2017
R1-20/FREE
24 March
Massive dagga find has
cops in a tizzy
The police confiscated 100kg of dagga with a street value of between R10 000 and R30 000 last week. Photo: Ronél van Jaarsveld Ronél van Jaarsveld The Modimolle police were surprised to come across a massive stash of dagga last week during an operation aimed at rounding up illegal immigrants in the Doornkom area. On Thursday, 16 March, during the
operation, police officers came across a small dagga field next to a farmhouse. The inhabitants were not at home at the time. Officials acted quickly to tear out and confiscate the plants, and it is estimated that there was about 100 kg of the drug in the field, with a street value of between R10 000 and R30 000.
The two residents, Roeloff Schlieben (50) and Albertus de Klerk (51), were arrested on Friday, 17 March, and paid admission of guilt fines or R1 500 each. “They will still have criminal records, even though they paid the fines without appearing in court,” said Warrant Officer Findlay of the Modimolle police. The discovery of the dagga was made
during part of a larger operation during which several police departments cooperated to reduce crime in the area. In Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Groblersdal, Burgersfort, Seshego, Magatle, and Phalaborwa, 32 wanted suspects were apprehended. These suspects were involved with, among other things, drug trafficking and hijackings.
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Police still looking for stolen car TK Mashaba Bela-Bela’s police communication officer Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla said they are still searching for a car which was stolen earlier this year in February at Extension 5 in Bela-Bela, despite the fact that the victim said it was found at Hammanskraal in Gauteng. “We already went with the
victim to the place where it was rumoured that it might be, but it was not what we were looking for,” said Phetla. The victim, who was shot six times during the incident, said he is adamant that the car he found in Hammanskraal was his. “I doubt the police are taking this case seriously as they seem to be taking their time on finding the suspect” added the victim. The victim was shot at his home six times and the suspect fled with his car, leaving him with severe injuries. A case of attempt murder and theft has been opened at the Bela-Bela police station.
Murder accused still in flames but the car exploded, hospital injuring him and she was Justin Steyn The Provincial Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, said a new court date for murder accused Richard Jampa has not yet been set, as he is still in hospital. 36-year old Jampa was arrested on the morning of Sunday, 5 March for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Thapelo Ramorotong (26). According to Mojapelo Jampa and Ramorotong were travelling in a Volkswagen Polo to an unknown destination, when the vehicle reportedly caught fire. Jampa claimed that he tried to save Ramorotong from the
allegedly left inside. Further investigations believe that the incident may be related to premeditated murder. “It has been found that the suspect and the deceased had a domestic conflict leading to her death and subsequently her body was burnt inside the car. Two unlicensed firearms were also recovered at the scene during the arrest and their origins are still being investigated,” Mojapelo said. Jampa’s case appeared before the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 7 March 2017. He appeared in absentia and court proceedings will commence as soon as he has been discharged from hospital.
No leads on Vodacom shop robbery Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela police reported that there are no leads in a business robbery case following an incident that happened at Vodacom Cellphone shop at Bela-Mall on Saturday, 18 March. Detectives’ commander Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla told The BEAT that the incident happened between 15:00 and 16:00. According to the information received,
two of the shop staff members were on duty when three unidentified men, two armed, entered the shop and demanded that they hand over a number of cell phones and all the cash money in the shop. The workers told the police the suspects then forced them to the back, when they tightly tied them. They added that the suspects then returned to the front and helped themselves to the undisclosed amount of money that was in the cash register and cell phones. Colonel Phetla said the workers could not say how
many cell phones were taken but according to their records, the value was estimated at R100 000. He added that as the suspects were busy invading the shop and ensuring a safe escape from the scene, the victims were fighting to untie themselves at the back. “Only one victim succeeded in untying themselves and rushed to the front to check on at least the suspects’ getaway vehicle but could not see the
registration number. They only saw that it was a brown sedan vehicle but could not tell the model. There are no arrests at the moment and no leads on the case,” said the colonel. He further said no shots were fired during the incidents and the suspects fled with their firearms and left no evidence at the scene. Colonel Phetla added that although the victims were still in shock when the suspects left, they did not suffer any injuries. The police are investigating a case of business robbery following the incident.
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Police operation yields success in Limpopo Justin Steyn Police in Limpopo embarked on joint intelligence-driven operations which consisted of mainly stop-and-search operations recently. The operations were conducted on Wednesday, 15 March 2017 in various clusters throughout the Province which included Lephalale, Polokwane, Groblersdal, Tzaneen, Mahwelereng and Giyani. The provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the operations were aimed at
focussing on second hand goods, compliance checks at second-hand goods premises, drugs, firearms, suspected stolen goods and contact crimes. During the operation 23 suspects were arrested, two unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered, 500 sachets of Nyaope drugs were recovered, 43 sachets and two bags of dagga with the estimated street value of R46 000 were recovered, as well as various suspected items including clothing, shoes and a rechargeable drill machine.
Ngoepe said successful arrests were also made within the Waterberg. In Bela-Bela, two suspects were arrested for possession of four balls of nyaope each containing 200 sachets. A suspected stolen vehicle and R3 000 cash had also been confiscated. Arrests were also made in Lephalale. “In Lephalale, two suspects were arrested for burglary related to business incidents. Suspected stolen items and housebreaking equipment were confiscated from them,” Ngoepe said.
Disabled residents barred from police station Justin Steyn A disabled resident in Bela-Bela said she has been having trouble gaining access to the Bela-Bela police station. The BEAT also received numerous complaints from wheelchair-bound residents who claim they have no access to the station. Primrose Modise, said she often moves up towards a passage which leads to the entrance to the charge office, only to find that the entrance for disabled people has been locked. Modise said she has even tried moving through the station’s inner parking area, where a ramp is available to be used for the disabled, only to be chased away by on-duty officers. “When I want to access the station, I move towards the charge office entrance, only to find that the gate that used to be available for the disabled, is now locked. I am now forced to move through the stations’ inside parking area, where officers chase me away despite having explained the situation to them,” Modise said. The BEAT spoke to LieutenantColonel Abel Phetla about what the issue is as to the stations’ restrictions on the disabled. According to Phetla, the locked gate at the passage entrance is too small for wheelchairs and there are concerns that the moving apparatus might be damaged when moving through the gate. He has further denied that police officers have banned public access to the charge office through the stations’ parking area and said all incidents must be reported. “No police officer is allowed to forbid a resident from access to the station, even if it is from our parking area. They have the right to be assisted and escorted to the charge office when they need to. All incidents of refusal for entrance must be reported to the station commander,” Phetla said.
The entrance to the charge office of the Bela-Bela police station does not appear to be wheelchair friendly, which forces residents to move around through the inner parking area. Photo: Justin Steyn
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LEGALS BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 108/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1) (b) (i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) READ TOGETHER WITH THE SPLUME ACT 2013. We, GEO PROJECTS, authorised agents of the owner of portions 8, 9 and 10 of the farm Cyferfontein 434 KR Bela Bela hereby give notice in terms of section 56 (1) (b) (i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance No 15 of 1986) read together with the SPLUMA 2013 act, that we have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning Scheme, known as the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the amendment of the zoning of the property by the addition of an annexure to the existing Agriculture zoning, to make provision for a lodge and ancillary uses, as indicated in an annexure to the amendment scheme. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 17 March 2017 Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 17 March 2017 Address: P.O. Box 919, Bela Bela, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252. (17&24/03).
Stick your neck out and advertise Bela-Bela 014 736 2723 Modimolle 014 717 1774
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Thabazimbi affairs trending on social media Lizzy Bapela The affairs of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality are the talk of towns and trending on social media again, this time about the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which is said to be investigating the municipality’s state of affairs. President Jacob Zuma is reported to have authorised the investigation, under Section 2 (1) of the Special Investigation Unit and Special Tribunals unit, 1996. The announcement authorises the SIU to investigate serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by councillors, officials or employees of the municipality, and unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property. The local community welcomed the news, saying that it is long overdue as requests have been lodged since 2001. Some community members said they were hoping for a thorough investigation so that people would know the real truth about the municipal affairs. One local resident and political activist Tshepiso Boskraal posted on social media that Operation Clean has started in Thabazimbi and will be proceeding to Bela-Bela. The next municipality will be Modimolle and it is expected that officials there will also be in hot water. Boskraal tagged several friends on the post among
Thabazimbi resident and political activist Tshepiso Boskraal took to Facebook to voice his concerns about his local municipality. Photo: Lizzy Bapela others local businessman NJ Van Heerden and local political activist Jonas Aphiri. This saw a huge response as people were expressing their views
on the affairs of the municipality and the announced investigation. Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo and Thabazimbi also announced that they
welcome the news and that they will, together with their partners, cooperate fully in the investigation and will be transparent in their dealing with the SIU. The party stated that the community deserves better. They are committed to stopping corruption because if they do not address corruption and those who engage in it, it is difficult to meaningfully bring change that creates jobs and delivers services to the people. DA Limpopo leader and spokesperson for COGHSTA Jacques Smalle said that after the 2016 local elections, the DA and its coalition partner inherited a bankrupt municipality riddled with bad management, debt to creditors in excess of R230 million and a culture of impunity from the ANC. He added that it is precisely this which deserves investigation by the SIU. “This untenable situation was compounded by the MEC’s deliberate lack of financial support which is necessary to stabilise service delivery in Thabazimbi. The DA is confident that this investigation will assist in exposing the ANC’s maladministration and alleged corrupt dealings by cronies and incompetent, redeployed cadres whose only focus was self-enrichment, through conducting lifestyle audits,” Smalle said. Municipal spokesperson Joshua Motsomane could not be reached for comment in the matter.
DA passes resolutions following council meeting Lizzy Bapela The DA in Bela-Bela made resolutions following a recent municipal council meeting on the establishment of a Ward Committee in Ward 3. The party alleges that the meeting to elect committee members was hijacked and proceedings were not conducted according to the guidelines. DA Caucus Chairperson and PR Councillor Frans Mothokoa said the guidelines state that the IEC be present during such meetings, which were supposed to be held through the Speaker’s office. He added that he personally tried to stop the meeting and asked that it be conducted according to the rules, but his attempts failed. Mothokoa further said Ward 3 councillor Lerato Modimola and Speaker Zakes Moeletsi allegedly told the gathering that IEC gave an apology for their absence. He added that the two councillors are seemingly used to bypasssing guidelines when chairing meetings and embarking on municipal activities, especially those involving the community. He told The BEAT he raised a hand to express his dissatisfaction on the process they were conducting the selection of ward committee members but was not taken seriously. In the ward, a total of 16 instead of 10 names were reportedly forwarded and the duo promised to announce only ten names. “Other councillors support my statement that this is unfair, and that all ward committee elections should be conducted again but this also went unnoticed. Moeletsi refused to listen to reason when I reminded her of the re-election resolution and Modimola supports her. We requested for them to provide us with the resolutions copy and they refused because they know they changed it,” said Mothokoa. The councillor further said other ANC councillors see the duo’s wrong
DA Caucus Chairperson and PR Councillor Frans Mothokoa expressed dissatisfaction about the way some councillors are running things in the Bela-Bela Local Municipality. Photo: Lizzy Bapela doings but do not say anything. He accused the ANC regional leadership to be running the municipality and if one is not in their faction, then his or her opinion means nothing. He added that leaders in their faction are allowed to break the resolutions without accountability whenever they see fit and it is fine with them. “We are tired of this improper running of things in our municipality and we intend to take them to court if they keep doing as they please. This shows that the community and its views or interests do not mean anything to them,” said Mothokoa. Modimola referred all queries to Office of the Speaker, saying they will be able to give full details as to what transpired. The office extension went unanswered and then straight to an answering machine.
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Wounded Qualitho FC to face Bussel FC Mzamane Ringane Qualitho FC, who are still licking their wounds after a 3-2 loss at the hands of NTK Happy Boys, will be hoping for a comeback when they take on Bussel FC at Modimolle on Saturday, 1 April. The SAB League matches will not be played on the weekend of 25 and 26
March, due to a referees’ workshop which is scheduled to take place in Bela-Bela. The next match will be equally important for both Qualitho FC and NTK Happy Boys, who are contending for the league title. NTK Happy Boys will travel to BelaBela to honour their fixture with Diesel N Dust. Diesel N Dust FC outshined their local
rivals Bela-Bela Pirates with a 4-1 score last weekend. Boys 2 Men FC who narrowly defeated Happy Hearts FC 2-1 will this weekend visit Celtic FC in Modimolle. Celtic FC played to a 1-all draw with their local opponents Modimolle Home Defenders FC. Home Defenders will this weekend travel to Bela-Bela to do battle with Bela-Bela
Pally Gan FC player (yellow jersey) in action against Magolela FC player during Sunday Mabaleng Sunday
Mabaleng player (red and white) in attack against Cashbuild player during Sunday Mabaleng Sunday games.
Nicky Swart of Mabaleng Netball team in full swing during their games against Happy Stars netball at community hall on Sunday 12 March.
Limpopo celebrates Human Rights Day
Lizzy Bapela As South Africa celebrated Human Rights Day on 21 March, Limpopo Provincial Government also formed part of the commemorations. People from all walks of life in the province including different stakeholders and representatives of all sectors joined the provincial government in commemorating the day. According to research, Human Rights Day is celebrated in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre, which took place on 21 March 1960. This massacre occurred as a result of protests conducted against the Apartheid regime in South Africa. This year’s Human Rights Day was commemorated under theme “The Year of
OR Tambo: Unity in Action Advancing Human Rights”. Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha led the provincial commemorations of Human Rights Day held at Maklerekeng Sports ground, Ephraim Mogale Municipality in Sekhukhune District. The Premier delivered a keynote address during the commemoration. Provincial Government Spokesperson Phuti Seloba confirmed that institutions such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) would be gracing the event. The Commission is an institution established to support constitutional democracy which is committed to promote, respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
Pirates. While Qualitho FC, NTK Happy Boys, Modimolle All Stars and Boys 2 Men FC are battling for the honours at the top of the table, Happy Hearts, Bussel FC and Celtic FC will be battling to keep their positions in the SAB League. Although the league is drawing to a close, it is still premature to suggest which team will win the title.
Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha led the provincial commemorations on Human Rights Day.