Tag Archives: however

Portfolio Committee unable to act on Thabo Bester’s escape report

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Picture: Rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services received a legal opinion on the Public Protector’s (PP) report on the escape of Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC). The committee is unable to act on the report due to pending legal action.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said, however, it has indicated its consideration of continuing with the hearing of the escape of Bester matter that was started by the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services of the 6th Parliament.

Ramolobeng said the committee requested Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to advise it on how to process the report of the PP on the “Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by the functionaries of the Department of Correctional Services relating to the escape of Bester from MCC and allegations of undue delay and/or omission by the Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services to Intervene regarding the incident.

“The committee heard that this request for the legal opinion is made in light of a pending litigation between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and G4S, a security company subcontracted by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) LTD to run the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

“The PP’s remedial action includes that the Minister of Correctional Services must take note of the findings of improper conduct against the DCS functionaries as highlighted in the Report, in connection with the allegation that there was undue delay by implicated officials of the DCS,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said the National Commissioner of Correctional Services must within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS’ Escape Prevention Strategy and Guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre facility indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place directing how the functionaries of the DCS and Contractors must effectively prevent and manage escapes of inmates within MCC including all other correctional facilities.

She added that the Commissioner must within 120 days from the date of receipt of the report ensure that the DCS has a documented guideline, which communicates how Anonymous Anti-Corruption Reports from the centralised Office of the Public Service Commission’s Hotline and other sources will be attended to by DCS in line with the purpose and the objects of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 and other relevant prescripts.

Ramolobeng said in relation to the Speaker, the PP directed that the Speaker must within 30) days of receipt of the report bring to the attention of the Chairperson of the Committee to take cognisance thereof.

“The committee largely agrees with the legal opinion that its overarching constitutional mandate is to ensure accountability and exercise of oversight functions over the DCS, and the court case does not prohibit the committee from fulfilling that constitutional mandate.

“The committee further resolved to write to the Speaker to request permission to gather all the information and documents gathered by the research team during the two-day hearing held last year by the 6th Parliament on the matter,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they will then get an idea of whether the information requested then was supplied. Ramolobeng said they did receive all the documentation.

“That two-day inquiry was raised in the meeting, and some feel we must continue with it from where the 6th Parliament ended off. We need to then decide what aspects we look at in order not to repeat the work done.

“The committee also took a decision to call the DSC to account and she indicated progress on the remedial action. We must ensure that the department complies with the remedial actions,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they want timelines of what was submitted already to the PP and what is still outstanding. Ramolobeng said most importantly, they want to know why they delayed in reporting the escape as highlighted by the PP.

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‘Portfolio Committee has not received any report on Thabo Bester’

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Picture: A rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it has noted media reports about the Public Protector’s report on Thabo Bester, however, it has not been briefed about the report or such a report being referred to by the National Assembly (NA).

According to the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said the committee is aware about the matter of Bester that was reported to the committee of the 6th parliament. Ramolobeng said the 7th parliamentary committee has not been briefed about the Bester matter and nor was anything referred to the committee on the matter.

“We are just noting media reports about the Public Protector’s report at the moment and requests from media houses for interviews on the committee’s views on the report.

“Unfortunately, as the committee has not been briefed about the report, we have no opinion or views on it. We emphasise the commitment of the committee on its oversight role on the portfolio it oversees, that includes the Department of Correctional Services and its entities,” she said.

Ramolobeng said that is what they can say at the moment.

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A man sentenced to nine years imprisonment for attempted rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2024- A man (20) was sentenced to nine years imprisonment by the Victoria West Regional Court for attempted rape. This comes after Wynand Morris, who was on bail for a separate sexual offence-related case, attempted to rape a girl (17), who was on her way to her friend’s house on 19 August 2023, at around 22:35pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, Morris offered a girl money to have sexual intercourse with him, however, she refused. Shemane said Morris then threw her to the ground and started to undress her in an attempt to rape her.

“A passerby came to her rescue when she screamed. Morris fled the scene, but he was successfully traced and subsequently arrested. Morris remained in custody until he was convicted and sentenced.

“The Court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm. The SAPS Management in the Pixley Ka Seme District, commended Captain Valery Booysen of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for ensuring that the repeat offender is removed from society,” he said.

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Bloemhof man nabbed for ‘killing’ three family members over insurance claims

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By OBAKENG MAJE

29 August 2024 – A man (62) who was arrested for allegedly killing his three family members by poisoning them, briefly appeared before Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court. Initially, three family members, who died over a period of three years, were buried and considered to have died due to natural causes.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said in all three cases, Daniel Mokwai successfully claimed from his insurance policies. Myburgh said, however, family members reported him to the police after becoming suspicious that he murdered their relatives by allegedly buying all three of them pies.

“They would then get sick after eating the pie and eventually die. The bodies of all three deceased were exhumed and pathology reports confirmed that they were poisoned, leading to the murder investigations.

“In the first incident, reported on 5 December 2020, a boy (16), died at midday between Phuduhudu and Gopane, near Bloemhof. The boy was the relative of Mokwai’s wife,” she said.

Myburgh further said the second deceased (17), who was also the relative of the wife of the accused, died on Wednesday night,1 December 2021, in Boitumelong Township, outside of Bloemhof. She added that the last victim, Mothibi Alpheos Mokwai (31), was the accused’ son.

“He died on Sunday afternoon, 9 October 2022, at his house in Mathyse Street in Bloemhof. Mokwai was remanded in custody until his second court appearance on 4 September 2024, for legal representation. Through prosecution led investigations, police identified Mokwai as a suspect and obtained a warrant of arrest that was effected on 26 August 2024,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said it is unacceptable that young children were murdered by someone they trusted. Kwena reiterated that the police will continue to work hard to remove criminals such as this one from society.

“We call upon insurance companies and members of the public to report cases, where they suspect foul play or criminal activity when they process insurance claims,” he said.

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R164 billion set aside for establishment of Special Economic Zone  

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Picture: The Special Economic Zone in Mogwase/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said approximately 97% of the total platinum production occurs in Rustenburg, with the mining sector providing around 50% of all formal employment. Mokgosi said they should harness this potential, however, they must also invest in people. 

He further said they are collaborating with the North West University, the Departments of Higher Education and Minerals and Petroleum Resources to establish an Engineering Faculty in Rustenburg to respond to the demand for technical and engineering specialities needed to meet the demand in the mining and related fields.

Mokgosi added that the 7th administration has already started consultations with the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition to remove all hurdles preventing the cabinet from approving the issuance of the license for the formal proclamation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mogwase.

“We have now appointed a full time CEO for the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), who will work with the Board to appoint the rest of the Executive Management Team. The NWDC will be restructured to be fit for purpose to drive our economic and industrialization programme.

“We are continuing with work in the SEZ to renovate existing structures and the construction of Phase 2 of the project. The main hub of the Platinum Valley SEZ will be housed in a 100-hectare site at the Bodirelo Industrial Park, located near the town of Mogwase,” he said.

Mokgosi said the site will be developed in three phases, comprising a logistics park, light manufacturing space and heavy industries manufacturing space. He said they have so far garnered investment commitments to the tune of R164 billion for the Special Economic Zone.

“Eleven of these are at an advanced stage with three having signed pre-lease agreements. These commitments are a culmination of the investment initiatives of the 6th administration to create over five thousand job opportunities for our people.

“Our province is home to Phelindaba, South Africa’s main nuclear research centre, and with the new Electricity and Energy Minister’s vision for a 2500MW nuclear plant, we have the potential to become an investment destination of a powerhouse in the energy generation sector,” said Mokgosi.

He said nuclear energy has a catalytic potential across sectors like nuclear medicine, energy and human resource development to develop new rare skills and specializations, which are in high demand. 

Mokgosi said all these priorities require coherent policy direction and coordination from the government to guide interventions and direct sector contributions towards a common goal. 

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Fatigue creeps in as teams continue to fight for top positions

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Picture: Tshukudu players against Stars/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

In the first game on Day 3 of TNL Power-Week 2, the Sonoblomo faced off against the Lillies from Limpopo in a B Division game. The Limpopo side came out desperate to record their first win of the tournament, however, the many unforced errors, caused them to succumb, 40 – 28 to the Free State team.

Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said in the second game of the day, the current B Division log leaders, the Comets, convincingly beat the Kingdom Queens, which was not the result that the Queens needed. 

Mokgalagadi said coach Magda du Plessis, desperately came out wanting her team to find all cylinders, which they are just not doing at the moment, while the Comets recorded their third win in as many days.

“In the match between Tshukudu and the Kingdom Stars, debutants Tshukudu continue to be an exciting team to watch. They had a serious step up during the game. At half-time, the Stars were leading quite convincingly, but in true cliché, proven right, never underestimate the newcomers. 

“The team from the North West, managed to keep the Stars at bay and only lost to them by one point. The fourth game of the day between The Sunbirds and Diamonds, saw many moments of brilliance,” she said.

Mokgagadi further said Dlamini on goal attack, for the Diamonds, had an outstanding game. She added that Dlamini ran the attack and was a close contender for player of the match.

“The Sunbirds’ attack led by wing attack Sinothando Zimema, stood out. Lika Boysen, who walked away as the player of the match, received most of the passes and provided accurate feeding with great pace control, benefitting the team.

“The Baobabs, who are still missing Cornelia Mupenda at the back, remain a challenge for them. It seems like they are still struggling to adjust to the game’s tempo in Division A,” said Mokgalagadi. 

She said Emily Mathosa’s side is still finding it difficult to record a win. Mokgalagadi said on the other hand, the Jaguars came out a little fatigued after their massive clash yesterday, but managed to stay on the winning streak against the Aloes in the last game of the day.

Former Proteas player and netball analyst, Vanes-Marie du Toit said it was exciting to watch the debutants play against experienced teams.

“Tshukudu’s mid-court players gelled well together while the Stars made questionable changes in the last quarter which directly contributed to Tshukudu catching up,” said du Toit. 

Meanwhile, coach and commentator, Mampo Tsotetsi said: “There was one-way traffic for the Stings, with no response for Sian Moore in the front. It was an interesting introduction of Kelly Gouws in the GA position and brought a great partnership between Gouws and Moore in the shooting circle. 

“Syntiche Kubuya, who is a fantastic left-hander, kept pushing Muhluri Hlatshwayo to her dominant side and towards the line, away from the post, which eventually affected Hlatshwayo’s confidence.”

Full Results:

Sonoblomo 40-38 Lillies

EC Comets 47-33 KD Queens

Tshukudu 49-50 KD Stars

Sunbirds 54-48 Diamonds

Stings 74-36 Baobabs

Aloes 41-59 Jaguars

Monday (3 June) Fixtures:

KD Queens vs Diamonds

Sunbirds vs Comets

Tshukudu vs Sonoblomo

KD Stars vs Tornados

Stings vs Flames

Baobabs vs Crinums

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Police: “If you see something, say something”

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Northern Cape police said the policing of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and contact crimes remains their priority. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, however, adherence to the essential safety tips can help the public to stay safe. 

Kock said this will prevent them from becoming the victim of crime. He further said those who might plan to meet strangers, should choose reputable venues with positive reviews and a good reputation for safety and security.

“Adopt a buddy system and always go out with a group of friends and stay together throughout the night. Look out for one another and agree on a plan to leave the club together. 

“Plan transportation in advance and arrange reliable transportation to and from the club, tavern or social gathering beforehand, ensuring that you have a safe way to return home,” said Kock.

He added that individuals should also watch their drinks. Kock said they should never leave their drinks unattended, as it could be tampered with. 

“This will leave you as a victim of date rape. Do not accept drinks from strangers and drink responsibly. Pace yourself and be aware of your alcohol consumption. Know your limits and avoid excessive drinking to stay in control of your surroundings.

“Be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Also, be alert against the people around you. Never walk home alone or take short-cuts through dark and secluded areas. Report suspicious behaviour, whether it is someone pestering an individual or group, or following someone to the bathroom or their car. Report it to staff or security immediately,” he said. 

Kock urges people to never go to the toilet alone. He advised individuals to use a buddy system for bathroom breaks. He said they should also keep their personal belongings secure. 

“Carry only essential items, such as your ID and some cash, in a secure bag or pocket. Avoid flashing expensive items that may attract unwanted attention from criminals. That may lead to robbery and sexual assault.

“Never accept a ride home from strangers and learn self-defence techniques. Consider taking self-defence classes to empower yourself with basic skills that could potentially save you in a dangerous situation,” said Kock.

He said by following these essential tips, individuals can mitigate risks and enjoy a safe night out. Kock said they should always have an emergency contact on speed dial. 

“Call your nearest police station or 10111 when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app.

“If you see something, say something,” he said. 

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