The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in North West is deeply opposed to the recall of Ngaka Modiri Molema district mayor Phaladi Saku.

This comes after the provincial ANC leadership gave Saku until today to resign from her post and be replaced by Manketsi Tlhape.

Saku was apparently voted to be mayor by councillors, defying the party’s directive to put Tlhape in charge of the district soon after the 2011 local government elections.

The ANC has never approved of her since then and provincial party spokesperson, Kenny Morolong, indicated that Saku was supposed to leave or face a disciplinary hearing.

“Together with Africa Thale, the mayor at Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, Saku should respect the position of the organisation because continued defiance would lead to disciplinary issues pursued against the two members,” he said.

Morolong said that decisions of the ANC had to be implemented and no one should be seen to be acting outside the party’s mandate.

However, Sanco provincial secretary Packet Seaketso said bringing in Tlhape to the district was tantamount to “killing it”. He alleged that she had failed to lead Tswaing local municipality and it would be difficult for her to assume a bigger responsibility.

“The ANC cannot force Saku to resign so as to give way to a mayor who has dismally failed Tswaing local municipality which has 14 wards. How can she manage a district with 101 wards? This is a clear indication that the PEC of the ANC has an agenda to kill the district. Tlhape left Tswaing under Section 139 of the constitution, which shows bad administration and poor leadership,” he said.

Seaketso further questioned Tlhape’s grassroots leadership qualities, saying the ward she comes from was ruled by the opposition party.

“The ward where Cde Tlhape resides is led by DA and it leaves us with questions of her leadership skills and qualities. The people have spoken in terms of the mayors of their choice and as Sanco, we respect the will of the majority.

“Cde Manketse was not even on the party’s proportional representation list,” he said.

He further alleged that ANC leadership in the province was damaging the organisation’s image.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Monday she was disappointed that a private conversation between her and First Rand Bank CEO Sizwe Nxasana was leaked to the media.

“We distance ourselves from this leak because it is a serious matter and we will approach the relevant security agencies to investigate,” Motshekga said in a statement.

“We apologies [sic] to Mr Nxasana for the mishap.”

The Sunday Times reported that Nxasana sent an sms to Motshekga on Monday after a child called her “brainless” in one of its “You Can Help” videos.

“Good Morning Minister. I have instructed FNB to remove the video clips from their website this morning. I will investigate how and why the clips ended [up] on their website. Sincere apologies for this. Sizwe,” the sms read.

The FNB campaign features a number of videos of children in school uniform reading their hopes for the country. Opposition parties and activist groups said the ANC’s criticism of the campaign showed its intolerance.

FNB met with African National Congress leaders, including secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, on Thursday. The bank apologised to the ANC on Friday.

-Sapa

By Obakeng Maje

MAHIKENG:  Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following an accident that happened on Saturday.

“It is alleged that at about 15:30, deceased was driving alone in a white BMW 3-Series along Ramatlabama- Mahikeng road” Sam Tselanyane said.  

“The deceased lost control over his vehicle near Miga and it overturned” He said.  

The deceased’s body was trapped inside the vehicle and was certified dead on the scene.  

The cause of the accident is unknown and police are investigating. 

By Obakeng Maje

Schweize Reneke- North West police arrested a 41 year-old man after he allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death in Ipelegeng,near Schweize Reneke.

According to information received,a suspect and the deceased were staying together until their relationship went sour.

“A 41 year-old man allegedly approached a woman after she alighted from a taxi” Warrant Officer Tselanyane said.

“He allegedly stabbed a woman without saying a word. And his ex was declared dead on the scene by paramedics” Tselanyane said.

The woman bled profusely and died from stabbing injuries.

The police found a suspect beneath the tree few miles from the scene. He was allegedly taken back to the crime scene and started to vomit.

Police rushed him to a local hospital and it was confirmed that he drunk a battery acid trying to take his own life.

The suspect is under a police chattered eye and will appear before Schweize-Reneke Magistrate Court soon.

By Obakeng Maje

JOUBERTON:  A 25-year-old man in Jouberton extension 12 near Klerksdorp was arrested by the police after he allegedly hacked a two year-old boy to death. 

It is alleged that on Friday at about 20:30 the mother of a child and her boyfriend suspect had an argument at the nearby tavern.  

“The argument led to a fight and the suspect allegedly left the tavern and the mother followed him” Warrant Officer Sam Tselane said. The suspect allegedly kidnapped a child and the search for the baby ensued.

“The police managed to locate the suspect and question him about the baby” Tselane said.

He told the police where the baby is.

The tiny body of a baby was found in a bucket at the toilet with a head injuries sustained.

“The suspect was arrested and will appear tomorrow before magistrate for murder.

By Obakeng Maje

Durban-SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani has heaped praise on coach Gordon Igesund and his gallant Bafana Bafana side for reaching the quarter-finals of the 

2013 AFCON tournament saying the Senior National Men’s Team had done the country proud.

“You have brought pride and honour to the nation and today you have written a piece of history for yourselves, families and friends. You deserve to walk tall. You showed the entire football world that you have the fighting spirit and that the adage ‘it is never over until the fat lady sings’ is a true expression of competitive soccer games.

“We are confident that this achievement will now spur you to go all the way in this tournament. The entire country is behind you; their support and spirit will carry you all the way,” said an elated Nematandani.

Bafana drew 2-2 with Morocco to seal their place in the quarter-finals. They finished top of Group A ahead of Cape Verde on goal difference. They will remain in Durban for the last eight match.

Moses Mabhida stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Bafana Bafana where they are yet to lose a competitive match in the majestic stadium.

By Obakeng Maje

HEBRON:  Police arrested two of the three suspects who allegedly raped a 21-year-old woman in Hebron North West police said.  

“It is alleged that on Friday at about 18:00, the victim was with her friend at a local Butchery drinking beer” Warrant Officer Sam Tselanyane said.  

They were joined by the three suspects who drunk together with them.  

A 21 year-old girl went to the toilet and while inside the toilet, she was surprised by the three suspects who threatened her and assaulted her with open hands.  

“All three suspects raped her by taking turns.Police were informed and two of the three suspects were later arrested” Tselanyane said.  “The two suspects, aged 17 and 19 respectively are expected to appear before the Garankuwa Magistrate Court on Monday” He adds.

They were charged with rape and a 17-year-old minor was released with a warning under parental care.  The third suspect is still at large and the Police are still looking.  Investigation continues.