MRM CALL ON CHURCHES TO EMBRACE YOUTH, RECONCILE SONS AND FATHERS


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Thursday called on the church to come back to the preservation, protection as well promotion of the history and heritage of Youth Ethical Leadership, participation and involvement.

The Convernor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said civil society led movement advocating the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu urged churches to use their 16 June and Fathers’ Day services to pray for young people as it launches its Youth dialogues under the theme: “30 years of Democracy: Youth Reflections & Refocus-The South Africa We want”.

“The class of 1976 was supported by the clergy and the church. The likes of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Rev Frank Chikane, Sister Bernard Ncube, Rev Bayers Naude, Rev Motlalepula Chabaku, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, among others who were at the forefront of protecting the youth against a ruthless and repressive apartheid state in the aftermath of the historic June 16 uprisings and during the struggle pre-1994,” he said.

Kgwele further said the church is well-placed to lead inter-generational prayer for the youth and reunite sons with their fathers.

He added that as per the MRM National Programme, the province will also host Hector Pietersen Memorial Lecture and Empowerment Exhibitions in partnership with Matlosana Local Municipality and Office of the Premier Directorate Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration on 21 June 2024, at the Abundant Life Outreach International Church 21596 Benji Oliphant Road, Extension 8 in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp to kickstart youth dialogues for inputs to the SA Youth Development Charter.

“We cannot afford to lose our youth to hopelessness, moral decay, drugs, substance abuse, teenage pregnancies gangsterism and crime.

“The journey to retrace the spiral of youth resistance from Soweto on June 16 to Jouberton Township on June 23 and Montshiwa Township on August 8, must inspire the current generation of young people and rekindle the spirit of activism,” said Kgwele.

He said this will redefine their historic mission as they advance towards the 50th Youth Day Commemoration in 2026.

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A tuck shop owner in Molelema robbed undisclosed amount of money by ‘fake’ policemen  


By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Taung are investigating a case of business robbery. This comes after three suspects allegedly entered a local tuck shop in Molelema village, near Taung, and robbed a tuck shop owner undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes at gunpoint. 

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place on 12 June 2024. 

“It is alleged that two of the three suspects were dressed in police uniform. They allegedly robbed the complainant of an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.  

“The suspects fled the scene afterwards and no one has been arrested thus far. Investigations are underway,” she said.

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Ten men arrested for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002


By OBAKENG MAJE

Ten accused who were arrested during the Operation Vala Umgodi in Hartbeespoort Dam, were remanded in custody until 18 and 20 June 2024, for interpreters respectively. The accused appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s on 11 June 2024, for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested during the operation conducted between 9 and 10 June 2024. Funani said the suspects included Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals. 

“The police seized illegal mining equipment that included a phenduka machine and motor, chains and hammers. In Mogwase, nine suspects who appeared in court for Contravention of the Immigration Act 2002 and illicit mining on 10 June 2024, were all remanded in custody until 19 June 2024.  

“The suspects were arrested in Tlhatlaganyane village on 6 June 2024, and they comprised six Lesotho and two Zimbabwe foreign nationals, as well as a South African. During the arrest, the police confiscated a tipper truck, generators, hammers, jack hammers, water pumps and many other equipment,” she said. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor


By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (21) has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mmabatho Regional Court after he raped a girl (4). On 25 September 2019, the child was walking together with her two siblings aged 6 and 7, coming from the shop when they met the accused. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the latter grabbed the girl and walked to the nearby bushes and raped her. Funani said the accused then ran away after the incident. 

“The neighbours heard the minor crying and called the mother. She was informed that her daughter was raped. The victim was transported to the local hospital, where a rape was confirmed.

“Following investigations, the accused was traced and the child managed to identify him as the man who raped her. On 25 September 2019, the man was arrested. It was established that the accused was on parole when he committed the crime,” she said. 

Funani further said on sentencing the accused, the court also ordered that his name be added in the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Ouma Enocencia Mokgobinyane as well as the prosecutor, Advocate Ben Diseko and all other role players for their concerted efforts that resulted in the maximum sentence.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (30) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vryburg Regional Court for rape. Tiroyaone Gwai raped a woman (31) on 7 December 2020. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said a woman was about to sleep at her residence in Ganyesa, outside Vryburg, when she heard a knock at the door. Funani said on realising that the woman was not responding, Gwai called her by her nickname and she recognised the voice. 

“Although Gwai was told to leave, he broke the window and gained entrance into the house. He then assaulted and strangled the woman before raping her three times. The victim called the police after the accused fell asleep next to her,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the life sentence handed down to the accused by the Vryburg Regional Court. 

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Bafana beat Zimbabwe at a boisterous Free State Stadium


By OBAKENG MAJE 

Bafana Bafana rewarded the thousands of fans, who descended on Free State Stadium with a top-class performance as they beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in a pulsating 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. 

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ charges signaled their intentions very early in the game when Iqraam Rayners scored the opening goal of the match inside the first minute. 

Free State Stadium erupted into pandemonium as the fans celebrated the home team’s dream start to the game. But Zimbabwe responded a minute later when Tawanda Chirewa scored the equaliser to momentarily put a damper on the celebrations. 

The home side went in search of the goal that would have restored their lead, but could not find the breakthrough they needed. The two teams went into the break still deadlocked at 1-1.

The South African senior men’s team returned with more purpose in the second period and substitute Thapelo Morena regained the lead with his strike in the 55th minute. Morena put the game beyond the visitors when he scored his second of the night and the third for Bafana Bafana when he scored in the 76th minute.

The Bloemfontein fans delivered a memorable night from the stands for the Bafana Bafana players and technical staff as they sang their lungs out, cheered the team and gave fervent support from the stands.

The South Africans are now second in qualifying FIFA World Group C with seven points. They are level on points with group leaders Rwanda due to goal difference.

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Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A Nigerian man (35) was arrested for dealing in drugs. Those comes after the Marydale SAPS Visible Policing unit followed up on a tip-off and pounced on an unsuspecting Nigerian National with drugs amounting to approximately R10 200.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the house in Marydale, was raided and the police confiscated the Mandrax and Crystal Meth.

“The police also executed raids at two separate houses in Marydale, where they confiscated buckets containing home-brewed concoction.

“Both women aged 38 and 46, who are homeowners, were issued with R400 fines for illegal manufacturing and selling of liquor without a license,” he said.

Kock further said the suspect is expected to appear in court soon. He added that the investigation continues.

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North Premier elect to be sworn-in on Friday


By REGINALD KANYANE

The swearing-in ceremony of the North West Premier elect will be presided over by the North West Division, Judge President Ronald Hendricks on 14 June 2024 at Garona Building, Mahikeng.

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the swearing-in of the Premier elect will be followed by the handing over of the North West Provincial Government’s 6th administration report by the former acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to the new Premier, who will thereafter deliver the inaugural speech.

“The details for the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Garona Building, Finance Boardroom, Ground Floor, North Wing on 14 June 2024, at 2pm,” he said.

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A woman nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen property of the deceased


By BAKANG MOKOTO

A woman (34) has been arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after four suspects allegedly entered a farm, outside Swartruggens 11 June 2024 and killed a woman (60), who was alone in the house.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said victim’s husband (70)was also accosted by the suspect upon arrival. Funani said they allegedly took him to the main house, which they ransacked and loaded household items onto two bakkies.

“They then kidnapped the husband, put him in one of the bakkies and left the place. The household items were taken to a shack belonging to woman at an Informal Settlement, outside Swartruggens.

“The victim managed to escape by jumping out of the moving vehicle, then fled and alerted nearby farmers, who contacted the police. Subsequent to investigation, the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 12 June 2024, after being found in possession of suspected stolen items,” she said.

Funani said the suspect is expected to appear before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on14 June 2024. She said the search for four other suspects is still underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, instructed the investigation team not to leave any stone unturned to ensure that the four suspects are arrested. Kwena also congratulated the police for the swift response that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen property.

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Breaking News: Two police officers nabbed for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition


By OBAKENG MAJE

Two police officers were arrested for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and Highway Patrol, led to the arrest of two police Sergeants based at Petrusville Police Station for alleged theft of firearms and ammunition.

“Both suspects are expected to appear before Phillipstown Magistrate’s Court on 13 June 2024,” said Mnisi.

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