A 39-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery and kidnapping by Vryburg Regional Court. On August 2021, William Mustafa was arrested after he followed a business owner (38), who just closed his business in Vryburg Central Business District (CBD) until he reached his home in Kismet Park, Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The business owner, who was accompanied by his brother, realised that they are being followed. They were about to enter their yard when they were approached by three unknown men, who pointed them with a firearm.
“They instructed them to get out of their vehicle. The accused tied them up, then forced the victims into their vehicle and drove off with them to the direction of Stella along the N18 road. A vehicle was stopped after approximately 5 kilometres and the victims were instructed to get out before being robbed of their cell phones.”
Van Rooyen further said the victim’s brother was left with one of the suspects to guard him. She added that the business owner was taken back to his residence in Kismet Park, where he was robbed of R28 000.
“The victim managed to report the incident to the police the same evening. During the investigation, the accused was positively linked to the incident through fingerprints and ultimately arrested at a business robbery scene.
“The business owner’s cell phone was also found in his possession. He was arrested for business robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods including kidnapping. Mustafa, who has been in detention since his arrest was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.
Mustafa was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Eric Jacobs of Vryburg Detectives and prosecution for their collaborative efforts that led to the sentence, which he said will serve as a deterrent.
Picture: Some of the livestock affected by runaway fires/North West Times
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Over 80 000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fire in Ganyesa and other parts of Northern Cape. The hectares of agriculture were destroyed following runaway veld fires that started last week.
The chairperson of Tsa Bophirima Farming Corporation, Tebogo Mokgejane said, farmers have lost most of their grazing camps and livestock due to the uncontrollable veld fires.
“Some of Tsa Bophirima farmers are affected and it is a great loss to us as well. The effect of these fires will have a significant bearing on our livestock production program. We sympathise with all affected farmers and we would like to call upon our government to assist them.
“We also urge the government to assist with firefighting equipment and prevention programs. We would like to send our sincere appreciation to everyone who assisted in extinguishing these fires since Thursday and all support provided,” he said.
Mokgejane further said, they saw people as far as Wolmaranstad, Taung, Vryburg, and Kuruman flocking into the affected areas around Ganyesa and offering assistance. He added that farmers will overcome this turbulence like many other farming challenges they faced.
“Let us not be demoralised as we have a great responsibility for food production and security. As difficult as it is, let’s soldiers on and we also appeal to the public to help us prevent these fires by avoiding deliberate fire setting, children playing with matches, improper household ashes disposal, smoking, and throwing cigarettes on and near the dry veld,” said Mokgejane.
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said as part of ongoing efforts by his government to contain fires ravaging various parts of the province, they have deployed three helicopters and one spotter to battle the runaway fires. Maape said this was done in collaboration with Working on Fire.
“The team arrived on 13 October 2022 and six fire teams Working on Fire from Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces are also part of that. The government is monitoring the situation and will on a continuous basis, provide updates to affected areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development is set to meet with the North West chairperson, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “We have learned with sadness about the devastating veld fire that has burnt down over 80 000 hectares of grazing land in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality areas and other parts of the Northern Cape.
“Fence lines, poles, kraals, and six water sources such as pipes and water tanks were damaged by the fire. We appeal to the NWPG to move with speed in containing veld fires as this will result in an increased loss of agricultural produce, reduced availability of food for both humans and animals, a reduced growth rate of vegetation, and threatening livelihoods.
“Most importantly, the committee pleads with the government and civil society to assist farmers with food for livestock. Most farmers use grass to feed their livestock, which has been affected by the fire.”
Picture: A nurse, Iris Mohokare found murdered in Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A nurse was found murdered in her rented room in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. The lifeless body of Iris Mohokare, 47, who was a Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found on Thursday with her throat slit.
According to information, the gruesome event was discovered by the deceased’s landlord in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.
“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”
Picture: The deceased, Reotshepile Medichane/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The family of Reotshepile Medichane said her death left them crestfallen. Medichane was allegedly severely assaulted and left to die. The incident took place at Manokwane village, near Taung on 8 October 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the police were called after a case of assault was reported on Sunday.
“On 9 October 2022, the police of Taung were requested to attend to an assault after a victim of the assault was rushed to the Taung District Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, they found a victim, who was severely assaulted and suffered head injuries.
“According to information provided, the victim was found at her place of residence in Manokwane village by her mother who ensured that she was taken to hospital,” van Rooyen said.
She said, Medichane passed away on Wednesday and her death was linked to the assault that she suffered. Van Rooyen further said a case of murder was opened and is currently under investigation.
She added: “No suspect has been arrested and investigation into the murder continues. Anyone who can assist the police with information can contact the Taung Detectives on 053 994 9255.”
Picture: The murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some aggrieved community members in Manthe village, near Taung, threatened to march to the Taung Police Station. This comes after the murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong (31) was seen walking ‘freely’ with three detectives at Taung Mall last week Saturday.
It is alleged that, Katong had challenges with his bank card and he was escorted to the bank to fix it.
However, this did not sit well with some community members. One of the dazed residents said the ‘incident’ confirms their suspicions that Katong is receiving ‘special’ treatment at Taung Police Station.
“Firstly, we are not happy at all regarding the special treatment these alleged murderers continue to endure. Our police are so incompetent and we cannot let anything pass them by.
“We were so startled to see Katong walking around with police instead of being incarcerated. Secondly, why the accused are kept at Taung Police Station holding cells, instead of being at the correctional services facilities?”
Katong was arrested along with his brother, Phenyo, Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) after they allegedly killed Thabiso “W” Mothibedi (35).
It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him to Manthe village.
Upon arrival, they allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by the accused for medical attention.
However, the deceased was certified dead and a murder case was opened.
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 18 October 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the accused was booked out. The station management is currently trying to establish what necessitated the action. We will therefore respond fully soon after establishing the facts.”
Taung Cultural Calabash which was scheduled to take place on 15 October 2022, has been postponed indefinitely. The event was brought to a grinding halt after the boycott of the aggrieved local artists and business people.
These individuals alleged that the bidding adjudication process was flawed and accused the North West Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation (ASCR) and Mmabana Foundation of corruption and favouritism.
A whopping R4 million was allocated for the event during this financial year.
The TCC was established back in 1994 as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.
However, it was marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet to pull the plug.
One of the local business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, the event was supposed to encompass the culture and heritage of the community, instead it has lost its value.
Nkonyana further said, the event was also supposed to create job opportunities for local people, but it does not serve that purpose anymore because it has been ‘hijacked’ by criminals.
“We are happy that the event has been postponed. We have been trying in vain to have consultative engagements with the ASCR and Mmabana Foundation to iron out our grievances, however, our plea fell on deaf ears.
“There is a discrepancy in the awarding of the tender, so we called on Mmabana Foundation to conduct investigations, especially from the supply chain management (SCM),” he said.
Nkonyana added that it cannot be correct that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events continue to be awarded to the same service provider over and over again. He said there are allegations that the local company, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos has been removed from the list even though it performed way better than the appointed service provider.
One of the bidders, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos, Kenosi Kehiloe shared the same sentiments. Kehiloe said even though they bid for the tender, they believe the tender processes were flawed.
“We did not even receive a call from the Mmabana Foundation to tell us where did we go wrong. We believe that would have assisted us because we will know where to improve in the future. However, we were surprised to see the appointed service provider having a piece of first-hand information before even the winner could be announced.
“So, we suspect that there might be a personal relationship between him and some government officials. It is also alleged that, the service provider submitted two different quotations of R3.5million and R6million using different companies,” he said.
Kehiloe also alleged that the same service provider wanted to pay semi-professional artists a meagre R5000.
Meanwhile, the Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kelebogile Modiselle said: “The postponement of the event emanates from the disruptions at the Mmabana Taung Centre. This is to ensure safety amongst all Mmabana stakeholders.
“The entity will issue out an invite to its patrons for a stakeholder engagement to try and find an amicable way to preserve the flagship festival. So, dates and venue will be communicated soon on the entity’s website.”
Picture: The tavern owner killed during an armed robbery in Christiana/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Geluksoord in Christiana said, they reeling with shock after the assassination of the Shack Attack tavern owner, Gerhardus Visser. A businessman (68) was allegedly robbed undisclosed amount of money.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the atrocity took place on Sunday morning.
“The police were summoned to the crime scene and on arrival, the owner of Shark Attack tavern was found lying on the ground next to a vehicle. Initial investigation indicated that Visser had been robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and was shot by four unknown black males.
“The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, but the victim, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries on the scene of the crime. No suspects have been arrested yet and the investigation continues,” van Rooyen said.
Picture: North West teachers awarded for their extraordinary efforts/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said it is important to award exceptional teachers, who continue to put extraordinary efforts in ensuring that learners excel in their grades.
Matsemela said this during the provincial 2022 National Teaching Awards (NTA) gala event held at Sun City Resort on 7 October 2022.
“The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers often in very difficult conditions.
“Such teachers, provide a better future for learners because the lack of quality education is a major factor behind many social, political, economic, and health challenges faced by the world today,” she said.
Matsemela further said lack of quality education also contributes immensely to poverty, prejudice, and conflict. She added that, the NTAs are aimed at motivating teachers to continue the selfless endeavours they make for the benefit of the country.
“As a result of the extraordinary efforts made by teachers under extreme conditions, the department with these awards pays homage to individuals who have demonstrated commitment, dedication, and sacrifice during difficult situations.
“We would like to congratulate the winners who will represent the province at the national level. As we all know the reason for our gathering in this prestigious event, it is to give a heartily tribute to you our esteemed teachers for your hard efforts in building learners throughout the years to be responsible citizens,” said Matsemela.
She said, they have witnessed the teachers’ avowed dedication. Matsemela said, the department hosts the provincial NTAs to celebrate selfless teachers for their remarkable deeds in the teaching profession.
Meanwhile, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District became the overall winner as the best-performing district and won a trophy for the district. The theme for the 2022 World Teachers Day is “Resilience in the Pursuit of Excellence”.
The National Teaching Awards gala event will take place on 20 October 2022 at CSIR, Pretoria.
The North West province winners for the 2022 NTA who will represent the province at the national are as follows:
· Ms Marakane Mokhele from Areitshokeng Primary School, Jouberton Township Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in Grade R Teaching category.
· Ms Lezeth Van Der Walt from Hoerskool Skoonspruit in Klerksport Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in ICT and Enhanced Teaching and Learning category
· Mr Tshwenyego Mokhukhwane from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School in Majakaneng Village, Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Kader Asmal Life Time Achievement Award
· Mr Bongumusa Mabuza from Reabona Secondary School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained the first position in the Excellence in Teaching Physical Science category
· Ms Silindile Hlongwane from Bothibello Secondary School in Bojanala District got the first position in Excellence in Teaching Natural Science category
· Mr Tebogo Mokwene from Mmabatho High School in Mmabatho Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category
· Mr Mzwandile Nduku from Refentse Secondary School in Delaryville, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained position one in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category
· Mr Ronald Sesing from Bophelong Special School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Special Needs Leadership category
· Ms Eldorette Havenga from Die Welge Special School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained position one in the Excellence in Special Needs Teaching category
· Mr Daniel Mekgwe from Tlhoafalo Secondary School in Sannieshof, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Leadership category
· Ms Tsholofelo Lechuti from Tswelelopele Secondary School in Itsoseng Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category
· Ms Dikeledi Sekopamotse from Platinum Village in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained the first position in Excellence in Primary School Leadership category
· Ms Christine Fourie from Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Excellence in Primary School Teaching category
Picture: The Hawks confiscated 15 AK47s in Stilfonteing during a raid on illegal mining/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Twenty suspects were arrested for being in possession of 15 AK47s, 6 hunting rifles, 2 shotguns, and R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money. They were arrested by the Hawks in a mining shaft in Stilfontein in the early hours of Monday.
The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said, the suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery to wit gold, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the immigration act.
Mogale said in a continuous fight against illegal mining, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in North West was assisted by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Management Section, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Harmony Gold mine embarked on an early morning raid at a mine shaft in Stilfontein.
“The operation follows weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities of the suspects. The operation is ongoing and we cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests and more seizures.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2022. The National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya lauded the excellent arrests and seizures by the multi-disciplinary team and warned that this is only just the beginning,” she said.
Picture: The dilapidated Kokomeng Police Station building/File
By REGINALD KANYANE
The residents of Kokomeng village near Taung call on the South African Police Services (SAPS) to do something about the abandoned dilapidating Kokomeng Police Station building.
One of the community leaders, Tebogo Motshebe said the building poses a threat to the community as something nefarious could happen there. Now occasional vagrants camp out in a dilapidating building, which is a ‘potential disaster’.
“In essence, the basic structural components of the building are hazardous. The electric wires are exposed, ceiling and roofing have dilapidated. Remember, this police station used to serve twelve villages in the Baga-Maidi cluster.
“Unfortunately, the institution was destroyed and burned down by protesting community members in 2018. The community members embarked on a protest demanding a tarred road between Molelema and Matsheng villages,” he said.
Motshebe further said, now criminals are taking whatever is left including roof sheets, windows, and door frames. He said, however, the relevant authorities are not doing anything.
“We have written numerous letters to them regarding this matter. The services we were receiving from this police station were essential. Now, people have to travel over 50km and pay R100 to Taung Police Station just to certify just one copy of ID.
“We can no longer afford this situation anymore. We need someone to assist us in voicing our grievances. We need the police station to be revamped and function again,” said Motshebe.
He also lambasted those who torched the police station because now residents must bear the brunt.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said they had satellite police stations in Freedom Park, Magogong, Majakaneng, and Komomeng, however, three of them were torched by the communities.
Kwena said, there is a time when they had to appear before the national Parliament Portfolio Committee to explain why there cannot be a satellite police station in Komomeng village.
“Now, because of the scarcity of resources, we are coming up with mobile satellite police stations, which are effectively implemented. The people who suffer the most are in villages because they have to travel to town to access police stations.
“So, these mobile police stations will move from one village to the other to address necessary challenges from community members. We will always move the resources where there are hotspots and priorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo, who is also MP said: “The old satellite police station was burnt down by community members after complaints that the police failed to attend to reported criminal activities and some police officers would often come to work intoxicated.
“The police station services atleast 22 724 people residing in Kokomeng, Molelema, and 10 other smaller rural villages. On 11 March 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Police and the North West Department of Public Works met to deliberate on the state of the police station. Promises were made to fix the police station and to rebuild it as a satellite station.”
Seitlholo said, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson promised that the committee would receive monthly reports on the progress of rebuilding the police station, but to date, no report has been received.
He said they will request the DA Shadow Minister on Police, Andrew Whitfield, to again write to the portfolio committee chair for an update on the progress of establishing a satellite police station.
“There’s been no response from the Provincial Commissioner. In the presentation to the Portfolio Committee, the commissioner indicated that the building was handed over to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for repairs and that the Sub Bud Adjudication Committee of DPW had a meeting on 4 March 2020 where the repairs of Kokomeng Police Station were approved.
“The DA, therefore, will request our Provincial Spokesperson on Public Works, Freddy Sonakile, to write to the North West MEC of Public Works and Roads to find out why there has been a delay in the repair of the station,” said Seitlholo.
The Guardian 