A man (50) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for attempted murder. On 2 December 2023, Letlhogonolo Sejake went to his ex-girlfriend’s house with whom he has two children.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said when Sejake arrived at his former lover’s home fuelled by the rage of jealousy that she had moved on, started to attack her with an axe. Senokoatsane said while attacking the victim, their son (6), was also injured in the process.
“During the trial, the court heard how the accused, who could not accept that their relationship was over, went on a drinking spree and later decided to detour to the complainants’ house because he heard she had a new boyfriend.
“In arguing the state’s case, the state prosecutor, Kekeletso Lokota, put it to the court that domestic-related assaults leading to loss of life were rife and a clear message needed to be sent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) that courts are serious about fighting the scourge of GBVF-related cases,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said Sejake was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with 5 years suspended and 6 years for assault GBH. He added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a fire.
“The sentences are to run concurrently and Sejake’s name will also be listed as someone unfit to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act,” said Senokoatsane
The Department of Social Development said it is concerned about alcohol as the first drug of choice by young people. Recently, South Africa joined the world to commemorate World Drug Day.
The theme for World Drug Day 2024 is: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.
The department spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant said drugs not only destroy lives, but also disrupt communities, fuel crime and weaken economies. Oliphant said according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise.
“The World Drug Day highlights the global commitment needed to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking through education, support, and rehabilitation. The day underscores the necessity of international cooperation as drug trafficking is a trans-national challenge that requires a coordinated response from governments, organisations, and individuals.
“The theme teaches countries the importance of understanding that effective drug policies need to be grounded in science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights. The day also emphasizes a thorough comprehension of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug use,” she said.
Oliphant further said the World Drug Day 2024 also emphasises the importance of ending stigma and strengthening prevention efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She added that can be achieved by uniting globally and prioritizing compassion and education and making significant strides toward a drug-free world.
“Individuals can contribute to the commemoration of this day by spreading awareness, supporting local prevention and rehabilitation programs, participating in community events, and advocating for policies that address drug abuse and trafficking.
“The 2024 Commemoration was preceded by a National Anti-Drug Awareness week, which commenced from 18-22 June 2024. During that week, it was critical for the department to lead various activities in all provinces to highlight the harmful use, abuse, misuse of alcohol and drugs,” said Oliphant.
She said they have initiated a forum led by the Liquor Board to regularly engage traders and the communities on pressing matters such as illegal shebeens that are mushrooming uncontrollably. Oliphant said the crime rate is associated with substance abuse such as the selling of drugs and other harmful substances outside some taverns.
“Young people cited boredom, peer pressure and easy access to drugs and alcohol as some of the major challenges present in their community. They asked parents to actively support initiatives that educate everyone about the risks associated with substance abuse, advocating for a proactive approach to community wellness.
“The department is concerned that alcohol remains the first drug of choice for young people and the policy of Prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) will be finalised for tabling to cabinet for approval. The policy seeks to empower the country to deal with the abuse of alcohol, especially by children and replace effective policies with evidence-based policies,” said Oliphant.
She said the significance of World Drug Day 2024, lies in its ability to raise awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Social Work Policy Manager at the National Department of Social Development, Motshabi Nkoane, has raised a concern on the high level of alcohol abuse in South Africa, especially, amongst young people which includes binge drinking.
“Substance abuse is not a department issue alone and therefore, all relevant stakeholders, including, councillors, traditional leadership and communities, should be involved to fight the scourge of substance abuse as stipulated in the National Drug Master Plan, which is the overarching blueprint of the country’s response to substance abuse,” she said.
Picture: World renowned broadcaster, Stephen Grootes/Google
By BAKANG MOKOTO
World renowned broadcaster, Stephen Grootes has re-joined Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk. The former SABC’s SAfm host tendered his resignation on Tuesday.
The former senior political correspondent for Eyewitness News, who was also a senior contributor at the Daily Maverick also confirmed this on his official X account (formerly known as Twitter).
“It has been the honour of my professional life to speak to the entire nation every morning over the last six years, and I have learnt an incredible amount from presenting SAfm Sunrise. I will deeply miss the Sunrise team, our listeners and particularly our callers,” he said.
Grootes is regarded as an individual with an encyclopaedic knowledge of South African politics and well-connected within media and political circles.
Meanwhile, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing), Mmoni Seapolelo said they regret to inform SAfm listeners and clients about the imminent departure of Stephen Grootes from the station at the end of July 2024, to pursue a new career opportunity.
“SABC Radio management thanks him for his loyal service and impeccable work ethic and wishes him well in his future endeavours. A new presenter for ‘SAfm Sunrise’ will be announced in due course,” she said.
The Northern Cape police said Operation Shanela remains intentional and continues to stamp down the authority of the state during weekly disruptive actions. This comes after the arrests of 336 suspects for an array of criminal offences across all five districts in the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said they have intensified police operations with specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas and they have endured multitude of successes.
Kock said actions and police activities executed during the operations, include vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.
“More than 44 VCPs and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2643 vehicles and 6369 persons were stopped and searched. A total of 13 731 police actions were executed and included compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, school visits as well as farms.
“Numerous awareness campaigns focusing on safer schools programmes and campaigns educating the community and youth on safety aspects, were conducted,” he said.
Kock further said the Northern Cape Provincial Community Policing Board, also conducted sessions in Calvinia, Springbok and Upington. He added that the suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, stock theft, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property and dealing and possession of drugs.
“This includes arrested for dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants, as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act. Out of 336 total arrests, 148 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences.
“The arrests were executed during tracing operations by detectives in the five districts. Disruptive actions focusing on the illegal trading in liquor resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal liquor outlets and other hot spot crime areas. Numerous illegal liquor outlets were closed down during interventions,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that the police will continue to robustly and vigorously prevent and combat crime. Otola also commended all the law enforcement agencies and external stakeholders, including the CPF structures for their concerted efforts in addressing crime collaboratively in the province.
Two men aged 28 were arrested for rape and house robbery. It is alleged that during the evening of Monday, 24 June 2024, at about 7pm, the woman arrived at her place of residence from a local store.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said while she was busy unlocking the door, she was allegedly accosted by two men, who both brandished knives. Pilane further said the suspects allegedly threatened her not to scream and forced her to comply at knife point.
“Both assailants took turns raping her and after the incident instructed her to bath. The two suspects then ransacked the victim’s flat and allegedly took cell phones, a laptop, and clothes belonging to her, locked her inside and fled the scene.
“She managed to call for help from the neighbours and the incident was later reported to the police. On 28 June 2024, one of the suspects was spotted wearing shoes belonging to the victim and was arrested,” she said.
Pilane further said the second suspect was later arrested and both positively linked to the crime. She added that both suspects briefly appeared in the De Aar Magistrate’s Court on 1 July 2024.
“We urge individuals to follow safety tips to keep them safe from becoming rape victims. They should always be aware of their surroundings. They should avoid being alone in isolated places and if possible, always have a safety buddy.
“Avoid being alone with people you do not know or trust. Always inform someone close of your whereabouts and avoid excessive use of alcohol,” said Pilane.
Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) calls for the removal of ‘incompetent’ municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. This comes after the embattled Gaoraelwe, crashed the municipality’s R700 00 luxury BMW X3 on Sunday again.
It is alleged that Gaoraelwe was involved in an accident during the day on 30 June 2024 and later on, staged a shooting incident as a cover-up. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said Gaoraelwe crashed numerous municipal vehicles and it is inacceptable to see this kind of behaviour from him.
“What really happened is debauched. You will remember that we have been cranky about the misuse of the municipal vehicles by Gaoraelwe. This is not the first time he crashed the same vehicle. Gaoraelwe also crashed other municipal vehicles belonging to different units.
“What is upsetting is that all these vehicles were bought with taxpayers’ money. There are allegations that the shooting incident that he was involved in, was staged to cover-up the actual accident,” he said.
Nape further said according to the allegations, Gaoraelwe called his ‘friends’ and instructed them to shoot the municipal vehicle to make it look like there was an attempt to hijack him. He added that, however, there are those who allegedly saw everything and have confessed.
“They alleged that they were instructed by Gaoraelwe to shoot the vehicle and staged a shooting incident. So, we call on the law enforcement agencies to do their job diligently and get to the bottom of this.
“They should engage those who allegedly confessed and take their statements. Truly speaking, Gaoraelwe is incompetent and does not qualify to be the mayor. We have been raising this issue, but the ANC dismally failed the people of Taung by not listening. However, we hope this time around they will listen and do the right thing by removing him,” said Nape.
He said as a mayor, one needs to have integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, morals and other leadership qualities, which are lacking from Gaoraelwe.
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said the ANC is facing a mammoth task ahead.
“Gaoraelwe, who is known for damaging municipal vehicles repeatedly with reckless driving, has done it again. There are unconfirmed allegations that he was involved in an accident on Sunday with the same expensive municipal vehicle and he staged attempted robbery.
“The number one citizen of the Greater Taung, should know better that making a false statement is perjury and punishable by competent court of law. Yes, a case of attempted murder is under investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “Gaoralwe was driving his vehicle at around 23:30 on 30 June 2024, in Khibicwane village, near Taung when he realised that he was being followed by another vehicle. While driving, he heard gunshots, then lost control of the vehicle, which eventually collided with a gate.
“The victim allegedly jumped out and fled. Consequently, four bullet holes were found on the victim’s vehicle. He was not injured and no one has been arrested thus far. So, anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boingotlo Tokwe on Cell: 082 469 0241.”
*The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry before publishing the article. The response of the municipality will be incorporated in the article when received.
Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for the Department of Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said she will be responsible for overseeing acceleration of the delivery of road projects in the province. She said this includes overseeing the department’s Infrastructure Capital Implementation projects and driving the province’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) initiatives, which are a key government priority for infrastructure development.
Mokua further said her presence will play a pivotal role in driving the department’s strategic initiatives, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that it continues to meet the needs and expectations of the community. She added that she will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical role.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the role of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for the department. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, for his trust and confidence in my ability to serve in this capacity.
“This is a moment of immense pride for me. I am fully aware of the significant responsibilities that come with this position. Our department plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and dedication in fulfilling our mandate,” said Mokua.
She is the second female MEC in 30 years to be appointed in the male-dominated department. Mokua hails from the dusty Kalpan village and grew up in Gelukspan in the North West.
As a former NEHAWU provincial chairperson and a member of the COSATU, ANC and South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), Mokua is well-equipped to transform the male-dominated public works sector.
She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to her roles that she was entrusted with and has the necessary capacity to drive progress and accountability in her new role.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the Month of June reminds them of the heroism of the young men and women. Mokgosi, who addressed the Provincial Youth Day celebration in Derby on Saturday said, it is important to pay tribute to the gallant fighters of the June 16 generation, whose struggles and sacrifices placed the country on a firm path towards freedom, which they obtained in 1994.
He further said they declare without any fear of contradiction that South Africa belongs to all who live in it (black and white), united in diversity. Mokgosi added that the province is proud of its galaxy of June 16 freedom fighters like Onkgopotse Tiro, Thandi Modise, Kaone Lobelo, Zakes Molotsi, Molahlehi Tau, Kagiso Ramatlhoko and many others, whose fearlessness inspired the people of the province to join and participate in the struggle for national liberation.
“Their tenacity laid an important foundation for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous country. It is fortitude which paved the way for the long-standing resolve of our forebears, who in the Freedom Charter proclaimed that the doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all.
“This among others means, education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. I am honoured to join today’s important occasion, which marks the start of the countdown to the historic half century (50th Anniversary) of the June 16 Uprising,” he said.
Mokgosi said a few days ago, the country celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted on 26 June 1955 as a blueprint for the democratic dispensation of 1994 and the nation building project they have pursued since. He said they also remember the lives of innocent people who were shot and killed in the year 2008 in the informal settlement of Skierlik.
“This tragedy sent shockwaves across the globe and put a dent in our continued quest for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country. Our gathering here today is a testimony that the foundations of our democratic society are stronger and will not be shaken by those seeking to divide our people. The revolutionary spirit of Onkgopotse Tiro shall forever stand guard to defend the gains of our freedom and inspire us to fight more and harder for the full attainment of economic liberation for our young people in the villages and townships.
“We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994. But it is not enough as the youth carry the burden of the failures of our socio-economic project. The youth and mostly black and African women more than any section of the population (53% in North West) are poor, they are not in education, in employment nor any,” said Mokgosi.
He said they are missing out on opportunities available to them. Mokgosi said they need to do more and it is a moral duty of their struggle to do good by young people, to give them a stake in the society and give their citizenship meaning.
The Board of Directors at Magalies Water has appointed Ofentse Nthutang as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 1 July 2024. Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said this follows the recent departure of the water utility’s CEO.
“The acting appointment will be in place until recruitment processes pursuant to the filling of the CEO vacancy have been completed. An announcement of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, will be made after cabinet approves the name of the recommended candidate to the Minister of Water and Sanitation,” he said.
Picture: The Project Steering Committee members during the side visit to one of the houses currently under construction at Bapong/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said it will continue to address challenges previously experienced in the Military Veterans Housing Programme. The department had a feedback session with the steering committee of the Military Veteran’s Project, which aimed at addressing the backlog in the construction of the houses for Military Veterans.
The Deputy Director responsible for Housing Development, Orapeleng Tabile said the programme is one of the initiatives that the department in collaboration with National Department of Military Veterans, National Department of Human Settlements and Municipalities is rolling out through the identification of beneficiaries from the database and allocation of sites, where the houses will be constructed.
Tabile acknowledged the backlog and pointed out that the department has already built six houses in Mabele-a-Podi and Bapong villages respectively. He said the department has also built houses in Ganyesa and Lethabong in Rustenburg.
“These houses will be completed and handed over to beneficiaries before the end of the year. The contractor is currently on site and promised to deliver on time. The officials of the department will continue to monitor and give reports back about progress made.
“Despite challenges faced by the department, we intend to construct 86 Military Veterans’ houses in the province for the current financial year. The department will comply with policy governing the Military Veterans Housing Programme in terms of projects rolled out,” he said.
The National Department of Human Settlements representative, Jacky Mamabolo advised the provincial department to ensure that they have more projects so that they can deal with the backlog.
“The department must ensure that they extend the scope of work to existing contractors rather than appointing new contractors to avoid delay and under-performance. Appointment of new contractors takes a long time because it is a process and this causes unnecessary delay,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries identified was Mosiiwa Sekhutle (61), who worked for the former Bophuthatswana Defence (BDF) for a period of ten years and later joined the South African Defence Force (SANDF) for three years.
“I am happy because I have been living in my family home and I cannot wait to have a place of my own. This is a legacy for my children,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Daniel Mandlane shared the same sentiments. Mandlane also worked for former BDF and SANDF.
“I am married with three children and was born and bred in Bapong village. I would like to thank the government for building a house for me and my family. I never thought I would see this day, I am really thankful,” he said.
The Guardian 