A mother (23) has been sentenced to a three years imprisonment by the Warrenton Regional Court for child neglect. Ipeleng Tonyane, who resides in Ikhutseng Township, near Warrenton, failed to provide her baby (1) with basic needs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident took place on 6 September 2022. Sam further said the court heard that Tonyane left her baby in the care of her aunt and returned after two months, to claim the child’s grant money from the aunt.
“The aunt refused as she (the mother) was not capable of looking after her own child. The aunt reported the matter to the police. The police investigations revealed a history of child neglect and placed the case on the court roll,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence and commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant George Mosime, for ensuring that the perpetrators of child neglect are brought to book and protecting the rights of children, especially as the country will be observing Child Protection Week from 28 May to 4 June 2024.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said it is not all police officers who are unscrupulous and reluctant to assist communities. Lehari was speaking during the joint Ministerial Imbizo held by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong and Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale at Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on Tuesday.
Lehari applauded police who are dedicated for their unwavering commitment in serving communities. He further said though there could be some in the police who are unscrupulous, there are many who live for the profession.
“If you work closely with police, you will realise how loyal they are. They serve our communities with dedication under difficult circumstances. They avail themselves under difficult conditions, having to face hard-core criminals with their lives in danger.
“We understand that there are those who tarnish the uniform. We appreciate the presence of the communities, who came in numbers and participated fully during the imbizo,” said Lehari.
He added that they described this as a sign of willingness to work with the police in the fight against crime and in creating a safer environment. Lehari said the session showcased the fruits, which the 30-year-old democracy continues to yield.
“We are now able to express ourselves openly. We have also created platforms where communities can engage their government freely without censorship on issues relating to service delivery,” he said.
The Provincial Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson, Robert Malungane called on parents to work with teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to protect their learners and cultivate a sense of responsibility and discipline at a tender age.
Malungane was responding to a concern raised by a community member, who raised an issue regarding violence and gangsterism in schools.
“The school environment can be safe when parents work together with teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGB). We need your attendance at parents’ meetings, so that we work together to instil discipline in these learners.
“It is also important as a community to work with police to strengthen the fight against crime. We have noted issues raised by the community, such as a high crime rate and drug usage in townships, limited police visibility, lack of police resources like vehicles and staff shortage and traveling long distances to access police services,” he said.
There had also been concern about illegal foreign nationals who are suspected to be involved in criminality. Other concerns and complaints were responded to immediately by government entities with others to be followed up for proper investigation by relevant specialised police units.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Ministers addressed the community members and in general encouraged communities not to withdraw cases, especially Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual assaults. The imbizo was held with District Development Model (DDM) approach, where all state organs from national, province and municipal level work together.
Though this was a community engagement against crime, issues around service delivery in general were raised.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over the newly-built school/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, officially handed over the newly built Monnamere Primary School in Dinokana village, near Zeerust on Wednesday. Motsumi said the brand new school replaces an old structure.
She further said the new school boasts a modern brick-and-mortar design, offering a conducive learning environment for pupils.
Motsumi added that the new Monnamere Primary School, features 21 classrooms, 3 Grade R classrooms, an administration block, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a multipurpose hall, a tuck shop, a library, a guard house, covered walkways, a soccer field, combo courts and waterborne sanitation facilities.
“This includes a perimeter fence with an access gate, and ample parking. The total project budget amounted to R131.8 million, with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) serving as the implementing agent.
“The project commenced in 2021 following the handover of the site to the DBSA. We are proud to deliver this state-of-the-art facility to the Dinokana community. This school is testament to our commitment to providing quality education infrastructure in our province,” said Motsumi.
She said it is important to note that the project not only benefited the community with a new school, but also created much-needed employment opportunities. Motsumi said a total of 260 people were employed during the project construction phase, including SMMEs, youth and women.
“We also urge the community to take ownership of the school and call for active parental involvement to ensure the facility is well-maintained and fosters a productive learning environment for future generations,” she said.
The North West Department of Education said it is concerned after recent protests in various sections of the province, disrupted teaching and learning in some locations. The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said a violent action has stopped teachers and learners from entering school premises.
Molokwane said protests in the Mahikeng area have already disrupted some schools on Monday, especially in Mmabatho. He further said this is an extremely significant time of year for all learners, especially Grade 12 learners.
“The examinations for June are currently underway. These assessments help our National Senior Certificate (NSC) learners understand where their future stands as they prepare for the most critical exams. According to the evidence we have received, these protests are not peaceful.
“So, we would like to remind protesters that their rights to free assembly, association, and expression must be utilized responsibly. The constitution also states that every child is entitled to a basic education,” added Molokwane.
He said as the department, their primary priority is to ensure the safety of all learners and teachers, as well as the continuity of teaching and learning. Molokwane said they will take firm action against anyone who seeks to disrupt teaching and learning in our schools across the province.
“We will not hesitate to pursue criminal charges under the SA Schools Act (SASA) against anyone who tries to keep learners and teachers from attending core activities of the day. The department will, therefore, not tolerate any unlawful action that leads to the closure of its schools,” he said.
Picture: The firearm confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Seven suspects aged between 29 and 32 years are expected to appear in Hartswater Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested on 13 May 2024, during Operation Vala Umgodi, which is an illicit mining multi-disciplinary operation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding a suspected drug premises in Hartswater and operationalised intelligence-driven information. Shemane said during the execution of the operation, suspected drugs with an estimated street value of R9000 were confiscated.
“The drugs, as well as money believed to be the proceeds of crime, were confiscated at Hartswater Taxi Rank. The police also followed up on information at a business premises in Hartswater, regarding the possession of an illegal firearm.
“The premises were searched and the police recovered a firearm with ammunition. The firearm was circulated and found to belong to a person, who passed away in 2007 and was never reported stolen,” he said.
Shemane said subsequently, an Ethiopian national (33) was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. He said two undocumented Malawian men aged 23 and 24, were also arrested.
“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended community members for their continued support in providing information to the police that led to the arrests, confiscation, and recovery of dangerous weapons. Otola said with the assistance of the community, they will ensure that the combating of illicit mining-related activities continues unabated.
A 30-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for attempted rape. Lucas Nqulunga attempted to rape a woman (34) in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 1 August 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim was walking home with the accused when he started to make sexual advances towards her.
“The victim ran away in the direction of her home, but the accused caught up with her and tried to force himself on her. She screamed and her boyfriend, who was at home, came to her aid.
The court imposed a five-year direct prison sentence for attempted rape. The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will be entered into the National Sex Offenders Register,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Palesa Martin for the meticulous investigation of the case.
Otola urged all communities to rate the police efforts by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.
A man (35) has been sentenced to a life imprisonment by the Warrenton Regional Court, after raping a girl (16). Pogiso Tlhoilwe raped a girl in Pampierstad on 20 December 2018.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Tlhoilwe and the victim, were walking home together when he dragged her into the stadium premises and raped her.
“The court also instructed that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, praised the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sidwel Dastile from the Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for the thorough investigative work and ensuring that justice is served for victims of GBVF.
Picture: The missing Fransiena Dede Tommy/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing woman, Fransiena Dede Tommy. Tommy (63) was last seen on 3 May 2024 at Capitec Bank, near Shoprite in the Upington Central Business District (CBD) with two women.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Omphile Masegela said they were seen doing a bank transaction together. Masegela said thereafter, Tommy allegedly left with them and she has not returned home since.
“Tommy was wearing a red blouse, blue denim jeans with blue sneakers. Anyone with information can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400.
“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” she said.
Picture: The firearm and ammunition confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition during Operation Vala Umgodi in Pampierstad on Tuesday. The intelligence-driven operation further led the police to the arrest of two men aged 33 and 42 after they were found in possession of suspected drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a firearm, ammunition and drugs estimated to the street value of R14 485 were confiscated.
“The suspects will briefly appear in the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for their swift response and commended the community involvement in assisting the police to address illicit mining and related crimes.
The Northern Cape police said the policing of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and contact crimes remains their priority. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, however, adherence to the essential safety tips can help the public to stay safe.
Kock said this will prevent them from becoming the victim of crime. He further said those who might plan to meet strangers, should choose reputable venues with positive reviews and a good reputation for safety and security.
“Adopt a buddy system and always go out with a group of friends and stay together throughout the night. Look out for one another and agree on a plan to leave the club together.
“Plan transportation in advance and arrange reliable transportation to and from the club, tavern or social gathering beforehand, ensuring that you have a safe way to return home,” said Kock.
He added that individuals should also watch their drinks. Kock said they should never leave their drinks unattended, as it could be tampered with.
“This will leave you as a victim of date rape. Do not accept drinks from strangers and drink responsibly. Pace yourself and be aware of your alcohol consumption. Know your limits and avoid excessive drinking to stay in control of your surroundings.
“Be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Also, be alert against the people around you. Never walk home alone or take short-cuts through dark and secluded areas. Report suspicious behaviour, whether it is someone pestering an individual or group, or following someone to the bathroom or their car. Report it to staff or security immediately,” he said.
Kock urges people to never go to the toilet alone. He advised individuals to use a buddy system for bathroom breaks. He said they should also keep their personal belongings secure.
“Carry only essential items, such as your ID and some cash, in a secure bag or pocket. Avoid flashing expensive items that may attract unwanted attention from criminals. That may lead to robbery and sexual assault.
“Never accept a ride home from strangers and learn self-defence techniques. Consider taking self-defence classes to empower yourself with basic skills that could potentially save you in a dangerous situation,” said Kock.
He said by following these essential tips, individuals can mitigate risks and enjoy a safe night out. Kock said they should always have an emergency contact on speed dial.
“Call your nearest police station or 10111 when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app.
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