The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warned that police will not tolerate anyone who takes the law into their own hands. This comes after Gregory Phatshwane (43), Kagiso Mokwalase (32) Tshepo Thipe (33) and Mosimanegape Sekhomba (43), briefly appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg for kidnapping and murder.
It is alleged that the accused kidnapped Ponono Sekgopi (43) from a tavern on 28 July 2024, in Phokeng after accusing him of burglary. They allegedly took him to Kotokoto Dam, where he was assaulted.
Kwena said Sekgopi was found dead by a passerby and informed the Royal Bafokeng Reaction Force members, who alerted the police. He further said the preliminary investigations led to the discovery of a Nissan Almera vehicle with blood stains in the boot.
“The accused were eventually arrested and their blood stained clothes were seized. We condemn the incident and urged the community to work together with the police through existing and recognised structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF), rather than taking the law into their own hands .
“The accused were remanded in custody until 6 August 2024,” added Kwena.
A man (24) was sentenced to 19 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances, house breaking and theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Juvanne Mathee threatened Andrew Laven (58) at knife point before robbing him of his money. Mathee also broke into the house of Stoffel Booyen (51) and stole his cell phone.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused also robbed a foreign national (29) at a tuck shop before fleeing. Shemane said after a spate of offences, Mathee was arrested on 9 November 2023.
“A bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until his sentencing. On 29 July 2024, Mathee was convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years imprisonment for housebreaking and theft.
“He was also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The count 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence in count 1. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Charlotte Makgari, applauded Detective Constable Abigail Morgan for her thorough investigative work that ensured that the accused is removed from society for a lengthy period.
A man (28) was fatally shot in Newpark in Kimberley. The preliminary investigations indicate that, on Wednesday evening, 31 July 2024 at approximately 9pm, the deceased was fatally shot in his white Toyota Hilux Bakkie.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the victim and his spouse (27), were at the gate entering into their townhouse complex when an unknown man allegedly approached and fired several shots into the vehicle, fatally wounding the deceased.
“The police are investigating a murder and attempted murder case. Any person who can assist with information regarding the incident can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Thabang Kamolane on 082 302 0407 or during office hours at 053 838 4344.
“All information will be treated confidentially and police investigations are continuing. The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are probing the fatal shooting,” he said.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
By REGINALD KANYANE
Banyana Banyana will face FIFA Women’s World Cup finalists, England in an away international friendly match in October. Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said her squad will meet the Lionesses at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 29 October 2024, in a match that will be part of the African Champions’ preparations for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
“After the two away international friendly matches against Senegal in June (1-1 and 2-0), this is a great opportunity for us as we continue with our preparations for WAFCON.
“It gives us time to really prepare well for this challenge to defend our WAFCON title. I’m also excited that the challenge of facing England, the European champions, will test us in a different way. We hope our fans in the UK will come out in numbers to support us. Lastly, a very big thank you to both SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support and in getting us this top nation to test us as we continue with our preparations to defend our title in the WAFCON,” she said.
It has been more than 14 years since the South African senior women’s national team faced the European champions, with England winning their group stage meeting in the Cyprus Cup 1-0 in February 2010.
SAFA CEO Lydia Manyepao said: “It is a great opportunity for us as African champions to play against the European champions as a stage for our players to showcase how far we’ve developed as a nation. Playing in front of a large South African and African expat community living in England will give coach Desiree and the girls an extra gear to get a good result.”
Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand & Sponsorships shared the same sentiments. Mbatha said they are thrilled to support SASOL Banyana Banyana as they prepare to face England in this upcoming friendly.
“This match will present an excellent opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and skills for the 2024 WAFCON tournament. We believe that they will use the power of sport to inspire and unite South Africans, and on behalf of Sasol, we wish them all the best,” she said.
Picture: The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha, was recently honoured as the Emerging Psychologist of the Year at the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA) Presidential Merit Awards held at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg.
SIOPSA is a member-based, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) established to enhance the industrial and organisational psychology profession in South Africa. These awards are held annually in recognition and celebration of excellence in industrial and organisational psychology.
This accolade stands as a testament to Botha’s exceptional contributions to the field of industrial psychology. She said receiving the award was a tremendous honour and represents the collective hard work of those dedicated to driving change.
“Receiving the award is a testament to my efforts in advancing the field of industrial psychology. Professionally, it validates the contributions I strive to make within the industry.
“Personally, it is a recognition of the perseverance and dedication required to overcome the numerous challenges in this field, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” said Botha.
Botha’s journey has been characterised by perseverance, hard work, and a tireless commitment to advancing the field of industrial psychology. Throughout her career, she has been a champion of addressing key challenges faced by emerging industrial-organisational psychologists.
Her efforts, alongside like-minded individuals, led to the establishment of an interest group aimed at tackling issues such as unclear registration processes and limited internship opportunities. She said this collaborative initiative has fostered a more supportive environment for emerging professionals in the field.
Botha has carved a path of success through sheer determination. Her dedication to the industry is further reflected in her role as the chairperson of the Assessment Centre Study Group, chairperson and EXCO member at SIOPSA, and Project Manager of the SIOPSA Learning Academy.
“I was influenced by my family’s deep roots in psychology, with my grandfather and mother being renowned industrial psychologists, so my career path in this field was a natural progression.
“My dedication and hard work eventually led to the establishment of Inpsyght Consulting, a thriving business specialising in talent management solutions and workplace counselling,” she said.
Botha grew up in Vanderbijlpark and completed her undergraduate, honours, and master’s degrees at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus. During her studies, she sought opportunities to job shadow and assist industrial psychologists in administrative tasks.
During her master’s studies, she worked as a psychometrist and began her journey as an industrial psychology intern.
“The path to registration in our field is tough, so I took over my mom’s consultancy and turned it into a successful business specialising in talent management and workplace counselling. It was a challenging journey, working around 17-18 hours a day, but it all paid off in the end.
“Building a robust professional network, staying up-to-date with industry advancements, seeking mentorship, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial for success. Additionally, maintaining resilience and adaptability is key, as the journey to becoming a registered industrial psychologist can be demanding but immensely rewarding,” said Botha.
She counsels aspiring industrial psychologists to prioritise continual learning and evidence-based practices.
A man (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the De Aar Regional Court for rape. On 4 April 2022, at around 3:30am, the victim (16) was with her friend in Nonzwakazi, De Aar, when they were accosted by two unknown men.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the men chased away the victim’s friend. Shemane said they raped the victim before they fled the scene.
“The rape case was registered and assigned to Captain Valery Booysen of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation. Evidence led to the arrest of the accused, who was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
“The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and the accused name to be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders. The police are committed towards the prevention and investigation of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes to ensure that perpetrators feel the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shemane said the Detectives across the province continue unabatedly to secure significant sentences in their quest to bring perpetrators to book.
Picture: Learners during Science Day at MM Sebitloane Special School
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Grade 12 learners who received bursaries from the North West University (NWU) said they are grateful and this will ensure that they fulfil their dreams. This comes after the North West University (NWU) held the second vice-chancellor’s Science Day at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung on 30 July 2024.
The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, who is a scientist himself said, the event aimed to raise awareness and to inspire learners from schools in Taung and neighbouring villages to develop an interest in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, encouraging them to pursue careers in these areas.
Tyobeka further said they are targeting approximately 1 200 learners in Grades 10 to 12 from rural communities. He added that the Science Day was a collaborative effort between various internal and external stakeholders.
“They include the NWU’s vice-chancellor’s office and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), the North West Department of Education, and the Taung College of Agriculture, among others.
“For the learners of Taung, enrolling in STEM fields is not just an opportunity – it is a vital step towards shaping a brighter future for yourselves and your communities. STEM education opens doors to careers that are in high demand and offers the potential for innovation and problem-solving that can transform our world,” said Tyobeka.
He said in a region such as Taung that is often characterised by limited resources, a strong foundation in STEM can empower young people to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness by finding solutions that are relevant to the actual needs of the area. Tyobeka said they are equipped with critical thinking skills, creativity and resilience, which are traits essential for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
“If learners continue to embrace STEM education, they can become pioneers in fields such as renewable energy, healthcare, technology, agriculture and more, contributing to the development and sustainability of Taung and beyond.
“Moreover, STEM careers often offer better job stability and higher remuneration, providing a pathway out of poverty and a means to support families and communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pinagare High School Grade 12 learner, Reabetswe Thupayatlase said: “I have applied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Regional and Urban Planning at the North West University (NWU) and I am so excited for the opportunity. The bursary means a lot to me because I did not apply for any financial assistance.”
Joseph Saku High School Grade 12 learner, Gomotsego Moholo shared the same sentiments.
Picture: The Head of Department of North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Hans Kekana/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has welcomed the improved audit opinion for the 2023/24 financial year. In the previous financial year, the department had scored a qualified opinion.
The Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana said subsequently, measures of compliance were put in place in order to achieve the unqualified opinion and working hand-in-hand with the Office of the Auditor General (AG). Kekana said the course to attaining the unqualified outcome was challenging.
“However, it is a clear indication of the department’s devotion to achieving a clean audit. On behalf of the entire management team, we welcome the outcome of the audit report.
“A lot of work has gone into making sure that the outcome matches our intentions and overall performance targets. It has been a challenging journey of transition, above all it shows that our commitment towards a clean audit is being realised slowly but surely,” he said.
Kekana also expressed appreciation to officials for their tireless efforts to ensure increased compliance. He further said his gratitude goes to the internal audit team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the entire management team for the overall improvement.
“Auditing should not be viewed as a punitive process, but as a corrective measure to assist the government in moving forward and ensure that resources are used effectively, efficiently and economically,” he added.
Picture: The suspected stolen motor vehicle seized by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (56) who was arrested for suspected stolen motor vehicle will briefly appear in Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 1 August 2024, for formal bail application. Dumisani Mnyandu was arrested on 25 July 2024, while attempting to cross the Ramatlabana Port of Entry into Botswana with a Hyundai Grand Creta vehicle.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Mnyandu was arrested after the circulation system showed that the vehicle with KwaZulu-Natal registration numbers, was allegedly hijacked in Mbizana, Eastern Cape, on 14 July 2024.
“The preliminary investigations revealed that Mnyandu was in transit to Malawi. Consequent to his arrest, Mnyandu made an initial court appearance on 26 July 2024, for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended police at the Port of Entry for their attentiveness and collaboration with Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) in the fight against transnational crimes.
Picture: Some of community members attending the praying session/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Following the commitment recently made by the North West Community Safety and Transport Management on strengthening the fight against crime, the department led the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prayer session at Dinokana village, near Zeerust.
The Chief Director for the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Mpho Maleme, called on victims not to withdraw their cases and explained the role of the department in ensuring that police services communities according to the law.
“We are responsible to ensure that you get the service that you deserve at police stations and upon our investigations, we are able to re-register your case should we find discrepancies from the police side upon their investigation.
“The prayer session was organised under the District Development Model (DDM), where a number of government departments such as National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Services, Home Affairs, Social Development and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), presented to communities on their services, particularly on dealing with cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F),’ she said.
The Guardian 