Nine suspects nabbed for stealing cattle separately 

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Picture: The cattle suspected to be stolen seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Nine suspects aged between 28 and 55, are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe and Delareyville Magistrate’s Courts on 3, 4 and 6 June 2024, on separate charges of stock theft. The suspects were arrested on 26, 28 and 30 May 2024, after being found with suspected stolen livestock.

In Delareyville, Isaac Maraise (36), Walter Masisi (40), Hans Wels (46) and Richard Peka (55), were arrested on 26 May 2024, after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the accused allegedly stole 14 calves worth R81 900 at a farm, near Delareyville and called a certain man to sell them to him.  

“The police eventually arrested the accused while in the process of selling the calves. They made initial court appearances on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, and are expected to re-appear on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, for bail application.  

“In Lehurutshe, Oratile Matebesi (26) and Vincent Kgomo (30), briefly appeared before the Lehurutshe District Court on 30 May 2024, for stock theft. The accused were arrested after being seen branding suspected stolen livestock at Ikageleng Section, in Dinokana village and the community members informed the police,” she said.  

Funani further said the Lehurutshe Stock theft and Crime Prevention Units were patrolling along the N4 road on 27 May 2024, when they spotted a Toyota bakkie with a trailer loaded with three cattle and stopped the vehicle for search. 

She added that the police arrested the two suspects and charged them for possession of suspected livestock.  

“On 30 May 2024, three more outstanding suspects were arrested after they handed themselves over to Lehurutshe Police station. 

“Three suspects between the ages of 28 and 41 are expected to appear in the Lehurutshe District Court for their first court appearance. The preliminary investigations showed that the three cattle were stolen in Botswana. 

“The accused were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen stock. Matebesi and Kgomo appeared before the court and their case was postponed until 6 June 2024, for formal bail application,” said Funani.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Sannieshof and Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units, for their swift response, which led to the arrests and the recovery of the cattle. Kwena said the suspected stolen cattle were returned to the lawful owners. 

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Netball TNL Power Week 2 was electrifying 

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Picture: The netball players during TNL Power Week 2/Supplied   

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Netball South Africa said Day 2 of TNL Power Week 2 was electric. According to the Netball SA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi, spectators flocked to the iconic Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, to witness a day of thrilling netball encounters. 

Mokgalagadi said teams came out stronger, hungrier, and more strategic, but notwithstanding the couple of missed opportunities in the shooting circle. She further said the match-up between the Flames and the Aloes, saw a lot of turnovers with the ball going up and down the court. 

“The Flames put tremendous pressure on the Aloes forcing them to make many errors and capitalizing on that, but could not end in the winning seat as the Aloes edged the win with 2 goals. While talking about capitalizing on errors, this was highly noticeable in the games between the Diamonds and the Comets. 

“Although the Diamonds led for three quarters, the Comets came out to win the game 51 – 47. This again was a testament to teams not being able to sustain full momentum throughout the game,” said Mokgalagadi.

She added that in the match-up of the day, with screaming fans and a filled arena, the Golden Fireballs hosted their provincial counterparts, the Jaguars. Mokgalagadi said both the teams were determined to prove who is the best in the battle of the Titans, as they came out of first-round wins this week. 

“Kamogelo Maseko’s return to the court strongly impacted the squad and youngster Kayla Dames, who pulled some magic tricks out of the hat. In the end, Marichelle Visagie of the Fireballs showed her consistency as she kept her pose.

“It was a fast-paced match as the Jaguars started strong, demonstrating their intentions in the first two centre passes. The Golden Fireballs then found their rhythm, and the crowd went wild,” she said.

Full Results:

Diamonds 47-51 Comets

Sonoblomo 41-42 Sunbirds

Flames 52-54 Aloes

KD Queens 39-45 Tshukudu

Fireballs 51-53 Jaguars

Crinums 51-43 Stings

Sunday (2 June) Fixtures:

08:00 Sonoblomo vs Lillies

10:00 EC Comets vs KD Queens

12:00 Tshukudu vs KD Stars

14:00 Sunbirds vs Diamonds

16:00 Stings vs Baobabs

18:00 Aloes vs Jaguars

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Banyana Banyana share the spoils with Senegal  

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players after 1-1 draw with Senegal/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MAOLAETSI 

Banyana Banyana played to a 1-1 draw with Senegal in the first of two international friendly matches at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal on Saturday night. In what was a very physical match, the South African Senior Women’s National Team dominated possession in the first half, but failed to make use of it.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis made a decisive substitution in the beginning of the second half as Sinoxolo Cesane made way for Kholoso Biyana. Ellis’ decision assisted in getting the team a bit more forward. 

“Karabo Dhlamini picked up an injury and was forced to come off in the 65th minute. We had to make a double substitution as Dhlamini and Motlhalo made way for Asanda Hadebe and Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

“A great combination played in the 67th minute saw   Nthabiseng Majiya score the opening goal for South Africa. The Senegalese played long balls, but could not find a way past the visitors’ rear-guard as goalkeeper Kaylan Swart and her defenders had them covered,” she said.

She further said she then brought on Nicole Michael for Nthabiseng Majiya in the 75th minute. Ellis added that Thubelihle Shamase and Lesego Nkoane, came in the 84th for Amogelang Motau and Sibulele Holweni. 

“Senegal got a penalty in the last minute of the match after a scrabble clearance by South Africa in the box and the home side equalized to earn a share of the spoils. I believe we dominated the match but failed to take our chances. 

“We knew that Senegal would play the long ball, so we were prepared for what they gave. We managed to give more players some game time and as time goes by, they will understand what we want from them as we continue to prepare for the WAFCON,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Senegal will host the South Africans in the second international friendly on 4 June 2024 at the same Stade Lat Dior venue.

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An elderly man killed in a fight at old-age home 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Two men aged 75 and 92, were arrested for the alleged murder of an elderly man (80) in Jericho village, near Brits. 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. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the victim was from the bathroom when he met with the suspects, who were on their way to the bathroom. Funani said the victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects. 

“One of the suspects 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. 

“The victim who sustained head injuries was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival. The two suspects were later arrested for murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.

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Two suspects nabbed for business robbery, third suspect still at large 

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Picture: A vehicle confiscated by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two suspects nabbed by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the North West Provincial Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) and Rustenburg Flying Squad, for business robbery in Ventersdorp on 31 May 2024. 

It is alleged that three armed men entered and robbed a store of jewellery and clothes in Ventersdorp. They were allegedly seen a few minutes later fleeing from the scene driving in a white Mercedes Benz vehicle.   

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police in Rustenburg were informed to be on a lookout for the vehicle. Funani said the police allegedly spotted and stopped at Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD).  

“One of the suspects managed to flee with jewellery. The police searched the vehicle and found 9mm, ammunition, as well as clothing items that were stolen from the store. It was also discovered that the Mercedes Benz was stolen in Pretoria in June 2023.  

“The two suspects aged 30 and 33, were arrested for business robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. A manhunt has been launched for the third suspect,” she said.

Funani further said the suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police in Ventersdorp, Provincial Crime Intelligence and the other units that worked together in making sure that the suspects were arrested. Funani said the police must not rest till the arrest of the third suspect.

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Community members torch pastor’s house after accusing him of kidnapping  

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Picture: The house belonging to the pastor torched/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two suspects were arrested for arson and being in possession of suspected stolen property at Kgabalatsane village on 30 May 2024. This comes after the community members allegedly set alight a house belonging to a local church pastor after accusing him of kidnapping. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the community members alleged that the pastor kidnapped and kept children at his house. Funani alleged that 300 members of the community, gathered in front of the church at Kgabalatsane village, in Hebron, near Brits on 30 May 2024, demanded the release of the children. 

“The police consequently found three children and handed them over to their parents, who denied the alleged kidnapping. The police escorted the pastor to the Hebron Police Station after the angry mob threatened to assault him. 

“However, the police were later called and informed that the pastor’s house was burning. Subsequent to the incident, two suspects aged 19 and 54, were arrested for arson and possession of suspected stolen property. They are expected to appear before the Ga-Rankwua Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their swift reaction that led to the arrest. Kwena urged the public to allow investigations to unfold and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. 

“We urge the community members to report criminal activities to the police,” he said.

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The PROVJOINTS in North West lauded for high level of safety during elections 

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Picture: The IEC logo

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Co-Chairperson of Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) in North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng said after months and weeks of detailed and integrated planning, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in North West, has just concluded and put a stamp of approval, appreciation and gratitude to the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS). 

Asaneng said this comes after the high level Safety and Security Plan that enabled the holding and delivery of free, fair and credible National and Provincial Elections (NPE) under difficult circumstances since the dawn of democratic state 30 years ago.

He said in planning for this year’s elections, the PROVJOINTS and the IEC had to take into account budgetary and cost containment constraints. 

Asaneng further said this was done without jeopardising and compromising the safety, security and credibility of not only the IEC, but also the safety and security of the elections and the many political parties and contestants, who registered to vote and took part in the elections, which were spread over three days of voting.

“The PROVJOINTS, which was entrusted with the mammoth task and responsibility of securing the entire process, was for the first time faced with an unprecedentedly high number of political parties. More than 30 and three different ballot papers. 

“This includes the first time use of Voter Management Devices (VMDs) by the IEC, in addition to managing the stability situation in the province. Despite the uncertainty and threats of disruptions of elections, the PROVJOINTS managed to deliver on its assurance to the IEC and all the people of North West that elections will be held in a safe, secure and conducive environment,” he said.

Asaneng added that it is now common cause that the elections in the province were without any major or significant security breaches. He said this is highly due to the command, management, commitment, dedication and support of all the joint departments, the IEC, the communities, and civil society in the province.

“The joint command of the PROVJOINTS led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and State Security Agency and ably supported by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster departments, State Owned Entities (SOEs), the District and Local Municipalities and Provincial Disaster Management Centre, would like to express its sincerest appreciation to all the men and women of different law enforcement agencies and different entities, who heeded the call of duty by working tirelessly and diligently to make sure that the 2024 epoch making elections were held in a safe and secure, peaceful and conducive environment,” said Asaneng. 

He said the dedication, discipline, cooperation and commitment displayed by all is testament to the spirit of patriotism and further enhanced the image of South Africa internationally, given the fact that the eyes of the world were on this year’s elections.

He said the PROVJOINTS would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all those who made sure that there is stability during the elections.

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Glencore Rhovan Mine back in operation after four weeks’ halt  

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Picture: The community members of Bakwena Baga Mogopa Tribal Authority/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The situation at Glencore Rhovan Mine in Bethanie is back to normal. This comes after operations were brought to a grinding halt for four weeks by irked community members, who complained about lack of employment. 

The mine workforce comprises 65% of the local community members. 

The situation prompted the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to establish the technical team led by the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi, acting Head of Department (HOD) at DEDECT, Lebogang Diale and Head of Department (HOD) at the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Ben Bole to intervene in the impasse.

The Bakwena ba Mogopa Tribal Authority under the stewardship of Kgosi Motheo Mamogale, owns 26% stake of Rhovan operations. Mamogale said after three weeks of negotiation between the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Rhovan Glencore Mine and community leaders, agreed on short, medium and long term solutions, with employment of fixed term workers being an immediate measure.

“Seventy workers will be employed immediately and another batch of 70, will be employed in July 2014, for a minimum of 6 months’ period in different projects, including the establishment of a solar power farm. 

“Through the SLP, the mine has amongst others built Bethanie Clinic, Barseba, Makolokwe and Bethanie Sports Facility, built ablution facilities at the local schools and has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Magalies Water and Rustenburg Local Municipality to supply bulk water to the locals,” he said.

Mamogale further said the mine is also skilling the local community members for employment and to be business ready. He added that, furthermore, the mine empowers locals through training and development interventions including bursaries, learnerships, scholarships, internships, business studies through GIBS.

Tlhapi said it is satisfying with what the negotiations have yielded. She said she believes that more will be done to bring stability, improving the relations between the mine and the community and creating more opportunities.

“We are delighted to announce that the community has agreed to opportunities presented to them by the mine as a short-term measure. We will resolve other issues raised, which included the businesses after creating legitimate structures in the areas.

“We intend to host community meetings in all Bakwena ba Mogopa villages to form structures that will champion the interest of the communities. The provincial government also intends to oversee the formation of the Board of Trustees as soon as possible, which will be accountable to the mine royalties of Bakwena Ba Mogopa and further create socio-economic opportunities for all,” said Tlhapi.

Meanwhile, the Chief Operation Officer, Adriaan Brugman said Rhovan is a Glencore open cast managed mine operation in Bethanie. Its mineral deposit comprises vanadiferous, titaniferous, magnetite gabbro, with vanadium occurring in the magnetite.

Brugman said Rhovan remains committed to empowering their host communities so that they thrive with good education, better health facilities and with business and employment opportunities.

“We have employed 649 workers and 65% are from the Bakwena Ba Mogopa villages and we have about 380 on fixed term contracts of which 86% are locals. All employment and business opportunities are advertised on our information portal to ensure fairness and transparency.

“We are creating other opportunities through the implementation of the Social and Labour plans. The current SLP is yet to be approved. This is worrisome because we want to implement projects and unlock more opportunities,” he said. 

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Shaleng Primary and Mothelesi Secondary School to be combined 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addressing the residents of Shaleng during a meeting/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The community of Shaleng village, near Taung said they are happy after a consultative engagement with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi on Wednesday, over the construction of the new state-of-the-art school. The community members engaged in a meeting with Motsumi to map the way forward over the construction of the new school.  

This comes after community members on Tuesday embarked on a poor service delivery protest demanding amongst others, a new school. One of the community leaders, Sinah Gaoagwe, said the department has promised to build a new school since 2019, but nothing has happened. 

“We had a meeting with Motsumi on Wednesday as agreed. We managed to elect the committee that will represent us. The committee is composed of three School Governing Body (SGB) members from the Shaleng Primary School, three SGB members from Mothelesi Secondary School, two ordinary community members and one from the Baga-Mothibi Tribal Authority. 

“Now, the committee will meet on a monthly basis and give us an update regarding any developments on this project. Motsumi approved the committee and she promised to send a commitment letter today,” she said.   

Meanwhile, Motsumi said the community members welcomed the swift move by the department to address the long-standing concerns of parents and educators at Shaleng Primary School and Mothelesi Secondary School. She further said these schools have faced challenges due to low enrolment with a combined student population falling below 500. 

“Recognizing the need for improved learning environments, the department has taken decisive action to optimize resources and deliver quality education. We are committed to providing conducive learning spaces for all our learners. 

“After careful consideration and discussions with the school communities comprising School Governing Body (SGBs), parents and teachers, we have agreed to combine Shaleng Primary and Mothelesi Secondary Schools into a single institution, which will make them a Combined School,” said Motsumi.

She added that this solution will ensure they can utilize resources effectively, while planning for a brand new school building. Motsumi emphasized that the Combined School will cater to both primary and secondary learners on the same premises.

“It’s important to clarify that even though the schools are being combined, each section will have its dedicated block of classrooms and ablution facilities. The department has already advertised the tender for construction at the school. 

“Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024, with the goal of handing over the revamped facility to the community before the next academic year. This initiative demonstrates the department’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of learners and ensuring equitable access to quality education across the province.

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A man sentenced to six years for statutory rape 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (23) was sentenced to 6 year imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for statutory rape. Angelo De Vries was in an intimate relationship with a girl (15), and when she became pregnant, the matter was reported to the police. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The Investigating Officer, D/WO David Matthys from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, conducted the investigation that ensured no impunity is granted to the perpetrator of this Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) crime, especially as we are celebrating child protection month. 

“Vries was found guilty and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, which was suspended for 5 years. Kock further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name is to be recorded in the National Sexual Offenders Register.”

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