North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the life sentences and stiff jail sentence given to the husband of Mmabatho resident and public servant, Ketlagomang Ivy Motsepe and his three accomplices in her gruesome murder as appropriate and a necessary deterrent to perpetrators of gender based violence.

“The sentences meted on Friday by the North West High Court for the March 2012 murder should sent a stern message to men not to opt for violence if love is lost in their relationships but to seek professional help in order to assist them to respectfully part ways with their partners in an amicable manner if the situation is beyond reconciliation,” stressed Premier Modise.

The Premier said that repulsion that the community of Mmabatho Unit14 had shown towards crime during the debacle leading to the arrest of Klass Molefe, Penny Tatushe, Elizabeth Mosweu and Thabo Thamaga and the support gave the police in their investigation should serve to unite them to uproot the scourge of crime in their area.

“The unity that they and the late Ivy Motsepe’s colleagues in the department of Finance have shown us in their quest for truth and justice is a lesson in love and true compassion,” added Modise.

Klaas Molefe – the husband of Ivy, his concubine Elizabeth Mosweu and Thamaga were given life sentences for murder, as well as 15 years for robbery and 10 years for kidnapping while Tatushe was imprisoned for 22 years for murder, 12 for robbery and 10 for kidnapping.

The sentences for each charge will run concurrently.

According to police, it appeared the relationship between the Molefes had broken down.”Instead of parting ways, the husband chose foul play…he resorted to getting rid of the wife so he could keep what [money and assets] were there,” said Spokesperson for the North West Police Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

Molefe’s husband reported her missing after she never returned from work on March 14 2012.

Police searched for her and also called on priests and traditional healers for assistance.

The four were arrested in April 2012 before Thamaga made a confession and pointed out where Molefe’s body had been hidden. 

Police Investigations had established four murderers had taken Molefe to a bank to draw money before killing her. They had also stolen her car.-TDN

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) has congratulated Orlando Pirates for qualifying for the final of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final.

Pirates played to a one-all draw against draw against Esperance at the Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunisia on Saturday, 19 October 2013. Defender Rooi Mahamutsa silenced the home side when he scored for the visitors in the 52

nd minute before Esperance equalized five minutes later.

The South Africans go through on the away goal rule after they held the Tunisians to a goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium a fortnight ago.

“As the South African Football Association we would like to congratulate Orlando Pirates for a magnificent achievement in the CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Esperance. We would like to say to the players and the technical team your feat in Tunisia was of heroic proportions. You have made the whole country proud with your guts, determination and resilience. Not many gave you a chance but you did well,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.

”This is indeed a wonderful day for South African football and this milestone augurs for the game in this country. Your success is our success too as an Association because you are representing not only us but also millions of football fans in South Africa. In our view, you are already champions just by reaching the finals, and we have faith that you will go all the way and lift the trophy. We would like to assure you of our support.“

In the final, Pirates will face the winner in the other semi-final clash between Al Alhy of Egypt and Cottonsport of Cameroon who play on Sunday, 20 October.

The first leg of the final is scheduled for Saturday, 2 November 2013 with the second leg set to be played a week later (Saturday, 9 November).

Orlando Pirates return to South Africa on Monday morning (21 October).

Johannesburg – A man has been left seriously injured after being struck by lightning in Randfontein, paramedics said on Saturday.

“He was struck by lightning while walking on the road,” said Netcare 911 paramedics spokesperson Santi Steinmann.

The man was treated on the scene before being taken to hospital for further medical attention.

SAPA

CAF Champions League Semi-Final

Result: Esperance 1-1 Pirates

Date: 19 October 2013

Venue: Stade Olympique d’El Menzah

Orlando Pirates put on a sterling second-half display, despite some poor finishing, and booked their place in the CAF Champions League final with a 1-1 draw away to Esperance on Saturday night.

The first-leg of the semi-final ended 0-0 at the Orlando Stadium, meaning that the score draw was enough to see the Sea Robbers through to the final via the away goals rule.

Pirates hit the side netting in the 11th minute when Happy Jele got up at the far post to meet a free-kick before Esperance saw a shot from the edge of the area blocked after Pirates had nervously dealt with a free-kick.

The visitors hit on the counter immediately after though and Tlou Segolela was sent scuttling clear but instead of shooting he opted to square and produced a weak pass straight to an Esperance defender as the best chance of the half went begging.

The winger forced the goalkeeper to parry a cross/shot in the 29th minute while Esperance were denied by the crossbar at the other end in the 31st minute when a shot from Hocine Ragued dipped just ahead of Senzo Meyiwa, bounced off him, hit the crossbar and sailed over.

The Pirates goalkeeper had another nervous moment in the 33rd minute when he spilled a low free-kick but reacted quickly to dive back onto the ball under pressure.

The South Africans came into the game more as the half came to a close but Thabo Matlaba failed to put in a cross from a good area while Segolela shot from a tight angle when he had the option to cross in a four-on-three situation.

Pirates continued their charge after the interval with Bacela firing just wide two minutes in before an unreal save from Ben Charifa kept out Klate’s close range header.

The opener arrived moments later though as Rooi Mahamutsa got up at the near post from a corner and buried a determined header to silence the home crowd.

The hosts took just three minutes to respond though as Iheb Msakni clinically finished off a low cross toward at the edge of the six-yard area.

The excitement continued with Jele thumping a header against the post in the 57th minute while Bacela sent the rebound high and wide.

Myeni shinned a good chance in the 63rd minute while Matlaba allowed the solitary defender to close him down when he had two team mates waiting for a pass in a brilliant three-on-one counter.

Two poor offside decisions stopped Klate and Bacela in good positions but Pirates started to slow the game down by holding onto the ball and passing it among themselves.

Klate lashed a wild finish over when he had a chance to wrap it up late on while substitute Collins Mbesuma also produced a weak finish after beating two defenders.

Pirates remained composed in the final few minutes and saw out the draw to book their place in the final, where they will meet either Al Ahly or Coton Sport.

Esperance: Moez Bin Sharifa, Chamseddine Dhaouadi, Khalil Chemmam, Samah Derbali, Mohamed Ben Mansour, Harrison Afful, Hocine Ragued, Karim Aouadhi, Youssef Belaili, Yannick N’Djeng, Ossama Darragi.

Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Rooi Mahamutsa, Ayanda Gcaba, Thabo Matlaba, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Tlou Segolela, Daine Klate, Sifiso Myeni, Lennox Bacela.

For more http://www.soccerladuma.com

By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-The Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa congratulated the Mahikeng police for the good detective work which resulted in the life sentences of the murderers of Ms Ivy Kebitsamang Molefe, whose body was found in a decomposed state earlier last year. 

The judgment was handed yesterday at the Mahikeng High Court, North West.  

The first accused, Ms Penny Tatushe was ordered to serve 22 years effectively in prison term.

“The three other accused, namely Mr Klaas Molefe (the late Mrs Ivy Molefe’s husband), Ms Elizabeth Mosweu (concubine of Mr Klaas Molefe) and the hitman, Mr Thabo Thamaga all received life imprisonments” ministry spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said.

After the gruesome discovery of the deceased’s body, Minister Mthethwa accompanied by the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo visited the Molefe family in Mahikeng, to offer condolences but also assure them that the police will investigate the case and ensure the perpetrators face the full might of the law.

“I want to commend the contribution of the police, through good investigative work because on most instances, police are often blamed by some members of the public when criminals walk free or receive lighter sentences”.  

“This sentence augurs very well for the police because it shows that through dedication and relentless pursuit of the case, resulted in these life sentences.  We congratulate and urge them to continue to do more,” stated the Minister.

It is alleged that the late Ms Molefe went to work as usual on the 14th March 2012 and never returned home that day.  

Subsequent to that, the following day her husband Mr. Klaas Molefe reported her missing at Mmabatho Police Station.

The police assisted by the local community began with a search.  Awkwardly, the husband of the deceased never participated in any of the searches including prayer sessions which were organized by the community members.  

He further accused police of not doing enough to find her missing wife.

Despite these false accusations, police continued with their investigation.  

Eventually, the investigation pointed out that the very same husband who falsely accused police of incompetence was actually an accomplice and mastermind to the planned murder of the deceased, which was carried out on the 14th of March 2012.  

All four accused were eventually traced, arrested and charged with kidnapping, murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“We recognize that to win the war against crime it is essential that government join hands with communities in forming concrete partnerships, strengthened by a common goal of a safe country.  We therefore urge members of society to become part of our crusade aimed at protecting particularly women, children and the elderly against heartless criminals,” concluded the Minister.-TDN

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Telkom Knockout Cup

Result: Supersport United 3-1 Moroka Swallows (AET)

Date: 19 October 2013

Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium

SuperSport United beat Moroka Swallows 3-1 on Saturday afternoon, thanks to two goals in extra-time, to advance to the Telkom Knockout semi-finals.

All of SuperSport’s goals came from substitutes, as Bradley Grobler grabbed one in regulation time, and Thuso Phala and George Maluleka scored in the extra thirty minutes. Edward Manqele scored for Swallows.

The opening ten minutes saw no goalmouth action, but there were some heavy tackles, and Swallows captain Lefa Tsutsulupa was stretchered off the field and had to be replaced, after a tackle from Innocent Mdledle in just the eighth minute.

In the 23rd minute Swallows came close to getting their first attempt at goal but Larry Cohen was unable to get a touch on the ball delivered in by Lerato Chabangu from a free kick, and the ball went out.

Giorgi Nergadze tried a long range shot in the 32nd minute, after a good run forward from Asavela Mbekile, but his shot was never on target and flew high into the stands.

In the 39th minute Cohen had another chance, this time from a corner that wasn’t cleared properly, but his shot took a deflection and went out.

At half-time, with neither goalkeepers having to make a save at all, with zero shots on target, the score remained goalless.

Chabangu had a chance in the 50th minute, but his first-time shot, the first on target in the game, went straight into the hands of Ronwen Williams.

In the 59th minute, just before being substituted, Niang picked up a loose ball outside the area and tried a long shot, but it flew just wide of Greg Etafia’s goal.

A minute later Siyabonga Nomvethe came close to opening the score, but his header was well saved by Ronwen Williams.

In the 61st minute substitute Bradley Grobler put SuperSport up, as fellow sub George Maluleka beat Cohen, then laid the ball across the goal for Grobler to score to make it 1-0.

But the lead was short-lived, as Edward Manqele found the equalizer just two minutes later, pouncing onto a wayward header from Bevan Fransman, and the in-form striker placed the ball past Williams to make it 1-1.

In the 70th minute another substitute Thuso Phala tried a shot but it went over, and seconds later Grobler missed a glorious opportunity as he shot wide from just inside the box, with an open net i front of him, after Sameehg Doutie drew Etafia out of his goal and set him up.

Two minutes later Grobler had another chance, but this time Etafia was able to close him down and saved at his feet.

In the 77th minute Etafia made a great save to stop Enocent Mkhabela from scoring, as he shot from the edge of the box, but Etafia was able to deflect it out for a corner.

Manqele had a chance in the 81st minute to get his and Swallows’ second, but his header went straight into Williams’ hands.

In the 88th minute Phala got the better of Cohen and broke free down the left, but Etafia was there again and got a touch onto Phala’s shot and the ball hit the post and went out.

At the end of ninety minutes the score remained 1-1, so extra-time was needed.

Three minutes into the first-half of extra-time, Maluleka had an opportunity from a set piece, after substitute Dikgang Mabalane hand-balled, but Maluleka’s well-directed shot was tipped over by Etafia.

In the seventh minute Swallows had a chance on the other end, but Felix Obada’s final effort went high and wide.

In the 13th minute Nomvethe beat the off-side trap but as he attempted to lay the ball back to an open Obada, Sibusiso Khumalo dived in to intercept and put the ball out.

In the last minute of the first-half of extra-time Grobler laid the ball back to Phala on the edge of the area who blasted a low shot past Etafia into the left bottom corner to make it 2-1 for SuperSport.

In the first minute of the second-half of extra-time, Maluleka scored a great individual goal, as he ran onto a good over-the-top pass from Doutie and was able to beat Da Costa for pace, then rounded Etafia and placed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1.

Manqele almost pulled a goal back in the 19th minute, but his attempted header could only hit the post and was cleared to safety.

Read: SuperSport v Swallows In Numbers

Read: Chenene: We Will Attack Swallows

How they started :

SuperSport United: Ronwen Williams, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thabo Moloi, Innocent Mdledle, Bevan Fransman, Thabo September, Sameehg Doutie, Enocent Mkhabela, Kurt Lentjies, Mame Niang, David Mathebula

Moroka Swallows: Greg Etafia, Luvhengo Mungomeni, Roger Da Costa, Larry Cohen, Levy Mokgothu, Asavela Mbekile, Giorgi Nergadze, Lerato Chabangu, Lefa Tsutsulupa, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Edward Manqele

For more http://www.soccerladuma.com

By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-The North West Provicial Commissioner Lieutenant  General  Zukiswa Mbombo congratulates the team that worked tiredlessly to ensure that the murder accused of Ivy Ketlagomang Molefe are brought to book.

This is after the sentencing of the four accused:  Penny Tatushe (43 years), Elizabeth Mosweu (49 years), Klaas Molefe (57 years) and Thabo Thamaga (26 years) on charges of kidnapping, murder and robbery. 

One of the accused (Klaas Molefe) is the husband to the victim. The four were sentenced on Friday at Mahikeng High Court.

“Penny Tatushe (43 years) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for kidnaping, 22 years imprisonment for murder and 12 years imprisonment for robbery” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

Elizabeth Mosweu , Klaas Molefe and Thabo Thamaga were sentenced to:

•10 years imprisonment each  (Count 1: kidnapping )

•Life sentence imprisonment  (Count 2: murder )

•15 years imprisonment each  (Count 3: Robbery)

Judge Gurga ordered that count 1 and 3 will run concurrently with count 2.

“According to evidence led before court, Ivy Molefe went to work as usual on the 14 March 2012 and never returned home that day. Subsequent to that, the following day her husband (Klaas Molefe) reported her missing at Mmabatho Police Station” Ngubane said. 

The police launched a massive manhunt assisted by the community in conjunction with other stakeholders such as clerics and traditional healers.

After thorough investigations the four were arrested and on the 06 April 2012 and appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court on the 10 April 2012. 

“An attempt by the four accused to apply for bail was dismissed.  It is during this period that the accused number four (Thabo Thamaga) made a confession before the Magistrate and pointed out the crime scene where the body of the late Ivy Molefe was found in a decomposed state” he said.

Provicial Commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo said the sentencing on the case was appropriate as this will send a clear message that crime does not pay. 

She further cautioned that the sentencing will deter others who are thinking of committing similar crime.

She has however, applauded and commended the police investigating team lead by Lieutenant Colonel Moraka and the judiciary in bringing the matter to finality in 15 months.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

Diepsloot-The dark cloud hovering over Diepsloot squatter camp will not go away yet. Another body of an infant was allegedly found in the open field on Saturday.

According to community leader Sicelo Shezi told sabc that they were still at the cementery when they received shocking news.

“We really do not know what’s going on in Diepsloot. We were at the cementery after we laid to rest the bodies of two toddlers who were allegedly raped and killed this week in Diepsloot” Shezi told sabc.

This week two toddlers, Yoneliswa Mali and her cousin Zandile were allegedly found murdered in the toilet cubical after they went missing.

Five suspects were subsequently arrested amid the hideous crime and will appear befor court for bail application soon.

“We will organise a mass prayer and try to make Diepsloot a safer place” said Shezi.

Police could not confirm the incident and investigations continue. 

At the moment the cause of the death is yet unknown.-TDN

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As the South African media fraternity celebrates media freedom and the right to freedom of expression and access information, North West Premier Thandi Modise has commended South African journalists for the highest standard of professionalism.

“Journalists are like backroom boys who rarely receive credit for the good work that they do. By and large, South African journalists have consistently demonstrated highest level of professionalism in the manner in which they do their job and this is indicative of the enabling environment for free and independent media that the post-apartheid South Africa has provided.

Premier Modise said it was gratifying to see that the media in South Africa was beginning to reflect and cater for the demographics of the country although much improvement was still needed especially with regard to the indigenous language media.

“We are very happy that South Africa is one of the countries that continue to safeguard media freedom because we value the contribution of a free and independent media in holding government and other institutions of power accountable.

“We are proud to see the range of community media in different languages together with the range of voices that these media platforms orchestrate to permeate the public sphere,” said Premier Modise.

Modise said indigenous communities across the world share a history of oppression and exclusion, adding that the media remain one of the key institutions that can help to ensure that the rights of these communities are protected instead of being pushed beyond the margins.

The media day is celebrated in South Africa as part of the remembrance of what has been popularly referred to as “Black Wednesday,” which occurred on October 19, 1977 when the apartheid government banned three newspapers and detained their editors under the Internal Security Act (of 1950).

Premier Modise, who herself suffered under unjust apartheid laws through unlawful imprisonment and police harassment, says South African journalists are now able to sleep knowing that their rights are protected under the constitution that has been hailed as one of the best in the world.

“We count on the media to help us educate our people about their rights and concomitant responsibilities which include all fundamental rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights in our constitution. We count on the media to educate our youth to participate in the democratic process and excise their rights to register and vote so that they can decide on the government of their choice. We are very proud that we have achieved the ideal of a free and fair society in the past 19 years. This is what democracy is about,” reiterated Modise.

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-North West Health Department held a “Fight against teenage pregnancy” campaign in Taung on Saturday.

The event took place at Taung Cover Ground and MEC of Health Dr Magome Masike warns the youth about this carnage.

“We experiencing high rate of teenage pregnancy and this is a concern. The youth must wait for the right time before they indulge in this actions” MEC Magome Masike said.

Masike the department of health are offering busaries for disadvantaged pupils and the must take advantage of that.

Most common excuse from the pre-matured girls who engaged into sex blamed poverty.

“Never ever let poverty dictate your full potential. Change your life-style and stop engaging into sex with so-called sugar-daddies” programme director said.

Two pupils attest to this and shared the same statement: “Let’s rather abstain and concentrate on our books and go to church” said Boitshoko Temeku from Pinagare High School.

Cornelius Lobelo said the message they wanted to send across was early pregnancy and sceptic abortion.”The youth must stop engaging into sex at the early age as this will not only cause them become pregnant, but also they will contract diseases like STI, and HIV”.

According to statistics, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati experienced high rate of pregnant pupil sitting on 909 since from last year.

Last year Barolong High School found itself fighting the pregnacy issue as it showed its ugly head at the school.

MEC Masike said they are very adamant in this project and will do their outmost to teach youth about the danger of sex, alcohol and substance abuse.

MEC Masike in conjuction with social Development department were engaged in the initiative and yesterday they held a ‘divine prayer”.

“Yesterday we started at Vryburg where we removed pamphlets with bogus doctors on them. We embarked in the streets of Vryburg trying to let our people know about bogus doctors who claim to help girls abort babies illegally” he siad.

MEC also warned males who believe in penis enlargement to not believe anything like that as medications not offered by legitimate doctors and might lead to hazardous health problems.-TDN

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