Picture: The head-on collision claims six lives on R503 road between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges motorists to be cautious on the roads across the province. This comes after six people lost their lives in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie on R503 road between Lichtenburg and Mahikeng on Sunday afternoon.
“The road was cleared and opened for traffic at 21:30 in the evening. We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the hospitalised and injured. The collision happened at around 7:15pm on Sunday afternoon leading to road closure for about five hours.
“It is alleged that a minibus taxi that was from Mahikeng driving eastwards, collided with a bakkie that was overtaking another vehicle coming from the Lichtenburg direction. The deceased are four men including the driver and two women and are all from the taxi. Several other seriously injured passengers were taken to General Delarey Hospital in Lichtenburg and Mahikeng Provincial Hospital,” he said.
Picture: Mooks Plaasie near Dryharts village in Taung/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
It ended in tears at Mooks Plaasie near Dryharts village, in Taung as one person died after drowning. According to Mooks Plaasie’s official Facebook Page, the incident took place on Sunday at around 9am.
“It is with great sadness that, we announce the death of our beloved patron, who sadly passed away this morning at around 9am. The patron died after a freaky accident in the pool and it is important to note that, our event was scheduled to end at 5am this morning.
“At the time of the sad incident, the official medical personnel have already vacated the venue. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our patrons, but we can only do as much. Our event is a celebration of life,” the statement reads.
It says, as the host, it is in the new season which is spring that brings new beginnings and celebrates their wins of the year whether big or small. Mooks Plaasie said is looking forward to a prosperous festive season.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate and sad tragedy. He will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. As this is an annual event, we will continue to celebrate his life.
“Let’s allow his family time to face loss and raise our glass to celebrate his colourful life. To his family, we are deeply sorry and we will be working closely with the police and take a painful lesson from this tragedy.”
Meanwhile, the South African Police (SAPS) said: “The holiday season is upon us, and with the rising temperatures, the only thing on one’s mind is to go for a swim and cool off. This, unfortunately, often results in incidents of drowning.
“It is usually the police called in to rescue, search for, or recover the bodies of drowning or drowned victims. By preventing someone from drowning, we ensure that our police officials and the relatives of the victims do not have to suffer the trauma of someone having drowned.
The police further said that water safety is one of their functions. The Water Wing will be on standby and patrolling the waters to ensure that people adhere to the rules and regulations governing water activities.
“The organisers of water activities must ensure that appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first-aid kit are available, with the necessary emergency instructions.
“Knowing CPR is a skill that can mean the difference between survival and the death of a victim who almost drowned. Special care must be taken at isolated dams, rivers, and pools on farms and in rural areas, especially after heavy rain in the area. Even a small inflatable pool or bucket full of water is a potential danger for toddlers if they are not supervised.”
This week we released a progress report on the economic reforms we are implementing through Operation Vulindlela, our reforms initiative in the Presidency and National Treasury, working with the relevant government departments.
Since Operation Vulindlela was established, we have built significant momentum in economic reforms to create growth and jobs.
Through these reforms we are steadily laying the foundation for a revival of economic growth. By restructuring our network industries like energy, telecommunications, ports and rail, we are opening the space for investment and a renewal of our nation’s infrastructure.
This new report highlights a number of key milestones that have been reached during the past quarter.
The first of our reform milestones was the digital migration process we have implemented by switching off analogue transmission for all frequencies above 694 MHz on 31 July 2023. This marks a significant step in migration from analogue to digital signal. This means that radio frequencies that were being used for television broadcasting can now be used for mobile telecommunications, which will make network communications more accessible and increase the speed and reduce the cost of data. The implementation of this reform will bring new investment in the telecommunications sector.
Work is underway to implement necessary reforms in our logistics sector to address the challenges that have held back the growth of South African exports. The lack of investment and the increased cost of doing business have added to the many challenges that we need to address.
A key milestone was reached with the selection of an international terminal operator to partner with Transnet at the Durban Pier 2 container terminal. This terminal handles close to half of South Africa’s port traffic.
This partnership will increase investment for upgrading equipment and expanding terminal capacity. A key aspect of this partnership is that port infrastructure will remain state-owned and all jobs will be protected.
This month, two critical pieces of legislation were tabled in Parliament that will advance economic reform.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will support the restructuring of Eskom into three separate companies owned and controlled by Eskom Holdings, including an independent grid operator. Through this bill we will introduce competition in electricity generation, enabling a number of independent generators, alongside Eskom, to produce electricity to meet our country’s demand. This reform will fundamentally transform, modernise and improve South Africa’s energy sector to ensure energy security into the future.
Meanwhile, the reforms we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have unlocked new investment in renewable energy sources, both to end load shedding and to use our unique wind and solar resources to power economic growth.
One of key reforms we have prioritised is in the water sector. We have introduced the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Bill to establish a dedicated national water agency to design, plan and finance water resource infrastructure.
This agency will enable significantly greater investment in bulk water infrastructure to guarantee water security in the years and decades to come, while creating jobs and unlocking new agricultural potential.
We are implementing a range of other reforms to unlock economic growth, from creating an enabling regulatory environment for hemp and cannabis production to eradicating the backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing.
Despite difficult global conditions, investors continue to see value in the South African economy and the benefit of the reform agenda we are pursuing.
We are pleased that the BRICS Business Forum held last week was attended by 1,500 investors and business people from all five member countries. We were able to showcase the potential of South Africa and the African continent as the next frontiers of productivity and growth.
Many of the participants remarked on the enormous potential of our economic reform agenda to drive growth in the green economy, the digital economy and other key sectors.
In all of the work that we do, our ultimate goal is the same: to build an inclusive, fast-growing and dynamic economy and thereby create a better life for all South Africans.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said they are concerned about the high rate of unemployment in the province. North West is sitting at 53%, which makes it one of the most affected provinces in the country.
However, Maloyi said they are working with all relevant stakeholders and considering options that can assist in mitigating this scourge. He further said the Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) held its meeting in Klerksdorp recently and reflected on a number of pertinent issues on the environment.
“The Executive Council noted that the North West Premier, Bushy Maape was still recovering from home and wished him a speedy recovery as the province needed a full complement of the EXCO. The South African government is from the BRICS Summit and decisions taken there are crucial both for the province and the country.
“In this instance, we had a session with potential investors and discussed possibilities of investing in the province. There was positive feedback from investors who expressed willingness to invest in the province,” said Maloyi.
He added that, to this end, the province will host a dinner session with investors on 15 September 2023 to take forward the conversation on how they can invest in the province. Maloyi said some of the investors have already expressed interest in investing in roads and agriculture in the province.
“The EXCO further noted that as the women’s month is coming to an end, issues of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) remain sore points that require to be tackled head-on. We are to accelerate efforts to confront this pandemic.
“The EXCO commended the province for a recently held Provincial Women’s Day event, which took place in the JB Marks Local Municipality and was attended by thousands of women,” said Maloyi.
He said the EXCO reiterated its determination to resolve service delivery challenges that confront communities in various parts of the province, most of which are to be tackled through the Accelerated Service Delivery initiative, Thuntsha Lerole, which was launched recently in Mamusa Local Municipality.
He said the challenges of veld fires that have been ravaging various parts of the province and which have affected the agricultural sector adversely, also came under the spotlight.
“The EXCO commended the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono for her pro-activeness in visiting affected areas to understand the extent of the damage. The EXCO also decries the unfortunate incident of the burning of the Pilanesberg Airport to ashes.
“This happened at a time when some Chinese investors have shown interest in investing in the airport to revamp it. The EXCO further resolved that the unfortunate incident of sewage spillage in Mahikeng, which affected the community of Seweding and Ramosadi, needed to be given more attention,” said Maloyi.
According to Maloyi, a mobile clinic has been stationed in the area to mitigate the situation.
“In a meeting I had with Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Mahikeng Local Municipality Executive Mayors recently, I directed that Ngaka Modiri Molema should intervene urgently.
“The Development Bank of Southern Africa was also convened to establish how it could assist on the challenges of infrastructure in the area to provide a permanent solution to the sewage spillage challenge,” he said.
Maloyi said on the contractors who were awarded tenders and failed to deliver on their contractual obligations, the EXCO resolved that such contractors should be blacklisted. He said the EXCO received a report on the term 1 Grade 1 to 12 results and expressed satisfaction that learner performance in all these grades had improved compared to the same term last year.
“To this end, the EXCO resolved that members should each adopt an underperforming school as part of the many other efforts to intervene in a quest to improve learner performance in the province,” said Maloyi.
Picture: The arrested policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A policeman who was arrested for corruption in Schweizer Reneke, was granted a R7000 bail. Sergeant Thomas Moleme, who was working as a Detective, briefly appeared at the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after he was arrested by the is arrest by Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) in broad daylight on Tuesday in Schweizer Reneke.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him, who introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.
“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.
“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting of the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone.
The case was postponed until 27 September 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.
A policeman from Schweizer Reneke Police Station, who was arrested for corruption by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks is set to appear in court today. Thomas Moleme, who is a Detective, was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe of R3000 from the assault accused person and a farmer in separate incidents.
According to allegations, the accused person has already paid R2000 to Moleme. Moleme also allegedly demanded R2500 from a farmer in Wolmaranstad. Taung DailyNews’s highly-placed source said Moleme was allegedly known for always conniving with livestock thieves.
The Hawks allegedly put Moleme under surveillance for months after receiving numerous complaints against him. They allegedly approached the farmer and the assault accused person to entrap unsuspecting Moleme.
“The policeman was allegedly working with this farmer. So, the Hawks, in agreement with the farmer, set a trap for Moleme. They allegedly gave the farmer R2000 notes and R1000 to the assault accused person that were marked. They then requested them to hand the money over to Moleme as a bribe.
“Moleme allegedly went to collect R2000 notes from the farmer at around 4am, and fetched R1000 from the assault accused person before the Hawks pounced on him. Moleme was allegedly followed in all these activities, and when he allegedly realised that he was being followed, he tried to speed off,” our source said.
It is alleged that the policeman’s commander, who was amongst the Hawks personnel, was ordered to stop him. A search was allegedly conducted and the marked notes were found in Moleme’s possession.
Moleme was then charged with corruption and arrested.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said they will only respond to media inquiries after Moleme’s court appearance.
Picture: The chairperson of NWPL’s Portfolio Committee for Community Safety, Transport Management and Public Works and Roads, Mmoloki Cwaile/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe wishes the African National Congress (ANC) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), Mmoloki Cwaile a speedy recovery.
This comes after Cwaile who is the chairperson of NWPL Portfolio Committee for Community Safety, Transport Management and Public Works and Roads, was involved in a road accident near Kraaipan mine along the N18 Mahikeng to Vryburg road on Tuesday morning.
This is after a Kudu from a nearby game farm, which had scaled a fence collided mid-air with his Toyota double Cab Bakkie at around 6:30am.
“We are grateful that Cwaile managed to maintain control of the vehicle that had veered off the road because of the impact, but escaped from the accident unscathed except for the traumatic experience of being involved in an accident.
“Cwaile, who was travelling alone at the time, could not proceed to execute the task of leading a multi-party Portfolio Committee delegation’s oversight visit to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. He had to take a few days leave for medical examination, while recuperating,” said Sebegoe.
Picture: A person of interest in a rape case/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, request the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the person is estimated to be in his 20s, dark in complexion with dark eyes.
Tselanyane said he also has a scar on his upper lip, three stars tattooed between his eyes as well as a picture of a knife tattooed on his right arm. He said furthermore, he is of medium height and slender.
“He can possibly assist the police in a rape case that was reported at midday on 8 August 2023. The incident took place in an open field at the Jammie Zakhele Dumping Site in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom.
“It was reported at the time of the incident that, a girl aged 12, was walking from Marikana Extension to Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom when a man came to her aid because she was crying. He told her that he knows her brother and will help her find him,” said Tselanyane.
He said, whilst walking at the dumping site, the man allegedly threatened the girl with a knife and raped her. Tselanyane said anyone who can assist the police in identifying this person, is requested to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Abigail Langford at Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on 060 970 9120 or (018) 293 9200.
“They can also contact the nearest police stations. Alternatively, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop can be called on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the My SAPS App from a smartphone,” he said.
Picture: MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung to get a soccer field
By KABELO SELEBOGO
North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the MM Sebitloane Special School will get a new soccer field. Mosenogi said the school’s seven-a-side soccer team performed wonders during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany in June 2023.
“We are here to celebrate North West athletes who contributed immensely to Team SA that recently competed at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. The Team SA bagged a total number of 49 medals, (22 Golds, 20 Silvers, and 7 bronzes in various sporting activities). North West athletes contributed 7 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze).
“Our athletes, Kamogelo Moncho won gold in 5000m and 1500m bronze, whilst table tennis star, Innocentia Msikinya claimed a gold in mixed doubles and silver in singles. swimmer, Goitsemodimo Mosepele bagged gold in 25m freestyle, the MM Sebitloane Special School football team attained gold in 7-aside football, and swimmer, Aubrey James scooped silver in 100m freestyle with a shoulder injury and Cecilia Janse Van Rensburg, who participated in equestrian,” she said.
Mosenogi further said the games were staged on 17-25 June 2023 and attracted more than 7000 athletes from 190 countries who participated in 26 sporting codes. She added that the participants were athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“As a token of appreciation and support to the rural sports Development, Kgosi Lehatshe Mankuroane of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana donated a piece of land to the MM Sebitloane Special School, which does not have a soccer field, despite their excellent performance at the Olympics.
“Our department has committed to give full support to athletes with special needs. We do not only celebrate the accomplishments of our athletes but give them the necessary support through the qualifying stages.
“We have sponsored them with logistics that include camping prior to the games, flights, meals as well as accommodation. Italy will play the host of the next World Winter Games in March 2025. Team North West is working on having more representatives on the national team in various disciplines,” said Mosenogi.
Picture: Some of the equipment confiscated from illegal miners/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 90 alleged illegal miners have been arrested in Klerksdorp. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said in an effort to curb the scourge of illegal mining, the police working together with other role players, arrested 91 illegal miners at two different places.
Tselanyane said the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illegal Mining Team working together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Klerksdorp and Provincial Tactical Response Teams (TRTs), Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP), Stilfontein K9 and Private Security conducted an illegal mining operation at Wolwerand Shiva Mine near Hartbeesfontein, outside Klerksdorp on 25 August 2023.
“During the operation, three suspects were arrested. Sam Mashaba (37), Thapelo Mokoae (26) and Peter Nhlapo (45) were arrested. The police discovered and seized goods such as 32 super power 90 explosives, 220 metres solar cord detonating fuses and seven CarMax fuses.
“Also, 17 generators, 26 jackhammers, four water pumps, eight electrical motors with gearboxes, two borehole pumps, one submersible pump, 320-metre-long electric cable, 51 drill bits, 200 metre air hose, one industrial air compressor for air drilling and 12 big pendukas were confiscated,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the trio appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 28 August 2023 and are facing charges of illegal mining, illegal possession of explosives, possession of suspected gold-bearing material, and contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
He added that they were remanded in custody until 5 September 2023 for further investigation.
Tselanyane said in the second and separate arrest in the early hours of Tuesday, the police in Mooinooi were called to Newman Shaft of Sibanye – Marikana Operations Mine after 88 illegal miners aged between 15 and 40 voluntarily handed themselves over to the authorities.
“Furthermore, of the 88 suspects, 86 are illegal immigrants and two are South Africans. The mine was allegedly rehabilitating the unused shaft when the illegal miners emerged from underground. All the illegal miners were taken to one of the mine halls and later handed over to the police.
“All 88 suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court today on charges of illegal mining, trespassing, tampering with essential infrastructure, and contravention of section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Investigations are underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police and all external role players for their collaboration in ensuring that the suspects are brought to book. Kwena indicated that operations of this nature will continue to re-assert the authority of the state and to increase the levels of safety and well-being of the citizens.
The Guardian 