BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THE family of Mmupele in Verdwaal village, near Itsoseng said they still living in poverty. The family lost four children through hunger and dehydration back in 2011. Onkarabile, 2, Nkune, 6, Sebengu, 9 and Mapule, 7 died under the scorching sun after they followed their sister, Kedibone to the nearest farm. Kedibone allegedly left the house in that dreadful morning to fetch food at the farm. The bodies of four children were later discovered after they died from hunger and dehydration.

Martha Mmupele said: “Situation has not been improved since losing our children. We urge anyone who could help to provide any assistance. I am earning a pension grant, but I get deductions like water and electricity which I did not sign for. We would be grateful if our state of affairs can be improved.”

North West social development department acting spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “We have conducted a home circumstances report to determine the needs of the family. Our social workers linked the family with Home Affairs to apply for birth certificates and IDs. Also a vegetable garden was established at the family’s yard with the help of department of agriculture. Seed was provided to the family.”

Siko said provision of food security in the form of poultry was also provided to the family. He said a vegetable garden was established at Motlhatswa primary school.

“The garden at the school helps needy children and benefitted 99% pupils from Verdwaal including the Mmupele family.With regard to airtime and electricity debits, the family may go to the nearest police station to make a declaration. They will be requested to fill an affidavit where they declare that they have never signed any contracts with any service provider to debit airtime and electricity. After that process, they must submit the declaration to SASSA office.” Siko said.

Meanwhile, the DA in the North West commemorated the lives of four children who died. Democratic Alliance provincial spokesperson, Tutu Faleni said: “We went to visit the family and assessed the situation. They are drowning in poverty and toying with hunger. We have organised a fun walk in quest to raise money. We urge all businesses in the province to come together and heed the call. We walked the route where the children died.

-TDN

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Pic: (Prisoner’s cell)

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 28 year-old man found guilty of murder and robbery on Wednesday. Thabiso Mogadinyane who appeared before Itsoseng Regional Court, was declared unfit to possess a firearm.  He was arrested for killing a businessman in 2013.

North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Moleko said: “Mogadinyane and his other four men pounced on the shop owner at Mareetsane village, near Itsoseng. The suspects entered the shop under false pretence by masqueraded as customers. Mogadinyane pointed a shop owner with a firearm and demanded money.

“They tied-up the people who were in the shop and fired one shot on the floor. Other victims managed to escape and seek for help. They searched the rooms and Mogadinyane shot and killed the shop owner who died on the scene. The community assisted the police to trace him. He was arrested and police confiscated his firearm. Mogadinyane was sentenced to 21 years for business robbery and murder.”

She said that the case against other five men was withdrawn because there was no positive evidence that could link them to the crime.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE case against two accused, Kagiso Vincent Bontsi, 33 and Kgotlayame Macdonald Monaki, 27 was postponed by Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. They are facing two counts of murder, business robbery, seven counts of robbery, kidnapping, car-hijacking, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

North West police spokesperson, Maj Pelonomi Makau said: “The suspects allegedly entered a tuck shop belonging to Bangladesh man at Moshawane village in Tshidilamolomo near Mahikeng. They shot and killed a customer before and shot before turning the gun on the owner. He suffered injuries from gunshot and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. He was since discharged. The suspects allegedly took groceries and an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene.”

Makau said the suspects allegedly hijacked a minibus taxi with commuters inside.

“The suspects shot and killed the taxi driver and drove off with passengers. Police were informed and followed the lead. The accused were then arrested in Lomanyaneng village. They were found to be in possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The suspects were remanded in custody and their case will resume on February 19 next year. The case was transferred to Mahikeng Regional Court.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE African National Congress in North West province welcomed the outcome of Matlosana Ward 13 by-elections where they obtained 78% victory. The provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said: “The election results are testimony that the ANC still enjoys support from community of that area. The outcome also represents a picture of how the ANC is going to perform in the coming local government elections.

“The ANC is also disappointed in the results of the Rustenburg ward 17 by-election which were won by the Democratic Alliance. The outcome has taught us a lesson that Ward 17 in Rustenburg is white dominated and only few blacks residing there are labourers. We have however resolved to focus much on getting maximum votes in historically white dominated areas.”

Legoete said the ANC celebrated because the signs of positive strides towards penetrating the white votes in Rustenburg were emerging. “Yesterday we welcomed comrade Maria Bodenstein who defected from her position as DA Ward 16 councilor to join the ranks of African National Congress. She has moved away from the ranks of those who still believed that PW Botha is the solution and joined the democratic forces of the left.  We are gladly welcoming her as one of our own.

However newly sworn-in Democratic Alliance MP leader, Joe McGluwa said: “The loss of the ANC in Rustenburg augurs well for the DA. The results also show that people have lost trust in the ruling party. We are very grateful for the residents of Rustenburg to vote for the party that will cater for them. We are prepared for next year’s local government elections and we believe DA will do well.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana striker Dino Ndlovu says he is impressed by the camaraderie that exists in the squad since his return into the team after an absence of more than a year.

He last made his appearance in March last year in the 5-0 drubbing by Brazil.

“The last few days have been a tremendous experience, being out for about a year from the national team and now back in for this crucial matches. The spirit is high and everyone has been very welcoming. We are like a family and we are looking forward to the game against Angola,” said Ndlovu at the team hotel in Benguela, Angola.

“It guess it goes down to hard work. I have had my ups and down in the PSL and I was honest and bold enough to come forward and admit things I did wrong and those I did right. I have changed since I got to Cyprus and I have been reaping the results of my hard work.”

South Africa will face Angola in crucial back to back matches of Round 2 of the 2018 Russia World Cup qualifiers.

The first leg will be played on Friday, 13 November at the Estadio Nacional de Ombaka.

Kickoff is at 16h30 South African time (15h30 local time).

“I think we are ready for the game, I have seen the hunger and the determination in the boys, as well as the discipline and dedication from the team. I have been in the national team before but the positive feeling is greater than the last time – I have never seen the guys so focussed. We just have to be ourselves, we are not under pressure so we just have to come out with a draw but still go for a win. What we cannot afford to do is to lose this game,” said Ndlovu.

“This is the most important round than the next one – the group stages – where you have more chances to rectify your mistakes, if you lose the first game you can still play more and win. But here it’s two games, if we lose we are out and we have to wait another four years to get into the qualifiers again. It has been a long wait for the nation to see us in the world cup, and for us who have never played in the World Cup, this is a good platform.”

Ndlovu returns to the national team at the back of a highly successful time in Cyprus and he hopes it will rub off when he plays for his country.

He has scored eight goals in seven matches for his club Anorthosis Famagusta, earning him back to back Player of the Month awards in Cyprus. He is currently the second leading goalscorer in the league.

“It is quite an achievement, and I believe I have grown up. I cannot repeat the things I did as a youngster, all the mistakes I did in the past. I also have a feeling that if I get a chance to play against Angola I will score – but then again it’s not about me. What is the point of me scoring when the team is down 2-0 or 3-0, it doesn’t help. It would be better if I score and we win the game, that would be great,” said Ndlovu.

Meanwhile Thulani Serero is expected back at training this afternoon (Thursday, 12 November). The Bafana Bafana midfielder got a knock on the thigh at Wednesday morning’s training session and sat out the afternoon session as a precaution.

Bafana Bafana go into tomorrow’s match with a good record against Angola.

In 12 games, Shakes Mashaba’s side has lost only once – just recently in the CHAN qualifiers.

There have been six wins for South Africa with five draws between the two nations.

Head to head vs Angola:

P   W   D   L   GF   GA
12   6   5    1   12     6
-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE residents of Mogopa village outside Zeerust in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality acknowledged government services, which the provincial government brought to their village as part of the Setsokotsane programme. Mogopa village which is about 80km south-east of Zeerust town, has 530 households with around 2 000 community members.

The acting local chief, Monedi Kau said the local traditional council was pleased with the government service to the village.

“We need the provincial government to assemble a 10km road that leads to the village. It is in a very bad state. We have boreholes that need to be fixed, and we are hopeful that the coming of Setsokotsane to our village will bring much needed developments. Traveling to the nearest government offices for services such as application of Identity Documents and Social Grants is always a challenge for the community. But majority of them are happy that their applications have been successfully submitted today. Setsokotsane is in indeed about changing lives,” Kau said.

Masego Rampou, 52, who is a member of Semellang Bomme Agricultural Cooperative, said: “Fixing of the boreholes will contribute a great deal towards saving our livestock. We highly-appreciate the services provided during Setsokotsane outreach. Registration of unemployed youth on the provincial database, bursary applications, and health screening services, vaccination of domestic animals and processing of social grants applications will help.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs also promoted the upcoming Mahika-Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival, while registering some of young artists on their database.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo said: “Setsokotsane integration and convergence approach employs government efforts to accelerate service delivery as departments, municipalities and state-owned entities bring the much needed services to the people for radical socio – economic transformation and better livelihood to be realised. Setsokotsane will be in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality for two weeks.”

-TDN

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 34 year-old man was jailed to three life sentences by Northern Cape High Court on Thursday. Mbuyiselo Fish, 34, was arrested for assault, rape and murder of Betty Thenza, 32. The incident took place during on February in 2013.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Sergio Kock said: “The victim and the accused lived together in Promised Land Shanties in Galeshewe, Kimberley. Fish severely assaulted, raped and murdered Thenza before dumping her body in the street. The police followed-up on information and linked the accused to the murder. The accused was arrested and charged on February 14 in 2013. Fish was found guilty and received two life sentences for two counts of rape. He was sentenced to one life for murder and a further two years imprisonment for the assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm. The sentences will run concurrently.”

The Galeshewe Cluster Commander, Major General Kolie Matthys lauded the detective warrant officer, Anthony Shuping of Kagisho detective unit for a brilliant job well done. He said: “We are so grateful for your effort in ensuring that the offender is brought to book. We also want to thank the community for their assistance with regard to information provided to the SAPS. The SAPS sees crimes against women and children as priority and will continue with our endeavours to ensure that the society is and feels safe and secured.”

-TDN

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Democratic Alliance in the North West lambasted the decision taken by the provincial government in dealing with Kopela issue. DA provincial spokesperson in education, Dr Tutu Faleni said: “We are concern with steps taken by the provincial government in resolving the ongoing service delivery protests stand-off in Kopela village near Delareyville. We have been informed that the government has sought a court interdict to coerce the community of Kopela to allow their children to go back to school.”

The residents of Kopela compelled their children not to go to school since August this year. The community demanded to see the MEC for education, Wendy Matsemela and public works MEC, Madoda Sambatha before sending their kids back to school.

Faleni said: “We support the residents of Kopela in their quest for proper roads, water and electricity. However, we strongly condemn any action that hinders children’s right of learning. We recognize the importance of the courts in resolving disputes by enforcing laws in a fair and rational manner. However, the government should have exhausted all other alternatives before approaching the court. The court interdict is a clear indication of the ANC-led government’s conked out relationship with the community,” he said.

According to Faleni, the community leaders have now approached the DA asking an interdepartmental team consisting of the department of education, public works, and the Premier’s office to establish a task team to find solutions.

“We urge premier Supra Mahumapelo to put his citizens first and establish the interdepartmental team as requested by the community. He must put other alternative dispute mechanism in place which will restore the broken relationship between government and the community of Kopela.

“We have the best track-record of service delivery where we govern. It is the same vision that we want to bring to the North West. DA wants a clean and efficient government with transparency.” Faleni said.

The provincial education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The department decided to go legal route because what the community in Kopela doing is infringement of pupils’ rights. Some of community members were served with court interdict so that they can stop interfering with school processes. We have relocated Grade 12s from Kopela to other alternative locations so that they can be able to write their matric final examinations.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial Legislature Speaker, Sussana Dantjie bid farewell to the longest-serving member of the North West Provincial Legislature, Chris Hattingh.

Democratic Alliance member, Chris Hattingh will be joining the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town. He served in the legislature for 21 years when the first new democratic dispensation was ushered in.

Dantjie described Hattingh as a person who served in the legislature with distinction. “You were the longest serving member of this provincial legislature. You served it with distinction and we hope you will continue to raise the flag of the North West Province at the NCOP,” Dantjie said.

Mahlakeng Mahlakeng who spoke on behalf of the African National Congress described Hattingh as somebody whom had actually taught him. Mahlakeng said Hattingh also mentored most members of the provincial legislature.

“We have learnt a lot from his vast experience. We are actually loosing institutional memory. Quite often we would go back and ask him how they did something in years before we came. He served with all premiers that we had in this province. I am actually sympathising with the Economic Freedom Fighters because they are still new in their role as opposition and now he is leaving them poorer,” Mahlakeng said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

BLOEMHOF- Two suspects were arrested in Boitumelong location, near Bloemhof for being in possession of dagga on Thursday, says North West police.

Provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Moleko said: “The police received a tip-off from one of the community members. The community member informed them about dagga business being conducted at particular house. They acted swiftly and conducted a preliminary investigation. The police recovered three dagga pokes wrapped with magazine papers under the bed. They also found undisclosed amount of money.”

Moleko added that the police recovered more dagga hidden in a hole within the yard. She said the two occupants were arrested.

“The suspects appeared before Bloemhof Magistrate’ Court on Friday. The police investigation continues.” she said.

-TDN

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