Daily Archives: January 14, 2014

Maphoitsile boy ‘turned’ into a zombie


By Obakeng Maje
Maphoitsile-The community of Maphoitsile gathered at Gabonewe’s house yesterday with excitement and mixed emotions after it was alleged that the boy who went to train as a sangoma will be home.

Onalenna Gabonewe,15, left his house on 06 December 2013 under the agreement between his mother and the sangoma. Gabonewe allegedly has the ancestral spirit and decided to train as a sangoma after intervention.

The agreement was reach between Onalenna’s mother Annah Gabonewe,36 and the sangoma Thulaganyo Pico,36 to put her son through the passage.

“We handed over my son to the sangoma on the 06 December 2013 and agreed tha Onalenna will be back on the 14th January 2014” Annah Gabonewe said.

Onalenna was certified dead on the 28th December 2013 after he allegedly threw himself into the Mangope Dam.

“We left the house with Onalenna and other people to go to the dam as the calling ordered us to. The minutes we arrived at the dam, Onalenna ran towards the dam and threw himself into the dam. That was very unsual and some of people we were with tried by all means to save him, but unfortunately they couldn’t save him” sangoma Thulaganyo Pico said.

“It was on Friday,27 December 2013 in the evening and we called the police after we could not save Onalenna from drowning. Some members of the community alleged that I turned Onalenna into a zombie and there is no truth in the matter” outlines Pico.

Pico has been practising as a sangoma almost four years and Onalenna was her first initiate to train as a sangoma.

According to Pico, the boy’s death might be planned to blackmail her. She said some of healers told her about jealousy from her fellow sangomas.

The family of Onalenna alleges that they buried a wrong person as Onalenna did not have moles on his face but the burried person has.

“The sangoma promised to deliver my boy on Tuesday and people gathered here to experience the homecoming of Onalenna. We believe that our son is not dead but turned into a zombie” said Annah Gabonewe.

A case of inquest was opened by Taung Police Station after the body of Onalenna Gabonewe was discovered from the dam the following day. He was taken to mortuary and the post-mortem results will be released soon.

“I am very sorry about what happened to Onalenna, but I never said I will deliver the boy alive on Tuesday. We tried to engage the family in the matter, but they snubbed us. The mother of the child said she knows what ate her child and his spirit has been turned in a black bird” said Pico.

Pico said she does not buy stories that Onalenna has been turned into a zombie as she also went to other traditional doctors who could not confirm the utterance.

Maphoitsile community left disappointed as the scheduled time of Onalenna’s arrival pastby without showing his side.

The Gabonewe family insist that Onalenna is still alive and alleged that they paid R4000 for Onalenna’s training.

Pico said she could not continues to take the money from the bereaved family as the initiate died before he could finish his term.-TDN
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The first day of school should set the pace foe effective learning and teaching-Premier Modise


The first day of the academic school year is critical and should be used to set the pace for effective learning and teaching across all of schools, North West Premier Thandi Modise said ahead of the opening of schools on Wednesday.

“Our determination to surpass the milestones we achieved in 2013 should echo in every classroom for every learner to enjoy their learning experience and excel,” emphasised Premier Modise.
The Premier said that the year of the 20
th celebration of our freedom and democracy affords us with an opportunity to unite in action and extra effort to take South Africa forward.
“The bond we have established with our social partners including governance structures and parents in our schools gives us confidence that we would be in position to take the standards we have set to an all-time higher level this year,” added Modise.-TDN
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A 35 year-old woman hangs self in Cokonyane


By Obakeng Maje
Cokonyane-A 35 year-old woman allegedly hanged herself in Cokonyane village, near Taung and that left her family shocked.

Sylvia Baba Mangwegape,35, allegedly committed suicide on Sunday after she suffered depression.

Mangwegape was sick and the illness affected her mental, according to family member.

“Sylivia Mangwegape was allegedly sick since 2007 and she went through almost to every doctor without any help. The illness actually affected her mentally and she started to show some depression symptoms. In December she once highlited that she want to kill herself, but we took it very lightly” Monaunwa Mangwegape said.

According to Mangwegape’s family she committed suicide on Sunday after her mother left for a church.

“I left Sylvia with her son Phenyo Mangwegape,7, and left for a church. My grandson, Phenyo arrived at church shocked and said his murder has committed suicide by hanging herself on the rafters” Georginah Mangwegape.

The mother of the victim said they found a two drums linked together in Sylvia’s beedroom where she committed suicide.

A 35 year-old girl was unemployed and the family suspect maybe that might also contributed to her death.

Mangwegape was allegedly ill for a long time and she was always quite. She will be buried on Saturday and leaves her son called Phenyo and her brothers and mother.-TDN
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Over 34 cows poisoned at Matlapaneng, near Taung


By Obakeng Maje
Matlapaneng-The community of Matlapaneng village, near Taung was left crestfallen after they found their livestock dead.

Almost over 34 cows were discovered yesterday morning dead after it was alleged that they were poisoned.

According to information, the atrocity were committed by some of farmers in the area. Our mole told us that the cows were poisoned after they graze on farm and destroy the plants.

“The cows were poisoned because they gain entry onto the nearby farms and eat away our vegetables. This was agreed upon by some of the farmers and that was it” said our mole.

One of the victims who suffered the fate was former Kgosi Sam Mankuroane who lost few cows too.

The shocking event was discovered on Tuesday morning and this causes uncertainity within the community.

Even though the unidentified substance were discovered in the water that was set for dead cows, most of community members said they were shocked by the event.

Police were called and investigations continue.-TDN
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PIET PLESSIS LEARNERS TO RECEIVE SCHOOL UNIFORM


North West MEC for Social Development Collen Maine is set to handover school uniform to destitute learners at Piet Plessis Primary School on the reopening day of schools, his office said.

“Today when the schools re-open, MEC Maine will handover school uniform to 25 learners whose living conditions were assess by the department towards the end last year and found to be needy,” departmental spokesman Vuyisile Ngesi said.
  
The handover ceremony will be held as follows:-
Date : 15 January 2014
Venue: Piet Plessis Primary School 
Time: 07h30
Maine will be accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, mayor of Naledi and Kagisano Molopo local municipalities.-TDN
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Water supply to be restored by Friday, Govt entourage assures Mothotlung residents


Everything is being done to ensure that water supply to Mothotlung, Damonsville and part of Mmakau is restored by Friday, the government delegation of Ministers and North West Premier Thandi Modise assured community leader in Mothotlung on Tuesday.

Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa said that the required water pump part is on order overseas and would be delivered according to schedule for water supply to be restored.

In conveying condolences to the bereaved families, the entourage pledged support to the families of the fatally shot during a protest march on Monday and to investigate the suspected sabotage that might have led to packing up of three water pumps that supply water to the areas.

Tankering of water during water interruptions which the community was vehemently opposed to the extend that they organised a march to the municipal offices in Brits was alleged to be part of the corrupt practices that they requested thorough investigation including withdrawal of deployees for the Section 154  interventions in Madibeng

.Premier Thandi Modise’s assurance that no stone will be left unturned in the investigations was warmly received by the families that lost their loved ones in the tragic confrontation with police and community leaders.

Modise appealed to the community to give the investigations a chance and to work towards restoration of order in the area while issues they have raised are receiving attention.

Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa who was accompanied by Deputy Minister Maggy Sotyu,National Commissioner General Riyah Phiyega and Provincial Commissioner  Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo appealed to those who had witnessed the confrontation that led to the shooting to avail themselves for the investigation by the independent police investigative directorate.

The Premier’s entourage included MEC’s, the Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Councillor Louis Diremelo, the Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Poppy Magongwa, Members of the Mayoral Committee and local councillors.-TDN
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We are confident we can beat Mali – Vilakazi


Bafana Bafana midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi believes they have what it takes to do well against Mali in the second match of the 2014 CHAN tournament currently underway in three cities – Cape Town, Mangaung and Polokwane.

 

South Africa faces Mali on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Kickoff is at 17h00.

 

Both Mali and Bafana Bafana won their opening matches – 2-1 and 3-1 respectively and are joint top of Group A with South Africa ahead on a better goal difference.

 

“We are well aware of what lies ahead of us. We have been studying their videos and I am convinced we will get the better of them because we know what to expect. They are physically strong but I am certain we will compete,” Vilakazi.

 

“If they go unchecked they could be a serious threat. We know it is going to be a tough one but we will go there very much prepared because we have had two good training sessions since our match against Mozambique. From what we saw in their clash against Nigeria, Mali is, without doubt, a good team but they can be beaten.”

 

South Africa’s victory over Mozambique has certainly boosted the mood in the camp ahead of the important clash with Mali.

 

“It was important for us to get a good start and we want to build on to that. It was never a simple game. It’s never easy in a tournament like this as everyone wants to win. We are motivated to win,” added Vilakazi.

 

Fellow midfielder, Matthew Pattison is also upbeat after Bafana Bafana’s performance on Saturday, 11 January 2014.

 

“First of all it’s good to be back in the national team fold, it is great to see one’s hard work rewarded. We have a new coach and new faces, so it’s nice to see a bit of variety in the team,” said Pattison, who earned his third cap against Mozambique.

 

“We want to get to the knockout stages and the dressing room is upbeat but we know we can do better. We are aware that the Mali players are a bit physical but I enjoy that side of the game so I should be able to compete,” concluded Pattison.-TDN
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A win against Mali is crucial – Igesund


Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has emphasised that the team needs nothing but a win against Mali to increase their chances of qualifying for the next round of the 2014 CHAN tournament.

 

South Africa takes on Mali on Wednesday, 15 January at the Cape Town Stadium. Kick-off is at 17h00.

 

“It is very important for us to go to the match with Nigeria in a very comfortable position. There is a strong possibility that three teams could end on six points each and we don’t want that situation.  We cannot worry about what other teams are doing, but can only worry about what we can control. The players know, and I made it very clear that we have to beat Mali and we will see what happens in the other game – if they end up in a draw the better for us,” said Igesund.

 

“But we don’t want to go that far ahead (into the Nigeria match). We take each game as it comes and after Mali we will think of Nigeria – but tomorrow we will be ready for the game. It should be a tough one but I am quite confident because even though we started slowly I believe we will get stronger and stronger.”

 

Much has been made of the physical nature of Mali’s game, but the Bafana Bafana mentor has a plan.

 

“We are playing against a very good and physical team so we have been working hard on keeping the ball, making quick passes because we don’t want to get into a tussle with them as we will come off second best. We need to be clever and use the ball well and need to be more penetrative than we were in the first match (against Mozambique). So the mission is very clear – we have to get a result in this game so we know where we are,” added Igesund.

 

“Our tactics will change from our clash with Mozambique. We cannot allow Mali free play in the middle of the park because they are a very good side and if they can get a chance they will finish us off. I was quite surprised how impressive Mali was against Nigeria, which indicates we have our work cut out for us. I am contemplating making changes to the playing personnel because this is a totally different game. I want to have a bit more pace going forward but those changes will be completely tactical.”

 

Igesund has also thanked the supporters for coming in numbers to back Bafana Bafana.

 

“I would like to thank the people of Cape Town and we all know the support here has always been wonderful. It is lovely when you walk onto the pitch and you see so many fans in the stands, it is nice to be appreciated and we owe it to them to keep on performing. I just hope our performance against Mozambique will encourage them to come back tomorrow against Mali. I also thank those who supported the team even those from outside Cape Town, we are really grateful,” concluded Igesund.

 

Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations for the game against Mali. The squad has a clean bill of health.

 

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Mozambique later in another Group A at the same venue, kick-off at 20h00.-TDN
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Premier Modise and Minister Molewa to visit families of shot protestors


North West Premier Thandi Modise and Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa are to later this afternoon visit families of the protestors who were fatally shot during a service delivery protest near Damonsville outside Brits.

Premier Modise had earlier appealed for calm and expressed condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Modise had also appealed to those with information surrounding the clash between the protestors and the police and the shooting to assist the independent police investigative directorate in their investigation.

 “Our hard won democracy guarantees people the right to peaceful protest. While we sympathise with the need for our communities to voice their frustrations and dissatisfaction with service delivery, we wish to appeal that such protests be in accordance with the public gatherings act to avoid unnecessary confrontations and loss of lives,” Premier Modise had underscored.-TDN
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We are confident we can beat Mali – Vilakazi


Bafana Bafana midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi believes they have what it takes to do well against Mali in the second match of the 2014 CHAN tournament currently underway in three cities – Cape Town, Mangaung and Polokwane.

 

South Africa faces Mali on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Kickoff is at 17h00.

 

Both Mali and Bafana Bafana won their opening matches – 2-1 and 3-1 respectively and are joint top of Group A with South Africa ahead on a better goal difference.

 

“We are well aware of what lies ahead of us. We have been studying their videos and I am convinced we will get the better of them because we know what to expect. They are physically strong but I am certain we will compete,” Vilakazi.

 

“If they go unchecked they could be a serious threat. We know it is going to be a tough one but we will go there very much prepared because we have had two good training sessions since our match against Mozambique. From what we saw in their clash against Nigeria, Mali is, without doubt, a good team but they can be beaten.”

 

South Africa’s victory over Mozambique has certainly boosted the mood in the camp ahead of the important clash with Mali.

 

“It was important for us to get a good start and we want to build on to that. It was never a simple game. It’s never easy in a tournament like this as everyone wants to win. We are motivated to win,” added Vilakazi.

 

Fellow midfielder, Matthew Pattison is also upbeat after Bafana Bafana’s performance on Saturday, 11 January 2014.

 

“First of all it’s good to be back in the national team fold, it is great to see one’s hard work rewarded. We have a new coach and new faces, so it’s nice to see a bit of variety in the team,” said Pattison, who earned his third cap against Mozambique.

 

“We want to get to the knockout stages and the dressing room is upbeat but we know we can do better. We are aware that the Mali players are a bit physical but I enjoy that side of the game so I should be able to compete,” concluded Pattison.-TDN
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