BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

NORTH West police said they will bring the syndicate gangs to a grinding halt this festive season. Police said they will continue to crackdown on syndicate gangs through operations. This came after a breakthrough on a police killing case at Mooi Nooi in Brits. One suspect was arrested after thorough investigations.

Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said the suspect was arrested on Friday last week.

“A task team was established to investigate police killings in the province. We have made a mark so far. We will continue to crack the syndicate gangs. This was the third person to be arrested in connection of Constable Johannes Mokotedi’s murder.

“The suspect appeared before Brits Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He was remanded in custody until December 21. The suspect will join his two accomplices whom were arrested shortly after the shooting,” Ramaloko said.

Mokotedi was killed in execution-style at a complex a month ago while on patrol. The suspects opened fire at them. He was driving with his colleague who was not harmed. Ramaloko said the suspects allegedly robbed a retail store at the mall.

Ramaloko said: “The suspects saw the police vehicle and opened fire at them. Mokotedi was killed instantly, but his colleague survived the ordeal unharmed. Four hand guns were confiscated during the arrest of the suspects. The firearms were sent to the laboratory for ballistic tests. We want to establish if they were not used to commit other crimes.

“We believe the arrest of the suspects will cripple the syndicate. The gang had been mostly involved in retail shops robberies across the province. We want to urge our communities to work hand-in-hand with the police to curb syndicates. We cannot allow syndicates to turn the areas into their sojourns. The police will make sure the province is safer and all criminals are locked up,” he said.”

Acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Johannes Tsumane said: “We are impressed in the manner the task team obliterates the gang. It is apparent that if this gang was not demolished before the festive season, it would have gained momentum. We will continue to support our police officers and make sure the carnage stops.

“We also want to congratulate the police for other arrests across the province. I hope criminals get our festive season message clearly. The police arrested another gang in Wolmaranstad during Operation Fiela. The suspects allegedly robbed a grocery shop and two firearms were recovered including undisclosed amount of cash. We are all eyes in the province to destruct all criminal endeavours.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE Motswako music genre continues to hold sway especially among young people across the country.

The genre had a rebirth thanks to North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s vision in coming up with Mahika Mahikeng cultural festival.

The main event was on Saturday at Letlamoreng Dam in Mahikeng. The day was dedicated to the Motswako artists like Fifi Cooper, HHP, Tuks Senganga, Mo Molemi and Cassper Nyovest.

Motswako, a hip hop sub-genre, was pioneered by the North West rappers.

Tuks Senganga said that the province has done an amazing thing through the genre.

“Motswako genre continues to find its niche in the industry. We need to make sure that it continues connect the masses. The genre is catchy, has danceable beats and relates to the masses.

“I believe that the platform was what we wanted to make sure we sell our craft to the people. Mahika Mahikeng cultural festival represents what the North West province can produce. We highly-appreciate the visionary premier. Going back to Mahikeng is like homecoming. We also appreciate the support we receive from the broader community,” Tuks said.

Premier Mahumapelo said that Mahika Mahikeng will grow in bounds and leaps. He said it was the platform for the people and artists of the province to sell their craft to the world.

In her remarks, Fifi Cooper said the platform was welcoming.

“The motswako genre originates from Mahikeng, so to us it was a homecoming experience for all of us. It is very wonderful seeing more motswako artists mushrooming. I believe our fans can relate more when we infuse our mother tongue. To date the genre has grown to become the biggest music movement in local hip hop.

“One does not have to be a purist or hip hop head to love the genre. It has gained a momentum and we have also seen event like Maftown Heights. So big up to the North West province and we hope it will continue growing. To me it was nice to be back home and doing what I love best in front of my fans. It was amazing and I hope the event will bring the artists together,” she said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 35 year-old police officer who was accused of killing a teacher, committed suicide. Jeremiah Qangasi was arrested after he allegedly shot dead a teacher last week.

He found his girlfriend in bed with a 26 year-old teacher at Tlhabologang location in Colign.

Qangasi allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the teacher dead. He was arrested and appeared before Colign Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said Qangasi grabbed a firearm of his colleague and shot himself. He added that the police officer died instantly on the scene.

“The incident happened at the station’s Client Service Centre after Qangasi’s court appearance at Colign Magistrate’s Court.  He was being processed through the police books in the Client Service Centre when he snatched a colleague’s firearm. He appeared before court for a murder case. His case was postponed until December 7 and was remanded in custody.

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Mahikeng- KWAITO legend, Arthur Mafokate said that he will continue to visit provinces and unearth new music talent.

Mafokate said this at SABC Buildings in Mahikeng where he came with artists from his stable, 999. Mafokate said he was on tour after a partnership with SABC.

“We have visited other provinces as well and our objective was to re-launch 999 stable. The landscape of music has changed. South African music is well received across the world. We have new artists and the demand we get from our fans is amazing.

“Last time I released an album was back in 2011. It has been four year break, now is the time for to give people what they want. We have various relatively new artists like Busisiwe Thwala aka Cici, Afrikan Roots. I have been spending my time concentrating on other businesses. But people demands are high. We fought the battles for the next generations. We have paved the way for them hence the music industry is not just a habit,” he said.

Mafokate added that artists must make sure they equipped themselves with education as there were many things that needed to be dealt with like contracts issues, branding and image building.

“Artists need to be innovative. They must study and understand their market. We also conduct workshops for artists. Even if the artists are not signed under 999 stable, we will help them with marketing, networking and branding. Determination and dedication will always come in handy for many artists,” Mafokate said.

He added that 999 had a compilation of all artists and produced an album called Summer Ya Di Summer.

Mafokate featured Afro-pop singer, Kelly Khumalo on his single called Nguwe Lo.

He said the compilation came about after they’ve partnered with SABC.

New talent who has been signed under 999 stable, Afro-soul singer, Cici as Busisiwe Thwala is affectionately known in the music industry said: “It has been 13 years of struggle trying to break into music industry. It is very difficult for women to break into the industry without being tried to be used as sex objects. I am very grateful to be part of 999 because Arthur Mafokate gave a platform me.  

  “Mafokate allows artists to embrace and be creative in their own way. He does not dictate what the artist sings or not. He is a very amazing person. I have dropped a single called Run Away. It is receiving a lot of airplay on various radio stations. I also appreciated the support I received from my parents even though it was tough. The parents need to support their children on whatever craft they embarking on. To all young girls out there, please make sure you backup yourself with education because independency is what we need,” Cici said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police and emergency services have released a list of measure for residents to follow so as to be safe this festive season.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said that various operations would take place in various parts of the province.

“The operation will be conducted in various areas including, Mahikeng, Rustenburg and Vryburg. This is done to ensure that communities are and feel safe considering the festive season activities. The police will be out in numbers together with other role players to curb criminal acts and ensure stability.

“We urge our communities to cooperate with law enforcement officials during the operations. The operations will be conducted through the holidays. We also want to highlight that the communities take precautionary measures. They should apply safety hints at all times. People should avoid carrying a lot of cash during shopping. If you intend to make a large purchase, consider asking someone to accompany you,” he said.

Mokgwabone also added that parking areas may pose a security risk. He said shoppers were preoccupied with loading goods into their cars to notice suspicious persons.

“Avoid placing your wallet or handbag on a car seat or on the roof while loading groceries. Ensure the safety and security of your possessions when visiting restrooms. To all those who will be withdrawing cash from various ATMs, please memorise your pin. It is risky to write your pin on a piece of paper. If you think that the ATM is not working, cancel the transaction immediately and try to use another one.

“Always concentrate and keep your eyes on the screen when using an ATM. Also be cautious of any help from strangers. Avoid using an ATM if it looks like the card slot, keypad or screen had been tampered with. Report any suspicious persons to the police or security guards,” he said.

For those travelling out for days, Mokgwabone said that it was best to leave a relative or any trusted and known person to look after their houses and their neighbours of their absence.

ER24 Emergency Service spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing also shared the same sentiments. She said people should take necessary measures while going away on holiday.

   “ER24 urges everyone to celebrate with safety in mind. If you are driving to your destination, remember to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Make sure that you have a spare wheel, first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Please make sure that you plan your route properly. It will be wiser to take a note of all filling stations, police stations and hospitals around.

  “Carry a torch and reflective bib in case you encounter problems with your vehicle. Keep a list of telephone numbers of people to contact as well as your medical details and history (medical aid number, blood group and allergies for example). Let people you trust know your whereabouts and when they can expect you back,” Bodasing said.

  She added that those travelling with children must ensure that they are restrained appropriately.

   “For motorists, ensure that you are well rested before your journey. Take regular breaks and share the driving with someone licensed to avoid fatigue. Refrain from road rage and be alert at all times. Also alter your speed according to the environment you are in,” she said.

-TDN

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