Picture: Some of mining equipment confiscated/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Six Zimbabwean nationals aged between 20 and 43, were arrested for contravention of the Illicit Mining Act on 25 June 2024. The suspects were arrested by the Northern Cape multi-disciplinary team after an execution of Operation Vala Umgodi in Kleinsee in the Namakwa District.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police were conducting observation duties around mining areas in Kleinsee, when they observed the men allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities.
“Numerous mining equipment, including a generator, jackhammer, electric extension cord, bags containing suspected diamond bearing grave and other tools were confiscated.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate Court soon. If you See something, say something. Report illegal mining to the police Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” he said.
The ANC said it proudly commemorates the anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which is a timeless document adopted on 26 June 1955 at the Congress of the People in Kliptown. According to the ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the Freedom Charter remains a foundational pillar of the democratic principles and continues to inspire their pursuit of a just, inclusive, and equitable South Africa.
Mbhengu-Motsiri said the need for the Freedom Charter arose in an era of profound oppression and injustice. She further said Apartheid was systematically denying black South Africans their basic human rights and freedoms.
“Recognising the urgency of unifying the nation under a common vision, the ANC, along with other progressive organisations, sought to articulate the aspirations of all South Africans. This vision built on earlier documents such as the African Claims of 1943 and the 1949 Programme of Action.
“The Freedom Charter was crafted through extensive consultations with ordinary South Africans, ensuring it reflected the collective will of the people. It boldly envisioned a South Africa, where all citizens, regardless of race, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities, directly challenging the apartheid regime’s ideology,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She added that they honour the legacy of key stalwarts, who shaped this charter and the movement, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Lilian Ngoyi, and Yusuf Dadoo. Bhengu-Motsiri said their courage and vision continue to guide them today.
“The Freedom Charter outlines our collective vision through its key clauses such as the people shall govern, all national groups shall have equal rights, the people shall share in the country’s wealth and the land shall be shared amongst those who work it.
“All shall be equal before the law, all shall enjoy equal human rights, there shall be work and security, doors of learning and culture shall be opened and there shall be houses, security and comfort,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said there shall be peace and friendship and these tenets are a clarion call to action, embodying their unwavering commitment to a South Africa, where every citizen enjoys dignity, freedom, and prosperity. She said they reflect their dedication to non-racialism, non- sexism and the upliftment of all marginalised people.
“The impact of the Freedom Charter was profound. It galvanised the anti-apartheid movement, providing a clear and compelling vision for a democratic South Africa.
“Despite brutal repression, its principles continued to inspire resistance and played a crucial role in shaping the democratic South Africa that emerged in 1994. On this significant anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Freedom Charter,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said they are reminded of their responsibility to address ongoing challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and access to education and healthcare. Bhengu-Motsiri said, together, they strive to build a nation that truly belongs to all who live in it, united in their diversity.
“The Freedom Charter is more than a historical document. It is a living testament to our shared values and our ongoing quest for a better future. Its spirit continues to inspire us to fight for justice, equality, and peace in every part of our beloved country.
“It remains the lodestar of a just and equitable South Africa. Let’s do more, together,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se bonwe kwa Taung Dam
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Setopo sa monna o mo magareng ga 20 le 30, se bonwe kwa Taung Dam mo letsatsing la maabane. Sebueledi sa mapodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are, sepodisi se ile sa tsibosiwa ka setopo se se neng sa bonwa kwa Taung Dam, mme sa betsegela koo.
“Ke nnete sepodisi se ntshitse setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng kwa Taung Dam mo letsatsing la maabane. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe gore moswi ke mang.
“Rele sepodisi mono Bokone Bophorima, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o nang le tshedimosetso go ka ikgolaganya le mobatlisise mo kgetsi e, eleng Sarasanta Frank Morweng mo dinomoreng tsa gagwe tsa mogala taa 082 469 0293,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, accompanied by the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Collen Maine, and members of the Executive Council, will lead the Provincial Youth Day Commemoration to conclude Youth Month activities in the province.
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgosi recently maintained that the creation of socio-economic opportunities for youth will top the agenda of the 7th administration.
“This will among others be done through the roll-out of the Labour Activation Programme, which will be coordinated by the Office of the Premier, in partnership with Department of Labour and Employment, business, employer organisations and other social partners.
“The programme is expected to create over 30 000 work opportunities for young people. Following his address, Mokgosi will officially open the Redirile Community Library,” he said.
Setswambung said some of the services available at the library includes internet connection, collection of various categories of books for youth and adults, as well as a section of the library for visually impaired persons such as Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA).
He further said the provincial government departments will be onsite to render services to members of the public in an effort to promote a one stop shop for government information and services.
Setswambung added that the Provincial Youth Commemoration will be held Redirile Sports Ground in Derby on Saturday, at 8am.
The South African national men’s team get their 2024 COSAFA Cup campaign underway on Wednesday, 26 June 2024 when they face Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape. The game will kick off at 6pm.
Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele said they expect a tough match against their Southern Africa neighbours, a side he expects to be fired up and highly motivated.
“We are aware of the challenge, but looking at the players we have and the work that we have done in the last couple of days, I believe we are standing a good chance of doing well, even though it’s not going to be easy.
“It is important for our side to settle down very quickly and make sure that they keep the Mozambican forwards at bay. We need maximum concentration, and make sure that we take the game to Mozambique,” he said.
Makhalele further said they have to create as many goal-scoring opportunities as possible and convert them. He added that defensively, they have to make sure that they don’t concede in the first few minutes because that would work against them.
“So, a positive early start would be our priority and making sure that each and every chance that we get, we make use of it because that will also help us to settle down very well.
“Bafana Bafana have pitted against Botswana, Mozambique and Eswatini in Group A,” said Makhelele.
Picture: A person on interest, Letsekang Zwelifile/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The police in Paballelo are investigating an alleged murder case and request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest known as Letsekang Zwelifile (42), who could assist with information regarding the case.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said it is believed that the deceased, Botlabosele Elizabeth Mafeto (31), was found in her shanty with stab wounds in Paballelo Township, near Kimberley on 8 June 2024.
“No arrests have been effected as yet and police are searching for the alleged perpetrator.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident or the location of the person of interest can contact D/Const Andy Mona on 082 469 5824. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
A medical doctor (55) was found guilty of Contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 by the Kimberley Commercial Crime Courts. Fabian Royston Tun, who was operating as a Sole Proprietor trading’ F. R. Tun Practice’, failed to submit personal income tax returns from 2015 to 2022.
The Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said during the said period, accused made taxable income that was not declared to the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
“SARS suffered a potential loss exceeding R17 million. The accused was found guilty on 8 counts of failure to submit personal income tax and 42 counts of failure to submit value added tax returns,” she said.
Mnisi said the matter was postponed to 30 July 2024 for sentencing.
Picture: Two elderly men who were arrested for killing another elderly man, died in detention/Google
By BAKANG MOKOTO
One of the elderly accused, who was arrested for allegedly killing another elderly man (80) at an Old-Age Home in Brits, died while in detention. Daniel Madumo (92) and Jeremia Mmatli (75), were arrested for allegedly killing another elderly man, Thema Motsepe (80).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said briefly appeared at Brits Magistrate’s Court on 7 June 2024 and was remanded in custody until 14 June 2024, for continuation of bail application.
“Motsepe and the accused persons were allegedly staying at an Old Age Home when a fight ensued between them. The fight ensued at around 4am on 30 May 2024. The victim was in the bathroom when he met Madumo and Mmatli, who were on their way to the bathroom.
“The victim allegedly bumped one of the accused, who allegedly retaliated by hitting him with his crutches. The accused’s companion apparently joined his friend and they both assaulted the victim,” she said.
Funani further said the owner of the Old Age Home was notified and the police were summoned. She added that the victim, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said Madumo and Mmatli, who were facing a murder case, died. Nxumalo said the accused were both admitted at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on 3 June 2024.
“Madumo had to be transferred to an outside hospital on 22 June 2024 due to health complications and sadly passed away on 24 June 2024. Mmatli departed on 20 June 2024. With both accused now deceased, the court shall provide direction on what is to happen in the court case,” he said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi urged his Members of Executive Council (MECs) to familarise themselves with Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA; Act No. 1 of 1999), which is the primary public finance management law in South Africa.
Mokgosi said it delineates standards expenditure, accounting, and reporting for public entities and this will assist them to make informed decisions. He further said the PFMA is a piece of framework legislation and its implementation is governed by regulations and directives produced by the National Treasury.
“We need to adhere to this to make informed decisions. This will ensure a seamless take over and functioning of the provincial government. In order to do so, I want them to note that all these reports come from individual departments.
“Please, read them and understand all the acts. Our government is highly regulated and our instructions should be informed by legislation. All documents provide performance reports for all provincial departments, including immediate tasks that need their attention,” said Mokgosi.
He added that amongst the reports, there are 30-year Plan Review Report, Draft Reports for 2023/24, Annual Financial Reports (AFRs), Auditor-General Reports, and Progress Reports.
Mokgosi said they also have an Outstanding Reports of Public Service Commission (PSC), Outstanding Reports from SIU, the Hawks and Public Protector.
“They should read them because I am going to have one-on-one engagement with them regarding implementation processes. I would also like to make a special request that our office provide me with an oath that I have signed.
“I want to put it on a notice board in my office. This will remind me every time when I sign or utter words to remember what I have signed for. So, I hope all MECs will do that,” he said.
Mokgosi also urged his MECs to work diligently and with sincere gratitude. He said this marks the beginning of a new chapter as they usher the new EXCO of the 7th administration.
“This is a culmination of a broader consultative process with various stakeholders and in particular the governing party and its alliance partners.
“During these consultative meetings, we have all agreed that provisional services in our different municipalities and with our provincial government will be prioritized and expedited to address the high level of unemployment and poverty in our communities,” he said.
Mokgosi said the people of this province want a government that can work for them and find lasting solutions to various socio-economic challenges confronting them on a daily basis. He said this clarion call is further given impetus by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remark during his inauguration.
“We should be a centered government, which focuses on a growing exclusive economy that will create job opportunities for all, in particular the marginalised and disenfranchised,” said Mokgosi.
Two suspects aged 24 were arrested for dealing in drugs in Springbok. On 22 June 2024 at around 2:15 pm, the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding two suspects dealing in drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police followed up on information and searched the premises at 7de Laan in Carolusberg, near Springbok, where they confiscated dagga, Mandrax and Tik.
Kock said the Springbok Public Order Police and Visible Policing units, pounced on two unsuspecting drug dealers and seized drugs worth approximately R113 000.
“The police also confiscated an undisclosed amount of cash, alleged to be proceeds of the drug dealing. The two suspects are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of dealing in drugs.
“The police request that you participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public,” he said.
The Guardian 