Picture: A house allegedly used as haven by criminals/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Northern Cape said it has recently launched a progressive arm that aims to bring the organisation closer to communities through engagements outside the parameters of the courts.
The Prosecution Manager in the Northern Cape Division, Advocate Mpho Tau said the Community Prosecution(CP) initiative’s objective is to collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve and prevent crime at grassroots levels.
Tau said through the CP programmes, the NPA has been able to host dialogues, outreach events, activations, radio talk shows, television shows and other face-to-face programs with different sectors of the communities.
“During one of these community outreaches in Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley, the community informed us that, there was an abandoned house notoriously known as the Colour Block, which was in a dilapidated state on Hulana Street, Galeshewe, near the City of Kimberley.
“The information received was that many of the wanted criminals would evade arrest and hide at the Colour Block, while continuing to terrorise the community. As part of remedying the situation, we engaged with the owners of the house on how to best assist them with this structure that had become a dangerous haven for criminals,” he said.
He further said the family taking into consideration the safety of their community agreed to have the dilapidated structure demolished, not taking away any right they have to the ERF. Tau added that the NPA through the CP further engaged with the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberley regarding the use of the demolishing machinery.
“On 30 May 2024, the house was demolished. NPA continues to serve the communities by ensuring justice for the victims of crime by prosecuting without fear, favour, and prejudice,” he said.
A man (38) who posted on his social media page alleging that some people were planning to assassinate the president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to De Aar on Human Rights Day celebrations, was sentenced to five years imprisonment. Elrico Kaizer Kasper was sentenced by the De Aar Regional Court for cyber fraud.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “A disruptive operation consisting of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Crime Intelligence, was operationalised and the team located the said accused.
“Kasper was then taken in for questioning and he admitted to having posted such, citing the frustration of unemployment. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing.”
Senokoatsane said the NPA welcomed the sentencing of the accused and hoped this sentence will work as a deterrent to other perpetrators of cybercrimes. He said it is important that people should be aware that the dissemination of false information through social media platforms will lead to people being prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Steven Mabuela, congratulated the team including the prosecution team for the sterling work done.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), will in the coming week host a Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) workshop. The seminar will take place in Johannesburg from 4-6 June 2024.
Clubs from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Hollywoodbets Super League will attend the workshop, which will mainly focus on the in-depth training sessions for users of the platform.
The general objectives of the workshop are training of the users for the CLOP, present the CAF Club Licensing regulatory framework (edition 2022) for men and women and explanation of mandatory criteria for the domestic and continental competitions.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, will open the workshop and it will also be attended by the SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao, her PSL counterpart Mato Madlala and the CAF Head of Professional Football, Muhammad Sidat.
“I am looking forward to welcoming all participants to this important and informative club licensing workshop. In this modern world we live in, it is important for all clubs to keep up with the modern trends,’’ said Jordaan.
We have just held a successful general election. Last week, over 16 million citizens cast their votes at more than 23,000 voting stations across the country. This was the most competitive election we have held since attaining democracy in 1994, with a record number of political parties on the ballot and independent candidates standing for the first time.
This election has been declared free and fair. It took place peacefully and without serious incidents of intimidation or violence. This is a credit to the Independent Electoral Commission, to the political parties and their leadership, and above all to the South African people.
By discharging this important civic duty, South Africans have done more than exercise their right to vote. They have shown that they continue to hold our democratic order and our Constitution in high regard.
This successful poll shows that our democracy is strong, that it is robust and that it endures.
This constitutional order is anchored in the rule of law, supported by institutions for advancing democracy, such as the Independent Electoral Commission, and upheld by an independent judiciary.
Since 1994 we have strived together to build a country that is democratic, prosperous and free, and this remains the defining mission of our nation. With us now having entered a new phase in our democratic journey, political parties will have to strive in earnest to find common ground as we work to rebuild our country.
Although every political party carries a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate, all parties share an over-arching mandate to build a country that is inclusive, united and prosperous.
This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement. There can be no place for threats of violence or instability.
South Africans must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order we have worked so hard to build, and for which so many struggled and sacrificed.
Whatever challenges we may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the prescripts of our Constitution and the rule of law.
Despite the mammoth logistical undertaking, and despite a number of challenges it faced, the Independent Electoral Commission once more acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism and integrity.
According to the results of the Election Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the majority of voters surveyed expressed confidence in the IEC. Furthermore, the majority were also generally satisfied with the voting procedures, felt safe to cast their ballots in secrecy, and were confident that the election was free and fair.
Having achieved yet another milestone on our democratic journey, we should all take pride in our own contribution towards giving meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy.
As we work as political parties to find each other across the divide in the coming weeks and months, let us demonstrate both in our actions and our utterances that we hold the Constitution and the rule of law to be paramount.
Let us remember that whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the South African people.
Now more than ever, we need to put our differences aside and work together for the common good.
Setshwantsho: Monna o latofadiwang ka go teketa mmagwe, Mphumelelo Thobela
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Monna wa kwa motseng wa Matolong gaufi le Taung, yo a latofadiwang ka go teketa mmagwe, o reboletswe beile ya R500 ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Ka di 2 Motsheganong 2024, go begwa fa Mpumelelo Thobela (41) a ile a goroga kwa gagabo, mme a fitlha a kopa mmagwe (73) madi a gwa go reka nnotagi. Fela, go begwa fa mosadimogolo a ne a itoka fa a sena le peni.
Go begwa fa seo se ile sa shakgatsa Thobela. Go ya ka dipego, Thobela one a mo tlhasela le go mo goga-goga mo mmileng. Go begwa fa mosadimogolo a ne a kuwa mokgosi. Go begwa fa baagisani ba ne ba utlwa selelo seo sa ga Ragele, mme ba mo tlhaga thuso, le go mo namola mo diatleng tsa ga Thobela.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Col Adele Myburgh, Thobela gape o latofadiwa ka go tlola molao-peelo wa Protection Order under Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998).
Thobela o ile a tlhagelela lekgetlho la ntlha kwa kgotlhatshekelo ka Mosupulogo, mme kgetsi ya gagwe ya shutisediwa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Kgetsi ya ga Thobela e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 3 Seetebosigo 2024, mme ene o tla nama a letile kwa ntle.
Kgabagare, mogokaganyi wa sedika wa Women Mobilisation Committee go tswa kwa lekoko la sepolotiki la Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Masego Lepedi are: “Jaaka re le bomme, mme re ikarabela ka ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong, re kgala thata tiragalo e e diragetseng. Ditiragalo tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana di dintsi, fela boammaruri ke gore setsosa sa kgang ke botlhoka-tiro mo nageng. Ke ka moo rona jaaka EFF re ikuela gore go tlhamiwe ditiro.
“Botlhoka-tiro ke seemo se se boima, mme se tlhoka go ka tsibogelwa ka nako. Re kgala thata tiragalo e, mme re ikuela gore molao o tseye karolo. Go tlaleletsa mo go seo, rena le Rehabilitation Centre mo Taung e e sa direng. Maloko a rona a EFF ba eleng barongwa-pusong, ba ile ba tsaya matsapa le go ya go lekola seemo sa Rehabilitation Centre eo, mme ba fitlhela fa e sa dire.”
Lepedi are jaanong go sa dire ga Rehabilitation Centre go ama matshelo a baagi. Are ba dumela gore fa Rehabilitation Centre ene e dira, ba tla bo ba bona phapang.
“Dikgwetlho tsa bana ba ba shotlhang batsadi ba bone di teng, mme fela ba kabe ba ya go ikgopolola kwa go yone. Bontsi jwa bone ba dirisa diritibatsi le nnotagi botlhatshwa ka ntlheng ya seemo sa khumanego se ba tshelelang mo go sone.
“Seemo se re tshelelang mo go sone, ke sa khumanego mme se tlhotlheletsa dilo tsotlhe tse di maswe tse di diragalang. Bagaetsho, puso ya rona ere paletse, mme re tshelela mo lehumeng le mo tshotlakako,” Lepedi wa tlhalosa.
Are ga gona sepe se se botokwa se ba tla se shupang se sentle se se dirilweng ke puso e mo tlase ga lekoko la ANC.
Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Regional Court. This comes after the case was postponed on 27 May 2024, due to unavailability of the defence lawyer.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested and charged for arson.
The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation. In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family.
They accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
In the first game on Day 3 of TNL Power-Week 2, the Sonoblomo faced off against the Lillies from Limpopo in a B Division game. The Limpopo side came out desperate to record their first win of the tournament, however, the many unforced errors, caused them to succumb, 40 – 28 to the Free State team.
Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said in the second game of the day, the current B Division log leaders, the Comets, convincingly beat the Kingdom Queens, which was not the result that the Queens needed.
Mokgalagadi said coach Magda du Plessis, desperately came out wanting her team to find all cylinders, which they are just not doing at the moment, while the Comets recorded their third win in as many days.
“In the match between Tshukudu and the Kingdom Stars, debutants Tshukudu continue to be an exciting team to watch. They had a serious step up during the game. At half-time, the Stars were leading quite convincingly, but in true cliché, proven right, never underestimate the newcomers.
“The team from the North West, managed to keep the Stars at bay and only lost to them by one point. The fourth game of the day between The Sunbirds and Diamonds, saw many moments of brilliance,” she said.
Mokgagadi further said Dlamini on goal attack, for the Diamonds, had an outstanding game. She added that Dlamini ran the attack and was a close contender for player of the match.
“The Sunbirds’ attack led by wing attack Sinothando Zimema, stood out. Lika Boysen, who walked away as the player of the match, received most of the passes and provided accurate feeding with great pace control, benefitting the team.
“The Baobabs, who are still missing Cornelia Mupenda at the back, remain a challenge for them. It seems like they are still struggling to adjust to the game’s tempo in Division A,” said Mokgalagadi.
She said Emily Mathosa’s side is still finding it difficult to record a win. Mokgalagadi said on the other hand, the Jaguars came out a little fatigued after their massive clash yesterday, but managed to stay on the winning streak against the Aloes in the last game of the day.
Former Proteas player and netball analyst, Vanes-Marie du Toit said it was exciting to watch the debutants play against experienced teams.
“Tshukudu’s mid-court players gelled well together while the Stars made questionable changes in the last quarter which directly contributed to Tshukudu catching up,” said du Toit.
Meanwhile, coach and commentator, Mampo Tsotetsi said: “There was one-way traffic for the Stings, with no response for Sian Moore in the front. It was an interesting introduction of Kelly Gouws in the GA position and brought a great partnership between Gouws and Moore in the shooting circle.
“Syntiche Kubuya, who is a fantastic left-hander, kept pushing Muhluri Hlatshwayo to her dominant side and towards the line, away from the post, which eventually affected Hlatshwayo’s confidence.”
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West calls for a probe of an old age home in Jericho village, near Brits. This comes an elderly man (80), who was a resident, allegedly killed by two fellow resident pensioners aged 75 and 92.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the alleged perpetrators were arrested in connection with the incident and are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024 to answer to murder charges.
“The victim and the suspects allegedly stayed at an old age home together and a fight ensued between them at around 4am on 30 May 2024. 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 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.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said he has noted with concern some detractors, who claim to support him, mudslinging various ANC and government leaders. Lehari said the vicious attacks were launched on various social media platforms, especially on WhatsApp.
“I categorically distance myself from any group whatsoever and remain fiercely against groupings attacking both ANC leaders and government officials. It is worth noting that I do not have a WhatsApp account and am not a member of any group.
“I want to issue a stern warning to all who use my name by attacking provincial leaders, as well as government officials. I have directed the law enforcement agencies to investigate these charlatans and bring them to book,” he said.
Lehari further said anyone found to have contravened any statute of the Republic, will face the might of law as a ‘matter of urgency.’ He added that as part of the collective leadership of the province, does not need anyone using his name nor position to denigrate and defame other leaders.
“This is mere propaganda against me as both the MEC and the ANC Provincial Treasurer. I think this is an effort to injure my social standing as a leader,” said Lehari
Meanwhile, there are allegations over a fierce contestation between Lehari and the former ANCYL president, Collen Maine of who will become the North West Premier.
Picture: The DA leader and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen said as the dust of the elections settle, they can start to see the way forward more clearly. Steenhuisen, who addressed the nation on Sunday, said the people have spoken.
He further said the voters have not given an outright majority to any party, thereby demanding cooperation from their political leaders. Steenhuisen added that with this historic result, the country has arrived at the next great fork in the road of the long and complex history.
“As we digest the results of the 2024 elections and their implications, I know that many of you are feeling uncertain and anxious about the future. Yet, it is important to remind ourselves that we have faced times of even greater uncertainty before.
“Throughout our history, South Africans have overcome seemingly impossible odds. Together, we have done it before and we must now do it again. Just over a year ago, I spoke to you from the same venue in Midrand, where the election results are currently being finalised,” he said.
Steenhuisen said following his re-election as Federal Leader, he committed the DA to the formation of a unified opposition bloc that became known as the Multi-Party Charter. He said throughout the election campaign, he encouraged voters to support the DA and the Multi-Party Charter to ensure that they achieve a collective majority of 50% plus one to form a new government.
“While the DA grew nationally and in six provinces, the Charter unfortunately did not collectively achieve majorities at national or provincial levels. Despite this fact, the DA is grateful to our MPC partners, and we remain committed to working constructively with those that are prepared to stand with us in putting the country first at this perilous time.
“During the same speech from the DA’s Congress last year, I also indicated what the DA’s position would be in a scenario where the ANC loses its majority and the MPC falls short. At the time, I said that if this scenario materialises – the DA will make it our number one priority – and do absolutely everything in our power – to prevent an ANC-EFF Doomsday Coalition from taking power,” said Steenhuisen.
He said in the 14 months since he spoke those words, the rise of the MK Party has only added to the urgency of this commitment. Steenhuisen said the reality is that the DA is the only party that foresaw this risk, and that spoke openly and honestly with voters about it.
“And so, it has come to pass. Based on current projections, a combination of the ANC, the EFF and MK have the numbers to take power nationally, as well as in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The bottom line is that, collectively, the ANC, EFF and MK have the numbers to take power, while the Multi-Party Charter does not.
“This is not the outcome that we wanted, but it is the outcome we must now deal with. The DA will not bury our heads in the sand. We will face up to this challenge, for that is the task of leadership. All throughout the election campaign, the DA undertook to rescue South Africa from the Doomsday Coalition,” he said.
Steenhuisen said they will now do their level best to do exactly that. He said they will do so for the people, who voted for them and for the people of South Africa as a whole.
“As a result, I can today announce that the DA’s Federal Executive has unanimously adopted a resolution to initiate exploratory talks with other political parties that share a commitment to the South African Constitution, to identify options for the formation of governments at national and provincial level where no party has obtained an outright majority.
“To facilitate this process, the Federal Executive has appointed a negotiating team composed of Helen Zille, Ivan Meyer, Siviwe Gwarube, Alan Winde, Tony Leon and Ryan Coetzee to facilitate the engagement with other parties. The purpose of these initial talks is to gather information on the options that are available to the DA as we seek to rescue South Africa from Doomsday,” said Steenhuisen.
The Guardian 