By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) said it will share the pending corruption cases with the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Brown Mogotsi Foundation. This comes after the organisation wrote a letter to the chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads and Community Safety, Mmoloki Cwaile requesting a voluntary disclosure of pending cases for possible private prosecution.

In a letter, the Head of Legal, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption at Brown Mogotsi Foundation, Olerato Gaobusi, requested certain records or disclosure of information related to the criminal cases opened by the legislature representatives that are either delayed or not necessarily progressing.

Gaobusi further said, they are concerned that the aspirations of development for the communities are seriously undermined by rampant corruption, procurement irregularity, and failing and collapsing developmental projects.

“We herein make representation in relation with the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Section 114(2) (a) (b), which provide for the legislature (a) to ensure all provincial executive organs of state in the province to account to the legislature and (b) to maintain oversight and therefore able to identify and exclude elements of probable corruption and or irregularities bordering along lines of corruption in the public establishments.

“We appreciate Cwaile’s articulations and demonstration of genuine concerns on the challenges of failing service delivery and action he is taking as public representative to make redress to the plight of the communities and responsiveness towards reports being submitted to their attention as public representatives,” she said.

According to Gaobusi, they have noted that on many occasions of Cwaile’s work in varying published committees’ meetings, he has expressed concerns and frustrations about either the delayed processing of investigations by the Department of Police Crime Investigations (DPCI) commonly known as the Hawks or delayed decision-making on whether or not to prosecute by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“In a time in memory, you have spoken about criminal cases you have opened but we have not come to realise how all these cases are completed and resolved and many cases have been opened for a very long time and we see no action. The cases you have also referred to are accumulating rapidly and with no hope in sight and many other cases opened by individual community members and other interested parties have not found expression either through investigations or prosecution.

“If the requested information is available, we will be able to conduct our own investigations, not only of the allegations but the rationale for their delayed processing either at the level of the investigations or prosecutions. We will also be able to engage through different means and methodologies the relevant establishments and or institutions that are meant to have either investigated or decided to prosecute,” she said.

Gaobusi added that, they will be able to seek legal opinion on and or exercise constitutional rights to pursue the matters at the courts as the foundation.

“We will be able to exercise the rights to pursue private prosecution, where it is necessary and or required for the purpose of public interests. We will be able to share, inform and report to the communities and constituencies on whose behalf we are acting and or existing as we have sought also to respond to the plight of those who are and remain at the fringes of the periphery of the mainstream of the economy and social upliftment,” she said.  

Meanwhile, Cwaile said: “We have openly and transparently dealt with the allegations of corruption, which overshadow good work being done in the public discourse and greatly affect negatively service delivery and benefit of the communities. Although we trust our law enforcement establishments, they have delayed and prolonged the processing of criminal cases referred to them.

“So, after receipt of a request from Brown Mogotsi Foundation, we have resolved to honour their request and share the information, records, and evidentiary proof about criminal cases registered with the Department of Police Crime Investigations (DPCI) known as the Hawks.”

Cwaile said there is nothing prohibiting nor precluding the sharing of the requested information with the foundation in theory, law, and in practice as long as it is done in good faith and in pursuit of the public interests. He said the request made by the foundation does not contradict nor stand-counter pose to democratic constitutionalism and it is in the best interests of the public.

Cwaile said they should find it easy to work with civil society organisations (CSOs) in pursuit of common interests for the good of the public and service delivery.

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Picture: The ANC Ward 25 councillor, Tebogo Sepale accused of having sex with underage boys

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) in North West said it welcomed the arrest of the disgraced African National Congress (ANC) ward councillor in the City of Matlosana, Tebogo Sepale.

Sepale (40), who is facing two counts of statutory rape and crimea injuria was allegedly seen having sex with an underage boy in a video that was circulated across social media platforms.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said, it is clear that the ANC leaders, namely Sibusiso Kula and Tebogo Sepale in Ward 25 in Kanana Township, near Orkney, are rotten to the core. Babuile further said, quite evidently, the weight given to this case by the circulating videos and

penetrating testimonies give a vital context of the serious credibility crisis and critical leadership chaos they are subjected to as the province and the country at large under the ANC-led government.

“Undoubtedly, it is too late for the ANC and its government to walk on the path of self-correcting. This difficult time represents the golden opportunity to liberate the community of Ward 25, which has fallen into the bottom of the abyss.

“This kind of heinous acts of sexual harassment and crimen injuria is highly unacceptable and warrants a decisive rejection of the ANC government by the people. We welcome the arrest because it corroborates our contention that ANC leaders should not be in a constitutional and statutory free zone,” he said.

Babuile added that, for this reason, they are not supposed to act in breach of the constitutional and statutory obligations with impunity. He said it is worth noting that the EFF will dispatch the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Desk to support the victims, their families and the grieving community of Kanana at large.

“We will be initiating and/or supporting any form of campaign aimed at discouraging this form of nefarious acts. We will restore the moral fabric espoused in the constitution by any means necessary and have prepared the ground for a dependable leadership,” he said.

The African Independent National Congress (AINC) interim national chairperson, Kau Karabo said: “On 3 May 2023, the AINC received an outcry of sexual harassment of two community members committed by an ANC councillor.

“It is worth noting that, the two victims whose names are not to be disclosed for now, were refused assistance on three occasions by the police in Kanana, indicating to them that sexual harassment as an offence does not fall within their jurisdiction.”

Kau said they proceeded to the victims and thus took it upon themselves to approach the police station to assist them in opening cases without any hindrance as they were previously denied an opportunity to complete A1 statement known as the complainant statement. He said the statements of the two victims were eventually taken.

“The organisation was later informed that cases opened were never registered, to which after countless demands made by AINC, one of the victims received a case number.

“The conduct of the station commander leaves much to be desired. The station commander has failed the community in general. Community members are victimised without protection and refused assistance by officials at the police station,” he said.

Kau said to them, the manner in which the matter is handled by the law enforcement agencies remains disturbing and will be attended to with the urgency it deserves. He said as AINC, they are aware of the meaningless statement issued by the ANC failing to take the community of Kanana Township, near Orkney into confidence by expelling Sepale who has become a lethal object harmful to those who entrusted him the authority to execute on their behalf.

“The ANC pronounced its position regarding the matter, which is that of taking Sepale to an internal disciplinary hearing overlooking the fact that the same ward councillor has brought nothing but terror to the community at large.

“The approach of the ANC is a clear indication that they care less about the community but would do anything possible to protect the councillor at all costs. The speaker of Matlosana Local Municipality as the custodian of policies and an extended arm of parliament has failed to act in the interest of the community, but chooses to protect an individual,” said Kau.

He said to this date, Sepale is still a member in good standing without any pronouncement from the Office of the Speaker. Kau said the speaker of the municipality and the ANC always declared to stand on the side of the victims to which they ask themselves, which victims are they standing with when it is apparent that Sepale is protected by them.

“Who do they stand with when no action equivalent to the conduct of the councillor has been taken by them when victims never received comfort nor assistance from them?

“It is clear that the Office of the Speaker and the spineless ANC choose battles to advance their narrow and selfish interests, they support those close to them and fail to protect others when in need,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating a case of crimen injuria and two separate counts of statutory rape. The cases were registered at Kanana Police Station respectively.

“In the crimen injuria case which was registered on Friday afternoon, the suspect allegedly shared a nude picture of his private parts with the complainant. In the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rapes were laid on Saturday evening by the parents of two boys, both aged 15.”

Mokgwabone said the investigation into the incidents continues and they are unaware of allegations that the police refused to assist the complainant in the crimen injuria case. He said they request those who are making allegations to lodge a formal complaint for investigation.

“The suspect has been arrested in connection with the two counts of statutory rape and is expected to appear before the court soon,” he said.

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Setshwantsho: Dikgomo tse tse di dirisitsweng jaaka pontsho fela/Generic

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa ko kgaolong ya Tlola O Nyele kwa motseng wa Khibitswane gaufi le Taung ga mmogo le mosadi wa gagwe ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Seno se tla morago ga gore batshwarwe ka dikgomo di le pedi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu.

Go ya ka motswedi wa dikgang, monna o itsegeng, ebile a na le setlhopha sa legae sa kgwele ya dinao, o tshwerwe mo letsatsing la gompieno.

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Picture: Amajimbos player/SAFA

South Africa (2)2 (Vicky Mkhawana 6’, Siyabonga Mabena, 45+3)

Nigeria (1)3 (Adah Agada 34’, Light Eke 46’, Idris Abdullahi 64’)

By SAFA

The South African Under-17 men’s national team’s fate is no longer in their own hands after suffering a defeat to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in a crucial 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group match at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on Saturday evening.

Coach Duncan Crowie’s young side took the lead in the early first half through Vicky Mkhawana who made it three goals in two matches [he scored two goals against Zambia.

The resilient Nigerian side responded with a goal in the 34th minute to bring the game level. However, teenage sensation Siyabonga Mabena regained the lead for Amajimbos and South Africa went to the break leading the match.

Nigeria proved that group B was truly the group of death as many predicted when Light Eke opened the second half with a goal to bring the team level yet again.

Then Idris Abdullahi’s 64th minute strike put Nigeria ahead and the goal was enough to seal the victory for the West Africans and book a place in the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

Man of the match Mabena was happy with his accolade but disappointed with the results that did not go in his team’sfavour.

“I feel happy to be man of the match but this is the results we were not expecting as a team, we wanted to win it,” said Mabena.

The player further added that he still believes there is a bright future for him and his teammates despite the results against Nigeria.

“I think if we can grow together as a team, we can win some tournaments and qualify for the World Cup. It may not be the U17s but maybe in the U20s but we have talented players.”

Amajimbos will have to wait for the Group C encounter between Burkina Faso and Cameroon to see if they will progress to the next stage of the competition or not.

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Setshwantsho: Nkwe e bolailwe kwa motseng wa Losasaneng/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Losasaneng le metse e mabapi ba rotloediwa go ka ikela tlhoko mo metsamaong ya bone. Sone se tla morago ga gore, go bolawe phologolo e tlhaga kwa nageng go sale gale. Go ya ka moanamisi wa mafoko mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso, Keotshepile Segosapelo, nkwe e e ne e shenne meno, ebile e tuka malakabe, e bolailwe kwa sekgweng kwa morakeng kwa motseng wa Losasaneng.

“Baagi botlhe ba kwa karolong ya metse ya ga Mothibi, ke eo nkwe e e bolailwe kwa merakeng. Go kopiwa gore, batho ba itlhokomele thata, segolo thata jang borre ba ba disang, ga mmogo le ba ba tsomang. Ga go itsiwe gore a mme nkwe e, e ne ele nosi fela kgotsa go ka tswa gona le tse dingwe gape mo karolong eo ya sekgwa.

“Jaanong, re kopa batho ba metsana e mabapi jaaka, Gataote, Losasaneng, Madithamaga le Kgomotso ba simolole go nna kelo-tlhoko mo metsaneng ya bone. Goya ka tshedimosetso e re e neetsweng go tswa kwa moaging mongwe wa kwa Losasaneng, nkwe eo, kgonnwe go bolawa ke borre ba ba tswa kwa ba Basotho,” Segosapelo wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, ba lekwalo-dikgang la www.iol.co.za ba buisane le motsamaise wa Letsema kwa setheo se eseng sa puso sa International Fund Animal Welfare, Mark Hofberg yo o rotloetsang batho gore ba itshware jang fa ba kopana le diphologolo tse di tlhaga.

Hofberg are, ga se gantsi batho ba tlhaselwa ke diphologolo tse ditlhaga, mme fela fa seo se direga, diphologo tse ditlhaga di ka tlogela batswa-setlhabelo ka dikgobala tse di masisi.  

“Seno se direga ga ntsi fa batho ba ikgatholosa melao le melawana ya tshireletso mabapi le diphologolo tse ditlhaga. Diphologolo tse di ruilweng mo malapeng ke tsone gole ga ntsi di tlhaselang batho. Fela, bontsi jwa batho bo tlhaselwa ke dinoga fa re lebelela ditlhaselo tsa diphologolo tse di tlhaga.

“Ga se gantsi batho ba tlhaselwa ke diphologolo tse ditlhaga jaaka ditau, dinkwe, thutlwa ga mmogo le ditlou, fela ditlhaselo tseo di kotsi. Ka ga jalo, ke rotloetsa batho gore ba dule ba le malala-a-laotswe, mme ba ikele tlhoko ka di nako tsotlhe,” Hofberg wa tlhalosa.

Hofberg are, batho ba tshwanetse ba nne kelo-tlhoko ka metlha yotlhe, mme ba se kgotlha-kgotlhane le diphologolo tse ditlhaga. Are, fa batho ba tlhaselwa ke diphologolo tse ditlhaga, ba se sie mme ba leke go lebaganya matlho le phologolo eo, kgotsa fa ba tsamaya ba le bantsi, ba itire setlhotshwana.

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Picture: The ward councillor, Tebogo Sepale  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC ward councillor in Kanana Township, near Orkney has been arrested for two counts of statutory rape. Tebogo Sepale (40) is also facing crimen injuria case.

This week, Sepale was allegedly seen engaged in sexual intercourse with a boy in a video that went viral on various social media platforms. Also, pictures depicting his facing were circulated on social media platforms, where a boy was allegedly seen sucking his manhood. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating a case of crimen injuria and two separate counts of statutory rape. The cases were registered at Kanana Police Station respectively.

“In the crimen injuria case, which was registered on 5 May 2023, the suspect allegedly shared a nude picture of his private parts with the complainant. In the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rapes were laid on 6 May 2023, by the parents of two boys, both aged 15.”

Mokgwabone further urged the public to refrain from re-circulating the video. He added that the investigation into the incidents continues and the suspect is expected to appear before the court soon.

“The members of the community and civil society organisations are requested to exercise patience and allow the police to conduct investigations.

“In the meantime, we are not aware of allegations that the police refused to assist the complainant in the crimen injuria case. Thus, we request those who are making allegations to lodge a formal complaint for investigation,” said Mokgwabone.

Picture: The ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Sepale accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with an underage boy/Screengrab

Meanwhile, the ANC in the North West said it has noted with shock a video of one of its public representatives engaged in a sexual act. The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said, they have received a number of complaints from various women against the said public representative.

“We are also aware that one of his victims has opened a case against him with law enforcement agencies. So, rising from this despicable behaviour, the ANC has suspended the membership of Sepale with immediate effect.

“Therefore, he will not be allowed to participate in any ANC activities. This suspension will hold until the outcomes of the disciplinary process. Sepale is suspended in terms of Rule 25.17.4 of the Constitution of the ANC,” Diremelo said.

He said this type of behaviour goes against their values and commitment to building a cohesive society, in which all people are treated with respect and dignity. Diremelo said, therefore, the ANC will not stand idle when such tendencies rear their ugly face.

“We will act immediately and swiftly to root out such behaviour. As ANC, we convey our sympathies to the victims of this act and call on those who have not come forward, to do so.

“We further apologise to all members of society and assure them that this act goes against our values,” he said.

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Picture: The ANC councillor, Tebogo Sepale

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC ward councillor in Kanana Township, near Orkney has been arrested for two counts of statutory rape. Tebogo Sepale (40) is also facing crimen injuria case.

This week, Sepale was allegedly seen engaged in sexual intercourse with a boy in a video that went viral on various social media platforms. Also, pictures depicting his facing were circulated on social media platforms, where a boy was allegedly seen sucking his manhood.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating a case of crimen injuria and two separate counts of statutory rape. The cases were registered at Kanana Police Station respectively.

“In the crimen injuria case, which was registered on 5 May 2023, the suspect allegedly shared a nude picture of his private parts with the complainant. In the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rapes were laid on 6 May 2023, by the parents of two boys, both aged 15.”

Mokgwabone further urged the public to refrain from re-circulating the video. He added that the investigation into the incidents continues and the suspect is expected to appear before the court soon.

“The members of the community and civil society organisations are requested to exercise patience and allow the police to conduct investigations.

“In the meantime, we are not aware of allegations that the police refused to assist the complainant in the crimen injuria case. Thus, we request those who are making allegations to lodge a formal complaint for investigation,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the ANC in the North West said it has noted with shock a video of one of its public representatives engaged in a sexual act. The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said, they have received a number of complaints from various women against the said public representative.

“We are also aware that one of his victims has opened a case against him with law enforcement agencies. So, rising from this despicable behaviour, the ANC has suspended the membership of Sepale with immediate effect.

“Therefore, he will not be allowed to participate in any ANC activities. This suspension will hold until the outcomes of the disciplinary process. Sepale is suspended in terms of Rule 25.17.4 of the Constitution of the ANC,” Diremelo said.

He said this type of behaviour goes against their values and commitment to building a cohesive society, in which all people are treated with respect and dignity. Diremelo said, therefore, the ANC will not stand idle when such tendencies rear their ugly face.

“We will act immediately and swiftly to root out such behaviour. As ANC, we convey our sympathies to the victims of this act and call on those who have not come forward, to do so.

“We further apologise to all members of society and assure them that this act goes against our values,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono urged bidders of tender number 13 DARD 017/2022 (1) to be wary of scammers. According to Mohono, the tender in question is for the provision of security services at the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office for a period of 36 months.

“It has come to the attention of the department that some bidders are contacted by fraudsters disguised as officials from the Security Services Management Unit of the department and promising unsuspecting bidders that they will be awarded a security tender.

“The scam involves the fraudsters using a fake e-mail address to contact these unsuspecting suppliers to ask for an upfront fee and falsely claiming that their appointment for this tender will be fast-tracked. These correspondence and e-mail addresses are crafted so that they are made to look like they originate from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Department,” she said.

Mohono further said, her department will never send an email or phone service providers and ask them to pay a fee before they can get a tender or any business. She appealed to all service providers to be careful of these fraudulent activities coordinated by unscrupulous and faceless people.

“It is a scam and we request all DARD stakeholders that have received this fraudulent e-mail or any other form of communique from these fraudsters to report the matter urgently to the law enforcement agencies without hesitation and to inform the department of such activities,” said Mohono.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A policeman (40) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Friday. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the policeman who is a sergeant and attached to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) was arrested at Orkney Police Station.

“The arrest came after the crime intelligence-driven operation recovered a car that was allegedly hijacked in Kanana Township last month. The said car was found in a garage at Extension 21, Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp.

“However, the suspect was not at home and a follow-up was made on Friday. The suspect and the sergeant allegedly called the complainant respectively and indicated their intention to give back the hijacked car key to him (the complainant) provided he withdraws the case,” Mokgwabone said.

He said, the suspects are expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday for defeating the ends of justice and possession of suspected stolen goods.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended all the South African Police (SAPS) units and members including Crime Intelligence for ensuring the arrest of their own unethical employees for involvement in criminal activities. Kwena reiterated that dishonesty by employees will not be tolerated as that tarnishes the image of the service.

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Picture: A policeman and civilian arrested for stock-theft in Ganyesa/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen cattle in Ganyesa. According to information, policeman (28) attached to Visible Policing and his accomplice (24) who were driving a Toyota Fortuner with trailer, were allegedly seen loading cattle on a farm.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “One of the employees from the farm who witnessed this, informed the farm owner. A search was launched by the Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit in conjunction with the local farmers.

“As a result, a white Toyota Fortuner with a trailer loaded with five cattle, was spotted and stopped not far from the farm on Tlakgameng gravel road.”

Mokgwabone further said, following a preliminary investigation, the cattle were handed back to the lawful owner after being positively identified through brand marks and tags, while the vehicle and the trailer were seized.

He added that the suspects were arrested and charged for stock theft and defeating the ends of justice.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of the two suspects.

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