Madibogo- Police Officers on duty at Setlagole and Madibogo police stations were caught by surprise when the Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Gaoage Molapisi visited the stations unannounced.

The unannounced visits which were intended to assess the level of service delivery provided by the stations and compliance were part of the Setsokotsane Programme that was implemented at the Ratlou Local Municipality.

On his assessment, MEC Molapisi found that there were serious challenges of resources and proper management. He said the resources might be minimal, but it is expected that the station managers must be able to improvise.

“Most of the issues here are resources, particularly vehicles but my worry is that there is no proper management on what you have.

The issue of vehicles it is a challenge but in some instances it is lack of proper management. It can’t be correct that the station struggles to get a car battery for more than three weeks. On the other hand, you allocate a vehicle to one staff member to attend a course and leave the station without a vehicle. What explanation do you then give to the communities and how do you deal with cases that needs to be attended outside the Police Station, do you tell them that there is no transport? This is a clear mismanagement of resources,” said the concerned Molapisi who was further informed that other vehicles have since been send for service in May.

At the Madibogo Police Station, MEC was informed that seven detained suspects escaped from the police cells on the 1^st of November 2014 which was due to lack of personnel resources.

Molapisi was informed that the suspects overpowered the police who was alone during the escape. Five of them were re-arrested and two are still at large.

The disturbed MEC said that his department will intensify the visits at Police Stations to ensure that there is proper management; compliance and service delivery standards are adhere to.

“These issues have a serious implication on service delivery and our people are the ones who are suffering at the end of the day. Chapter 12 of The National Development Plan emphasis productivity in our work place. We need to give our people hope and trust. We need to rise to the challenges and improve our service delivery standards,” he said.

After the visit to police stations, MEC Molapisi proceeded to Ratlou Local Municipality’s chamber where he addressed taxi owners who were sitting for the adjudication of applications for taxi operational licenses.

Conducted by the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), a total of 26 applications at the Ratlou area were adjudicated and 85 applications that were awaiting the PRE decisions were finalised.

Molapisi said the PRE sitting at Ratlou was redirected following the implementation of Setsokotsane Programme in the area that was led by the Bokone Bophirima Premier Mahumapelo.

In his address, MEC appealed to the taxi associations to limit their conflicts within themselves but rather share a common goal of making the difference in the lives of people.

“As government, we need your cooperation; we must not spend time on resolving unnecessary conflict that we ourselves manifest instead of providing services to our people.

It is important to take responsibility as owners to ensure that our roads are safe, our vehicles are roadworthy and that our drivers must know that they have been entrusted with the responsibility of the lives of our people,” said Molapisi.

The Setsokotsane Programme is aimed at accelerating service deliver to the people of Bokone Bophirima.

MEC Molapisi said the programme is designed to deliver government services to the communities in an integrated manner.

It is during the implementation of this programme, where services are pulled together in an effort to eradicate poverty and create opportunities for local people to improve their lives.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Johannesburg – A man has been arrested for allegedly hacking his girlfriend to death with an axe in Loding, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.

The 22-year-old woman was declared dead upon arrival at hospital on Sunday afternoon, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.

The 25-year-old and his girlfriend were allegedly arguing at a tavern in the area on Sunday morning. He took her to his parent’s house and allegedly hacked her with the axe while she was asleep.

“The suspect took a knife and tried to kill himself by cutting his throat, but he survived with serious injuries,” said Mohlala.

He would appear in absentia in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. – Sapa

Johannesburg – The Economic Freedom Fighters have a future in the country and will grow, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils said on Monday.

“They have earned their spurs by forthrightly challenging the ANC and status quo; (and) resurrected interest in clauses of the Freedom Charter pertaining to the land question and nationalisation when the ANC and SACP had forgotten such key questions relating to the economy,” he told Sapa.

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

The African National Congress (ANC) has congratulated Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, for being crowned Miss World 2014 at a glittering event held in London on Sunday.

Rolene is a 22-year-old medical student from the University of Free State.

National Spokesperson of the ANC, Zizi Kodwa says, “South Africans should be justly proud of Rolene for excellently representing our country on the world stage. We have no doubt that, building on the success of her reign as Miss South Africa, Rolene will continue to use the crown she holds to be an inspiration to youth; reinforcing and building positive role models for the youth of the world at large. We wish her all success in her new role.”

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

GEYSDORP – MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape has visited the Disebo family in Geysdorp which was left destitute when their shack burned beyond recognition. MEC Tlhape who promptly responded on behalf of the premier of the North West province, Premier Supra Mahumapelo described the incident as heartrending.

The incident has left at least one person dead and three others critically injured. She was responding to the incident that occurred on the morning of Sunday, 30 November 2014. The fire is suspected to have been caused by a burning candle.

Kgomotso Mogadiile who stays on the neighbourhood said they were only notified by the passer-by that there was fire next to their shack. It was only at that moment that they could smell burned substance and moved out quickly only to find their neighbours shack reduced to ashes.

“A 27 year old Elisa Oduang who sustained minor injuries says there was little she could do save the others as fire was spreading quickly. She struggled to open the door and was heard by a passer-by who had to kick the door down to save them. Oduang says she was grateful that someone had heard her cries otherwise she is scared that the worst could have happened. Oduang and her two year old daughter survived with minor injuries. The injured are receiving attention at provincial hospital in Mahikeng” MEC Manketsi Tlhape said.

Tlhape encouraged various departments of relevance, to come to their aid by ensuring that the family’s dignity is not compromised by providing them with all the necessary support.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Mahikeng – The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development will re-launch the Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) provincial structure.

YARD is a youth development programme aimed at developing and promoting excellence in Agriculture among young people. ‘

“It also seeks to advocate for youth’s equal participation and representation in decision making in agriculture and rural development. It will also look at promoting and creating awareness of the need to improve agricultural activities to ensure food security and economic stability in the country” departmental spokesperson Tsholofelo Dintwe.

The re-launch will culminate with the elections and inauguration of the Provincial YARD structure as well as launching of the YARD awards.

The event will be held from 17^{th -19th December 2014, with the following key activities:}

Dates: Wednesday, 17th December 2014 – Elective Conference

Thursday, 18th December 2014 – Induction of the newly elected Leadership

Friday, 19th December 2014 – Re-Launch of YARD and introduction of Youth awards in Agriculture and Rural Development

Time: The programme starts at 14h00 on Wednesday, 17th December and at 10h00 on the 18th & 19th December 2014.

Venue: Cookes Lake (Mahikeng)

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Kimberley- Northern Cape police are investigating a case of inquest after a 25 year-old man died on Monday.

According to Lieutenant Andrea Cloete, the body of Andile Mbala,25, was found floating in a swimming pool at Riverton Pleasure Resort, near Kimberley.

“The deceased resided in Bloemanda, near Galeshewe. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the exact cause of death” Northern Cape police spokesperson lieutenant Adrea Cloete said.

She said anyone with information can call Detective Warrant Officer Marcus Mafaro on 0823020407.

The case of inquest was opened and police investigations continues.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Cape Town Roses were crowned 2014 Sasol League National champions on Sunday, 14 December 2014 at the Isaac Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth. Roses beat three times champions, Palace Super Falcons 2-1 to clinch the title for the first time.

The team from Cape Town put on an impressive display on the day.

“A second half brace by former Banyana Banyana player, Nocawe Skiti handed Roses the trophy, while second half substitution, Gugu Gabuza got the goal for Falcons. Both teams had not lost in any of their matches leading to the final. Cape Town Roses were going with the wind direction in the first stanza, giving them an advantage in their attacking. They got their first shot at goal in the 2nd minute of the game” SAFA Media Manager Namhla Mphelo said.

Falcons retaliated five minutes later, but Chatelle Esau’s on target shot hit the cross-bar in the 8th minute. A minute later, Roses keeper, Nthabiseng Masute made a great save from Martha Mokoma’s close range shot.

Roses got another chance at opening the scoring in the 43rd minute, but Falcons keeper, Morwane Molale was alert to handle Thembeka Magxidolo’s shot, taking the score locked at 0-0 going into the half time break.

Mphehlo said with the wind subsiding a bit in the second half, Falcons were looking to get their goals as they were in the advantage of attacking in the direction of the wind, but Roses were the first to open the scoring.

The Falcons defenders were caught on the counter in the 50th minute. Tournament leading goal scorer, Nocawe Skiti made no mistake as she slotted past the Falcons keeper. With the pressure mounting on Falcons, Captain Nothando Vilakazi missed a chance to level the score in the 59th minute.

“Roses came close to extending their lead in the 61st minute, but Nandipha Booi’s effort was saved by the Falcons keeper. Falcons were again caught on the counter in the 71st minute. Skiti beat the Falcons defenders with pace, looping the ball over the keeper in her final pass, making it 2 – 0” she said.

Gabuza slotted one in for Falcons in the 86th minute as they pushed forward to catch-up, but Roses stood their ground.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Mahikeng- Premier of Bokone Bophirima Province, Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo has expressed sadness at the tragic road accident that claimed 10 lives near Atamelang township in Tswaing Local Municipality.

According to the South African Police Services, a VW Golf and a Toyota bakkie collided head-on last night, Sunday 07 December, on the road between Delareyville and Atamelang, at around 8pm.

The VW Golf was travelling to Delareyville and had four passengers while the bakkie was en route to Atamelang and had 9 passengers. Ten (10) people died and 2 of the 3 people who sustained serious injuries were transferred to Bophelong Hospital in Mahikeng, while the third one was admitted to the nearby Delareyville Hospital.

“On behalf of the Provincial government and the people of our Province, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who died in this tragic accident. We want the families to know that our thoughts are with them and that we will keep them in our prayers during this difficult time,” assured the Premier.

Mahumapelo says he is worried by the number of fatal accidents happening on the provincial roads, adding that this calls for motorists’ extreme caution on the road. In September this year, 15 people died in an accident on the N18 road between Taung and Magogong, south-west of Vryburg, while a woman died late last month following a head-on-collision on the N4 road near Rustenburg, which involved a Member of the Provincial Legislature who sustained serious injuries.

Premier Mahumapelo reiterated a call by government to all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the road and obey all road signs and rules to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_