Picture: Police during Vuthu Hawe operation/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 100 vehicles and 200 people were searched during the Vhutu Hawe operation on Friday. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the operation comprised of stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, cordon and searches, high visibility patrols, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, businesses, and second hands goods dealers.

“A high-density operation in Kimberley was led by the acting District Police Commissioner in the Frances Baard cluster, Brigadier Charlotte Makgari, and supported by members of the SAPS Provincial Office, Public Order Policing, TRT, Airwing, Flying Squad, K9, Home Affairs, Traffic, Northern Cape Liquor Board, Sol Plaatjie Municipal Security, Safety Volunteers and Kimberley, Roodepan, Kagisho, and Galeshewe Police Stations.

“The team conducted 6 VCPs during which more than 100 vehicles and 200 persons were searched and several were fined for being in contravention of the law. Numerous disruptive actions included police stop and search actions, blue light high visibility patrols, and 64 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, shebeens, taverns, liquor outlets, and businesses,” Kock said.

He said the team also executed cordons and searches at taxi ranks. Sergio further said the traffic department assisted with compliance inspection of taxi drivers and their vehicles.

Sergio added that, during stop and searches, one person was arrested with copper worth R1000, and one undocumented citizen was detained with the assistance of Immigration officials.

“Numerous visits were made to ATMs, business premises, national key points, post offices, and tuckshops in residential areas in Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan, and Kagisho.

“The SAPS management thanked all the SAPS members and external stakeholders for participating in the weekly high-density crime prevention and disruptive actions, which will continue to stamp down the authority of the state and restore to community’s trust in the police,” he said.

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Picture: The identikit of the suspect, who allegedly raped a girl/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was allegedly raped by an unknown man. It is alleged that, the girl was walking home with her friend at Lesego Street in Ipopeng Township, near Kagisho in Kimberly at around 10:30pm when the incident took place.

The Northern Cape spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said: “They were allegedly accosted by three unknown men, who chased after them with knives. The victim was caught by two of the three suspects. One held her down, while the other suspect raped her.

“Anyone with information about the incident or the person of interest in the identikit can contact the investigating officer, Cst Mamapula of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses unit on 083 369 3589.”

Kock further said, alternatively, you can sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app. He added that, all information will be treated as confidential and the investigation continues.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A stepfather has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court for raping his stepdaughter. On 13 June 2021, the mother of the victim (8) caught the accused in the act and informed the police.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Molefi Shemane said a case was opened and the accused (48) was arrested. Shemane further said the accused abandoned his right to apply for bail.

“The Kimberley Magistrate’s Court recently convicted and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment. The court instructed that the accused’s name be entered into the national registered of sex offenders and the national child protection register,” he said.

The investigating officer, Detective Sgt Neo Noge was applauded by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola for the meticulous and thorough investigation, that led to the lifelong incarceration of the accused.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The 21 suspects who have been on the run from the police for various crimes such as robbery, housebreaking, theft out of a motor vehicle, assault GBH, attempted murder, and contravention of protection orders were arrested. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam the suspects were arrested at their respective residences in Roodepan, Kimberley, and Sunrise in De Aar on 20 July 2023.

“The teams of police detectives from Roodepan and Sunrise Police Stations embarked on wanted suspects tracing operations between 19-20 July 2023 in their respective policing precincts. One suspect who was on the run from the police since 2020 on two charges of rape and child pornography case, was traced and arrested in Kraaifontein, Western Cape with the assistance of a vigilant Community Police Forum (CPF) member.

“He will appear at the Victoria West Regional Court on 24 July 2023. The investigation team will oppose any efforts of seeking bail. Other suspects made appearances at the Kimberley and De Aar Magistrate Courts on 21 July 2023,” Sam said.

He further said, the public is reminded that, failure to appear in court is not excusable. Sam added that, the courts may find grounds for another criminal offense that can be added in addition to the one the accused failed to appear for.

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Picture: A fake matric certificate/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 27-YEAR-OLD MAN from Buxton village, near Taung has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court for fraud.

Mpho Gift Sekwenyane submitted a fraudulent matric certificate while applying to become a policeman during the 2021/22 South African Police Recruitment drive.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, Sekwenyane was arrested at his home in Buxton village on 7 March 2023.

“Thorough investigation was done and Sekwenyane was arrested on 7 March 2023 at his home in Buxton village, near Taung. He was found guilty and sentenced on 19 July 2023 with a R20 000 fine or 18 months imprisonment for fraud,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner for Corporate Services, Maj Gen Henriette De Waal commended D/Sgt Neo Mduane from the Provincial SAPS Anti-corruption unit for his meticulous investigation that led to this outstanding sentence.

“We hope this conviction will serve as a deterrent to others who attempt to commit similar crimes,” said De Waal.

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Picture: The Baga Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing village

By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-built Baga-Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing village, near Taung, has delivered its first five babies. The R130 million centre was opened a few months ago after nine years of delays.

One of the mothers, who gave birth at the facility, Dineonyane Sedumedi, indicated that she got the best treatment from the nurses and she is delighted. Sedumedi further said the new 24-hour operation of the facility has helped her in reducing cost implications such as transport. 

“This facility will be rendering quality healthcare to villages such as Mammutla, Madipelesa, Lower Majeakgoro, Upper Majeakgoro, Kgomotso and other neighbouring areas once is fully operational,” she said.

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said the babies were delivered during the past weekend.

“We would like to express our pride and relief following the delivery of the first five babies. It is indeed with great pride to announce that our efforts to open the doors of this facility are coming to fruition.

“The community of Batlhaping Baga Mothibi are receiving the quality healthcare services they deserve. The facility is currently operating its maternity ward for 24 hours, since the beginning of this month. Taung Sub-District has commenced operating 24 hours in maternity and acute and emergency services from 6 July 2023,” said Sambatha.

He further said, the operation of a 24-hour maternity unit will ensure that, service delivery is expedited to the community and reduce travelling costs including time. Sambatha added that, the increased operating hours of the maternity unit are in line with Taung Sub-District’s strategy of providing quality healthcare services and also meeting the set target pertaining to reducing child mortality. 

“Since operating 24 hours, a total number of three babies have been born at the facility, which proves that the service is indeed a good move for the people. The first baby was born on 14 July 2023 and it was a boy residing in Sekhing village.

“The second baby was born on 16 July 2023 also from Sekhing village, while the 3rd child was born on 17 July 2023 from Mammutla village,” said Sambatha.

Meanwhile, he said a provincial and district team led by the acting Deputy Director-General for Health Services, Pule Monale is hard at work to ensure that the facility is 100% complete and ready for official handover to the community of BaGa Mothibi before the end of August 2023.

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Picture: A nurse assisting patients/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 44-YEAR-OLD nurse was allegedly assaulted and raped in Nhole village, near Taung on Sunday morning. It is alleged that the nurse was on her way to work at Taung District Hospital when the incident happened.

The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The incident was reported at Taung Police Station and a case of rape was opened for further investigation. The suspect is unknown.”

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said they condemn the atrocity in the most robust sense and with the contempt it deserves. Sambatha further said the incident was devastating.

“Disregarding women’s rights and safety should never be normalised in our communities. We need to work hard to turn the tide of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and should not accept such crimes against women.

“The rape of one woman is a degradation and limitation to all women. Rape is the most intimate of crimes, and it is disturbing that this heinous act occurred against a health worker as she was on her way to render her services to save lives,” he said.

Sambatha calls on the apprehension of the culprit by law enforcement agencies and for the justice system to enforce a harsh sentence to ensure that justice is served for the victim.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The case against the alleged serial rapist in Wolmaransstad has been postponed to 16 October 2023 by the North West High Court sitting Klerksdorp for trial. Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile (43) is facing 22 charges of rape, 9 of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 5 of attempted murder, 17 of assault, 7 of attempted robbery, and 5 of theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, all 65 charges are related to incidents that occurred between December 2012 and May 2018 in Wolmaransstad. Mamothame said the suspect would allegedly accost unsuspecting women holding a knife or a sharp object and start threatening them.

“He would subsequently assault, rob and rape them before fleeing the scene. In some instances, he allegedly would confront women walking in a group and start throwing objects at them, ordering them to run. He would thereafter target one of them, assault, strangle and rape the victim.

“Evidence gathered indicates that, in some instances, he was assisted by an unknown accomplice who is yet to be arrested. He was apprehended in 2019 after evading arrest and the court denied him bail,” he said.

Mamothame further said both the state and Tshabile’s defense attorney, assured the Judge President, Ronald Hendricks that, all documents relating to the trial have been shared and both are ready to proceed.

Meanwhile, Tshabile will remain in police custody until the matter is concluded.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will be conducting the third leg of nationwide public hearings on the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land (PDAL) Bill at Mmabana Taung in North West on 21 July 2023.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, land Reform and Rural Development, Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Dalibhunga Mandela said the committee had successful hearings in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

According to Mandela, the North West hearings will take place at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth district municipalities from 21-23 July 2023.

“The PDAL Bill seeks, among other things, to provide that the Sub-division of the Agricultural Land Act (SALA) of 1970 applies to all agricultural land in the country, to provide principles for the management of agricultural land.

“To provide for agricultural land evaluation and classification, to provide for the preparation, purpose and content of provincial agricultural sector plans and to provide for the declaration of protected agricultural areas,” he said.

Mandela said, the Bill further aims to address SALA shortcomings and other identified weaknesses. He added that SALA is currently administered only by the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and, as such, does not conform to the constitutional requirements of cooperative governance where national, provincial and local spheres of government have a role to play.

“Furthermore, SALA is only applicable to privately owned land and thus, the department cannot protect high-value agricultural land owned by the state, statutory bodies, communal land and land administered by traditional authorities.

“An attempt was made in 1998 to repeal the SALA Act of 1970 through the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Repeal Act, 1998 (Act No. 64 of 1998). However, the repeal Act, which was passed by parliament, was assented to by the then-acting president, but not the president. Therefore, it was never promulgated,” said Mandela.

He said the committee is conducting the public hearings to ensure that, the final Bill reflects the views of the people and the affected stakeholders. Mandela said public participation is very important in the development and processing of legislation to ensure that laws that parliament passes are progressive and responsive to the needs of every citizen and do not infringe on their rights.

Details of the public hearings programme in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District are as follows:

Date: Friday, 21 July

Time: 10:00 – 14:00

Venue: Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation, Taung

Details of the public hearings programme in Ngaka Modiri Molema District are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 22 July 

Time: 10:00 – 14:00

Venue: Lonely Park Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng

Details of the public hearings programme in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 23 July

Time: 10:00 – 14:00

Venue: Ballroom Hall, Klerksdorp

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