By Obakeng Maje

Pampierstad-Another initiation school horror took place barely a month after another graduate was allegedly beaten to death in Pampierstad.

Kabelo Mokgweetse was viciously attacked after he ran away from an initiation school.

He was allegedly taken back to the initiation school and beaten until he suffered third degree attack.

“I was beaten by the teachers at initiation school after I ran away. We were not given food and water for days and that affected me” Mogweetse told Sabc.

The traditional organisations condemn the attack on children who attending the initiative and say they degrade a culture.

“We are really against those who practice this illegally and want them to be arrested. Those who want to run initiation school need to follow correct procedure” Pule Moreki told Sabc.

“They need to request a permission from their local leaders and obtain a letter of permission” He said.

Last year a 22 year-old girl was beaten to death after she ran away from initiation school.

The suspect will appear tomorrow for grievious bodily harm and kidnapping at Pampierstad.

They were granted a R500 bail each and will appear again tomorrow.

By Obakeng Maje

ZEERUST: Police in Zeerust have arrested a 26 year old suspect  from Ikageleng township after he set alight his 30 year old girlfriend’s rented room on Saturday.

This ordeal took place at Piet Retief near Zeerust police said. 

“It is alleged that the suspect and the victim had a heated argument where the suspect accused the victim of infidelity” Pelonomi Makau said. 

“It is alleged that the suspect poured petrol in the house before setting it alight” she said. 

The total damage of the house is estimated at R5 000,00.  

A case of arson was registered and investigations continue. 

“The suspect will appear before the Zeerust Magistrate Court on Monday” she said.

By Obakeng Maje

MAHIKENG: Police in Mahikeng are investigating a case of business robbery after a 19 year old businessman was robbed an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphone, car keys and credit cards. 

It is alleged that three unknown suspects entered the victim’s office at about 17:50 and pointed him with firearms and demanded cash. 

“The suspects also robbed the victim’s employees of their cellphones and escorted them to another office while one suspect held the victim at gunpoint” Makau said.

“The suspects fled the scene on a Volkswagen Golf with unknown registration numbers” Pelonomi Makau said. 

No one was injured  and police are investigating.

By Obakeng Maje

MMABATHO: A 19 year old victim from Magogoe village,near Mmabatho was forcefully raped by a 20 year old suspect North West police said. 

“It is alleged that the victim was on her way home accompanied by her boyfriend when they were approached by the suspect who sexually assaulted the victim. The boyfriend and the suspect” Captain Pelonomi Makau said.

“The victim’s boyfriend tried to defend her,but the suspect overpowered him and the girlfriend ran away” she said. 

The suspect allegedly chased and threatened her with a broken beer bottle.

 “He forced her to his house where he allegedly raped her” Makau said. The suspect was later arrested and will appear tomorrow at Mmabatho Magistrate Court.

By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg- North West Police have arrested four men in Bakerville near Lichtenburg on Saturday,at about 14:30 on charges of kidnapping and intimidation after a tip off.

“Two of the suspects age 30 and 26 years old are alleged to be police officials from Gauteng province” Captain Pelonomi Makau said. “According to the information,yesterday the suspects were involved in a diamond transaction whereby the seller sold two fake diamonds to them at a negotiated amount of R7 000.00” She said.

On arrival in Gauteng and after the diamonds were valued fake, the suspects returned to Lichtenburg in search of the two diamond sellers.

They aim to recover their money and give the fake diamonds back to the sellers.

When the suspects could not find the sellers at the house where the deal was struck, they threatened and intimidated the house owner. “They allegedly kidnapped him,but before they could drive any further police apprehended them” She said.

“After they were arrested and questioned on the kidnapping, police found out that two of these suspects were police officials from Gauteng Province” Makau adds. Police confiscated two service pistols from them.

All suspects will appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate Court on Monday on charges of kidnapping and intimidation.

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund insists he has no concern whatsoever about his team and is already certain of his starting line-up for the Africa Cup of Nations opener against Cape Verde on Saturday at Soccer City.

While not everyone is convinced as goals are still not forthcoming Igesund is putting up a brave face declaring that he has no worries as he is confident that once the tournament starts the job at hand of winning games will be done to satisfactory levels.

“We are not concerned whatsoever because I was very happy with the performance (last night),” said Igesund after last night’s 0-0 draw with Algeria which was the fifth game in eight matches that he has seen Bafana fail to score since taking over.

“You could see for yourselves that we played a very good game against a quality team that is ranked second in Africa. So I was very happy with the performance and thought we were the better team out there. I am not worried about anything at this stage.

CLICK HERE for more on the 2013 Afcon

“Let us wait until the tournament starts and then we can talk about this thing (goals). The team is improving all the time and I am very happy about that because I know where we are headed with this team. When the tournament starts we will see if the team cannot score goals,” he says.

Igesund is actually calling on fans to raise their voices even higher in rallying behind Bafana instead of targeting players to boo as the start of the tournament gets closer.

“It is time for the people of South Africa to really get behind the team otherwise we cannot keep on going this way. Tonight the fans were fantastic and that is the way we should keep on going. The players need the support and when the payers started getting booed it is the team that eventually suffers.

“I know that the supporters were happy (last night) because they were doing the Mexican wave, singing and jumping up their seats and wouldn’t have done all that if they were not happy with the performance of the team.

“I think that was a fantastic atmosphere with the fans having fun because we were playing some exciting football,” adds Igesund.

For more details go to http://www.kickoff.com

By Obakeng Maje

Kimberley-Galeshewe police are investigating a case of murder, after a 30- year-old woman Kganyego Tlamelo was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend Northern Cape police said. 

“The incident happened today (Sunday)in the early hours of the morning at about 03:00 am in Ivan Babuseng Street, Club 2000 in Kimberley” Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana said.

“The suspect who is the ex-boyfriend, found the deceased asleep and he tried to gain entrance through the window of the shanty in which the deceased was living in” he adds. 

Failing to gain entrance through the window he kicked open the door of the shanty police said.

He allegedly found the deceased with her current boyfriend. 

He started to cause a commotion inside the shanty and the argument stirred up. 

“The suspect immediately drew out a knife and starts to attack and stab the deceased” police said.

Kganyego was stabbed several times, in the face, neck, arm, back and in the chest. 

The suspect left her lying in the pool of blood. 

Kganyego died as a result of multiple stab wounds. 

After this atrocity the suspect fled the scene and he is still at large.

The investigation reveals that deceased had an interdict against the suspect, and he is also wanted in connection with a murder case that happened early December 2012. 

The suspect is known, as “Spaghetti” any person with the information that can lead to his arrest can contact the Galeshewe police on 053 8076 000, or the investigating officer W/O Essie at 082 4691 813

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg-Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfield kingpin Kagisho Dikgacoi who plays for Crystal Palace in England, both celebrated their 50th caps for South Africa in last night’s (Saturday, 12 January 2012) international friendly match against Algeria at Orlando Stadium.

Both players join a selected list to have reached such a milestone such as Aaron Mokoena, Neil Tovey, Shaun Bartlett, Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy. Former captain Aaron Mokoena, with a record 107 appearances, remains the most capped player.

In the current Bafana Bafana squad, the highest capped player is Siphiwe Tshabalala (73), followed by Siboniso Gaxa on 54, while Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker are just one cap shy of 50.

Khune made his debut for South Africa on 11 March 2008 in an international friendly match against Zimbabwe in Germiston, Johannesburg and has conceded 38 goals since then.

Dikgacoi first played for Bafana Bafana in 2007 in a Cosafa Castle Cup match against Malawi, and has scored two goals for the national team.

We sat down with Khune to get his thoughts on the achievement.

Question:  How does it feel reaching this remarkable milestone?

Answer:  First all, I want to thank God for helping me reach this far. It is with his blessings and grace that I have come this far. It’s a great feeling knowing I have served my country for close to six years;  it’s an indescribable feeling as I never thought I would reach this far. As a youngster, my dream was to play for my country. It was not an easy ride because this country is blessed with great goalkeepers but I have somehow managed to achieve my goal. This really means a lot to me and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to my success.

Q:  How does your experience help in the squad?

A: I joined the national team as a youngster and was welcome by very experienced players who showed me the way, so today it is my turn to do the same to those who are coming through. One thing I have to keep in mind is that I am not bigger than the game; I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground and remain humble. The experience though also comes with responsibilities such as reminding youngsters that players are not indispensable but come and go.

Q:  How did it feel like captaining South Africa for the first time?

A: It’s quite an honour to be captain, be it for club or country and leading the team against Malawi in Durban was very emotional for me. It was a shock the way it happened, in that the kit manager handed me the armband before the coach told me and said congratulations.

Q:  Your highlights in the national team?

A: Every time I represent my country is a highlight in itself. But quite a few matches stand out. Featuring in the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup are events that won’t be erased from my great memories. My second cap against Paraguay (26 March 2008 in Atteridgeville) will always be top of the list as we played a very good side and we did well, winning 3-0. Playing against Brazil in Brazil recently (7 September 2012) also comes to mind despite losing the match 1-0. The team played magnificently and I believe I put up a great performance as an individual. The other would be saving a penalty from a world class striker like David Villa of Spain.

Q:   The sending off in the World Cup?

A: It was a bitter pill to swallow being sent off at such a big stage, but I have since recovered and moved on because it’s part of the game. I have learnt a lot from that incident and I am now stronger.

Q:  What are your fears as a key player in the national team?

A: As a player when you get injured you worry a lot because there are quality players in the squad who are lining to take your position. But I have always believed in hard work, and it has taken me to where I am today.

Q:  What are your thoughts on AFCON 2013?

A: We stand a very good chance in the tournament. We must just start converting the many chances that we create. I believe we have great players that can deliver and there is no reason why we shouldn’t do well. This is a new generation of players who are hungry for success and we have a strong belief in us that we can go all the way.

Q:  Your message to the supporters.

A: I would like thank them for their continued support and urge them to continue to be behind the national team – unity is strength! With their support we can do very well and go far. They just need to exercise some patience as results are mixed at the moment, but we will get back to our winning ways and return to be the best on the continent and in the world.

ITUMELENG KHUNE FACTFILE

Born:   20 June, 1987

Position:  Goalkeeper

Club:   Kaizer Chiefs

Caps:   50

Goals conceded: 38

National Team Games Statistics

No.DateMatchCompetition   

1.11.03.08 Germistonv Zimbabwe 2-1friendly international   

2.26.03.08 Pretoriav Paraguay 3-0friendly international   

3.07.06.08 Pretoriav Equatorial Guinea 4-1World Cup group four qualifiergave away penalty  

4.14.06.08 Freetownv Sierra Leone 0-1World Cup group four qualifier   

5.21.06.08 Pretoriav Sierra Leone 0-0World Cup group four qualifier   

6.19.08.08 Londonv Australia 2-2friendly internationallet in two clangers  

7.06.09.08 P Elizabethv Nigeria 0-1World Cup group four qualifier   

8.30.09.08 Germistonv Malawi 3-0friendly international   

9.11.10.08 Malabov Equatorial Guinea 1-0World Cup group four qualifier   

10.19.11.08 Rustenburgv Cameroon 3-2friendly internationalcaution  

11.27.01.09 Pretoriav Zambia 1-0friendly international   

12.28.03.09 Phokengv Norway 2-1friendly international   

13.31.03.09 Lausannev Portugal 0-2friendly internationalconceded from two corners  

14.06.06.09 Orlandov Poland 1-0friendly international   

15.14.06.09 Jo’burgv Iraq 0-0Confederations Cup   

16.17.06.09 Rustenburgv New Zealand 2-0Confederations Cup   

17.20.06.09 Bloemv Spain 0-2Confederations Cupsaved penalty from David Villa  

18.25.06.09 Jo’burgv Brazil 0-1Confederations Cup   

19.28.06.09 Rustenburgv Spain 2-3Confederations Cup   

20.12.09.09Pretoriav Serbia 1-3friendly internationalreplaced by Fernandez in the 46th min  

2103.03.10Durbanv Namibia 1-1friendly international   

2231.03.10 Asuncionv Paraguay 1-1friendly international   

2322.04.10 Frankfurtv North Korea 0-0friendly international   

2428.04.10 Frankfurtv Jamaica 2-0friendly international   

2516.05.10Mbombelav Thailand 4-0friendly internationalreplaced by Josephs in the 67th min  

2624.05.10 Jo’burgv Bulgaria 1-1friendly international   

2727.05.10Jo’burgv Colombia 2-1friendly internationalcaution; replaced by Josephs at halftime  

2805.06.10Pretoriav Denmark 1-0friendly international   

2911.06.10Jo’Burgv Mexico 1-12010 FIFA World Cup   

3016.06.10Pretoriav Uruguay 0-32010 FIFA World Cupsent-off in the 76 th minute  

3111.08.10 Jo’burgv Ghana 1-0friendly international   

3204.09.10Nelspruitv Niger 2-02012 Nations Cup qualifier   

3310.10.10 Freetownv Sierra Leone 0-02012 Nations Cup qualifier   

3417.11.10Cape Townv USA 0-1friendly international   

3509.02.11 Rustenburgv Kenya 2-0friendly international   

3626.03.11Johannesburgv Egypt 1-02012 Nations Cup qualifier   

3705.06.11Cairov Egypt 0-02012 Nations Cup qualifiercaution  

3810.08.11 Johannesburgv Burkina Faso 3-0friendly international   

39 04.09.11Niameyv Niger 1-22012 Nations Cup qualifier   

4008.10.11 Nelspruitv Sierra Leone 0-02012 Nations Cup qualifier   

4129.02.12 Durbanv Senegal 0-0friendly international   

4203.06.12Rustenburgv Ethiopia 1-1World Cup Group A qualifier   

4309.06.12Gaboronev Botswana 1-1World Cup Group A qualifier   

4415.06.12Nelspruitv Gabon 3-0friendly international   

4507.09.12 Sao Paolov Brazil 0-1friendly international   

4612.10.12 Warsawv Poland 0-1friendly international   

4714.11.12Jo’burgv Zambia 0-1friendly international   

4822.12.12 Durbanv Malawi 3-1friendly international   

4908.01.13Cape Townv Norway 0-1friendly international   

5012.01.13 Jo’burgv Algeria 0-0friendly international   

CAPE TOWN – Some farmworker unions said they won’t wait until March, when the basic minimum wage for farmworkers is set to change.

Instead, they have have vowed to continue with their strike.

Organisations including Bawusa, Mawubuye Land Rights Movement and Women on Farms, met in Paarl on Saturday to plan further demonstrations for Monday.

Labourers have been mobilising in Grabouw, De Doorns, Worcestor, Villiersdorp and Wolseley over the past few days with some demonstrations turning violent.

Farmworkers are demanding R150 for a day’s work, an increase from their current pay of R69.

The Mawubuye Land Rights Movement’s Henry Michaels said they won’t give up on their demands.

“We are not going to wait until March; they must come with an offer to the table. Our demands remain the same.”

He added that they will not back down until a proper offer is tabled.

On Wednesday 50 people were arrested for public violence in connection with farmworker protests across the province.

In De Doorns a farm tractor and a Cape Times journalist’s vehicle were torched.

The reporter escaped with light injuries.

For more details go to http://www.ewn.co.za

JOHANNESBURG – Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund said he was not panicking after his side failed to score in their last two Afcon warm-up matches.

Bafana played to a goalless draw with Algeria in Soweto on Saturday night.

“I’m very happy with our performance especially after playing a team that is ranked 2nd in Africa.”

Igesund said he was pleased that Bafana could hold their own against a side that is ranked 68 places above his team.

“We moved the ball around nicely, we had more possession and they only had one shot at our goal during the 90 minutes.”

Bafana kick-off the Afcon 2013 tournament against Cape Verde at the National Stadium on Saturday

.For more details go to http://www.ewn.co.za