Picture: The municipal manager of Nama Khoi Local Municipality in Springbok, nabbed for fraud/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The municipal manager of Nama Khoi Local Municipality in Springbok, is expected to make a brief appearance before the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court today. The suspect (63), who is also the former municipal manager at Hantam Local Municipality, was arrested for fraud and contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 56 of 2003.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, the suspect was arrested earlier today by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Springbok.
“It is alleged that, between 2019 and 2020, the suspect whilst being a municipal manager at Hantam Local Municipality, received a monthly subsidy for two official cell phones, whereas the municipality was also paying for the billing to the service provider, which was contrary to the package he had with the municipality.
Due to this, the municipality suffered an actual prejudice of R33 470.39. In another unrelated matter, the suspect is alleged to have ordered two loads of gravel belonging to the municipality to be delivered to his residence for personal benefit,” she said.
Mnisi said the actual prejudice suffered by the municipality with this regard is R1003.
Picture: Professor Linda Malan from North West University’s Centre for Excellence in Nutrition/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Professor Linda Malan from North West University’s Centre for Excellence in Nutrition said, micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality. Malan said a new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa. She further said the role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.
“According to the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition – Statistics and Trends 2023 report, Africa’s malnutrition figures are staggering. More than 280 million people on the continent or about 20% of the population, are undernourished.
“More worryingly, this figure shows an increase of almost 60 million people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a massive problem, and part of the answer lies in the miniscule,” said Malan.
She added that, nuclear technology plays a crucial role in the field of nutrition. Malan said especially through diagnostic techniques and now, these techniques will be used more rigorously than ever before to help stem the tide of malnutrition.
“Role players from across Africa, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are undertaking a four-year project to build capacity to use stable isotope techniques to improve the micronutrient status of children in Africa.
“Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of the same element with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons, and can serve as effective, safe and precise markers to pinpoint areas affecting malnutrition,” said Malan.
She said the resulting programme is an MSc (master’s degree) in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques. Malan said the IAEA aims to roll out this curriculum in Africa, tailored by each specific African university in its own format, but also standardised to some extent.
“The programme is already in practice, with the NWU in South Africa playing the lead host for Anglophone (English-speaking) students and Morocco playing host for Francophone (French-speaking) students,” she said.
Malan said Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia will be the next countries to implement the programme, with a proposed 37 other African countries to follow.
Malan, who helped develop the curriculum for the MSc in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques, said micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are some of the major factors associated with growth retardation, morbidity, mortality, slow psychomotor development, and poor immune function in children.
“Micronutrient deficiencies also affect women of reproductive age, with significant adverse effects on the nutritional status and health of their offspring in early life, as well as limiting their development and human potential.
“For example, 40% of all women of reproductive age in Africa suffer from anaemia, about half of which is due to iron deficiency. Children’s diets in Africa are predominantly plant based, which often provide insufficient or poorly absorbable micronutrients, such as iron and zinc,” said Malan.
She also noted that, plant-based foods have naturally occurring compounds (anti-nutrients) that interfere with and limit micronutrient absorption. Malan said it is therefore important to design diets that enhance micronutrient absorption from foods.
“However, there is limited technical expertise and laboratory capacity in Africa to assess the bioavailability of micronutrients from foods and how this relates to micronutrient status in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and lactating women.
“This new Master of Science – or MSc – programme will help build capacity by designing the necessary curricula, followed by enrolling and training students in the next phase of a two-year academic programme” she said.
Malan said the curriculum will cover a range of stable isotope techniques, including those for assessing iron, zinc and vitamin A absorption. She said the project will help participating African member states build capacity to design and evaluate interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies for better health and economic development.
“With individual African universities, United Nations agencies such as the IAEA and the World Health Organisation, and African governments – including ministries of health, education, agriculture and others – working together, the plague of malnutrition ravaging the continent can be systematically eradicated,” said Malan.
Professor Linda Malan from North West University’s Centre for Excellence in Nutrition said, micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality.
Malan said a new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa. She further said the role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.
“According to the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition – Statistics and Trends 2023 report, Africa’s malnutrition figures are staggering. More than 280 million people on the continent or about 20% of the population, are undernourished.
“More worryingly, this figure shows an increase of almost 60 million people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a massive problem, and part of the answer lies in the miniscule,” said Malan.
She added that, nuclear technology plays a crucial role in the field of nutrition. Malan said especially through diagnostic techniques and now, these techniques will be used more rigorously than ever before to help stem the tide of malnutrition.
“Role players from across Africa, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are undertaking a four-year project to build capacity to use stable isotope techniques to improve the micronutrient status of children in Africa.
“Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of the same element with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons, and can serve as effective, safe and precise markers to pinpoint areas affecting malnutrition,” said Malan.
She said the resulting programme is an MSc (master’s degree) in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques. Malan said the IAEA aims to roll out this curriculum in Africa, tailored by each specific African university in its own format, but also standardised to some extent.
“The programme is already in practice, with the NWU in South Africa playing the lead host for Anglophone (English-speaking) students and Morocco playing host for Francophone (French-speaking) students,” she said.
Malan said Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia will be the next countries to implement the programme, with a proposed 37 other African countries to follow.
Malan, who helped develop the curriculum for the MSc in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques, said micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are some of the major factors associated with growth retardation, morbidity, mortality, slow psychomotor development, and poor immune function in children.
“Micronutrient deficiencies also affect women of reproductive age, with significant adverse effects on the nutritional status and health of their offspring in early life, as well as limiting their development and human potential.
“For example, 40% of all women of reproductive age in Africa suffer from anaemia, about half of which is due to iron deficiency. Children’s diets in Africa are predominantly plant based, which often provide insufficient or poorly absorbable micronutrients, such as iron and zinc,” said Malan.
She also noted that, plant-based foods have naturally occurring compounds (anti-nutrients) that interfere with and limit micronutrient absorption. Malan said it is therefore important to design diets that enhance micronutrient absorption from foods.
“However, there is limited technical expertise and laboratory capacity in Africa to assess the bioavailability of micronutrients from foods and how this relates to micronutrient status in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and lactating women.
“This new Master of Science – or MSc – programme will help build capacity by designing the necessary curricula, followed by enrolling and training students in the next phase of a two-year academic programme” she said.
Malan said the curriculum will cover a range of stable isotope techniques, including those for assessing iron, zinc and vitamin A absorption. She said the project will help participating African member states build capacity to design and evaluate interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies for better health and economic development.
“With individual African universities, United Nations agencies such as the IAEA and the World Health Organisation, and African governments – including ministries of health, education, agriculture and others – working together, the plague of malnutrition ravaging the continent can be systematically eradicated,” said Malan.
The police in Galeshewe are appealing to the public to assist in locating Lenah Van Wyk (80), who resides at 20217 Legodi Street, Galeshewe in Kimberley. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Van Wyk was last seen by her guardian on 15 March 2024 when she left for work in Barkley Road, Kimberley.
“She was wearing a black hat, brown slippers, blue and white striped tights, as well as a purple flowered apron. Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Lenah Van Wyk is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Leornard Mogoje on 073 0339164.
“They can also call 08600 10111 or either sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.
Picture: The victims who were allegedly kidnapped, Zahraa Mohammed and Bataviya Mohammed/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two more suspects linked to the kidnapping of Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19), have been arrested by the police on Tuesday. This comes after the Mohammed cousins, who were kidnapped in Brits on 6 March 2024, were rescued by a multi-disciplinary team.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the suspects include a police Sergeant attached to Letlhabile Detectives. Mkgwabone further said the police also confiscated a vehicle, which was allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
“The number of arrested suspects remains at six. This after two of the initial six suspects arrested on 25 March 2024, were cleared and released after thorough interviews. All the remaining six suspects are due to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 28 March 2024,” added Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the latest developments, especially the arrest of a police officer, which he said will serve as an indication that no one is above the law.
Kwena said no stone will be left unturned to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
“Tarnishing of the South African Police Service (SAPS) image by unethical employees will not be tolerated,” he said.
Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e tlile go reediwa ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Seno se tla morago ga gore Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng a tshware le go latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala ka Lamatlhatso.
Go begwa fa tiragalo e, ele ya beke e ka Lamatlhatso. Gobegwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.
“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing la Tshipi.”
Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.
Kgabagage, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe, mme molatofadiwa o tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ka di 26 Mopitlwe 2024.
Three accused, Olebogeng Modikoe (39) Thulare Joseph Radise (40) and Kabelo Patrice Mosuwe (40), briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024, on charges of fraud and money laundering.
It is alleged that, between December 2020 and January 2021, Modikoe, who is employed by the North West Department of Education as a Principal Human Resource Officer, created and hired two ghost employees on a contract basis for the period of three months. The said employees were remunerated a total amount of R150 092 87.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the investigation by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that, the monies were deposited into Mosuwe and Radise’s bank accounts.
Malwetse said on 23 March 2024, the trio was arrested by the Hawks during a sting operation conducted at Rustenburg and Midrand respectively.
“They appeared before court and were each granted R5000 bail. Their case was postponed until 11 June 2024,” she said.
A man (31) briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for money laundering. Unathi Golimpi was arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team at Soshanguve on 22 March 2024.
It is alleged that in April 2016, Tshepo Solomon Makatu (32), who was an employee for a cellphone company at Jubilee Mall, Hammanskraal at the time, defrauded the complainant by assisting unknown people to do a sim swap on the complainant’s cellphone, that was used for internet banking without knowledge nor consent from the complainant.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, a few days later, Makatu accessed the complainant’s banking app, where he added two beneficiaries to the complainant’s bank account profile. Malwetse said the amount of R820 000 was then fraudulently transferred from the complainant’s account to an unknown bank account and subsequently laundered into various bank accounts unknown to the complainant.
“Following investigations, Makatu and three other accused, Thabo Zwane (31), Lwazi Mzilem (33) and Zitha Makitla (38), were arrested in January 2024, thus Golimpi was the outstanding suspect. They were later granted R7000 bail and their case is still ongoing.
“He appeared before Court on 25 March 2024 and the matter was postponed to 5 April 2024 for formal bail application,” she said.
A man (31) briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for money laundering. Unathi Golimpi was arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team at Soshanguve on 22 March 2024.
It is alleged that in April 2016, Tshepo Solomon Makatu (32), who was an employee for a cellphone company at Jubilee Mall, Hammanskraal at the time, defrauded the complainant by assisting unknown people to do a sim swap on the complainant’s cellphone, that was used for internet banking without knowledge nor consent from the complainant.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, a few days later, Makatu accessed the complainant’s banking app, where he added two beneficiaries to the complainant’s bank account profile. Malwetse said the amount of R820 000 was then fraudulently transferred from the complainant’s account to an unknown bank account and subsequently laundered into various bank accounts unknown to the complainant.
“Following investigations, Makatu and three other accused, Thabo Zwane (31), Lwazi Mzilem (33) and Zitha Makitla (38), were arrested in January 2024, thus Golimpi was the outstanding suspect. They were later granted R7000 bail and their case is still ongoing.
“He appeared before Court on 25 March 2024 and the matter was postponed to 5 April 2024 for formal bail application,” she said.
This is not a laughable matter as the organisers of Taung Comedy Show, Olebogeng David Moshwene (46) and Mandla Cassius Yawa (39), have interdicted an entrepreneur and owner of Moja Chicken, Letlhogonolo Motseeng (34) from hosting Comedy and Music Xplosion show at PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung on 31 March 2024.
It is alleged that Motseeng will be hosting the event under Batlhaping Entertainment company. Now, Moshwene and Yawa, who are hosting Taung Comedy Show at Longstreet Lifestyle Pub on 31 March 2024, which is only 3km away from PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung, alleged in court papers that, Motseeng is in contravention of the non-compete and non-solicitation agreement he signed with Shandis Events (PTY) LTD.
Motseeng is the former Director of Shandis Events (PTY) LTD. However, he resigned on 14 August 2023 after their relationship went sour.
According to court papers filed by Shandis Events (PTY) LTD, Motseeng is interdicted and prohibited from engaging in any business activity, which is in competition with the Shandis Events (PTY) LTD, nor work for any company which competes with it within 250km from the address which Shandis Events (PTY) LTD conducts its business.
The papers say: “Motseeng and Batlhaping Entertainment are interdicted and prohibited from directly or indirectly disclosing to any person, firm or corporation the names or addresses of any of the customers or clients of the applicant or any other information pertaining to them.
“Motseeng is interdicted and prohibited to call on, solicit, take away any customer of the applicant on whom he has called or with whom he has become acquainted with during his term of employment, as a direct or indirect results of his employment with the applicant.”
Moshwene and Yawa said Motseeng and Batlhaping Entertainment are interdicted and prohibited from advertising in any manner (including through social media platforms or through print media) and hosting, an upcoming event called Comedy & Music Xplosion, which is advertised to be held on 31 March 2024 at PH Moeketsi Agricultural School in Taung.
They further said the respondents will have to carry the costs, only in the event that they oppose the application and are unsuccessful in their opposition.
Yawa said: “The reason led to the resignation of the first respondent is that, on 15 April 2022, the applicant hosted the 1st Annual Taung Comedy Show and the Taung Kids Festival Easter Show on 17 April 2022. The tickets to these two shows were sold through Computicket.
“Computicket had promised to pay the applicant five days after the shows were hosted. Computicket, however, did not pay the applicant as promised. The first respondent was the one who was responsible for dealing with Computicket.”
He added that, upon investigation, it was discovered that Motseeng had actually furnished Computicket with his own banking details, and not that of the company. He said Computicket paid the money into Motseeng’s bank account.
“Motseeng later admitted to this, but he did not pay the money into Shandis Event PTY LTD bank account. However, after lengthy discussions, he promised to pay the money back. Thus far, he only paid R10 000.
“On 27 December 2022, Motseeng signed a non-compete and non-solicitation agreement with the company. In terms of the agreement, Motseeng undertook to not compete with the applicant, to engage in any business activity which is competitive with the applicant nor work for any company which competes with the applicant within 250km from the address where the applicant conducts its business,” he said.
Yawa said the said agreement or undertaking was to be in force for the whole duration of the first respondent was the director of the applicant and continue for a period of three years after the termination of his directorship.
Meanwhile, Motseeng said he will set the records straight after the court ruling. The matter is set to appear before Taung Magistrate’s Court today.
The Guardian 