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.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
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.
Picture: The police embark on Back2School campaign/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in the Northern Cape addressed parents and learners on school safety, discipline, school attendance as well as the consequences of becoming involved in criminal activities. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said the police embarked on “Back to School” awareness campaigns at several primary and secondary schools in rural and urban areas, across the province.
“The District Commissioners, Senior officers, and Station Commanders led the campaign in all five districts. The campaign was conducted in conjunction with Government Departments, the Community Police Forums, and other structures.
“The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, and the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, accompanied by the District Commissioner of John Taolo Gaetsewe, Major General Jonny Besnaar visited schools in the district,” said Ehlers.
She further said, that the Northern Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, visited schools in the Prieska area. Ehlers added that the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, urged parents to execute their parental responsibilities and to refrain from substance and alcohol abuse within the family structure.
“The School Safety Campaigns will continue throughout the province during the academic year,” she said.
Picture: The City of Matlosana’s CFO, Percy Phetlha/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla (38), the GMHM Construction and Projects employees, Matshepiso Mothelesane (39) and Nomthandazo Mokasule (49), were arrested for fraud. It is alleged that in June 2023, a service provider purchased a vehicle worth R1.4 million for Phetlha.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the trio handed themselves over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on 18 January 2024.
“The investigations by the Hawks Serious Corruption revealed that, the service provider has a contract with the municipality. The trio was arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 January 2024.
“They were granted a R35 000 bail each and their case was postponed to 1 March 2024 for further investigation. They have been ordered to hand over their passports to the investigating officers and all documents relating to the GMHM to be immediately removed from Phetlha,” she said.
Picture: The firearm allegedly found in the suspect possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (23) was arrested for house-breaking, theft, and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm. A case of burglary was reported at a farm, near Karos on 7 January 2024, where a rifle was allegedly stolen.
The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “The police of Upington Crime Office, received a tip-off that led to a house in Karos, where the suspect was allegedly found in possession of the suspected stolen rifle.
“The police issue a stern warning to firearm license holders to ensure that, the safekeeping of their firearms at all times.”
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi and delegation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi in collaboration with ward councillor, Tshidiso Makonoto, officials from the North West Department of Education, Community Development Workers (CDW) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted visits to seven schools in Brits on 17 January 2024.
Tlhapi said this was part of the North West Provincial Government’s State-of-School Readiness Programme. She said the visit and inspection were conducted at Isaac Mokoena Primary School, Mothotlung Secondary School, and Rantsou Primary School in Brits.
“The purpose of the visit was to assess the school’s readiness for the 2024 academic year. Several important areas were assessed, including performance management, school planning, learner admission procedures, and the accessibility of crucial strategic documents like policies.
“Other essential elements of the assessment were financial concerns, textbook and stationery supply, infrastructure requirements, and interaction with school principals and the School Governing Body (SGB),” said Tlhapi.
She further said issues highlighted during the assessment include an over-subscription of learners leading to a shortage of classrooms, limited furniture, insufficient toilets, as well as bullying amongst the learners and undocumented learners, particularly in lower grades.
“Other challenges noted include substance abuse, a lack of parental support in addressing learners’ ill-discipline and underperformance, and dishonesty among parents in completing learners’ special needs assessment forms.
“To uphold the quality of education, we took proactive measures by verifying the strategic planning documents, workforce, and policies of schools for the 2024 academic year. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that, educational institutions are adequately prepared and equipped to provide a high standard of education,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, despite the challenges, they commended the school management for ensuring that, teaching and learning resumed on the first day of school reopening. Tlhapi also praised the management for developing plans to raise extra funds.
“We highlighted the significance of using the funds for maintenance and operating needs such as replacing windows, ceilings, roofs, grass mowing, plumbing, and payment of auxiliary personnel.
“Acknowledging the challenges faced by schools is a crucial step in addressing issues head-on. So, we are committed to engaging with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and school management of Rantsou Primary School, which has extra classrooms to serve as overflow for the other two schools,” she said.
Tlhapi requested an invitation to one of the parents’ meetings to address concerns about their lack of support for the schools. She said they are firm in their commitment to addressing these challenges and collaborating with schools to create an environment that allows every learner to excel.
“We applaud the dedication of school administrators and emphasise the need for community assistance in overcoming these obstacles.
“The government is investing a lot of money and resources to ensure learners become future leaders. So, I personally make a call to learners to stay away from substance abuse and emphasised the need for dedication and discipline in achieving success,” she said.
Picture: A slaughtered goat confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged between 25 and 45 were arrested by the police in Danielskuil for stock theft. This comes after goats were reported stolen on 16 January 2024. The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela, said the police conducted preliminary investigations, which led to the apprehension of the suspects and the discovery of a slaughtered Savanna goat to the value of R30 000.
“Further investigations revealed that, two more alive goats to the value of R4000, were kept at another location. The goats were recovered and handed over to the rightful owner. The police urge all farmers to brand their stock to ensure it is easily identifiable,” he said.
The Guardian 