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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The police in Lichtenburg is requesting members of the community to assist with the identification of an unknown body of a man estimated to be between age group of 20 and 29. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the body was found lying next to the road in the grass along the Lichtenburg/Mahikeng Road, close to De Paarl farms on 6 April 2023.
“He was dressed in a grey and orange “hoody” top (the shoulder and cap parts of the “hoody” are orange and the rest is grey), long grey tracksuit pants, with black and white tekkies. Anyone who may have information that can assist in this regard, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Willem Nortman, on 082 416 0897.
“Alternatively you can contact your nearest police station or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Anonymous Tip-offs may also be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smart phone,” she said.
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said his government, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), is coordinating extensive intervention efforts to assist municipalities in the province to implement renewable and alternative energy sources.
Maloyi made this announcement on 20 February 2024, while delivering the 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
“In an effort to end load-shedding, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation to construct R16 billion gas to electricity power stations at both the City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities.
“The first phase of this project will see the City of Matlosana producing 198 megawatts of electricity. The construction is earmarked for a maximum of 90 days per 100 megawatts. This latest development, is part of the continuing efforts to ensure support and interventions in municipalities and will go a long way in resolving electricity supply challenges,” he said.
Maloyi further said challenges facing municipalities, include electricity supply challenges as a result of aging infrastructure faults, vandalism of transformers and load-shedding impact on infrastructure and water supply leading to a collapse in service provision.
He added that, with the new power stations, they should resolve these problems. Maloyi said municipalities such as City of Matlosana and JB Marks, are also to insource road maintenance and pothole patching on an ongoing basis as a municipal function undertaken by municipal employees.
“This initiative will be emulated in other municipalities across the province. Furthermore, there is an on-going effort to provide dedicated support to all municipalities to improve financial management through the implementation and monitoring of the Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs).
“The Executive Council has approved the appointment and deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) to implement financial recovery plans for identified municipalities, under the joint coordination of Provincial Treasury and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA),” said Maloyi.
He said progress has been registered by the intervention team deployed to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, however, it is not significant enough to reverse the extent of the governance collapse in the municipal administration.
“The Ditsobotla Local Municipality requires constant and sustained support and intervention from Provincial Government before full recovery can be declared.
“EXCO has deployed a team of experts and other seconded officials to the municipality to assist with capacity we remaining hopeful that we will make the municipality to function better,” said Maloyi.
Setshwantsho: terena e tsamaisang dithoto e wele kwa Dryharts
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung, ba re le fa ba lela le setlamo sa puso sa Transnet ka go senyegelwa, fela bone ba itumeletse gore ba bone korong ya mphiwa fela. Seno se tla morago ga gore, terena e tsamaisang dithoto e wele gaufi le motse wa bone mo letsatsing la maabane.
Baagi ba, ba ne ba tswa ka dikgamelo go ya go rwala korong eo, mme ene ya nna seboa-boane sa banyana ba Picong, go fitlhela badiri ba setlamo sa Transnet ba goroga kwa lefelong la kotsi. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe sebakwa sa kotsi, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.
Mongwe wa baagi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe wa tlhalosa: “Nnyaa, tota rona morago ga go utlwa gore terena ya dithoto e wele, mme korong e gasame mo fatshe, rene ra itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Mme ke nnete re fitlhetse gontse fela jalo. Jaanong go goroga ga rona, ga ra botsa le gore go diragetseng, mme ra tlatsa dikganelo ka korong.
“Re maswabi gore re be re tseile korong ya setlamo sa Transnet, fela botlhoka-tiro bo ile kwa godimo. Gape, re tlhasetswe ke bohuma, jaanong re tla dika re rekisitse korong, mme ka letsenonyana leo motho o tla bona gore o reka eng.”
O mongwe wa baagi are ene o utlwile modumo o makatsang, mme ene ya re fa a latlhela bofofu kwa modumo o tswang teng, one a bona tlhogo ya terena e kalakatlega e le nosi, mme mmele wa yone o wele.
“Tota ga ke itse gore kotsi e, e ka tswa e bakilwe ke eng. Fela ke belaela go nnile le bothata fa seporong. Ke belaela ka gongwe sene se kgaotswe, gonne modumo o ne o utlwala kgakajana.
“Jaanong, baagi ba ile ba goroga le go itseela korong e eneng e tshologa go tswa mo tereneng e tsamaisang dithoto. Sepodisi se ile sa bidiwa ga mmogo le ba ditirelo tsa potlako. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa terena e, a iponetse dikgobalo tse di botlhotshwana ga mmogo le mothusi wa gagwe. Ba ne ba rwalelwa kwa bookelo kwa Vryburg go bona thuso ya potlako,” monna o wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, ga se a boele go Taung DailyNews ka dintlha ka botlalo.
Picture: A vehicle allegedly confiscated by police at the border/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A driver (42) has been arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen unprocessed gold Vioolsdrift Border on 20 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien said, a vigilance of members at the Vioolsdrift Border post resulted in the apprehension of a man and the confiscation of a suspected stolen vehicle, including unwrought gold.
Gamieldien said during routine duties at the Vioolsdrift Boarder post between RSA and Namibia, the police searched and screened a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie leaving RSA and enroute to Namibia. She said upon screening the vehicle, the police discovered that the driver presented fraudulent documents.
“After searching the bakkie, they found unprocessed gold with an estimated value of R9 500. The confiscated vehicle is valued at R1,1 million. The suspect was charged with possession of suspected stolen vehicle and fraud.
“An enquiry has been registered in relation of the unprocessed gold. The suspect will soon appear in the Springbok Magistrates Court,” said Gamieldien.
The Guardian 