Picture: A driver nabbed with 32 bags of cement/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (40) was arrested by the Deben police for theft on 19 January 2024 at approximately 23:20. It is alleged that the farm owner saw a white double cab Isuzu Bakkie with bags of cement on the back and stopped it.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, said the farm owner immediately informed the police. Letsapa said upon arrival at the scene, the police requested the proof of purchase, which the driver failed to provide.
“He was arrested for theft and 32 bags of cement and a bakkie were seized. The Deben Police Management, commended the police for their swift response.
“They also appreciated and commended the farming community for their assistance and cooperation in this joint fight against crime. The suspect will appear in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon on charge of theft,” he said.
Picture: Two suspects arrested for allegedly armed robbery/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A quick response by the police in Letlhabile, resulted in the arrest of a suspect, Thato Godwill Manganyi (23) on Tuesday morning (16 January 2024). Manganyi was arrested after he and his accomplice allegedly robbed a store at Letlhabile Shopping Complex.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the suspects allegedly entered the shop, threatened the cashier with a firearm and fled the shop with cash, vouchers and various cellular phones.
“The shocked cashier screamed for help and police officers, who were just around the corner of the shop, acted immediately and arrested Manganyi who was found in possession of a firearm and cellular phones,
“The second suspect, Golden Sako (22) escaped, but was handed over to the police shortly after the incident by a family member. The duo appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court for business robbery,” said Myburgh.
She further said Manganyi is facing an additional charge for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Myburgh added that the accused persons were remanded in custody until 23 January 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their quick and brave response that resulted in the arrest. Kwena said the community that does not tolerate criminals, even in their own families, will greatly assist the police to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
Picture: The Executive Council with top achievers/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Matric Class of 2023 has shown some improvements. This comes after the province obtained 81.6 % and retained its fourth position in 2021.
Maape said these results represent an increase of 1.8 % from 2022, where the province claimed a fifth position in national matriculants results outcomes. He said the number of candidates who passed with Bachelors has increased to 15 059 (36,36%) compared to 14 733 (33.62%) of the Class of 2022.
“Moreover, Diploma passes have also improved by 11 646 (28,12%), which is higher than 10 794 (26,3%) of 2022. The results mirror the hard work undertaken by the Executive Council in making education one of its apex priorities.
“The outcome of these results gives credence to the fortitude displayed by the government and the department in making sure that education remains one of our apex priorities as a province. Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme -Thuntsha Lerole, we made a commitment that teaching and learning will not be left behind as we roll-out this plan,” he said.
Maape further said their efforts were not in vain. He added that the 2023 cohort also scored a total of 7 067 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, as compared to 6 478 in the previous year.
“This achievement reflects the efforts and commitments of ordinary men and women who have taken it up themselves to demonstrate to the country that we are a province of skilled and ethical personnel.
“The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality reclaimed its top position as the best performing district with 84,24%. It is followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District at 83,51%, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts are sitting at position three and four with 78,79% and 77,16% respectively,” said Maape.
He said all these districts have improved their pass rate as compared to the previous year. Maape said credit must also go to the teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, leaders of faith-based organisations, the private sector and all social partners, who have traversed this journey with them.
“We have implored the private sector to collaborate with the Office of the Premier to expand the reach of the Victor Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme. The Bursary Scheme is currently funding 145 students, who are enrolled at various institutions of higher learning to the tune of R60 million.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the stewardship of North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her entire departmental collective for a stellar performance in the 2023 matric results outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said: “We applaud the 2.8% improvement of matric results from 80.1 % to 82.9 and in particular commended the performance of historically marginalised and under-resourced rural provinces.
“On behalf of the ANC caucus, we congratulate Motsumi for her energy as well as leadership effort that contributed to the increase of 1.8 % from 2022 to 81.6% last year, which dispels the myth that young people cannot lead successfully.”
Sebegoe said their gratitude also goes to the acting Head of Department, Deputy Director General, Dr Shadrack Mvula as well as the collective of departmental officials, principals and committed educators, most of whom made great sacrifices and went the extra mile, parents for their unwavering support and most importantly, the matric class of 2023 that worked hard and remained focused even under trying circumstances.
Picture: The Bantwana Batwana players in training/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), have begun their preparations for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia. The young ladies will face the East African Nation in a two-legged affair.
Of the 2nd round of qualifier on 2 February 2024 away from home and on 10 February 2024 at home, where they will be looking to progress to the last round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Bantwana Bantwana coach, Ntabeleng “Dunga” Modiko told http://www.safa.net that, Bantwana will be looking to secure a spot to the Dominican Islands, in what will be South Africa’s third appearance at the junior world cup for women.
Modiko further said the team began their month- long camp on 15 January 2024 and focused on fitness levels.
“This has been a very taxing week for the girls, as we have to regain fitness before anything else. We are happy with the progress they are making and we have asked them to dig deep because we begin the year with very crucial matches and they have to show up to gain a spot in the team.
“We have a huge preliminary squad and it was pivotal that we worked on fitness this week because it is never easy to begin a camp after the festive season. Therefore, we have been hard at work this week ensuring that the players are at a certain level of fitness before we dive into the tactics of our qualifiers,” he said.
Modiko added that, they have had fitness tests and a few sessions where ball possession, small build ups and regrouping have been the main focus. He said this coming week, they will be looking to cut the squad down to the 23 players that will represent the country in the qualifiers.
“We are also ensuring that the players are up to date with their studies, since the opening of schools this past Wednesday. The education factor has been catered for.
“We have a tutor in camp to ensure that players are not only focused on football, but also mentally get back into the classroom, as they are at a critical age of their education,” said Modiko.
Picture: The lifeless body of a man found lying in the streets/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Schweizer Reneke said they request assistance of the public to identify the man, who was found dead in the streets on Thursday. According to North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the deceased was found a passerby.
“The police are investigating an inquest case that was reported on Thursday at around 7am. The incident was reported by a passerby. Apparently, a body of a man was found lying in the streets.
“The deceased is estimated to be 30 years-old. His identity is currently unknown and it seems he was one of the kids in town. The deceased has no visible injuries and has two marks on his right arm. The police investigations are continue,” said Myburgh.
The Olifantshoek police are requesting assistance in tracing the missing man, Moleki Moses Mokabelo (27). It is alleged that, Mokabelo was last seen leaving his work at a farm, near Olifantshoek on 15 January 2024 at around 9:25am.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Mokabelo was allegedly on his way home to Newtown in Postmasburg when he went missing.
“He is of medium build, approximately 1.6 metre tall and was wearing grey overalls, orange t-shirt, black cap and blue tekkies. Anyone with information can contact D/Sgt Dannyboy Kgatlane on 082 302 0395. The investigation continues.
“The public is reminded that, there is no waiting period for reporting a missing person,” he said.
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Picture: The missing Moleki Moses Mokabelo/Supplied
A man who was arrested for fraud, Jean Pierre Van Niekerk (25), was granted a R5000 bail by the Kimberley Serious Commercial Crime Court today. Van Niekerk was arrested by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime members for fraud alternative theft.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Van Niekerk, who was employed by the Northern Cape Cricket Union as the Financial Manager, allegedly committed these crimes between July 2022 and March 2023.
“The payments that were due to service providers, were deposited to his personal bank account. The entity suffered an actual loss exceeding R400 000 plus interest.
“The accused is out on bail and the case is postponed to 1 February 2024,” said Mnisi.
Picture: Some of the equipment believed to be used in illicit mining seized/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four undocumented persons between the ages of 27 and 49 were arrested. This comes after the police conducted Operation Vala Umgodi that was executed on 18 January 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, the police seized the equipment to the value of R190 000 believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining. She said this includes generators, sieves, a jack hammer, drills, fire extinguishers, hand hammers and pickaxes.
“The Namaqua District continue to be affected by illicit mining activities. The police also searched a tavern operating in the area. The owner was fined for operating without a permit and a significant volume of alcohol was seized.
“The operation focusing on the prevention of illicit mining continues,” said Ehlers.
Picture: The former Meat Brothers owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A bail hearing judgement against a local businessman and the former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, who is facing attempted murder and murder case has been postponed to 22 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court.
Mangwegape briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He is accused of killing NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons, who visited The Meat Brothers Pub that was fully packed. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.
Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and the owner of the establishment, Mangwegape, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.
The presiding magistrate in this case, Botsile Thaga was not available today in court due to other commitments in Bray Magistrate’s Court. The interim magistrate, Jenny Manxeba postponed the matter to 22 January 2024 to allow Thaga to be available.
Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that they condemn violence meted against patrons at The Meat Brothers.
“It is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment. This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety.
“This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant,” he said.
Mohlomi further said they send their heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. He added that, equally so, they call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily arrest perpetrators and resolve this brutish crime.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players ready to face Namibia after a disappointing loss
By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana shifted focus to Namibia ahead of crunch AFCON match. This comes after the Bafana Bafana camp has put the disappointment of losing their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations this week to Mali behind them and they are now looking forward to the next assignment on the tournament calendar.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges lost 0-2 to Mali on 16 January 2024 and will hope to bounce back from the setback when they face neighbours, Namibia on 21 January 2024 at the same Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns FC player, Teboho Mokoena said, the players understand what is at stake on Sunday and what is expected of them.
“We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us. It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach,” he said.
Sphephelo Sithole said he has cast his eye on the match against the Namibians and feels that a victory is a must to avoid putting pressure on the South African senior men’s team in a group that also has Mali, Tunisia and Namibia.
“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win. We have to win it because a result means that our chances are better. So, for me, we have to win. For me, we have to win every game.
“So far, we have been treated well. We have all we need to be comfortable away from home and to focus solely on football,” said Sithole.
Namibia will go into this game against their neighbours on a high after beating Tunisa 1-0 on Tuesday.
The Guardian 