North West Premier Thandi Modise has called for united action against the scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and for communities to support young people by identifying and blowing the whistle on drug lords and those establishments that are selling alcohol to the underage.

“We need to intensify the onslaught against drugs and alcohol abuse, build a drug free South Africa and communities that care because we cannot afford to lose our youth who are our future leaders to drugs like Nyaope and alcohol abuse. Research has confirmed that 

young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely

 to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older”, highlighted Premier Modise in her message to commemorate International Day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Modise added that though young people are more affected by alcohol and drugs than any other age group, the prevalence affects almost everybody, directly or indirectly, in homes, in families, in school, in neighbourhoods, communities, villages towns and cities.

The United Nations General Assembly resolved on 7 December 1987 to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

By Obakeng Maje

Lehurutshe-Police arrested five suspects including a 37 year-old Martinus Jacobs, a farmer and his 27 year-old partner, Riana Wheeler. 

The suspects were arrested amid transporting goats in a Toyota Quantum (panel van). 

“The two who are from Nigel in Gauteng province were allegedly buying suspected stolen stock from their contacts in and around Lehurutshe, Zeerust” lieutenant Lesego Metsi said. 

They were arrested on Tuesday and appeared briefly before the Lehurutshe Magistrate`s Court today. 

“There were remanded in custody pending the police investigations. The other three suspects who allegedly sold the stock to  Jacobs were also arrested this afternoon” said police. 

They are expected to make a brief appearance before Lehurutshe Magistrate Court tomorrow morning.

Police are appealing to anyone especially stock owners in and around Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipal District who has reported or lost their livestock (goats and sheep) recently, to contact the police to identify their stock. 

This followed after ten cases of stock theft involving small stock (goats/sheep) were reported to the police during May and June 2013.

Following thorough investigations, the police managed to recover 24 suspected stolen goats and are presently in the police pound for safekeeping.  

“Anyone who is missing his/her goats is requested to visit Lehurutshe Police station to come and identify his/her stock” 

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By Obakeng Maje

Potchefstroom-A woman who concealed birth was granted a R500 bail by Potchefstroom Magistrate Court this week.

of the unborn baby that was found last week Thursday was this week released on R 500.00 The suspect was arrested following information from the community. 

“It is alleged that on Thursday last week, two women from Sarafina informal settlement outside Potchefstroom were busy fetching wood when they made a spine-chilling discovery of a tiny partially decomposed foetus inside a plastic bag” colonel Lesego Metsi.

The foetus was found in the bushes between Ikageng grave yard and Ext 11 near N12 Highway. 

The police were summoned to the scene and had since registered a case of Concealment of Birth. 

On Friday 21 June 2013, the suspect handed herself over to the police.  

“She appeared briefly before the Potchefstroom Magistrate`s Court and was released on bail pending further investigations.   

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By Obakeng Maje

Ventersdorp-Police arrested five (5) suspects between ages of 17 and 32 in connection with the murder of a 19 year-old initiate whose burnt bones (skeleton) were found in a shallow grave. The 19 year-old Lesego Cassias Goliath allegedly joined initiation school at Doorenpan in the Ventersdorp District on the 12 June 2013. 

“It is alleged that between the time he joined the initiation school, and on the Monday the deceased was brutally assaulted by the initiation school`s principal and he subsequently died” lieutenant Lesego Metsi said.

“It is further alleged that the prime suspect was assisted by other four boys to burnt the deceased`s body and buried him in a shallow grave at the municipal dumping side” said Metsi.  

The police were alerted by members of the community about the incident and a search warrant was obtained. 

The police went and searched  the place with the help of the Dog Unit. During their preliminary investigations they uncovered human bones in an open field not far from the initiation school. 

“The four suspects are still in the police custody and are expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate Court soon.

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By Obakeng Maje

North West Department of Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities will on Friday commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the form of community dialogue, targeting youth, parents, tavern owners and care-givers, MEC Mokomele-Mothibi said on Wednesday.

The aim of the dialogue, Mokomele-Mothibi said is to provide factual information to the youth, parents and the wider community of Mamusa in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district on the danger of substance abuse.

“With this event, we also aim at encouraging members of the community to actively participate in substance abuse activities and motivate role-players to intensify their efforts in bringing about the desired change in communities as far as substance abuse is concerned,” Mokomele-Mothibi said.

She said that the dialogue will put her department in the right stead to lobby the support of stakeholders in the implementation of substance abuse programmes.

About 500 people including Mayors, members of mayoral committee, various government departments, local drug action committee and Non profit organisations are expected to attend the dialogue on Friday. 

Details of the dialogue are as follows:-

Date: 28 June 2013

Venue: Mamusa Local Municipality Town Hall

Time : 09h00

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. 

“This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is ‘Global Actions for Healthy Communities without Drugs” said spokesperson Petrus Siko.

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By Obakeng Maje

Hartswater-Police are investigating a business robbery after a tuck shop in Utlwanang, Hartswater was allegedly robbed by four men on Wednesday at approximately 09:00am. 

“Two of the four men allegedly entered the tuck shop and threatened the tuck shop owner with a knife and a firearm while the other two were spotted keeping guard outside” lieutenant Sergio Kock said. 

The suspects took undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes and airtime from the tuck shop and fled the scene said Kock. Police said community members witnessed the incident and gave chase and managed to arrest one suspect minutes later and handed him over to the police. 

The Hartswater police acted swiftly and later managed to arrest the other two male suspects. 

“The police are still searching for the gun, the goods taken and the fourth suspect who is still at large” Kock continues. 

The police requests assistance with regard to the incident and the arrest of the fourth male suspect. 

Anyone with information can call Detective Lieutenant Moseke at 083 378 7846. 

The police also thank the community and SAPS members involved for a job well done. 

“This is partnership policing at its best. The male suspects aged 18, 20 and 21 will be appearing in the Hartswater Magistrates’ Court soon” Kock concludes.  

The investigation continues. 

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By Obakeng Maje

Mr Edwin Mokeke of Extension 39 in Mahikeng told MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison that the RDP house he received from government has changed his life and that of his family positive. The 37-year-old Mokeke said this when he was asked questions during the socio-economic impact research pilot project launched in Mahikeng on Tuesday. 

“Mokeke expressed his gratitude to government for making him a property owner for the first time in his life” departmental spokesperson Simon Mmope said. Talking to the MEC during the visit to his house, Mokeke said they used to rent a room in Itsoseng, but since they received a house their lives has changed for the better.

“Mokeke whose on wheelchair was the first to be visited, of the 2500 Extension 39 households, where the integrated socio-economic impact research will be conducted for the next four weeks by the department” said Mmope.

Mokeke and his wife are both on wheelchairs and they live with their 3 year-old child.

Launching the research after visiting Mokeke at his house, MEC Maloyi pleaded with the residents of Extension 39 in to co-operate and provide valid information during the research.

“Your cooperation in this process will make the work of government more ease and further fast track the service delivery in creating better lives of our peopled,” said MEC Maloyi. 

In explaining the importance of the research to the communities, the MEC said the report will further provide guidance to the department on the kind of interventions needed for rectification, proper beneficiary occupation as well as the scope of work needed for the provision of houses to those illegally occupying other people’s houses.

“For those who have illegally occupied the houses, just be honest because we might find that you also qualify for a house and that will provide you with an opportunity to have a house in your own name,” pleaded Maloyi.

MEC further informed the residents that his department will continuously engage with the Mahikeng Local Municipality and other government departments to deal with other service delivery challenges such as roads and infrastructure that are facing the residents of Extension 39.

“This settlement must be a true reflection of Human Settlements with all requirements and basic services,” he said.

The 60 trained data collectors are expected to start on Monday, July 01, 2013, for a period of four weeks. They will go houses to house capturing information required on the questionnaire form developed by the Department.

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By Obakeng Maje

Pretoria-The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa will deliver keynote address at the funeral service of the late Johannesburg Central Cluster Commander, Major General Tirhani Maswanganyi tomorrow.   

In his address the Minister is expected to pay tribute to the contribution of General Maswanganyi who spearheaded various police operations, his selfless dedication and commitment towards the safety of the people of Gauteng.  

“He will also raise the issue of the upsurge in police killings and reiterate the call for an integrated approach and partnerships in curbing police killings” Ministry of Police spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said.

Also in attendance will senior government leaders, SAPS management and colleagues, representatives from Community Policing Forums, interfaith organisations, NGOs and members of the communities.  Details of the funeral proceedings are as follows:

Date:                           Thursday, 27 June 2013

Time:                           Service starts at 07h00

Venue:                        SAPS Detective Academy Hall, Hammanskraal

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JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros says he’s concerned about the number of young people being arrested for drug-related activities

For more http://www.ewn.co.za

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-June is one of the coldest yet fun-filled months, well get on your dancing shoes, because Vaaltar FM’s award-winning DJ is going to throw one heck of a Birthday Bash Party in Pudumong, near Taung.

The Birthday Bash Party starts on Friday with a bang at Shimmy’s Place.

The main event is on Saturday at Pudumong Community Hall and the Youth Connection presenter will be graced by the likes of Brazo Afrika and other locals.

“Can you believe that it’s been three years since we host the Birthday Bash. We did it before, and we gonna do it again” award-winning Dj Notorious said.

Dj Notorious is celebrating his Birthday Bash along with one of the humblest club Djs in the country, Mr Buzz.

“We are SUPER DUPER ULTRA excited to host this fabulous birthday celebration, not only to celebrate also we commemorate Youth Month” said Notorious Dj.

Vaaltar FM’s Youth Connection presenter said they also extent their gratitude to bravery youth “The class of 1976” who fought against colonism and be taught in afrikaans.

He said also he extent his thanks to his supporters and listeners for their continuous support over the years.

“If you had a blast at our last year Bash, then brace yourselves for an explosive time at this year’s celebration. We’ll be upping the stakes and taking our party up a notch” said sassy Dj.

There will be live performance from local artists and the full line-up follows:

NOTORIOUSDJ & MR BUZZ BDAY BASH…29 JUNE 2013

@Pudumong Comm Hall 

18H00 til late..

Pre Party @Mshiza’s Place,28 June

R20 @the Gate..

Line Up.

*Desmond P

*Pk

*Khelsna

*Barxoul

*Raps

*Calvin 

*Qulo Music Addict

Main Event

R30 a ticket & R40 @the gate…

Line Up.

**Brazo Wa Afrika(Afrikan Sax)

**T’do Soulfreak

**Sphere

**AcaSoul

**Shakes

**Rabbi Rich &Da Pet

**Notorious

**Mr Buzz

**Nandos

**G-Funk

**Poposkie

After Party @Rando’s Carwash

Feat 

*Trekkie.Com Djs

*Bizza

*Afro

*Stoane

& more…!!! 

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