Picture: ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Sepale accused of having sex with an underage boy/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The disgraced ANC ward 25 councillor, who is facing two counts of statutory rape and crimen injuria, is expected to appear at Orkney Magistrate’s Court today. Tebogo Sepale (40) was arrested on Sunday after he was seen allegedly having sex with an underage boy in a video that went viral on various social media platforms.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West condemned Sepale’s alleged actions and said it was disappointed by his barbaric conduct. COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said, they have learned that, Sepale allegedly molested young boys and girls in exchange of services.
“While doing that, he continued to record his acts and distributed on social media. In our view as COSATU, this is an act which must be condemned by the society at large. This kind of people should not be allowed to live with people and must be placed where they belong.
“It is also disgusting to the fact that, the community have trusted this person and have elected him as their representative in the council. It is expected of him to be the one who advocate for the rights of the community, instead he took advantage of the vulnerability that the community find itself in,” said Konopi.
He further said, as COSATU, the deployment of this shoddy characters by the ANC is an indication that, the ruling party, particularly in the North West, failed to implement the ANC constitution and policies of the organisation as guided by national.
“We also welcome the swift action by the law enforcement agencies for arresting him and we hope that proper and thorough investigation will be conducted, which will lead to conviction.
“We call on the ANC to summarily dismiss this person as a member. The ANC cannot continue to claim to be a leader of society, if it continues to keep membership of people who abuse the society. COSATU further calls on the ANC to do a thorough vetting of all its public representatives at all levels and also do the same to leadership of the ANC in all structures of the ANC,” said Konopi.
Meanwhile, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) call for a harsh action to be taken against Sepale.
F4SD councillor, Matebogo Mosiako said: “We are of a view that perverts such as Sepale should not be given bail as they are not fit to be among the society due to this despicable behaviour. This heinous behaviour is no different to Gerhard Ackerman who was recently found guilty of over 700 counts including rape, sexual grooming, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of children.
“The F4SD members, together with the residents of Kanana, will protest outside Orkney Magistrate’s Court, where the ANC pervert is expected to appear for his bail application.”
She said they are also working together with other Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activists because they believe there should be no room for violence in the communities.
Twelve people aged between 21 and 36 facing numerous charges of aiding and abetting of criminal gang activities, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, insurance fraud, kidnapping, rape, assault, conspiracy to commit murder and contravention of Section 9 Act 121 of 1998 Gang related offenses briefly appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Chane Adams (27), Shawnwin Smith (24), Henry Blom (27), Estee Sade Lawan (24), Bincent Rosen (36), Michael Peters, Semone Rose 29), Thabo Sekopano (36), Stephanie Mc Anda (21), Britney Arends (20), Janine Plaatjie (21) and Abigail Van Wyk (23) were arrested on 4 and 5 May 2023 in a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, Provincial Serious Organised Crime team and Crime Prevention.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the accused persons were arrested simultaneously in Kimberley and Kuruman. Thebe further said it is alleged that, between August 2020 and March 2023, a well-known gang from Kimberley was engaged in the above-mentioned criminal activities.
“During the arrest, one of the accused was found in possession of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of money, which were confiscated for further investigation. An additional case against the accused was registered for dealing in drugs.
“They appeared alongside with the main accused, Goerge Barnett Peters and accomplices Deon May, Shawnwin Smith, Shakireeh Pike, Nico Hofuza, Pameston Mentoor and Tshepo Talimbi. The case was postponed to 31 May 2023 for possible bail application. The accused persons will remain in custody,” he said.
A fraud case against the North West Community Safety and Transport Management’s Head of Department, Thabang Mohlokoleng (54) and co-accused has been transferred to the North West High Court by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court for pre-trial conference.
Mohlokoleng, who was arrested along with Tebogo Van Wyk (40), Nothando Dube (44) and Sipho Levy Phiri (39) are facing 34 counts of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) along with three companies, Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings and Lavao, Estevao (PTY) LTD.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the accused were arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation in North West back in September 2022. Mamothame further said the investigations revealed that, in 2014, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), embarked on the process to reintroduce commercial aircraft to the province’s two airports, Mahikeng and Pilanesberg on a subsidy estimated at R400 million.
“The amount of R183 million was then paid to SA Express between 2015 and 2017 for the services rendered by the ground management companies, which Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri are linked to. The state alleges that, off the R83 million, an amount of R51 million was channelled irregularly through the charged companies.
“The NWPG allegedly appointed S.A Express as a service provider to render the service, but this was done without following the proper Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes. The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by the four accused,” he said.
He added that, Mohlokoleng signed on behalf of the Department of Transport, as the then accounting officer in his capacity as the Head of the Department (HoD). Mamothame said the deal was riddled with procurement irregularities and monies were paid for the services not rendered.
“All companies appointed to do the ground handling services were indirectly owned by Dube and Phiri. The irregularities prejudiced the NWPG of millions of rands that could have been directed to service delivery. The case was recommended for investigation by the Zondo Commission, and the DPCI will continue the investigations as recommended.
“This will be conducted in phases, with a possibility of more arrests being affected. The Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions has also authorised more charges of racketeering to be added and for the matter to be centralised, as some offences were commissioned in the jurisdiction of the Gauteng Local Division,” Mamothame said.
He said Van Wyk was granted R500 000 bail, R35 000 for Dube, R150 000 for Phiri and R50 000 for Mohlokoleng. Mamothame said their bail conditions are that, they should not evade court on the next appearance, refrain from interfering with witnesses, and inform the investigating officer should they wish to leave their area of jurisdiction.
“The matter was postponed to 5 June 2023 and will subsequently sit at the North West High Court of South Africa for pre-trial and trial. Further particulars relating to the case have been shared with the defence attorneys and the state is ready to proceed with pre-trial,” said Mamothame.
Picture: Former ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Veronica Mapule Mafolo and Freddy Phutiyagae/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former ANC Member of Parliament (MP) and her co accused sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for stock theft. Veronica Mapule Mafolo (48) and Thabo Freddy Phutiyagae (36) were arrested at a farm in Schweizer Reneke on 12 January 2018.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West,Henry Mamothame said, one of the farmers noticed fresh car tracks on his farm in the early hours of the morning. Mamothame said, upon counting his stock, he realised that two Bonsmara calves were missing.
“He subsequently alerted his brother to report the matter to the police. The farmer was later called at the Vryburg Auction Kraals, where he positively identified his missing calves. Evidence led in court revealed that Mafolo pleaded with the farmer not to lay charges against her as it would dent her reputation as MP.
“In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Mpho Sephapo, urged the court to impose direct imprisonment on the accused as the offence they committed is prevalent in the province. Magistrate Paul Moeng agreed with the state and described the action by the duo as influenced by greed,” he said.
Moeng indicated that stock theft harm the farmers’ business and further destroys employment for farm workers.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the prosecution team, Sergeant Elias Masoko from the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other role players for a successful conviction.
“Stock theft is rife in our province and the criminal justice system will deal harshly with perpetrators of such offences without fear, favour or prejudice”, she said.
Picture: Paul Pokes Mabe and his wife, Gladys Machwe accused of stealing cattle/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man and his wife from Tlola O Nyele, near Khibitswane village, in Taung were remanded in custody after they were arrested for allegedly stealing two cattle. Paul Pokes Mabe (46) and his wife, Gladys Machwe (40) were arrested on 6 May 2023 after being linked to a stock theft case that took place back in November 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, a stock theft case was opened by the rightful owner of two cattle after they were allegedly in Cokonyane village.
“As investigation progressed, information was obtained, which led to the recovery of the two cattle at Matsheng village in January 2023. Further investigation was done, which led to the arrest of two accused who were positively linked to the stock theft case.
“The third suspect is still at large. The accused briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded in custody until 15 May 2023 for a formal bail application. The alleged stolen cattle were handed back to the rightful owner after being identified by the brand mark,” she said.
The African National Congress (ANC) in North West has expelled eight members. The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said the decision was taken by its Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) after disciplinary hearings against the expelled members.
“The ANC has reaffirmed its long-standing resolution to renew the organisation and revive unity of purpose within its ranks. At the epoch of these resolutions, is the ability and political will of the organisation to implement its own good policies, fight corruption and instill discipline within the ANC.
“So, it is against this backdrop that, the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) makes a public announcement of concluded cases that appeared before it as prescribed in clause 64, Appendix 3 of the ANC constitution. The outcome of disciplinary proceedings involved the Lesego Motlapele, Gontse Kock, Tshepo Khwenanyane, Mittah Chelechele, Tumisho Tlhole, Mmoloki Cwaile, Bafana Nebe, and Stephen Moreki,” he said.
According to Diremelo, Lesego Motlapele, Gontse Kock, Tshepo Kwenanyane, Mittah Chelechele, and Tumisho Tlhole were charged with misconduct. He further said, the common purpose doctrine was applied by the PDC.
“The charges are pending from contravention of Rule 25.17.12, which deals with the undermining of respect for, or impeding the functioning of, any structure or committee of the ANC. The contravention of Rule 25.17.17, deals with prejudicing of the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity by Rule 25.17.17.1.
“Rule 25.17.17.2 deals with creating division within the ranks or membership and Rule 25.17.17.4 deals with acting on behalf of, or in collaboration with, counter-revolutionary forces, a political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies, and objectives of the ANC,” he said.
Diremelo further said contravention of Rule 25.17.20, deals with the case of a public representative breaching his or her contract of deployment concluded with the National Executive Committee (NEC). He added that, the contravention of Rule 25.17.21 deals with the case of a member of the ANC caucus failing, refusing, or neglecting to carry out or execute an instruction(s) or mandate of such caucus.
“All the charged members are expelled from the ANC permanently and Cwaile is charged for contravening Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as amended and adopted at the 54th ANC national conference, in where he has acted in breach of membership oath.
“His action prejudiced the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity. On or about the 12th – 13th August 2022, Cwaile pretended to be a voting delegate as provided for in Rule 17.2.2, Rule 17.2.2.1, and Rule 17.2.2.2. In terms of Rule 17.2.2.3 prejudiced the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity,” said Diremelo.
He said the disciplinary hearing continued in his absence in terms of Rule 25.7(2) of the constitution of the ANC. Diremelo said Cwaile is expelled from the organisation for 10 years with effect from 08 May 2023.
“He will be removed from representing the ANC in the North West Provincial Legislature with immediate effect. Cwaile has a right to appeal this decision within 21 days. Nebe has contravened Rule 25.17.12 of the ANC constitution
“Undermining the respect for or impeding the functioning of any structure or committee of the ANC. He has also contravened Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as he acted in breach of the membership oath. Nebe did not attend the hearing proceeding in his absence on 15 February 2023 in line with Rule 25.7(2) of the ANC Constitution,” said Diremelo.
He said a basic rule of fairness is that, a person who will be adversely affected by an act or a decision of the administration or authority shall be granted a hearing before he suffers detriment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Guardian 