Action SA calls for a probe on the appointment of Kudakwashe Mpofu as CFO of North West Development  

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Picture: The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of North West Development Corporation, Kudakwashe Mpofu  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Action SA has called on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to probe the appointment of the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kudakwashe Mpofu at the NWDC. 

According to the North West MC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi, the embattled Mpofu resigned from the position with immediate effect, amid allegations that he illegally obtained his residence permit. 

The Action SA chairperson in North West, Kgosi Kwena Mangope said, even though they welcomed the resignation of Mpofu, he should not be absolved from answering questions about how he obtained his permanent residence permit in South Africa.

“We are on record requesting the DEDECT and the NWDC to provide answers on how Mpofu was employed and given a senior position in government. To that end, we are once again, appealing with the two entities to cooperate fully with all the law enforcement agencies, especially the Special Investing Unit (SIU), which has been tasked with investigating the matter.

“It remains a concern to us as a party and all law abiding citizens that our government allowed an illegal immigrant to continue to remain in the employ of the state, even though the Home AffairsDepartment declared that he has obtained his permanent residency fraudulently,” said Mangope.

He further said, Action SA believes in the rule of law and they are clear that, any foreign person entering the borders, must do so within the prescripts of the law and our immigration policy. Mangope added that no one must remain completely at ease to reside in the country’s borders without proper documentation.

“We will follow this case to ensure there is full accountability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tlhapi said: “We can confirm that Mpofu has resigned with immediate effect. Mpofu’s resignation comes after a series of news reports, which indicated that he has fraudulently obtained his residence permit. On 17 March 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, confirmed to Times Live online publication and other news sources that, indeed Mpofu who is a citizen of Zimbabwe, did not obtain his residence permit through the Department of Home Affairs. 

“The department has since noted the report by Motsoaledi and vows to cooperate with law enforcement agencies investigating this matter. As the department, we have been following this matter since last week when it appeared in the Sunday World newspaper.”

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A body of an unknown man found hanging from the tree still languishing in govt mortuary 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Northern Cape said the body of an unknown man, that was found hanging from the tree in the veld along Barkly Road in Bloemanda on 28 November 2023, is still languishing in state mortuary. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the police released statements on 19 December 2023 and 26 January 2024, pleading with the public to assist in locating the relatives of the deceased. 

“The body has not been claimed and police still plead to the public to assist them in locating the family of the deceased. The deceased was wearing blue and grey coloured overall and dark spectacles.

“The police do not have any information regarding his identity, hence requested the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased. Anyone with information is urged to visit Galeshewe SAPS or contact Detective Sergeant Isaac Motladi at 082 469 0546 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.

Sam said all information will be treated confidentially. 

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Twelve ‘illegal’ miners nabbed for being in possession of gold-bearing  

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Picture: The illegal miners nabbed for being in possession of gold-bearing material/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Twelve suspects were arrested for being in possession of gold-bearing material and Contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) in three separate Vala Umgodi operations. In the first incident reported in the early hours of Wednesday (13 March 2024), the police on patrol, allegedly stopped a suspicious Toyota Quantum vehicle on the N12 road at a garage in Meiringspark, Klerksdorp.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, upon searching the vehicle, 61 bags containing gold bearing material were allegedly found, as well as nine persons of which eight are believed to be undocumented persons.

Myburgh said as a result, eight suspects between the ages of 20 and 42, briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 15 March 2024, for possession of gold bearing material and for Contravening the Immigration Act. 

“They were remanded in custody until 16 May 2024. One of the suspects, who is only 14 years-old, was dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act. In the second incident reported on 13 March 2024 at around 6pm, the police on patrol on the Klerksdorp/Orkney road, near Shiba Mine, observed a man putting soil in a bag. 

“Upon seeing the police, he ran away. However, the police caught up with him. Jon Mateu Mhlanga (33) was arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for possession of gold-bearing material and for Contravening the Immigration Act, 2002,” she said. 

Myburgh further said Mhlanga was remanded in custody until 17 May 2024. She added that, in the third incident reported on 13 March at around 6:30pm, the police were at the Ariston Mine dump in Klerksdorp and allegedly found two suspects with 35kg of bags, containing gold-bearing material. 

“They were immediately arrested and it was also found that they were in the country illegally. Remaketse Ntoa (36) and Maatekane Tsobo (24), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2024. 

“They are facing charges of possession of gold-bearing material and for Contravening the Immigration Act, 2002. The pair were remanded in custody until 25 March 2024,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their commitment and cooperation that resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that the police will continue to work hard in dealing with illicit miners.  

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The Hawks and AFU secure a preservation order against alleged drug lord 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Hawks in the Northern Cape with the assistance of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), secured a preservation order of a vehicle worth R85 700 against Melvin Malebo (39). The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, the order was granted by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 15 March 2024. 

“This follows the arrest of Malebo during April 2023. The police received a tip-off regarding a vehicle parked at the Diamond Pavilion Mall and was allegedly selling drugs. The police acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle. 

“During the search, the police allegedly found mandrax tablets and tik in the vehicle with an estimated street value of R ‪100 000. The accused was immediately apprehended and the case docket was handed over to Priority Crime Specialised Investigation for further probe,” she said. 

Mnisi said this culminated into the vehicle being preserved for future forfeiture.

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Four suspects arrested for dealing in rhino horn 

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects were arrested for dealing in rhino horn. Raher Mahomed (27), Joao Seven (39), Abraham Khoza (49) and Usuf Mikilo (51) were arrested in Rustenburg on 15 March 2024, following a sting operation. 

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col Tinyiko Mathebula said, the police received a tip-off regarding four suspects, who were reportedly planning to sell a rhino horn for R65 000. Mathebula further said the information was operationalised and the police pounced on the suspects soon after making a transaction. 

He added that they have been charged with dealing in rhino horn under National Environmental Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004. 

“All four suspects briefly appeared in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 20 March 2024 for bail application,” said Mathebula.  

Meanwhile, the North West Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrest and lauded the members’ swift action on the information received. 

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Hosts SA defeat Seychelles to keep semis dream alive

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Picture: Lowell Kinsey of South Africa challenged by Martin Williams of Seychelles during 2023 COSAFA Beach Championship match between South Africa and Seychelles at South Beach Arena on the 18 March 2024 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

By SAFA

South Africa’s chances of a semi-final place at the ongoing COSAFA Beach Soccer championship are still alive after they beat islanders Seychelles 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the South Beach Arena in Durban.

In an entertaining match, Seychelles opened the scoring in the first period through Stephen Lajolie but the hosts found the equaliser in the second period with a blistering long-range shot from Ntutuko “Phoyisa” Mbutho.

However, Seychelles took the lead again before the end of the second period.

South Africa fought hard to find the equaliser in the last period with a goal from Siyabonga Mkhize, which saw South Beach Arena erupt into a frenzy as the crowd sensed something special.

Abongile Gcuda responded to the crowd’s expectations when he scored the winning goal for South Africa which ensured three points.
Siyabonga Mkhize was awarded Man of the Match award for his influential role in Monday’s crucial win.

The hosts face Saudi Arabia in their final group match on Wednesday at 14h30.

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The police need your assistance to locate missing Masego Moremi

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Picture: The missing Masego Moremi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Moeka Vuma request the community’s assistance in locating Masego Moremi,28, who is residing at Zone 3, Moeka village, near Temba. Moremi was last seen on 13 March 2024 at around 7:30am by her mother at their home. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said she took her child to preparatory school, but never returned home. Myburgh said a search was conducted around the neighbourhood and the vicinity of Moeka village, without any success.

“Moremi was wearing a blue jean, black T-shirt and a pair of black and white sneakers at the time of her disappearance. She has a slender body structure, is tall, brown in complexion, with a gap between her front teeth. 

“Her hair has black and maroon braids. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, Detectives Warrant Officer Matthews Mabokela of Moeka Vuma Detectives on 082 846 117 or your nearest police station,” she said.

Myburgh further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪‪‪08600 10111.

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Two Mozambican men nabbed for kidnapping and murder in Potchefstroom

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two Mozambique nationals aged 36 and 33 were arrested for kidnapping and murder. The duo was in Lenasia in Gauteng and Potchefstroom in North West on 16 and 17 March 2024 respectively.    

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, they were arrested by an investigation and tracing team composed of Ikageng Detectives and Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT). 

Mokgwabone said the first suspect aged 36, was arrested in connection with the murder of Nomakephu Thoma (31), who was initially reported missing by a family member on 27 February 2024. He further said, Thoma was taken by her ex-boyfriend, who later sent messages to the family to demand ransom. 

“The investigation team pieced information together and through other investigative aids, it traced the first suspect to Lenasia, where he was finally arrested. 

“The suspect admitted to being responsible for the victim’s murder and took the police to the scene between Ikageng Extension 7 and Promosa, where the victim’s body was allegedly burnt by a person he hired,” he said.

Mokgwabone added that a further probe into the matter led to the arrest of the second suspect in the early hours of Sunday morning at an informal settlement, commonly known as Hashtags, outside Ikageng Township, in Potchefstroom. He said both suspects are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 19 March 2024. 

“The possibility of more charges including Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002, being added cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the team members for their commitment that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. Kwena also pointed out that the arrest will without a doubt send a warning that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a real threat, especially to women and children. 

“Those who perpetrate it, will be shown no mercy,” he said.

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Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa sekgweng kwa Magogong 

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa nageng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Sepodisi sa Taung se shupileng fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore, go bonwe marapo a motho kwa sekgweng se se gaufi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. 

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele o kaile fa marapo ao, a bontsha ana le dikgwedi di balwa a ntse a le foo. Are, go ya ka pono ya gagwe ya matlho, dinama di ne di sentse di tshologile, ebile go bontsha fa moswi a ntse a ijewa ke dibatana tsa naga. 

“Re bone setlhako se le sengwe, le borogwe jo go bontshang fa ele jwa basadi, fela hempe yone e bontsha ele ya monna. Jaanong ga re itse gore a moswi ke mosadi kgotsa ke monna go fitlha ga jaana. 

“Se re se itseng ke gore, ka fa letlhakorile le la rona la Roma, ga ese re utlwe ka mongwe o nyeletse. Jaanong, re nagana gore gongwe motho o, a kane a tswa gologongwe. Ke maswabi thata gore go fitlhelwe marapo a motho, mme go seka ga itsewe gore ke mang,” Maratahelele wa tlhalosa.  

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mosedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, marapo ao a tla isiwa go ya go tlhatlhobiwa gore ke a ga mang (DNA analysis). 

“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga re itse gore moswi ke mang. Fela, dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

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Stranded customers outside Eskom office in Taung after being denied access

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Picture: The desperate customers outside Eskom office in Taung 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The stranded customers outside Eskom office in Taung said they are disappointed by the treatment they continue to receive from the power utility. This comes after security guards allegedly denied customers access into the office alleging that the management has implemented that policy. 

According to Kgakgamatso Motebe from Mocweding village, she visited the office because her meter box was rejecting the token. However, Motebe said, she was disenchanted when she was denied access by the security guards.  

“I am so disappointed because the security guards said we are not allowed to enter the premises. Yesterday, I bought a 20-digit token and tried to load electricity, but it was rejected. So, I came here to check what might be the problem. 

“I double-checked my 20-digit recharge token, but still the problem persisted. Unfortunately, I could not be assisted because the security guards alleged that there is no one who is available to assist us,” she said. 

Motebe further said they asked the security guards, when will the relevant persons be available to assist them, but they said they do not know. She added that there is a serious challenge of communication breakdown at the Eskom office.

Another customer, Zone Tika Kgatlhane from Modimong village, shared the same sentiments. Kgatlhane said it has been two weeks since he is experiencing ‘error codes’ on his meter box. 

“I have been coming to this office almost every day. However, my actions were futile as there is no one who is willing to listen to our challenges. I am getting error messages from my meter box and I do not know what to do. 

“It’s been two full weeks of staying in the dark because of this. I visited these offices numerous times without getting any assistance. I am flabbergasted how we continue to be ill-treated like this,” he said.  

“The only people we can communicate with here are security guards. We cannot get into the office because we are not allowed. I do not refuse to buy electricity, but the meter box is faulty,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Eskom Customer Relations Manager in North West, Matsheng Ezekiel Baruti said: “The new communication channel method being introduced still stands for customers to embrace. Currently, Eskom is dealing with a shortage of resources in the Taung office, as a result of employee turnover. 

“We are working on replacing the employees in order to close the gap. In addition, Eskom will engage the local councillors to coordinate and streamline the escalation process.”

Baruti said, the security guards at the gates are utilised to control influx of people into the offices until the changes are accepted and understood by customers. He said as a result, Eskom deploys service representatives to empower communities on the usage of channels. 

“Customers are encouraged to use the Eskom escalation process that is displayed at Eskom entrances in Taung. The security guards are equipped to do their designated job, however, customers hand over forms after filling them, and the customer service agent will collect the forms from security guards,” said Baruti.

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