BY REGINALD KANYANE

A case against three Ventersdorp municipal workers was postponed by Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court amid further investigations.

Beatrice Mosepele, 49, Siphiwe Jankies, 36 and Ester Sekgwe, 39, appeared before Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court yesterday after they were arrested for arson.  

The case will resume on October 15 for formal bail application.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said that the trio allegedly colluded in putting up a fire which torched Ventersdorp municipal offices a month ago during poor service delivery protests.

“They are suspected to be part of a small group which was against the amalgamation of Ventersdorp and Tlokwe municipalities. The arrest was made on Thursday by the Provincial Public Violence task team established to deal with public violence cases in the province.” Ramaloko said. 

-TDN

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 18 year-old boy drowned at a local lodge in Taung on Saturday at around 3:30pm. Lebogang Masie was allegedly swimming with his friends at Modisa lodge in Taung.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said that Masie’s friends went back into the lodge dinner hall, but realised that he was not there.

“They went back to look for him, and allegedly found him at the bottom of the swimming pool. Emergency Service was called and he was certified dead.

“With the heat wave that is being experienced, police appeal to the community to exercise caution when swimming by applying safety tips while swimming,” Ramaloko said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Dutch-based Kamohelo Mokotjo says age is on his side and in years to come will play a leading role within the Senior National Football’s team set-up.

“At 24, people might say it is high time I start featuring prominently within Bafana Bafana set-up but I don’t believe in forcing or rushing things. Time will come,” said the soft-spoken midfielder-cum-striker who plays for FC Twente in Dutch First Division.

Mokotjo who came in as a second half substitute in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica on Friday morning said he was not one to complain and get impatient.

“I know there has been a lot of talk saying this and that but let’s give the coaching staff our undivided support and stop dictating to him who to play and not to play. At the end of the day, it is his head which is on the block if results don’t come.

“Football is a team sport and no individual is bigger than the game. I have never been one individual who cracks under pressure but things being even, I think I am now ready to be given game time at national level.”

Mokotjo said for a player who never played most of his game in South Africa, he had a point to prove to South Africans.

“Very few football fans know me back home because I hardly played football back home hence I am also eager to repay given a chance.”
The diligent midfielder said playing for one’s country was priceless and had many other spin offs.

He said he had missed an opportunity to play football in England where a number of clubs were eyeing his signature but lack of international caps had put paid to his intended move.

He said most of his Twente FC colleagues had joined big clubs in Europe last season but couldn’t make a big move as well because of lack of international caps.

He added FC Twente has been struggling this season purely because they sold most of their big names.

“That has been the reason why the club has been struggling. We sold most of our big names and I was also a target for most European clubs especially in England but I didn’t have enough caps to make that huge jump.

“But I am very much enjoying my game especially recently as the club has began putting together some good results. And most of the youngsters also look up to me for guidance as I am considered one of the senior players in the team despite my age.”.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo said that the provincial government wish Petrol Nel a safe return after the light flight she was in disappeared in Nepal. Mahumapelo said that they had reacted with shock to the news about the DA deputy leader in North West who has gone missing in Nepal.

“As the North West provincial government, we pray hard for her safety and that the family and the Democratic Alliance must have faith in the Almighty who is in charge of all situations.” Mahumapelo said.

The party leader in North West, Joe McGluwa said that the party remained deeply distressed at the missing of Petro Nel.

“Search was called off as we still raising the money needed. The family must come up with 5 000 US Dollar (R70 000) so that the search could be resumed. We have managed to rose close to R50 000 and we would like the public to help where they could.” McGluwa said.

He said that the night vigil was held on Saturday and the family awaits positive news from Nepal.

“Nel was really looking forward to that holiday trip in Tibbett, and we hope she can be found and return home safely. She was one of the hard workers the party has and to all broader community, let keep her in our prayers. Petro is and has been a pillar of the party in the North West, and our only thoughts now are for her safe return.”

 -TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 48 year-old farmer was arrested on Friday after he allegedly fatally shot a 35 year-old cyclist near his farm. North West police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said that the cyclist was riding his bicycle along Rustenburg and Koster road at around 4pm. 

“The farmer allegedly confronted the deceased and demanded to search him. He allegedly searched the bag and found few items belonging to him after his house was broken into.  He found first aid kit, a pillow, a cap and a pair of shoes which was also stolen from his house.”

Ramaloko said that an altercation ensued between the two and the farmer shot the deceased twice.

“The farmer alerted the police after the incident, and upon arrival on the scene, the farmer was arrested and his firearm was confiscated for ballistic tests. The suspect will appear before Koster Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing murder charge.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police gathered together to celebrate the lives of police members who were killed while on duty. The Community Safety and Transport Management department, families of the police who lost their lives in the line of duty and other dignitaries converged at the TTA sports grounds in Mahikeng to honour police officials who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2014/2015 financial year.

Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said: “The event honoured two police officials and a Traffic police. Lieutenant Colonel TW Manxusa who was based at the Provincial police office in Potchefstroom, died in an accident on June 2 last year in Mahikeng where four members of the Correctional department also lost their lives.”

Ramaloko said that Sergeant VM Pilane from Tlhabane police, died on July 5 last year.

He said that Pilane was fatally shot while mediating in a domestic dispute.

“This event also honoured Mr GG Moabi of the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, who was attached to the Bapong Traffic Control. He died during a motorbike accident in Rustenburg.”

The event was graced by the presence of political representatives, community structures and local chiefs.

The Police commemoration was an annual event to honour police officials who lost their lives in the line of duty.

-TDN

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

FIVE suspects aged between 22 and 43 were arrested by Northern Cape police after they were found in possession of stolen copper wire.

The incident took place on Friday at about 9:07am near Northern Cape Mall in Kimberley.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Donald Mdhluli said that the police received a tip-off from a member of the community and followed-up on that information.

“Five suspects were cornered at the Mall. Three of the suspects were waiting in the vehicle and other two went inside the bank to make a financial transaction. A 67kg of copper wire to the value of R3500 and undisclosed amount of cash were both confiscated from the suspects. A Fiat Uno, which is believed to have been used by the suspects, was also seized during the arrest.” Mdhluli said.

He said that the five suspects were expected to appear before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week and the investigation continues.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West province called for action and visible consequences against municipal officials’ who failed to spend close to R800m of conditional grants allocated towards addressing infrastructure backlog in communities.

Provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “It is scandalous that the Back to Basics (B2B) program has not being translated into accelerated infrastructure delivery for the benefit our communities.”

Sebegoe said that in reaction to the report of the Auditor-General delivered at the Provincial Members Assembly of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) last week.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police are investigating a case of birth concealment after a newly-born baby was found dumped in a sewerage plant next to motor spares in Taung.

The atrocity took place on Friday at around 7: 45am.

Provincial police spokesperson, Major Pelonomi Makau said that the baby was allegedly found by municipal workers.

“Police are appealing to anyone who can assist in locating the mother of the deceased to contact Detective Warrant Officer Tshabadira on 0824692187 or Captain Puoeng 0824438649” Makau said.

-TDN

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