Picture: The firearms confiscated during the raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged (36), (34), and (26), who were arrested after being found to have firearms in Alabama, Klerksdorp on 15 January 2024, are expected to appear in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. The trio was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Priority Crime Management Centre, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre, and the District Illegal Mining Task team during an intelligence-driven operation to track down perpetrators involved in business burglaries in the area.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the meticulous investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime, led the team to Alabama Township, where an Audi TT was spotted. She said the vehicle did not stop when the team directed it to do so.
“A shoot-out ensued between the police and suspects. Three suspects were arrested and four firearms were recovered in the vehicle. A follow-up investigation led the team to a farm in Hartebeesfontein and Alabama, where a substantial number of various calibre ammunition, firearms, and explosives were recovered.
“The firearms are linked to a burglary that occurred at business premises at Irene Park, near Klerksdorp during December 2023. The suspects are facing charges of business burglary and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition,” said Malwetse.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said to support schools and identify any issues that might affect effective teaching and learning at the start of the academic year, the department has been conducting School Readiness Monitoring (SRM).
Motsumi said the department is working tirelessly to address these issues as soon as possible at the right level of the system. She further said a lot of work has gone into making sure that all of the schools in the province are prepared to offer quality teaching and learning on the first day in classes as the academic year resumes.
“Officials and Circuit Managers from the province were part of the monitoring team. Observational domains examined in the evaluation of readiness for school were the South African School Administration Management System (SA-SAMS), school admissions, provision of teachers, and provision of LTSM.
“They were also part of social cohesion and equity and school sports and enrichment curriculum management, ICT, school safety, coding and robotics, national school nutrition programme (NSNP),” said Motsumi.
She added that the provision of quality infrastructure with emphasis on safe water, sanitation and learner transport in all four districts were part of the discussions. Motsumi said while the SRM revealed widespread compliance with provincial application deadlines, they acknowledged the remaining challenges.
“The late applications persist, despite our continuous awareness campaigns. Nevertheless, our schools uphold non-discriminatory admission policies. Every child, regardless of documentation status deserves an equal right to education. Most of our schools are fully equipped for learners’ return.
“We want to guarantee a smooth start to the academic year and our extensive school readiness monitoring efforts demonstrate our commitment to quality education for all. The department remains dedicated to improving education delivery in the province,” she said.
Motsumi said the SRM findings will guide targeted interventions and ensure optimal learning environments for all students. Furthermore, she said the department will host the National Senior Certificate Results announcement at Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Friday.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape will visit Dingake Primary School in Verdwaal as part of the school re-opening activities for the 2024 academic year. Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said during Maape’s 2023 State of the Province Address (SOPA), he indicated that Dingake Primary and 300 other schools will benefit from the introduction of breakfast as part of an intensified programme to serve two meals a day to learners from less privileged communities.
“The initiative, which is being implemented through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), is aimed at mitigating the impact of poverty on learners from communities grappling with various challenges of socio-economic concern.
“To date, the government continues to feed 744 320 learners in more than 1300 schools across the province. Maape’s visit will commence at 10am,” he said.
Picture: Some of materials confiscated during the raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men were arrested for being in possession of unwrought gold bearing material. Gideon Gaotingwe Mangope (57) , Mahlatse Manyaka,( 32) and Monnaotsile Christop Lebuowane (38) briefly appeared in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 15 January 2024.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, on 11 January 2024, the Rustenburg-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with Bidvest Security received a tip-off regarding the suspects, who were alleged to be busy washing platinum bearing material at the Impala Minpro Processing Plant.
Malwetse further said when the police arrived at the scene, they found three suspects busy washing the platinum bearing material inside the batching stations at the floaters, where spillage overflowed. She added that, the suspects fled the scene when they spotted the police.
“However, the police gave chase and arrested them. Eleven bags containing unwrought gold bearing material were found and seized. The trio was subsequently charged with possession of unwrought gold bearing material. They have been remanded in custody and the case was postponed to 19 January 2024,” she said.
A man (25) who was arrested for business robbery, has been remanded in custody until 17 January 2024 for legal advice. Asley Morake briefly appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Morake was arrested in connection with a business robbery at Borolelo Market Tuck Shop. Myburgh further said a victim (36) was closing his business on Saturday night (13 January 2024), when three unknown suspects, one armed with a knife, allegedly confronted him.
“Two of the suspects allegedly closed the shop’s door and the other one guarded the door of the shop. They ordered him to hand over his cell phone and the victim started to scream when one of the suspects stabbed him twice in the back with the knife. One of the suspects jumped over the counter and took the money.
“Meanwhile, the community members heard the noise, came to the rescue of the victim, and one suspect was arrested. The police are still looking for the other two suspects. A victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all members and the community for their collaborative efforts and quick response that resulted in the arrest.
A woman (24) briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court for fraud and money laundering. In October 2022, Phindile Zamahlubi Hadebe and other suspects allegedly intercepted an email communication between South African and Zimbabwean companies.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said Hadebe allegedly amended the South African company’s banking details and the money was paid into another unknown account to be paid into various accounts.
“Following an investigation by the Hawks Serious Crime Investigation, eight warrants of arrest were issued. On 15 January 2024, information was received regarding the whereabouts of one of the suspects.
“A sting operation was planned between the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation teams from Klerksdorp and Mahikeng, as well as the Hawks Head Office’s Tactical Operational Management Sections (TOMS), the warrant of arrest was executed and the suspect was arrested in Johannesburg,” she said.
Hadebe appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on fraud and money laundering charges worth R24 million. Malwetse said the case was postponed to 18 January 2024.
Setshwantsho: Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe a buisana le baagi
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse was Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, ba kaile fa ba amogela kago ya tsela ya dikilomitara di le 10 e golaganyang motse wa bone le tsela-kgolo ya N18. Seno se tla morago ga kopano ya baagi, masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya Mo premiere (Office of the Premier) mo letsatsing la gompieno.
Baagi ba Itireleng, ba lobaka ba ikuela gore puso e ba agele tsela dingwaga-ngwaga tse di fitileng. Jaanong, meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, o kaetsr baagi fa masepala o tlile go ba agela tsela ya paving, mme ele ka tshwaragano le Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima.
“Re dumalane le Lefapha la Ditsela ka tsiregayo go tswa go District Development Model (DDM) ga mmogo le Office of the Premier, go ka nna le kgokagano. Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a rona ele go agela baagi ba rona tsela e kgale ba lela ka yone.
“Mo kgokaganong e, badiri ba tlile go duelwa go ya ka seelo sa EPWP. Ga go tle go thapiwa rakontera, mme go tla thapiwa fela baagi ga mmogo le mogokaganyi magareng ga badiri le botsamaisi. Re tlile go thapa badiri ba le 80, mme molekgotha wa kgorwana e, o setse a thapile batho ba le 40,” Gaoraelwe was tlhalosa.
Gaoraelwe are go fitlha ga jaana, go setse go dirilwe tsela e tla dirisiwang ke baagi fa e sentse e baakangwa. Gaoraelwe o kaile fa porojeke e, ele e e kgethegileng.
“Dilo tsotlhe tse di tla tlhokagalang go aga tsela, di tla bo di tswa kwa Lefapheng la Ditsela. Mme ditirelo tse dingwe di tla tswa kwa masepala. Se batho ba sa se tlhaloganyeng ke gore, ke rona jaaka masepala re ile ra tsaya tshwetso ya gore re tlile go aga tsela. Morago ga dipalopalo tse re di dirileng, , re ne ra beela thoko tekanyetso-kabo ya R10 million.
“Fela, se ene ele tsitsinyo fela, mme go ne go sena madi a re a beetseng thoko. Fela, morago ga moo, re ne ra itemogela gore tsela e, ga e wele mo masepaleng. Rona jaaka masepala, re ikarabela mo ditseleng tse di mo gare ga motse. Jaanong, tsela e, e golaganya tsela ya N18 le motse wa Itireleng,” Gaoraelwe wa tlhalosa.
Fela mongwe wa baagi are ga ba kgotsofadiwa ka mokgwa o tsela ya bone e tlileng go agiwang ka teng. Boitshepo Seoloseng are, jaanong ba tlile go e koma e galaka gonne se ba se tlhokang ke tsela.
“Re lela thata ka ledi le badiri ba tlileng go le amogela. Di ura tse di berekiwang kwa EPWP ga di tshwane. Gona le mo go berekiwang di ura dile robedi, fa tse dingwe go diriwa di ura dile nne. Jaanong, re bolelelwa ka madi a lekanang. Fa go agiwa tsela, re tlile go dira ka setene, mme re tla bo re inama re inamologa.
“Ka jalo, re tlile go tsenwa ke manokonoko, mme fela re itumelela gore Office of the Premier, ba ile ba kgona go utlwa selelo sa rona morago ga dingwaga-ngwaga re ikuela mabapi le tsela,” Seoloseng wa tlhalosa.
Moagi o mongwe, Tlhalefo Sekgetho are jaaka baagi, ga ba amogele se masepala o tlileng go se ba bolelela. Sekgetho are tsela e, e tlile go tsenngwa ka sebopego se eleng gore ga ba se tlhaloganye.
“Ba re e tlile go berekwa ka mokgwa wa EPWP mo sebakeng sa dikgwedi dile lesome, kgotsa go feta. Jaanong, re ipotsa gore a tsela e ka berekiwa sebaka se se telele jalo.
“Nagana fela go tsholetsa ditene, mme o be o tla go duelwa ka selekanyo sa EPWP. Fela, re tla reng gonne ga re kgone le go ya toropong, jaanong ke gone fela gore re amogele,” Sekgetho wa tlhalosa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has noticed with concern the number of business robberies reported and urged the community, especially business owners to become more vigilant and alert.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, they understand the impact that these crimes have on individuals and businesses. Kock further said they have committed to work with the public to prevent the occurrence thereof.
He added that, the police are urging the public to adhere to and implement the safety hints to ensure their safety.
“The businesses are requested to be extra vigilant around closing times and never lock their business premises alone. kindly install extra security gates and appoint security guards. Install security cameras and alarm systems and ensure that all doors and windows are secured.
“Always remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly. Train staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations. Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items. Tuck shops and other small business must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open until late,” he said.
Kock said business owners should refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes them a bigger target for business robberies. He also advised business owners to get a guard dog and install security gates, including burglar bars.
“Always lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Consider installing an alarm system and CCTV cameras and not open the door for strangers. Be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the house. Immediately contact police when you notice suspicious persons loitering around and sitting on street corners.
“Do not leave spare keys in an obvious place like post boxes. Avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas. Keep your valuables out of sight in public places and be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour,” said Kock.
He urged them not to carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with them. Kock said they should keep their cellphone and other electronic devices hidden when walking in public.
“Do not resist during a robbery as this may escalate the situation and increase your risk of harm. Do not speak to strangers, while busy at ATM. Use ATM that is well lit and not hidden away. Do not give your pin to anyone and cover your pin when doing ATM transaction.
“Do not withdraw large amount of cash, rather use debit or credit cards for purchases. Always be away of your surroundings and if possible, withdraw money at the tellers in supermarkets. Be aware of card scammers and tricksters that say they can make your money more when drawing cash from ATMs or banks,” he said.
Kock said people should not use ATMs that they suspect were tampered with. He said the police care about their safety and by adhering to the safety hints, can reduce their risk of falling victim to a robbery.
“Remember, prevention is key. If you witness or experience a robbery, report it immediately to the police. Working together, we can help create safer crime free communities for everyone.
A murder and fraud case against Agnes Setshwantsho (43) has been deferred to 19 January 2024 by Molopo Magistrate’s Court for judgment on her bail application. Setshwantsho is facing a murder case, two counts of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state and the defense attorney have completed their closing arguments, following testimony by the investigating officer and the correctional nurse from the facility, where Setshwantsho is detained.
Mamothame further said the South African Police (SAPS) reported that on 16 November 2023, an intelligence operation led to the arrest of the accused on suspicion that she murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.
He added that, Setshwantsho was traced and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation, led by the SAPS in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company.
“The police further reported that in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, and a team of detectives have been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect.
“Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of two bodies, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case. According to the police report, the murder that was initially ruled a “natural death” happened in Mmabatho, in the North West, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023,” said Mamothame.
He said the investigations have revealed that, Setshwantsho fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder. Mamothame said the police are conducting further investigations, with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused.
Meanwhile, the accused will remain in police custody pending the outcome of the bail application.
Picture: One of the suspects arrested for business burglary/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged 33 and 28, were arrested for allegedly breaking into a local restaurant in Port Nolloth during the early hours of Monday, 15 January 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police who were on duty in the Community Service Centre (CSC), received a complaint of an alleged business burglary, not far from the station.
“One of the police officers immediately ran on foot to the scene and cornered the suspects, who were busy breaking in. A police vehicle arrived to assist.
“The two suspects were apprehended with the tools they allegedly utilized in the commission of the crime. The suspects were charged with business burglary and will appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola, commended the public for their vigilance and the police officers for their swift response.
Picture: The CAF A Diploma candidates who completed phase 2 of learning/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The CAF A Diploma (License) candidates began the new year with a 7-day programme, as they came back for the second phase of learning from 6–13 January 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The candidates used the second phase to present their assignments from phase one, which was held last November 2023. Phase 2 included topics as stipulated by the CAF Coaching Convention from a tactical understanding, organisation, preparation, and building of teams.
Drafting a periodization plan from general to specific, preparation periods and the first competition period, transition periods, and second competition periods.
Set pieces and team structures
Goalkeeping
They also analysed the South African Senior National Team (Bafana Bafana), ahead of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking to http://www.safa.net, CAF Instructor, Steve Coetsee said that the course has been going well with the top level of coaches and those with high performance analysis experience.
This has led to tremendous discussions and interaction throughout the week.
The Orbit College Head Coach, Pogiso Makhoye said: “The second phase of the CAF A Diploma has been a very great week of collaboration and sharing ideas with the coaches in attendance.
“There are many ideas and philosophies that we are learning through this course that will go a long way with our clubs’ goals. Playing in the Motsepe Championship is not easy and topics such as organisation, player management, and periodization, will really assist us for the remainder of this season.”
Phase three of the CAF A License Coaching course will be held in March 2024.
The Guardian 