Picture: The police searching for a drowned person
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police said due to several drownings reported recently as a result of torrential rains in some parts of the province, the police urge the public to adhere to the water safety hints. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant COL, Sergio Kock said the public must be careful when visiting or fishing at the riverbanks and refrain from entering the water to retrieve fish.
Kock further said individuals should be extra careful and alert when fishing, especially on rowboats and rocks. He added that the canals and sewage plants are also very dangerous attraction areas for children, especially during the hot summer months.
“The parents should always know the whereabouts of their children. Do not jump in the water to save a friend and stay away from pool drains, water holes, rivers, and dams. Never swim when under the influence of alcohol, strong medication, or drugs. Report alleged drownings to the police as rivers and dams are currently very dangerous, therefore, refrain from attempting to enter to try and save a friend or a loved one.
“The police emergency number must be contacted immediately on 08600 10111 or contact your nearest police station and remember to give precise location details to ensure that help can be sent as soon as possible,” he said.
Picture: The accused, Joel Lempaletse Moatshe/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for attempting to kill his girlfriend. Joel Lempaletse Moatshe (41), was sentenced to a further five years for assault.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Moatshe’s conviction emanates from an incident that occurred in the early hours of 16 August 2022, wherein he assaulted his girlfriend (26) with open hands and fled afterwards.
Mamothame further said the neighbours and other members of the community, gathered after hearing her scream and went after the accused at his workplace, where they conducted a citizen’s arrest.
“They handed him over to the authorities and a case of assault was registered. Moatshe was granted bail and a protection order was also granted against him. On 12 October 2023, he met his girlfriend while she was on her way to work and he subsequently attacked her with a knife.
“Moatshe stabbed her several times on her stomach, leaving it exposed and also on her hand and back. She screamed for help and her colleagues came to her rescue, leading the accused to flee the scene,” he said.
Mamothame added that, she was immediately rushed to a medical facility to receive medical attention. He said the accused was later rearrested and the court denied him bail.
“He pleaded not guilty to all charges levelled against him. In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Sicelo Moselakgomo, argued that the merits of the case are legislated for life imprisonment to be imposed as the accused attempted to murder someone he was in a relationship with.
“Moselakgomo highlighted the trauma suffered by the victim during and post the ordeal. Magistrate Lebogang Raborife agreed with the state and remarked on the remorseless posture displayed by the accused. She further described Moatshe as being disrespectful to the victim and the legal system,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Sandstone Molefe from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mpho Ramoloto who is the Court Preparation Officer and other role players who ensured that justice is served. She urges society to unite in the fight against against gender-based violence and femicide.
The Meat Brothers Pub in Taung has opened its doors again to the public, exactly 40 days after the mayhem. The most popular joint was shut down after the local businessman and its former owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape, allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28), and also injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) in a scuffle on 17 December 2023.
Mdi and Kokwe were among the patrons, who visited The Meat Brothers Pub which was fully packed. According to information, Mdi and Kokwe were part of the group that allegedly misbehaved and gained access forcefully into the joint. Mangwegape was allegedly called and a fight ensued.
He 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 management of Meat Brothers Pub said in a statement: “In light of the recent event that took place at our establishment, we had to keep the gates closed not only because relevant authorities needed to conduct their investigations, but also to give the bereaved and affected families time to deal due to their loss.
“As everyone knows this is an ongoing investigation, we are therefore limited in our comments regarding the incident. We hope that everyone will allow the law to take its course, with that being said, we are in the process of deciding the way forward.” it reads.
It says in the meantime, they will be opening as soon as new management has taken over. Final preparations are being made and further information will be provided on their socials.
However, this has caused an outcry from some sections of society. One of the community leaders in Manokwane village, which is Mdi and Kokwe’s hometown, Kgakololo Koji said those who are planning to open The Meat Brothers Pub are daydreaming. Koji further said they will never allow that to happen until justice prevails.
“Anyone who dares to open The Meat Brothers Pub will be in for it. For now, we have agreed as the community not to vandalise that place, so that it can be safe. We want the owner to answer for his actions and we are sure that, The Meat Brothers Pub will never open its doors again.
“Lastly, we have also written to the North West Liquor Board to officially evoke the license of that pub. So, we have given the North West Liquor Board seven days to respond to our demand. So, we do not know who will open it and how are they going to do it,” he said.
Koji agreed that many people were previously killed in various taverns across Taung, but there was never a boycott. However, he said it was because those people were not killed by the owners of those taverns.
“Yes, it is true that many killings took place in various taverns across Taung. However, the difference is that those who died were not killed by tavern owners. If Mdi was killed by a patron like him, we would not have any problem, but wait for the law to take its course.
“So, we are against the opening of The Meat Brothers Pub because the owner is the one who allegedly brutally took his life,” he added.
Picture: Republic of South Africa in Thailand, Darkey Ephraim Africaand North West Premier, Bushy Maape/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who is seeking medical treatment in Thailand, paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa in Thailand, Darkey Ephraim Africa. Despite his tight medical programme, Maape made time to visit the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to explore opportunities for the province.
Maape spokesperson, Sello Tati said during the meeting, both Maape and Africa, discussed a wide rage of issues, more specifically the economic challenges of the North West province and its impact on the youth.
“They agreed on the need to identify trade and investment opportunities in Thailand for the province. They further agreed on the need to invite investors from Thailand in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure automotive, renewable energy and tourism.
“On his part, Africa acknowledged Maape’s desire to mobilise trade and investment for his province. He requested the South African Embassy to invite various agencies such as North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) and other business people to Thailand to further explore opportunities in trade and investment following his engagement with Africa,” he said.
Tatai further said Africa and the Political Counsellor, Thobeka Dlamini, assured Maape that, the Embassy will invite the province at the appropriate time for engagement. He added that, Maape accompanied by the Africa also met with Ravi Puri, a prominent businessman in real estate and hospitality to explore other opportunities in real estate.
“Maape will depart Bangkok after completion of his medical engagement,” said Tatai.
The police in Rustenburg request the community’s assistance in locating Haydie Danelle Nell (14), who is residing at Mayet Drive Castlan Safe house for children in Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Nell was last seen by her house parent on 9 January 2024.
Mokgwabone said a search was conducted in Rustenburg and the surrounding areas without any success.
“No one has information about the clothes she was wearing when she disappeared. She has blue eyes, with a medium built body, 1.4m in height with black hair.
“Anyone who may have information regarding her whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Khunouo (FCS): 072 268 5437 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from one’ smart phone,” he said.
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) is expected to be placed under administration. This comes after the municipality has two mayors, chief whips, and municipal speakers.
On 13 December 2023, 26 municipal councillors allegedly convened a special council sitting in the absence of municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai and municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane, where they elected Lerato Babuseng as the new Chief Whip, Kealeboga Seboko as the new municipal speaker and Onkarabile Tong as the new mayor.
The latter accused the former of widespread corruption and maladministration. They alleged that, this has affected the smooth running of the municipality and forced Moipolai to request intervention from Maloyi.
On 16 January 2024, Maloyi had a consultative engagement with all municipal councillors regarding the instability in the municipality.
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi met with said the purported election of the political office bearers at the municipality transacted in the proceedings of the impugned council sitting on 23 December 2023 is unlawful.
“We refer with specific emphasis to the meeting of councillors of the GTLM that I convened on 16 January 2024 in the Pudumong Community Hall, near Taung. We wish to further indicate that, the purpose of such a meeting, was for me to facilitate a fact-finding mission against the backdrop of the submission that was made by Moipolai on allegations of continuous instability in the municipality as instigated by some councillors.
“Some of the key issues that have brought about the current stale and of the political governance in the municipality, are related to failure on the part of some councillors to observe the statutory programme of the municipality, particularly in relation to the attendance of council sittings and persistent disregard for rules of order in such sittings, which inevitably lead to council proceedings collapsing and unable to process referred items,” he said.
Maloyi further said it is common cause that councillors brought a petition on 11 December 2023 and based on the 16 January 2024 meeting, there was a purported council meeting convened by some councillors in the absence of the municipal speaker on 13 December 2023, which amongst other items, purportedly resolved that new political office bearers be elected, namely the speaker, mayor and chief whip.
Maloyi added the state of affairs is consistent with the assertion proffered by some of the councillors in attendance at the consultative meeting of 16 January 2024, wherein they hold a view that, the current speaker of the council, the mayor and chief whip are not recognised as the official political office bearers in the municipality.
“In a consultative meeting, a further concession was made that, the only platform that processed the purported election of the three office bearers was the purported council sitting of the 13 December 2023, and that no other legal prescriber process was instituted under such purported election as enjoined by Section 29 and 29 (a) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998.
“We wish to advise councillors that, we have taken the liberty of consulting the relevant provisions of the above-cited legislation to ascertain the implications of the resolution as purportedly made by the council sitting of 13 December 2023 and have discovered that the legal injunction such as Section 29 (1) of the Structure Act, provides that the speaker of the municipality is conferred with an authority to decide as when and how the council meets, however, the discretion is limited by the fact that majority number of councillors may of their own accord, request the speaker to convene a council meeting, which the speaker must convene as requested,” said Maloyi.
He said they hope councillors will appreciate the constitutional, statutory, and ethical duty that they owe to the observance of the rule and the sanctity of being the vanguard of constitutionalism in the Republic of South Africa by doing the right thing.
Now, the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Head of Department (HoD), Dr Ben Bole is set to meet with municipal employees today at 11am, to introduce Invocation of Section 139 (1) (a).
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during her oversight visit at Gabonnwe Secondary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has expressed satisfaction with the swift response and commitment shown by the school community at Gabonnwe Secondary School in Madikwe, outside Rustenburg. Motsumi said this comes after the damage caused by severe weather earlier this year.
She further said the school experienced damage to several blocks in the lead-up to the 2024 academic year. However, Motsumi added that, through collaborative efforts, classrooms have been cleared of debris and teaching has resumed.
“We would like to commend the school’s commitment to minimizing learning disruptions and highlight the importance of continued parental involvement in education. We also visited Boikagong Secondary School in Paardekraal, where ongoing roofing repairs were assessed.
“We have directed the department’s infrastructure unit to expedite the project and explore potential partnerships with local mines to accelerate progress. I am encouraged by the dedication of the School Governing Body (SGB), parents, community members, and school management at Gabonnwe,” she said.
Motsumi said, that despite the initial setback, they have prioritized getting teaching and learning back on track and she is pleased with the progress already being made. She said investing in the schools is an investment in the future of the province.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every learner has access to a safe and conducive learning environment,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Prospective students urged to be cautious of bogus institutions of higher learning/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
Many prospective students desire to further their studies in various higher education institutions. Unfortunately as they grappling to register, some of them end up enrolling with bogus tertiary institutions without knowing, leaving them with invalid certificates of higher education and money gone to waste.
Now, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, through its Consumer Affairs Office, has issued a strong advisory to parents and students, cautioning them to be vigilant about unregistered higher education institutions.
The department spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said they acknowledge the rising concern that prospective students face the risk of being misled by bogus institutions, potentially ending up with qualifications that are unrecognized and, in essence, worthless.
Matebesi said bogus institutions exploit the aspirations of students seeking higher education by capitalizing on their desire for academic credentials.
“The Consumer Affairs Office expresses deep concern over deceptive tactics employed by these institutions, including the use of names and logos that mimic legitimate universities. This creates a significant challenge for students trying to distinguish between credible and fraudulent entities.
“Unsuspecting students may unknowingly pay tuition fees to colleges that are not accredited, rendering the qualifications issued by these institutions worthless,” he said.
Matebesi further said the rise in fraudulent tertiary institutions is a critical issue that requires urgent intervention to preserve students’ educational ambitions and the integrity of higher education. He added that, this trend not only creates confusion but also has long-term consequences for students’ academic and career lives.
“One of the primary concerns is the misleading representation of these institutions. It is very important for consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities on the services offered to them.
“Thoroughly research the institution before enrolling to avoid falling prey to illegal or non-registered institutions. According to the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, consumers have rights, including the right to choose and the right to disclosure and information,” he said.
Matebesi said the department urges those who have fallen victim to these illegal operators to contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 018 388 5844/845 or visit the office located at the NWDC Building, Corner University and Provident Drive, Mmabatho.
“Consumers can also seek assistance from the departmental district offices located in Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, Brits, and Vryburg,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs said: “We strongly encourage parents and students to verify the credibility of such institutions by contacting the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and also ensure the accreditation of courses with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before registering and paying tuition fees.
“Consumer Affairs said for easy verification, aspiring students should contact the Department of Higher Education at 012 312 5911, their toll-free number 0800 87 2222, or visit their website at http://www.dhet.org.za. Contact UMALUSI at 0860 35 66 35 or visit http://www.umalusi.org.za, or check SETA at http://www.saqa.org.za.”
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for killing his ‘cheating’ wife. Sithandile Ndlobothi (36), was arrested on at Phase 1 Freedom Park, near Rustenburg on 16 January 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said Ndlobothi suspected his wife, Subenathi Nqalekane of infidelity. Mamothame further said on the night of the incident, he was awakened by the cries of their baby.
“Ndlobothi went to put the baby to sleep. He subsequently realized that his wife was not in the house, to which he went out searching for her. He was later called by neighbours, telling him that she had returned.
“On his return, an argument ensued and he started assaulting her with his hands and a stick. Ndlobothi also kicked her with booted feet, while she remained helpless. He stopped momentarily while she confessed that she went to visit a man she was having an affair with,” he said.
Mamothame added that the beating continued thereafter, with onlookers and his brother-in-law pleading with him to stop. He said Nqalekane was later transported to a nearby medical facility, where she succumbed to her injuries upon arrival.
“During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the offense. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema indicated to the court that domestic violence is a pandemic, which the courts need to act on vigorously. He alluded to the trauma that will be suffered by their son (6), who will grow up without a mother.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the magnitude of cases before the courts relating to serious and violent crimes against women and children. Moeng highlighted the need for a clear message to be sent by the courts on such criminal offenses.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Motsheoa Segopolo from the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), and other role players, who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book.
Setshwantsho: Monna o a begwang fa a timetse, Otimilwe Michael Mosimane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lelapa la ga Otimilwe Michael Mosimane yo o tlwaelegileng ka leina la Sergeant, lare le mo kakabalong, morago ga go timela gagwe. Lelapa le kaile fa Mosimane a timetse ka di 3 Ngwanatsele 2023, mme ga se nke ba mo bone gape.
Go ya ka mongwe wa lelapa o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe ka ntlheng ya go tshaba go tlhaselwa, are Mosimane o ne a amogela mogala go tswa go mongwe, mme morago o ne a ba laela fa a ya go kopana le ene.
“One a tswa ka sejanaga sa gagwe sa modiro wa Nissan NP 200, mme ene ele labofelo re mo bona. Mme morago ga matsatsi, rene ra bolotsa letsholo-patlo, le go etela kwa dikgolegelong, maokelong ga mmogo le di mmoshara, fela ga gwa nna le nko e tswang lemina. Mongwe wa ba lelapa, one a bona sejanaga sa ga Sergeant go lo gongwe kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung mme one a re itsise.
“Ba lelapa ba ne ba thologela kwa ntlung eo, mme monna mongwe one a kaela ba lelapa fa a ne a adimilwe sejanaga seo ke monna mongwe wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho. O ne a tlhalosa fa a ntse a tsentse mophato, mme kgale a dirisa sejanaga seo go dira ditiro tsa mophato,” mongwe wa lelapa wa tlhalosa.
Are ba ne ba letsetsa monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho, mme ba mo kopa ditlhaloso gore o tsaya kae sejanaga sa ga Mosimane. Mongwe o wa lelapa, one a tlhalosa fa ba ne ba kopana le monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho fa a ne a tswa lebenkeleng, fela o ne a ba kopa gore a ye go baya dilwana tsa gagwe pele a tla go kopana le bone.
“Monna o wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho, o ne a lebotsa phokoje, mme re ne ra itlhoboga le go boela gae. Rene ra boela kwa monneng o neng sejanaga se le kwa go ene kala ntlhaneng mo letsatsing le le latelang, fela one a re tlhalosetsa fa monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho a tshotse sejanaga seo.
“Rene ra letsetsa monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho go mo botsa gore o kae, fela one a tlhalosa fa a sa tlhole a na le kgatlhego ya go kopana le rona jaaka lelapa. Re ne ra ya kwa sepodising go ya go kopa thuso, mme le go fitlha ga jaana ga gona sepe se se dirilweng,” mongwe o wa lelapa wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Ke nnete sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go timela ga motho, mme kgetsi ene ya bulwa ke mogolowe Mosimane. Ke nnete gore sejanaga sa ga Mosimane sene sa bonwa kwa ntlung nngwe kwa motseng wa Magogong, mme mongwe wa ntlo eo, yo eleng lepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Northern Cape, one a bolelela sepodisi fa a ne a adimilwe sejanaga seo ke monna mongwe wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho.
“Fela, sepodisi sene sa fitlhela fa sejanaga seo se seo, mme monna o wa lepodisi o ne a tlhalosa fa monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho a se tshotse. Go fitlha ga jaana, sejanaga seo ga ise se bonwe, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”
The Guardian 