BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 43-YEAR-OLD man from Pampierstad was arrested for drug peddling on Friday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Dimakatso Mooi said Crime Prevention Unit police received information about the drugs at a certain house in Dimamarela Street in Pampierstad.

“The police stormed the house and found the man in the house. Ninety seven mandrax tablets, nine small plastics containing powder and 20 small plastics containing tik were found and seized by the police. The drugs are estimated to the street value of R125 000,” she said.

The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Pretoria – Illegal medication was found during a search of convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius’s prison cell, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Monday.

Several tablets of antidepressant medication Cipralax and Molipaxin were found during a search at Kgosi Mampuru prison on July 19, prosecutor Gerrie Nel told psychologist Prof Jonathan Scholtz.

He was cross-examining Scholtz after he testified for the defence that more time in prison would not serve Pistorius socially or psychologically, and that he could better use his skills to make a contribution to society.

Nel then asked for an adjournment to 14:30, when he intended to question a witness until court adjourned at 15:00. Judge Thokozile Masipa agreed to his request.

Nel earlier tried to get Scholtz to say if Pistorius had admitted to intending to kill Reeva Steenkamp. He referred to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s judgment that Pistorius was a bad witness and never explained his reason for firing the four shots that killed her.

“Did Mr Pistorius indicate to you that he intentionally shot at the door, intending to kill?” Nel asked.

After much arguing and some objections from Barry Roux, for Pistorius, Scholtz said yes.

“That’s the first version of an intentional shooting that we’ve had in this court. I would like to test it, not through you. I think that perhaps he intended more,” Nel replied. He did not elaborate what he meant by “more”.

Pistorius is being sentenced for the murder of Steenkamp on February 14, 2013. In December last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned his conviction of culpable homicide and referred the matter back to Masipa to determine an appropriate sentence.

Source: http://www.news24.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman was found hanged at Buxton village, near Taung on Sunday. North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the body of Tsholofelo Goiwakae was found by community member at around 6pm.

“A case of inquest was opened at Taung Police Station after a 22 year-old woman allegedly hanged herself. Police investigation is underway,” Moleko said.

Goiwakae allegedly committed suicide and was found hanged with a rope. The cause her death is unknown so far.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

FUNERAL tribute messages continue to pour in for former SABC TV and radio personality, Hope Zinde. North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo also expressed sadness over the reported murder of Zinde.

“We are really saddened by Zinde’s death and on behalf of the people of Bokone Bophirima Province; I would like to urge the police to do whatever they can to bring the culprit to book.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and want them to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” he said.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said Hope Zinde’ son, Mark Zinde was remanded in custody on Monday.

“The case was postponed and transferred to regional court by Brits Magistrate’s Court until Friday.

“Zinde’s body was allegedly found in the boot of her car at her house in Pecanwood Estate in Hartbespoort. The police also found drugs worth R350 in possession of the suspect.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has urged community members to be extra-careful with fire during this winter season to help prevent winter-related home fires.

Mahumapelo reacted to the reports that fire gutted a house causing substantial damage in Riviera Park Mahikeng on Monday. He says people are at greater risk of fire during the winter season.

“We urge our people to invest in fire extinguishers. They can quickly put out fire before it causes more damage. Children must not be left unattended around fires. People must also be extra-careful when using candles and paraffin,” warned Mahumapelo.

According to Mahumapelo, number of fire-related accidents is usually significantly high in the province during winter. He further added that people must make sure that they switch off electrical appliances when they leave their homes.

TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against a 28 year-old man who is accused of killing former SABC TV and radio personality, Hope Zinde was postponed until Friday. North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the case was postponed until Friday.

“The suspect was remanded in custody and the postponement allows for a formal bail application from him. Mark Zinde appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on allegations of murder of his mother.

“The body of the suspect’s mother, 50, Hope Zinde was found in the boot of her car at her house in Pecanwood Estate near Hartbeespoort on Saturday. The police went to the scene after receiving a report that the victim was not seen for days,” he said.

Mokgwabone said upon arrival at the victim’s place, they found her son. He said the police discovered the victim’s body inside the boot of her vehicle.

“The victim’ son who was initially taken in for questioning, has been charged with murder. He was also charged for being in possession of drugs (crystal meth) with estimated street value of R350,” he added.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

FOUR men were injured after their bakkie veered and rolled multiple times off the R104 in Rustenburg on Saturday morning. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said the paramedics arrived on the scene and found the wrecked bakkie lying upright on the side of the road.

“On assessment, paramedics found four men seated next to their bakkie. Two men had been on the back of the vehicle and were ejected when the bakkie rolled.

“Paramedics found that all four men had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Patients were treated on the scene and ferried to provincial hospital for further treatment,” Meiring said.

He said the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and caused it to roll.

Meiring said local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A 14 YEAR-OLD minor is expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court in connection of a murder on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the suspect allegedly stabbed a 15 year-old to death at Rooigroond area near Mahikeng.

“The police received a murder complaint on Friday at around 2pm at Rooigrond residential area in Mahikeng. Upon their arrival, they were shown a body of a young man lying on the ground with two stab wounds. According to information, it is alleged that the minors had a fight and the 14 year old allegedly stabbed the 15 year old twice on his upper body. The police traced the suspect and arrested him,” she said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

THE ANC in North West welcomed more than 120 members who defected from EFF in Ward 21 in Boitekong, Rustenburg at the weekend.

  The former EFF members were welcomed back by Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members who spent three days in Bojanala preparing for local government elections.

   ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said the former EFF members chose to return ANC they believe ANC is the only political party with the interests of the people at heart.

  “Some of the returnees used to be our members before. Among those who returned to their true political home is Elvis Mandlenkomo. He was EFF ward 21 branch chairperson. Also the branch secretary returned to the ANC together with branch executive committee (BEC) members.

“This development is a clear indication of the confidence and trust our people have in the ANC as a leader of society. We warmly welcome everyone who came back home. We trust that they will work with us for the ANC victory in the forthcoming local government elections,” he said.

However, Legoete registered concerns on the recent registration of ANC members as independent candidates in upcoming elections in North West. He said the party is concerned and that measures are being taken to resolve the issue.

“We have realized that there are some challenges that we are faced with regarding councillor candidates’ lists. Some of the nominated people were not chosen by communities. However we will work together with our people and make sure we remove those who were not properly nominated.

“We will also take disciplinary actions against those who forged the lists. We want to urge our people to come forward and raise their concerns. We also request them to vote for ANC in this forthcoming local government election so that we can remove those who were incorrectly elected and replace them,” he said.

Legoete said they will reveal the names of the candidates during the course of this week. He said they are still waiting for the announcement from IEC.

Meanwhile, close to thirty political parties are expected to contest the forthcoming elections on August 3.

IEC in North West said ninety independents candidates have also registered and they will formally announce the names of the candidates on Monday.

Disgruntled former ANC members joined forces and formed the Forum for Service Delivery and registered candidates that will contest in the upcoming elections.

Forum spokesperson in the Rustenburg area, Pogiso Bothomane told SABC that: “We were overcome by the processes of the ANC where people who were elected by the community from the ANC processes were removed by the flawed Bojanala regional conferences. We then registered as the Forum 4 Service Delivery. We are contesting the elections on the August 3 we are contesting all the 45 wards.”

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BAFANA Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune donated soccer kits to various schools during the official opening of the sports centre in Tshing township, Ventersdorp.

The goal-minder was the guest of honour at the official opening of the state-of-the-art multi-purpose recreation sport centre at Letshelemane Primary School.

The recreation centre worth R500 00 was built by national sport department.

North West education and sport development deputy director general, Stephaniah Semaswe said her department welcomed the donation. She said sport was very important in the childhood development of any kid.

“We want to send our gratitude to Itumeleng Khune and national department of sport. We need more recreation facilities for our schools and communities. I believe recreation infrastructure is necessary in keeping our community sustainable.

“They are vital to the ongoing sustainability and viability of any community. Recreation centres should be viewed as an investment, not as expenditure. Lifestyle has become very important to families and seniors in determining where they live and work. It gives people a good reason to want to live here, stay here or move here,” Semaswe said.

Khune said one’s background does not necessary needs to determine his/her future. He also commended the unwavering support he received from the Ventersdorp residents.

“A child is raised by the whole village. I highly appreciate your support and to all young pupils at Letshelemane primary schools and other schools, make sure you use education as you gateway vehicle from poverty. Also I would like to urge parents to support their children into any sporting code they choose to embark on.

“It was very tough for me. I was travelling with a train at the age of 12 and sleeps at train stations. However I received an amazing support from my parents. They never gave up on me. Today I can stand here and proudly say I made it. So here is the sport centre for the young ones to be developed. Let’s make sure we use it to our own benefit,” Khune said.

He added that recreation centres build personal and community successes.

Khune said that those successes contribute to developing successful youth, as well as being perceived as a successful community.

Letshelemane Primary School principal, Jacobeth Nong said they welcome the newly built multi-purpose centre. She said the pupils will benefit from it and they will continue to develop more stars.

“We have developed many athletes from the school. We have the Khune brothers, Lucky and Itumeleng. And we will continue to produce more. Even thought we often do not have the programs or facilities to develop our own athletes, we believe the new facilities would provide us with new opportunities,” Nong said.

Ventersdorp acting mayor, Trevor Motshabi said social responsibility is very imperative. He urged the community members not to vandalise the newly built sport centre.

“We need to continue to develop the vast athletic potential society. Investing in recreation facilities is an investment in a healthy community. Developing a healthy lifestyle will reduce traditional healthcare costs.

“As taxpayers, we want to be investing in wellness so we can reduce the unsustainable cost of healthcare. We welcome the newly-built multipurpose centre,” Motshabi said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com