North West dedicated police officers honoured

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Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Numerous police officers across the North West have been awarded medals for their loyalties within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The ceremony was held at the SAPS Provincial Head Office in Potchefstroom on Friday.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, said amongst the medal recipients, eight members received their 40-year loyal service medals and others were handed 30- and 20-year loyal service medals. Kwena said, it is the responsibility of police management to recognise good work and to boost the morale of members, taking into consideration the difficult situation under which police officials work. He also encouraged those police officials, who were on parade for the last time and who are going on retirement.

“You dedicated your life to serving the community with pride and were a valuable member of the police, the family of men and women in blue. Thank you for protecting and serving the people of South Africa, especially in the North West.

“You completed such a fulfilling career in the police and you are indeed an example and inspiration to all young police officials. You are police officials that we honour and look up to. We would also like to applaud seven new members, who successfully completed the Tactical Response Team (TRT) course,” he said.

 Kwena further said those who completed the course, have received their badges and berets. He added that Constable Berlia Bafana from Potchefstroom, was the only female out of 124 applicants, who successfully completed the TRT course.

“The police are committed to continue to work hard in order to make sure that community members in the province are protected, especially with the upcoming National General Elections (NGE),” said Kwena.

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Police are looking for a missing Louw

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Picture: The missing Shandrifa Louw/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Prieska police are appealing to the public to assist in locating Shandrifa Louw (17), who resides at 2438 Protea Close, Extension 15 in Prieska. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Louw was last seen on 28 February 2024, when she was on an outing with friends at the Koppie, which is a Heritage Site in Prieska.

“She left her friends at the Koppie to return home, but never arrived. Louw was wearing a pink top and orange short pants and was walking without shoes.

“Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Louw can contact Detective Warrent Officer Marshal Bosman on 0824954868 or 082 351 8073, including 08600 10111 or either sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

Sam said the public is also reminded that, there is no waiting period to report a person missing.

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Three people died in a car accident in Leshobo

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Picture: A horrific accident that claimed lives/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Taung are investigating a case of culpable homicide after three people died in a horrific car accident in Leshobo village, near Taung in the early hour of Saturday morning (2 March 2024). It is alleged that some mourners were from the graveyard to bury a traditional healer, Otlhagile Diketso Maine (57) who died in a car accident last week in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg.

According to information, a bakkie that was carrying mourners, allegedly experienced a tyre burst and overturned. Atleast three men were certified dead on the scene, while others who suffered injuries, were ferried to the hospital for medical treatment.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, the police are aware of the atrocity, but at this stage, it is not clear how the accident occurred. The police arrived at the scene and found injured people.

“The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was also summoned to the scene. Upon arrival, they atleast decleared three people dead. A case of culpable homicide was opened and investigation is underway. So far, the ages of the deceased persons are unknown.”

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Twelve people died in separate horrific car accidents in North West

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Picture: A horrific head-on collision accident in Zeerust/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Twelve people including a child (3), have lost lives on three separate accidents in the North West. In an accident between a sedan and light delivery vehicle on the Lichtenburg to Biesiesvlei road, seven people died instantaneously when the two vehicles collided head-on in the late afternoon on 1 March 2024.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, in a separate accident around 4pm, a taxi collided head-on with a Sedan on the N4 road between Zeerust and Dinokana towards Botswana border. Lehari further said the driver and three passengers from the taxi died, whilst three other passengers, one critical, were taken to the hospital.

“One of the injured was later discharged from the hospital. In yet another accident that law enforcement officers described as a “hit and run,” an elderly woman (72), died after being hit by a speeding vehicle on N4 near Dinokana. The suspect driver is still unknown and the investigation is underway.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the nearest and dearest of the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. We also appeal to all motorists to continue to be patient on the roads and inspect vehicles for roadworthiness before taking trips.

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Police are looking for missing Benson Matswatso

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Picture: The missing Benson Matswatso/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Letlhabile request the community’s assistance in locating Benson Matswatso (18), who is residing in Erasmus, Hebron. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Matswatso who is mentally-ill, was last seen on 28 February 2024 at about 7am by a caregiver at the new No Smoke Rehabilitation Centre, Side View in Letlhakaneng village, outside Letlhabile.

“He was wearing a royal blue tracksuit jacket and black pants. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the investigating officer, Captain Tokkie de Plessis of Letlhabile Detectives on 082 416 0670 or your nearest police station.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪‪08600 10111,” she said.

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Illicit cigarettes worth over R3m discovered in a storeroom

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth over R3m discovered in a storeroom/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The illicit cigarettes worth over R3 million were discovered in a storeroom at a wholesale store. According to the ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the police received a tip-off about a wholesale that is keeping illicit cigarettes.

Masegela further said the members of Upington Border Police, Upington SAPS D-relief, Highway Patrol, and customs, operationalised the information and visited the store on 1 March 2024.

“The new storeroom facility was searched and illicit cigarettes to the total value of R3 315 000 were found in the storeroom. The cigarettes were confiscated and an inquiry docket was registered for further investigation.

“The police are warning against trading in illicit cigarettes and anyone who make themselves guilty, thereof will face the full might of the law,” she added.

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Hollywoodbets women’s football kick-starts

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Dineo Mfati of Ma Indies challenges Cimone Sauls of JVW FC during 2023 Hollywoodbets Super League match between JVW FC and Ma Indies on the 26 February 2022 at Wits Stadium © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

By OBAKENG MAJE

Women’s football takes centre stage with the sixth edition of the Hollywoodbets Super League 2024 season underway this weekend. The season promises to deliver a thrilling line-up of matches scheduled to kick off on 2 March 2024.

Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship coordinator, Menzi Ngcobo said last season saw more than 720 goals scored and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies claiming their third successive championship title. Ngcobo further said this year, the defending champions are aiming to start their campaign strongly in the pursuit of a fourth consecutive title, while other teams must pace themselves, recognizing that success in this league requires endurance similar to a marathon.

“As we embark on the 2024 season of the Hollywoodbets Super League, we are thrilled to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to women’s football. We are dedicated to providing a platform that empowers female athletes to shine nationally.

“Through the Hollywoodbets Super League, we aim to foster growth, inspire greatness, and celebrate the resilience and skill of these incredible athletes. We look forward to a thrilling season ahead and to witnessing the impact of the league in shaping the future of women’s football in South Africa,” he added.

The South African FootbalAssociationon (SAFA) CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “In Hollywoodbets, we have an honest and dedicated partner who has immensely helped in the growth of women’s football, and the results are there for all to see. Because of the quality of the Hollywoodbets Super League, Banyana Banyana is the reigning African champions and made the country proud at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia last year.

“The Hollywoodbets Super League has given most of our players a platform to display their talent and in the process have been identified by big clubs overseas, and that has helped our senior women’s national team and other junior national teams a great deal. Most of our teams have thrived continentally and globally and without our proud partners, this would have remained a pipe dream.”

Monyepao said she is looking forward to the 2024 edition of this amazing league. She said in an action-packed weekend, there will be numerous fixtures played across the country.

“Durban Ladies FC will be facing off against the University of Pretoria at Chatsworth Stadium in what is expected to be an intense showdown.

“JVW FC will clash with TS Galaxy Queens at UJ Soweto Campus, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lock horns with Royal AM at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville,” said Monyepao.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for killing an elderly man

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (23) has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for brutally killing an elderly man (55) in Phillipstown. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, the atrocity took place on 5 April 2023.

Sam said the police found the deceased lying in a pool of blood inside his house after being informed by his wife that, her husband was stabbed by the accused. He further said the police arrested the accused.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence. Otola commended the Investigating Officer Detective, Sergeant Zwelibanzi Nolusu for the meticulous investigation of the case and ensured that, the perpetrator was brought to book.

“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for raping his mother

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (31) has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Moretele Regional Court for raping mother. Andries Mohwase’s conviction emanates from an incident that occurred at their home at Stinkwater, near Moretele, on 17 July 2021.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohwase found his mother cooking in the kitchen and he subsequently dragged her to the bedroom and raped her. Mamothame further said, shortly after the ordeal, she managed to escape and reported the matter to his younger sister.

“They then proceeded to report the matter to the police. He was arrested on 18 July 2021 and the court denied him bail. He pleaded guilty to the offence,” he added.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Patricia Matlala, argued that the matter created a lot of shock to the victim, family and the community at large. She urged the court to also consider the seriousness of the offence committed.

Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and expressed disgust at the accused for his actions. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Matthews Motiang from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Court Preparation Officer, Ephania Moselakgomo for preparing and guiding the complainant through court proceedings, and other role players who ensured that the accused is sentenced to a long jail term.

She called for a stronger advocacy against the abuse of women, children and the elderly.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addresses safety and security in school through submit

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today officially opened the District School Safety Summit at Milner Technical High School in Klerksdorp. Motsumi said the summit comes amidst growing concerns about the safety and security of learners and educators in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, where schools have recently become hotspots for criminal activity and disruptive learner behaviour.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports of gangsterism, bullying, substance abuse and sexual misconduct within our schools in the district. These issues have created a climate of fear and intimidation, rendering our schools unsafe learning environments.

“The summit, which is also attended by representatives of the South African Police Services (SAPS), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the safety challenges faced by schools in the district,” she said.

Motsumi further said today, they launched the School Governing Body (SGB) elections and they make a clarion call to parents and legal guardians to take the school governance initiative seriously. She added that, they are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the SAPS, educators, learners, parents, local businesses, and community leaders, to create safe and secure learning environments for all.

“The summit will focus on a range of issues, including strengthening collaboration between schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities. Implementing effective safety and security measures in schools. Addressing the root causes of criminal and disruptive behavior among learners.

“Providing support services for learners who have been affected by violence or abuse. This initiative is to ensure that all schools in the province are safe and welcoming spaces, where learners can thrive,” said Motsumi.

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