Picture: A body of a person exhumed by the police/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Four accused persons aged 26 and 40 are expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 21 August 2024, in connection with the murder of Alfred Ntagane Puoeng (34), who was reported missing at Pudimoe Police Station on 7 July 2024.
According to the reports, Puoeng was last seen in December 2023, when he left his home in Pudimoe. The missing man’s father allegedly received a tip-off that his son was assaulted by Keaobaka Blos, Mohau Gaobuse, Oaitse Nchweng and Rapelang Blos, for stealing a cell phone.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said in January 2024, the concerned father called other family members to check if they were not aware of the victim’s whereabouts, but nothing positive came out of that.
“In June 2024, the father eventually met the victim’s friend, who was with him when he was assaulted. After being informed that Puoeng was severely assaulted by four people, who accused him of theft, the father reported the matter to the police.
“It transpired during investigations that four men assaulted and killed Puoeng, then buried him in a shallow grave at a farm, outside Vryburg. The accused persons were arrested at their residences in Pudimoe on 13 August 2024,” she said.
Funani further said the accused persons initially appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2024, and their case was postponed until 21 August 2024, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all members of Pudimoe Police Station and other role players for their collaborative and investigative efforts to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
A man (32) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court for murder. Dodo Oliphant was arrested on 2 November 2019, for assaulting and stabbing his girlfriend to death.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Oliphant got angry after he visited and found his girlfriend (28), with another boyfriend at her residence in Tswelelang Township, outside Wolmaransstad. Funani said the convict stabbed the boyfriend who ran away.
“Oliphant then assaulted and stabbed his girlfriend, Karabo Metswamere with a knife on the upper body and left her bleeding to chase the other boyfriend. The neighbours, who witnessed the incident called Metswamere’s family.
“The family alerted the police who found Karabo. She was transported to hospital. The police arrested Oliphant at Tswelelang Township and charged him with attempted murder. The case was later changed to murder after Karabo died in hospital,” she said.
Funani further said Oliphant has been behind bars ever since his arrest and was also charged with assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). She added that upon sentencing the accused, the court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Wolmaransstad Detectives for the sterling job and dedication they displayed to ensure that Oliphant was arrested and convicted. Kwena said he is pleased that the sentence, which was imposed during Women’s Month, will serve as an indication to criminals that Gender Based Violence (GBV) will not be condoned.
A man (31) who was arrested for murder is expected to appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 19 August 2024. The suspect allegedly killed his co-worker (27) after a quarrel ensued between them.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said according to reports, the victim was visiting his two co-workers, who are brothers at Geluksoord Township, near Christiana. Funani said they all went to a local tavern, where a quarrel ensued between the two brothers.
“This comes after the elder brother took his younger brother’s cell phone and refused to give it back to him. The trio went back to the house, where the brothers continued to fight. The aggressive elder brother allegedly stabbed the victim with a knife on the upper body when trying to separate them.
“The police were summoned to the scene, where the victim was certified dead. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked the police for their rapid response that led to the arrest. Tlotleng urged the community members to solve their differences amicably rather than resorting to violence.
The South African U20 Men’s National Team beat their Lesotho counterparts 3-1 in a friendly match played at Bambatha Tšsita Sports Arena on Friday. This was the first of two friendly matches that Amajita will play in Lesotho this weekend as they continue with their preparations for the 2024 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and COSAFA Qualifier scheduled for September 2024.
The visitors started the match brightly and dominated the ball possession, and they were rewarded 20 minutes into the game when Mfundo Vilakazi, scored the opening goal. Coach Raymond Mdaka’s team doubled the lead six minutes later as Kutlwano Lethlaku scored from close range.
Lesotho clawed their way back through Paseka Maile when he scored in the 39th minute, but the South Africans held onto the lead to go to the halftime break still in the lead.
Substitute Shakeel April put the game beyond the reach of the hosts when he scored the third goal of the match to complete the 3-1 victory for the visitors.
Amajita will meet the hosts again on 18 August 2024 in their second and final match in Lesotho.
Picture: A firearm and ammunition confiscated by the police/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
A learner (15), who was found to be in possession of a firearm and six ammunition, has been placed under the care of his parents. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the police in Klipgat, were dispatched to the school following the call from the principal.
Funani said on arrival, the principal showed them a firearm and ammunition, as well as the learner who was allegedly found in possession of the items.
“The learner who allegedly told the police that the firearm belongs to his brother, who has gone missing since Wednesday, was arrested. The preliminary investigation revealed that the firearm was reported stolen at Mabopane Township, in Gauteng Province on 11 July 2024.
“The minor was assessed by social workers on 15 August 2024, and placed under the care of his parents. Meanwhile, the police are looking for the learner’s brother. The minor is expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Children’s Court on 21 August 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 Commissioner, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape, urged the parents and firearm owners not to leave their firearms unattended as that poses danger to the community.
Setshwantsho: Moswi o bolailweng ka gotlhabiwa ka thipa, Tshepiso Medichane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lekgarebe le le ileng la tlhabiwa ka thipa le go bolawa la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng mono Taung, le tlile go fitlhiwa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa Tshepiso Medichane (21), a ile a tlhabiwa ka thipa le go bolawa ke mokapelo wa gagwe, ka masa la letsatsi la Mosupulogo.
Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa monna (22) o golaganngwang le polao ya ga Medichane lekgarebe a tshwerwe. 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 mo letsatsing la maabane.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “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. O tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo fa a setse a itekanetse. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Two accused, Hilda Matlhabadie Tlou (41) and Authalia Busika (47), were sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court, or pay a R20 000 fine after they were found guilty of fraud. According to the Hawks in North West, between 2012 and 2013, Tlou, who is a former clerk at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s office and Busika, who is a former clerk at the Rustenburg Platinum Mine, reportedly connived and created a fraudulent Power of Attorney letter for maintenance from a beneficiary of file of the complainant.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col, Tinyiko Mathebula said they allegedly stole R55 000, which they shared among themselves. Mathebula further said following an investigation, the pair was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in 2015.
“Tlou was released on warning, while Busika was released on R5000 bail. The accused made a series of court appearances until they were convicted and sentenced.
“They were sentenced to R20 000 fine or five years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of fraud during the period of suspension,” he added.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for securing a successful conviction against the accused.
Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine with SAFA delegation/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine said they had a fruitful session with South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Maine said he engaged SAFA to consider North West amongst provinces that have the capacity and willingness to host both national and international games.
He further said the province has not hosted in while, which presupposes that there is under utilisation of the stadiums in the North West. Maine added that this is adversely affecting the development of sports, as well as tourism in the province.
“We pleaded with Jordaan that it is crucial for SAFA to consider hosting games in our province because that will give the people of North West a civic pride, and that will also facilitate improvement in the development of the province with regard to infrastructure, growth in investment and tourism.
“We both also placed heavy emphasis on the school sport programme, because under 15 and 19 academies are recruited from inter-school sport competition games. The province will be hosting a Premier Cup soon, which is a culmination of Mayoral Cup tournaments into final provincial cup games,” he said.
Maine said North West has talent and they plead with the confederation to come to the province to scout talent. He said they appreciate the opportunity to meet with SAFA and they are looking forward to further discussions around hosting agreements, and to is leave the legacy for the people of North West.
Meanwhile, Jordaan made a commitment to Maine that Royal Bafokeng and Olympia Stadiums amongst others, will be considered to host in the upcoming national and international matches.
Picture: Some of the buses from Atamelang Bus Company/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has applauded the bravery displayed by some of the Atamelang Bus Company drivers for preventing possible disaster that might happen due to conditions of some of the buses used to transport commuters. Morweng said Atamelang is one of the commuter companies that are subsidised by the his department.
Today, the drivers came to the department head offices and requested a meeting with Morweng, asking him to intervene. Of late, the buses belonging to the company experienced mechanical breakdowns with lot of dissatisfaction from commuters, who are mostly workers and learners.
“As a result, commuters have been arriving late to their respective destinations. I was encouraged by the bravery displayed by drivers. One thing that I must express is the bravery they have displayed and not worried about losing your jobs, but putting lives of our commuters first.
“That shows they know their role in the society, unlike keeping quiet when Rome is burning and know they could have taken actions to avert tragedy,” he said.
Morweng assured that, government will intervene in the challenges that commuters using Atamelang buses are faced with everyday and come up with a permanent solution. He further said government cannot sit back and idle when tax payers’ money is being used and there is no value for money.
“You go to work or school as a learner, you are not sure if you will arrive on time. You go home after work, you still not sure if you will arrive home on time. This has to stop and I will soon meet with company owners to hear what are their plans in trying to resolve the challenges passengers are faced with on daily basis,” said Morweng.
Picture: Some of the delegates attending the Fellowship Program/Twitter
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West University’ School of Government Studies hosted the first of the three legs of the Strong Nations for Africa Fellowship Programme from 28 July to 2 August 2024. The programme was co-designed and co-delivered by the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) in Singapore and the African Association of Public Administration and Management (AAPAM).
According to the North West University (NWU) principal and vice chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, the programme is tailored for senior African public sector leaders. Tyobeka said it aims to build a community of leaders committed to enhancing the quality of national governance in their respective countries.
He further said the programme brought together delegates from various African countries, who were accepted on merit after undergoing a rigorous selection process. Tyobeka added that the first leg of the initiative consists of various modules and was facilitated by respected academics and practitioners.
“They include Prof Kedibone Phago, Prof Piet Croucamp, Prof Lusanda Juta and Dr Christa de Wet from the NWU, Prof Siphamadla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Prof Mammo Muchie from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
“Other facilitators were Bontle Lerumo from the Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA), Zukiswa Mqolomba from the Public Service Commission of South Africa (PSCSA), and Dr Botshabelo Maja from the National School of Government (NSG),” he said.
Tyobeka said the government must respond to societal needs by providing health, education and infrastructure services, among others. He said this programme provides a platform for public officials to polish their technical know-how and leadership skills, which will significantly contribute to the governance foundations of the African states.
“Throughout the week, participants engaged in facilitated discussions and learning journeys, experiencing first-hand examples of public policy and service delivery in South Africa.
“The outcomes of these discussions emphasised the need for collective action from all stakeholders, including government, civil society and individuals, to address ethical lapses and work towards a more just and equitable society,” said Tyobeka.
Notable speakers include Wu Wei Neng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CIG and Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance, and Dr John Nakabago, AAPAM president. Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, also delivered an inspiring address.
Buthelezi urged delegates to share knowledge and best practices.
“We urge you to think beyond borders to pursue local solutions to global challenges. We also encourage participants to make the most of this opportunity.
“Be proactive in sharing knowledge and best practices to enrich our collective approach to governance on the continent. Think beyond borders as you find local solutions that address global challenges,” he said.
On the final day, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, addressed the delegates. She is currently the chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and the recipient of an Honorary Doctoral Degree from the NWU in 2021.
“There is a framework to guide public administration and governance practices through the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration principles, where I serve as the Chairperson of the Committee.
“This was a week of robust learning and networking. That has reinforced the programme’s mission to equip African public sector officials and leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to build solid nations for future generations,” said Fraser-Moleketi.
Meanwhile, the second leg of the programme will take place online from 12 to 16 August, while the third leg will take place in Singapore from 26 to 30 August, providing participants with a broader perspective on effective governance practices.
The Guardian 