Picture: Orlando Pirates FC player, Thembinkosi Lorch
By OBAKENG MAJE
Orlando Pirates FC player, Thembinkosi Lorch was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that Lorch is not found guilty of committing a similar offense during the period of suspension.
“He was further ordered to pay a fine of R100 000 to the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), with R50 000 payable immediately and the balance in installments.
“The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand police by his then-girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala in September 2020, that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said Lorch was arrested on 7 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand on 6 September 2020. Mathithibala was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend.
“Mathithibala saw that it was getting late and messaged him to return her car keys. On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her. He started to strangle her and beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue,” she added.
State prosecutor, Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant. Hart said Lorch did not have any injuries, which meant that he was the aggressor.
“The accused and his witness did not create a good impression in court as they were found to be non-credible witnesses. The NPA will continue in its fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to protect women from being subjected and/or targeted by perpetrators of GBV,” she said.
Picture: Two suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 800 suspects were arrested for numerous crimes during Operation Shanela. More than 23 arrests, were made for drug-related offenses, 24 for dealing in liquor, 37 for driving under the influence of liquor, and 3 for possession of firearms. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said, one suspect was also arrested for illicit mining. Botma said during the operations, 11 cell phones, 5 firearms with ammunition, 4 vehicles, 6 dangerous weapons, a variety of drugs, and precious metals, including 3000kg of copper cables were confiscated.
“The operation was strengthened by the traffic police, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Health, private security companies, and the Community in Blue through the Community Police Forum (CPF). More than 69 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.
“A total number of 58 premises, 2345 persons, and 1727 vehicles were searched. More than 30 tracking operations were conducted by the detectives to trace known suspects. Moreover, 15 roadblocks were held,” she said.
She further said a tip-off they received, led to the execution of a search and seizure warrant by Potchefstroom K9 at a house in Extension 13 in Jouberton Township, outside Klerksdorp. Botma added that, during the operation, police found an unlicensed firearm and 51 ammunition.
“Lekaota Johannes Monkhe (40) was immediately arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on 20 November 2023. Monkhe was granted R1000 bail and his case was postponed to 1 February 2024.
“As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to report to the Jouberton Police Station twice a week. During the release of the quarter two crime statistics, Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, said Operation Shanela, which is on its sixth month running, is effective and continuous to be altered and guided by crime pattern analysis,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Sello Kwena, said the police will through decisive action and community involvement, continue to combat crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: Children from deprived backgrounds receive funding/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said orphans and vulnerable children at Utlwanang Township, near Christiana, will benefit from a one-year funding. During the second leg of the North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery programme, Thuntsha Lerole, Mokgosi handed over a symbolic cheque worth R952 324 000 to the Utlwanang Council of Churches representatives to enable them to continue to provide services to vulnerable children, older persons and persons with disabilities in the area.
On receiving the symbolic cheque, Utlwanang Council of Churches Project Manager, Obakeng Thomas, hailed the department for providing their organisation with funding.
“This is for the ninth time in a row. This is a financial boost and it will enable us to provide psycho-social support to the vulnerable children. So, we are grateful to receive the cheque.
“We are indeed humbled by this gesture and promise to use it in a transparent, efficient and effective manner for the benefit of the needy among our communities,” he said.
According to Thomas, they will continue to provide support to HIV/AIDS-infected and affected families and individuals in Kanana, Kgwapapa, Ikageleng, Sonderwater, Greenfield, Geluksoord Extensions, Monoto and Ngape.
He further said the Utlwanang Council of Churches was established by leaders of various churches amidst the high rise of HIV infections in the area, which contributed to a number of orphans and vulnerable children.
Thomas added that unemployment is also rife in the area, forcing most residents to depend squarely on social grants and odd jobs from the neighbouring farms.
Mokgosi whose department provides funding to most NPOs in the social sector, cautioned the Council of Churches to use government funding for its intended purpose.
“NPOs are strategically located within our communities to provide much needed services to the most vulnerable and they serve as an extended arm of government. As such, we trust them with government money and we urge them to submit financial reports to the department.
“Since the Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery programme was launched in Mamusa in July 2003, we have handed over cheques to more than ten NPOs, including women-owned SMMEs across the province,” he said.
Mokgosi said they have also provided social relief of distress in the form of food parcels to poverty-stricken families.
Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Mme se se tla morago ga go bonwa ga setopo sa monna kwa motseng wa Ditshilong 2, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso. Go ya ka se bueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, mongwe wa bahiri kwa ntlung nngwe kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, one a tsosiwa ke segajaja kwa ntle fa a ne a robetse.
“Ene ele ka dinako tsa matsha fa tiragalo e e direga. Mohiri o ga mmogo le mong wa ntlo, ba ne ba tswela kwa ntle le go lekola seemo morago ga go utlwa ekare go na le mongwe o konopang ntlo ka matlapa.
“Fela ba ne ba fitlhela monna mongwe wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho a rapaletse fa fatshe, mme a tlhokafetse. One a na le dintho tsa go teketiwa,” van Rooyen wa tlhaosa.
Van Rooyen o kaile fa ba butse kgetsi ya polao, mme go sena ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.
Picture: The data capturers appointed in quest of curbing illegal tuck shops/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said the induction of 113 young data capturers, will bolster efforts to consolidate and update the North West Business Licensing Database.
Tlhapi said the two-day workshop held in Rustenburg from 15-16 November 2023, provided comprehensive training on the roles and responsibilities of data capturers by equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively fulfil their duties.
“You need to do your work with a sense of encouragement and appreciation. I am grateful for your willingness to take on the responsibility of making a positive change in their communities by identifying and addressing illegal tuck shops that operate without licenses or use fraudulent documents.
“This initiative will help to combat criminal activities and ensure that all businesses in the province are operating legally and ethically. The data capturers will play a crucial role in this process by visiting every business outlet in their assigned areas and conducting thorough checks to verify their licenses and compliance with regulations,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the province is plagued by illegal tuck shops that are not registered and operating without the necessary licences. She added that, as the department responsible for regulating businesses, they need assistance in identifying and registering these outlets.
“This is why we are here today conducting this induction and workshop to make sure that, everyone involved in this operation has a clear vision and understanding of the goals we are trying to achieve,” said Tlhapi.
Meanwhile, the DEDECT’s Chief Director for Business Regulations, Onnicah Sithole, shared the same sentiments. Sithole said the importance of this initiative is to emphasise the critical role that the data capturers will play in ensuring compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act No. 03 of 2019.
“The appointments of these data capturers will significantly enhance our ability to verify that all businesses operating within the province are duly licensed with their respective municipalities.
“The data capturers who have been appointed for a one-year term, will be responsible for ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and escalating any non-compliance issues to the department’s regulatory divisions,” she said.
Sithole said they have implemented stringent monitoring mechanisms to oversee the daily activities of the data capturers. She said they are required to submit weekly reports to their management teams for consolidation and subsequent submission to the department.
“This will enable us to maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date business licensing database, allowing us to effectively regulate business operations within the province. The department urges all business owners to collaborate with the data capturers to ensure seamless compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act.
“By working together, businesses can contribute to a well-regulated business environment that fosters growth and economic prosperity in the province,” said Sithole.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players ready to face Rwanda/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana endured a 10-hour journey from Johannesburg to Butare, Rwanda ahead of today’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the East-Central African country. South African senior men’s national team coach, Hugo Bross bemoaned the strenuous traveling that was involved and was also not happy with the state of the pitch the team encountered on arrival.
“It is not only the flight, but the three-hour bus trip to Butare. When I looked at the images of Huye Stadium, the pitch was poor. Let us just make good decisions for traveling and for playing. The trip was taxing on the whole team, but at the end of the day they are professionals and the game needs to be played on Tuesday.
“I think now with the group we have, it is not such a problem. The team wants to go far in the World Cup and they will go far. They all know these type of situations and through it all the mind-set, remains positive and I know my team will be ready,” said Broos.
He further said on this type of pitch (synthetic pitch) and its new generation, they have had some experience on it. Broos added that, but, this one they are going to play on today is badly maintained and the bounce of the ball is different.
“It’s going to be fighting football today. We need 11 warriors on that pitch and we are not thinking about good, nice football – we are thinking about fighting football. Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba and Evidence Makgopa have injuries and whether they will be ready on game-day remains the main test ahead of the match.
“I believe that I have found my team and they are playing good football. Khuliso Mudau, who scored in the 2-1 win against Benin in the opening FIFA World Cup qualifier in Durban on Saturday, is full of confidence ahead of the meeting with Rwanda,” he said.
Mudau said: “I believe that we can win today. The confidence that I needed was instilled in me by the coach and I hope I’m able to give my best once again when I take to the pitch. I’m always here to make a difference and to assist my team where I can”
Meanwhile, the game will be played at the 20 000-seater Huye Stadium and kick off is at 3pm (both SA time and Rwanda time).
Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Bojanala District Municipality, Olga Leslina Ndlovu (44) briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 20 November 2023 for alleged corruption. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Ndlovu handed herself over to the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation this morning.
“She is linked to fraud and contravention of PFMA case of R1.9 million involving the then Municipal Manager of Bojanala District Municipality, Patrick Pogisho Shikwane, and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa.
“In December 2018, Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with disaster relief materials. Reports indicate that Shikwane authorized payment to the tune of R1.9 million to Marole Nameng Trading without following proper supply chain processes,” he said.
Mathebula further said Marole Nameng Trading allegedly received payment but never delivered the procured materials. He added that further investigations revealed that, Mahle Supply, a company owned by Ndlovu, allegedly received R400 000 from Marole Nameng Trading during her tenure as CFO.
“Ndlovu was granted R5000 bail and her case was postponed to 30 November 2023 for further investigation. Shikwane and Malesa have since appeared in court and were granted R10 000 and R5 000 bail respectively,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, praised the investigation and prosecution team for their collaboration on the case. They have vowed to continue working together to stamp the authority of the state in the province.
Picture: One of the accused persons shooting Ben Gumbi outside a restaurant in Rustenburg/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the accused persons in the murder of North West prominent businessman Ben Gumbi has been remanded in custody. Thabani Gwala (30), briefly appeared at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court today after he was arrested in Hillbrow, Gauteng Province on Thursday last week.
His case was postponed to 4 December 2023 for a formal bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Gwala was arrested following a collaborative effort of a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of Hillbrow Tactical Response Team (TRT), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, and Rustenburg Detectives.
“The first accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33), was denied bail after the state successfully opposed it. His case was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations. Ngubane also is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi.
“According to the police, Ngubane was also arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He was arrested in Germiston, Gauteng Province on 12 September 2023 after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail,” he said.
Mamothame further said Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted R1000 bail. He added that Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.
“The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car, which was found abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets a few minutes after the incident. The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on it were false,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, police investigations are still underway to track down other suspects believed to be on the run.
Picture: The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) officials during sod-turning of Kgomotso Traffic Licensing Centre
By OBAKENG MAJE
Residents of Kgomotso village, near Taung call on the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari to hand over the Traffic Licensing Centre in their area. According to the residents, the centre was constructed and completed a few years ago.
One of the residents who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are now forced either go to Taung Licensing Centre or to Hartswater. However, Taung is too far compared to Hartswater. But in Hartswater, we sometimes experience challenges because our area falls under North West province, while Hartswater is in Northern Cape.
“So, we urge the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to open the centre. Most of the vehicles here are registered under Northern Cape due to the non-operational of the centre.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said: “The department awaits equipment that we have ordered and it is envisaged to have the centre opened before the end of the financial year. There are no infrastructural hiccups, but the only pending issue is to have all equipment ordered be installed.
“Remember, a block building used to be a school, so it was renovated by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to the tune of R1.2 million. So, following the completion and handover of the building by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, minor poor workmanship was detected and requested to be fixed before the site can be operational.”
Mothibedi further said, they can now confirm that, the issues had been dealt with. He added that, it is imperative to note that the licensing centres should meet certain requirements before being opened to the public.
“This relates specifically to the supply, delivery, and installation of NaTIS equipment, which is still to be delivered by the service provider. So, we anticipate delivery of the equipment and activation of the system to be still within the current financial year,” said Mothibedi.
In commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Month, the Orbit TVET College’s Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), successfully hosted a Women in Business Seminar for local start-ups and existing businesswomen on 17 November 2023.
According to the Centre Manager, Peter Matlou, this prestigious event was aimed at celebrating female entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of contributing towards curbing the current unemployment rate that the nation is faced with, as well as providing the attendees with valuable information and insights on opportunities available to support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women.
“This event is specifically designed with a primary focus on supporting emerging and disadvantaged businesses. It also aims to equip local female entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
“Most significantly, it aims to offer an entrepreneurial platform for local female-owned SMMEs to commercialise the vocational skills that will see them move from being ‘job seekers to job creators,” he said.
Matlou further said, that to date, CFERI has equipped several entrepreneurs with contemporary entrepreneurship training and support that is essential for mitigating business challenges in the 4IR era. He added that the centre supports start-ups with entrepreneurial training, coaching and mentoring.
“It promotes the economic participation and inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities through access to entrepreneurial education, business development and support.
“He added that they invited the attendees to bring forth their innovative business ideas to the centre so they can be supported and guided.
In her Keynote speech, Basetsana Setshogoe, business owner and also an ORBIT TVET college alumni, shared that being a graduate of the college and witnessing how much support the organisation is providing to capacitate aspiring entrepreneurs is heart-warming as the current economic state relies heavily on employment creators.
“Starting a business has never been a smooth ride for me, just when I thought we were starting to gain momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. I was forced to look at new ways of streamlining my business approach.
“I want to encourage you to embrace technology, adjust and adapt to this ever-changing world. Don’t be stuck on one product or service, start thinking about whether you’re still going to be able to provide the service as technology changes – look for new ways to improve your services,” she said.
Setshogoe urged business owners to never allow the lack of finances to stop them from achieving what they want. She said they should start now with what they have no matter how small.
“If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, go for something that is natural to you, something you know and are passionate about. Be able to deliver something different, and most importantly, know your niche and stick to it,” said Setshogoe.
Meanwhile, among the guest speakers, were representatives from ABSA and NYDA who shared business opportunities within their organisations that can benefit SMMEs.
The acting Campus Manager, Issac Mokwena said: “The collective expertise and commitment to driving economic growth by all the panellists has undoubtedly contributed to the success and intended goal of this seminar. I am impressed by the centre’s commitment to develop and support a new breed of future-fit entrepreneurs and to encourage our youth to be economic influencers and game changers who will contribute towards an even better economy.
“As we are gathered here, I would like to encourage you all today to stand your ground, be fierce and go out there to claim what belongs to you as a young woman. I wish for you not to be intimidated by the opposite gender, you are capable on your own and you are sufficient.”
The Guardian 