Picture: The police arrested eighteen suspects involved in mob justice/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Alleged vigilantes were arrested by police in Upper Majeakgoro village, near Pampierstad on Monday after they allegedly beat a man (26) accused of stock theft to death. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the police arrested 18 suspects (14 men and 4 women) who were allegedly involved in the mob justice.

Kock said a group of community members allegedly went to the house of a person suspected to be involved in stock theft, beat his family members, and forcefully took him and his friend (20) to Upper Majaekgoro village.

“The community allegedly tied the two up and beat them with a pick handle and chains. The friends of the victims allegedly drove into the crowd of community members with a Toyota Bakkie and one person was also hospitalised, while other community members were left injured.

“Two men who were allegedly abducted and assaulted by the community members were both hospitalised. However, one of the victims (26), later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

Kock further said 18 persons who were allegedly involved in the mob justice set to appear in court soon on charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault GBH. He added that, the police confirmed that, five of them (4 men and 1 woman) are part of the Community in Blue Patrollers in Pampierstad.

“A driver (50) of a bakkie was also arrested and charged with attempted murder. He will also appear in court soon,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, condemned the attack and warned that mob justice is a violation of the law. Otola warned that, the community members who are implicated in this act will be arrested and face the full might of the law.

The police are currently monitoring the situation in Pampierstad and the investigations continue.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A police reservist and Tsantsabane municipal employees were arrested by the Provincial SAPS Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit(ACIU) for fraud, extortion, and impersonating a police officer. The suspects were arrested in Postmasburg on 17 October 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said, the suspects allegedly extorted an undisclosed amount of money from a business owner in Postmasburg during July 2021.

“The suspects allegedly posed as police detectives investigating a case of sexual harassment against the complainant and extorted money from him. They promised him to make the case docket disappear. The suspects will appear in Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court soon and the investigation continues.

“The SAPS management lauds the Provincial SAPS ACIU for the arrests and reiterates that the police have zero tolerance for ill-discipline and corruption,” said Kock.

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Picture: The Vodacom shop/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) imposed an administrative fine of R1 million, against Vodacom. This comes after the tribunal found that, Vodacom’s conduct was unconscionable by imposing terms and conditions that negated the consumers’ right to cancel their fixed-term contracts.

The acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza said between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years, the NCC received and investigated numerous complaints of alleged contravention of various sections of the Consumer Protection Act by Vodacom.

Mabuza further said consumers alleged that, Vodacom denied them the right to cancel their fixed-term contracts by imposing a cancellation penalty of 75%. She added that, moreover, Vodacom required payment of all outstanding fees and the cancellation penalty before contracts were terminated on request.

“Consumers further alleged that, they were coerced to sign the acceptance quotation letter (that was valid for 12 days) and return the letter to Vodacom with proof of payment. The Commission’s investigation revealed that, Vodacom had engaged in prohibited conduct by contravening Section 14 of the CPA read with Regulation 5.

 “The NCC received the bulk of these complaints during the pick of COVID-19, when many complainants lost their jobs or their salaries were cut, making it impossible for them to proceed with the Sim Only contracts,” said Mabuza.

She said Section 14 (3) (b) (i) provides that, the supplier may impose a reasonable cancellation penalty with respect to any goods or services supplied to the consumer. Mabuza said Regulation 5 (2) lists the relevant considerations in deciding on a reasonable cancellation penalty and Regulation 5 (3) of the CPA states that a supplier may not impose a cancellation penalty that has the effect of negating the consumer’s right to cancel.

“Vodacom’s imposition of a 75% cancellation penalty constituted a contravention of this section. Also, Vodacom failed to cancel consumers’ contracts timeously after having been notified by consumers and as required by the CPA, thus contravening Section 14(2) (b)(i) (bb). 

“The refusal to cancel consumers’ contracts on the basis that any cancellation is subject to payment of a cancellation fee before the cancellation can be effected constituted a contravention of section 14(2) (b),” she said.

According to Mabuza, Vodacom also failed to cancel consumers’ contracts within 20 business days of consumers’ notice of cancellation, instead, the supplier sent consumers quotation letters with a cancellation penalty of 75%, contravening Sec 14 (3) of the Act.

“Section 14(2)(c) provides that, in the case of a fixed-term consumer agreement, the supplier must inform the consumer in writing or other recordable form not more than 80 nor less than 40 business days before the expiry of the contract of the impending expiry date.

“This includes any material changes that would apply if the agreement is to be renewed or may otherwise continue beyond the expiry date and the options available to the consumer,” she said.

Mabuza said that Vodacom’s failure to inform consumers that their contracts were about to expire and to advise them of their options contravened section 14 (2)(c).

“The Tribunal also found that Vodacom’s conduct is unconscionable in that Vodacom continued to bill consumers after they duly cancelled their contracts or attempted to do so, and by referring such consumers to debt collectors, blacklisting them with credit bureaus, and threatening them with legal action.

“By repeatedly denying consumers the right to cancel the contracts, Vodacom contravened section 40(1)(b) and (d) of the Act. Lastly, the supplier contravened section 29(b)(i)(ii) and (v) read with section 41(3) by marketing a data bundle package that was not available and not provided,” she said.

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Picture: The luxury BMW X3 belonging to the GTLM taken in for repair/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The luxury BMW X3 that was bought for the disgraced Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, will cost the taxpayers over R234 000 to repair. The vehicle is currently taken in for repair at Forsmans Auto Body Repairs in Potchefstroom after allegations that, it was damaged by Gaoraelwe’s wife.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) calls for the removal of Gaoraelwe as a mayor. The EFF whip, Amogelang Matuane said the BMW X3 was bought for R700 000, but it has already cost the municipality almost the same amount of money to repair.

Last year, the municipality forked out R250 000 to fix the vehicle after the ‘drunk’ Gaoraelwe crashed it during the accident. 

“We are going to take this matter up because we heard that, the vehicle was driven by the mayor’s wife to Kimberley in Northern Cape. This vehicle is not used by the mayor but by his wife. We understand that the mayor drives a bakkie that belongs to the Community Services Unit.

“We have raised issues on that matter during the council. We have also received complaints from the Community Service Unit that, they cannot fulfill their functions because they have no transportation. The BMW X3 is too expensive for nothing because it was bought for the mayor’s wife,” she said.

Matuane further said actually, they want Gaoraelwe to resign because he is irresponsible and does not have the interests of the municipality at heart. She added that, they do not think that Gaoraelwe is not fit to lead the municipality.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape said it is very disappointing to see all these happening. Nape said he feels like this matter should be taken up on a serious note.

“Look, I think we should also involve external agencies because the ANC councillors continue to protect the mayor through votes. They downplay the mayor’s shenanigans and do not hold him accountable.

“It is too much now and if it is true, we do not have Gaoraelwe’s wife as the mayor. So, it is not acceptable that, the mayor’s wife drives the official municipal vehicle,” he said.

Azanian Independent Community Movement (AICM) councillor, Tebogo Monchonyane said they only heard those allegations, but they were not formally informed as municipal council. Monchonyane said if there is any truth to the matter, they will table a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe.

According to the tracker’s log report depicting a vehicle registration number: KRP 922 NW, shows that, on 11 July 2023, the BMWX 3 allegedly left for Kuruman. On 12 July 2023, the vehicle left for Kimberly and it was recorded in Wolmaranstad later on.

On 18 July 2023, the tracker records allegedly show the BMW X3 leaving Taung to Kimberley. On 11 August 2023, the tracker records allegedly show the BMW X3 leaving Kimberley and breaking down at Uranianville.

However, in the letter dated 20 August 2023 and submitted to the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Gaoraelwe said:

“In the morning of 16 July 2023, the information screen of the vehicle in question was displaying information that reads: “Check control, drivetrain, you can continue driving. Roadside assistance not required, drive power reduced, have the problem checked by your service partner.”

“I then later reported the concerning matter that day to the acting Fleet Manager, who then booked the vehicle to be assessed at BMW in Kimberley.”

He said the vehicle was taken to BMW on 18 July 2023. Gaoraelwe said that, after mechanical assessment, it was discovered that some hard substance could have damaged the vehicle underneath and subsequently made some bolts loose.

 “It was only at this time that, I was made aware that there could have been damage to the vehicle without my knowledge. Also, indicated to the mechanical personnel that I personally do not have any recollection of the damage,” he said.

*The incompetent Greater Taung Local Municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant did not bother to respond to the media inquiry sent to him.  

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Picture: The seven accused in arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung will continue today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. Yesterday, the state called one witness to testify regarding the events during the torching of three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.

The trial commenced on 17 October and was scheduled until 18 October 2023.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.

The police arrested the seven accused in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Picture: The road project in Lokaleng officially opened/Supplied 

By OABKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi officially handed over the Z422 road at Lokaleng village, near Mahikeng on Tuesday. Molapisis said a R123 million road project was implemented through the equitable share.

“The completed Phase 1 (15km) from Albert Luthuli intersection through Lokaleng and Mogosane to Tlapeng villages is part of the 29.5 km long, low standard unpaved rural collector road surrounding rural areas with agricultural activities.

“The 2023 October Transport Month (OTM) theme pointed to the necessity and urgency with which the government is to proceed in the implementation of road infrastructure. Through this year’s campaign, we seek to prioritise building infrastructure that stimulates social emancipation and economy that works to create jobs and save lives,” he said.

Molapisis further said a total of R20 million was spent on sub-contractors and 49 beneficiaries were recorded. They accounted for 32% of the contract value spent on sub-contractors. He added that they are thankful for the sterling and exemplary leadership demonstrated by the tribal authority during this project.

“This project did not have unnecessary delays and was completed within a prescribed period. This must be motivation and a lesson to other communities,” said Molapisi.

The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo said: “The notable investment in roads infrastructure in and around the Mahikeng is an indicator that, the department is committed to repositioning and the rebuilding of Mahikeng.”

Meanwhile, Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare said as the tribal authority, they thank the department for responding to the needs of the people. Motshegare said this road would bring about developments in their villages and ultimately attract investment.

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Picture: The EFF councillor, Betty Diale

By OBAKENG MAJE

A theft case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale (52) has been postponed by the Rustenburg Regional Court postponed to 31 October 2023. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the case was postponed for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on Diale’s representations.

“Should the representations be rejected by the DPP, a new trial date will be determined by all parties. A warrant of her arrest was previously issued for failing to appear in court on 26 September 2023 and also failing to provide reasons for her absence.

“Diale was re-arrested on 6 October 2023 and released on warning. An inquiry was held on her absence and the court subsequently accepted her medical certificate as proof for her absence. All necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for trial as she indicated that, she would represent herself during proceedings,” he said.

Mamothame further said Diale is facing six charges of theft amounting to approximately R700 000. He added that Diale allegedly stole that money from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants.

“The police reports reveal that, the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account. The claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the payout and subsequently reported to the police for investigation.

“Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. The Legal Practice Council has struck her off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney,” said Mamothame.

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Picture: The human trafficking is prevalent/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A human trafficking and possession of drugs case against a Nigerian national, Adeyefa Adedamola Adetoye (38) was postponed by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court to 26 October 2023 for further investigation and legal representative.

Adetoye, who was remanded in custody, was arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation consisting of Kimberley-Based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Kimberley K9, Crime Intelligence and Local Criminal Record Centre.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Minisi said they received a tip-off regarding suspected victims of trafficking in persons aged between 17 and 29 on 15 October 2023.

“Victims were allegedly lured from Gauteng to Northern Cape and promised a better life by the perpetrator. They were locked up at Sun1 Hotel in Kimberley and used for prostitution. A disruptive operation was conducted at the said hotel and victims were rescued. 

“Mandrax tablets, crystal methamphetamine (tik), cell phones, and documentation were confiscated for further investigation. Victims are currently kept at a place of safety,” she said.

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

It seems the wheel is off on the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality’s wagon, if what Forum 4 Service Delivery said is anything to go by. The buoyed F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti, who is also the Chairperson of Finance at the municipality, alleged that the R101 million equitable share that was deposited into the municipal account is reported to be finished.

Moeti said, that on 4 July 2023, the Treasury deposited R101 million equitable share into the municipality’s Investment Account, but it was allegedly reported to be finished within weeks.  

“That money was deposited into the municipality’s Investment Account to avoid interest. However, two weeks before September 2023, there were allegations that the money had been depleted and there was no accountability.

“I still maintain that all this is happening because we have an incompetent mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. There is a challenge regarding the lack of oversight by him. We understand that the mayor was supposed to get monthly reports, but he does not request them,” he said.

Moeti further said the incompetent Gaoraelwe is failing in terms of conducting oversight. He added that the issue regarding the recent resignation of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mphiwa Chwene, and the depleted R101 million equitable share cannot be separated.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Whip at the municipality, Amogelang Matuane shared the same sentiments. Matuane said it is disheartening to see the municipality in this quagmire.  

“The municipality is having service delivery issues, including many backlogs. Recently, there was an issue over the lack of service delivery in Itireleng and Kolong villages.

“Community members took to the streets to demand services, which include roads and water. Therefore, not having an accounting officer will fuel the very same challenges that the municipality is faced with,” she said.

The Treasury said: “The constitution provides that each sphere of government – national, provincial, and local – is entitled to an equitable share of revenue raised nationally to enable it to provide basic services and perform the functions allocated to it.

“The equitable division of revenue takes into account the functions assigned to each sphere and the capacity of each government to pay for these functions through its own receipts and revenues. The equitable share is an unconditional allocation.”

It says the provincial and local governments, being distinct spheres of government, determine the priorities for these funds and are directly accountable for how they are spent. Treasury said, however, that provincial and local government spending is largely assigned to functions in which national legislation sets norms and standards.

Meanwhile, the incompetent Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to the media inquiry sent to him.

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Picture: A piece of land in the heart of Jan Kempdorp/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for an audit on the sale of the municipal land in Jan Kempdorp. DA councillor at Phokwane Local Municipality, Annette van Wyk, alleged that almost a decade ago, the municipality sold the park made up of between six and eight stands in total.

Van Wyk alleged that, now there is an illegal development on a green zone in the middle of Jan Kempdorp that looks set to expand. She further said, that despite the land requiring rezoning, no public participation ever took place.

“There is also no proper record of the sale, other than a cheque book leaf for an amount of R110 000. The property was not serviced at the time of the sale and the purchase was made on the condition that the owner would be fully responsible for servicing it.

“The owner would also be responsible for developing entrances to the property. However, a year and a half ago, a house was built on the piece of land that is still not serviced,” said van Wyk.

She added that, while it is unknown what type of sanitation is being utilized, a ditch was dug across the tar road, to provide an electricity connection. Van Wyk said there is no proof that the land was rezoned for residential purposes or that the electricity connection is legal.

“Recently, three truckloads of bricks were offloaded on the premises, raising concern that further illegal developments are about to mushroom on the property, which remains to be serviced.

“The community members have been seeking answers for almost a decade and have since initiated legal action. The issues regarding the property in question are not isolated. In another incident, a property measuring 1000 hectares, that was bought for R76 000, was recently returned to the municipality after the owner could not keep up with the rates and taxes payments,” she said.

Van Wyk said the DA has submitted their concerns to the municipal speaker and requested that an audit into all sales of municipal land, dating back over a decade, be urgently conducted. She said proper processes need to be followed throughout, otherwise the irregular sale of land may translate into corruption.

Meanwhile, the Phokwane Local Municipality spokesperson, Kgalalelo Letshabo said she would respond after gathering facts.

“I am in Kimberly for a meeting. The municipality will issue a statement responding to this and a media statement released by the DA regarding this matter after consultation with relevant officials,”

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