By Obakeng Maje

Taung-North West police arrested a 22 year-old man who allegedly bludgeoned his grandmother to death at Dryharts village, near Taung.

The incident took place on Thursday and according to police, a suspect bludgeoned his gogo after an argument ensued between the two that led to stabbing.

“A 22 year-old man was arrested in connection of murder after he allegedly stabbed gogo to death” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

Police said a neighbour allegedly saw a 79 year-old gogo lying in pool of blood at her house and informed the police.

The police were summoned to the scene and on arrival they found a 22 year-old man sitting on the stoep.

They ordered him to open the door of the house, but he tried to run away.

“Police arrested a man after a chase and was arrested in conncetion of murder. A gogo suffered an open wounds on her forehead and below her ear” Mokgwabone said.

According to unofficial statement, a man allegedly demanded a share from gogo’s pension money and that led to an argument. 

He was arrested and will appear at Taung Magistrate Court on Monday for murder.

Police in vestigations continue.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

North West-The South African Police Service in the North West would like to advise and bring to attention of the community amendments in terms of Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 (Act 15 of 2013) regarding prohibition of possession of dangerous weapons.

“While the Constitution of the country guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions that must be done in a responsible manner” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.  

The police would like to advise and warn communities and organisers of marches that public display of weapons during service delivery protests especially under circumstances which may raise a reasonable suspicion that the person intends to use the dangerous weapon for an unlawful purpose is prohibited.

Mokgwabone said Contravention of Section 3(1) of the Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013  may lead to arrest and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.  

“The police would also like to advise about Section (5)  (b)  of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 2003 (Act 2014 of 1993) which also emphasises that the Convener and Marshals must ensure that the provisions of the Act are complied with” he said.   “The advice and warning come due to number of service delivery protests where protesters fail to take heed despite warning from the police to comply with certain restrictions” Mokgwabone concludes.-TDN

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By TDN

Manthestad, Taung-The North West Provincial Government has taken a firm decision to priorities services to the vulnerable.

North West Premier Thandi Modise told over seven thousand people gathered in Manthestad outside Taung during the Provincial Women’s Day Celebrations on Friday.

“We have taken a decision that we are going to start building for the elderly, orphans, child headed families. We know we are going to be very unpopular because we are prioritising people with vulnerabilities,” said Premier Modise to a thunderous applause.

Modise said her administration would stop at nothing to ensure that the people of in the province are empowered and that their rights to quality life are respected. She also lashed at schools that have a tendency to expel students whose parents cannot afford to pay for their tuition.

“Schools have no rights to expel students just because they can’t pay school fees. We will make sure that no child is denied education because of financial difficulties at home,” warned Premier Modise.

The Premier cautioned that shebeens that are operating near schools and churches, saying that their licenses will be withdrawn.

The premier also acknowledged the role played by women in several parts of the North West against the imposition of the pass laws.

“We are also inspired by the women of Zeerust, who in April 1957 carried out mass protest action against the imposition of the pass laws and the deposing of their traditional leader Abraham Moiloa by the apartheid regime, for having stood firmly against the imposition of pass laws on Bahurutshe, and women in particular.”

“I have been touched by what I have heard here today. It is especially gratifying to hear our premier speak so fervently about the rights of women. It is a great achievement for the current government considering what this country went through in the past,” said Maria Matlakala. A 91 year old Maria Matlakala of Buxton near Taung who was among those who attended the provincial celebrations..

Seventy-nine year old Baeti Motsamai of Mahikeng said the commemoration reminds her of the dark days of the struggle when she worked in Johannesburg. 

“I am very happy to see the rewards of one of the most audacious struggles. When Mandela was arrested, we used to donate R3 every month. The money was collected to help in the fight against the injustices of racial oppression. At the time we worshipped at St Lukes Church, Anglican with Arch Bishop Tutu and his wife Leah,” said the elated Motsamai.

Mpeile Mothibi, 75, said she is very happy that the women in the province play a critical role in leadership positions in government and business. 

“My mother was a Congress secretary and she would have been very happy to see what the democratic South Africa achieved.”

Premier Modise also decried the scourge of rape and other cases of gender-based violence that is currently ravaging much of the province. This was echoed by Bishop Daniel Matebesi who called on all men to demonstrate their seriousness in the fight against rape by signing the pledge against rape and women abuse. 

Premier Modise was accompanied by MEC of Social Development Colin Maine, the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Councillor Kaone Lobelo, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane of Batlhaping Ba Ga-Maidi among others.-TDN

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Cape Town – A draft bill banning alcohol advertising will be submitted to cabinet soon, a cabinet committee says.

The inter-ministerial committee to combat alcohol and substance abuse had agreed to submit the draft Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill during the next cabinet cycle.

“The committee, chaired by Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini and comprising 11 other ministries, agreed that the bill, in its current form, was ready for consideration by the cabinet with the view to gazette it for public comment,” a statement from the committee said.

The committee cited numerous inputs from government departments and civil society as motivation for approving the bill.

“Research has shown that, the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among adults in South Africa [is] expanding rapidly to the destruction of families as well as the community and society.

“The government cannot afford to ignore it or be quiet about it.”

The committee said moves by the industry to curb the harm caused by drinking alcohol, such as promoting responsible drinking, were not yielding results.

Alcohol abuse

“The committee agreed that this approach was at odds with most of the evidence gathered by various researches (sic) across the globe and that there was a need for various approaches, including the banning of alcohol advertising to deal with the devastating socio-economic impact of this scourge.”

“The department of health said the tangible costs of alcohol in South Africa have been estimated to be close to R38bn while intangible costs could reach R240bn (sic).”

Alcohol was also the third leading risk factor for death and disability in South Africa.

According to the transport department more than half of the country’s road deaths occurred as a result of alcohol abuse.

“Around 70% of domestic violence has been associated with alcohol; arrested people indicated that they were under the influence of alcohol for 25% of weapons-related offences, 22% of rapes, 17% of murders, 14% of assault cases and 10% of robberies.”

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Johannesburg – A man who snatched a woman’s handbag from a car died after jumping off a bridge in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Friday evening, paramedics said.

He smashed the window of a woman’s car and stole her handbag as she was stuck in rush-hour traffic on the M1 highway over Empire Road, next to Wits University, ER24 spokesperson Vanessa Jackson said in a statement.

People got out of their cars and chased him. He jumped off the bridge, possibly trying to land on the roof of the bus stop on Empire Road, but missed. 

The man, in his 20s, landed on the road where he died, with the handbag next to him.

SAPA