A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. Amogelang Masondo’s conviction emanates from an incident on the night of 25 June 2021 in Bodibe village, near Itsoseng, where he met the complaint while walking with another man.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Masondo then threatened her before forcibly taking her to his friend’s place, where he repeatedly raped her overnight. He then let her go, leading her to report the matter to the police.
“Masondo was arrested on 28 June 2021 and the court denied him bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Molefe Moyawa, argued that the accused cannot be rehabilitated and is likely to re-offend as he had been previously convicted of rape when he was only 17. Moyawa further said Masondo was also found to have been previously convicted of culpable homicide.
“The accused violated the complainant’s right to dignity and freedom of movement,” Moyawa added.
Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked that, the accused committed a violent offense against the mother of his child and he showed no remorse for his action. Masondo was further sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for kidnapping.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Constable Tau from the SAPS and other role players who contributed to the conviction. She called for advocacy against the violation of women, children, and the elderly.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba kwa motse-setoropong wa Tswelelang ba amogela moeteledipele wa EFF, Julius Malema
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Moeteledipele wa lekoko la sepolotiki la Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema o rotlweditse molekgotlha o sa tswang go tlhopiwa, Lehlohonolo Metoa go ka dirisana thata le baagi. Seno se tla morago ga gore, Metoa a tlhopiwe jaaka molekgotlha wa EFF le go etelela pele kgorwana ya boraro kwa motse-setoropong wa Tsweleleng kwa masepaleng wa Maquassi Hills, gaufi le Wolmaranstad mo bekeng e e fetileng.
Kgorwana e, ene e tshwere ditlhopo-tlaleletso morago ga go tlhokafala ga molekgotlha.
Malema one a etetse motse-setoropo o ka Lamatlhatso le go keteka phenyo ya EFF. Malema o kaile fa baagi ba motse-setoropo o, ba dirile sentle ka go tlhopa mokgatlho wa EFF, gonne go sa tlhole go na le mekgatlho e mengwe ya sepolotiki mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima.
“Lekoko le le busang la ANC le sule ga mmogo le la Democratic Alliance (DA), mme go setse lekoko la EFF le le emetseng baagi. Re le lekoko la EFF, re batla go bona baagi ba amogela ditirelo mo motse-setoropong o.
“Ga jaana, kliniki ya mo Tswelelang, e tswala ka ura ya bone thapama. Gape, ke kliniki e le nosi fela mo motseng. Re batla gore kgorwana nngwe le nngwe e nne le kliniki e e tla dirang di ura dile 24 ka letsatsi. Baagi ba rona ga ba bobole fela ka di ura tsa tiro,” Malema wa tlhalosa.
Gape, o latofaditse puso ya ANC ka go nna le baeteledipele ba ba sa beyeng dikgatlhego tsa baagi kwa pele. Malema are, bomme ba ba mo mmileng ba tshwara bothata fa ba belega morago ga di ura tsa tiro, gonne kliniki e be e tswetswe ka nako eo.
“Fa o tla go lebelela, ga gona seteishene sa sepodisi mo motse-setoropong o. Bomme ba betelelwa moo, mme le bosenyi bo ile kwa godimo. Se re tlileng go se lwanela jaaka EFF ke gore go nne le seteishene sa sepodisi mo motse-setoropong mongwe le mongwe mo Afrika Borwa.
“Seo se tla re thusa go lwantshana le bosenyi. Gape gona le batho ba ba rekisetsang bana ba rona diretibatsi. Batho bao, ba tshwanetswe go tshwarwa gonne ba itsiwe. Re tshwanetse re bolotse ntwa kgatlhanong le mapodisi a dirisanang le batho bao,” Malema wa tlhalosa.
Malema o kaile gape fa ba tlile go netefatsa fa go nna le ditirelo jaaka ditsela kwa motse-setoropong wa Tsweleleng. Malema are ditsela tsotlhe kwa motse-setoropong di tshwanetse go tshelwa sekontere, kgotsa di tsenngwe di paving.
“Sengwe le sengwe se se diragalang kwa toropong, re batla go se bona se direga mo metse-setoropong gonne baagi ba duela ditirelo ka go lekana. Fa mabala a metshameko a na le bojang kwa toropong, a seo se diragale kwa metse-setoropong.
“Ga re batle mebala ya metshameko yam mmu, mme re batla e enang le bojang gore e rotlwetse bana ba rona go ka tsaya karolo mo metshamekong. Ga go sa tlhole gona le mmuso wa tlhaolele,” Malema wa tlhalosa.
Are, Afrika Borwa e na le di ngwaga dile 30 mo tlase ga puso ya kgololosego, fela seemo sa go neelana ka ditirelo se bokowa.
Kgabagare, molekgotlha o sa tswang go tlhopiwa, Lehlohonolo Metoa are: “Ke rata go leboga baagi ka tlhopo e ba e dirileng, mme re tlile go netefatsa fa re diragatsa maitlhomo a rona.
“Re tlile go netefatsa fa baagi ba rona ba amogela ditirelo jaaka metsi ga mmogo le go netefatsa fa setheo sa rona sa Hospice se nna le motlakase. Bagolo, ngwaga wa 2024, re tshwanetse re e tseye jaaka ngwaga wa 1994. Re tshwanetse go netefatsa gore re golola baagi ba rona mo bokgobeng.”
Picture: North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi’s alleged killer, Sibongiseni Ngubane/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
One of the suspects in a murder case of a North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) is expected back in court for a formal bail application. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) was arrested a few weeks after Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the death of Gumbi. He further said Ngubane was arrested on 12 September 2023 in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery.
He added that Ngubane was out on R3000 bail at the time and he also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail.
“The suspects fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo vehicle after shooting Gumbi. The vehicle that was used during the commission of the crime, was found a few minutes after the incident abandoned at the Corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets.
“The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on the car were false. The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 2 October 2023, for a ruling on his application to reopen bail proceedings,” said Mamothame.
He said the accused attorney indicated that they had no privileged information on the evidence the state was going to submit in opposing bail. Mamothame said the state opposed this application indicating that the defence had ample time to engage with the evidence that was presented by the investigating officer during his testimony.
“The state further submitted that Ngubane’s attorney read an affidavit in court citing reasons for him to be granted bail. The state strongly opposed the granting of bail, to which the investigating officer was called to the stand to cite reasons for opposing.
“Amongst other reasons cited by the investigating officer, was the seriousness of the offence as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder. He further alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects who are on the run and may endanger his life,” he said.
Mamothame said Ngubane was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. He said the state further highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms.
“The state also urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed. Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run,” he said.
A truck driver aged 44 has been arrested for kidnapping. It is alleged that a man and his wife hitchhiked on a truck from Bela-Bela en route to Klerksdorp on the evening of 27 September 2023. This allegation comes after the driver told the couple that he was going to Cape Town via Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the couple then agreed that they would drive with him until Rustenburg. Tselanyane said along the way, the driver made several stops and at Brits Total Garage, Alpha crossing, the man alighted the truck to go and buy food leaving his wife (24) sleeping on the bed behind the seats.
“Upon his return, he found neither the truck nor his wife. The matter was reported to the police and the search for the truck immediately ensued. On 28 October 2023, a team of Brits detectives, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, and District Officers continued with the search.
“The truck was eventually tracked via the CCTV footage and the owner was contacted. He confirmed the tracking movements of the truck including the exact location. As a result, the truck was found just before entering Thabazimbi,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the driver conceded during questioning that, indeed, he gave the complaint and his wife a lift and that while the husband was out of the truck at Total Garage to buy food, he drove off with his wife. He added that the driver informed the police that he left the victim at a petrol filling station in Mooinooi and proceeded to Rustenburg.
“Consequently, the woman was found at Mooinooi Police Station, where she went to seek help. The truck driver was then arrested and charged with kidnapping. He is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 October 2023,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the work displayed by both the SAPS members in conjunction with private security company personnel. Kwena warned that those who continue to perpetrate crimes against the most vulnerable of society will have to face the full might of the law.
One suspect linked to 10 separate cases ranging from business robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, carjackings, and kidnapping to rape, which were committed in Taung and Pudimoe between October and December 2020 was arrested.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect’s accomplice, Master Lobelo (38) is currently serving 10 years imprisonment. Mokgwabone said in an effort to bring perpetrators of serious crimes to book, they have conducted operations consisting of all units under the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigations between 27 and 28 September 2023.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspects and recovery of 54 suspected stolen livestock in various parts of the province. The suspects were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, theft of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property as well as theft and possession of suspected stolen stock.
“During the operations, 18 cattle, 35 goats, and a sheep, all valued at R261 000 were recovered. Furthermore, four cloned vehicles that included a Mercedes Benz A45 and Volkswagen Touran worth R4 890 000 were recovered,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, in addition, and as part of enforcement of various legislation, 57 fines worth R70 000 were issued for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). He added that all suspects appeared at various courts in the province on 29 September 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the police for their diligence that resulted in the successes.
Picture: The Hawks arrested a former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municiaplity’s traffic unit/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municipality in De Aar has been sentenced to eight years by the Hangover Regional Court for fraud. Nomava Luwalala (44), who was working as a cashier at the municipality’s traffic department unit, manipulated the eNatis system for a period of time covering July 2019 to December 2020, while performing her duties.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said, she failed to report all the monies received. According to Thebe, this resulted in the municipality suffering a loss of R120 252 000.
“Luwalala was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that she is not convicted of fraud, theft, or attempted theft during the period of suspension. The accused was further directed to pay back an amount of R120 252 000 in installments of R10 000 until the total amount was paid.
“Luwalala made her first court appearance shortly after she was arrested on 1 December 2022. The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on all 20 counts of fraud as charged,” he said.
Thebe further said the Hawk’s Serious Corruption Investigation team executed a warrant of arrest on 1 December 2022 and successfully investigated the matter resulting in a conviction.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the work done. Mabuela added that what mostly pleases him is that, the municipality will recover the loss as per the court order.
Three men who were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, and malicious damage to property in Matshepe village, near Mahikeng were remanded in custody. Ontlametse Masibi (24), Itumeleng Lehulere (37), and Mokgatle Sejake (40), briefly appeared at Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were arrested by the Provincial Detectives on 27 September 2023 after an intensive investigation and suspect raiding operation. Mokgwabone alleged that the suspects kidnapped Kabelo Majoro on 29 June 2023.
“Majoro, who was accused of stock theft, was found dead the following day near to Magojane farm. The accused were further linked with the violence, which flared up in the village in August 2023. During the incident, several houses including those used for training and consultations by traditional healers as well as two vehicles were set alight, while the third vehicle was damaged.
“The incidents, with the exception of the kidnapping and murder, occurred after the callous murder of Chief Gopane Phillip Motuba (65). The case against the accused was postponed to 5 October 2023 for a formal bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mokgwabone said the investigations into the alleged murder of Motuba is still underway and no arrest has been effected.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their hard work. Kwena further urged the community to come forth with any information that could assist in solving all the crimes reported in the village.
Picture: Tuckshop owners nabbed for selling suspected stolen goods/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two men aged 28 and 36 were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property valued at approximately R43 000. On 1 October 2023, the Kimberley Crime Prevention police received a complaint alleging that, a local tuckshop is selling private label branded property in bulk belonging to local Supermarkets.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said: “The duo will soon appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.”
While we have made significant progress in recovering from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, most South Africans are feeling the pressure of rising prices and a slow economy.
The economy is now larger than it was before the pandemic and the 2 million jobs that were lost have largely been recovered. Yet the combination of global economic instability and the effects of our electricity crisis have meant that our economy continues to grow too slowly and is unable to create jobs at the pace we need.
While government has done much to implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which we launched in October 2020, we have always maintained that the success of our efforts would depend on greater partnership across society.
Last week, together with several Cabinet colleagues, I held a meeting with business leaders organised under the umbrella of Business for South Africa (BS4A).
Last month, I met with the leadership of the country’s four labour federations, where we agreed to work more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy. We will be meeting again soon to discuss the areas where we can deepen cooperation.
These efforts are important because an economy that is growing slowly cannot create enough jobs. It can also not generate enough revenue for government to fully implement the programmes needed to improve people’s lives. The fact that the country’s debt service costs are the fastest growing budget item means that spending on education, health, social protection and infrastructure come under even greater pressure.
We have therefore given the pursuit of inclusive economic growth the greatest priority. We are acting with increased focus and effort to remove the most immediate constraints on growth – and doing so together with our social partners.
Our collaboration with business, for example, has moved far beyond discussions. Since June this year, government has been working closely with Business for South Africa on critical actions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption.
Last week’s meeting confirmed that good traction has been achieved in these areas, most notably in the work being done by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) to end load shedding and achieve energy security.
A good example of the work being done is the mobilisation by business of additional capacity and skills to support the recovery of Eskom’s power plants. This includes the deployment of technical support teams to five power stations, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka, and experts to help speed up the repair of units at Kusile power station that were damaged in November last year. This weekend, Kusile unit 3 was returned to service two months earlier than planned.
Full implementation of the plan to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations, add new generation capacity and reform the energy sector is expected to result in over 12 000 megawatts of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system by the end of 2024.
Work is underway to improve the operational performance of the bulk freight rail network and port system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC). Corridor recovery teams have been established for five strategic rail corridors, comprising Transnet executives, industry representatives and independent experts. They are working to urgently increase the volume of freight traffic on our rail lines.
Through this collaboration, business is working with government to build capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the South African Police Service to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
This work is being made possible by the willingness and determination of all social partners to collaborate on practical actions that make a measurable difference in the performance of our economy. While these partnerships may take different forms and may be at different stages of advancement, both business and labour have shown their commitment to work with government to address these challenges.
It is this kind of cooperation in action, even more so than negotiated agreements, that gives meaning to the concept of a social compact that is based on achievable outcomes.
Yet, while we have together identified key milestones and timeframes, the success of all these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives of the South African people.
From the progress that has been made to date, I am certain that this is a task at which we will together succeed.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engages with Grade 12 learners/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
It is all systems go as only 30 days left before Grade 12 learners sit for their 2023 National Final Examinations. The North West Department of Education said it has launched the Last Push campaign at a spring camp of Onkabetse Thuto High School in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng on 30 September 2023.
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said a total of 383 learners from neighbouring schools across Ratlou, are lodged at the school with subject specialists, and teachers, who are going to help them with gaps in their different subjects.
Motsumi said amongst other supporters of the last push launch, was the Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Motlhomola Jafta, who encouraged school support from a local community level.
“I am pleased by the success of the launch and stakeholders who came out in numbers. This is what we mean by community involvement and I wish to see this in all districts as l will continue to visit all camps.
“We are pleased with the success of the launch and encourage more stakeholders throughout the province to support learners. The department is conducting 92 camps across the province and is expected to end on 10 October 2023,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Motlhomola Jafta said: “We have joined the school community to pledge solidarity from the local municipality level by organising parents, local businesses, and faith-based organisations to support schools by keeping children off house chores and concentrating on school work during this important time of the year.
“We work closely with the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) to ensure service delivery concerns are met in schools. So, we are happy to work with schools until this time of the examinations.”
The Guardian 