By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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Picture: Police officers during a parade

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West said it is aware of the uncertainty about getting the Psychometric and Integrity test results for the Recruitment and Selection: Entry Level Police Trainees: 2024 / 2025 financial year.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the situation was also exacerbated by a voicenote making rounds on social media platforms.

“To avoid unnecessary transport costs and a long queue at the SAPS Provincial Office in Potchefstroom, applicants are advised to check their results at the districts, where they stay or wrote the test by visiting or calling the Human Resource Management offices.

“Those who are in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District can call SAPS Klerksdorp office on (018) 464 5509, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, they can call Vryburg office on (053) 928 4116/5, in Ngaka Modiri Molema, they can call Mahikeng office on (018) 397 5701, while those in Bojanala Platinum 2 can call Rustenburg office on (012) 707 8900,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said those in Brits can call Bojanala Platinum 1 on (014) 523 7656. He added that, applicants who stay in and around Potchefstroom can still check their results at the SAPS Provincial Office between Monday and Thursday from 8:30am until 12:30pm.

“Alternatively, the applicants can call these numbers: (018) 299 7139 / 7126. Should applicants encounter challenges during the process, the Provincial Head for Human Resource Management, Brigadier Sibeko can be contacted on 071 354 6206,” said Mokgwabone.

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Picture: The Bafana Bafana players against Tunisia/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana is through to the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 0-0 draw with Tunisia. The draw guaranteed Bafana Bafana a passage out of the group stages of the Côte d’Ivoire-held tournament.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges put up a masterful defensive display to keep the North Africans at bay and finished second and a point behind Group E winners Mali. Now, the South African senior men’s team will play again in Morocco as their Round of 16 opponents.

Broos said: “The Bafana Bafana vs Tunisia encounter was a tense battle of wills that was marked by furious tackles, especially during a first half that was balanced on a knife edge. Some of the tackles looked dangerous, but the referee allowed the play to continue.

“The best chance of the opening period fell to Evidence Makgopa in the 27th minute. But his effort flew agonizingly close to the upright, to the relief of Tunisia goalkeeper Bechir ben Saïd. The two sides went into the halftime break still tied at 0-0.”

He said the second period played out in a similar fashion, with Themba Zwane controlling things and delivering another man-of-the-match performance for the South Africans.

Meanwhile, Zwane said: “We wanted to qualify for the next round and we did well as a team. We managed to get a point today and overall as a team we did well.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (52) has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud by the Bloemhof Commercial Court on 22 January 2024. Jacobus Hendrikas Oosthuizen 2024. Oosthuizen was arrested in connection with fraud he committed in May 2021. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the convict was self-employed as a farmer and a director of a company in Bloemhof between 2019 and 2020.

“He ordered farming seeds from another company, which was supplying farmers with seeds and on condition that payments will be done after harvesting. However, he failed to do that and a case was registered and transferred to Provincial Commercial Crime Unit for investigation. 

“Oosthuizen was finally arrested in 2021 and made several court appearances until he was found guilty on three counts of fraud to the value of R194 400. Four years was suspended for a period of five years on condition that, he is not convicted of fraud committed during the period of suspension,” Mokgwabone said.

In addition, Oosthuizen was declared unfit to possess 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 Kwena, welcomed the sentence and thanked the investigation team and prosecution for their collaborative efforts that led to the conviction.

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Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said they have noted with a grave concern, the continued inability by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to carry out his obligations. This comes after Maape flew Thailand for medical treatment.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Maema said Maape has been consistently missing in action, since the time he took over the reigns as North West Premier in September 2021. Maema further said, now the black working class residents of the province bears the brunt of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“In June 2023, Maape commenced a long sick leave, which ended in November 2023. Today, we are reliably informed that he is on leave to receive a medical attention in Thailand. As the EFF, we note with caution the appointment of the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs(COGHTA), Nono Maloyi, as the acting premier because it will be for the second time he acts on behalf of Maape.

“Maloyi had presented himself as a hindrance to improving the lives of the working class. Under Maloyi’s leadership in COGHTA, the provincial government recorded numerous incomplete housing projects. His failure to protect the dignity of our people is proof enough that he is not a suitable candidate to be tasked with allocating the scarce resources of the province and restoring good governance,” he said.

Maema added that, the EFF as a vanguard and mouthpiece of the working class, will prepare a fertile ground upon which the residents of the province can depend on for service delivery. He said they further encourage the community to be decisive in dealing with the ANC-government and vote for the EFF in the upcoming 2024 elections.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North Has also lambasted Maape’s decision to seek medical treatment in Thailand. The DA caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPG), Freddy Sonakile said even though they sympathize with Maape, however, his trip to Thailand shows a vote of no confidence in the local public health system.

Sonakile said it is concerning that Maape would seek medical treatment abroad, instead of accessing medical facilities in the province. He said that they have long indicated that public hospitals in the province are in a bad state, suffering chronic medicine, equipment, and staff shortages.

“The fact that Maape would rather seek treatment abroad, indicates his vote of no confidence in the provincial public health system he presides over. While tens of millions of South Africans are unable to access quality public healthcare, it has now become an established trend for ANC politicians in office to seek medical treatment abroad.

“Millions of South Africans struggle to access quality medical treatment in ANC-managed public hospitals and do not have the means, like Maape, to jump on a taxpayer-funded medical tourism jaunt to exotic locations,” he said.

Sonakile said this is but a preview of the disaster that will unfold should the ANC continue to push for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which will only increase inequality in accessing medical treatment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi has been appointed as interim North West Premier. North West Premier, Bushy Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said Maape will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024.

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By OBAKEN MAJE

A murder case against the suspect, who is believed to be a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, Tumisang Mokgolela (36) was postponed by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court to 26 January 2024, for a formal bail application. Mokgolela allegedly stabbed a DJ, Tebogo Mogonare (32) to death at a local tavern in Moshwan village, outside Mahikeng on 20 January 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the preliminary reports reveal that Mogonare was booked to play music at a local tavern when the atrocity took place. Mamothame said upon the completion of playing his set, on his way out of the tavern, Mogonare allegedly had a conversation with a female patron, who was sitting next to the accused.

“This resulted in an argument between the deceased and the accused and subsequently, a fight allegedly ensued between the two. The accused is said to have gone to the boot of his car and came back with a shiny object believed to be a knife and stabbed Mogonare with it.

“Mogonare was rushed to a local hospital to receive medical attention and he was later transferred to a medical facility in Klerksdorp, where he succumbed to his injuries. Mokgolela will remain in police custody until the next court appearance,” he said.

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Picture: The building at Ikhutseng Primary School dilapidating/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region calls on the North West Department of Education to provide the Ikhutseng Primary School in Vaaltyn village, near Taung with mobile classrooms. SANCO regional deputy secretary, Mothohela Dikhai said it is disheartening to see the school building in dilapidating condition.

Dikhai said the lives of learners and teachers are at risk because the school building might collapse and cave in on them, while in class.

“It is so sad to see school buildings dilapidated. Even those bricks, were made out of mud and painted upon. So, you will understand how risky the situation would be, especially during the rainy season. The cracks are visible everywhere, hence we urge the department to provide the school with mobile classrooms to avoid tragedy.

“Learners are also using untidy classrooms, which are full of unused and damaged desks. The cupboards are not in good condition and that does not reflect the environment teaching and learning should take place in,” he said.

Dikhai further said the less they talk about the office of the principal, the better. He added that there are no doors in most offices and only curtains were used.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “It is our responsibility to ensure that, there are renovations at the Ikhutseng Primary School. We planned to renovate most of our schools during the festive season, however, it was the rainy season and we could not. 

“Remember, during my departmental budget speech, I was very clear in terms of community-based projects. So, we are going to concentrate mainly on these community-based projects, where community members will benefit from renovating those schools.”

Motsumi said what they are currently doing, is they have their Conditional Assessment Report, which consists of all the schools that need to be prioritised. She said they have instructed their Infrastructural Team across the province to go and assess different schools.

“So, Ikhutseng Primary School will be one of the schools that I am going to highlight during my meeting and say it must also be proritised it in terms of budget. On the issue of ablution facilities in various schools, we realised that there was serious vandalism in different schools when we re-opened for the 2024 school academic year.

“Now, it is also our responsibility as the department to ensure that everything is intact. However, the unfortunate part is that we have experienced the storm in Bojanala, and imagine what kind of pressure we are working on,” said Motsumi.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, who visited North West schools said they were doing oversight assessment on infrastructure, ablution facilities, Grade R/early childhood development sites monitoring as per migration shift of 2022, delivery of learner-teacher study material, nutrition, learner transport, special schools support amongst others.
 
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the committee generally takes a sample of a few schools in a district and looks at them to get a broad view of schools in different categories.
 
“So far we are happy with what we have seen. It was clear that teaching and learning are happening with teaching as well as learners in the classrooms. A conducive environment for teaching and learning exists at the schools we visited,” she said.

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