By OBAKENG MAJE

A policeman (38) and other two accomplices aged 20 were arrested in Letlhabile by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), for corruption and theft from a motor vehicle on 14 June 2023. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the arrest came after community members allegedly spotted and apprehended two men, who were carrying an engine block in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Mokgwabone said, the suspects were ultimately handed over to the police.

“Whilst awaiting to be transported to a nearby detention facility, the pair who were handcuffed to each other, allegedly overpowered and assaulted a police officer in the Community Service Centre (CSC) before escaping.

“Subsequent to mobilisation of resources, the suspects were re-arrested a few hours later in Letlhabile. The other suspect aged 37, was arrested for aiding the escapees after it was discovered that, he allegedly removed the duo’s handcuffs during their escape. A charge of malicious damage to property is also under investigation,” he said.

Mokgwabone said further investigations into the matter led to the arrest of the policeman. He added that the policeman allegedly conspired with the duo in the theft of the engine block from the exhibit store.

“The duo was charged with possession of the suspected stolen property, escape from lawful custody, assault common (attack on a police officer), malicious damage to property, and theft from the motor vehicle, while the police officer was charged for theft from motor vehicle and corruption.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 19 June 2023,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the community members and all police units for their diligence and quick reaction that led to the arrest of the suspects. Kwena said corrupt employees, who fail to ‘toe the line’ will not be tolerated within the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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Picture: The winner of the Comrades Marathon, Tete Dijana

By OBAKENG MAJE

The winner of the 2023 Comrades Marathon, Tete Dijana said he will not quit his job as a security guard. Dijana, who received a heroic welcome at his hometown, Signal Hill in Mahikeng yesterday, works as a security guard at the North West University (Mafikeng campus).

He further encouraged the youth to be tenacious in what they do. Dijana won the Comrades Marathon for the second consecutive year and set a 5:13:58 record.

“I am so grateful that I managed to win the title for the second consecutive year. There was a lot counting against me including injuries prior to the race. But, I managed to defend my title and what is much sweeter is to set a new record.

“So, my message to young people is, it is never too late to chase your dreams. They should not be discouraged, but through discipline, dedication, and determination, they will succeed. I did not win the competition on my first attempt and I also took part in other competitions and still did not win,” he added.

Dijana’s uncle, Seabelo Taole applauded Dijana for his achievements. Taole said Dijana is a hard worker, who believes in his dreams.

“I am grateful to see that Tete did not give up on chasing his dreams. He had put us as his family and the country at large on the map. We have dignitaries in our yard today, all because of him. I also want to thank his colleagues and all other stakeholders that supported him in his journey,” he said.

The Potchefstroom-based athlete, Adele Broodryk, who finished as a runner-up in the women’s category said: “I am happy to come out as a runner-up in this year’s edition. This was my second attempt and I have learned a lot from my previous participation. I had to adapt to my new training method and come up with a different approach in preparation for this year’s edition.

“What makes me happier is that, I managed to finish the race under the six hours mark. I have run and recorded the third fastest time ever, so I really think that is a big accomplishment for me,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “It is amazing to welcome winners in our province. As the department, we will continue to support these athletes and nurture their crafts. As the department, we have club development programs including the school sports programs, where on an annual basis, we have autumn and winter games.

“This is where most of our learners participate. Those who are identified by the federations are supported throughout the academic system by our provincial academy in Potchefstroom. So, in appreciating and recognising these athletes’ sterling performances together with the soccer teams, the department contributed an amount of R2.1 million.”

Mosenogi said Dijana was rewarded with a R500 000 for winning the race back-to-back and setting a new record. She said the former winner, Edward Mothibi, who came in position 3, received R250 000.

“Gordon Lesetedi, who came fourth received R100 000, Johannes Makgetla, who occupied position six, received R50 000, Gift Kelehe who came ninth was awarded R40 000, Joseph who occupied position 10 received R30 000.

“Dijana and Mothibi’s coach, Dave Adams received R150 000, while Broodwyk received R400 000. Dan Matshailwe, who finished second in this year’s Two Ocean Marathon walked away with R150 000,” said Mosenogi.

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi is under scrutiny again. This comes after her department allegedly appointed the former Deputy Director-General (DDG) from the Office of the Premier, Buti Chuma to a non-existing portfolio.  

Chuma, who was transferred from the Office of the Premier is appointed as DDG for the Early Childhood Development portfolio, which is ‘non-existence’ at the department. A highly-ranked source within the department said, Chuma was actually demoted to a Director position, even though he still earned a salary of a DDG.

“We know that Chuma was purged and demoted because he was a staunch supporter of the former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo. The new ANC leadership continues to purge individuals, who are believed to be in a different faction, now, Chuma has to bear the brunt.  

“He is actually a Director, even though he still earns a salary of a DDG. So, in a nutshell, he is a DDG without a portfolio. They are doing this to keep him quiet and neutralise him. We have a DDG for Institution, DDG for Curriculum and DDG for Cooperative Services. So, DDG for Early Childhood Development is non-existence,” our source said.

However, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “Chuma was transferred from the Office of the Premier. The then Premier and the then MEC agreed on the transfer of Chuma. The Premier relied on Section 14(1) of the Public Service Act. So, Chuma is not an Assistant Director as you suggested, but a Deputy Director General (DDG).”

Meanwhile, a week ago, Motsumi was also accused of appointing her ‘crony’, Advocate Tumisang Moremane as the Director of Legal Services without following due process.

The source, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I am of a view that the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is bound to collapse. The North West Department of Education has just appointed a lawyer from UNISA to act as Director for Legal Services.

“Moremane is not even an employee in the public service and holds no position. He comes from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where the chairperson of the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) is working. It is surprising how he is able to act as the Director without being employed,” he said.

He further said this is exactly what the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) is doing by allegedly hand-picking political office appointees to preside over municipalities. The source added that there is another department that is on the verge of doing the same.

“What went wrong? It’s worse because the doers are most senior party leaders. We shall not give up, anyway, this man does not even have a letter to allow him to act, but he is already signing papers and suspending officials. We are being taken for granted,” he said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi and Motsumi spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane failed to respond to the media inquiry, despite being sent to them three weeks ago.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A police officer (43) briefly appeared at Setlagole Periodical Court for fraud. It is alleged that, Kagiso Motlele who is working at Madibogo Police Station, handed a suspicious sick note to his commander in May 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the matter was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for investigation, which confirmed that Motlele purportedly altered the sick note after he failed to report on duty.

“According to the information, the medical practitioner permitted him to stay home for three days to get fit for work, but he fraudulently extended the leave by a day.  He was subsequently arrested at his workplace on 13 June 2023.

“He was released on a warning for further investigation and will appear before the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on 7 July 2023,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and said that, Motlele’s action is absolutely unethical and intolerable as it impacts negatively on service delivery and tarnishes the image of the South Africa Police Service (SAPS).    

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Picture: Two awaiting trial detainees, Mandla Mongwe and Nemagovhani Thendo/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two awaiting trial detainees escaped at Stilfontein Police Station on 13 June 2023. Mandla Mongwe (30) and Nemagovhani Thendo (36) were in detention for aggravated robbery and burglary.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Mongwe and Thendo allegedly escaped through the roof after cutting the holding cell’s burglar doors. Mokgwabone further said the circumstances surrounding the escape are still under investigation.

“The Stilfontein police request members of the community to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of two awaiting trial detainees who escaped from lawful custody between Monday evening, 12, and Tuesday morning, 13 June 2023.

“The members of the community are requested not to attempt to arrest the escapees as they are considered to be dangerous, but to call the nearest police station. Alternatively, the police request anyone who may have information regarding their whereabouts to call the Investigating Officer, Detective Captain Johannes Botes on 082 416 0961 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated through MySAPS App,” he said.

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Picture: The winner of Comrade Marathon 2023 edition, Tete Dijana/SABC

By KABELO SELEBOGO

North West athletes were on top of their game at the recent Comrades Ultra Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban – clinching the top six in the men’s race, with one runner-up in the women’s contest. Elite runner, Tete Dijana from Signal Hill in Mahikeng, successfully defended his Comrades Ultra Marathon title – setting a new record on 11 June 2023.

Dijana won the 2023 down run race edition by clocking 05:13:58, smashing David Gatebe’s 05:18:19 record set in 2016. Dijana’s homeboy, teammate, and 2019 Comrades Marathon champ, Edward “Slender” Mothibi came in third position in a time of 05:17:34.

Four top runners from Taung secured the top ten places. Gordon Lesetedi came fourth, Johannes Makgetla six, the 2015 champ, Gift Kehele occupied ninth position, while Joseph Manyedi finished tenth.

The Potchefstroom’s finest and North West University (NWU) staff member, Adele Broodryk crossed the finishing line to end as a runner-up in the women’s race. In her debut in the Comrades Marathon competition in 2022, Broodryk came in third place.

Dijana’s exceptional performance earned him total prize money of R1.2m. The R500 000 is for bagging position one, another R500 000 for setting a new record, and an additional R200 000 for finishing the event as the leading South African on the day.

The Head of Department at North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Itumeleng Mogorotsi said, as part of ensuring that North West runners competed fairly at the global event, the department has sponsored 147 runners from the province with accommodation, transport, meals and other logistics to participate at the Comrades Marathon.

Mogorotsi further said, the runners gave their best performance by finishing before 12 hour-mark and reaching their personal best.

“The 87.7km down run, which attracted more than 18 000 runners from across the globe, kept cheering spectators on the side of the road. The television audiences were also glued to their screens. This year’s edition was regarded as more high-paced compared to the ones preceding it.

“As the department, we are pleased with the outcomes. We are thrilled with the superb performance displayed by the North West top runners and Dijana for defending his title with a new record. North West consistent dominance in this event showcases that, we have good athletes who should pass the baton from old to the new generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dijana who is expected to receive a heroic welcome today said: “When I was looking at the time towards the end of the marathon, I knew that I have accomplished my goal of breaking the record. The reason why I kept looking back at my runner-up, Piet Wiersma was to maintain an open distance so that he does not catch up.

“I also reversed the energy to end the marathon with a high pace. Prior to the marathon, my coach advised me that I should not break the record with a high margin so that I can break my own record again in the future.”

The 2022 pace-setter, Onalenna Khonkhobe managed to finish this year’s edition in 37th place. The youngster from Maphoitsile village in Taung, is one of the South African top athletes. Earlier this year, he earned second place in the Nedbank Runified.

A young female runner who hails from Rustenburg, Galaletsang Mekgoe paced her way to position 11 in the women’s category.

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Picture: The Hawks vehicle/Google   

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four people briefly appeared before the Springbok Magistrate’s Court for illegal dealing in drugs and corruption. Gherswin Van Wyk (35), Jasper Pretorius (40), Mothusi Molale (45), and Michael September (43) were arrested by the Upinton-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in a takedown operation in the early hours of Monday at Bergsig Township, near Springbok. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the investigation on the activities of the accused persons commenced in December 2019. Thebe further said the investigation was full-fledged after the police officials were fingered to be involved.

“The investigation team allegedly observed the suspects moving drugs such as dagga, methamphetamine (tik), and mandrax worth approximately R13 000 over the observation period. Two of the accused persons, Mothusi Molale and Kelvin Brown were police officials at the time of the commission of a crime, the duo later resigned.

“The 5^th accused person, Kelvin Brown (44) is currently in custody awaiting trial on an unrelated matter at a local Correctional Services Facility. The investigation team visited the facility to charge him with three counts of corruption,” he said.

Thebe added that, all accused persons were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 20 June 2023 for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Steve Mabuela lauded the investigation team on the sterling job achieved thus far.

“The law enforcement agencies cannot harbour criminals, when they are identified, we will flush them out,” concluded Mabuela.

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Pictures: The three of four accused persons, Phenyo Katong, Katlego Mosimege and Bakang Katong/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four accused persons is ready for trial. The alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.

Meanwhile, the court also heard that, there is a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature.

It is alleged that, the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that, the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.  

The case was postponed to 26 July 2023 for trial.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West province has recorded the country’s highest unemployment figures in the First Quarter of 2023. This comes after the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Stats SA recently. The province recorded the highest year-on-year increase of 7.9% in unemployment numbers and the youth are the most affected group.

However, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said his government has created 6406 jobs, as well as empowered 792 Small and Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and 484 Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in the past financial year.

According to Maape, 2060 permanent jobs were created, while 4346 were realised through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

“Recruitment of 3293 EPWP beneficiaries and 540 posts were still advertised across all departments, while 1063 employment opportunities were created through projects allocated to 37 contractors.

“At least 1070 permanent jobs were created in the education sector through EPWP infrastructure posts, ECD, HIV/Aids support workers, graduates and contract posts,” he said.  

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Lazzy Mokgosi calls for the Youth Enterprise Development (YED) Programme to be upscaled to support young people, who are entrepreneurs in order to unleash their innovation and creativity.

Mokgosi expressed concern about the high level of unemployment particularly among the youth.

“We applaud the recent effort to reach youth in our townships and rural communities through the SA Youth Opportunities Roadshow. This is a brainchild of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator that was hosted recently in Setlagole in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, National Youth Development Agency, Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa and the Office of the Premier.

“We welcome the rollout of the accelerated service delivery programme aimed at delivering quality public infrastructure while mitigating the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We call on the provincial government to intensify partnership with the business sector in order to maximise job creation and defuse the ticking time bomb of youth unemployment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial leader and Member of Parliament (MP), Leon Basson said: “Decades of ANC failed governance, corruption, fraud, policy uncertainty, cadre deployment and load shedding has collapsed North West, where basic service delivery is erratic at best.

“This sustained programme of destruction by the ANC has now yielded the fruits of their nefarious labours – mass unemployment of 54% as per the expanded definition, the highest in South Africa.”

Basson further said more people in North West are unemployed than those who have a job. He added that, more than a million persons in North West are now left unemployed, desperate and destitute.

“Only 877 000 individuals have the dignity that comes with having a job, earning a salary, and taking care of their families. This is a socio-economic humanitarian crisis that requires urgent intervention to restore governance, deliver basic services, and attract investment that will result in economic development, growth, and job creation.

“The only hope for those who want to work but can’t find a job is to vote DA in next year’s election. A DA-led government in North West will restore governance, will deliver services, will attract investment that will grow the economy that will create jobs,” said Basson.

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Picture: Monnapula Jan “Mabelebele” Williams/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 35-YEAR-OLD man affectionately known as Mabelebele, was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a former teacher, Jaqueline Motabogi (67) in Shaleng village, near Taung. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, in the early hours of the morning on 6 February 2022, Monnapula Jan Williams forcibly gained entry into the house of the deceased.

Van Rooyen further said, Williams forced the kitchen door open and stole a metallic Ford Fortuner and 2 cell phones. She added that Motabogi woke up and went to investigate after she heard a vehicle door opening.

“However, she was shot dead by Williams and the atrocity was reported to the police at Kgomotso Police Station. The accused was traced and arrested on the same day at Laudium. He was not granted bail and remained in custody until he was sentenced on 5 June 2023.

“The case was transferred to the Taung Regional Court. Williams was sentenced to five years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, 15 years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery, and life imprisonment for murder,” she said.

Van Rooyen said counts 1 and 2 will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the excellent investigation work done by Warrant Officer Akanyang Pitsonyane.

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