Senior officials at the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture arrested for fraud and money laundering

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Picture: One of the suspects who were arrested for money laundering and corruption/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 50, 55 and 61, were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in the Northern Cape on 6 March 2024. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the suspects are accused of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud and money laundering.

Thebe said two suspects who are senior employees at the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, were allegedly rounded off, while the third  suspect (61), who is a former senior employee at the same department, handed herself over this morning.

“She was processed for court appearance. The arrests are related to allegations of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud and money laundering. This comes after the department made an irregular payment to a certain service provider, without any services being rendered to the department.

“The payment was allegedly meant for the Umsombovu Youth Festival, that was scheduled to take place in Colesberg in December 2016. The festival never took place and the department suffered a loss of R1 million rand,” he said.

Thebe further said the other accused on the matter, a company (juristic person) and its director, were previously charged and the charges are to be reinstated.

He added that, all the accused are expected to make a brief court appearance before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2024.

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Five men arrested for fraud and money laundering after allegedly stealing over R290 000 from RAF recipient

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Picture: Five men who are accused of fraud and money laundering/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Five men, Tehogo Kgang (31), Tebogo Chosi (32), Tlale Tshabalala (46), Lebogang Sedumedi (47) and Zamile Maroti (51), briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 5 March 2024, facing charges of fraud and money laundering.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, on July 16 2021, the complainant allegedly received over R800 000 payment from Road Accident Fund (RAF). Mathebula said in the same month, the complainant was reportedly approached by three suspects, who claimed to be employees of RAF.

“The suspects allegedly informed the complainant to install a banking app on his phone so that he could access the remaining money from RAF. After installing the app, the suspects allegedly transferred an amount of R290 000 from the complainant’s account into their bank accounts.

“Following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, a warrant of arrest was issued against the five suspects and executed on 4 March 2024. The accused have appeared in court and their matter was postponed to 7 March 2024, for formal bail application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrests and lauded the investigative team’s efforts.

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Taung Old Age Complex opens its doors to the public

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Picture: The Taung Old Age Complex

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said his department has commenced with the admission of elderly people at the Taung Old Age Complex. Mokgosi said eight elderly people aged 60 and above, have been admitted to the old age home since November last year.

He further said more elderly people are undergoing thorough assessment to ascertain their legibility to be accommodated in the old age complex. Mokgosi added that, the state home for the aged, which is situated in Pudumong, is the second state-run facility after Sonop.

“It has been established to cater for the needs of senior citizens across the province. The multi-million rand old age home has 64 beds for frail care unit, 30 independent rooms and 6 beds for assisted living services. We have made remarkable milestones in promoting the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons in line with the Older Persons Act.

“We have so far done a sterling work in promoting the rights of our senior citizens. The operationalisation of Taung Old Age Complex, underlines our commitment as government to improve the quality of life of older persons,” he said.

Mokgosi said they call on elderly people and their families to use the facility to their advantage. He said, his department is in the right stead to accommodate many more elderly people to ensure maximum utilisation of the state-run facility.

“Elderly people in need of 24-hour care who wants to live in an older persons’ residential facility, can apply at the nearest service point or older persons’ residential facility. If the applicant is too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, they can ask a family member or friend to apply on their behalf,” said Mokgosi.

He said a social worker from the department, will arrange a home visit to screen the applicant and assess their current living condition.

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SAFA mourns the passing of former Bafana defender, Siphiwe Mkhonza

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Picture: Former Bafana Bafana defender, Siphiwe Mkhonza/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has offered some words of comfort and sympathy to the family of Siphiwe Mkhonza (44) after his passing on Tuesday morning.

Siphiwe’s father, former Banyana Banyana coach, Joseph Mkhonza, confirmed to www.Safa.net that, his son, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic, among others, passed away at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on 5 March 2024 after illness. The former Bafana Bafana defender, was a soccer analyst at the SABC at the time of his passing.

“We are devastated as a family and we are in shock,” he said. “We were looking forward to so much from him and we thought he would recover. I am at a loss for words,” Mkhonza said.

Mkhonza said the family would meet later on Tuesday to discuss details of his memorial service and funeral. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and join in mourning the loss of Siphiwe Mkhonza.

Meanwhile, SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said the country had lost yet another giant, a versatile player during his time and an intelligent individual.

“He played for several teams, among them Kaizer Chiefs, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtics and also turned out for Bafana Bafana.

“After hanging up his boots he went into broadcasting and cut a niche for himself with his humour, incisive and thorough analysis. This is a sad day for South African football. May his soul Rest in Peace,” he said.

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Police: ‘Report a missing person immediately’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape said vital steps must be followed when reporting a missing person. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, there is no waiting period to report a missing person and the immediate response by the police can save a life.

She further said the public should report the missing person at the nearest police station immediately. Ehlers added that, if possible, provide a recent photograph of the missing person.

“Give an account of the missing person’s last whereabouts, as well as a detailed description of the clothes the person was last seen wearing. Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form as this safeguards the SAPS from false reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph of the missing person.

“Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and keep him/her informed of any additional information. If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately,” she said.

Ehlers said practicing personal safety may save your life. She said the public should be crime conscious and be aware of crime opportunities at all times.

“Never walk around alone and do not talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people. Walk in well lit, busy streets and in a group if possible. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone.

“Trust your instinct. Parents and caregivers must practice child safety at all times. If it is at all possible, children should play and walk with other children. Avoid situations, where strangers may approach children, such as unsupervised play areas or bushy areas,” said Ehlers.

She said the public must know where their children are at all times. Ehlers said individuals should never leave children unattended in a vehicle.

“Listen to your children and pay attention, if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. Notice when anyone shows your child a great deal of attention,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (24) has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for raping a woman (21) in Riemvasmaak, Kakamas on 30 September 2021. Joseph Lucas entered the victim’s home and raped her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Lucas was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Edwin Mokgalagadi, for the meticulous investigation of the case ensuring that justice was served for the victim.

Otola also invites all communities to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.

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A fight against illicit mining intensified

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Picture: The SANDF during parade/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A fight against illicit mining has been intensified in the Northern Cape. This come after South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape, has deployed a team that will focus on the intervention and stabilization of illicit mining under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi for a period of three months in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the province .

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the decision. Shemane said: “Otola said the members from the Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces, will also join forces to address illicit mining activities.

“Lieutenant General Otola, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the acting Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Jacques Raymond, led a parade to receive the new deployment of members from SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).”

He further said Otola outlined the complexity of illicit mining activities and associated crimes that require a fully integrated and coordinated response to prevent, mitigate attempts, disrupt, and stabilise incidents.

Shemane added that, in conclusion she urged members to execute their duties in a professional and safe manner,” he said.

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Two nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cable and theft

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Picture: The suspected stolen copper cable recovered at a scrap yard metal dealers/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A two men aged 56 and (39) were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property and for tampering with essential infrastructure respectively. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said a case of tampering with essential infrastructure was opened by an employee of Transnet, after the alleged theft of copper cable.

Gopane said a man (39) was arrested for tampering with essential infrastructure, and an employee (56) of a local scrap metal, was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

“The members of Kimberley Crime Prevention, received a tip-off and followed up on the information. They recovered the suspected stolen copper cable at the scrap metal dealer.

“The copper cables were positively identified as property of Transnet with a value of R27 257.47. The duo will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

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One suspect nabbed for murder, another still at large

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Picture: Community members allegedly pelted the Delareyville Police Station with stones/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A suspect (22) is expected to appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of a man (32). According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, it is alleged that on 2 March 2024, a fight ensued between two groups at a local tavern in Delareyville and one person was stabbed to death.

Funani further said the suspects allegedly fled the scene after the incident. She added that, however, the members of the community allegedly spotted one of the suspects on Monday, afternoon (4 March 2024).

“The community wanted to take the law into their own hands, but the police intervened and the alleged suspect was detained. Furthermore, angry community members went to the police station and demanded that, the police release the suspect.

“Moreover, they burnt tyres and pelted the police station with stones. Public Order Policing (POP) were mobilized and members of the community dispersed shortly after POP’s arrival,” said Funani.

She said the police are still searching for the second suspect, who fled the scene after the incident.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and urged members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Kwena said, the police must be given the opportunity to do their job in order to ultimately ensure successful prosecution. 

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urges parents and all stakeholders to take part in SGB elections

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is actively encouraging all parents and legal guardians to participate in the ongoing School Governing Body (SGB) elections, which began on 1 March 2024 and continue through until 31 March 2024. Motsumi said, while the department acknowledges the initial turnout, some schools have not reached their full potential.

However, she further said they remain optimistic that parents and guardians will actively engage in this crucial process.

“The SGB plays a vital role in school governance, managing finances, and implementing policies. Their involvement directly impacts the learning environment and student success. So, we encourage all parents and legal guardians to learn about the SGBs role and responsibilities.

“They should be well-informed about the candidates in their school, and exercise their voting rights on their chosen date before 31 March 2024. Every parent’s voice matters. Participating in the SGB elections demonstrates your commitment to your child’s education and ensures that, the school has the right leadership in place,” said Motsumi.

She added that, together, they can create the best possible learning environment for the children. Motsumi also encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the SGB elections and make a positive impact on the future of the schools.
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