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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