By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50-YEAR-OLD illegal immigrant was sentenced to two years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and for being illegal in the country in terms of immigration Act 2002, Act No. 13 of 2002.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said Noria Ziburwa briefly appeared at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested for assaulting a half-naked on a video trended on social media in the beginning of January 2022.

Tselanyane said on 13 January 2022, the information was operationalized and led the investigators to Potchefstroom Central Business District (CBD) where the accused was located in a building in Walter Sisulu Street.

“Moreover, the police also found 32 children under the care of Ziburawa, including the toddler that was seen assaulted on the video. All stakeholders including Social Welfare were summoned to the scene.

“Subsequently, Ziburawa was immediately arrested and appeared in court for the first time on 14 January 2022. She pleaded guilty on both charges and was fined R3000 or sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, which is suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar charge during the period of suspension,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the accused was also fined R800 or sentenced to six months imprisonment for being an illegal immigrant. He added that the half of the sentence is suspended for three years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar charge during the period of suspension.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence. Kwena also lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Jacob Ranoko from the Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for a job well done.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside with other three accused are expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court for GBH assault on 26 January 2022.

It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung after a commotion last year.

It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries. Tau was taken to a local clinic and was allegedly transferred to Taung District Hospital.

According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau while lying down after the beatings.

Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”

At the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”.  The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung Regional Court is expected to sentence a convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi (31) today. Motlhasi was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping, GBH assault and car hijacking in 2020.

This comes after he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend, Mamosa Senwedi (29) and her mother, Agatha Senwedi (52) during a commotion on 26 January 2020.

It is alleged that Mamosa wanted to end her romantic relationship with Motlhasi after she found out that he is a parolee. However, Motlhasi who is out on parole for killing his previous girlfriend did not want to hear any of it.

He allegedly started harassing and stalked Mamosa. On 26 January 2020, he allegedly hid at Mamosa’s residential area and waited for her to arrive. Motlhasi allegedly stabbed her several times and she was hospitalised.

Mamosa’s mother was also stabbed in the hand allegedly while trying to intervene.

The incident took place at Mamosa’s residential area in Lokaleng village, near Taung. According to Agatha, they continued to live in fear while Mamosa’s boyfriend was on the run.  

Mamosa’s brother Letlhogonolo Senwedi (37) told Daily Sun at the time that Mamosa started dating the guy in September 2020.

“After she realized that she was dating a parolee, she wanted to end the relationship,” he said. On Sunday, he was hiding at the house when my sister got out of her car. He attacked her and stabbed her many times. My mum tried to intervene, and she was stabbed in her hands,” he said.

Letlhogonolo said Matlhasi allegedly escaped with their bakkie that had his sister’s cellphone and handbag inside. The bakkie was later found about 15km away after the tracker was activated.

“Our mother is scared to be in her own house. She spends the night with friends and relatives,” he said.

The police launched a manhunt for Matlhasi and he was arrested a few months later hiding at Lehurutshe in Zeerust. Matlhasi also allegedly posted their sex videos with Mamosa on various social media platforms. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLDman who was arrested for malicious damage to property is expected back in court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the Vryburg Magostrate’s Court windows.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty heard windows being smashed, and upon investigation saw the suspect running away from the scene.

“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.

Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.

“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.

Dube was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 18-YEAR-OLD girl who was kidnapped on Sunday is still nowhere to be found. Oratile Mothibi from Magogong village near Taung was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man at around 9am while walking with her two younger brothers in the bushes from Modutung village.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “According to information received, Oratile, her brother and cousin, aged 11 and 14 years respectively, went to Modutung to fetch morogo. Whilst in the veld, an unknown man grabbed Oratile and threatened the boys with a knife when trying to rescue their sister.

“The boys ran home to inform the parents and since this incident, various police units, including the Air Wing (helicopter) and community members have been searching for her without success.”

It is alleged that Oratile’s clothes stained with blood were found at the crime scene. A case of kidnapping was opened at Taung Police Station.

Myburgh said anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Capt Joseph Montwedi on cell: 082 496 0332. Alternatively, you can phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information from your smartphone to the MySaps App.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said discussions to open social, cultural and economic activities are underway. On 21 January 2022, Phaahla embarked on a site visit to the health facilities and vaccination sites in Mahikeng and Lichtenburg in the North West province.

“We are here to monitor the province’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-our programme and also to assess the provision of comprehensive health services during the pandemic. So, I have received a report from the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha and I can safely say the province has passed the 4th wave.

“I have also assessed some healthcare facilities, and even though there are some challenges, we will work hand-in-hand with the province to improve on that. Our aim is to continue to give support to our colleagues and re-activating the programme of vaccination roll-out,” he said.

He further said the government’s top priority was to fight against Covid-19 pandemic and ensure there is stability in terms of infection rates. Phaahla added that the president will address the nation when he is ready to announce some relaxations on lockdown regulations such as the opening of stadiums and other cultural activities.  

“There is a positivity rate and all the factors including the admission at the hospitals. However, the fight against the pandemic is still on. The key to this is to ensure that we accelerate vaccination roll-out.

“We have learnt a good lesson for the last two years in terms of management. We are not saying that the pandemic will disappear, but a lot more social and economic activities can be opened,” said Phaahla.

He also urged people to refrain from spreading ‘fake news’ about vaccines. Phaahla said all vaccination programmes are backed-up by established programmes, processes of monitoring and evaluation of adverse effects after vaccination.

“We have medical experts ready to attend to any matter if somebody reports that they have adverse effects after vaccination. They get examined and if there is any scientific evidence that proves that the person experienced permanent damages after vaccination, that individual will be compensated.  

He urged young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to continue to vaccinate as they have experienced a low rate. Phaahla also added that there are plans underway to re-build the Christiana Hospital that was gutted by fire last year.

“There are some challenges regarding shortage of healthcare facilities and Christiana is one of them. You know that the hospital was gutted by fire and there is technical work that is happening there.

“Our infrastructure personnel are on the ground and this includes Thusong Hospital near Lichtenburg where the area is dolomitic. Patients were forced to be relocated a few weeks ago due to the intense situation,” said Phaahla.

Meanwhile, Phaahla was quick to defend the government after the World Bank approved South Africa’s whopping R11.4 billion loan to boost economic recovery.

Some sections of the society questioned the loan and said all this money will not be used for intended purpose, but will be lost through corruption.

“On the issue of the IMF, the national treasury is doing everything to ensure that we have resources and are low interest loans. This will assist us in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are copying in terms of managing the pandemic.

“So, the money is put to good use and it has been a year now without any health worker complaining about the personal protective equipment.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The family of Johannes Monnanyana Mahusi (55) in Granspan village near Taung said they were devastated after he went missing. Mahusi was last seen on 6 January 2022 returning to Rustenburg where he works.

According to family member Thabang Magage, Mahusi allegedly called his wife while in Lichtenburg and indicated that he was at the garage buying food. Magage alleged that Mahusi also said he hitch-hiked a private vehicle with three male occupants inside.

“We would like to urge anyone who can assist us to locate our brother to come forward. He was last seen wearing a blue jean, purple shirt, black shoes and a hat. Anyone with information can contact me on 078 261 6098,” he said.

Meanwhile, North West police Col Adele Myburgh said: “The Phokeng Police request community assistance in locating Mahusi. Anyone with information that can assist police in finding Mahusi can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya on Tel: ‪014-566 1700 / Cell: ‪073 8017 173.

“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on ‪08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” Myburgh said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A learner from Hartbeespoort High School who is a top achiever in the North West, Eloise Elizabeth Shelley (18) said even though 2021 was a tough year, she is happy that she performed remarkably well.

Shelley obtained seven distinctions and scored 1709 marks in all subjects excluding Life Orientation and obtained beyond 90% in all her subjects.

“Through discipline, dedication and determination, nothing is impossible. Achieving great marks requires a good amount of planning. This was a very challenging year and there were many times where I doubted myself.

“However, I told myself to work harder. So, I came up with a strategic plan to schedule everything and I made sure that I stick to the plan. I made a promise to myself not to let any external factors impact my school work,” she said.

Shelley encouraged other learners who did not make it not to be dejected, but rather try again. She further said one should not be afraid of making mistakes, because mistakes are the best opportunities to learn.

“My cordial advice to them is simple. Please, never give up and they should know that failures are a great platform for success. They should not be afraid of making mistakes, but be afraid of making the same mistake twice.

“Planning ahead is always crucial, so to the current cohort, the earlier you prepare, the better. This will bring in improvement in your studies and they should also have a management diary because it will enable them to study smart,” said Shelly.

Shelly who is ‘spoiled for choices’ said she is planning to study medicine either at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria or University of Cape Town.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape has thanked and applauded the Matric Class 2021 for assisting the province to improve the matric results and achieve 78.2% which represents an increase of 2% from the 76.2% in 2020.

“In 2018, the province improved to 81.1% and occupied position 4. So, in 2019, we obtained a pass rate of 86.8% and occupied the same position 4, then in 2020 we dropped to 76.2% and we were relegated to position 5 on the national ranking. 

“So, in 2021, the province is back to position 4 with 78.2%. This performance is a reflection of the resilience of learners who had to adapt to new ways of learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected their schooling program,” Maape said.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela who announced the Matric Final Examinations results at MM Sebitlwane Special School in Taung on Friday (21 January 2022) shared the same sentiments. Matsemela also applauded the learners for helping the province to improve the results after dropping their position in 2020.

“When we said we will bounce back after taking a knock in the 2020 matric result, many thought it was just rhetoric. Our commitment to rise again was inspired by the wisdom drawn from the words of our former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. We have reclaimed our position and we are counted amongst the stars. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2021” said Matsemela.

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By THEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape has thanked and applauded the Matric Class 2021 for assisting the province to improve the matric results after achieving 78,2% which represents an increase of 2% from the 76,2% in 2020.

Maape was addressing the North West Provincial Matric Results Announcement ceremony held at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung.

The ceremony was also attended by top achieving learners and schools in the province, including the officials from the North West Department of Education.  

In 2018, the province improved to 81.1% and occupied position 4, while obtained a pass rate of 86.8% in 2019 and occupied the same position. 

“In 2020, the province dropped to 76.2% and relegated to position 5 on the national ranking. However, in 2021, the province is back to position 4 with 78,2%.

“The performance is a reflection of the resilience of learners who had to adapt to new ways of learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected their schooling program,” he said.

Maape further said the Class of 2021 faced the stark realities of living side-by-side with the Coronavirus pandemic. He added that learners had to adapt and cope with the dictates of a pandemic that dramatically changed their conventional ways of doing things at home and at school. 

“Despite all these, they rose above the challenges they faced and emerged victorious. We are proud of the character displayed by the Class of 2021,” said Maape.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela also applauded the learners for helping the province to improve the results after dropping their position in 2020. 

Matsemela announced the best performing candidate for the North West Class of 2021, Eloise Elizabeth Shelley from Hartbeespoort High School. 

Shelley obtained seven distinctions and scored 1709 marks in all subjects excluding Life Orientation and obtained beyond 90% in all her subjects.

“When we said we will bounce back after taking a knock in the 2020 matric result, many thought it was just rhetoric. Our commitment to rise again was inspired by the wisdom drawn from the words of our former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. 

“We have reclaimed our position and we are counted amongst the stars. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2021”  she said.

Top Performing Schools based on the highest number of subject distinctions (Excluding Life Orientation), in ascending order. 

In Position 3 is Potchefstroom Girls High with 186 subject distinctions, Position 2 – Wesvalia High School with 207 subject distinctions and Position 1 goes to Gimnasium High School with 214 subject distinctions.

Bojanala District is the top performing district with 81,6%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 79,3%, Ngaka Modiri Molema 75,2 and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati with 72,9%.

Maape took the opportunity to announce that the province will be increasing the number of bursaries for the 2022 academic year.

“The Provincial Bursary Scheme is now known as Victor Thebe Sifora who is a struggle icon in the province, who education was very close to his heart. 

“We will also increase the roll-out of learnerships and internships for those who will not succeed in securing the bursary. This will give them an opportunity to acquire the needed skills, lessen the high unemployment rate in the province and contribute to the economy” said Maape.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The family of Mathe from Maganeng village near Taung is looking for Tebogo Mathe who is missing. It is alleged that Mathe left his homestead on 2 January 2022 and never came back.

According to Mathe’s nephew, Rebaone Phoko, the missing man who is mentally-ill, was wearing a blue t-shirt, black trousers and Nike sneakers.

“Anyone who could know his whereabouts, please call me on 0710680805/ 0725506352. We will highly-appreciate your assistance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh confirmed that a missing person case was opened at Pudimoe Police Station.

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