years. According to Cameron, the Hawks also did not do 205 applications in court to access bank accounts.

“Something that does not need to take longer than 24 hours. If this is how we’re going to deal with the good people in the police who speak out against corruption, then we’re not protecting whistle-blowers, and this just simply cannot be. So, someone speaks out against corruption, and it takes six years for the police and the Hawks to do something about it.

“But, we will not stop cleaning up. The committee was encouraged to hear that the Minister of Police would now intervene. It will receive further feedback next Wednesday,” he said.

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A man who was arrested for illegal hunting back in court  

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Picture: A leopard skin seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 November 2024- A man (37) who is facing charges of possession of endangered species in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, set to appear at Tshidilamolo Magistrate’s Court today.

On 15 November 2024, the members of Mahikeng based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit received a tip-off about the accused, John Mosikare, who was allegedly hunting illegally.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the information was operationalised. Malwetse said in collaboration with members of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team, the suspect’s house at Moshawane village, near Tshidilamolomo was searched.

“During the search, four animal paws and a leopard carcass were found. The suspect did not have a permit to possess any animal species. He was subsequently apprehended.

“Mosikare appeared before court and was released on R300 bail. The matter was postponed to 21 February 2025, for further investigation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team. They have cautioned the public against engaging in illegal hunting of wildlife as it poses a threat to endangered species.

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Magalies Water urges public to use water sparingly

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Picture: A resident getting water from the tap/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 November 2024- Magalies Water said it advises bulk customers within its area of operation of envisaged water demand management as a result as below average rainfall, over some parts of the interior and central regions of the country including the North West province, which forms the core of Magalies Water’s operations (Section 29 & Section 30).

The water utility said further to the above, the persisting climatic conditions have worsened the deterioration of raw water quality in the various supply schemes, which are compounded by incidents of pollution.

The Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said these have a direct impact in Magalies Water’s ability to produce requisite water volumes for potable use. Magae said South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicted that temperatures would be mostly above-normal across the country as a result of the El Nino effect.

“In our context, that may translate into a higher-than-normal water consumption pattern resulting in increased water demand and a lower supply capacity due to the aforementioned climatic conditions resulting in limited raw water availability for abstraction, treatment and distribution to bulk customers.

“In particular, the flow into the water treatment plants has been reduced to cater for the treatability index and plant performance matrix as guided by SANS 241:2015. This has adversely compromised the efficacy of the systems with reference to the design specifications and their capabilities,” he said.

Magae further said the systems are strained and are struggling to cope with the alarming loads of contaminants that are entering the systems due to upstream catchment activities (pollution) and climatic factors. He added that this has resulted in the water treatment plants producing reduced quantities of drinking water due to reduction in the abstracted volumes.

“This is done by and large, to ensure that the integrity of Magalies Water with respect to the provisions of SANS 241:2015 specifications is not compromised and is consistently compliant.

“As a countermeasure, the highly competent team of scientists and process engineers are working towards optimization of the systems and developing the most pragmatic approaches to circumvent the incoming loads of pollution while producing bulk water supply quotas that conform to the design capacities,” said Magae.

He said they urge customers to use the water sparingly during this period, and further apologizes for the inconvenience that this development has caused.

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Mosenogi to table adjustment budget for 2024/25 financial year

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 November 2024- North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi will exercise legislative imperative and table the annual provincial adjustment budget for the 2024/25 financial year as stipulated by Section 31 (1) of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999.

Mosenogi said the tabling of the Adjustment Budget, follows the recent tabling of the Medium Term Budget and Policy Statement (MTBPS) by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. She further said Section 31 (2) of PFMA stipulates that an adjustment budget of a province may only provide for the appropriation of funds that have become available to the province, unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure recommended by the provincial Executive Council of the province within a framework determined by the Minister.

“This includes any expenditure in terms of Section 25. Money to be appropriated for expenditure already announced during my tabling of the annual budget. The shifting of funds between and within votes or to follow transfer of functions in terms of Section 42.

“The utilisation of savings under a main division within a vote for the defrayment of excess expenditure under another main division within the same vote in terms of Section 43 and the rollover of unspent funds from the preceding financial year,” said Moenogi.

She added that the adjustment budget aims to address budget pressures in key service delivery departments by redirecting funds to areas, where they are mostly needed. Mosenogi said the adjustment budget will be tabled at the North West Provincial Legislature on Tuesday at 9am.  

Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend. Media practitioners are reminded to carry their Identity Documents as they are pre-requisite to gain access to legislature chambers.

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