Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
A man (35) was arrested for being in possession of Crystal Meth (Tik) with an estimated street value of R15 000 in Wilger Street in Prieska on Tuesday. The suspect was arrested by the crime prevention unit at around 9pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the Prieska Crime Prevention unit will continue to clamp down on drug trafficking in their station area.
“In a separate accident, the members of the same unit searched an alleged drug house in Mclean Street, Prieska and found Crystal Meth hidden inside the fridge with an estimated street value of R34 000. They subsequently arrested a man (25),” he said.
“Both suspects are expected to appear in the Prieska Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of illegal possession of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape police encourage the community to participate in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” QR online survey and assist the police in improving their service to the public.
Former acting Municipal Manager of Karoo Hoogland Municipality, Louis Northnagel (62) was found guilty of contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). This comes after Northnagel paid himself a performance bonus, while at the municipality, without the necessary approvals.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant ColTebogo Thebe said the Kimberley Commercial Crimes Court found Northnagel guilty of theft and contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act.
“Arina Botha (52), the wife of the deceased Chief Financial Officer (CFO), was found guilty for money laundering. The CFO was charged alongside Northnagel, but passed on during the trial.
“The deputy CFO, Jacobus Van Schalkwyk (62), was found not guilty on all charges against him. The matter is postponed to 1 October 2024, for sentencing proceedings,” he said.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Committee met at SAFA House in Nasrec, in the south of Johannesburg on Wednesday and a wide range of topics were under discussion.
SAFA Technical Committee Chairman Jack Maluleka said the meeting was very successful and some important decisions were taken in the best interests of South African football.
Maluleka said there were several issues under discussion, and among others, they took the decision to appoint a manager for the SAFA Technical Centre, that is for the boys’ academy.
“We have made our recommendation because the person is from the interviews. The name will be brought before the NEC for endorsement. We also felt that Simphiwe Dludlu must be given the position of manager at the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Tshwane.
“We have to report back because we did not have an under-23 head coach before, so we have to report back to the NEC for this endorsement as well,” he said.
Maluleka further said as far as the academies are concerned, they received the data of all the academies in South Africa. He added that they have to categorize them because some of them call themselves academies, but they do not meet the requirements.
“So, the technical committee will task certain individuals in the provinces to go and visit those academies that are on our data so that we can regulate them correctly and categorize them.
“The other thing is the support that we should give coaching education. We are aware that the LFAs and the regions are also training coaches. We need to empower that department because this was part of Vision 2022, and we should train a lot of coaches based on the reforms of coaches on the benches of the various categories,” said Maluleka.
He said they need to open up the space to ensure no province must lack the coaches that have qualified based on the reforms. Maluleka said these are some of the things that they think they have achieved, and the last one should be the preparation for the junior national teams, specifically the under-20s.
Meanwhile, the Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele also submitted his technical report following the participation of the South African team men’s side that played in the COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape recently. Mkhalele said the main objective of participating in the regional event was to develop a larger pool of players and further SAFA’s long-term vision.
“I am proud of my players and I have already communicated my findings at the tournament to head coach Hugo Broos,” he said.
A father and his two sons were handed life sentences by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. Given De Koker (60), and his two sons, Neillon De Kocker (30) and Clyde De Koker (24), were arrested for killing Teboho Madiehe (36).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on 1 December 2019, the two brothers were walking home from a local night club and on their way, they were accosted by a group of men, who robbed them of their cell phones and shoes.
“They then reported the incident to their father. The trio decided to search for the robbers. They came across the deceased, who they pointed out to be one of the alleged robbers.
“They started assaulting him physically until he was unconscious and left him in the street without recovering any of the items they said to have been robbed of. The incident was reported to the police and the trio was arrested later on the same day and charged for murder,” she said.
Pilane said Detective Sergeant Modise Clive Moshotloa, was tasked with investigating the case, and through his diligence in investigating the matter, the three accused were convicted and sentenced.
She said the SAPS Management in the Northern Cape applauded the dedication of Moshotlhoa and warned the community to refrain from taking law into their own hands.
A man (30) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for murder. This comes after Francios Elrico Williams stabbed Jean Pierre Jood (26) in the chest at a tavern in Vosburg on 15 July 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Jood was certified dead by Emergency Medical Services (EMR).
“The SAPS Management in Pixley Ka Seme District applauded Detective Warrant Officer Marthinus De Koning for the thorough investigative work that led to the conviction and sentencing,” he said.
Picture: The seven accused persons who are accused of murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed until Thursday. This comes after two accused, Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang and Mothusi Motimeng, took the stand today.
Other two accused, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane and Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane, are expected to take the stand tomorrow.
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 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. This came after 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.
Picture: The accused persons in a fraud case/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The company Directors and former Rustenburg Local Municipality employees, Mpho Alistair Lesolle (41), Johannes Botes Rossouw (58), Piter Retief Von Willigh (58), Ntlhayakgosi Michael Mokgwamme (66) and Merika Johannes Madungandaba (66), briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2024, facing charges of fraud.
Rossouw, von Willigh, and Madungandaba, are Directors of Malesela T&D Pty (Ltd), a company that allegedly had a contract with the Rustenburg Local Municipality in 2013 to install a switchgear for the Ikemeleng Bulk Infrastructure. Lesolle and Mokgwamme are former employees of the municipality and were reportedly charged with the responsibility of overseeing the project and ensuring that the switchgear is delivered.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicated that, in September 2013, the municipality paid Malesela’s company over R2 million to install a switchgear as per the contract arrangement. Mathebula said investigation revealed that the company did not render any service.
“Following an investigation, the accused were served with summons between June and July 2024, to appear in court. All five accused made a brief appearance in court and were released on warning. Their matter was postponed to 21 August 2024,” he said.
Picture: The Seabo High School learners boycott classes over lack of scholar transport buses
By OBAKENG MAJE
Teaching and learning was affected at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village, near Taung on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. This comes after learners from Molelema, Matsheng and other neighbouring farms, were left stranded as there were no scholar transport buses to ferry them to school.
The Representative Council of Learners (RCL) chairperson at Seabo High School, Rorisang Mpolokeng said they boycotted classes due to lack of scholar transport. Mpolokeng said some learners were forced to walk on foot to school and that put their lives at risk.
“It’s been a while since we raised this kind of a challenge. Even though teaching and learning was affected, this boycott was for a good cause. We decided to stand against the injustice that the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management tries to subject us to.
“Since the reopening of school after winter recess, there was no scholar transport available. Instead, the service provider brought a minibus certified to carry only 32 passengers and cooped us in,” he said.
Mpolokeng further said this resulted in late coming. He added that this also put the lives of learners at risk.
“Normally school starts at 8am, but most learners who are using scholar transport buses arrive at around 10am and sometimes at 11am. This means they miss other periods and that hinders their studies.
“As Grade 12 learners, we are preparing for preparatory and National Senior Certificate examinations. However, without scholar transport, how are we going to cope?” said Mpolokeng.
He said in 2022, a female learner was allegedly raped, while walking home because there was no scholar transport.
School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson at Seabo High School, Matshidiso Nzapheza shared the same sentiments. Nzapheza said they have written numerous letters to the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management and its sister Department of Education, requesting roadworthy scholar transport buses, but their attempt was futile.
“We have a challenge regarding the provision of suitable scholar transport buses. Some learners from Matsheng, Molelema and other areas, always arrive late and this affects their studies.
“We need scholar transport buses that are in good condition and no teaching and learning that will take place until this matter is resolved. We are sick and tired of the way the department ill-treats us,” she said.
North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “It is accurate to highlight
that parents took learners out of class around 1:30pm yesterday, citing their children’s difficulties regarding scholar transportation in the mornings.
“This was the reason for their boycott. The complaint was filed in May 2024 by the SGB and the Community Development Worker (CDW) and a representative from North West Community Safety and Transport Management were dispatched to evaluate the buses and their routes.
“The province implements the Learner Transport Programme in collaboration with the COSATMA to offer an oversight. Teaching and learning has been seriously disrupted as a result of learners’ lack of access to transportation during the third term,” he said.
Molokwane said transportation problems have impacted nearly five secondary schools such as Batlhaping High School, Seabo High School, Choseng High School, Kitlanang High School and Bogosing High School.
He said as far as the department is working tirelessly in order to address the transportation challenges in the Greater Taung sub-district, it is working with COSATMA to find a cooperative solution.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management failed to respond to Taung DailyNews media inquiry. However, the response will be incorporated when received.
Picture: The police conducting a search at Alabama High School in Klerksdorp/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
In a determined effort to curb crime and gangsterism, the North West Department of Education in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted a random search and seizure operation at Alabama Secondary School in Klerksdorp 17 July 2024.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this proactive exercise, which is part of SAPS’ Adopt-A-School initiative, optimally resulted in the confiscation of numerous dangerous items, including knives, pangas, alcohol, firelighters, vapes, and weed among others.
“Alabama Secondary School has been identified as one of the hotspot schools for crime and gangsterism. The random search and seizure operation is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for learners.
“To address the psychological impact and educate learners on the dangers of illegal substances, drugs, and dangerous weapons, the department has called upon the Department of Social Development to provide necessary psychological support and counselling services,” she said.
Motsumi further said this initiative aims to guide learners towards healthier, safer lifestyle choices. She added that the collective efforts of the educators, principal, School Governing Body (SGB) and sister departments like SAPS and Social Development will bring a lasting solution in curbing gangsterism in schools.
“This outlines the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing safety concerns in schools. The safety of our learners is paramount. We applaud our sister departments such as Social Development and SAPS for their unwavering commitment to our schools. We also extend our gratitude to the teachers, principal, and SGB of Alabama Secondary School for their proactive stance.
“Functional parental involvement and the support of stakeholders such as the Department of Social Development are crucial in our ongoing fight against crime and substance abuse in schools,” said Motsumi.
She said they extend their heartfelt gratitude to the SAPS for their unwavering dedication to maintaining safety in schools. Motsumi said they commend the teachers, principal, and School Governing Body (SGB) of Alabama Secondary School for their vigilance and commitment to our learners’ well-being.
“This operation underscores the importance of functional parental involvement and the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the SAPS and the Department of Social Development, in safeguarding our schools.
“Together, we can create a secure and nurturing environment where our learners can thrive. Our department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students,” she said.
Motsumi said through continued collaboration with law enforcement and social services, the department aims to build a future free from the influence of crime and substance abuse in schools.
Picture: The mining equipment seized by the police during raids/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Eight suspects aged between 36 and 20, were arrested during the Operation Vala Umgodi conducted in Mmakau and Sun City on 14 July 2024. The police arrested six suspects at around 2:45pm in Mmakau for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and Contravention of Section 49(10) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said during the arrest, 60 metres of copper cables with an estimated street value of R500 000 were confiscated. Myburgh said later at around 6:45pm in Sun City, two more suspects were arrested for Contravention of Section 49(10) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
“The operation also resulted in the seizure of illegal mining equipment, including generators, electrical extension cords, water pump, spades and a hammer. Bernard Chauke (31), Veryson Chikangaise (23), James Thakaruse (24), Prince Mbeurie (36), Richard Ndlovu (34) and Prince Zhou (20), briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody until 24 July.
“The other two accused, who were arrested in Sun City, briefly appeared before the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. Kwena said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to address illegal mining activities in the province.
