BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for community safety and transport management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said stray animals are one of contributing factors to road accidents and fatalities.

Motlhabane addressed farmers at Madikwe village on Tuesday. He also visited few police stations on unannounced visits.

“Stray animals on our roads remain a concern. They contribute with a high number particularly in the predominantly rural areas of the province. Cattle, horses and donkeys been the most common animals involved in collisions. This results in major damage to vehicles and sometimes even fatal injuries been experienced.

“Our ANC-led government has tried in several times to install fences on the areas of concern. We tried to keep these animals away from the road, but for some reasons there are people who continue to tear down the fences,” Motlhabane said.

He added that some torn the fence because they claim it restrict them to access the road. Motlhabane said however they were committed to educate livestock owners, traditional leaders and community members on the safety of their livestock.

“Livestock owners must know that allowing their animals to stray onto the roads is a by-law transgression. We will always make sure that all relevant stakeholders, road users and entities are enlightened through robust road safety awareness campaigns.

“We will also intensify law enforcement operations as well as empowering school-going children through road safety education,” he said.

Motlhabane handed over reflectors to livestock owners. He said this will assist in making their livestock visible during the night on the roads. He also requested livestock owners to tattoo or brand mark their livestock to reduce livestock theft.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A person died after he was allegedly assaulted by disgruntled community members in Moretele village near Taung. Two suspects aged 23 and 40 respectively allegedly stole 11 goats, slaughtered them and cooped them in their Toyota Tazz in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the police are investigating cases of stock theft, murder and assault.

“The angry community members allegedly assaulted two suspects after they accused them of stealing 11 goats. The members of the community allegedly saw the suspects and chased after them.

“They managed to corner the suspects near Vryburg on N18 road. The suspects were allegedly taken back to the village where they were assaulted. Their car was set alight with nine goats carcasses inside. The other two carcasses were outside,” Mokgwabone said.

He said the Vryburg stock theft unit police were informed and responded swiftly to the scene.

“The police managed to rescue two suspects from the claws of irate community members. The suspects were rushed to the local hospital with injuries. However one of them, aged 40 was certified dead on arrival at Huhudi clinic.

“The other suspect, 23 was treated for injuries and he is currently in detention for stock theft. The police are still investigating cases of assault and murder against members of the community,” he said.

Acting provincial commissioner, Major General Joyce Molale condemned the incident. She urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“We urge the community to approach the police and report any criminal activities. Taking the law into your own hands is wrong and people can be arrested for that. We need to work together with the police to root out any criminal activities,” Molale said.

-TDN

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