A man who shot and killed his girlfriend sentenced to life imprisonment  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 October 2024- A man (39), who killed his girlfriend was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court. Ngagalela Kekana from Olievenhoutbosch, Ext 7, killed his girlfriend, Realeboga Georgina Joels.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana, the couple had been in a relationship for seven years. Mahanjana said the tragic incident occurred on the night of 21 October 2022, after they returned from a local tuck shop to Joels’ rented shack.

“An argument broke out between them, during which Kekana shot Joels in the head, resulting in her death at the scene. The following morning, Kekana approached a neighbour, claiming that Joels had been injured and left.

“A concerned neighbour approached the landlord, and together they went to Joels’ shack. Upon entering, they discovered Joels’ naked body on the bed, with her head wrapped in a towel soaked in blood,’ she said.

Mahanjana further said the neighbours then called the police and community members, when the community arrived at the scene, Kekana also returned. She added that upon his return, he was arrested and has been remanded in custody since.

In court, Kekana pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining that he was not present at the time of Joels’ death. However, state advocate David Molokomme presented compelling evidence and called witnesses that conclusively proved Kekana’s guilt. 

During the sentencing proceedings, Kekana’s legal representative requested the court to consider alternatives to the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the two years he spent in custody awaiting trial. However, Molokomme argued vehemently for life imprisonment, emphasizing both the severity of the offence and its prevalence in South Africa.

“The victim had been killed by her partner, a person who should have been her protector, especially given that she did not have family in Gauteng. The state also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer (CPO), Lebogang Lebese, in which the landlord who was also a friend of the deceased expressed her grief over the loss,” said Molokomme.

He said the landlord noted that Joels had no family in Gauteng, she only had three dogs, which were given away after her death. She said, however, one of the dogs continues to visit her home daily.

“Not only that, she said, she was also left with a burden of having to bury her friend since her family in the Free State was unable to,” he said.

Judge Edwin Masopa concurred with the state’s position, noting Kekana’s lack of remorse and the brutal nature of the crime. Masopa underscored that no sentence could bring back the deceased or heal the hearts of those affected by his actions.

“Therefore, Kekana needs to be permanently removed from society so that children and women can live knowing that he can never harm them. As such, I found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, after being sentenced, Kekana applied for leave to appeal his conviction and sentence. However, the state successfully opposed this application, which was subsequently denied.

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Couple irked as their RDP house is ‘illegally’ occupied  

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Picture: Gopolang Joseph Motsumi with his wife, Keolebogile Evy Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

15 October 2024- Even though illegal occupation of RDP houses is a serious offence, many houses in Extension 6, in Taung, are being illegally occupied. It is alleged that they bought those houses from some of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) officials. 

One of the victims, Gopolang Joseph Motsumi (60) from Mokgareng village, near Taung, said he applied for a RDP house many years ago, but he was surprised to see it being illegally allocated to somebody else. Motsumi said he was looking for a job around the area when he noticed his RDP house in Extension 6.

“I went to the municipality to inquire about my house. Indeed, they confirmed that the house belongs to me. They gave me a letter to hand it over to the illegal occupant.  

“However, even though he agreed that he is aware that the house belongs to me, he does not budge. He said he will only leave the house when his RDP house he applied for is ready,” he said.

Motsumi, who stays in a one-roomed shack with his wife and children, said his livelihood has been affected over the years due to this matter. He further said the municipality is not doing enough to help him recover his house. 

“It’s been years since I tried to get any assistance from the municipality, but I’m being sent from pillar to post. From my understanding, illegal occupation of RDP houses is unlawful. 

“But, it seems the municipality is doing nothing to prevent residents who jump the housing queue by embarking on illegal acts by occupying RDP houses,” said Motsumi. 

He added that it is disgusting to have a situation, where people just break the law with impunity.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “We have had engagements with two gentlemen in an effort to resolve the matter. The municipality cannot be able to comment on the reasons for the allocation as that was effected by another party.

“The allocation was done by the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). We are aware that there are many RDP houses being illegally occupied in the area. These are normally resolved through eviction of the wrong party.”

Oliphant said such problems might have been caused by difficulties to trace the rightful beneficiaries, in that case, other people on the list would be granted the right to occupy the property until the rightful beneficiary is traced. He said the municipality is exploring possibilities of assisting Motsumi to access his rightful house. 

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A stakeholder structure to address racial tensions in Hartbeespoort Dam

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Picture: The owner of the business that was torched/Twitter

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 October 2024- The Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo said they will establish a structure consisting of all stakeholders to address issues over the use of the state-owned land, promote inclusive economic growth and advance the healthy ecosystem of the water resource at the Hartbeespoort Dam. This comes after a stakeholder engagement meeting led by Mahlobo at the department’s offices at the Dam on 14 October 2024. 

He further said the structure will be led by him and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi or a designate will include business owners operating around the state-owned land, civil society organisations, community representatives, provincial and local government as well traditional leaders, and is expected to have its first sitting early next month.

Mahlobo added that the Hartbeespoort Dam has been a hub for business, tourism and socio-economic activities for locals for decades, but there has been on-going racial tension between the occupiers of the state-owned land, who are conducting business and the locals.

“Different representatives of various stakeholders came under one roof and had an opportunity to express their views on the on-going tensions at the dam. Eventually, there was a mutual agreement to establish a structure to be led by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, which will expand on issues raised during the stakeholder engagement and pave the way for co-existence among different stakeholders with a purpose of resolving the issues and advancing economic growth.

“We condemn acts of violence that were inflicted on some of the business owners and their businesses and call on law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those responsible face the might of the law,” he said.

Mahlobo expressed his satisfaction at the deliberations and highlighted that he believes the structure that is being set will bring peace among the stakeholders. He said they have had a fruitful meeting with different views from people with different backgrounds.

“There was a subsequent agreement to establish a structure that will deal decisively with the issues raised during the deliberations. We are of the view that this dam, which has become a source of conflict, can become a beacon of hope to many by bringing prosperity.

“It can also be a reflection of our unified and diversified democratic country, which is non-racist and non-sexist. We also addressed an issue of lease agreements on the state-owned land at the dam, which has been a contentious issue among some of the business owners,’ said Mahlobo.

He said previously, some of the business owners had 99-year-old leases and have been in occupation of the land through many generations without any formal documents and authorisation from the state. Mahlobo said as a result, the department developed a lease policy, which was finalised in 2020.

“This was to address previous gaps and to also guide and provide a comprehensive framework for managing leases and has subsequently established a lease committee to assess and recommend lease applications for approvals to the delegated authority.

“Between 2020 and 2022, DWS has approved 4 lease agreements for recreational purposes at the dam for a duration between 5 and 9 years and 11 months.

“This year, the Department has issued Expressions of interest (EOI) to private or public entities that are interested to lease the state-owned land and to obtain access rights to state dams, and/or to enter into lease agreements with the department in terms of its lease policy,” he said. 

Mahlobo said the purpose of the EOI is to provide equal opportunity for all potential applicants, both public and private and to address public concerns regarding the transparency, fairness, and competitiveness of the leasing process.

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Police are looking for missing man 

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Picture: The missing man, Simon Quincy Khumalo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

15 October 2024– The police in Rustenburg request community assistance in locating a missing man, Simon Quincy Khumalo (26), who resides at Corner Heights in Adelaide Street, Cashan, Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said according to information, Khumalo was last seen by his sister on 28 September 2024, when he left home to visit friends, but never returned.

“A search was conducted around Rustenburg and all leads were followed-up without successful results. At the time of his disappearance, Khumalo was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a blue top and red sneakers. 

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a slender build body, 1.6m tall with afro hair. Furthermore, his upper teeth are gold and silver plated,” she said.  

Myburgh said anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Charles Tebeli on 082 772 3028 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. She said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.

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Ngwana o mongwe gape o nyeletse kwa Magogong 

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Setshwantsho: Rethabile Angel Molapo/Facebook 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

15 Diphalane 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa go nyelela ga motho. Se se tla morago ga go nyelela ga mosetsanyana wa kwa motseng wa Modutung, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. 

Go begwa fa Rethabile Angel Molapo (11), a ile a rumiwa go ya go tsaya seaparo sa kereke kwa gagabo, mme o ile a nyelela mo go boeng ga gagwe. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se butse kgetsi mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. 

“Molapo ke motho wa mmele o mosesanyane, ona le matlho a matonna, mme one a apere mosese o motala ka mmala, ebile a rwele ditekkie tsa Adidas tse dintsho fa a ne a timela. 

“Go fitlha ga jaana ga nkitla re shupa ope ka monwana, gonne ga rena dintlha. Fela, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a mo bone, go ka itsise sepodisi ka bonako,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

Mongwe wa baeteledipele ba baagi, Kenneth Jampane are: “Tota go bua nnete, kgang e ga ya re tsaya sentle. Baagi ba utlwile botlhoko thata ebile ba tlhobaela. Re a ipotsa gore, a mme selo se e tlile go nna selo modiro. Ngwaga le ngwaga ngwana wa nyelelang. 

“Jaanong, matsapa ke gore ga re itse mokgwa o dirisiwang wa go utswa bana. Ke belaela gore tsela e dirisiwang go ka utswa bana mo motseng, ke tsela nngwe e e tletseng setegeniki sa boloi.” 

Jampane are o belaela gore mokgwa o dirisiwang ke wa boloi, gonne fa ngwana a fetsa go nyelela, baagi ba tla be ba tlolaka, ba batlana le ngwana, mme go sena motlhala. Are, fale baagi ba tla be ba itlhoboga. 

“A jaanong, re tla feleletsa re patelesega gore re dumele gore ke mokgwa o o teng wa gore ngwaga le ngwaga ngwana wa nyelela mo motseng wa rona? Fela, ga re kitla re itlhoboga mo go lwantseng mokgwa o bosula o. 

“Selo seo se maswe, ebile ga se re itumedise. Batho ba rona ba tlolaka ba ya kwa dingakeng go batla thuso, fela ga go nko e tswang lemina. Re ikuela go bagolo gore ba leke ka natla go ka tlhokomela bana, gonne re a bona gore gona le setegeniki sa boloi se se dirisiwang go ka utswa bana mo motseng,” Jampane. 

Are o ile a feleletsa a ikuetse kwa baaging gore go botokwa fa ba ka ikega ka thapelo, mme ba boele kwa Modimong gonne mmaba o eme ka dinao.     

Kgabagare, ka ngwaga wa 2022, go ile ga nyelela lekgarebe, Oratile Mothibi teng kwa Modutung, mme le go fitlha ga jaana ga ise a bonwe. 

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Portfolio Committee conducts oversight visit to Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

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Picture: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy conducted an oversight visit to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS), recently to assess its operations, safety measures, and future plans. The committee said the aim of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the plant’s performance and its role in South Africa’s energy landscape, as well as to identify any challenges it faces in providing safe and reliable electricity.

During the visit, the committee raised concerns about the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and the recent performance of Unit 1 since its last outage. The management addressed these concerns by highlighting the need for ongoing improvements and strategic planning to enhance reliability.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said the aging workforce was a significant part of discussions, with many employees nearing retirement. Mvana further said the committee noted the risk of skilled personnel being recruited by other countries, which could impact Koeberg’s operations.

“In response, management outlined plans for a robust recruitment strategy and training programmes to ensure a steady supply of skilled personnel in critical roles. They highlighted the importance of knowledge retention and initiatives aimed at developing skills within the workforce.

“Safety within the plant was a primary focus of the discussions. The committee sought clarification on the safety protocols in place to protect employees and the surrounding community from potential radiation exposure,” she said.

Mvana added that Koeberg officials reaffirmed their commitment to stringent safety standards and the importance of transparent communication regarding risks. She said the committee also expressed interest in Koeberg’s efforts to inspire young people to pursue careers in the nuclear energy sector.

“The management shared ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering interest in nuclear science and technology among youth, including partnerships with local schools and universities to cultivate the next generation of nuclear professionals.

“The committee commended Koeberg for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, particularly noting the appointment of a female manager at the plant,” said Mvana.

She said this reflects the ongoing efforts to create a more balanced workforce and empower women in the nuclear industry. Mvana implored the management of Eskom to communicate the success stories and empowerment initiatives that the entity has.

“The committee appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station team. The committee said their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and community engagement is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring a sustainable future for nuclear energy in South Africa,” she said.

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DA calls on COGHSTA to help Phokwane rectify decade-old accounts

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Picture: The embattled Phokwane Local Municipality

By STAFF REPORTER

14 October 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has requested the Northern Cape MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, to help resolve Phokwane Local Municipality’s decade long rates stalemate that continues to be extremely disadvantageous to farmers and the municipality alike.

The DA councillor in Phokwane Local Municipality, Annette van Wyk said since 2013, the municipality failed to rectify inflated property valuations and erroneous municipal accounts in relation to 36 000 hectares of farmland and 362 farmers in the area. Van Wyk said farmers are desperate to settle the outstanding debt, ranging from between R15 million to R90 million, but refuse to pay until the accounts are rectified.

“In November 2023, the mayor of Phokwane Local Municipality, conceded to the National Portfolio Committee on COGTA that there have been inaccuracies in the municipality’s billing system since 2013.

“He also claimed that the municipality’s revenue manager was working on resolving the issue. To date the situation remains unchanged. Phokwane is now demanding payment from farmers,” she said.

Van Wyk further said this is despite multiple attempts by the DA to also get the accounts corrected and finalized, through liaison with a string of former managers. She added that efforts have been particularly hampered by instability in the institution, which has gone through five Municipal Managers and three Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the last four years.

“The Union is the biggest contributor in terms of Phokwane’s property rates. Effectively, Phokwane’s debt collection remains below the accepted norm, having a ripple effect on the municipality’s ability to repay its long list of creditors.

“After 10 years of accounts dysfunction, Phokwane is also rated as one of the most dysfunctional municipalities in the country. Unresolved accounts are not only bankrupting Phokwane, but also delaying the transfer of properties onto the names of current property owners,” said van Wyk.

She said the situation must not be allowed to fester and COGHSTA must step in to help rectify the accounts. Van Wyk said they hope that communication between COGHSTA spokesperson, Gizella Opperman and Vass’s office last week, will finally be the beginning of the end of Phokwane’s accounting catastrophe.

“To place additional pressure on the municipality and COGHSTA, Opperman has sent an update to the national COGTA parliamentary committee,” she said.

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MRM condemns road rage incident that resulted in two deaths in Mahikeng    

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 October 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Monday condemned the violence that resulted in the death of taxi owner (34) and driver (32). This followed an alleged road rage incident and stabbing of the two over a parking lot along Martin Street in the Mahikeng Central Business District (CBD) over the weekend.

The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm, calling on police to investigate whether there had been simmering tensions, as well as unresolved issues which could have sparked the violent incident. 

“This barbaric shocking incident undermines the progress that the taxi industry under the leadership of SANTACO had registered in restoring calm and establishing an image of a peaceful and non-violent sector.

“Commuters cannot be ferried by industry players that are exhibiting high levels of violence and intolerance. The industry must therefore redouble effort to rid it of the culture of violence,” he said.

Kgwele further said the industry should restore public confidence in its ability to uphold the rule of law, as well as maintain zero-tolerance to crime and senseless violence across its operations and affiliate members. He added that the October Transport Month must be used to promote safer, reliable and efficient public as well as scholar transport.

“We will therefore avail ourselves to partner with SANTACO to jointly lead a cleansing ceremony at the crime scene, prayer against the demonic spirit of violence as well as the signing of a pledge committing to peaceful co-existence and non-violence among industry players,” said Kgwele.

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Illegal mining prevalent in North West and Gauteng

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Picture: Illegal miners nabbed during raid/Generic  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has applauded a temporarily arranged joint operation that dispelled approximately 6 500 people, who participate in illegal mining and illicit business activities at Van Ryan illegal mining site in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and MI7 National Group Private Security, was set up for the committee’s visit. As part of its week-long oversight visit to North West and Gauteng, the committee conducted a walk-about at Van Ryan illegal mining site to gain an appreciation of the extent of illegal activities taking place there.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule said the committee was deeply shocked to witness what looked like a fully-flagged settlement, with holes to access underground shafts, as well as shelters under which illegally mined ore is processed and where illegal shebeens and restaurants operate.

“Furthermore, the committee was dismayed to learn that since the core business of the area is illegal mining, those people operating secondary businesses, such as catering, shebeens and sex work, pay rent to unknown kingpins. Another secondary business is security.

“In October 2023, illegal miners were cleared from the site on the orders of President Cyril Ramaphosa after the SANDF were deployed there in “Operation Prosper”. Full-scale illegal activities resumed after six months at the end of the SANDF’s deployment period in April this year,” he said.

Mahlaule further said on Friday, a joint operation between the SANDF, SAPS and MI7 National Group Security, moved into the area and dispelled everyone again. He added that against this backdrop, the committee calls for sustainable measures to be put in place to prevent illegal activities permanently.

“Such measures have been put in place before at other sites, such as the Benoni Driving Range Racetrack, which used to be a hotspot for illegal mining.

“The committee will develop an oversight report with recommendations for adoption by the National Assembly,” said Mahlaule.

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Scholar honoured with prestigious Jan H Marais Prize

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Picture: The North West University (NWU) Afrikaans Scholar, Prof Wannie Carstens/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE  

14 October 2024- The North West University (NWU) Afrikaans Scholar, Prof Wannie Carstens, has been honoured with the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (the South African Academy of Science and Arts) Jan H Marais Prize for his outstanding academic work in Afrikaans.

The prestigious prize ceremony took place at Webersburg farm in Stellenbosch. During the event, Carstens delivered a thought-provoking talk on the infrastructure of Afrikaans and proposed the continuation of Afrikaans as a scientific language. He further envisaged a Centre for the Study of Afrikaans to aid in this regard.

Carstens said the presence of his children and their spouses added a personal touch to the memorable occasion.

“I missed out on a lot while I was busy with Afrikaans at various levels, even after my retirement. I have been involved in writing and co-editing five books since my formal retirement. So, I am glad that my family could be there.

“I am still amazed at being recognised by my peers. To be the first former permanent staff member from the NWU to receive this honour is a privilege. It’s almost unimaginable to think that I am the first among so many people with expertise in Afrikaans in various disciplines at the university. I hope this helps to showcase the NWU as a university where excellence in Afrikaans is still valued,” said he said.

Since joining the NWU’s predecessor, the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in 1991, Carstens has made significant contributions to Afrikaans linguistics by authoring and editing various books. After his retirement at the end of 2017, he continued on his academic journey and is still involved at the NWU as an extraordinary professor.

“My commitment to Afrikaans linguistics became evident when I started studying at Stellenbosch University, where I shifted my focus to Afrikaans as my primary area of study.

“My academic journey culminated in numerous accolades and milestones, including the completion of my DLitt degree and the publication of several impactful books that have significantly contributed to the field of Afrikaans linguistics,” he said.

Carstens played a pivotal role in academia by shaping the next generation of scholars and fostering excellence in the study of Afrikaans. His leadership and tenure have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, inspiring countless scholars to pursue scholarly endeavours in Afrikaans.

“I have made significant contributions to Afrikaans linguistics as an author, co-author, editor, and co-editor of various books. I initiated and co-edited most of the books, recognising a need for more literature in the field.

“My own books have also filled significant gaps in certain sub-disciplines, introducing new and breakthrough ideas. This was evident when I co-published an extensive book on an aspect of the history of Afrikaans,” said Carstens.

He said he wants to be regarded as an academic entrepreneur, who is always willing to investigate new ways of looking at language from an Afrikaans perspective. As a first-year student in 1971, and now approximately 55 years later, it is extraordinary to see how Carstens’s life has revolved around this language.

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