By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Corruption and mismanagement of funds allegations continue to hackle the North West Investment (NTI). This comes after the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) that was appointed to assist in resuscitating the embattled NTI dismally failed.

Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts chairperson, Job Dliso resolved that the contract of the BRP be terminated with immediate effect.

Dliso said, this is to safeguard the monies of the North West Provincial government.

“We have the responsibility of protecting the interests of our people and guard against the continuous abuse of funds being embezzled at NTI. The reliance on the assistance of the Business Rescue Practitioner has been fruitless, as there is no comprehensive report on the progress registered thus far since its inception.

“We, therefore, instruct the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to stop all payments made to the Business Rescue Practitioner with immediate effect until all relevant documentation and reports are submitted before the committee to ensure compliance,” he said.

Dliso further said the BRP was appointed by the Shareholder Technical Task Team on 19 July 2022 to intervene in long-standing challenges faced by the NTI. He added, amongst some of the challenges facing NTI, was the failure to submit Annual Financial Statements (AFS), non-payment of statutory obligations, and non-payment of licenses and permits resulting in daily threats of withdrawal of buses leased, due to amounts owed.

“The BRP had failed to submit the Business Rescue plan as per terms of reference and extended his contract, while not having adhered to terms of reference for his appointment. He also failed to follow supply chain management and PFMA even after being advised by Provincial Treasury,” he said.  

Dliso further lambasted the North West Premier, Bushy Maape for ‘no show’. He added that, this was not the first meeting, where Maape failed to come and account for issues of NTI.

“We needed clarity, amongst others is why the BRP had opened a separate bank account from the NTI account. We need clarity on the legality of that, the signatories of that account, how much was transferred to the account and how much has been spent to date, and on what.

“We also want the details of the board meeting, including the minutes and attendance registers of the meeting that took a resolution that NTI must be put under Business Rescue. The process followed in putting NTI under Business Rescue included allegations of an existence of a court order revoking the license of the BRP and a comprehensive Business Rescue Plan,” said Dliso.

He asked how BRP request an extension of a contract, while he dismally failed to adhere. Dliso said the BRP allegedly disregarded the legislation, in particular, the PFMA and Supply Chain processes.

“If the extension is granted, it will increase the irregular expenditure the Auditor General (AG) always raised about our entities. As SCOPA, we cannot allow that to happen. We have a duty to hold government accountable and play our oversight role,” said Dliso.

The NTI Group CEO, Grace Sadiki said: “The BRP has not assisted the NTI since its inception and only formally met on 8 November 2022. We have not received any Business Rescue Plan. We do not have a report on the company’s bank accounts, or any bank statements, which affects the preparations of monthly bank reconciliations.

“Changes are not communicated to NTI management, with regard to the appointment of service providers and that procurement processes are not in line with PFMA.”

Meanwhile, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) also opposed the extension of the BRP’s contract, stating amongst others that BRP breached the agreement by using his vantage point to advance personal and/ or business interests to supply the state-owned bus company with fuel.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West High Court in Mahikeng is expected to hand down a judgment on a premeditated murder case of a prominent businesswoman, the late Kgomotso Serei. It is alleged that, Tumo Phatudi, Zwelinzima Mohapi, and Lebogang Serei were arrested in connection with her murder.

Kgomotso, who owned a mortuary was shot dead, while at her business office in 2017. According to the investigation, Lebogang Serei, who is a stepson to the deceased allegedly hired hitmen to kill Kgomotso.

It is alleged that the motive behind the killing was prompted by a ‘will’ that Lebogang’s father signed and made Kgomotso a beneficiary. This allegedly caused a feud between the deceased and the accused.

Meanwhile, the Taung Community against Crime organisation’s chairperson, Peggy Molathegi said then: “We will continue to follow up on this case. We want to see suspects rotting in jail and the law must prevail.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

An urgent bail application hearing in a murder case against four accused was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court to 13 and 14 December 2022. A local businessman and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo Katong (34), and Katlego Mosimege (31), who allegedly brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35), made an urgent bail application and their request was granted.

They were arrested in April 2022 for allegedly killing Mothibedi, who was one of their loyal customers after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house at 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 allegedly fetched and transported 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 Thabiso’s murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in armed and allegedly torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The murder case against the accused was initially postponed to 15 February 2022, but they made an urgent bail application for 22 November 2022, which was granted.

However, magistrate Edwin Letsapa postponed the matter to 5 and 6 December 2022. Letsapa said this was to give enough time to both the defence and state to prepare for their ‘heads of arguments’ for bail application.

Meanwhile, community members packed the court to the rafters. They also submitted a petition calling for no bail against the accused.

Thabiso’s aunt, Kehilwe Modisakoma said: “We were not even informed as a family about this urgent bail application launched by the accused. So, we just wonder why it was made a secret. However, we do not want to see these criminals getting bail because they sell nyaope to the youth.

“They turned Thabiso into their slave and killed him afterward. Nyaope is killing the future of many young people and we hope that the justice system will take that into consideration. We call for no bail against the accused because we are not sure what will happen if they are granted bail.”

One of the community leaders, Rapampiri Motshitshi shared the same sentiments. Motshitshi said they do not want to see the accused in their community because of the criminal activities they execute.

“Our youth are faced with a bleak future because they are destroyed by nyaope. The only thing that we want is to see a clean community that is free from drugs. These young boys come to our houses and steal just to feed their cravings,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A well-known advocate has been arrested for stock theft in Taung. The North West police said adv Tebogo Letloleng (42) was arrested on 2 December 2022 for being in possession of the suspected stolen livestock.  

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We are investigating a case of possession of the stolen livestock. A suspect was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of a suspected stolen cow.

“Letloleng briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 5 December 2022. He will be back in court on 7 December 2022 for a formal bail application.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A BOY (18) died at an initiation school in Tlapeng village, near Taung on Sunday. It is alleged that Thabang Lehihi, who stays in Longaneng village, arrived at the initiation school and complained of stomach cramps.

The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The deceased passed away on 4 December 2022. He was identified by his father and no foul play is suspected.

“An inquest case is under investigation by Taung Police Station.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 28-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with the murder. This comes after the suspect allegedly assaulted Gosego Mahura (28) at a local tavern in Mokgareng village, near Taung on Saturday night.

The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The untimely death of Mahura was reported to the Taung Police on 4 December 2022. According to the information at hand, Mahura was at a tavern when he was assaulted and sustained serious injuries.

“He was taken to his parental home after the assault. Later on Sunday, the family discovered that he had passed on. A case of murder was opened and a suspect was arrested.”  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A priest, who is a Zimbabwean national, Lucas Chauke (50) was sentenced to two life terms for murder and rape by the North West High Court. Chauke also received a cumulative 30 years on two other counts of murder and rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Chauke was illegal in the country. Mamothame further said, the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

“Chauke’s murder emanates from an incident that occurred on 8 October 20217 in Temba, wherein he met a 53-year-old woman known to him, as he was known to be a priest in the area. He then took her to a secluded place near a dam, under the pretense of assisting her with her spirituality.

“Upon arrival, he repeatedly raped her and subsequently tied her to a tree, before fleeing the scene. After a while, she managed to untie herself and ran to ask for help,” he said.

Mamothame further said, the victim managed to report the incident to the police, who then started searching for the accused. He added that Chauke was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape.

“In a separate incident that occurred on 10 May 2018, he took a 55-year-old woman to the same secluded area next to the dam, raped her, and tied her to a tree before fleeing the scene.

“Her decomposed body was later discovered still tied to the tree, as she was unable to set herself free. He was sentenced to life for murder and a further 15 years for rape,” said Mamothame.

He said on 3 August 2018, Chauke took another woman (55) to the same place and attempted to rape her, but seemingly failed. Mamothame said he then tied her to a tree and left her to die.

“Chauke was sentenced to 15 years for murder. He was eventually arrested, and linked through DNA specimens to all other incidents,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Benny Kalakgosi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as the offenses committed were serious. Kalakgosi further argued that Chauke took advantage of unsuspecting women, who trusted him as a priest.

Judge Frances Snyman agreed with the state and described Chauke’s actions as horrific and further alluded to the trust that he abused towards women who held him high.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded the prosecutor and the investigation team from the SAPS for a successful conviction.

“We welcome this conviction, especially at a time when we are reflecting on the plight of women during the 16 Days of Activism. This fight needs to be activated 365 to be victorious against this scourge,” she concluded.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A theft case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of the Provincial Legislature in North West, Betty Diale is ready for pre-trial. Diale is facing six charges of theft amounting to approximately R700 000 allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund(RAF) claimants.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the police reports reveal that Fidelity Funds, a body that oversees the conduct of attorneys, 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 pay-out, henceforth, reported to the police for investigation. Diale was practicing as an attorney, during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011.

“She was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. The Legal Practice Council has also struck her off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney,” Mamothame said.

The further said the Rustenburg Regional Court postponed a case against her to 27 January 2023 for pre-trial. According to Mamothame, Diale has indicated to the court that, she will be representing herself.

“The state will be providing her with all the necessary documents in preparation for trial,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West High Court in Mahikeng is expected to hand down a judgement on a matter, where aggrieved ANC members in North West, call for the dissolution of the provincial elective conference.

The aggrieved ANC members took the ruling party to court over alleged blemished processes displayed during the provincial elective conference, that was held in Rustenburg a few months ago.

One of the applicants, Letlhogonolo Moloko from Matlosana said they were allegedly denied access into the vicinity, where the elective conference was held, even though they were voting delegates. 

The case was listened to by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Friday and postponed until 6 December 2022 for judgement. The ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Kenny Morolong lashed out at the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and called it fraudulent.

“We came here today to confirm what we already know that, this PEC is fraudulent and fictitious. We would not accept any wrongdoings within the ANC. We grew up in the ANC and we are more senior than many people who are in that PEC.

“So, we are not going to be afraid to confront injustice and we do not need any court of law to do that. The provincial elective conference was fictitious by all measure and we are not going to be intimidated by anybody,” he said.

Morolong further said they do not care whether the PEC charges them or not because there is nothing that the PEC can do that they have already not done to the ANC. He added that, the ANC PEC members have harmed and divided the ANC because they are assisted by ‘criminals’.

“Some of them are members of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). However, we are not afraid of them and we will even tell them at the ANC national elective conference that, they have divided this province even further.

“We will not even be surprised if some of them were bought to do that, because we know those characters. They are very dodgy and corrupt, however, comrades, some of us are undeterred,” said Morolong.

He also called for unity and lauded those who took ‘gigantic’ steps to go to court. Morolong said the unity of the ANC is synchronised and there were some attempts to bribe applicants.

“There is an audio clip that is circulating on social media platforms, where some of them tried to buy the applicants. If they think the elections were credible, why would they attempt to buy and intimidate the applicants? I can almost guarantee you that, victory is certain on 6 December 2022,” said Morolong.

However, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said they are unshaken by these allegations.

“Look, as the ANC PEC, we are still confident that the verdict will be in our favour. We have presented our case, but without getting into its merit, we will wait for the verdict on 6 December 2022 and respond accordingly.

“We will not dwell too much on the allegations making rounds on various social media platforms because we do not know where they originate.”

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