More than R198m set aside to eradicate mud houses in North West

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Picture: One of the mid houses in Manthe village, near Taung/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said the Department of Human Settlements has set aside a total budget of R198 million inquest to eradicate 1356 mud houses across the province. Maloyi said over 579 of these units have already been delivered. 

“It cannot be correct that there are still people who are living in these dire conditions. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has taken a stand to prioritise the eradication of these mud houses as part of restoring the dignity of many residents, who still live in such conditions.

“Although there are challenges, the province has experienced unprecedented levels of development in the last 30 years. The number of households had increased from 591 145 in 1996 to over 1.14 million in 2022. This depicts an upward trend of 88% of formal housing in the province,” he said.

Maloyi further said, when the 6th administration assumed office in 2019, the government made a commitment to ensure that communities are provided with adequate housing. He added that, he is proud to announce that, since 2019 to 2023, they have constructed 19 307 houses.

“In 2023, we have delivered 2768 houses to their rightful beneficiaries. With regards to the Deelpan Floods intervention programme, we have announced that the provincial government has cleared all the hurdles that delayed the project and 104 houses will be completed at the end of March 2024.

“A further 317 houses will be built following the donation of land by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng and his Traditional Council. In addition, we will be launching the R2.6 billion N14 mixed development project in Ventersdorp,” said Maloyi.

He said this development will see installation of bulk services for 4000 sites and create over 600 jobs for local people through the construction of Breaking New Ground, Social Housing and bonded stock. Maloyi said this is part of efforts by the provincial government to changing the image and restoring dignity of the people in Ventersdorp, whom were subjected to bad history of occupation by a right-wing racist group called AWB.

“The provincial government will continue to ramp up the title deeds restoration programme that seeks to hand over title deeds to rightful owners across the province through the integrated service delivery approach called Thuntsha Lerole. To date, 6 283 title deeds have been handed over to beneficiaries across the province. 

“Lastly, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation and part of their project investment is a commitment to invest further resources to assist eradicate mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year, for the duration of this MoU,” he said.

Maloyi said this project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs. 

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Two police officers arrested for corruption

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two police officers attached to the Rustenburg Detectives, briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for corruption and extortion. According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, Sergeant Yvonne Suzan Sikwani (54) and Constable Bontle Mmudi (41), were arrested during an undercover operation led by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on 21 February 2024.

Myburgh said this comes after a tip-off regarding a fraud case reported during May 2021. She further said the duo allegedly demanded money on several occasions between October 2022 to January 2024 from the complainant in order to fast track the investigation.

They were granted R1000 bail each and their case postponed to 31 May 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said corrupt actions by the police, tarnish the reputation of the police and will not be tolerated. He emphasized that police officials who are involved in criminal activities will face the full might of the Law.

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Former court financial clerk found guilty of theft after stealing R42 000

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court financial clerk, Gontle Petronella Maphologela (42), has been fined R20 000 by the Rustenburg Serious Commercial Crime Court on 16 February 2024.

Maphologela was found guilty on eight counts of theft.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, between March and June 2021, Maphologela who was responsible for the management of funds derived from fines and bail monies, as well as other deposits made at the clerk of the court, selectively stole eight cash in transit bags containing money and manipulated the registers to avoid detection.

“The department audit conducted on October 2021, revealed that eight transactions amounting to R42 800 could not be accounted for thus the matter was reported. Through investigation by the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, the accused was summoned to appear before Court and she made her first appearance in July 2023.

“After a series of court appearances, she entered into a plea agreement. She was found guilty on eight counts of theft and sentenced on 16 February 2024 to a fine of R20 000,” she said.

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Mosadi o kgemilwe le go bolawa kwa Ganyesa, mmelaelwa o golotswe

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Julia Mothibi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa dingwaga di le 37 yo o neng a latofadiwa ka go bolaya kgarebe ya gagwe, Julia Mothibi (31), o golotswe ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la maabane gonne go sena bopaki jo bo lekaneng go ka mo golaganya le kgetsi ya polao. Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Mothibi se fitlhetswe se apesitwe ka kobo kwa phaphosing ya mokapelo wa gagwe mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Mothibi o ile a fitlhelwa kwa phaposing ya mokapelo wa gagwe, mme go bontsha fa a kgemile.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, mokapelo wa moswi o golotswe ke kgotlha-tshekelo, mme lekgotlha le kopile sepodisi go dira dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng le go mo golaganya le kgetsi pele e ka tsaya tshwetso ya go ka mo sekisa,” van Rooyen was tlhalosa.

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Two men nabbed for dealing in drugs remanded in custody

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by police during arrests/Generic

But OBAKENG MAJE

A case of dealing in drugs against two accused has been postponed to by Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court to 26 February 2024. Reagan Barnes (38) and Jackie Victory (39) briefly appealed in court and facing eight charges of dealing in drugs.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West Warrant Officer, Amogelang Malwetse said their arrests emanate from an Intelligence-driven disruptive operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in collaboration with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining task team and K9 on 16 February 2024 at Freemanville and Alabama township during execution of two search warrants.

She said this comes after a diligent investigation, where evidence was gathered which linked the suspects to mandrax and crystal meth dealings to the total value of R2080. Malwetse further said the suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.

“Barnes’ case was postponed to 26 February 2024, while Victory’s case was postponed to 27 February 2024 for formal bail application.

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Maloyi outlines his plans for economic resurgence 

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

In his 2024 State of the Province Address, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi made a compelling narrative of economic resurgence in the province, highlighting substantial job creation and strategic initiatives set to transform the province.

Maloyi said that, the province stands as one of the three provinces with the most significant employment growth during the third quarter of 2023. He further said a staggering 61,000 jobs have been generated, showcasing the administration’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of poverty and unemployment.

“We expressing deep concern over persistently high levels of poverty and unemployment, particularly among women and the youth. However, there is urgency of addressing these issues, citing the critical role that women and young people play in the growth of the provincial economy. 

“Despite an 11% increase in the unemployment rate from 2010 to 2023, there is a comprehensive roadmap for economic recovery and promising signs for job creation. We need to applaud the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism’s pivotal role in notching two vital investment promotion events such as the North-West BRICS Investment Conference and the Premier’s Dinner with Investors, which yielded 34 investment pledges, totalling over R104.1 billion,” said Maloyi.

He added that, currently, 14 confirmed projects worth R13.5 billion are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, promising an additional 10,000 jobs. Maloyi said the implementation of the Tourism Recovery Plan has already yielded growth in both domestic and international visitors.

“There are plans to revitalise Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports, aiming to boost tourism and create new economic opportunities in cargo hauling, hanger and airline services. The requests for proposals have been sent out, and the preferred bidders are expected to commence work by May 2024. 

“The completion of the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, which is a crucial step in ensuring strategic support and coordination for the implementation of the PGDS. The Council will play a pivotal role in promoting integrated economic planning and sector contributions,” he said.

Maloyi said the imminent announcement of Economic Advisory Council members is scheduled within the next two weeks following consultations with critical stakeholders.

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Banyana Banyana ready to face Tanzania in Olympic qualifier

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating

By SAFA

The road to Paris continues for Banyana Banyana as they take on the “Twigas Stars” of Tanzania in a Third Round CAF 2024 Olympics qualifier on Friday (23 February 2024).

The last time the two sides met was in 2014 in a friendly match where the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national football team won 6-1, but coach Desiree Ellis emphasized that past results remain irrelevant. 

“This is a very important game. We are a team that does not underestimate anyone, we take each game on its merits,” said Ellis. 

“The last time we played Tanzania was in 2014 when we were preparing for WAFCON, and you can’t depend on history because teams change and evolve every year. So previous results have no bearing.” 

South Africa will be coming into this encounter with a fusion of young talent with the likes of Asanda Hadebe and Nicole Michael, and experienced players like Noko Matlou, Andile Dlamini and Thembi Kgatlana among others. 

Tanzania will not be short of talent themselves and will be highly dependent on forward Opah Clement, who plays for Besiktas United Payment Kadin Futbol in Turkey, to trouble the South Africa defenders on home turf. 

First leg details:

Tanzania vs South Africa

Venue: Azam Complex Stadium 

Time: 15:00pm (RSA Time)

Broadcast details will be shared once available.

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A murder case of a nurse in Schweizer Reneke ready for trial

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Picture: The accused, Bongane Gregory Shebi in court/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against a man (24), who allegedly killed a nurse at Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke back in 2022, has been postponed to 20 May 2024 by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp. Bongane Gregory Shebi is facing a charge of murder and robbery after he allegedly murdered Iris Mamotlakana Mohokare in cold-blood at her rented home in Ipeleng township, near SchweizerReneke on 12 October 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her landlord discovered on 13 October 2022, with her throat cut.

Mamothame further said the landlord subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating the cause of her death.

“The accused became a person of interest after police received information, while doing investigations, that he was spotted not far from where the incident took place, walking with bloodied clothes. A search for him ensued and he was ultimately arrested on 15 October 2022.

“Upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police of his intention to confess. He was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that, the accused alleged that, he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession, that he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said Shebi alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person whom he was with.

“The police have indicated that, evidence obtained at the scene, indicated that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of this offence. Investigations have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial.

“Meanwhile, Shebi will remain in police custody until the completion of his trial after his bail application was rejected. During pre-trial conferencing, the state and the defence attorney confirmed that consultations were completed and all the necessary documents were provided by the state,” said Mamothame.

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Three suspects arrested for being in possession of ‘illegal’ firearm and ammunition

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Picture: A firearm allegedly found in possession of the suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects suspects were arrested for being in possession of firearm and ammunition during the multi-disciplinary illicit mining operation, Operation Vala Umgodi in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs on 16 February 2024.

“The operational team received a tip-off regarding suspicious unknown men, who have been sleeping in the veld around the mining areas. The team operationalised the information and executed a search plan to monitor the movement of the unknown persons.

“The suspects were approached and apprehended. The police searched the suspects and found one black and grey firearm, one magazine and three live rounds. The three suspects were charged for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition, as well as the Contravention of the Illicit Mining Act,” he said.

Sam said the suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, appreciated the efforts of the multi-disciplinary team and thanked the public for providing information to the police ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from criminals.

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Three suspects arrested for allegedly stealing goat

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Picture: The goat carcasses seized by the police/supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 31, 38 and 71 have been arrested for theft and possession of livestock. It is alleged that, the police received a tip-off regarding the goat carcasses in a certain house in Kwa Nonzwakazi Township, near De Aar on 17 February 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police apprehended two suspects. Sam further said the suspects also pointed out a third suspect, who is residing at Barcelona Township and allegedly bought goat carcases from them.

“The three suspects charged for stock theft, as well as possession of alleged stolen live stock produce. They will appear in the De Aar Magistrate’s Courts soon,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the public for providing information to the police and issued a stern warning to those who are buying stolen goods, that the theft of property will not be tolerated. Otola said the public is urged to reject and report stolen goods offered for sale, as it is an offence.

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