Police officers who lost their lives while in line of duty remembered during a prayer session

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Picture: The police who lost their lives while in line of duty remembered/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 September 2024- The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari accompanied by the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Major General Steven Mabuela, Senior Officers, Components Heads and members, together with the Religious Fraternity, held a prayer service at Full Gospel Church in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 26 September 2024 to commemorate Police Safety Month.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the day was also used to remember those police officers, who have lost their lives while in line of duty. Shemane said the programme was directed by Chaplain Seturumane and the welcoming address, as well as the purpose of the day was delivered by Chaplain Pudule from Provincial Employee Health and Wellness, Spiritual Services.

“The inter-religious faith representatives from different denominations prayed for the SAPS Provincial Management, for prevention of police killings, for mental illness and well-being of members, and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“Major General Makgari and Major General Mabuela led the candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of WO Dipipenyane, Sgt Masilo and Constable Mandindi, who lost their lives in line of duty during the previous financial year,” he said.

Shemane further said Arch Bishop Mofokeng in delivering the sermon, he encouraged members to not only protect themselves physically, but spiritually as well.

Meanwhile, Major General Charlotte Makgari, delivered an address on behalf of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and stated that whenever police are faced with adversity, prayer should be their only hope as it provides the police with fortitude and strength to strive forward.

“I want to address two critical issues affecting the organisation, such as ill-discipline and extortion. Ill-discipline undermines police effectiveness, erodes public trust and compromises the mandate to serve and protect.

“It is crucial that police uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times. The police officers must understand that such behaviour is unacceptable and illegal,” she said.  

Makgari said it tarnishes the police reputation and violates the rights of the communities the police serve. She also encouraged the police to wear their bullet proof vests, ensure that their firearms are loaded and well-oiled and be alert at all times.

“We encourage all police officers to work together to restore and maintain the integrity and credibility of the police,” said Makgari.

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A woman sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for killing her boyfriend

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2024- A woman (33) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kakamas Regional Court for murder. On 2 March 2019, Mabebe Olyn killed Ohentse Sevey in Langverwag Kakamas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Nelis Prins said Sevey and Olyn, who were in a romantic relationship at the time of the incident, were involved in an argument.

“Olyn stabbed him in the back with a knife, resulting in his death. The thorough investigation by Warrant Officer Kaypo Matthys of Kakamas Detectives, led to the subsequent arrest and conviction of the accused.

“The state prosecutor steered the prosecution. The District Commissioner of ZFM District, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the investigation officer and the prosecution team for securing the conviction,” he said.

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Police are looking for missing Klaas van Rooy

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Picture: A missing Klaas van Rooy/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 September 2024- The Kimberley Serious and Violent Crimes unit is appealing to the public to assist them in locating a missing Klaas van Rooy (46), who is from Griekwastad. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said van Rooy was admitted to the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley as a patient and was last seen on 20 September 2024.

“He is medium built and at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue trousers with a grey tracksuit top.

“Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Klaas can contact Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Mosala on 082 302 0407 or call crime stop on 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.

He said all information received will be treated confidential. Shemane further said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.

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Four people died in a head-on collision accident

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Picture: Four people died in a head-on collision/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 September 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels urged motorists to be patient on the road. This comes after the loss of four lives in an N18 head-on collision accident at 11am on Friday.

The accident happened about three kilometres northwards of the Kalgold mine.

Morweng said all the deceased were from one vehicle that was traveling towards Mahikeng. He said five occupants from the other vehicle travelling towards Setlagole, survived with serious injuries and were taken to the public hospital in Mahikeng.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured. Our heart goes out to the families of the deceased and we wish those who are hospitalised speedy recovery.

“We are appealing to motorists to be circumspect when driving. Research indicates that the country is losing over 12 000 lives annually to road accidents. We have to ask ourselves searching questions on how we behave behind the steering wheel,” said Morweng.

He further said as much as accidents are sudden, on occasions, investigation revealed that some were avoidable and many are human errors. Morweng added that impatience, recklessness, speeding and many other moving violations, including fiddling with mobile phones whilst driving, are all factors that lead to accidents and innocent lives are lost needlessly.

“We are appealing to those who will be traveling as schools are reopening this week, to drive to the conditions of the road rather than to the speed limit.

“We expect all provincial arterial routes including N4, N12, N14 and N18 to have more than normal traffic as many are coming back from the school break,” he said.

Morweng said a culpable homicide case is being investigated.

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Tigerkloof Secondary School learners came third on Road Safety School Debate competition

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Picture: Tigerkloof Secondary School learners/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 September 2024- Tigerkloof Secondary School in Vryburg, has won the third position in the urban category at the Road Safety School Debate Competition held in Bloemfontein. The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it would like to congratulate the school for its excellent performance and ensuring that the North West comes up once again in the top three of best provinces.

The Director for Road Safety Management, Motshabi Tshukudu said this win is indicative of the quality performance that the province has maintained over the years.

“We have always had great representation as a province at nationals. Our learners continue to display sheer excellence in what is probably the most contentious show off at their age.

“We would also like to congratulate Tiragalo Secondary School from Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad. The Road Safety Debates are part of the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Participatory Education Techniques (PET) Competition,” she said.

Tshukudu further said the programme is aimed at encouraging learners to identify road safety challenges and solutions. She added that thus, enhancing their presentation, research and public speaking skills.

Meanwhile, the trainer for the school, Busisiwe Spencer said: “We learnt a lot in their course to stating and defending a solid case amongst their competitors. From this experience, we take away the significance of extending road safety awareness in our own community and a proud spirit of team work.

“It has been a long journey for the team, but we have learned a lot about road safety, critical thinking and boldness when addressing the audience.”

Spencer said they put in a lot to prepare for the journey, that involved a lot of sacrifice. She said when other learners go home, they remained behind because they were dedicated to the cause.

“We had to be rigorous in our research, to not only analyse road safety challenges in our area, but in the entire country, as well as to find sustainable solutions to those challenges,” said Spencer.

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50 bicycles donated to underprivileged learners

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Picture: Learners receive bicycles/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 September 2024- Learners from recently combined secondary school, Machakela and Mamodibo in Mogogelo village, near Moretele have benefited from the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Reloaded. This comes after North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng handed over 50 shova kalula bicycles to those pupils who walk a distance of between 3 to 5 kilometres to school.

Morweng said learners also received road safety kits that include safety helmets and reflector vests.

“Safety of the learners on the road is important, hence the department provides motorised scholar transport for learners who walk more than 5 km and bicycles for those who walk between 35 kilometres.

“We appeal to learners not to give or allow their parents and uncles to use the bicycles for their personal use. These bicycles still remain property of the government, therefore should I see any parent using it, I’m going to take it back and arrest,” he said.

Morweng further said they are a caring government that believes in people’s development and education. He added that, therefore, they hand these bicycles to learners so that they can have easy access to education.

“These bicycles will assist you to shorten your traveling time to school and arrive while still fresh. The other important aspect of these bicycles is for your health and fitness, hence they are called shova kalula. So, look after them and they will take care of you,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, on behalf of learners, Rehlamfu Tshepang thanked the department for the gesture and committed to improve their results.

“The National Department of Transport initiated the Shova Kalula project in 2001. The aim of the project is to provide low cost mobility solutions to the learners in order to enable them to access educational facilities mostly in remote locations.

“Beneficiaries of shova kalula programme should travel a distance of not more than 5 kilometres by foot,” he said.

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Attempted murder and murder accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape back in court

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Picture: The attempted murder and murder accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape 

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2024- A murder and attempted murder case against former Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), to resume in court. Mangwegape, who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

Mangwegape’s case is expected to be transferred to regional court. The state also highlighted that it is still waiting for the ballistic test results.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brothers. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment.

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant.

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

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Former SGB chairperson who was arrested for corruption granted R5000 bail

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Picture: Former SGB chairperson, Pholoso Luka arrested by the Hawks/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2024- Former School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson in Lichtenburg, who allegedly solicited gratification from four complainants in exchange for administration clerk and teacher assistant posts at a primary school in Lichtenburg, was granted a R5000 bail.

Pholoso Luka (41) was arrested by the members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Lichtenburg on 26 September 2024, for alleged corruption. The investigation revealed that, Luka was allegedly paid gratification by the complainants between 2022 and 2023, in order to secure them jobs at a local primary school.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said one complainant allegedly paid Luka R14 500, another paid him R10 000, and the other two paid R1000 each to secure jobs.

“Luka briefly appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 27 September 2024, facing four counts of corruption. His case was postponed to 22 November 2024, for further investigations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrest. They have cautioned public officials to refrain from involving themselves in corrupt activities as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against perpetrators.

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Seipone o kailwe jaaka motho o neng a na le lerato ebile a le boikobo

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Setshwantsho: Moswi Collen Modiriemang Seipone

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

29 Lwetse 2024- Monna oneng a begwa a nyeletse, Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), wa kwa motseng wa Kolong, gaufi le Taung, o fitlhilwe kwa dirapeng tsa baswi teng kwa Kolong ka Lamatlhatso. Bontsi jwa ditsala tsa gagwe ga mmogo le ba dira-mmogo, ba mo tlhalositse fa ene ele motho oneng a na le boikobo, ebile a le lerato.

Moruti Sylvester Aiseng are batho ga batla go dulela ruri mo lefatsheng, fela botshelo jwa motho bo itsiwe ke Modimo. Aiseng are batho ba ka dira tsotlhe tsa lefatshe, ba je monate, fela molaodi wa botshelo ke Modimo.

“Jaanong are se tsamaye ka kakabalo, mme re tlhaloganye gore botshelo re bo neilwe ke Modimo, ebile ke ene o tla bo khutlisang. Akere fa ngwana a tla mo lefatsheng o tla a kuparetse? Ke rata batho ba tlhaloganye lefoko la Modimo.

“Batho ba lefatshe ba ratile monate go feta lefoko la Modimo. Setlogolo sa ka se ile sa kopana le matsogo a sa siama. Matsogo ao, a ile a mo nyeletsa ebile re ile ra dula re maketse. Fela, re ile ra kopa gore Morena gore are arabe,” Aiseng wa tlhalosa.

Mongwe wa dibue ka letsatsi la tirelo matshidiso, Kgalolo Koji are Seipone one a sa tshwane le batho ba bangwe. Koji are one a itse Seipone, ga mmogo le metsamao ya gagwe.

“Lefatshe le kgona go go tlhoa, ba sa itse gore ba go tlhoela eng. Ke bua ka motho o eneng ele podile mo bathung ba bagwe, mme fa o botsa lebaka, ga gona karabo.

“Ke bua ka motho o montsho ka mmala, mme a le mosesane batho ba ipotsa gore go baneng a sa none. Batho ba kwala, mme ke bone le ngwana mongwe o neng a paletswe ke mophato wa marematlou, a beile setshwantsho sa ga Collen, mme ke ipotsa gore go baneng ane sa beye le setshwantsho sa gagwe sa marematlou,” Koji wa tlhalosa.

Are batho ba rata dilo tsa batho. Koji are ba lelapa la rra Seipone ba se ikobonye gore ba be ba na le ngwana o neng a bidiwang Collen.

“Ke itumelela selo se le sengwe fela, gonne Collen one a sena sepe le motho o sa itsholelang jaaka nna jaana. Fela one a tlhoilwe ke batho ba ba senang sepe jaaka nna jaana.

“Botlhe ba ba tsholotseng madi a gagwe, le bone ka letsatsi lengwe, madi a bone a tla latswa ke ditsha. Collen ene ele lekau, mme ene ere ka nako tse dingwe ha ke kopana le ene ko Ditshilong, ke be ke mmotsa gore o tswa kae, a be are: “kena le tsoga re omane ha go dume hao,” Koji wa tlhalosa.

Tikane Motsage are: “Collen ene ele mmotlana, mme re godile mmogo. Ke gopola ha kene ke kgaogana le ene, gone gole di 21, mme ke ene oneng a ntseisa dibeke. Ene ere fa a le ko Potchefstroom, one a kgona go nketela.

“Ka letsatsi le aneng a nyelela ka lone, one aga metsi mme ka Laboraro, ke fa ke utlwa gotwe o nyeletse. Go ne go se monate. Ke latlhegetswe ke nnake.”

Kgabagare, go ne ga utlwala go gelebetega ga modumo wa dithunya kwa mabitleng morago ga phitlho.

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Former MISA official sentenced for corruption related to Digital Vibes contract

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2024- A former senior Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) official, Lizeka Tonjeni (49), was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, for corruption related to the Digital Vibes contract. This comes after Tonjeni was convicted of one count of corruption worth R160 000. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said MISA is a national government component that is accountable to the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Mahanjana said in 2018, when MISA awarded a tender of almost R4 million to Digital Vibes to render communication services for a period of 24 months, Tonjeni was nominated as a project manager responsible for the appointment and management of the service provider, and to whom all communication had to be addressed. 

“From December 2018 until August 2020, while Tonjeni was still a project manager, she received payments of R160 000 that were not authorised and due to her from Digital Vibes.

“After investigations by the Hawks Serious Corruption Offences (SCO), Tonjeni was arrested after she handed herself over to the police at the Pretoria Central Police Station on 24 May 2022,” she said.

Mahanjana further said Tonjeni pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied that she received payments from Digital Vibes in a corrupt manner. She added that in her testimony she said, the payments received from the brain behind Digital Vibes, Tahera Mather, were for weight loss and energy booster products she was selling and as such she still owes the Director of Digital Vibes R85 000, since she was unable to deliver some of the products and pay back her money.  

“However, a team of prosecutors, Advocates Willem van Zyl and Phumla Dwane-Alpman, called witnesses who are MISA employees, to testify and adduced evidence to prove that indeed Tonjeni was guilty of the charges preferred against her. 

“During the sentencing proceedings, Tonjeni asked the court to impose a non-custodial sentence of correctional supervision because she has a minor child to take care of,” said Mahanjana.  

She said, however, the prosecutors asked for a sentence of direct imprisonment because Tonjeni committed a serious offence of corruption that is widespread on the part of state functionaries, which has become endemic in South Africa, that she committed the offence over a period of time and caused reputational damage to MISA. 

Mahanjana said evidence clearly showed that it was MISA’s money that ultimately ended up in Tonjeni’s hands.

“Furthermore, the two advocates told the court that Tonjeni showed no remorse for the offences committed, and did not take the court into her confidence when she lied about the circumstances of her child. 

“The prosecutors said having a minor child is not a get out of jail free card that offenders can use to escape prison. Therefore, placing too much emphasis on the child and not imposing imprisonment will send a wrong message to society,” she said. 

Mahanjana said the NPA welcomed the sentence and wanted to send a strong message that corrupt officials know that impunity is no longer a given and that dreaded knock on the door has become a realistic prospect.

Meanwhile, when handing down the sentence, magistrate Setshoge said corrupt activities have become pandemic in the country, especially in parastatals and procurement.

“This case was a classic example of that. Tonjeni committed the offence to feed her greed. So, I found that the mitigating factors were overwhelmed by the aggravating factors. 

“Therefore, the sentence given was appropriate,” said Setshoge. 

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