Picture: The firearm allegedly confiscated from five suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Five suspects aged between 22 and 56 were arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer on Monday evening, 8 January 2024. The suspects allegedly shot and injured a police constable in Jericho village.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police officer allegedly arrived at a tuckshop in an unmarked state motor vehicle and noticed three suspects, who fired several shots of which one struck him on the left arm. Mokgwabone said the suspects allegedly fled the scene in a silver Opel Kadett.
“A quick response by Jericho police led to a car chase until at Sephai village, where the suspects’ vehicle collided with a cow. The suspects then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although a search was conducted in the bushes, that did not yield positive results.
“The first suspect was handed over to the police by a member of the community, while the other was arrested by Jericho police on 9 January 2024. The other three suspects were tracked and arrested between 9 January 2024 and the early hours of today (10 January 2024) in Mabopane and Winterveldt during a tactical operation by Brits Crime Intelligence and Trio Task Team,” he said.
Mokgwabone said, that further investigation led the police to Legonyane village, where a Norinco firearm with four ammunition was found hidden by one of the suspects at his aunt’s place. He added that the preliminary investigation revealed that, four suspects are on parole and still under correctional supervision.
“All suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon for attempted murder. One of the suspects is facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest, which he said is a clear indication that the police are committed to dismantling criminal groupings such as this one. Kwena also thanked all police officers and all other role players including private security companies’ personnel and members of the community for their cooperation soon after the incident was reported until the suspects were brought to book.
Picture: Some of the mining equipment confiscated during arrest/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four suspects were arrested for illicit mining during Operation Vala Ungodi by the police and a private security company. The operation was conducted in the Namaqua District on 9 January 2024 at approximately 10:00. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, the team searched an area where it is alleged that illicit mining is occurring. Ehlers further said four men were found in mining holes and arrested.
“Two undocumented Zimbabwe nationals aged 17 and 39, as well as two South African citizens aged 29 and 30 were arrested on a charge of illicit mining.
“Mining equipment to the approximate value of R2600 believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining, was seized. Diamond-carrying gravel was also seized. The suspects will appear in court soon,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members for their continued efforts to eradicate illicit mining in the province.
Picture: A dead man in a black plastic garbage bag/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Koster request members of the community to assist with the identification of the unknown body of a white man, estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 40. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said, the body was found in a ditch along the R30 road between Rustenburg and Ventersdorp on 30 December 2023.
“He was barefooted and both hands tight with a cable. Further to that, his mouth and nose were covered with plastic. The victim was wearing a white t-shirt with blue beach short trousers. He was found between Oakland and Raakvat farms.
“Anyone who may have information that can assist in this regard is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Morolodi on 076 510 9112 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Number 08600 10111. Tip-offs may also be communicated via MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: A firearm allegedly confiscated during arrests of three suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men aged between 25 and 35 were arrested for attempted robbery in Breipaal, near Douglas on 9 January 2024. It is alleged that, at around 4am, four suspects entered a shanty and fired shot, where a victim (28) was wounded in the arm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the suspects allegedly fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and set the shanty alight.
Kock said three hours later, the same suspects allegedly fired shots inside a nearby tuckshop when they tried to rob the owner.
“The Douglas SAPS Detectives and Visible Policing were attending to the first scene and immediately responded to the gunshots at the tuckshop. The four suspects fled on foot through mielie crops, but three of them were caught and arrested by the police.
“The police also confiscated a Baby Brown firearm and ammunition. The fourth suspect is still at large, however, police believe that his arrest is imminent,” he said.
Kock further said the suspects will be charged with attempted murder, robbery, arson and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He added that, three suspects will appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Anyone with information can contact Douglas Detectives on 082 301 9978. The investigation continues,” said Kock.
By OBAKENG MAJE The police have noted with concern a recent spate of shoplifting incidents. The shop owners and assistants are urged to adhere to safety hints.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the shop owners should meet and greet shoppers and acknowledge their presence.
“Keep your store organised and tidy. Know common shoplifting tactics and be extra aware of shoppers with oversized clothes and bags. Optimise your store’s layout and try to install low racks so that you can have a full view of the shop. Install security cameras and add more mirrors to your store.
“Use customer service as prevention immediately after a shopper entered the shop. Train your employees to be able to spot shoplifters, usually picking up and putting down goods on racks. Use retail inventory as a management tools to always know your stock levels,” he said.
Kock further said the shop owners should identify at-risk items and place it in plain sight of shop assistants. He added that, shoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff.
“Work out where inside the store thefts are happening. As far as possible, utilise electronic tagging on goods in store. Personal safety is in numbers so employ enough staff for your store.
“Security officers inside stores also assist as a deterent and help to tighten security against shoplifting. Keep a constant eye on fitting/dressing rooms,” said Kock.
Sesthwantso: Bann aba le bane ba ba latofadiwang ka go tsweletsa bosenyi mo Taung
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba kwa Taung Central le metse e mabapi ba kaile fa ba tshelela mo letshogong ka ntlheng ya bosenyi jo bo ileng magoletsa. Ba kaile fa gona le setlhotswana sa disenyi tse di tsweleditseng bosenyi mo karolong ya bone, fela sepodisi se itshetse moriti o tsididi ka ntlha eno.
Mongwe wa setlhopha sa baagi se se lwang kgatlhanong le bosenyi, mme a sa batle go itsiwe are, batshwere banna ba le babedi ba eleng karolo ya segongwa sa bosenyi. Are banna bao ba ile ba ipobola le go supa kwa ba beileng dilwana tse di utswitsweng teng, ga mmogo le dithunya tse ba di dirisang fa ba tsweletsa bosenyi.
Are, ba ne ba tsaya banna bao ka bobedi, mme ba leba le bone kwa seteisheng sa sepodisi kwa Taung. Monna o are, go dikgetsi di le dintsi tse di diragetseng, jaaka go kgothosa o tlhometse, go thubelwa mo matlung le go kgothosa dikgwebo tse di farologaneng.
“Kgale re batlana le babelaelwa ba morago ga gore ke amogele pego ya gore bana le seabe mo dikgothosong tse dintsi tse kgale di diragala mo motseng wa rona. Jaanong, re ile ra kgona go tshwara babelaelwa ba le babedi mo go ba le bane ba kgale re ba batla.
“Re ile ra kopa tshedimosetso mo go bone ntle le ntwa, mme ka tirisano-mmogo ya bone, ba ile ba tlhalosa se ba se itseng. Re ile ra tsamaya le bone go leba kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung, mme re ile ra fitlha ra ba neela sepodisi,” monna o wa tlhalosa.
Are ba ile ba tsena kwa seteisheneng sa mapodisi sa Taung metsotso morago ga bosigo-gare, mme ba tlhalosetsa mapodisi ka tiragalo e. Are ba tlhaloseditse mapodisi ba baneng ba le mo tirong ka se babelaelwa ba se ba boleletseng.
“Re ne ra ba kaela gore babelaelwa ba tlhalositse gore dilo tse kgale ba di utswa di beilwe kae, ga mmogo le dithunya tse kgale di dirisiwa mo dikgothosong tse di farologaneng. Fela, sebe sa phiri ke gore, sepodisi sa rona ga sa nna le tirisano mmogo. Ba ile ba tsamaya le babelaelwa go ya go puruputsha ntlo eo ntle le mongwe wa rona.
“Jaanong, re maketse gape fa re bona baelaelwa bao ba sasanka le mebila ya rona. Fela, ga re itse gore go diragetse ka kgetsi ya bone. Sepodisi ga sa re letsetsa, ebile mongwe wa badiri ka rona, o ile a letsetsa motsamaisi wa seteisheneng a mo botsa ka kgetsi e, fela gatwe o kaile fa ene a sa itse sepe ka yone,” monna o wa tlhalosa.
Are ba na le pelaelo ya gore sepodisi ga se tswe go puruputsha ntlo eo ba belaelwa ba ne ba e shupile. Are se ba se itseng ke gore, mong wa ntlo eo, o rekisa diritibatsi mme ga se ga ntsi a tshwarwa.
“Jaanong re maswabi go bona sepodisi se sa dirisane sentle le baagi, mme re tlile go itseela molao mo matsogong. Fa sepodisi se sa batle go dirisana le rona go ka reba bosenyi, re tlile go ka lwa le bosenyi ntle le thuso ya bone, mme kamoso ba seka ba ba ba tsoga ba re supa ka monwana,” monna wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Re ka netefatsa gore babelaelwa ba ile ba tshwarwelwa kgetsi ya kgothoso (common robbery), mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.
“Babelaelwa ba ile ba tlisiwa ke bangwe ba baagi ba ba lwantshang bosenyi. Tirisano mmogo ya rona le baagi ke e e edileng, mme re tla itumelela go tswelela jalo re dirisana mmogo.”
Picture: Some of ammunition allegedly found in the accused persons possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two men who were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition were remanded in custody. Tshotleko Ranko (24) and Thabo Mothai (22) briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 following their arrests.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the duo was arrested by the members of Stilfontein Public Order Police (POP) in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Saturday. Mokgwabone said the police were on patrol when they spotted two men sitting in a car.
“The pair got out of the car immediately when the police advanced. One of them, allegedly put a firearm on the roof of the car, but was arrested whist trying to run away. Although the other ran away, his freedom was short-lived following his arrest.
“The police searched him and found a firearm and ammunition in his possession. Both men were placed under arrest. The accused persons who are both Lesotho nationals, were remanded in custody until 18 January 2024 for bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their attentiveness, which led to the confiscation of the firearms that are used to commit serious and violent crimes.
Picture: Fire erupted at the North West Department of Health offices in Mahikeng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The fire that erupted at the North West Department of Health’s provincial offices in Mahikeng today, engulfed part of the basement parking area. The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said a preliminary report suggested that, the fire caught a bulk of light bulbs, which were stored in a corner at the basement parking.
Sambatha said, however, what set the light bulbs on fire is not yet known and the investigation is continuing.
“The fire department was called and they were quick to respond. Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained and no other property was damaged. There are also no fatalities as and the evacuation of employees and cars out of the building and basement was also quickly done.
“We would like to commend the quick response of the Mahikeng Fire Department. I am pleased that no other property of the department or of our employees were damaged by the fire,” he said.
Sambatha further said the professionalism and quick response of the Mahikeng Fire Department deserves credit for that. He added that, the challenge has been the smoke coming out of the basement into the rest of the building.
“That is why we quickly requested our employees to leave early to avoid the risk of inhaling the smoke. A professional air quality specialist was called to come and assess the quality of air.
“The outcome of the assessment will give indication of whether to immediately call the employees back to the offices. Employees are therefore only expected to report for duty on Wednesday as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) will be busy with the air specialist to get rid of the smoke to ensure that the working environment is conducive,” said Sambatha.
Five people died in a horrific car accident on the R502 road between Leeudoringstad and Makwassie on Monday when a heavy motor vehicle and a sedan involved in a crash.
The North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said all deceased persons were from a sedan. Mothibedi said this has raised the number of fatalities in the province just over 85, since the beginning of festive period on 1 December 2023.
“This is also the first major crash in the province, where a single accident claims five lives or more. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari has sent the deepest condolences to the families of the deceased persons.
“Despite this crash, the province is still at about 10% less of all road fatalities recorded, compared to the same period last year. Lehari has been leading all joint law enforcement operations and they will continue until the middle of this month,” he said.
Mothibedi further said, Lehari once again is pleading with motorists and pedestrians alike to exercise caution and be patient at all times. He added that, the law enforcement officers have been directed to be strict, precise and exacting in applications of the traffic regulations to curb further fatalities.
Picture: The disgruntled ANC members protesting outside Mpekwa House in Mahikeng
By OBAKENG MAJE
The disgruntled ANC members in North West accused the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of fiddling with the North West ANC Elections Nomination List. On 4 January 2024, the concerned ANC members, gathered outside ANC provincial office at Mpekwa House in Mahikeng to register their dispute.
The concerned ANC members spokesperson, Kefilwe Adindu said the ANC Elections Nomination List has been riddled with irregularities at an unprecedented rate and contradicts the actual preferences of the branches pursued through due democratic processes.
“This gathering is meant to register not only to dispute with the provincial ANC leaders but also with the National Executive Committee of the ANC through the Office of the Secretary-General (SG), as the ANC remains the custodian of its policies and processes, which unfortunately the ANC PEC, extended PEC and Provincial List Committee (PLC) have deliberately chosen not to observe and adhere to.
“This is about the failure of the above-mentioned structures to ensure compliance with established regulatory faculty applicable to the processes of the list nominations. The ANC Branch General Meetings (BGM) preferences or chosen representatives have been altered through bogus or parallel processes, which included falsifying the outcome of the BGMs and replacing the nomination lists,” she said.
Adindu further said the actual democratic results of the branches’ nominations were further not taken into consideration by the PLC and subsequently not presented for consideration when the ANC extended PEC processed the nomination. She added that the nominations were rather replaced by deal-making.
“This deal-making is evidenced by how participating structures have shared amongst themselves their own preferred candidates for the list. Hence it is dominated by those who are serving presently in the various structures that participated in the finalising of the nomination list.
“The guide for nominations has sought that those preferred should have matric plus post matric qualifications as well as the expertise and or experience, knowledge, and skills that would add positive impetus to the work of the ANC in both the Legislature and in government,” said Adindu.
She alleged that those preferred, are not necessarily those whose capacities are able to help the organisation. Adindu said there are about four individuals, who are allegedly not having matric and many hold no post-matric qualifications nor any of the capacities needed such as skills, knowledge, or experience relevant to help the ANC in Legislature or in government.
“The process was completed with no regard to the conducted interview outcome. The list includes one person who was never nominated nor attended the interviews. This includes two individuals, who were implicated in the Zondo Commission and or affected by Zondo-related investigations and or implicated in the allegations of having benefitted from State Capture corruption.
“The list demonstrated no regard for the inherent requirements prescribed in the guidance adopted by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). Whereas the guidance provides that, those affected by disciplinary process or having pending appeals against them should be disqualified, ANC NEC sub-Committee on disciplinary appeals failed to process the appeals/reviews against ANC PEC and the Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC),” she said.
Meanwhile, the ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “Look, there are people who are hell-bent to try and destroy the ANC within. As the leadership of the organisation in North West, we are aware of the situation and we are not going to allow this nonsense to continue. Firstly, the individual who is leading this group of people calling themselves the concerned members of the ANC, has been found guilty by the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee of contravening Section 25 of the ANC Constitution.
“So, he does not stand any chance in complaining. I mean even complaining about the extended Provincial Executive Committee, which he was not even part of and did not qualify to stand as a nominee.”
Maruping said they were complaining about vetting and screening processes, but the report was not presented at the extended PEC. He said the guidelines of the ANC that have been adopted by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC), are very clear.
“If you look at the 6.2 of that document, the responsibility of screening and vetting remains with the secretariat and the PNC. It does not say that the report must be presented at the extended PEC. What we do at the PEC, is to re-arrange the list, make inputs where we need to, and add or remove names if we wish to do so.
“However, there is a process that needs to be followed when you remove or add names to the list. So, the issues that they are raising are unfounded and as the ANC PEC in the province, we are confident that, we adhered to the guidelines to the core and we do not have any issues,” said Maruping.
The Guardian 