A man sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court sentenced for rape. Wandile Bome (26) accosted a couple from behind and assaulted the boyfriend with a stick.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the boyfriend fled the scene and the accused went on to assault the woman with a stick before grabbing her. Mamothame said Bome then dragged the to his place of residence, where he repeatedly raped her.
“He subsequently chased her away. The complainant went home and reported her ordeal to her brother and boyfriend, who immediately accompanied her to the clinic and subsequently to the police station to report the incident. The complaint described him in court to be her relative.
“The incident took place in Ganaalagte, near Delareyville on 29 February 2020. Bome was subsequently arrested on 3 March 2023 after evading the police. He was granted bail but it was later reversed after he failed to appear in court. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and he was also sentenced to 3 years for assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH and an additional 2 years for another assault with GBH,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances provided.
Magistrate Stephan Du Toit agreed with the state and he remarked on the seriousness of the offence and the responsibility the courts have to protect society against perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer, and other role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book.
Picture: The Pilanesberg Airport gutted by fire/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West, calls on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) to investigate the possibility of economic sabotage in the province. This comes after the growing sporadic fires targeting critical infrastructure within the province, such as yesterday’s fire at Pilanesberg Airport.
The DA Caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said the fire caused serious damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
Sonakile further said they appreciate the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s undertaking to investigate the cause of the fire, however, they believe closer scrutiny must be given as there appears to be much more behind these fires.
“Critical infrastructure has been engulfed by fire leaving a trail of destruction in North West over the last few years. Specifically, yesterday’s Pilanesberg Airport, then Christiana Hospital, the Mmabatho Palms Resort, and a section of the Department of Social Development’s offices.
“This includes a section of the Department of Agriculture’s offices, the Lichtenburg Waste Tyre Depot, and the Potchefstroom Train Station, not to mention the massive veld fires destroying tens of hectares of vegetation, livestock, and property,” he added.
Sonakile said they conducted an unannounced oversight inspection at the Pilanesberg Airport on 11 August 2023 and were escorted to the Tower by the Air Traffic Controller and came across an open, unmanned server room, which in itself posed a severe fire risk.
He said while the intention of their oversight inspection was mainly to monitor the renovation project piloted by the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, there was no sign of any repairs or maintenance.
“There was no contractor or maintenance company on site. We have already submitted a written question to the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari through the Legislature to account for the absence of any work at the airport. These fires are causing the destruction of critical infrastructure required to deliver services to residents.
“The destruction brought by fire not only threatens the safety of residents but also impacts negatively on economic development, economic growth, job creation, and security, attracting investment,” said Sonakile.
He said that renovating or rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed by fire puts an additional burden on the fiscus during a time when the government hardly has enough money to deliver even the most basic of services. Sonakile said these fires must be thoroughly investigated.
“If due to some sort of economic sabotage, those found to be responsible must be prosecuted, and if due to negligence, those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We have ordered an immediate investigation. We would like to leave no stone unturned to ensure we get to the bottom of the cause of the fire.”
Many South Africans were left mesmerised by how Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane showed a fundamental understanding of the law during interviews for the Public Protector position. Mmusinyane responded to questions with confidence and created a strong, lasting impression.
Even though he was not recommended by the panel, he took time to write on his Facebook page, where he thanked all those who supported him and congratulated Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who was recommended by the panel to become the new Public Protector.
Gcaleka has been acting in that position for more than a year now since South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa suspended the outgoing Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
“Fellow South Africans, I wish to take this opportunity to say that South Africa as a constitutional state, is established on principles of openness, transparency, and fairness. The committee established to nominate the next Public Protector has done its work, and did so publicly for everyone to see.
“It has chosen its candidate to be considered by the National Assembly (NA) through a voting system. This is despite disagreement among them, but there is absolutely nothing where the public has a say at the moment. I have my utmost respect for Adv Gcaleka. In the end, only one candidate has to be chosen,” he said.
Mmusinyane further said it is normal in every competition that there has to be a winner. He added that, in general, interviews often give mixed emotions and he fully understands the masses’ concerns and positions.
“Let’s give politicians space and time to do what is right for the country. Forward, we are going and I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support, and encouragement during this process. Like I said, I did what I was called for and did so to the best of my abilities. In the end, only one individual has to be picked,” said Mmusinyane.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach said they call for the re-opening of applications for Public Protector.
Breytenbach said they hold the view that none of the candidates interviewed are suitable for appointment, given the enormous responsibility this position holds. She said the candidates all showed an alarming lack of basic knowledge of the legal framework in which they would be required to operate.
“We further hold the view that an appointment should not be made simply due to a lack of any better alternatives. The Public Protector is a critical Chapter 9 institution tasked with strengthening constitutional democracy in South Africa.
“The importance of a strong, independent Public Protector cannot be overstated, and was excellently outlined within the Constitutional Court’s Nkandla judgement. Mkhwebane has done immense damage to the institution of the Public Protector,” said Breytenbach.
She said they did not nominate any of the applicants and nominees for the shortlist, simply because they were all unknown players, none of whom stood out as a suitable candidate. According to Breytenbach, it is unfortunate that the pool of applicants and nominees was disappointing when compared with the pool available during the last interviews.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Ad Hoc Committee, Cyril Xaba said: “The committee has recommended Gcaleka as the next Public Protector. Gcaleka has been acting as the PP for over a year since the suspension of Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane and she is also the Deputy PP.
“The committee’s report on her recommendation will be sent to the National Assembly (NA) for its consideration. The NA will vote on the matter and 60% support is required for the recommendation to be approved by the House.”
A policeman from Schweizer Reneke Police Station was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks today. It is alleged that the Detective (name withheld) was known for conniving with livestock thieves.
According to our highly-placed source, the Hawks allegedly put the arrested Detective under surveillance for months before they pounced on him. The Hawks allegedly approached one of the farmers in the area and entrapped the unsuspecting policeman.
“The policeman was allegedly working with this farmer. So, the Hawks, in agreement with the farmer, set a trap for the policeman. They allegedly gave the farmer R1000 notes that were marked. They then requested the farmer to hand it over to the policeman as bribery.
“The Hawks allegedly waited for him since 4am this morning. The policeman allegedly went to collect the bribery money from the farmer, then he was followed. When the policeman 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 the policeman. A search was allegedly conducted and the marked notes were found in his possession.
The policeman was allegedly charged with corruption and he is currently detained at Bloemhof Police Station.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane nor Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati police spokesperson, Tryphosa van Rooyen have not responded to our media inquiry before publishing the article.
Picture: The fire gutted Pilanesberg Airport in Rustenburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said the Pilanesberg International Airport, near Sun City, has been gutted by fire. Lehari, who rushed to the scene said it seems the fire started near the Air Traffic Control Tower.
“At around 12:00pm, the security officers at the airport reported smoke but could not detect what was burning. Upon investigation, they realised the smoke was coming from the top of the building close to the Air Traffic Control Tower.
“Some of the Airport personnel rushed to the tower and tried to extinguish the fire. However, the flames engulfed the area and in seconds, the thatched roof of the airport caved in. The personnel tried in vain to put it out as the structure was completely gutted,” he said.
Lehari further said the Sun City Fire Services and the Rustenburg Fire Services arrived shortly thereafter and did everything they could. He added that they have ordered an immediate investigation.
“We would like to leave no stone unturned to ensure we get to the bottom of the cause of the fire,” said Lehari.
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) has suspended its councillor, Merriam Mosiako with immediate effect. This comes after Mosiako and her son, Tshegofatso Mosiako were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for allegedly soliciting R100 000 from a service provider.
Mosiako is the chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) at the City of Matlosana. According to the F4SD chairperson in North West, Sechaba Sekhoto, the decision to suspend Mosiako was taken at a meeting held on 28 August 2023.
“The decision is in line with the F4SD Constitution. Mosiako’s suspension will remain in effect until the final outcome of a disciplinary investigation to be conducted by the provincial leadership. She has been suspended from her roles as a PFEC member and the councillor.
“During this period of suspension, Mosiako is not permitted to carry out the duties and responsibilities of her office as PFEC member and F4SD councillor. Not allowed to represent the organisation publicly or in any other forum,” said Sekhoto.
He further said Mosiako is also not allowed to make public pronouncements on matters related to the organisation, or engage in the mobilisation of F4SD structures or any other organisations or individuals. Sekhoto added that, Mosiako is not allowed to contact members or leadership of F4SD at any level of structures.
“As F4SD, we take allegations of corruption extremely seriously. We remain committed to our core principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability. We urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations, and we commend the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for their vigilance in tackling corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus leader in the City of Matlosana, Johannes Le Grange said they welcome Mosiako’s arrest.
“The DA welcomes the arrest of Mosiako after a sting operation by the police, where she was caught extorting money from a service provider, Molahlwa Investment Holdings.
“This arrest occurred two weeks after the DA opened a case with the Hawks to investigate the irregular appointment of Molahlwa Investment Holdings for the rental of 10 refuse removal trucks for three months under emergency Regulation 36 of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations,” he said.
Le Grange said the arrest of Mosiako also comes at a time when opposition parties were preparing to table several reports on contracts that were irregularly awarded, which will definitely trigger a new wave of investigations.
He said as DA, they will closely monitor the court proceedings of Mosiako, including the possible involvement of municipal officials and other councillors to ensure that, justice is served for the people of Matlosana.
Meanwhile, The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col Tinyiko Mathebula said the corruption case against Mosiako and her son was postponed to 9 November 2023. Mathebula said the duo was granted R15 000 and R1000 bail respectively.
Picture: One of the torched vehicles belonging to a sangoma/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 30 people have been arrested for public violence during a protest in Mmatshepe village, near Mahikeng. This comes after the assassination of the local chief, Kgosi Gopane Phillip Motuba.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Motuba was allegedly robbed and killed by two unknown men, who buttonholed him at his house. Mokgwabone further said, the men allegedly entered Motuba’s house through an unlocked front door at around 4:30am.
“A case of robbery and murder is under investigation. Subsequent to the incident, houses belonging to a villager suspected to be responsible for Motuba’s death were set alight on Monday. The houses include those used for training and consultation by traditional healers (sangoma).
“In addition, two vehicles were torched while the third one was damaged. Furthermore, a local road between Mahikeng and Itsoseng was barricaded. Upon intervening, and as part of maintaining public order, Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP) arrested 39 individuals for public violence,” he added.
Mokgwabone said the arrests led to the convergence of Matshepe community members into Lomanyaneng Police Station to demand the release of the suspects. He said, however, they later dispersed and the suspects aged between 22 and 55 are expected to appear before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court soon.
“The police would like to request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigations to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti on 082 374 0498 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App. The police in the Ngaka Molema District are on high alert,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incidents, which he said are a clear sign of disrespect for the rule of law and cannot be tolerated. Kwena urged the community to work together with the police to ensure justice rather than taking the law into their own hands, which is unlawful and unacceptable.
A man has been sentenced to three life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court for raping and killing his girlfriend. On 20 July 2019, Samuel Blom (33) raped and murdered his girlfriend, Katriena Petro (37).
ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said the Petro’s body was found covered with stones by children who were collecting wood in the veld near Dakotaweg. Masehgela said the children went back home to report what they came across in the veld.
“The police attended to the scene and on arrival, they discovered that the body had multiple injuries. The assigned investigating officer, Warrant Officer Stephen Roos, immediately started with investigations, which led him to the arrest of Blom.
“Further investigation revealed that the deceased was attacked at their residence and was removed from the scene by the accused. Blom was sentenced to three life sentences for murder and two counts of rape. He was also sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice,” he said.
Masegela added that all the sentences will run concurrently.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Management commended the excellent investigation by Roos attached to the Upington Detective Branch, which secured this conviction of Femicide.
Picture: Houses submerged in water in Deelpan/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Deelpan said it’s been two years since the devastating floods destroyed their homes and left them destitute, however, nothing has changed despite promises from the government.
One of the residents, Mamaeng Modisakeng (65) said her life has been turned upside down and she cannot continue to bear the brunt of heavy rains. Modisakeng further said her house was submerged in bodies of water in February 2023.
“The heavy rains struck twice last year. We saw government officials coming to our shores and making promises. However, nothing has changed. There is no communication at all between the government and the people on the ground.
“The trials and devastation of floods continue to be a reminder in our daily lives. I think it will be best if the government implements water and sanitation infrastructure that will barricade water from entering our homes,” she added.
The Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in North West, Freddy Sonakile said R54.9 million was made available by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to reconstruct damaged homes in Deelpan, but many remain impoverished.
“While the DA acknowledges the provincial government’s intention to rebuild houses for those who were affected as well as to construct new homes for beneficiaries, we believe preference should be given to reconstruct those homes that were damaged by the floods and remain underwater to this day.
“The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi indicated during his Human Settlements Budget Speech this year that, the residents agreed to be relocated to a new site, where the construction of new houses was supposed to be underway.
“Typical of the ANC in government, we only found a vacant plot of land during an oversight inspection of the area. During our engagement with residents, it was clear that the NWPG had failed them. Residents confirmed that several meetings were held with government officials, but nothing tangible has come from those – only empty promises. Many of the affected residents are still forced to share accommodation with relatives and have nowhere else to go,” he said.
Sonakile said the Deelpan story is a sad reminder of how this ANC government has no sympathy for the desperation of citizens. He said two years ago, ANC leaders, Ministers, MECs, and officials swarmed the Deelpan community in blue-light VIP convoys making all sorts of promises to rebuild and uplift the Deelpan community.
“Today, the village is quiet as if no disaster ever took place, with nothing but the remnants of some houses still submerged in water and impassable gravel roads. The NWPG should account for every cent spent to date of the R54.9 million and provide a detailed timeline for when the construction of houses at the identified new site would be completed, along with the bulk infrastructure necessary to service the new development,” said Sonakile.
Meanwhile, the North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi is set to introduce a contractor on Friday. The contractor will build 106 houses for the flood victims.
Speaking on behalf of the department with regard to the introduction of the contractor, The Deputy Director of Human Settlement Quality Assurance, Project Management and Implementation Unit, Macmillan Keboneilwe said: “The department has appointed Gabotloge PTY (LTD) a contractor and is responsible for completing the project of providing houses for the flood victims.
“The appointed contractor will complete the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of 103 housing units in a 5-hectare land allocated by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng Traditional Authority. It is envisaged that, the project will be completed by March 2024,” said Keboneilwe.
According to Keboneilwe, the department had an initial plan of building temporary structures, but it was rejected by residents citing that they wanted permanent structures, so the department engaged with the Housing Development Agency (HDA) to conduct a preliminary investigation and provide a Geotechnical report as to whether the allocated land is suitable for Human Settlements.
He said the department acknowledges that the project was delayed for a long time due to the investigations and administrative processes and would like to affirm Deelpan residents that they will soon move into their new homes.
“As the department, we are very confident in the appointed contractor and believe that he will complete the project. Gabotloge (PTY) LTD is a very competent construction company with a credible track record in the department for construction of low-cost houses (RDPs),” said Keboneilwe.
The surgery backlog crisis in the North West Department of Health has worsened, says the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Health, Gavin Edwards. According to Edwards, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha revealed that, his department is facing a mounting surgery backlog crisis with 9 111 patients on the waiting list to undergo elective surgery in regional and tertiary hospitals throughout the province.
“The ophthalmic surgery case backlog showed the highest increase in North West by 312% from 911 cases recorded during the 2018/19 financial year to 3 756 cases in 2022/23. Orthopaedic surgeries increased by 61% from 1 304 cases to 2894 in 2022/23, and the case backlog for general surgery increased by 57% from 334 cases to 524 cases.
“While the department confirms the significant waiting list for various elective surgical procedures, it indicated that the surgery backlog across all disciplines is set to increase due to a rise in the average life expectancy of patients,” he said.
Edwards further said this is indicative of a department that is unable to deliver quality medical services due to an increase in demand. He added that, clearly the department knows what contributes to the rise in the surgery backlog, but has no intention to respond effectively to reduce extended waiting lists.
“We will write to Sambatha, requesting that he urgently table an implementable action plan to reduce the provincial surgery backlog in North West. We will also propose actionable interventions that will assist in reducing the backlog.
“These include the recruitment and appointment of qualified medical professionals and specialists and the introduction of surgery marathons. The department should also prioritise renovations and repairs to operating theatres currently closed and consider the reopening and recommissioning of unused theatres in community health centres, clinics, and hospitals,” said Edwards.
In addition, he said they will also write to the North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, requesting that the current backlog of surgical cases be declared a provincial Medical Emergency so that additional funding could be released under Section 25 of the Provincial Financial Management Act (PFMA) to reduce the current backlog.
Edwards said DA governed Western Cape’s Department of Health launched a Surgical Recovery project at Groote Schuur Hospital last year and it slashed its surgery backlog by 1500 elective surgeries – two months ahead of schedule.
“A similar project was successfully launched at the Karl Bremer Hospital. Where the DA governs, we prioritise the health of patients, and we can do the same in North West if residents vote DA in next year’s election,” he said.
*Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane failed to respond to the media inquiry, despite being sent to him four weeks ago.
The Guardian 