BY OBAKENG MAJE

In another joint cordon and search operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), together with immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs held as part of “Operation Fiyela” in the Mahikeng and Mmabatho Police station areas on Saturday, suspects were arrested for various offences.

The objective of the operation was to focus on areas where crime is higher than normal or where the criminal element has established itself.

North West police spokesperson colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were apprehended after cordon and  search were conducted at Bradford Park taxi rank in Mahikeng and as well as Dibate  and Motlhabeng villages in Mmabatho.

“In Mahikeng, two suspects aged 59 and 33 were arrested for possession of dagga while another two were arrested for possession of counterfeit goods. Four other suspects were arrested for burglary, Assault, theft and malicious damage to property” Mokgwabone said.

The police also managed to seize two vehicles after their chassis numbers were found to have been tampered with. Nine undocumented persons were also apprehended while another two suspects were arrested after being found in possession of a carcass and a compressor suspected to have been stolen.

In Dibate village, a 34-year-old Cameroonian national was arrested for possession of counterfeit cigarettes.

All suspects with exception of undocumented persons are expected to appear in Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court soon.

Meanwhile, in another cordon and search conducted as part of “Operation Fiyela” at Khalamqwana Informal Settlement in Marikana on Saturday, the police arrested three middle aged male suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition respectively.

“The police also seized four firearms that were found abandoned inside Silver City hall while one was found abandoned inside the As part of the operation, 231 undocumented persons were arrested.  The police also confiscated assortment of liquor as well as dangerous weapons that include 87 knobkerries and five knives.  All suspects arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition are due to appear in Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court soon” he outlines.

The police together with other law enforcement officials will continue with these operations throughout the province to maintain stability and fight the scourge of violence and reclaiming spaces from control of criminals.

-TDN

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BY OBAKENG MAJE

Taung police under siege after the family of Roy accuses them with slackness and being ineffectual. This came about after the family of Roy in Kokomeng village in Taung, claims that if the police acted swiftly their son would’ve been alive.

According to Mapule Roy (46), her son committed suicide after they found an illegal firearm in his bag and called the police.

“My young son came to me informing me that he saw his brother, Mosimanegape Roy wearing his socks and said he wants them. I went to Mosimanegape’s bedroom where I found his bag on his bed. I searched it with intention of finding the alleged socks because I wanted to circumvent a quarrel between the two.

“To my surprise, I found a firearm in his bag and that left me ice-covered. I called Mosimanegape’s uncles and we all decided to call the police. Taung police arrived and looked into the firearm and confirmed that was the real firearm. They took the firearm away and left, but we pleaded with them to arrest the perpetrator who was at the nearest tavern, before they left but they refused. They said we must arrest him ourselves and bring him to the police station afterwards” Mapule said.

Mapule said Mosimanegape came back after some few hours and went berserk after he realised that his firearm wasn’t there.

“I was at the neighbour’s house when he came. He allegedly looked into his bag and realised that his firearm isn’t there. He came to me and asked me where his firearm was. I tried to explain but he wanted to hear none of it” she said.

According to Mapule, Mosimanegape allegedly hanged himself in his bedroom.

Mapule said she believe that if the cops arrested him as they were asked to; her son would’ve been alive.

However North West polce spokesperson, Colonel Emelda Setlhako refutes the claims and said the police looked for the suspect but did not find him.

“We can confirm that a case of inquest was opened at Taung Police Station after a 25 year-old man was found hanged in his bedroom in Kokomeng village, near Taung. The incident took place on the 05 April 2015 and it is alleged that the suspect had a quarrel with his mother over a missing firearm. We can also confirm that the police were called to the scene after the mother of the suspect discovered an illegal firearm from the bag of the suspect who eventually hanged himself. The firearm was taken away for ballistic test and we are still waiting for the results” Setlhako said.

However Mapule who now blames herself for calling cops, said police were supposed to heed to the call and arrested her son.

A case of inquest was opened and investigations continue.

-TDN

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in North West gathered together at Taung Coverground in Workers Day celebration.

Amongst those who attended the event was Minister in the Office of the president, Jeff Radebe, North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo and leaders of different affiliations including African National Congress Provincial Executive Committee in North West.

Jeff Radebe said South Africa was also celebrating 21 years of breakthrough to complete freedom and democracy on the 27th April 2015.

He also pleaded with Cosatu leadership to restore unity within the federation.

“We would like to condemn any factions within the Cosatu as it is the federation that represents the workers, not individuals. We call upon all members of Cosatu to be disciplined and the leadership must not forget their mandate. We still experience inequality and exploitation of workers after 21 years of democracy. Let Cosatu make sure that every worker is represented fairly. Our message of support to Cosatu as the ruling party is that, we will work together in developing South Africa” he said.

ANC North West chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo signed a memorandum that was presented by Cosatu leadership where he signed a pledge to make sure that all workers are well-treated and no worker will be exploited in the province.

Mahumapelo condemns xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and said South Africa belongs to all living in it.

“This historic milestone has been reached due to the unrelenting fight people waged against colonial oppression and the apartheid state. We cannot let people say we must do away with colonialism and its history. We need to be wiser because even townships that we are living in today, were results of colonialism.

“We plea to all South Africans to be more patient and make sure we create a better country. We need to understand that the enemy isn’t amongst us, but against us. South Africa is a better place than it was before apartheid, so let’s work together to move it forward” he said.

Mahumapelo sent his message of support to Cosatu and promised that the government and the ANC in the province will work hand-in-hand with them to make sure workers’ lives improve and all procedures are followed and implemented.

“Our struggle would not have succeeded alone without the overwhelming support we received from the international community in general and our African compatriots in particular, so let’s make sure that we support each other as Africans” Mahumapelo said.

Cosatu North West’s Provincial Secretary, Solly Phetoe said there are challenges they are faced with as the federation.

“There are still employers who are exploiting workers especially in retailers and farm workers. All labour laws need to be put into practice and make sure all workers get a decent living wages. We as Cosatu, we will never budge until our mandate is fulfilled. We would like to inform all workers who are being ill-treated by their employers, to come forward and report them” Phetoe said.

South African Civic Organisation (Sanco) National Executive Committee member, Motlalepule Rosho said as an alliance, they support Cosatu in their mandate and encourages the leadership of Cosatu to stand head above shoulders even though they experiencing worst of its time since its inception. Rosho also took time to blast those who practice barbaric acts by attacking foreigners.

“The role of the international community and our African brothers and sisters formed a critical pillar of international solidarity during our struggle. We can’t fold our arms and take a blind eye while we destroying our future. We need to stop this barbaric act now. To Cosatu, we pledge our support as an alliance and make sure we strive for success” she said.

All affiliations of Cosatu were represented and the event commenced with a march from Taung N18 towards Taung Coverground in solidarity.

Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwane Tribal Chief, Tshepo Mankuroane applauded Cosatu for bringing the event to his soil and sent his message of support.

-TDN

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