Durban – The owners of a Ballito farm will lay criminal charges against an EFF brigade that tried to stage a land invasion on Sunday.
A group of men stormed onto the farm which borders the N2 freeway on the outskirts of Ballito, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most sought after pieces of seaside real estate.
For more http://www.news24.com
Johannesburg – Former Democratic Alliance Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko has quashed rumours that she could be returning to South Africa to stand for the top position in the opposition party.
“I wish to clarify that I will not be making myself available for election to any leadership post at the DA’s 2015 congress,” she said in a statement on Monday.
For more http://www.news24.com
Some may think Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir is a magician because he evaded the law for years.
But appearing in two courts‚ nearly 30 km apart‚ at the same time for different crimes is a challenge even the alleged underworld boss may struggle to meet.
Krejcir is scheduled to appear in the High Court at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court‚ on the outskirts of Katlehong for the start of a trial on charges of conspiracy to commit murder‚ robbery with aggravated circumstances‚ theft and more.
For more http://www.timelive.co.za
BY OBAKENG MAJE
IT might not be one of the famous horseracing events that is widely recognised as the greatest, but with the faith and belief the organizer gathered, it will entrench its status as one of the household names in North West if not in South African sporting and social circles soon.
The event, presented by Xolani Mkonyana(36), seeks to stay fresh and contemporary each year while at the same time staying true to its deeply-rooted traditions of horseracing.
Mkonyana said he organised this because he always saw people from Taung visiting horseracing events like Durban July and now want them to have one in their own backyard.
“The event entered into its second year and last year it succeeded in evolving into vibrant and unique sporting and social event that draws its support from complete cross section of Taung community” he said.
According to Mkonyana, there are categories that horses are classified in.
“The horse riders are allowed to showcase the horses’ skills and win gifts. For now, we do not have any monetary as gift, but we give winners like medicines for horses and equipments” he said.
Matlakala Mokgweetsi(25) from Khaukhwe village, in Taung who was one of participants said as a woman she feels very honoured to be participating in this sporting event.
“I am so grateful and my love for horseracing started long time ago. I was inspired by the guy called Joseph Diphahe from same area and I want to see myself competing against the best at Durban July horseracing event one day.
“As a woman participating against males, I do not have any issues around that because it all goes down to the love of what you doing. I know it is male-dominated sport, but I can give them a run for their money” Mokgweetsi concludes.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
By Obakeng Maje
A domestic violence case against Joseph Pebe(58) was postponed by Taung Magistrates Court after his appearance.
Pebe allegedly beaten his wife, Akanyang Pebe(53) who is crippled after she allegedly finished the herbal medicine he bought.
The incident took place in October 2014 at Maphoitsile village, Taung and the case was postponed until 15 April 2015 for judgmental. Pebe was subsequently arrested after he hit his wife against the wall.
Akanyang Pebe suffered broken bones and was left crippled.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
BY OBAKENG MAJE
THE people of Vryburg and neighboring areas came out in numbers to experience a mouth-watering event where the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District unveil a statue of one of struggle stalwarts, Ruth Mompati.
Mompati who is a struggle icon was honoured of Friday with a statue erected at newly-built park in Vryburg.
The event was attended by dignitaries like North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo, Darkie Africa, Deputy Minister Kebby Maphatsoe and local municipality councillors.
The statue was erected at Hyes Park and Mama Ruta as Ruth Mompati is affectionately known said she feels honoured by the recognition bestowed on her.
“I am very grateful after all the recognition bestowed on me. Even though I did not achieve this alone, I feel honoured and this is only the beginning. We need to work together and make sure we take our country forward” Dr Ruth Mompati said.
Mama Ruta also remembered the struggle they went through in foreign countries. “We had the same objective, which was to take South Africa forward. We fought for freedom and democracy, so let’s not misuse it”
Mompati also encouraged the youth to use democracy wisely by going to school. She said education is the only key that can alleviate poverty and inequality.
She also remembered the late fellow struggle icons like Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Josephs.
Mompati took visitors down the memory lane by explaining how they survived during the struggle.
“We pushed each other for strength even though it was tough. One never knew who will be the next victim. We fought not only for South African liberation. We stood together to achieve this, now we handing over the baton to the youth. Now it is the time the youth stand up and be counted” Mompati said.
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo unveiled the sculpture of Mama Ruth Mompati and said that was an external memory.
“We need to draw our strength from our struggle icons like Mama Ruta. She is one of our struggle icons and we need to celebrate them while they are still alive” Mahumapelo said.
Deputy Minister for Defence & Military Veterans, Kebby Maphatsoe said even though South Africa is experiencing the violation of statues across the country, Maphatsoe said he believe the North West people will take care of Mama Ruta’s sculpture.
“We are experiencing attacks on various statues in the country currently, but that does not leave us worried because we know Mama Ruta is been celebrated by various dimension. She worked tirelessly to make sure that South Africa becomes a united country. As Nelson Mandela once said, South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, Black or White” Maphatsoe said.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District also unveiled the newly-built park that cost the municipality R2m.
“This park was built by EPWP employees and we really appreciate that. We will make sure the park stays clean and tidy. We will rename this park after Mama Ruta as we celebrating her life while she is still alive” Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Executive Mayor, Elvis Tladinyane said.
One of the EPWP beneficiaries Godfrey Moje (30) said he highly-appreciate the time given to them in building the park.
“We started this park from scratch as it was not in good condition. We arrived here and found it full of debris and shrubs. The money we received from EPWP was really helpful as we managed to put bread on the table” Moje outlines.
ANC North West also handed over E200 Mercedes Benz to Mama Ruta on Thursday to thank her for the contribution she made in fighting for democracy.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
By Obakeng Maje
Two suspects briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate Court on Thursday after they were arrested for rape.
Phemelo Goiwakae(20) from Lokaleng village and Ephraim Kgosiemang Sereo(22) from Morokweng village, in Taung were subsequently arrested on 28 December 2014 at Dj Nation Annual Bash where they allegedly rape a woman.
They were granted a bail of R1000 each by Taung Magistrates Court and their case was postponed for further investigations.
Their case was postponed on Thursday due to Sereo’s lawyer who did not pitch.
According to police information, the two suspects were arrested by security guards at the event where they allegedly raped a woman between parked cars.
They were handed over to police and a rape case was launched against them.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
President Jacob Zuma is an exemplary leader who has dedicated his entire life to the struggle for freedom in this country, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said earlier today in his birthday message to President Jacob Zuma.
“I take this opportunity to wish President Zuma a happy belated birthday and many more years to come on behalf of the Provincial Government of Bokone Bophirima and the entire residents of the Province. We thank him on this occasion for his inspirational leadership of our country and his dedication to the total emancipation of our people from all forms of oppression,” said Premier Mahumapelo.
President Zuma became active in the struggle for liberation as part of the African National Congress in 1958.
Mahumapelo said South Africa was very proud to have leaders such as President Zuma who have demonstrated their capability to serve the masses of our people long before this country became a democracy.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
BY OBAKENG MAJE
Pampierstad- Northern Cape police arrested two suspects on Wednesday for being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. According to information, two suspects aged between 28 and 31 respectful were subsequently arrested by police after a tip-off.
Pampierstad police spokesperson warrant officer Thuso Setumiso said two suspects were arrested after some of community members informed police about two men wondering in their township with firearms.
“We arrested two suspects for being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition after a tip-off from some of community members. Both suspects were from Daveyton township in Gauteng. It is alleged that two suspects were part of syndicate that went on to rob a local businessman in Kameelputs village, near Pampierstad” Setumiso said.
Hebert Sibanda(31) and Owen Kanye(28) appeared before Pampierstad Magistrates Court and their case was postponed.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
BY OBAKENG MAJE
Maphoitsile-based widow was left disillusioned after the grave of her late husband was destroyed by jealous unknown people. Polenah Boichoko Thameng(40) said she will never rest until those who are guilty of destroying the tombstone of her husband, Buti Thameng are brought to book.
“I stared in disbelief the shattered tombstone of my late husband. The pain I felt was equal to the one I felt when he passed away. I will never ever forgive that person who did these evil deeds” Polenah said.
She said Buti passed away back in 2012 and possibly he was the nicest person ever.
“My husband never hated anyone, so I just wonder what prompted that person to go and destroy his grave. The tombstone cost me more R6000 and now the grave is in a mess. I would like people to come forward with any information that could lead to any arrested so that justice could prevails” she said.
According to Polenah, she was informed by other people who went to the graveyard for burial after they spotted the destroyed grave.
Local headmaster, Keaobaka Saku encourages people to visit the graves of their loved ones often so that they could notice if there is any sinister surrounding their graves.
“What happened is very disgusting and we wonder who the perpetrator/s is. We would like to plea with our community members to visit the graves of their loved ones often so that they can see if there is anything unusual taking place. Dead people need to be respected and we will make sure the perpetrators pay for what they did” Saku said.
Polenah said she laid a charge of damage to property with Taung police and investigations are underway.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
The Guardian 