By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 300 people across North West for various crimes during Easter Holiday. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the arrests were executed during the ongoing Integrated Safer Easter Holidays.

“The high-density operations aimed to safeguard communities and ensure safety along main routes during this period. Our law enforcement police continue to achieve significant success. 

“This comes after 349 suspects were arrested in the province between 6 and 10 April 2023. The offenses included assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), murder, house robbery, rape, possession and dealing in drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal possession of firearms,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said, subsequently, a total number of 6547 vehicles were stopped and searched. Mokgwabone added that, 14 998 individuals were also searched and a total number of 6411 road traffic fines were issued to motorists.

“139 fines were issued for liquor-related act contraventions, drugs such as mandrax tablets and powder, tik, crystal meth, various liquor and as well as copper cables were seized.

“On Sunday during an integrated roadblock along the N4 road, near Bapong Weigh Bridge in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 (Brits), two vehicles were impounded as they were not roadworthy, while one was confiscated for further investigation due to apparent tampering with the chassis number,” said Mokgwabone.

He said, moreover, two motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Mokgwabone said, in addition, eight suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena reiterated that, the police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders will continue to apply a zero-tolerance approach during the operations to ensure compliance and general safety.

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Picture: ANC volunteers embarking on Letsema Cleaning campaign in Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some hawkers in the Taung Central Business District (CBD) said a clean environment will ensure that they attract more customers. This comes after the ANC in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District embarked on the Letsema Cleaning campaign in the area on Easter Monday.

 One of the hawkers, Mario Kasongo who is a hairdresser from the Democratic Republic of Congo said: “We want to applaud the ANC for embarking on this initiative. I think shoppers littered the area and it was not clean and conducive to our businesses.

“Even though the littering and dirtiness were inevitable, proper management from the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) is key. I think is high time the municipality implements policies, which concern the cleanliness in town because that will also contribute to the rapid growth of the economy.”

Another hawker, Macdonald Maudi who sells sweets, peanuts, and other items shared the same sentiments. Maudi said he wishes the campaign could be implemented every after two weeks.

“Eish my bra, our town was dirty and I think that has a negative impact on our economy. I would also like to urge those who come to town, to make sure that they make use of dustbins strategically placed around town.

“I highly appreciate what the ANC has done. However, as locals, we also have a pivotal role to play to ensure that this initiative pays off. If we do not, our town will remain undeveloped throughout because of our attitude. Look at it now, it is much cleaner and I think it will be free of rodents too,” he said.

ANC regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Motseokae Maje said, this is a national program and will continue to take place across all ANC branches. Maje further said the initiative aims to create a clean and safer environment for the people.

“This is the program that takes place throughout the country. In some instances, you will see the ANC president leading it. So, as the ANC in the region, we have identified Taung CBD because this is where most business activities take place.

“We saw how the place was and decided to sacrifice our Easter Monday to embark on a cleaning spree. Remember, if we have to attract investors to Taung, the first area of concentration will be our CBD. So, it cannot be possible to attract investors in an environment that is unhygienic with no basic services like electricity and water,” he said.

Maje added that, they had other stakeholders on board such as taxi associations and their alliance partners, mainly the South African Communist Party (SACP). He said, they will also support Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and schools across various wards.

“We will also clean gravesites and the essence of this initiative is to ensure that we lead from the front as the ANC. As the governing party, we understand that, our revolution started when the ANC was established and it has not been completed.

“So, we will continue to lead all activities that bring the betterment to the lives of our people. We will not be deterred by those detractors who say we are just doing this simply because there are elections coming,” said Maje.

Meanwhile, SACP’s District Working Committee member, Tshepo Nkwe said: “The Letsema Cleaning campaign will be a continuous program and as the alliance partner of the ANC, we will continue to renew our social contract with the society as well as encourage them to take charge of their environment to be clean.   

“The aim of initiatives like these is to bring government to the people as enshrined in the South African constitution. So, we highly appreciate the work done by the ruling party and we will continue to work together in bringing changes to the lives of the masses.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A DRIVER has died on Manokwane and Maphoitsile road, near Taung on Saturday. The North West police said, the driver (68) was driving from Manokwane village to Maphoitsile when the accident happened.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “It is alleged that the driver was trying to overtake when his vehicle overturned. He passed away on the scene and a culpable homicide case is under investigation.”

Meanwhile, five more lives have been lost on the North West roads bringing a total to twelve since the first of April 2023. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, a pedestrian was hit by a car in Klerksdorp and a motorist died instantly in an accident in Lichtenburg.

“Three other people died in a head-on collision between two light motor vehicles in Mogwase near Sun City. The driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers are hospitalised with serious injuries. However, for the Easter period, four fatalities have been recorded on Thursday and three in Mogwase on Saturday.

“A boy (12) was hit by a car on Thursday evening at 20:45 in Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom. The enraged community members became aggressive towards the driver and the passenger, but they were rescued by law enforcement officers. Their vehicle was thereafter torched by the community,” he said.

Lehari further said, eight fatalities were recorded earlier in the week, one in Mogopela village in Taung, two in Koster, three in Ledig near Mogwase, and two in Lichtenburg. He added that there is also a growing trend of pedestrians who are hit by vehicles, and most of them seemingly come from hostelries.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We also appeal to pedestrians to be extra careful when crossing roads, especially at night.

“We urge to road users to be patient and comply with all traffic regulations. What we have realised is that, most drivers are reckless and pedestrians’ accidents are also on the rise,” said Lehari.

He said they are pleading with everyone on the road to exercise extreme caution at all times. Lehari said, the joint law enforcement operations that have been leading since the beginning of April 2023, stopped almost three thousand vehicles.

“Fifteen undocumented people were arrested and handed over to the Immigration officials. Law enforcement operations will continue on all major arterial and local routes,” he concluded.

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Picture: Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two people drowned at Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung on Saturday. It is alleged that, there was a function at the lodge and a man (38) jumped into the swimming pool in a quest to swim, however, drowned.

According to an eyewitness, the drowning man allegedly raised his hand calling for help. His nephew allegedly jumped into to the pool to try and rescued him, but he also drowned.

The Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) was called to the scene. It is alleged that, the deceased (38) was ferried to Taung District Hospital for medical attention, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival, while his nephew (34) was certified dead on the scene.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We have registered and investigating an inquest docket. The deceased persons were booked at the lodge for the Easter weekend and they were swimming when they drowned. No foul play suspected,” Funani said.

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Picture: Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul donated R500 000 to Sol Plaatjie University/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE  

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zmani Saul said his province aims to have a soccer team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in the near future. Saul, who donated R500 000 to the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) football teams said, this remarkable contribution will propel the development and revitalisation of football at the university, paving the way for a bright future in the sport.

“It is the provincial government’s vision to establish a Premier Soccer League team in the province, with SPU’s football teams playing a crucial role as feeder teams for more established clubs,” he said.

SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch expressed gratitude for the donation and affirmed that, this partnership will bolster future collaborations and initiatives, benefiting not only the university but also the wider province. Crouch further said, the recent launch of the SPU Sports Precinct, coupled with Saul’s substantial donation, heralds a new era of enhanced access, inclusion, and support for football.

Captains of the men’s and women’s first football teams, Raymond Bott and Motlatso Matabane conveyed their heartfelt appreciation for the financial boost.

Bott said: “With this financial support, we can evolve into an outstanding team, fostering social cohesion within the community and elevating sport and academic excellence to new heights.”

Matabane shared the same sentiments and reflected on the team’s journey.

“When I joined the team in 2021, we faced numerous challenges, including practice fields and equipment. However, we persevered. With the recently launched Sports Precinct, we now have a home venue where we can play and practice. We are truly grateful and humbled by this donation. On behalf of the team, we thank you for making these funds available,” she said.

Dean of Student Affairs, Nicole Morris confirmed the impact of the donation. Morris said, with the recently launched sports precinct and this generous donation from Saul, they can finally put the wheels in motion, igniting change and introducing new initiatives towards heightening access, inclusion, and support in football.

“I would like to thank once more the Premier, his delegation, and the Northern Cape Provincial Government for their commitment to ensuring the success of our soccer sporting code at the University,” said Morris.

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Picture: A horrific accident that claimed lives/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, nine lives have been lost on the North West roads since 1 April 2023. Lehari said this is the same number of fatalities the province recorded for the same period last year.

“The only fatality recorded on the eve of Good Friday was in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, where a boy (12) was hit by a car. The enraged community members became aggressive towards the two occupants of the vehicle and torched their car.

“They were rescued by the law enforcement officers. Other eight lives were lost in Mogopela village, near Taung, three in Ledig near Mogwase, and two in Lichtenburg. There is also a growing trend of pedestrians who are hit by vehicles and most of them seemingly coming from hostelries,” he said.

Lehari sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also appealed to pedestrians to be extra careful when crossing roads, especially at night.

“We have instructed the law enforcement officers to strictly apply the traffic regulations. They should not be lenient on any deviancy but do so within the confines of the law.

“We want to reduce the fatalities by at least 25%, as we reduced them by 21% during the Christmas holidays. We can do so by being visible on all arterial roads”, said Lehari.

He has been leading joint law enforcement operations throughout the province since the beginning of April 2023. Lehari further said, almost 3000 vehicles were stopped and searched in these operations.

“We can also confirm that 15 undocumented people were also arrested and handed over to the Immigration officials. Law enforcement operations will continue on all major arterial and local routes,” he said.

According to information at Taung DailyNews’ disposal, no fatalities reported in Mogopela village thus far. However, eight people died last year during the same period in the area. Taung DailyNews could not get hold of the North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Alpheus Koonyaditse to clarify the matter as his phone was constantly on voicemail before going to print.   

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Picture: One of the firearms discovered in the suspect’s possession/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The alleged serial rapist (39) has been arrested during a well-planned tactical and crime intelligence-driven operation, which was conducted on 6 April 2023 by Klipgat and Hebron Detectives as well as Klipgat and Mothotlung Visible Policing together with Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT).

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the alleged serial rapist was arrested at Sofasonke Section in Klipgat. Funani further said, the police pounced on the suspect at his residence after information was received about a man, who was in possession of firearms and ammunition and looking for a potential buyer.

“During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a pistol. Following preliminary crime scene investigation, it came out that the man was a wanted alleged serial rapist, who evaded arrest for the past two years.

“It is alleged that the suspect targeted and raped women who walked home with their boyfriends from taverns in the early hours in Klipgat. According to information, he would rob the boyfriend of their personal belongings and take the victims to the nearby bushes, where he would rape them,” she said.

Funani further said, as part of the investigation, the suspect led the police to his other place in Dubai Section in Mabopane, Gauteng Province where an AK 47 rifle with 33 ammunition, three magazines, and 25 pistol ammunition were found hidden in a shack. She added that the suspect is currently facing several charges of rape, house robbery, business robbery, attempted murder, and several counts of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“He is expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police involved and members of the community for their concerted efforts that resulted in the arrest, which he said will bring down levels of rape in the affected areas.

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Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape

By OBAKENG MAJE

As the Easter holiday continues to be in full swing, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape has made an appeal to road users and those who will be visiting the province to be vigilant and cautious on the roads. Maape said hundreds and thousands of people will be travelling to different destinations to spend time with family and friends.

“Thousands in the Christian-faith-based organisations and various denominations will also be travelling to different churches and holy places for divine intervention and spiritual rejuvenation.

“Our roads will be inundated and abuzz with high volumes of traffic. I would like to appeal to all road users to exercise caution, stick to the speed limit, take rest intervals, be tolerant towards each other on the road and desist from drinking while driving,” he said.

Maape also urged road users to work together with law enforcement authorities and ensure that they all arrive alive. He has also appealed to leaders of faith-based organisations to pray for the province and its leaders.

“Prayer has been the most vital instrument used in a time of need. Our forebears relied on prayer when confronted with various challenges. Our communities continue to grapple with challenges such as poverty and unemployment.

“While there are ongoing efforts to deal with these problems, we need God to be on our side and guide us in this journey,” said Maape.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We have already activated the Easter Weekend Plans, which among others encapsulate a thorough monitoring of arterial routes such as N4, N12, N14 as well as N18.

“Priority will also be given to provincial roads as well as rural areas where there is a growing trend of accidents. This is primarily aimed at reducing road fatalities in the province.”

Lehari said, there is a significant drop in fatalities, but more focus will be centred on enforcing the law in townships and villages, where they continue to experience accidents. He said they are hopeful that these plans will yield desired outcomes.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambata condemned the gruesome killing of a pregnant woman at the parking lot of Brits Hospital. This comes after an employee (35) was allegedly shot dead by her ex-husband on 5 April 2023. Sambatha, who visited the hospital on Thursday, requested the hospital management to urgently meet with the affected family to redress them.

The suspect (390, who is a policeman, has handed himself over to the police.

“This a gruesome experience that has shocked the family and our staff. Thanks to the hospital management, who acted swiftly to provide counselling and support.

“I believe the police and other law enforcement agencies will not let the family down, but will ensure that justice is served. The department offers its sincerest condolences to the affected family and the Brits District Hospital staff at large,” he said.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “It is alleged that the police officer, who is stationed at Rapid Rail in Silverton, Pretoria and residing in Ga-Rankuwa, went to Brits hospital where her ex-wife was working.

“According to information, the wife who was working as a switchboard operator, was at the hospital entrance when the suspect fired several shots and instantly killed her.”

Mokgwabone said the suspect, who handed himself over to the police after the incident, is expected to appear soon before the Brits Magistrate’s Court. He said, the motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and conveyed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues. Kwena once more, urged employees to utilise the services of the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) and other professionals, bearing in mind that this is the second incident involving police officers in less than a month. 

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Picture: The missing elderly man, Khikothi Michael Matala/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police request the community’s assistance in locating Khokothi Michael Matlala (78), who is residing at Selepe village in Cyferskuil, near Makapanstad. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani, the missing elderly man stays alone, and he was last seen by his neighbours on 20 March 2023.

“The search mobilised by community members was conducted in Selepe village and its vicinity without any success. Matlala is dark in complexion, tall in height with a well-built body structure and grey hair.

“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Edward Moeng of Cyferskuil Detectives on 082 569 4455,” she said.

Funani said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS Application or phone Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

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