The Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project created 259 jobs  

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Picture: Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Senzo Mchunu, accompanied by his Deputy Judith Tshabalala, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi and the executive mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Sheila Mabale-Huma, launched the Phase 2 of Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project in Mafenya, Chaneng in Rustenburg as part of the North West Provincial Government Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole on 24 May 2024.

The project, which is part of the “Operation Bulela Metsi” Programme, Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project is funded under the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) consisting of the construction of a 30ML Tlhabane reservoir, the construction of Mafenya pump station and a 28km pipeline to Tlhabane reservoir. 

Mchunu said the construction of the 30ML reservoir has been completed and that the Rustenburg communities will soon receive water after connecting the remaining 2-kilometer pipeline. He further said the state-of-the-art pump station with three pumps, one which will be in use and the other two for reserve, is one of the best in the province. 

Mchunu added that it will enable continuous maintenance while simultaneously supplying water to communities.

“Come September, the problem of water will be a thing of the past when phase two of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply project will be completed. Then the implementation will proceed to phase three of Magalies Water Master Plan, which involves extending water pipes to the south of the province, where municipalities such as Kgetlengrivier, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities and further to Supingstad near the border to Botswana will then complete the master plan in terms of implementation,” he said. 

Maloyi cautioned the unwanted involvement or disturbance of the construction mafia, whom he says are delaying the implementation of the water infrastructure projects. He encouraged communities to guard their water infrastructure to ensure that water flows to them.

“More than 63 238 households in the Royal Bafokeng Administration, which consists of areas such as Phokeng, Rasimone, Ga-Luka, Mogono, Kanana, Mosenthal and Boitekong stand to benefit from the project. 

“This includes Bokamoso, Boschoek, Buffelsfontein, Elandsfontein, Freedom Park, Frischgewaagd, Meriting, Oorzak, Paardekraal, Platinum Mine, Popo Molefe, Rustenburg, Seraleng, Setlhokwe, Tlhabane, Waterkloof, Waterval and Wildebeesfontein in Rustenburg. The project has already created 259 jobs for locals,” said Maloyi.

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Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex performs first ever heart surgery

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Picture: The patient, Martha Vanstawel, who underwent heart surgery/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A collaborative partnership between the North West and Gauteng provincial Department of Health has led to the successful performing of the first-ever open heart surgery at a provincial referral hospital in the North West. Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex, supported by the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), achieved a historical milestone on 24 May 2024.

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said a patient, Martha Vanstawel (38), who was operated on, has been known to the Gauteng Cardiac Services since 2006. Sambatha further said she suffered from mitral regurgitation (a leaking valve) with a submitral aneurysm (abnormal swelling of the heart). 

“Surgery was recommended as far back as 2006, but she declined as she was not emotionally ready. A decade later the patient agreed to have the surgery. The discussions to start cardiac services at the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex date back to 2010, with structural planning beginning a decade later. 

“Heart operations, by their very nature, require enormous capital investments, manpower, and infrastructure. As such, this feat could only be achieved by careful planning and execution,” he said.

Sambatha added that the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex dedicated itself to achieving all the necessary requirements by renovating its theatres during the COVID-19 pandemic and acquiring the necessary equipment. He said at the same time, various plenary meetings were held between the two hospitals to prepare for the now successful surgery.

“The hospital management, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthetists, perfusionists and theatre-trained nurses supported by physicians, cardiologists and the clinical engineering team supported these efforts equally on both sides which led to the culmination of this historic achievement.

“The patient has already been extubated. She is doing well in the intensive care unit and is in high spirits. This demonstrates that the intensive care unit at Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex is equally suited to managing complex cases,” said Sambatha. 

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said: “The collaboration has paved the way for enhanced healthcare delivery, ensuring that specialised services are accessible to all citizens in need of critical care regardless of their province of origin.

“This initiative exemplifies the transformation of health services in South Africa, focusing on access and equity to healthcare. By bringing such advanced medical care to the North West, we ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment without the added burden of traveling long distances, thereby reducing both financial and emotional strain on them and their families.” 

Meanwhile, Vanstawel said she is grateful for the care and treatment she received so far. She said she is also thankful that the operation was done here at home, where her family can easily come to see her. 

“Thank you to all the doctors and nurses, and everyone who made this operation a success. This was a clear demonstration that with the right mindset and resources, any government hospital could perform the surgeries that have often been viewed as surgeries performed only in tertiary university hospitals,” said Vanstawel.

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A man nabbed with bags of dagga worth R200 000 

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Picture: Bags of dagga worth R200 000 seized/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (34) was arrested for being in possession of bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R200 000 during Operation Vala Umgodiin Springbok on 26 May 2024. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary team was conducting crime prevention activities in Springbok when they received a tip-off. 

“Whilst conducting patrols in the area, the team received information regarding alleged drug dealing activities at a specific house in Bergsig, in Springbok.

“The team operationalised the information by responding swiftly and searched the house. The suspect was arrested and will appear in Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes in the Namakwa District. 

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Baagi ba Vaaltyn ba boloditse mogwanto kgatlhanong le thebolo e bokowa ya ditirelo 

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Setshwantsho: Baagi ba boloditse mogwanto kwa Vaaltyn

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Vaaltyn, gaufi le Taung, ba tlhotse ba boloditse mogwanto kgatlhanong le thebolo e bokowa ya ditirelo mo letsatsing la gompieno. Baagi ba, ba tlhalositse fa puso ya ga jaana e sa ba direle sepe. 

Mongwe wa baagi, Edwin Motshidi are ha e sale masepala o mogolwane wa Taung o ba tshepisitse dipone tsa mo mebileng (high mast lights), fela ga go nko e tswang lemina. Motshidi are ba tshotse matsapa go ka buisana le molekgotlha, fela ga sekegele selelo sa bone tsebe, ke ka moo ba boloditseng mogwanto. 

“Gape, re ile ra tshepisiwa tsela ya paving, mme ga ke tshepe fa sengwe se ka diragala. Re lela le ka Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima. Re ile kwa dikantorong tsa bone, mme ga ra bona dikarabo. Re kwadile makwalo gore lefapha leo le tle go re itsise gore le re agela leng tsela ya R225, fela re sa ntse re beile letsogo mo phatlheng. 

“Tsela e ya rona ga e tsamaege, mme e tlhola dikotsi. Gape, ga rena kliniki, mme Lefapha la Boitekanelo mo Bokone Bophirima, le ne le ntse le tlisa mobile clinic, fela rena le dikgwedi di le tharo o sa tle. Seo, se feleletsa se pateletsa bagolo ba rona gore ba palame go ya kwa Reivilo go ya go tsaya dipilisi tsa bone,” Motshidi wa tlhalosa. 

Motshidi are gape ba lela ka seemo sa sekolo se se potlana sa Ikhutseng. Go ya ka Motshidi, sekolo seo ga se mo maemong a siameng, mme se ka wa nako engwe le engwe. 

“Rakontereka o ile atla, fela go fitlha ga jaana ga re itse gore madi a neng a tshwanetse a age sekolo seo a ile kae. E ne ya re fa re botsa, lefapha le ile la re bolelela ka palo e kwa tlase ya baithuti. Jaanong, seo se ile sa re makatsa thata gonne gona le dikolo dingwe tse di nang le baithuti ba ba kwa tlase ka palo, fela ga go buiwe ka tsone. 

“Ntlha-phisegelo enngwe ke tlhokego ya metsi. Re dirisa engine go pompa metsi, mme yone e dirisa diesel. Jaanong, engine e e rothisetsa diesel mo teng ga metsi, mme seo se a kgotlhele.

“Re kopa gore puso e golaganye motlakase, mme e tswe mo tirisong ya diesel. Fela setlamo se se rebolang metsi sa Magalies Water, ba tlhalositse fa ba dirisa engine, gonne go ke go nne le kgaogo ya motlakase. Re ne re ikuela go puso gore e dirise engine fela fa motlakase o kgaogile,” Motshidi wa tlhalosa. 

Majoro-khuduthamaga wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje are: “Ditlhokego tsa baagi tse di kwa setlhoweng ke tlhokego ya tsela, mme ra iponela le rona gore ke nnete tsela ga eo. Ke buile le tlhogo ya Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, mme o re netefaleditse fa a tlile go romela mokaedi wa gagwe wa sedika go tla go tlhalosetsa baagi gore go tlile go diriwa eng mo nakong e khutshwane go netefatsa fa tsela ya bone e tsamaega.

“Se sengwe ke tlhokego ya kliniki, mme re dumalane gore ka Labone go tla tlisiwa mobile clinic. Gape, baagi ba rona ba kaile fa ba sa tlhole ba batla go tlamelwa ka metsi a pompiwang ka diesel, mme re fetolele seo kwa motlakaseng. Mo ntlheng eo, re tla leka go kopa Eskom gore e re golaganyetse motlakase.” 

Maje are ntlha enngwe e baagi ba e tlhaigitseng ke tlhokego ya di pone tsa mo mmileng (high mast lights), fela o tla kopana le majoro wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe go rarabolola bothata jo. 

Kgabagare, motlatsa-mokwaledi wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa SANCO mo sedikeng, Mothohela Dikhai are dilelo tsa baagi ke tse diutlwalang, mme ba itumeletse tsereganyo e e tlisitsweng ka Maje. 

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New police vehicles to advance policing of illicit mining

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Picture: New police vehicles handed over to the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, handed over six new vehicles to advance the policing of illicit mining activities in the province. Ngubelanga said this follows the official opening of the 24-hour National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) Coordination Centre (NCC) at the SAPS Tshwane Academy in Pretoria on 24 May 2024.

“During the ceremony, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, together with the National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola, handed over vehicles to various specialised operations units.

“The vehicles were handed over to enable members to swiftly respond to and address illicit mining and related matters in the mining hotspot areas of the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.

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All systems go for PROVJOINTS ahead of elections 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), which is jointly led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), is confident and want to assure the millions of registered voters in the province that proper and adequate safety, health and security measures and interventions, are in place to enable the IEC to deliver free, fair and credible National and Provincial Elections 2024.

Kwena was addressing the media at the Provincial Disaster Management in Mahikeng on 27 May 2024. He said following months of preparations, the PROVJOINTS as the Operational component of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), has developed and is ready to actualize a Security Strategy and Operational Plan that coordinate and integrates all the resources, capabilities under one Joint Operational Command to create a safe, secure and conducive environment for the IEC  to do its work and for eligible registered voters to exercise their right  to vote without fear of violence or harm  from human or natural  disasters or threats.

“As committed and in line with the PROVJOINTS Operational Plan, officers and members are deployed to discharge their various elections related tasks starting with the Special Votes days at 1698 voting stations across the province for 136 639 walking-in votes and 43 526 home visits.  

“The Provincial Joint Operational Centre (PROVJOC) is operating and coordinating Election Security Plan through five District JOCs, which have been activated and will remain operational until the IEC has announced the final results and officially closed its Results Operations Centre,” he said.

Kwena further said the Joint Operations Centres serve as Central, Command and Coordination points for the reporting of incidents or possible emergencies in order to ensure swift, prompt and coordinated response. He added that the Operational Intelligence Coordination Committee (OICC), has already categorised and identified the risks of the voting stations to ensure that there is constant monitoring of those considered to be volatile. 

“The exercise also assisted in the number of proportionate static deployments needed per voting district / station. It is still important to emphasise that, despite all these preparations by the PROVJOINTS, without support and cooperation of all the citizens/inhabitants and political parties of mutual respect and tolerance and respect for the rule of law and specifically the Constitution of the Republic Bill of Rights the holding of free, fair and credible elections will be comprised. 

“Let us remember that, all participating political parties have signed the Electoral Code of Conduct and a Pledge to abide by the Electoral Act. We are therefore confident that leaders, members and supporters are ready to work with the PROVJOINTS to make sure that the elections are held in a peaceful, safe and secure environment,” said Kwena. 

He said while the PROVJOINTS is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure, conducive environment for the free, fair and credible elections, this is in fact everyone’s duty and responsibility as a patriotic South African and not the IEC’s or JOINTS task alone. 

Kwena said the PROVJOINTS therefore calls upon all peace loving, responsible and patriotic South Africans and inhabitants of the North West from Dikgosi, Faith Based Organisations, Private Securities, Different Political formations and parties, the entire Civil Society and Community Police Forum (CPF) to work with the South African Police Service and other Law Enforcement Agencies to avoid unnecessary disruptions, violent protests and general lawlessness that may impede or jeopardise the 2024 National and Provincial elections.     

“The PROVJOINTS is aware of and is closely monitoring the situation at identified hotspots or potential violence flashpoints where reports of attempts to influence or intimidate the community to stay away from elections and thus to disrupt or stop the elections. 

“Any protest about lack of or poor delivery of basic services that result in, intimidation and threats damage to critical infrastructure, barricading of roads will be dealt with decisively by the police,” he said. 

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Picture: The law enforcement agencies ready for elections  

‘ANC has done much to correct its shortcomings’

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Picture: The ANC logo  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the groundswell of support it has received from communities across the country over the last few weeks, culminating in the successful Siyanqoba Rally at FNB Stadium on 25 May 2024. 

The ruling party said the Siyanqoba Rally, which was attended by more than 75,000 people and was viewed by many more across the country, was a colourful celebration of the achievements of the democracy. 

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the support shows a strong vote of confidence in the ANC to continue to lead the transformation of the society. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ruling party extends thanks to everyone who came to the stadium to show their support and to all the ANC organisers and volunteers, who ensure the success of the event.

“The Siyanqoba Rally follows months of extensive engagement by ANC leaders, veterans and volunteers with communities across South Africa and with various formations and sectors of society and is a fulfilment of the injunction of “The People Shall Govern,” as advocated by the Freedom Charter.

“During these interactions, South Africans from all walks of life have shared their experiences of the last 30 years of democracy, and have spoken about their concerns, challenges and hopes,” she said. 

Bhengu-Motsiri further said many of them recognise that the renewal of the ANC has made significant progress and that the organisation has done much to correct its shortcomings. She added that the people with whom they have interacted – and the thousands who attended the Siyanqoba Rally – have sent a clear message that they want to work with the ANC to improve their lives and to build their communities.

“Over the next two days, all ANC leaders, veterans and volunteers will be making a final push for a massive turnout of voters. They will be travelling the length and breadth of the country, calling on people to vote ANC and to spread the message of ‘Ramaphosa for President’.

“The ANC welcomes the conclusion of overseas voting and the start of special voting. It commends all South Africans who have already turned out to vote and thanks all of those who have chosen to vote for the ANC,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said the ANC once again calls upon its members and supporters to exercise political tolerance, discipline and restraint during the elections.

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More than 1100 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

More than 1100 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela that was conducted from 20-26 May 2024. According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police, supported by other law enforcement agencies, executed a total of 6 170 actions that included searching of 2 003 persons, 1 569 vehicles, 893 high visible patrols, ten roadblocks and the inspection of 393 liquor outlets and 29 second-hand goods dealers. 

Myburgh said the suspects were amongst others, arrested for crimes such as rape, murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), common assault, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle, theft out of/from motor vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and many others. 

“Of the 1 123 arrested suspects, 413 were arrested during detective suspect raids. Furthermore, 37 undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of 10 cell phones, copper cable liquor, two vehicles, six unlicensed firearms, 59 rounds of ammunition and a variety of drugs, such as crack cocaine, crystal meth and nyaope.

“In one of the incidents reported in Zeerust on Friday morning, the members of Zeerust Visible Policing, found two men walking next to the N4 road, towards the dumping site, carrying a back-pack,” she said. 

Myburgh further said on seeing the police, the pair ran away, but police managed to apprehend one of them. She added that upon searching him, the police found copper cables with an estimated street value of R7000 in the back-pack and immediately arrested him as he could not account for the possession. 

“A suspect (39) briefly appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers working together with other law enforcement agencies, including Traffic and Home Affairs to ensure that suspects are brought to book.

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Five suspects facing a murder case remanded in custody 

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Picture: The confiscated firearm/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Five suspects were arrested for murder during a collaborative effort by Ikageng Detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Drug Task Team and Fochville Visible Policing on 24 May 2024.

The suspects were arrested following the death of Elissa Nikolene Maponyane (44), who was allegedly shot several times on 23 May 2024. The incident occurred at Maponyane’s place in Ikageng Township, in Potchefstroom. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the victim was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on the scene.

“Information received regarding the incident led a team to Kokosi Township, near Fochville where all five suspects aged between 19 and 48, were arrested. During the arrest, the police confiscated a Volkswagen Jetta vehicle, two firearms and ammunition alleged to have been used during the commission of the crime.

“The accused, Mpho Gift Visagie (19), Tebogo Lipholo (32), Phoka Raphoka (36), Mpho Thorn Bennet Lombard (32) and John Ramasubela Mohahabe (48), briefly appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 27 May 2024. They were remanded in custody until 4 June 2024,” she said.

Myburgh said the police investigations into the matter continue and linkages to other crimes cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police units involved for working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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Arson case postponed due to the unavailability of the defence lawyer

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Picture: Seven accused persons who are facing arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung was postponed to 3 June 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.

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