Two people aged 35 and 52 were arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Soweto, Johannesburg, for alleged fraud. In August 2021, the suspects allegedly submitted a falsified application for funding to National Lottery Commission (NLC) on pretence that they are committee members of a Non-Profit Organization called Kgatelopele Foundation.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said upon receipt of fraudulent application for funding, the application was taken through the NLC’s processes after which the funding of an amount of R885 000 was approved. Mnisi said the NLC paid R500 000 to the account of Kgatelopele Foundation as a first tranche.
“An amount of R380 000 was due to be paid after receipt of progress report on the projects, which were in terms of fund application planned for the community of Platfontein in Northern Cape as a second tranche,” she said.
Mnisi further said both accused, Jeremani Petrus Sedibe and Malesela Johannes Khosa, briefly appeared in Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 21 August 2024.
Picture: Some of equipment confiscated by police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Twelve suspected illegal miners were arrested in Bleksop, near Rustenburg on 15 August 2024, during Operation Vala Umgodi. The accused briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 19 August 2024, for possession of copper cables and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The accused persons include five Zimbabweans and seven Mozambicans. Mokgwabone said during the arrest, the police seized illegal mining equipment, including five generators, water pump, five jack hammers, garden spades, pound hammers and a battery.”
Mokgwabone said the accused were remanded in custody until 3 September 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. Kwena further praised all members involved for their tireless efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya polao, Simon Molale/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lekawana le le latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gauif le Taung, o tla nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana. Seno se tla morago ga gore kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Simon Molale (22), e busetswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, fa a ne a dira kopo ya beile.
Go begwa fa Medichane a bolailwe ke mokapelo wa gagwe, mme sebakwa sa tiro e, se sa itsiwe. Go ya ka mongwe o boneng ka matlho, lekawana le, lene la tlhabakaka lekgarebe le, mme one a tshaba mo lefelong la tiragalo fa a bona batho.
Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.
“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Kgetsi katlhanong le Molale e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 26 Phatwe 2024, mo a solofetsweng go dira kopo ya beile.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ‘disgrace’ Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe has ‘fell on his sword’. This comes after the ANC in the North West fired him from his mayoral position.
Gaoraelwe has been criticised over the years due to his alleged lifestyle since he was appointed as the mayor. On 3 October 2022, he crashed a R700 000 luxury BMW X3, while on leave.
This was followed by a series of accidents and up-to-date, Gaoraelwe has allegedly crashed four municipal vehicles. A few months ago, the ANC in North West promised to crack the whip on its councillors, who have been incompetent and use their positions for self-aggrandisement.
The ruling party took this decision after it completed an intense process of assessing the performance of its councillors in all 22 municipalities. ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in 2021, they took a resolution to assess all councillors in all municipalities and to remove those who underperform.
Maruping said the party views the sphere of local government as crucial when it comes to service delivery.
“You will remember that in 2021, we launched what we call a Local Government Barometer. Now, the Local Government Barometer is an assessment instrument, where we measure functionality of municipalities’ troikas and performance of councillors.
“This is a mid-term assessment, where the ANC is contacting all municipalities to assess their performance. So, where there is a need for interventions and let’s say a certain councillor or mayor must be removed, that is exactly what is going to happen. So, the decision has been informed by the assessment report that was tabled,” he said.
Maruping said they have recalled Gaoraelwe and they have already informed him.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor, Mmoni Letele said they welcome the removal of Gaoraelwe. Letele further said even though Gaoraelwe has been fired, he still needs to be held accountable for his wrongdoings.
“He must be held accountable regarding his involvement in car accidents. Gaoraelwe was involved in four car accidents and taxpayers’ money was used to fix those vehicles. So, he must pay that money out of his own pocket.
“We understand that the next person to ascend to the mayoral position will be elected by the municipal council. However, we would like to see an astute individual, who will uphold the constitution,” she added.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments. Nape said the removal of Gaoraelwe is the most welcoming news.
“You will remember that, we are the first people to call for his removal. We had tabled a motion of no confidence against the mayor. Unfortunately, we did not receive the necessary support. Even now, you will understand that we are at the forefront of the investigation regarding his series of dubious car accidents.
“So, we believe that Gaoraelwe has caused the municipality reputational damage. The municipality was a source of embarrassment under Gaoraelwe stewardship,” he said.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti said the municipality needs someone with values, integrity and principles. Moeti said the mayor plays a crucial role within the municipality and Gaoraelwe did not have that.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was not available for a comment as his phone rang unanswered.
Barely two months after the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi appointed his Member of Executive Councils (MECs), he is now forced to relinquish some of them from their duties. This comes after the ANC National Executive Committee’s decision.
According to our highly-placed source, those who will bear the brunt are some of male MECs due to gender disparities. The ANC NEC has instructed the ANC in North West to remove some of male MECs from their positions and appoint females.
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.
The ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “This is the matter that is going to be discussed during the ANC Provincial Working Committee (PWC) and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting over the weekend. So, we will clarify the media on that matter next week.
“Truly, it is not a matter of reshuffling per se, but we are correcting the gender disparity and it must be implemented.”
When Mokgosi announced his Members of the Executive Council (MECs), he appointed Madoda Sabatha as the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessels Morweng as North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
“I have also appointed Oageng Molapisi as North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane as North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, while Viola Motsumi will remain as the North West MEC for Education.
“Kenetswe Mosenogi has been appointed as North West MEC for Provincial Treasury, Sello Lehari as North West MEC for Department of Health. Elizabeth Mokua has been appointed as North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads, while former Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Dantjie, has been appointed as the North West MEC for Social Development,” he said.
Mokgosi further said that the 7th administration is a culmination of wider consultations within and outside the government. He added that this decision represents a dynamic interface between the exercise of the Premier’s constitutional prerogative in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution and the established democratic practice of consultation with the leadership of the province, national and the alliance.
“I am confident that the Executive Council of the 7th administration is made up of men and women of high ethical standards, who are committed to serve the people and understand the implications of the oath of office they are to take before assuming their official duties.
The composition of the Executive Council affirms our commitment to assert gender equality and representation.
“It is a collective of institutional memory, fresh talents and skills required to accelerate service delivery and build on the foundation of the sixth administration. The Executive Council is enjoined by the Constitution to work as a unit under the leadership of the Premier and to be collectively and individually accountable to the Legislature for the exercise of their powers and performance of their functions,” said Mokgosi.
He said EXCO is ultimately accountable to the people of the North West, whose power of the vote is the foundation of our existence. Mokgosi said they dare not disappoint them.
“By powers vested in me in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I hereby appoint the following Members of the Executive Council to lead the 7th administration.
“I congratulate all newly appointed MECs and wish to remind them all that we have been given the last available opportunity by the people of the North West to work for them and not ourselves nor our families and friends,” he said.
Mokgosi said the people in the province expect that they act with integrity in the conduct of their duties and carry themselves with dignity in both our social and official conduct.
The North West MEC for Education,Viola Motsumi commended the swift action by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the community of Pella village, which led to the recovery of stolen assets following burglaries at three schools over the weekend. Motsumi said the schools that were affected by the break-ins are Tapos Primary School, Sewagodimo Technical School, and Morare Secondary School.
“They suffered losses, including tablets designated for Grade R learners and a refrigerator. Thanks to a tip-off from vigilant community members, the CPF was able to recover these stolen items.
“So far, one of the perpetrators has been apprehended and investigations are ongoing. We would like to praise the community and CPF for their prompt response and active role in safeguarding the schools,” she said.
Motsumi further extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Community Police Forum and the residents of Pella, for their swift action in recovering the stolen assets. She added that their vigilance and commitment to protecting the schools are invaluable.
“Incidents like these remind us that the security of our schools is not just the responsibility of the department, but of the entire community. Together, we can ensure that our learners’ educational resources are protected and that our schools remain safe environments for all.
“As department, we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and the community to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said Motsumi.
The accused, Samuel Ngonyamo (42) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, while Oliah Mthethwa (44) was sentenced to three months imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, or legible to pay a R1000 fine.
In October 2023, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) received a tip-off regarding two men who were alleged to be in possession of a firearm, near a certain restaurant in Ventersdorp.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the information was operationalised and the police searched a bag the duo was carrying. Gunya said inside the bag, an AK 47 rifle with magazine and ammunition were allegedly found.
“It was also established that the suspects did not possess documents to be in the country and were subsequently apprehended. The accused were denied bail and following a series of court appearances, they were eventually sentenced.
“The court has ordered that the duo be deported to their country of origin after the completion of their sentences,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for ensuring that the accused are brought to book.
A man (42) was sentenced to life term and 30 years imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court for murder. Buti Alfred Samoen from Mamelodi Township, in Gauteng, was arrested for killing an e-hailing driver, Modingoane Pitjadi (30).
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Sameon was sentenced to 30 years for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 10 years for attempted murder.
Mahanjana further said the accused was also sentenced to 5 years for kidnapping, 5 for assault with intention to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 3 years for possession of unlicensed firearm, 2 for unlawful possession of ammunition, 2 years for pointing of a firearm and 2 years for malicious property damage.
“The court ordered that all other counts should run concurrently with that of life imprisonment except the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, therefore the effective sentence is one life term and 30 years direct imprisonment.
“On 10 April 2022, the deceased was on his way back from dropping his friends in Nellmapius, when he was hijacked by Samoen off his Hyundai Accent vehicle and kidnapped. Thereafter, he took him to his place of residence in Mamelodi East, where he killed him and dumped his body at Phomolong Informal Settlement,” she said.
Mahanjana added that on the same day, while using the deceased vehicle, Samoen and his accomplice forced the second complainant’s vehicle to a halt in Moretlwa Street, Mamelodi East, and began to rob him and his family of their cell phones, car keys, driver’s license and cards. She said during the robbery, Samoen fired a shot through the passenger door, which resulted in the complainant’s son (27), being shot in his leg.
“Subsequently, both Sameon and his accomplice fled the scene and a case was opened by the complainant against them. He proceeded to his family residence in Mamelodi, where he accused his cousin of stealing his Universal Serial Bus (USB).
“During the argument, he assaulted him with a firearm on his head and further proceeded to point his aunt with the same firearm and fled. On 8 May 2022, Samoen returned to his family residence, where he broke the windowpanes and clay pots insisting on staying at the residence, which he later left,” said Mahanjana.
She said after investigations by the police, Samoen was found and arrested at his girlfriend’s place of residence in Nellmapius, on 22 June 2022, and has been in custody since.
“During the trial, Samoen pleaded guilty to the charge of malicious property damage, but pleaded not guilty to other charges preferred against him. However, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentencing proceedings through his legal representative, Samoen asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences because he has two children that he needs to take care off,” said Mahanajana.
She said Samoen also asked the court to consider the time he spent in custody since his arrest.
However, the state prosecutor, Adv Thembile Nyakama argued that Samoen was not a first-time offender. Nyakama said he had previous convictions of malicious property damage, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm, assault, kidnapping, and house-breaking and two pending cases of attempted murder.
“He cannot be rehabilitated outside the prison walls because he committed the offences he has been convicted of while on parole. Furthermore, Samoen was not remorseful and that during his term in prison, he was allowed to transform his life, but failed to do so.
“Therefore, we ask the court not to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences. We also have a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Court Preparation Officer, Lebohang Lebese, where Pitjadi’s sister stated how the death of his brother affected her and the family,” said Nyakama.
She said in another VIS, Samoens’ aunt and cousin also stated how they fear Samoen and how his actions have affected the family.
Meanwhile, the acting Judge Matlapeng agreed with the state and said that Samoen showed no remorse for his actions, and he killed the deceased in a gruesome way. Therefore, Matlapeng said he found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences.
Setshwantsho: Mongwebi o itsegeng le mong wa The Meat Brother’s Pub wa maloba, Tshwaro Mangwegape
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Mogwebi o itsegeng gape ele mong wa maloba wa lefelo le le rekisang bojalwa la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo. Mangwegape yo o kopang lekgotlha gore le tsholole kgetsi ya gagwe ya polao le maiteko a polao, o tla utlwa ditlamorago tsa kopo ya gagwe mo letsatsing la gompieno.
Kopo eno, e ile ya tlhagisiwa ke mmueledi wa gagwe, Isang Nakale. Nakale are kgetsi e, e tshololwe gonne bosekisi bo tsweletse go goga dinao mo go yone. Go ya ka Nakale, labofelo bosekisi bo ile jwa kopa magistrata gore a busetse kgetsi eno morago fa bo sentse bo emetse diteko tsa sethunya.
Nakale are, seo se feleletsa se ama molatofadiwa, gonne o senyegelwa ke madi go dula a boa-boa kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme go sena lepele le morago. Nakale are kgotlha-tshekelo, e tsholole kgetsi e, mme e tla e busetsa fa bosekisi bo setse bo itekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko.
Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go thuntsa le go bolaya naledi ya kgwele ya dinao ya setlhopha sa NWU Soccer Institute, Undivile “Vila” Mdi (28) le go gobatsa tsala ya gagwe, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba etela lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub mono Taung ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate. Fela go begwa fa lefelo leo le ne le tletse phetelelo.
Go ya ka dibego, Mdi le Kokwe ba baneng ba le mo gare ga lefelo leo, ba ile ba tswela kwa ntle, mme batlhokomedi ba ile ba ba lemotsha fa ba se kitla ba kgona go boela mo teng, gonne go tletse.
Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga tlhatlharuane magareng ga Mangwegape le banna ba. Go begwa fa Mangwegape a ile a ntsha sethunya le go thuntsa Mdi, ga mmogo le Kokwe.
Go begwa fa Mdi a ile a tlhokafalela kwa bookelo, mme Kokwe ene o ile a amogelwa le go kgaolwa leoto. Mangwegape, yo o neetsweng beile ya R5000 ke kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo ka di 21 Phatwe 2024.
Kgabagare, mongwe wa baeteledipele kwa motseng wa Manokwane, Kgakololo Koji are: “Mo nakong e e fetileng, ke ile ka naya kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung bopaki. Ba tshegeditse bopaki jwa gore, fa o batla gore o se ye kgolegelong mo Taung, o tshwanetse go nna le mmueledi o diphatsa.
“Jaanong, re a itse gore go diragalang. Fela jaaka kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung ene yam o ganela ka beile, kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West kwa Mahikeng, e ne e tshwanetse gore le yone e mo ganele ka beile.”
Koji are fa kgetsi e e ka tshololwa, o ikana a sa dutle gore ba tlile go itseela molao mo matsogong.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has granted the Electoral Commission of South Africa time to conclude a comprehensive report on the recently concluded National and Provincial elections. The committee said it is important that it reflects on the positives and challenges encountered during the elections to ensure that future elections experience less challenges.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said: “It is important that the committee receives a considered report that covers broadly the positives and challenges experienced in the past elections.
“A comprehensive reflection will ensure that the entire process is open and transparent and will enhance accountability.”
Chabane further said the committee raised serious concern that there were administrative lapses in the issuing of study visas for the 95 Libyan nationals that were detained at a military training camp in Mpumalanga. He added that the issuance of the visas without following due process and approval without the necessary information requires urgent action to safeguard the country’s security.
“Despite these concerns, however, the committee appreciated the swift action of law enforcement agencies and the use of intelligence to identify and detain the 95 Libyan nationals that led to their deportation from South Africa. The collaboration with communities in sharing information is also a welcomed occurrence which must be encouraged going forward.
“The department’s anti-corruption unit must extensively communicate its contact platforms to ensure that people are aware and able to share information about fraud and corruption around services of the department,” said Chabane.
He said it is concerning that the preliminary investigation has uncovered that there was a gap in the administrative process between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation stationed in Tunis and that there was no process to consult, seek advice or obtain authorisation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), before issuing the visas.
Chabane said this gap presents a security risk and puts into question the verification processes applied in issuing visas.
“The committee was informed that among the anomalies identified by the preliminary investigation included the offline systems at the mission, which resulted in handwritten documents.
“This includes the use of outdated forms that do not comply with prescribed forms in the Immigration Regulations, study visas issued despite no indication in the forms that the applicant was applying for study visas, omission of critical information in the application forms, no evidence of sufficient funds for application to maintain them, while in South Africa as prescribed, and non-verification of police clearance certificates before processing the application,” he said.
Chabane said these lapses are substantial and are at the heart of the verification process before granting a visa. He said lack of this critical information has a potential to undermine the ineffectiveness of our immigration regulations and renders useless the verification process.
The Guardian 