A murder case against the suspect, who is believed to be a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, Tumisang Mokgolela (36) was postponed by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court to 26 January 2024, for a formal bail application. Mokgolela allegedly stabbed a DJ, Tebogo Mogonare (32) to death at a local tavern in Moshwan village, outside Mahikeng on 20 January 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the preliminary reports reveal that Mogonare was booked to play music at a local tavern when the atrocity took place. Mamothame said upon the completion of playing his set, on his way out of the tavern, Mogonare allegedly had a conversation with a female patron, who was sitting next to the accused.
“This resulted in an argument between the deceased and the accused and subsequently, a fight allegedly ensued between the two. The accused is said to have gone to the boot of his car and came back with a shiny object believed to be a knife and stabbed Mogonare with it.
“Mogonare was rushed to a local hospital to receive medical attention and he was later transferred to a medical facility in Klerksdorp, where he succumbed to his injuries. Mokgolela will remain in police custody until the next court appearance,” he said.
Picture: The suspected stolencattle seized/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police say the livestock theft is rife and affecting farmers across all districts in the province. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said farmers rely on their livestock for their livelihoods.
Shemane further said theft of livestock also have wider social and economic consequences, including animal welfare concerns, disruptions to the food supply chain and increased tensions between farmers and surrounding communities.
He added that, therefore, the police in the Northern Cape are making an urgent plea to all farmers in the province to implement and adhere to the safety hints that can assist them in protecting their livestock and reduce the risk of significant losses due to livestock theft.
“Ensure that all fences and gates are kept in good working order to protect their livestock. Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock.
“Loading ramps in padlocks or on farms away from direct supervision should always be kept locked or obstructed. The yards or kraals where the stock is kept should be secured,” said Shemane.
He said in the planning of paddocks, the forming of corners next to roads should be avoided as this is ideal for livestock to be driven into and for loading purposes. Shemane said when buying an additional farm, consider buying close to your residential farm.
“Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from experience when stock-theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs.
“Know your neighbours and livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, kindly brand your stock,” he said.
Shemane said owners should go to their local SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where they will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates from the Department of Agriculture. He said owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.
“Farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb the rise in stock theft. Owners of livestock are also encouraged to make use of help lines created through cooperation between the police and the Agriculture Industry.
“If they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report it to the police and their neighbours immediately,” said Shemane.
He said it often happens that stock theft cases are withdrawn due to a lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Shemane said owners should cooperate with the local Stock Theft Unit and do not work against them.
“The theft of livestock is driven by the high demand for meat and other livestock products, as well as the easy access to markets, where stolen animals can be sold. However, addressing the root causes of the problem also requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
“By working together, we will combat livestock theft and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers across the country. So, anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111or MySAPS App,” said Shemane.
He said all information will be treated confidentially.
Picture: The building at Ikhutseng Primary School dilapidating/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region calls on the North West Department of Education to provide the Ikhutseng Primary School in Vaaltyn village, near Taung with mobile classrooms. SANCO regional deputy secretary, Mothohela Dikhai said it is disheartening to see the school building in dilapidating condition.
Dikhai said the lives of learners and teachers are at risk because the school building might collapse and cave in on them, while in class.
“It is so sad to see school buildings dilapidated. Even those bricks, were made out of mud and painted upon. So, you will understand how risky the situation would be, especially during the rainy season. The cracks are visible everywhere, hence we urge the department to provide the school with mobile classrooms to avoid tragedy.
“Learners are also using untidy classrooms, which are full of unused and damaged desks. The cupboards are not in good condition and that does not reflect the environment teaching and learning should take place in,” he said.
Dikhai further said the less they talk about the office of the principal, the better. He added that there are no doors in most offices and only curtains were used.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “It is our responsibility to ensure that, there are renovations at the Ikhutseng Primary School. We planned to renovate most of our schools during the festive season, however, it was the rainy season and we could not.
“Remember, during my departmental budget speech, I was very clear in terms of community-based projects. So, we are going to concentrate mainly on these community-based projects, where community members will benefit from renovating those schools.”
Motsumi said what they are currently doing, is they have their Conditional Assessment Report, which consists of all the schools that need to be prioritised. She said they have instructed their Infrastructural Team across the province to go and assess different schools.
“So, Ikhutseng Primary School will be one of the schools that I am going to highlight during my meeting and say it must also be proritised it in terms of budget. On the issue of ablution facilities in various schools, we realised that there was serious vandalism in different schools when we re-opened for the 2024 school academic year.
“Now, it is also our responsibility as the department to ensure that everything is intact. However, the unfortunate part is that we have experienced the storm in Bojanala, and imagine what kind of pressure we are working on,” said Motsumi.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, who visited North West schools said they were doing oversight assessment on infrastructure, ablution facilities, Grade R/early childhood development sites monitoring as per migration shift of 2022, delivery of learner-teacher study material, nutrition, learner transport, special schools support amongst others.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the committee generally takes a sample of a few schools in a district and looks at them to get a broad view of schools in different categories.
“So far we are happy with what we have seen. It was clear that teaching and learning are happening with teaching as well as learners in the classrooms. A conducive environment for teaching and learning exists at the schools we visited,” she said.
A suspect (35) has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man (32) with a knife. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the atrocity took place at one of the liquor outlets in Moshwane village, outside Mahikeng at around 2am on Sunday.
Mokgwabone said the victim was allegedly stabbed with a knife following a fight that ensued between him and the suspect.
“As a result, the victim was transported to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for medical attention. He was later transferred to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, where he died.
“A case of murder was reported to the police on 22 January 2024 and the suspect was successfully traced and arrested. He is expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 25 January 2024,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North lambasted the North West Premier, Bushy Maape for seeking media treatment in Thailand. The DA caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPG), Freddy Sonakile said even though they sympathize with Maape, however, his trip to Thailand shows a vote of no confidence in the local public health system.
Sonakile further said it is concerning that Maape would seek medical treatment abroad, instead of accessing medical facilities in the province. He added that they have long indicated that public hospitals in the province are in a bad state, suffering chronic medicine, equipment, and staff shortages.
“The fact that Maape would rather seek treatment abroad, indicates his vote of no confidence in the provincial public health system he presides over. While tens of millions of South Africans are unable to access quality public healthcare, it has now become an established trend for ANC politicians in office to seek medical treatment abroad.
“Millions of South Africans struggle to access quality medical treatment in ANC-managed public hospitals and do not have the means, like Maape, to jump on a taxpayer-funded medical tourism jaunt to exotic locations,” he said.
Sonakile said this is but a preview of the disaster that will unfold should the ANC continue to push for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which will only increase inequality in accessing medical treatment for everyone.
He said the ANC in government says that it delivers quality public healthcare to all, but the reality is, it does not. Maape knows it, which is why he will be in Thailand, while many patients in public facilities struggle to receive the treatment they deserve.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi has been appointed as interim North West Premier. North West Premier, Bushy Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said Maape will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024.
He said Maape is seeking medical treatment in Thailand, following advice and referral by his doctor.
“During Maape’s absence, Maloyi will act as Premier. He has since been sworn in by the North West High Court Judge President, Ronald Hendricks. The Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Maape’s travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature,” said Tatai.
Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos during a press conference/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said they have put the euphoria of beating neighbours, Namibia 4-0 behind them and are now fully focused on their final Group E match against Tunisia on Wednesday. Broos said his charges will guard against complacency and tread carefully against a Tunisia side that will be gunning for a win against Bafana Bafana if they are to pursue their own ambitions in the tournament.
“It was a great game against Namibia on Sunday, 21 January 2024, and a good win. Goal difference counts and we are happy with the result. We know what we need to do, the team knows what they need to do and the changes made on the day were tactical and needed. We will do the same against Tunisia.
“South Africa have had a few days’ rest since their match against Namibia on Sunday, one less than their opponents Tunisia. But the South Africans are ready to continue in the tournament and cement Korhogo as their home away from home. Every opponent we study and improve on our plan,” he said.
Sundowns FC player, Grant Kekana, who made the starting line-up against Namibia said, playing with his club teammates makes the job easier when they line up in the national team.
“It is easy when the backline is Modiba, Mvala, and Mudau. These are my club buddies and when we play for our county, it does come naturally and easier because of how well we know each other. We train together just about every day,” he said.
The game is set for Wednesday afternoon, where the weather is expected to still be considerably hot compared to the team’s previous evening games.
Picture: The police seize 470 rounds of ammunition/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police are looking for two men, who were walking along R64 road at Samaria Informal Settlement in Kimberley on Tuesday, allegedly carrying a black shopping plastic bag. It is alleged that, upon seeing the Platoon 5 police of Kimberley Public Order Policing Unit approaching, they dropped the plastic bag and fled.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the suspects disappeared into the shanties and the police searched the plastic shopping bag, where they found 9mm, Point 22, 38 special, hollow point, 7,65 normal and green projector rounds inside it.
“The police seized 470 rounds of ammunition. The two suspects were dark in complexion and wearing blue overalls and yellow T- shirts. No arrests were effected, however, the proliferation of firearms and ammunition remains a priority for the police, hence the police request that anyone with information about the suspect’s’ whereabouts to immediately contact their nearest police station or utilize the MySaps app.
“The police urge the public not to approach these suspects as they are presumed to be armed and dangerous,” he said.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for allegedly stealing water pump/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two men aged 20 and 25 were arrested for allegedly stealing water pump to the value of R25 000 in Deben. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, a farm owner (57) reported that his water pump was allegedly stolen on 22 January 2024 at around 12:00.
Letsapa said on 23 January 2024 at around 8pm, the police arrested two suspects.
“They were arrested after a tip-off that led the police to a local scrapyard. A water pump that was already shredded into pieces was seized. The farm owner later positively identified the property as his and also commended the Deben police for their swift response, which led to the apprehension of the suspects and recovery of the stolen property.
“The suspects will appear in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of theft,” he said.
The former municipal manager at Nama Khoi Local Municipality, Aubrey Baartman (64) was sentenced to three years imprisonment for Contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) by the Springbok Magistrate’s Court.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, Baartman and three other co-accused, made numerous court appearances after being accused of fraud, which took place in June 2013. Thebe said the other three accused were acquitted on all charges.
“Baartman was accused of awarding a tender to supply paver bricks and kerbs worth R79 966 559-70 without following correct tender procedures.
“The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team, successfully investigated the matter and brought the accused before the court of law in June 2021, through warrant to appear in court,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of Hawks in Northern Cape, Major General Stephen Mabuela, congratulated the police for successful investigation.
Picture: The community members of Popo Molefe Informal Settlement in a consultative engagement with senior officials from the North West Community Safety and Transport Management/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Community Safety and Transport Management has visited the Popo Molefe Informal Settlement, in Boitekong Township, outside Rustenburg to engage with the community ahead of healing and social cohesion campaign.
This comes after nine people were gunned down in the area in December 2023, due to an alleged war turf between Xhosas and Sothos. The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi said the pre-community engagement was in a form of door-to-door consultations.
Mothibedi further said this is ahead of the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari’s community engagement scheduled to take place on 25 January 2024.
“The objective of the engagement is to promote healing and social cohesion following the massacre of nine people in the area last year in December. The massacre took place after allegations of a war-turf between isiXhosa and seSotho speaking people.
“Lehari has pointed out that, while investigations by law enforcement agencies are afoot – a multifaceted approach to quell the simmered tension is urgently needed. As such, Lehari directed that the engagement take place in the area,” he said.
Mothibedi added that, Lehari has called for intensified visible policing to ensure that all criminal activities and social ills bedevilling the area are attended to expeditiously, with vigour, to a-certain that the fight against the scourge of crime is effectively brought forward. He said all the build-up activities, including the Community Crime Engagement are implemented on a District Development Model (DDM), where all sister departments, District and local municipalities are part, including private sectors.
The Guardian 