Picture: A bag of copper cable seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Four suspects who were arrested for possession of copper cables and contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, 2015 (Act No. 18 of 2015) remanded in custody. Zondani Sithole (24), Sandile Simelane (38), Lungani Gwala (24) and Fred Dube (31), briefly appeared at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 6 June 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused will be back in court on 13 June 2024, for a bail application. Mokgwabone said the accused appeared in court subsequent to their apprehension in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 4 June 2024, in Potchefstroom.
“According to information, police received a tip-off regarding a Nissan NP200 vehicle, which was carrying copper cables. The said vehicle was stopped along Nelson Mandela Street by members of Potchefstroom Flying Squad for a search.
“Consequently, six bags containing copper cables were found in the vehicle. The accused were then arrested. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused are all from Jeppestown, Johannesburg,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said it was also established that Fred Dube is a Zimbabwean foreign national, whose legal status is being verified.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Major General Suzette Pretorius, thanked the members for their rapid response that resulted in the arrest.
Two elderly men aged 75 and 92 arrested for allegedly killing another elderly man, Thema Motsepe (80), briefly appeared at Brits Magistrate’s Court on 7 June 2024. Jeremiah Mmatli (75) and Daniel Madumo (92), were remanded in custody until 14 June 2024, for continuation of bail application.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Motsepe and the accused, Madumo and Mmatli, allegedly stayed at an old age home together and a fight ensued between them at around 4am on 30 May 2024. Funani said the victim was from the bathroom when he met with the suspects, who were on their way to the bathroom.
“The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who allegedly retaliated by hitting him with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend and they both assaulted the victim. The owner of the old age was notified and the police were summoned,” she said.
Funani further said the victim, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.
Meanwhile, the Convenor of Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “As civil society led organization promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu, we describe the incident that has sent shock waves across rural and urban communities as outrageous.
“We are extremely concerned at the level of intolerance and extreme violent behaviour that suggests possible bullying among the most vulnerable in our society who were collectively admitted at the facility to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.”
Kgwele added that peaceful co-existence was supposed to characterise the environment at the old age home.
“While we are confident that the law will take its course, we urge authorities to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that counselling and psycho-social support services are offered to the rest of the residents at the old age home and staff.
“The family of the deceased will find closure knowing that justice has been served, that there was full accountability and that the facility had done everything to safeguard the safety of their loved one,” said Kgwele.
Picture: Fashion design students from across KwaZulu Natal taking part in Ride the Wave competition/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
For the first time this year, fashion design students from across KwaZulu Natal provided judges with a glimpse of their artistic and creative interpretations of the official ‘Ride the Wave’ theme for Durban’s premier race day event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Tuesday kicked off the opening round of judging in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair and judges had a tough time viewing and deciding on the best designs from more than 100 entrants.
Each designer was required to present a race-day ensemble that best encompasses the spirit of the 2024 theme.
Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer, Vuyisile Ngobese, who is also one of the judges said today was absolutely thrilling. Ngobese further said these young designers have pushed the boundaries of fashion, and they are incredibly excited to see who will emerge victorious in the competition.
“The ‘Ride the Wave’ theme has inspired creative and stunning designs. Each designer brought their unique interpretation, showcasing a remarkable blend of innovation and artistry.
“The intricate details, bold colours, and inventive textures we saw today were truly extraordinary. It was a tough decision, but we’ve selected the top 25 semi-finalists who truly captured the spirit of the theme with their exceptional craftsmanship and flawless execution,” he said.
Ngobese added that the 25 semi-finalists will go on to show off their creations once again at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping on 19 June 2024, when 10 finalists will be announced.
He said these top ten will then show off their interpretations at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience Preview Gala at Gateway and again on stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on 6 July 2024, where the top three student designers will be announced.
“The top three students will receive prizes to the total value of R70 000 from Gold Circle, Schweppes and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The Hollywood Foundation will also award a total of R100 000 worth of bursaries to the winner, second and third-placed students.
“The college attended by the winning student will receive a R30 000 grant from Gold Circle to develop their young design talent,” said Ngobese.
The Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse will be a hive of activity this weekend as the country’s top thoroughbreds compete at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge race meeting.
It will be a day that will be filled with edge-of-your-seat horse racing action and a day where the whole family will be entertained. The Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge is one of the final chances to gain an entry, or a ‘golden ticket’, into South Africa’s richest race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said with the stake for the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge increasing by R500 000 to a whopping R2 million, it is one of the richest races in this year’s KZN Champion’s Season.
Heffer further said the day will be filled with horse racing action, while there will also be fun and entertainment for the family with various activities such as Kids Zone, Gin Garden and the famous Musgrave Market at the racecourse.
“There will also be music entertainment and entrance to Hollywoodbets Greyville will be free on the day. A few of the Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassadors will be present on the day.
“Some of these ambassadors include, former Bafana Bafana captain, Teko Modise, legendary Springbok rugby twins Akona and Odwa Ndungane, former Proteas cricketer Vernon Philander, Carol Tshabalala, Brian Baloyi, Robert Marawa and Jerry Sikhosana,” he said.
Heffer added that as a proudly South African sports giant with a global outlook, Hollywoodbets will be honouring and partnering with some of its partners, who are renowned locally and globally for their achievements.
He said these organisations include the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, East Coast Radio, LALIGA, Hollywoodbets Super League, Gagasi FM, Netball South Africa, SABC and the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
“With races named after our partners, the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge offers a unique opportunity to showcase the exhilarating sport of horse racing to the business community and the general public as a superb form of entertainment.
“The Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge is the one race that passionate horse racing enthusiasts want to win due to the high-quality of horse racing that will be on display on the day. It is also an awesome precursor to the first Saturday of July, when the continent’s premier horse race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, takes place.
“The Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge also gives us unique insights into how we can make the Hollywoodbets Durban July even more memorable. It will truly be an excellent day for everyone at Hollywoodbets Greyville, this Saturday,” said Heffer.
He said racing focus on the day will also be on South African champion jockey-elect, Richard Fourie who is just three wins away from breaking the record for the most wins in a South African horseracing season.
Heffer said the record is currently held by Hollywoodbets brand ambassador and Racing Manager Anthony Delpech, sits at 334 wins, and has stood for 25 years.
“The incentive for breaking the record is R1 million from the sponsors Hollywoodbets, and could happen on this big race day, with Fourie booked for nine rides.
“You can catch all the action on DSTV Channel 240, free streaming on www.galloptv.co.za, and SABC 3 for the main races from 3pm to 5pm,” he said.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said traversing the African continent is not for the faint-hearted. This comes after Bafana Bafana have had one of their longest trips to Nigeria, spanning more than 30 hours until eventually arriving at their hotel on Thursday morning.
Broos’ charges arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, just after 11h00 local time on Thursday morning, this after the initial charter flight out of Johannesburg was delayed by 4 hours on Wednesday. He further said after eventually leaving OR Tambo International Airport, the team had to stay over in Port Harcourt on MD-2, but despite the long hours of travel, they are determined to tackle the task at hand.
“We are more focused than ever. Traveling in Africa is difficult, so that is not our focus. We are focused on the job at hand and that is the game against Nigeria.
“Local media seemed more focused on the team’s injuries than the game itself, making sure they had as much information on every injury concerning Bafana camp. We will see about Mudau, there is much talk about him and other injuries,” said Broos.
He added that Nigeria’s dangerman is Ademola Lookman, then there is Victor Osimhen, who is doubtful. Broos said they are not focusing on that, but on the game itself.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana marksman, Percy Tau said: “We have the ability and proven that at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Anyone that plays on Friday night has the resilience, as well as the experience to rise to the occasion.
“We play in CAF, so we know what it’s like traveling and playing. It is never easy, but we are professionals. We are ready and we are hungry to play. This is all that we are here for.”
Bafana Bafana boast a clean bill of health, with most of the players that reported for duty just carrying slight injuries. The match is scheduled for 20h00 local time (21h00 SA Time) at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Picture: The Mamusa Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Department of Education said it is concerned after a break-in at Mamusa Primary School Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. It is alleged that two burglary business cases were opened after criminals broke into the school between 31 May 2024 and 2 June 2024.
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) food handler, allegedly discovered the burglary in the storage section of the kitchen on Tuesday. He further said large cooking pots, two wheelbarrows, two dustbins, four large dishing bowls and preparation knives were stolen.
“No food was stolen as it was kept in a different store with an alarm system. The Grades R-3 received meals, however, Grades 4-7 did not have meals due to delays in clearing the crime scene such as heaven duty cooking site.
“Everything that was left behind by thieves has been moved to a more secure store. It should be noted that there was no negative impact to learning and teaching after this incident,” said Molokwane.
He added that the matter has been reported to the Ipelegeng Police Station to further investigate the scene. Molokwane said the department urges community members to assist, if there is any information they can provide to speed up the investigation.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The suspects are unknown at this stage and no arrest has been effected. The police always patrol the area, including around schools.
“However, it must be indicated that the affected school’s fence is high, gates are locked and the police cannot see activities taking place inside. Investigation into the matter is underway,”
Mosimanyana wa dingwaga di le 18 wa kwa motseng wa Molelema, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Seno se tla morago ga gore a latofadiwe ka go iphanya ka thobalano le kgaitsadie.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, mosimanyana o, one a robetse le kgaitsadie (7) kwa phaphosing ya borobalo ya ga mme mmagwe fa tiragalo e ene e direga.
“Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka di 26 Motseganong 2024. Go ya ka bopaki, mosimanyana o ga mmogo le mongongoregi mo kgetsi e, ba ne ba robetse kwa phaphosing ya borobalo ga mmogo le mme mmagwe.
“Kgetsi ene ya bulwa, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa. Lephata la sepodisi le le dirang ka dikgetsi tsa petelelo kwa Pudimoe, le ne la tsweletsa dipatlisiso. Molatofadiwa o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
The police in Taung are investigating a business robbery case. This comes after Boxer Supermarket at Taung Complex was allegedly robbed this morning. It is alleged that more than four armed robbers entered the supermarket, held the manager and staff hostage before robbing them of an undisclosed amount of money.
The suspects allegedly fled and used the manager’s vehicle as a getaway.
Picture: The police seized drugs during operation/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two suspects aged 19 and 30 were arrested for being in possession of drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District. The police allegedly received a tip-off regarding drug trafficking at identified houses in Valspan and Jan Kempdorp on 4 June 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the operation led to the arrest of a man (19) and a woman (30), for possession of suspected drugs.
“Crystal Meth (tik) with an estimated street value of R7 400 was confiscated with cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. The police furthermore arrested a woman (44) for obstructing the police in the execution of their duties and resisting arrest.
“All three suspects will appear in court soon. The disruptive actions addressing illicit mining and related crimes will persist throughout the district. The police remain persistent in fighting the scourge of illegal mining and drug trafficking by conducting continuous disruptive operations,’ he said.
Picture: Former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay
By OBAKENG MAJE
A corruption case against former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay, who is a Director of Tactical Software Systems (TSS) and former Senior Executive of Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH), was postponed to 23 July 2024.
Kodwa and Mackay briefly appeared at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court facing charges of Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and Corruption.
They were released on R30 000 bail and their case was postponed for disclosure of the contents of the docket to the accused, by the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane
said the state alleges that during the period from April 2015 to February 2016, when Kodwa was employed as the ANC national spokesperson, he received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and/or facilitated by Mackay as gratifications for his interventions in government procurement processes to advance the interests of Mackay, TSS and EOH.
“In February 2015, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a state-owned company charged with the responsibility of IT services to the government, advertised a tender worth R360 million for the appointment of two separate service providers for the provision of platinum access service solution for the government for five years as SITA could not render the said service.
“Nine companies, including EOH, were shortlisted for the tender and communication between the two accused suggests that EOH was disqualified and that Mackay then approached Kodwa for his intervention, which allegedly resulted in the tender being cancelled,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said the case stems from the recommendations penned by Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, in part four of his reports into allegations of state capture. She added that part four of the report, specifically dealt with corruption and fraud in the public sector, including state organs.
“Zondo had presided over the Judicial Commission Inquiry into state capture and upon conclusion of its work, recommended that law enforcement agencies should investigate attempts by Mackay, to induce Kodwa to interfere with procurement processes and that the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa should consider the position of Kodwa as Deputy Minister of State Security because of his tainted relationship with Mackay.
“The case forms part of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) response to the findings and recommendations of the State Capture Inquiry. In trying to meet the demands emanating from the commission’s reports, the NPA established a joint task force in November 2022, comprising various law enforcement agencies like the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to ensure collaboration and a coordinated structure that is case driven,” said Mjonondwane.
She said they continue to guide and monitor investigations in cases emanating from the commission’s reports to ensure that alleged perpetrators of state capture face justice.
Mjonondwane said this case builds on the dozens of enrolments of high-profile state capture corruption matters and the convictions of hundreds of government officials for corruption over the past five years.
Meanwhile, Kodwa rendered his resignation as Minister earlier today.
The Guardian 