Daily Archives: August 24, 2015

‘Dryharts residents invited to a meeting’

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MP Public Meeting Advert Alderwood Tradung23 – Aug 2015

‘Mom, daughters raped in Klerksdorp’

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Picture: (Police found dead)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The North Acting Provincial Commissioner; Major General Jacob Tsumane condemned the incident in which a mother and her three daughters were allegedly gang raped on Saturday, in Extension 14, Jouberton.

North West police spokesperson, col Sabata Mokgwabone said: “It is alleged that on Saturday, a 50-year-old woman was asleep with her children at their place at Extension 14 when she heard someone kicking the door. 

“She allegedly woke up and saw three unknown males inside her bedroom.  The suspects allegedly switched on the light and she managed to see that they were armed with knives,” he said.

According to the information available at this stage, the suspects ordered her to undress and took her to the sitting room where one of them raped her. 

She was then taken to the bedroom where she was allegedly gang raped together with her three daughters aged between 6 and 18, in the presence of her two sons who were threatened with knives.

“The suspects allegedly took household belongings and other goods such as cosmetics, clothes and a cell phone to the value of R6000 before they fled,” Mokgwabone said.

The suspects were arrested and charged for house robbery and rape.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspects were members of a gang known as ‘Dog for Money’.

They were linked to a case of theft in Extension 14, where they stole a school bag and a pair of shoes belonging to a learner.

The accused aged between 18 and 22, appeared in  Klerksdorp Magistrates Court on Monday, and were remanded in custody until Tuesday for formal bail application.

“We want to reiterate that criminals have no place within society. We will deal harshly with those who are committing crime including merciless gangs”, said  Major General Jacob Tsumane.
-TDN

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Joubert Park pedestrian accident leaves teenager critical

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Picture: (Police Tape)

Picture: (Police Tape)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A teenager is in a critical condition following a pedestrian accident on Nugget Street near Hancock Street in Joubert Park, Johannesburg.

Netcare 911 paramedics and other services arrived at the scene and found a sixteen-year-old boy lying on the ground after he was knocked over by a vehicle.

Upon assessment of the teenager, paramedics found that he had sustained critical injuries during the accident.

“The boy was treated at the scene and rushed to hospital for the urgent medical care and treatment that he required, under the care of an advanced life support paramedic,” Netcare 911  spokesperson, Santi Steinmann said.

Exact detail surrounding the cause of the pedestrian accident and preceding events will remain the subject of a police investigation.

The occupant of the vehicle was not injured during the accident.

-TDN

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‘Cope introduce voting machines’

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Congress National Committee which is Cope’s highest decision making body in between congresses has as per the directives of the extra-ordinary national congress in June, adopted a ground-breaking constitution.

The new constitution, in our view, stands above the constitutions of other political parties in South Africa.

Cope spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said: “It allows the rank and file membership to directly elect its President. This is consistent with our call, since inception, that the President of South Africa, the premiers and all mayors should be elected directly by the people.”

He said Cope members, not delegates as is currently the norm, will now exercise the right to decide who should be their President. Voting will take place through the use of modern communication technology.

Bloem said South Africa will remember that that Cope was the first political party in the history of our country to hold a successful National Conference where all decisions were taken by using an electronic voting system.

“We are now poised to change the political landscape of the country for the better. To this end we will assume our rightful position in the politics of our country.

“We are pleased to announce that our election machinery is in place. We have also formulated our strategies and plans for the forthcoming local government elections. These elections will be an acid test of our resolve to achieve renewal and to make progress,” he said.

The CNC also expressed concern about the state of our economy. Cope said job losses and spiralling unemployment remain a challenge which begs a common response from all South African voters irrespective of party affiliation.

“Cope will continue to lead the way. We will intensify our campaigns to defend the Judiciary and chapter 9 institutions. This includes the office of the Public Protector which has had to contend with an unprecedented barrage of attacks from the ruling party alliance.

“We also condemn the senseless killings of our police officers whose sterling work cannot be overemphasised. We note from media reports that in past weekend at least two police officers were killed,” Bloem said.

-TDN

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‘Three died in North West school fire’

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Premier Supra Mahumapelo has expressed shock at the outbreak of fire at the North West School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad which led to the demise of three learners.

Mahumapelo has on behalf of the Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the 3 deceased learners.

 

A further 13 learners were injured when fire erupted as a result of smoke inhalation at the school in the early hours of Monday at around  01h00am. The learners were subsequently rushed to a hospital in Wolmaranstad were they currently receive treatment.

 

North West Office Of The Premier acting spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mahumapelo has upon learning of the tragic incident set up a technical team which comprises of senior administrators from the departments of Education and Sport Development, Health, Social Development and Community Safety and transport Management.

 

“The technical committee will amongst others gather information with a view to intervening at the school. Learners at the school will be counselled by professionals from government departments who are being assigned by the technical team,” he said.

 

Damages at the school include one hostel which hosts forty beds, an administration block, a computer laboratory and two teachers’ flats.

 

Police have been roped in to conduct investigations that led to the outbreak of the fire.

-TDN

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‘North West women shine at farming awards’

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Women Awards

BY NALEDI BOGACWI

The Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government honoured women who showed character and pedigree within the agricultural sector.

The awards ceremony was attended by amongst others, Queen Mother of Bafokeng Royal Nation Mmemogolo Semane Molotlegi, the Province’s Director-General Dr Lydia Sebego and the Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality Cllr Jostina Mothibe.

He North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said this at a glittering Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fishery Female Entrepreneur Awards (DAFF) ceremony hosted by the Provincial Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development at Haartebeespoort, Madibeng Local Municipality.

Addressing more than 600 women who attended the ceremony, Mahumapelo said the character and vigor displayed by women in the agricultural sector will go a long way in ensuring that the 6% economic growth target set by the province is reached by 2019.

“We are happy that women in this province are continuing to make an impact in the agricultural sector, and that they comprehend our prioritisation of agriculture as a key economic driver”.

“While government is mindful of the challenges they go through as agricultural entrepreneurs, we are challenging them to see those challenges as a necessary platform for their immeasurable success.

“Having placed agriculture at the apex of the province’s economic growth strategy, we remain positive that our women farmers will sustain their meaningful contribution in our collective pursuit for radical socio-economic transformation, premier Mahumapelo said.

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Manketsi Tlhape, the MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development challenged women farmers to produce more food, this in the wake of Provincial Government’s resolve to make local farmers main suppliers of agricultural produce for government institutions such as hospitals and schools.

“This is a great market opportunity government is creating for our farmers, and we challenge you to grab and make full use of this radical opportunity”, said MEC Tlhape who also implored women farmers to claim their space in the sector and treat agriculture as a serious business.

Crowning the winner of the Provincial DAFF Female Entrepreneur Award, Premier Mahumapelo announced Phindi Abdulla of Khuphuka Salgap Projects in Bojanala Platinum district as the competition overall winner.

Abdulla was a nominee for the Top Export Market category, and won R250 000.00 in cash plus agricultural infrastructure worth R1 million. The ceremony which takes place every year in August, has made a significant mark in the province and continues to inspire women to be the best in the farming business.

The programme aims at recognising improved delivery, innovation and excellence in the Agricultural mainstream economy by women.

It is also an instrument through which women’s enormous contributions in pushing back the frontiers of poverty can be recognised through the Food Security Programme.

The winners of various competition categories will represent the Province at a national awarding ceremony to be hosted by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with Total SA, later this month.

-TDN

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‘North West police commissioner condemns burning of police vehicle’

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner; Major General Jacob Tsumane condemned in the strongest possible terms the mob justice and damage to property incident that took place on Saturday at about 04:40pm at Ten Rooms Informal Settlement near Hartbeespoortdam.

 

This is after one police vehicle was burnt and the other pelted with stones. According to North West police spokesperson Col Sabata Mokgwabone, the police were allegedly attended to a complaint when they saw members of the community assaulting a man.  “The police allegedly tried to intervene by removing the man from enraged community.  The latter set alight the police vehicle, but the officials managed to rescue the severely assaulted man who was accused of being responsible for the crime in the area,” Mokgwabone said.

 

Mokgwabone said the community members also pelted the second police vehicle that came as a back-up with stones. “It is alleged that the community attempted to burn the car by throwing a burning tyre onto. However, the vehicle was not burnt but severe damages were experienced,” he said.

 

According to Mokgwabone, the injured man was given medical attention at the scene and no police official sustained any injury. “The man is currently admitted at the hospital due to severe injuries he sustained during the incident. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

 

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner; Major General Jacob Tsumane warned the community sternly that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful and that will not be tolerated.  “The community must understand and accept that while we need their support, the rule of law must be obeyed. Damaging of properties is a criminal act and cannot be allowed. The members of the community often complain about the service they get from the police, and burning of police vehicles is more of denying innocent communities of their deserved service which is likely to be affected by resources that were deliberately damaged as it happened with these cars”, said Major General Jacob Tsumane.

-TDN

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Taung Business Forum concern over foreign businessmen killings in Taung

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE plan to beef up security in various foreign shops has been discussed amidst the killings that recently escalated in across Taung. According to Taung Foreign Business Forum (TFBF) more than 10 business owners had been killed in Taung so far. This results in them planning to close down their businesses.

Hasan Al Zaid, 34, who is a secretary for Taung Foreign Business Forum (TFBF) said it seems their safety has been compromised. “We no more feel safe in the area. Almost 10 foreign-businessmen had been killed so far, and that leaves us vulnerable because you end up asking yourself who is next. We need an intervention and also the police need to act swiftly,” Zaid said.

Three weeks ago a Bangladesh businessman was killed in Matsheng village, Taung in his shop while he was asleep. North West police managed to arrest four suspects whom they were linked positively to the crime.

A week ago, another Bangladesh was a victim in Mothanthanyane village, after the suspects entered his shop and bludgeoned to death. The suspects allegedly set his shop ablaze afterwards and no one has been arrested so far.

Taung Business Forum chairperson, Lesego Lencwe said they met with foreign businessmen including police to come up with strategic plan of how to combat this criminal behaviour. He said they will beef-up security and another plan is to have patrollers around different areas.

“We met with our fellow foreign brothers to discuss plans how to stop this carnage. We decided to come up with strategic plan like to have patrollers and also to work hand-in-hand with police. The killings of business owners are a serious concern,” Lencwe said.

However North West police spokesperson, col Sabata Mokgwabone said: “It is not true that we are dragging our feet to deal with crime. We are committed to ensure a safe and secure environment for all the citizens. Visible patrols are conducted on a daily basis not only in Taung, but in other parts of the province.

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“In Taung, regular meetings are held with communities including foreign nationals who own shops as part of proactive measures of curbing crime are discussed. However, it is imperative that the community work together,” he said.

According to Mokgwabone six suspects have been arrested relating to two cases in which foreign nationals were attacked in Matsheng.

He said in the first case, four accused are expected to appear in court on Monday, (24 August 2015).

“In the second case, two accused appeared in court on Friday, (21 August 2015). We are still investigating a case in which a foreign national was killed in Mothanthanyaneng village,” he concludes.

-TDN

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‘Four to appear in court after public violence’

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Pic: (Prisoner's cell)

Pic: (Prisoner’s cell)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

Four accused suspects aged between 19 and 36 will be appearing in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday (24 August 2015) where they will be facing charges of public violence.

Makgetla, 36, Godfrey Malepe, 19, and Daniel Mokgosi (26) were arrested on Wednesday, (19 August 2015) following a spate of public violence incidents. They appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, (21 August 2015) and were remanded in custody.

North West police spokesperson, col Sabata Mokgwabone said the trio will appear together with Tshegofatso Mangole, 32, who was apprehended on Saturday (16 August 2015) for public violence in Dikhibidung. “He appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (19 August 2015) and he was remanded in custody until Monday (24 August 2015).

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“The community allegedly burnt and damaged properties belonging t the municipality two weeks ago in Dikhibidung Informal Settlement near Sunrise Park in Rustenburg.  The violence erupted after community and local municipality representatives failed to reach consensus on service delivery issues,” he said.

It is alleged that the community demanded to be employed at the local sewerage plant. The properties that were damaged include burning of two municipal trucks, a park home, an ambulance and pelting of municipal car with stones. The situation is calm currently and police are monitoring it to ensure stability.

-TDN

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ANC in North West embark on qualifications verification process

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THE African National Congress in North West is taking a huge measure by verifying all academic qualifications of their senior managers across all municipalities. The initiative was unveiled by the ruling party on Friday at Orkney during Setsokotsane visit.

ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said the ruling party is planning to curb discrepancies and transparency is needed. “We want to make sure every manager has valid qualifications that fit his job descriptions. We will make sure we achieve this through a system of performance management and effective internal controls intended to enhance a conducive environment that is fair, equitable, competitive and cost effective,” he said.

He said the processes and procedures implemented by departments to verify qualifications is an area of concern that needs to be monitored on a regular basis. Every MEC will make sure he or she verifies qualifications of its staff. “To do this work effectively, though, we depend on the support and commitment of all the departments within the South African Public Service. This guide should assist departments and is intended to provide direction on the process for auditing the qualifications of officials. Verifying qualifications should be seen as a means to manage and control corruption and fraud within the human resource area,” he said.

The objective of implementing such a verification process is to enhance the ethical infrastructure of departments. Legoete said the party want to make the province a custodian of good governance. “The Heads of Department and line functionaries have a major role to ensure that personnel understand their collective responsibility to fight corruption and prevent fraud. The verification of qualifications project is one element to assist in this process,” he said.

-TDN

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