Picture: A firearm and ammunition confiscated by police/Supplied   

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A Chinese national (29) has been arrested for being in possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition at Kutlwanong Township, outside Kimberley. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect was arrested by the Kimberley Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 7 December 2023.

Sam said while conducting crime prevention patrols, members of the TRT unit spotted a suspicious delivery truck standing at a business establishment in Kutlwanong and decided to approach it.

“They requested proof of delivery and or invoices of the consignment to verify and execute a routine stop and search. While the police were verifying the consignment against the invoices, the nervous-looking suspect hastily went into the yard. 

“The police followed and found him in a car inside the yard. The police requested permission from him to search the car and found a bulletproof vest, a black case with a 9mm firearm with two magazines, several hollow point 9mm bullets, and 9mm bullets,” he said.

Sam further said the suspect failed to produce ownership proof and a license for the firearm and ammunition. He added that the suspect was subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“He will appear in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their vigilance. She said that the proliferation of illegal firearms contributes towards the commission of serious and violent crimes.

“The illegal possession of firearms will be vigorously policed during the festive season and beyond,” said Otola.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba today said, they have adopted the programme and an advert on the filling of vacancies in the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE).

Ncube-Ndaba said the committee will now undertake a process of recruitment to fill six vacancies of commissioners in the CGE. She further said the recruitment of commissioners will be guided by the CGE Act and the processes would be in line with the Employment Equity Act and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Constitution.

“The committee resolved to use an electronic application system through Google form on the parliamentary website. A link to the online form will be included in the advert and there will be a dedicated WhatsApp number for applicants and requests for the link.

“The committee further resolved to publish candidates’ résumes on the parliamentary website taking into consideration the prescripts of the POPI Act. The public will be provided an opportunity to make and submit comments on the shortlisted candidates as part of the public participation process,” added Ncube-Ndaba.
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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 27-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly stabbing his pregnant girlfriend to death died in police holdings in Hartswater. It is alleged that on 25 November 2023 at around 3:30am, the deceased, Faith Davids (29) was with her cousin at their home allegedly from a local tavern.

The accused, Sobressa Bosman shortly joined them and an argument ensued.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the fight ensued between the couple. Senokoatsane further said Bosman allegedly stabbed his girlfriend several times.

“The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was declared dead. The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested. Unfortunately, Bosman passed on while investigations led by the South African Police Service were continuing in this matter.

“The matter will now be closed as the accused has passed on before the investigations were concluded. The accused had passed on while in the holding cells at the Hartswater Police Station and was to make a formal bail application in the Hartswater District Court,” he said.

Senokoatsane added that, the NPA was going to oppose this bail application.

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho said the 2023/24 Provincial Adjustment Budget seeks to address the ever-evolving needs and challenges facing the people of the province.

Rosho, who tabled the budget recently, emphasised that the budget considered the service delivery needs of the community, especially towards the provision of education, health services, water, and sanitation as well as the provinces’ road network.

She further said the North West Provincial Fiscal Framework for the 2023/24 financial year has been adjusted upwards by R1.860 billion from R50.856 billion to R52.716 billion. Rosho added that several reductions have been made to the provincial conditional grants for 2023/24 amounting to R581.327 million due to the fiscal challenges faced by the government.

“Furthermore, the National Treasury has approved conditional grant rollovers from the previous financial year amounting to R574.879 million. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conditional grants have been reduced by R22.041 million and the approved rollovers amount to R28.125 million, mainly relating to the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and Illima/Letsema Projects Grants.

“The North West Department of Education conditional grant rollovers amounting to R151.217 million have been approved and the reduction on conditional grants amounts to R169.331 million, primarily affecting the Education Infrastructure Grant and the Early Childhood Development Grant,” she said.

Rosho said the conditional grant reductions in the North West Department of Health amount to R106.922 million on the District Health Programme Grant and the Health Facility Revitalization Grant (HFRG). She said an amount of R168.413 million was approved as rollovers for the National Health Insurance Grant, National Tertiary Services Grant, and the HFRG from the previous year.

“The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has been allocated a rollover on the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) of R206.309 million and the reduction on their conditional grants equals R55.179 million on the EPWP and PRMG grants.

“The North West Department of Human Settlements has a reduced conditional grant allocation based on the national conditional grant reduction of R212.496 million, namely on the Human Settlement Development Grant by R167.735 million together with the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant by R44.761 million,” she said.

Rosho said an amount of R6.565 million has been approved as rollovers from the previous financial year.

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Picture: The Mandela Drive road in Mahikeng will be closed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said, motorists who are using the Mandela Drive in Mahikeng, would have to wait a little bit longer for the completion of the road. Molapisi said his department will temporarily close the busiest road in Mahikeng due to unforeseen delays in completing the project.

He further said the decision follows an oversight visit they conducted recently.

“It has been uncovered that the initially pronounced date of completion set at December 2023, will unfortunately not be achieved. The cause of delays is the main culvert running underneath the road for stormwater drainage, which came in as additional work.

“This has led to slow progress because of the staggered supply of culverts by manufacturers and existing services, which require relocations. We had taken a posture to allow space for the contractor to work without any obstructions, performing fewer oversight visits as we had initially agreed,” said Molapisi.

He added that, unfortunately, they found out that, there seems to be zero commitment to complete the project. Molapisi said the reasons advanced by the contractor for the delay cannot be acceptable.

“In the process, I have directed the Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi to closely monitor the project and ensure that, the contractor is committed to completing the project.

“Due to deep excavations on the roadworks (between McDonald food outlet and Victoria Road) and the hosting of the Annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival, the department will close the road temporarily,” he said.

Molapisi said the road closure will take place effectively on 8 December between the Victoria Road intersection and the McDonald food outlet in town. He said the road will then be re-opened in the morning of Monday, 11 December 2023. 

“The motorists will be diverted to alternative routes in line with the traffic accommodation plan during the three-day closure. Road users will be directed by road signs to use Victoria Road and other alternative routes connecting back through the Mall and Dadford Road. 

“Trucks from Nelson Mandela turn left on Voortrekker (Dada Motors), straight up until Quigley Street, and turn right at Quigley until Royal Estates. Pass Royal Estates until Shippard Street (Zeerust Road),” said Molapisi.

He said motorists would then turn right until Nelson Mandela Drive. Molapisi said the arrangements have been made for Traffic Control Officers to be available full-time and throughout the closure to monitor all signage and ensure road users adhere to safety regulations and speed limits.

He said the department wishes to apologise to everyone for any inconvenience caused during this period.

“We urge residents in general and motorists in particular to exercise a little more patience and allow us to complete the project.

“The desire to lead the department towards the construction of quality road infrastructure remains a key priority, but the preservation of life is of utmost importance,” concluded Molapisi.

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Picture: Thousands of residents continue to experience significant water shortages  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Thousands of residents across North West continue to experience significant water shortages and do not have access to running water. To add salt to the wound, the Blue Drop report that was published recently, highlighted that the water quality is poor.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they are concerned about the reported deteriorating water quality in the province.

Sonakile said this comes after only one water system in the province managed to meet the requirements of the blue drop status.

“Only the Potchefstroom water system in JB Marks qualifies for Blue Drop status and is thought to be in “excellent condition”. Seven systems are reported as “critical and 30 systems are regarded as being in “poor condition.”

“While only 30 other systems are “average” and 5 are “operating well”, the report has also listed several major concerns that we have long been raising, including ineffective operations, faulty infrastructure, insufficient dosing rates, a lack of disinfection chemicals, inadequate monitoring, and a lack of operating and chemical knowledge,” he said.

Sonakile further said, the report makes use of specific criteria in determining the quality of the water, specifically aimed at protecting consumers from unsafe and unsuitable water. He added that, the province’s TSA score, which assessed how well raw water handling, water treatment, and processed water delivery were done has dropped from 28% to 18%.

“This significant drop increases the risk to residents, while the biggest concern is Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema, and Kgetlengrivier, which has the lowest Blue Drop score of 21.60%. The report also voiced concerns about the lack of skilled technical personnel. A problem that can mostly be attributed to the ANC’s insistence on hiring unqualified cadres for critical technical positions.

“The DA has written to the North West Provincial Water Technical Steering Committee that was established by Minister Senzo Mnchunu.

“The committee must present an intervention plan to address the 33 average, poor, and critical water systems in the province and provide a plan to assist municipalities in dealing with the skills shortages within the Water and Sanitation Divisions,” said Sonakile.

Meanwhile, the Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said that based on water quality tests carried out by municipalities themselves during the 2021/2022 municipal financial year, 54% of water supply systems achieved excellent or good microbiological water quality compliance and 46% achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance.

Mavasa said in 2014, 5% of water supply systems achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance.

“This indicates a severe regression in drinking water quality between 2014 and 2023. Drinking water quality is generally good in the major metropolitan areas. The tests carried out by a municipality indicate that, drinking water poses a health risk.

“The municipalities are obliged by law to inform its consumers that the quality of the water that it is supplying poses a health risk. DWS has sent non-compliance letters to the municipalities with systems which scored poorly or badly in terms of drinking water quality in the 2023 Blue Drop Report,” he said.

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Picture: Grade 12 learners celebrating during “Pens Down” Facebook

OBAKENG MAJE

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West is appealing to matriculants not to engage in destructive “Pens Down” parties to celebrate the completion of their exams. This comes after many Grade 12 learners embarked on “Pens Down” celebrations across the country over the weekend.

The convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said while a great future awaits them if they pass their exams, they should bear in mind that their conduct in the interim will determine whether they will attain their goals and dreams.

Kgwele, who congratulated all the learners for their hard work and the discipline they had exercised towards and during their exams said, engagement in deplorable acts such as drinking binges, reckless driving, drug abuse, and other irresponsible behaviour has the potential to destroy their precious lives.

“We trust that they will continue to remain responsible during the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, as well as throughout the Christmas and New Year season. We hope they do not engage in appalling conduct that has the potential to rob them of their future.

“We urge them in their excitement and celebratory mood not to be enticed to drop their guard, but to be vigilant against opportunistic crime, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and human trafficking. We also appeal to tavern owners and other licensed liquor outlets not to sell alcohol to underage people,” he said.

Kgwele further said it is the responsibility of society to nurture young people and contribute towards their upliftment and development to their future. He added that, therefore, the society has a responsibility to report transgressors.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi said: “I am grateful for the smooth and successful completion of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations across the province. With the exams now concluded, our department is moving forward with a robust and comprehensive marking process to ensure the timely and accurate release of results.

“I would like to commend all learners, educators, and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the examination period. The smooth running of the exams is a testament to their commitment to quality education in the North West.”

Motsumi said they have established 20 marking centres strategically located across all districts. She said these centres are situated near essential amenities like clinics, hospitals, and police stations, ensuring the well-being and security of marking personnel and examination scripts.

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Picture: North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied  

OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi said she is grateful for the smooth and successful completion of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations across the province. Motsumi said with the exams now concluded, her department is moving forward with a robust and comprehensive marking process to ensure the timely and accurate release of results.

“I would like to commend all learners, educators, and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the examination period.

“The smooth running of the exams is a testament to their commitment to quality education in the North West. We have established 20 marking centres strategically located across all districts,” she said.

Motsumi further said these centres are situated near essential amenities like clinics, hospitals, and police stations, ensuring the well-being and security of marking personnel and examination scripts. She added that, the security measures have been implemented, with contracted security companies guarding the centres throughout the marking process.

“The department initiated the marker appointment process in June through online and manual applications. A rigorous selection process followed, culminating in the appointment of 3,256 markers in August 2023.

“Additionally, 522 marker assistants were appointed to provide administrative support at the marking centres. Comprehensive training sessions have already been conducted for chief markers, internal moderators, centre managers, deputy centre managers, and other key personnel,” said Motsumi.

She said further training sessions for deputy chief markers, senior markers, markers, and marker assistants will be held at the marking centres upon their arrival.

Motsumi said on 8 December 2023, internal moderators, chief markers, DCMs, senior markers, and subject analysts will arrive at marking venues, markers will arrive the following day before undergoing training that will commence at 3pm.

“On 11 December 2023, marking will commence until 21 December 2023. Throughout the marking process, rigorous monitoring will be conducted by representatives from Umalusi, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Provincial Senior Officials, the Examination and Assessment Chief Directorate, Labour Unions, and other stakeholders.

“Daily meetings will be held between management and venue managers to monitor progress, provide support, and address any concerns that may arise,” she said.

Motsumi assured learners and parents that the department is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent marking process. She said they are confident that all stakeholders involved will work together to ensure the timely release of accurate results.

“The department remains dedicated to providing quality education and equipping learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. So, we are confident that, the Class of 2023 will continue to excel in their future endeavours,” concluded Motsumi.

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Banna ba tshwarwetswe go utswa nama ya pudi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le babedi ba dingwaga tsa 20 le 31, ba tshwerwe kwa Reivilo ka ditatofatso tsa go utswa pudi. Go begwa fa mong wa dipudi one a disitse kwa nageng, a ne a ya go lekola dipudi tsa gagwe, fela a fitlhela ele nngwe e nyeletse.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa, tiragalo e, ke ya letsatsi la Mosupulogo. Van Rooyen are, mong wa dipudi one a tsena sekgwa ka legare le go batlana le pudi ya gagwe e e nyeletseng.

“Ka maswabi, go begwa fa a ne a kopana le banna ba babedi ba ba belaetsang, mme ba tswa go rwalela dikgong. Go ya ka monna o, one a batlisisa ka pudi ya gagwe e e nyeletseng, mme one a fitlhela banna ba, ba e tlhabile le go ja mmeso.

“One a itsise sepodisi, mme banna ba ba ne ba lelelwa ke ditshipi. Ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno, mme ba lebane le ditatofatso tsa go utswa pudi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: The suspected stolen cattle in a trailer/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

An accused, Tebogo “Teezo” Dichabe (29), who was arrested for being in possession of 10 suspected stolen cattle at Ga-Mokake village, near Taung on 30 November 2023m was granted R300 bail by the Taung Magistrate’s Court today.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 30 November 2023 at around 7:50am in Taung, the Rural Safety Police allegedly noticed two men at Ga-Mokake village loading cattle on a trailer towed by a white bakkie.

“The pair allegedly fled the scene when the police approached them. Nevertheless, one of them was arrested, whilst the other evaded the arrest. Right after arresting the suspect, a group of community members, who knew the accused, mobilised and allegedly threatened the police,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police immediately called for backup and the situation calmed down after the arrival of more police officers on the scene. She added that more cases are under investigation for intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

“The police confiscated the bakkie, trailer, and 10 suspected stolen cattle. The ownership of the cattle is yet to be determined as they do not have clear brand marks on them,” said Myburgh.

Dichabe’s case was postponed to 14 February 2023.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Rural Safety police for their attentiveness, bravery, and diligence in making sure that criminals such as these ones are put behind bars. Kwena warned that, an attack on a police officer, is an attack on the state and that it will not be tolerated.

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