Mahikeng- It’s all systems go for the newly reconfigured Department of Local Government and Human Settlements following a two-day strategic retreat held over the weekend in Rustenburg.

The aim of the strategic retreat which was attended by managers from the erstwhile Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, was to craft new strategies for the newly reconfigured department.

Acting Head of the Department, Moss Ikgopoleng Kgantsi, said the intention was to finalize the merger as speedily as possible such that the new department is able to discharge its mandate of supporting municipalities as well facilitating the provision of integrated and sustainable human settlements to communities of the North West.

Kgantsi emphasized the need for a rejuvenated workforce to provide much needed services to our communities.

“We can only provide services as expected if we operate like an oiled machine. We need to clean up our administration so that ultimately we can also get a clean audit. We must create a culture that should distinguish us from all other departments as we are a department that is at the forefront of service delivery. If we respect our working space and ethics, provision of services is guaranteed”, he said.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

A man has been shot dead in Marikana, North West police said on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old was walking home on Tuesday afternoon when occupants of a car opened fire and killed him, Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
“The incident happened at around 4.30pm. He was near a playground when he was shot by occupants in a vehicle.” His attackers fled the scene.
Police could not yet reveal the man’s identity, but said a case of murder had been opened.
Mokgwabone could not confirm if the victim was the man mentioned at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday.
The commission heard that Bongani “Bhayi” Mehlonkomo was shot dead in Marikana on Tuesday evening, and that other mineworkers in the area feared for their lives.
Dali Mpofu SC, for miners arrested and wounded during strike-related violence in Marikana in August 2012, said Bhayi was a member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union. He said police witness “Mr X” had repeatedly mentioned Bhayi at the inquiry, implicating him in the August 2012 murders of police officers and Lonmin security guards.
“There is growing concern among the people that I represent. Speculation in the community is that the assassination is connected to the mentioning of names by Mr X,” Mpofu told the inquiry in Pretoria. “Their fear is that those who have been implicated falsely feel that their lives are under threat. They are not under protection and are vulnerable.”
Mr X is under police protection and may not be identified. He has been testifying via video link from an undisclosed location.
The inquiry, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin’s platinum mining operations in Marikana in 2012.
Police shot dead 34 people, mostly striking mineworkers, and wounded 70, on August 16, 2012. In the preceding week,
10 people including the two policemen and two security guards, were killed.
-Sapa

By Obakeng Maje
Taung- North West police can confirm that investigation is underway after a man was allegedly freed by Taung Police Station. A man was arrested by community members and other stakeholders in Kgomotso village, near Pampierstad after he was linked to string of crimes that took place in the area.

According to information, a man attacked, robbed his victims money, personal belongings and cellphones before raping them. He allegedly targets female nurses and teachers and his modus operandi is the same.

He once used his victim’s cellphone to call someone. He was arrested by community members and brought to Taung police station. According to one of community members, police freed him because there is no evidence that links him to alleged crimes. The suspect apparent launched a case of kidnapping and assault against a local anti-crime forum members who brought him to the police station.

North West police colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said they are investigating the matter and what really transpired.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_