Picture: Firearms and ammunition confiscated by police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 September 2024- In a continuous effort to remove firearms from the wrong hands, the police in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP) and Stilfontein K9 Unit, arrested a Lesotho foreign national (39), at Extension 3, Kanana Township, near Orkney for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
The suspect was arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation on 20 September 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said during the arrest, the police confiscated a pistol with 15 ammunition and a magazine. Myburgh said in addition, the police nabbed another Lesotho foreign national (31), for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
“The suspects will appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024. In Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a case of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition against Morena Lerato Makhate (24), was postponed until 9 October 2024, for further investigation.
“Makhate briefly appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 20 September 2024, following his arrest in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, during a tactical crime intelligence-driven operation by members of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 18 September 2024,” she said.
Myburgh further said Makhate was arrested after the operationalisation of information regarding a suspect who was in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which were allegedly stolen during the commission of a theft out/from motor vehicle.
“During the operation, Makhate was found and led the team to a house in Montshioa Township, where four rounds of ammunition were found. He further took the team to a house in Seweding village, where a pistol was found,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the members of the two teams for the successes.
22 September 2024- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is ill-fated with the ANC’s persistent selective approach, which undermines their shared objective of working together to uplift the people of the North West.
This comes after allegations that, ANC in the province, has taken a decision to replace SANCO’s provincial chairperson, Tshepo Khoza who was unceremoniously removed from the position of Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature amid fake matric certificate allegations.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to make changes to his Executive Council (EXCO) next week after he was instructed by the ANC National Executive Committee to remove a male MEC and replace him with a female to address gender disparity.
Now, Mokgosi has relinquished former ANCYL president, Collen Maine from his position as North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation and replaced him with ANC Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Virginia Tlhapi, who is also former MEC for the same portfolio.
According to our highly-placed source, the decision was taken on 18 September 2024, during the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting. However, Maine allegedly requested until next week to wrap up some of the projects that were already at the advanced stage.
Those projects include the opening of Manthe Indoor Centre and Taung Cultural Calabash preparations, amongst others. Maine is expected to replace Khoza as the Deputy Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature.
On 21 June 2024, Mokgosi appointed five men and five women as MECs in his EXCO. However, he was supposed to apply the 60/40 method.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said: “Well, we have not been formally informed by the ANC regardless of the fact that we have written a letter making them aware that the position of the Deputy Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), belongs to SANCO.
“Therefore, any replacement should be a representative from SANCO. We have heard about such rumours on various social media platforms that the ANC is going to replace Khoza with Maine.”
Jam further said, however, the ANC has not said anything to them regarding the replacement. He added that they have written another letter last week to the ANC, informing them of the process.
“But, the fact that we have not received any response from them regarding the replacement is disastrous. We are extremely disappointed in how the ANC continues to treat us.
“We are being treated as if we are a child with leprosy or a stepchild. The ANC does not consult us in any decision process. We would raise our concerns to them as its alliance, but it would turn a deaf ear,” said Jam.
He said they are left with no choice, but to escalate the matter to the ANC’s national office. Jam alleged that ANC in North West, continues to function like a stokvel, which they would not like to be part of.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Secretary, Madoda Sambatha, shared the same sentiments. Sambatha said when the ANC took a decision to appoint MECs, it did so without consulting them.
“So, we were not consulted when they went against the ANC NEC norm, which says when the Premier is a male, the appointment of MECs should be 60/40. We feel that the ANC should have taken its alliance partners on board when appointing MECs.
“The only successful consultation we had with the ANC as alliance partners, was during the appointment of the presiding officers. However, we are prepared to engage the ANC to understand the role of the alliance, especially when it comes to the appointment and deployment,” he said.
Sambatha said when the ANC in the province was instructed by the NEC to correct the gender disparity, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, informed them about the decision. He said, however, when they took a decision to remove Khoza as the Deputy Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, they were not informed.
“I guess it is because this was not a normal removal. It was a decision prompted by the discovery of non-existence of the matric certificate on Khoza’s part. However, ANC had a separate consultative engagement with SANCO regarding Khoza’s removal.
“Diremelo only informed us regarding the circumstances surrounding Khoza’s removal during the secretariat meeting of the alliance. In that meeting, we were informed that Khoza was only removed as a Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature and he will be retained as the Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL),” said Sambatha.
He said on the issue of the removal of the male MEC to effect ANC NEC decision, they were not involved again as SACP. Sambatha said, however, once the ANC took a decision on who must be removed, Diremelo informed them.
“Now, on the decision of who must be detached or being brought in, it was not the alliance’s deliberations.We were not informed about the name of who should be detached or brought in.
“Sadly, we are informed that during the ANC Provincial Executive Committee’s deliberations, the names of individuals who were discussed were Maine and I, as the SACP Provincial Secretary,” he said.
Sambatha said from where SACP stands, it was unfortunate because it means ANC would have resolved to remove him without engaging SACP.
Meanwhile, the ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “This matter is still internal and Mokgosi will communicate his decision next week.”
Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 September 2024- More than 256 suspects were arrested by the police for various crimes during the joint weekly high density operations conducted across five districts in the Northern Cape. This was in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and Community Police Forum (CPF) structures commenced on 16 until 22 September 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,
Sergeant Molefi Shemane said disruptive actions were executed through the tracing of suspects by detectives, crime intelligence-driven actions, roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as stop and search actions and high visibility patrols.
Shemane said the suspects were arrested through community participation and information operationalised regarding illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of cigarettes, possession of drugs, robberies, murders, assaults, rapes, burglaries residential and at businesses premises.
“Other suspects were arrested for theft of or from motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, undocumented persons and illicit mining. The police confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, vehicles, cell phones, copper cables, counterfeit goods, firearms and ammunition.
“Also, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers and liquor premises, as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards,” said Shemane.
He further said these inspections led to the closure of six unlicensed liquor premises. Shemane added that in ZF Mgcawu District, a community outreach programme was held in Askham in the Kalahari in conjunction with other external stakeholders.
“The police mobile community service centre rendered services to the community and shared awareness on substance abuse, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), child protection to the attendees.
“Subsequently, these actions resulted in the searching of 12 158 persons and 6756 vehicles,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, engaged with motorists and community members at roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points and ensured the Northern Cape community that the police will continue with these operations in stamping the authority of the state and protecting them from criminal activities.
“We encourage the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” said Otola.
22 Lwetse 2024- Barutabana kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Keememang kwa motseng wa Graspan, gaufi le Taung, ba ikuela go Lefapha la Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima go ka ba tsaya tsia. Se, se tla morago ga gore barutabana ba, ba tlhalose fa sekolo sa bone se le makgasa, ebile dithulelo di ba wela.
Go ya ka mongwe wa barutabana o sa batleng go itsiwe ka ntlheng ya go tshaba go sotlakakiwa, are sekolo se mo seemong se se sa jeseng diwelang, gonne dikago tsa teng le tsone di awa.
“Mathata a rona mo sekolong ke tshireletsego ya baithuti. Dikago tse re leng mo go tsone tse, ga di a babalesega. Re kwadile makwalo a le mantsi go ya kwa Lefapheng la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, fela kopo ya rona ga e tsewe tsia.
“Re na le baithuti ba feta 54, fela palo ya barutabana ke e nnye. Ka di nako tse dingwe, o fitlhele morutabana a le mongwe a ruta diphaphosi di le dintsi a le mongwe. Go bua nnete, lefapha le re itlhokomolodisitse,” morutabana wa tlhalosa.
Morutabana o are, ga ba bone tshegetso go tswa kwa lefapheng, mme botlhe ba ba maleba go ba thusa, ba tlhalositse fa mathata a sekolo a thiba letsatsi. Morutabana o mongwe are, morutabana wa bo setlaboshane, o ruta Grade R go fitlha go Grade 3 a le mongwe.
“O mongwe o ruta Grade 4 go fitlha go Grade 5, mme o ruta dirutwa tsotlhe. Morutabana o mongwe o ruta Grade 6, mme le ene o ruta dirutwa tsotlhe a le mongwe.
“Re ile ra tlisediwa morutabana o mongwe o montsha, mme e ne o ruta dirutwa di le robongwe a le mongwe,” morutabana o wa tlhalosa.
Barutabana ba, ba tlhalosa fa ka Mopitlwe 2024, lefapha le ba itsisitse fa le tlile go tswala sekolo, mme baithuti batla sitlhamololelwa kwa sekolo-potlana sa Tshite kwa motseng wa Picong. Fela, ba tlhalosa fa ba setse ba beile letsogo mo phatlheng.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are: “Sekolo seo sa Keememang, se na le baithuti ba le 69. Jaanong se tlile go tswalwa, mme lefapha le setse le tsentse kopo kwa Lefapheng la Tshireletsego ya Baagi le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa, gore le neele baithuti ba sepalangwa.
“Lefapha le ne le solofetse go tswala sekolo se ka Sedimonthole 2023, fela tiego go tswa go Lefapha la Dipalangwa, e tlhodile ketsaetsego. Gore sekolo-potlana se neelwe tlamelo ya ditiro tse di maleba, se tshwanetswe gore se be se na le baithuti ba le 235. Jaanong e tla bo e le tshenyo go ka tlhabolola sekolo seo.”
Picture: The situation at Thuto Lesedi Primary School in Vryburg/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 September 2024- Parents at Thuto Lesedi Primary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, call on the North West Department of Education, to ensure that schools are a safer environment. This comes after one learner was allegedly stabbed and hospitalised during a gangsterism-related incident on 18 September 2024.
It is alleged that a group of boys entered the school and attacked one learner. The attack was allegedly sparked by an argument over initiation schools.
According to the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, the department was notified that on 18 September 18 2024, a group of about 35 community members, forcibly entered Thuto Lesedi Primary School. Molokwane said to defuse the situation and dispersed the group that intended to interfere with teaching and learning, they requested an intervention from the police.
“The police stepped in right away. The department will work in collaboration with Community Police Forums (CPFs) and ensure that the police’s Adopt-A-Cop programme is introduced to every school in the province, to increase school safety,” he said.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The information provided to the police indicates that, there was a quarrel that was sparked by initiation school topic and ultimately, a group of boys went to attack one learner, who is attending at the school.
“The police attended to the complaint and the victim was ferried to hospital. He was thoroughly interviewed, but he indicated that he does not want to open a case. No one has been arrested thus far.”
Meanwhile, one of the parents at the school who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, called on the department to work closely with law enforcement agencies, school stakeholders, and community-based organisations to effectively address gang issues in the schools.
“Our children should know that gangsterism will not be allowed in our schools. We need community leaders with inspiring stories to deliver talks on topics, including knife crime, drug crime, and encourage learners to turn their lives around.
“Let’s make our schools safer and be vigilant enough to spot any gang crimes in schools as early as possible. I think a proactive approach from teachers and school staff will also be imperative in addressing this,” she said.
She said it will be vital for teachers to be well-informed, build trusting relationships with their learners and collaborate with experienced organisations that can offer support. She further said this will play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing gang-related issues effectively.
“Together, let’s work towards creating safer, healthier learning environments for all students,” she added.
Picture: North West MEC Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Collen Maine
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 September 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to make changes to his Executive Council (Exco) next week. This comes after the ANC National Executive Committee’s instruction to remove a male MEC and replace him with a female to address gender disparity.
Now, Mokgosi has relinquished former ANCYL president, Collen Maine from his position as North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation and replaced him with ANC Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Virginia Tlhapi, who is also former MEC for the same portfolio.
According to our highly-placed source, the decision was taken on 18 September 2024, during the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting. However, Maine allegedly requested until next week to wrap up some of the projects that were already at the advanced stage.
Those projects include the opening of Manthe Indoor Centre and Taung Cultural Calabash preparations, amongst others. Maine is expected to replace SANCO’s Tshepo Khoza as North West Provincial Legislature’s Deputy Speaker.
Khoza was unceremoniously removed from this position amid fake matric certificate allegations. On 21 June 2024, Mokgosi appointed five men and five women as MECs in his EXCO. However, he was supposed to apply the 60/40 method.
Meanwhile, the ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “This matter is still internal and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will communicate his decision next week.”
Picture: One of the artists performing during Taung Cultural Calabash
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 September 2024- The Mmabana Foundation said it is proud to host the annual district auditions for the embattled Taung Cultural Calabash (TCC). The Mmabana Foundation said it is also committed to nurture, develop and promote artistic talent in the North West.
Mmabana Foundation Marketing and Communication Manager, Kgalalelo Molotsi said these auditions will take place across the province, aiming to identify the top contenders in each discipline—Performing Arts and Visual Arts—who will advance to compete on the main stage at the upcoming main competition.
Molotsi further said Mmabana Foundation invites all emerging artists in the province to audition for the Taung Cultural Calabash and seize the opportunity to participate in the main competition, where they stand a chance to win cash prizes.
“The auditions are open to performing and visual artists between the ages of 18 and 35, who are residents of the North West and are South African citizens. The auditions will take place at Mmabana Taung Centre on 25 September 2024.
“They will commence at Klerksdorp Civic Centre on 26 September 2024, on 27 September 2024 at Mmabana Lehurutshe Centre, while on 28 September 2024 at Rustenburg Information Centre,” she said.
Molotsi added that artists should come prepared to showcase their talents in the disciplines such as Performing Arts: Music (Instrumental and Acapella), Drama and Poetry, Dance (Contemporary, Freestyle, Gumboots, Pantsula, Hip-hop). Visual Arts: Drawing and Painting, Clothing Design, Craft, Photography, and Sculpture.
She said participants are required to bring a photocopy of their identification document to the auditions.
“Information about the main festival, including dates and the traditional programme, will be shared in due course.
“Mmabana Foundation management is dedicated to creating equal platforms for the creative sector in the province, offering artists from across the region opportunities to showcase their talents,” said Molotsi.
20 September 2024– A man (33) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. In the morning of Saturday, 26 November 2022, a girl (2), was playing in the street with friends at Mogono Section, in Luka village, when the accused frightened the children and they scattered into different directions.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said he caught the toddler and took her with him. Myburgh said after a while, her parents and neighbours started looking for her.
“They discovered her naked in the convict’s bath tub. The child was immediately removed and taken to the police, who arrested the accused shortly after the incident was reported.
“He made a series of court appearances until he was found guilty and sentenced. The accused convicted for kidnapping and rape,” she said.
Myburgh further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). She added that, the court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the Register for Child Offenders.
Myburgh said the parents are reminded to always know where their children are and to ensure that they (children) play under the watchful eye of responsible adults.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and applauded the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Christopher Maimela of Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, for their teamwork and being equal to the task of ensuring that the accused is convicted.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during sod-turning/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 September 2024- The North West Department of Education said, under the Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded accelerated service delivery program, it has marked a significant milestone with the sod-turning ceremony for the renovation and expansion of Ikaneng High School in Sutelong village, near Moretele on 20 September 2024.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the project is a testament to the department’s commitment to providing quality education and creating lasting infrastructure to serve future generations. She further said the extensive project at the school includes the refurbishment of four existing classroom blocks and the construction of several new facilities, such as a new administration block and nutrition block.
“This includes the construction of a new sports block, a new refuse block, a new computer and science block, a new library and multipurpose centre, a new toilet block and a new clearvu fence around the premises.
“The renovations and new constructions are expected to be completed within 18 months, providing quality facilities for learners and educators in the community. The school also receives essential stationery, enhancing the learning environment for its learners,” said Motsumi.
She hailed the project as a landmark moment. Motsumi added that through sod-turning events, they are not just building a school, but laying a landmark moment that serves as the foundation for a long-lasting heritage for the Sutelong village community.
“In this Heritage Month, we are proud to invest in the future of Moretele, because, through education, we can uplift and transform communities. The Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded program ensures that the department continues to bring services to the people, empowering our learners with the best facilities and resources available.
“In addition to Ikageng High School, another local school, Rethusitswe Combined School, has also benefited from the Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded program. The school receives stationery and sanitary towels as part of the department’s efforts to support learners’ academic and personal well-being,” she said.
Motsumi said the Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded program continues to make strides in the province by addressing infrastructure challenges and improving the quality of education for learners across the North West province.
Setshwantsho: Monna o a neng a timetse, Collen Modiriemang Seipone
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
20 Lwetse 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se butse kgetsi ya polao. Se se tla morago ga gore setopo sa monna oneng a begwa a timetse, se bonwe gaufi le tsela kwa nageng ma gareng ga motse wa Graspan le wa Magogong mono Taung ka letsatsi la Laboraro bosigo.
Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), wa kwa motseng wa Kolong, gaufi le Taung, o ile a nyelela ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo 2024. Jaanong, setopo sa gagwe se seneng se na le dintho mo tlhogong, se ile sa bonwa ke bafeti ka tsela mo letsatsing la Laboraro.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, setopo sa ga Seipone sene se na le dintho mo tlhogong, fela ga go itsiwe sediriswa se se dirisitsweng.
“Re tla netefatsa gore ke nnete gore setopo sa ga Seipone se se neng se na le dintho mo tlhogong, se bonwe. Fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga nkitla re tlhalosa gore se diriswa se se dirisitsweng mo tlhogong ya gagwe ke eng, ga mmogo le tlholo ya loso la gagwe.
“Fela, sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao, mme ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana. Diteko tsa morago ga loso, ke tsone tse di tla tlhotlhomisang gore moswi a ka tswa a bolailwe ka eng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 