A stepfather (33) sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for raping his stepdaughter (12) in Tlhabane, outside Rustenburg, on 1 June 2023. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, the accused got home drunk on Thursday night, and had a quarrel with the victim’s mother, who left the accused with her two children aged 5 and 12, and went to sleep at her friend’s place.
“The accused subsequently raped a girl, who was sleeping at the sitting room. The victim informed her mother of the incident when she came back the following day. As a result, the matter was reported to the police and the suspect was arrested at his home in Moruleng.
“On aggravating a maximum sentence, the Prosecutor, Adv Zola Mpayipheli said that the accused showed no remorse during the trial. He said rape is a serious offense and it will leave the child with a permanent scar on her life,” she said.
The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, hailed the life sentence handed down to the accused.
Picture: The embattled Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four applicants who challenged the irregular appointment of the embattled Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Thompson Modisenyane Segapo in North West High Court in Mahikeng, have written a letter of demand to the municipality urging it to implement the court order.
Thabo Appolus, Lerato Setlhake, Lebogang Jacobs and Vuyiswa Morakile said the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng, has instructed the municipality to abide by its order.
In September 2023, the North West High Court Judge FMM Reid, ruled that the appointment of Segapo was invalid and unlawful. However, the municipality allegedly ignored the order and retained Segapo after appealing the matter.
This prompted the applicants to return to court for interpolation.
The Mabapa Incorporated sent a letter of demand to the municipality on behalf of their clients. The letter that was seen by Taung DailyNews reads: “We refer to the above matter and the letter from the JP dated 24 May 2024. It is clear from the aforesaid letter that the Honourable Judge President will not be furnishing us with any directive nor will he allocate any date for the hearing of your client’s Section 18 (4) appeal.
“Your office has refused, neglected and or failed to challenge Madam Justice Reid’s order of 18 March 2024 as the SCA in terms of Section 17 (6) (b) of the Superior Court Act. In essence, the judgement of 18 March 2024 thus remains in force.”
The Director of Mabapa Incorporated, Nicho Mahlodi said their clients instructed them to demand that, the municipality immediately enforce the judgement setting aside the appointment of Segapo and shall commerce the recruitment process de novo in accordance with the judgement (s) and order (s) of Maddam Justice Reid.
Mahlodi said failure to implement the above, they shall employ the Office of the Sheriff to implement/enforce the aforesaid judgements by removing Segapo from the municipality’s premises.
The police in Letlhabile request the community’s assistance in locating Katlego Ngwenya (14), who is residing in Zone 5 Section, Letlhabile Township, near Brits. Ngwenya was last seen on 25 May 2024 at around 17:45, when she was walking in the streets on her way home.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said a search was conducted in the area of Letlhabile and all leads were followed-up, without any success.
“During her disappearance, Ngwenya was wearing blue jeans with a white long sleeve T- shirt, pink jersey and white tekkies. She is short in height, with an average built body and long plaited hair.
“Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Kabelo Dikgale, of Brits Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on 060 970 9141. Alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smartphone,” she said.
A man (28) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for rape. Thatayaone Abia Sekgantlha Motshegetsi raped a woman (26) at Lokaleng village in Heuningvlei on 19 March 2023. Motshegetsi and the victim were walking together from a local tavern when he assaulted and raped her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Motshegetsi was found guilty and sentenced 10 years. Sam said the court also instructed that Motshegetsi’s name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“The Detective Constable, Lorato Badukane, led the investigation and ensured that justice is served for victims of GBVF,” he said.
Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
A man (18) was arrested for being in possession of drugs in Marydale on 27 May 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding a suspicious unknown person in Bokwe Street in Marydale.
“Upon arrival, the police spotted the identified person who, upon seeing the police, ran away. The police gave chase and caught up with him in the Zwelitsha Township.
“Upon further investigation, the police recovered mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R4 320. The suspect was arrested and charged for illegal possession of drugs and will appear in the Marydale Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Shemane said the police were commended for their swift response and removing drugs from the streets. He also applauded the community for their active role in reporting crime.
“The public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.
Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi introduces the newly-appointed contractor/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, accompanied by the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi, met with the Bakwena-Ba-Mogopa community in Bethanie on Thursday.
The meeting occurred before the last instalment of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole for the 6th administration held at Chaneng village, near Rustenburg.
During the session, Molapisi officially introduced the newly-appointed contractor for the D109 Road project, which extends from Berseba at the intersection with Road P51/1 (Majakaneng to Sun City). He further said the road passes through Madikwe and Bethanie and ends at 22, 5km at the intersection with R511 Road between Brits and Thabazimbi.
He added that they introduced Maximus Earthworks as the newly-appointed contractor following the termination of the contract by the previous service provider.
“The project will take approximately 10 months to complete at a total value of R 106 638 989.40. The target set aside for Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) through sub-contracting opportunities for this project stands at a whopping R 21.9 million (excluding VAT).
“This will bring about 30 work opportunities for local communities. Skills transfer will also be part of this project as participants will receive technical, generic, and managerial skills with 2 students in the Built Environment,” said Molapisi.
He said his department places provision of quality road infrastructure as key for economic growth in the province. Molapisi said he is pleased that the administration did not delay the appointment of the new contractor.
“I am more delighted about the economic benefits as a result of the road project,” he said.
Banyana Banyana reported for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday evening, where they will have two local training sessions before heading to Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday to play two international friendly matches against the West Africans.
The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team, missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games and have dusted themselves up after the disappointment as they focus on the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the regional COSAFA Women’s Championships.
The Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said: “We are having a look at players who have raised their hands and want to get an opportunity with the national team. We are looking at making the core group bigger and here is an opportunity for players who have not been getting regular game time to cement their place in the squad.
“Following the initial squad announcement a few days ago, three changes have been made and this will give players a chance to show their hunger to represent the nation.”
Ellis further said Hilda Magaia has been replaced by Lesego Nkoane from TS Galaxy Queens due to medical reasons, while the UWC duo of Fikile Magama and Bongeka Gamede have been replaced by UJ’s Shannon Macoma, Ayesha Moosa due to university exams.
She added that all local-based players have reported for camp, while the international-based group will connect with the team enroute to Senegal.
Picture: Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Senzo Mchunu, accompanied by his Deputy Judith Tshabalala, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi and the executive mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Sheila Mabale-Huma, launched the Phase 2 of Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project in Mafenya, Chaneng in Rustenburg as part of the North West Provincial Government Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole on 24 May 2024.
The project, which is part of the “Operation Bulela Metsi” Programme, Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project is funded under the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) consisting of the construction of a 30ML Tlhabane reservoir, the construction of Mafenya pump station and a 28km pipeline to Tlhabane reservoir.
Mchunu said the construction of the 30ML reservoir has been completed and that the Rustenburg communities will soon receive water after connecting the remaining 2-kilometer pipeline. He further said the state-of-the-art pump station with three pumps, one which will be in use and the other two for reserve, is one of the best in the province.
Mchunu added that it will enable continuous maintenance while simultaneously supplying water to communities.
“Come September, the problem of water will be a thing of the past when phase two of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply project will be completed. Then the implementation will proceed to phase three of Magalies Water Master Plan, which involves extending water pipes to the south of the province, where municipalities such as Kgetlengrivier, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities and further to Supingstad near the border to Botswana will then complete the master plan in terms of implementation,” he said.
Maloyi cautioned the unwanted involvement or disturbance of the construction mafia, whom he says are delaying the implementation of the water infrastructure projects. He encouraged communities to guard their water infrastructure to ensure that water flows to them.
“More than 63 238 households in the Royal Bafokeng Administration, which consists of areas such as Phokeng, Rasimone, Ga-Luka, Mogono, Kanana, Mosenthal and Boitekong stand to benefit from the project.
“This includes Bokamoso, Boschoek, Buffelsfontein, Elandsfontein, Freedom Park, Frischgewaagd, Meriting, Oorzak, Paardekraal, Platinum Mine, Popo Molefe, Rustenburg, Seraleng, Setlhokwe, Tlhabane, Waterkloof, Waterval and Wildebeesfontein in Rustenburg. The project has already created 259 jobs for locals,” said Maloyi.
Picture: The patient, Martha Vanstawel, who underwent heart surgery/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A collaborative partnership between the North West and Gauteng provincial Department of Health has led to the successful performing of the first-ever open heart surgery at a provincial referral hospital in the North West. Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex, supported by the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), achieved a historical milestone on 24 May 2024.
The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said a patient, Martha Vanstawel (38), who was operated on, has been known to the Gauteng Cardiac Services since 2006. Sambatha further said she suffered from mitral regurgitation (a leaking valve) with a submitral aneurysm (abnormal swelling of the heart).
“Surgery was recommended as far back as 2006, but she declined as she was not emotionally ready. A decade later the patient agreed to have the surgery. The discussions to start cardiac services at the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex date back to 2010, with structural planning beginning a decade later.
“Heart operations, by their very nature, require enormous capital investments, manpower, and infrastructure. As such, this feat could only be achieved by careful planning and execution,” he said.
Sambatha added that the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex dedicated itself to achieving all the necessary requirements by renovating its theatres during the COVID-19 pandemic and acquiring the necessary equipment. He said at the same time, various plenary meetings were held between the two hospitals to prepare for the now successful surgery.
“The hospital management, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthetists, perfusionists and theatre-trained nurses supported by physicians, cardiologists and the clinical engineering team supported these efforts equally on both sides which led to the culmination of this historic achievement.
“The patient has already been extubated. She is doing well in the intensive care unit and is in high spirits. This demonstrates that the intensive care unit at Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex is equally suited to managing complex cases,” said Sambatha.
The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said: “The collaboration has paved the way for enhanced healthcare delivery, ensuring that specialised services are accessible to all citizens in need of critical care regardless of their province of origin.
“This initiative exemplifies the transformation of health services in South Africa, focusing on access and equity to healthcare. By bringing such advanced medical care to the North West, we ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment without the added burden of traveling long distances, thereby reducing both financial and emotional strain on them and their families.”
Meanwhile, Vanstawel said she is grateful for the care and treatment she received so far. She said she is also thankful that the operation was done here at home, where her family can easily come to see her.
“Thank you to all the doctors and nurses, and everyone who made this operation a success. This was a clear demonstration that with the right mindset and resources, any government hospital could perform the surgeries that have often been viewed as surgeries performed only in tertiary university hospitals,” said Vanstawel.
Picture: Bags of dagga worth R200 000 seized/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (34) was arrested for being in possession of bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R200 000 during Operation Vala Umgodiin Springbok on 26 May 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary team was conducting crime prevention activities in Springbok when they received a tip-off.
“Whilst conducting patrols in the area, the team received information regarding alleged drug dealing activities at a specific house in Bergsig, in Springbok.
“The team operationalised the information by responding swiftly and searched the house. The suspect was arrested and will appear in Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes in the Namakwa District.
