Picture: (Political parties in North West pledge to adhere to IEC rules and regulations)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

MAHIKENG- ALL 30 political contesting in the 2016 local government elections in North West signed the electoral pledge at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Tuesday.

The parties committed to abide by the provisions of the electoral code of conduct.

ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo said they signed the pledge and will abide by the rules and regulations governing elections.

“As the provincial government and ANC-led government, we support the notion. We will make sure the elections run smoothly with no hindrances. We support fair and free elections.

“We have entrusted IEC and we believe is the independent body. We will make sure the integrity of the authority is protected and restored. It is one of the most important institutions in our country,” Mahumapelo said.

Electoral Commission national chairperson, Glen Mashinini said all political parties and candidates are required to subscribe to the code of conduct before they can contest elections.

“The code of conduct is about the rule of law. We call on all parties to ensure that they take reasonable steps to ensure that candidates, members, officials and supporters comply with the rules of the game.

“We embrace the maturing and deepening of our democracy. Therefore, we proudly relish the advancement of our nationhood ideal that remains enshrined in our hearts,” he said.

Mashinini added that they remind all political parties that they are allowed to contest elections vigorously and vibrantly. He said they need to respect the rights of others at all times.

South African Police Services, Major General Patrick Asaneng vowed to deliver safe and secure local government elections in the province.

“We are ready as the SAPS to support IEC in delivering safe and secure elections. We urge all political parties to have tolerance towards each other,” he said.

 Democratic Alliance provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said they have signed the IEC’s code of conduct to pledge for the upcoming local government elections. The elections will be staged on August 3.

“We are excited to be part of this historic moment. South Africa is in a young democracy as a country. We recently announced that for the first time ever, the DA will be contesting all the wards and municipalities within the province. “We want to bring change that will move this province forward. The pledge we signed today calls for free and fair elections. It calls on all participating political parties to practice a culture of tolerance and peace,” McGluwa said.

EFF provincial leader, Betty Diale also shared the same sentiments. She said EFF is ready for local government elections and will abide to IEC rules and regulations.

“We are very adamant that EFF will change the landscape of the politics on August 3. We support and adhere to the rules and regulations of IEC. We give the authority unwavering support towards fair, honest and free elections,” Diale said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West condemned the fatal shooting of its Maboloka Branch chairperson,Thabo Moroa.

SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said Moroa was shot and killed at his house in Maboloka village, near Brits on Saturday.

“We are saddened by the shocking incident which has robbed the Moroa family, the people of Maboloka and our structure of a humble son,a loving husband and a father, a courageous, selfless leader, a visionary and committed cadre who was committed to development and uplifting his community.

“His untimely death is a blow that has left a huge void,” Sebegoe said.

He urged police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the horrendous crime are behind bars.

Sebegoe said that uninformed speculation as to who might be responsible for Moroa’s death will only serve to advance the agenda of those who what to sow divisions within the revolutionary alliance and the ranks of the progressive movement ahead of the local government elections.

“We must resist the temptation to point fingers and channel our energy to assist police with information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for the senseless violence,” he stressed. 

The 38-year-old Moroa who is survived by his heavily pregnant wife and two daughters was also employed by the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality as a secretary to the Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Rural Development.  
-TDN
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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 62-YEAR-OLD man found hanged at his house in Molelema village, near Taung on Sunday morning. North West police said Buting Nthari allegedly hanged himself. He said however the cause of his death is yet unknown.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A case of inquest has been opened in Taung Police Station. We do not know what prompted the deceased to commit suicide. However a case of inquest has been opened and investigation is underway.”

Nthari allegedly used a rope to take his own life and was found at around 6am.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

FOUR classrooms were damaged at Tshwaraganang Primary School in Maheng village near Ganyesa last week. Education and sport development department, Elias Malindi said Tshwaraganang Primary School is a literally new school.

“The school was occupied in 2014 and has enrolled 166 learners. The storm took place in the middle of the night. There was no one at school and there are no injuries reported from this incident.

“The entire roof of the block of four classrooms flew and crashed another mobile classroom at school. The two nearby mobile classrooms were slightly affected. The rubble blocked access towards one class only.

“The educators decided to use unaffected mobile classroom, offices in the staff room and a block of Grade R classes to utilise them as examination centre. The storm could not disrupt the examinations processes,” he said.

MEC for education and sport development, Jonas Lehari applauded the community for coming in numbers to remove the rubble at school.

“This is an unfortunate incident. No one could be able to prevent it. On behalf of the department I would like to applaud the parents and community members who came in large numbers to assist to remove the rubble,” Lehari said.

Ouma Motsaathebe the School Governing Body Chairperson cited that they were working for the future of their children.

“Education for our children is our number one priority and we will do everything possible to see them at school. We want our children to continue with their examination, so we will assist the department in repairing the school”, said Motsaathebe.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 35-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court in connection with murder, attempted murder, pointing of firearm and robberies. North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect allegedly shot two security guards at shaft No. 6 in Orkney near Klerksdorp back in 2015.

“The suspect was arrested on Thursday in Okney after intensive search. He allegedly shot two security guards who were on duty at Shaft No. 2 in Orkney back in August 2015. One of the security guards died instantly while the other one was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The security guards’ firearms were robbed during the atrocity.
“The suspect was also linked to a case of pointing of firearm in Orkney that occurred at shaft No. 2 in Orkney earlier this month. It is alleged that the suspect pointed the victim who is a security guard with a firearm,” he said. Mokgwabone further added that the suspect was nabbed after a thorough investigation.

“The suspect could be linked to other murder cases that were reported in the area. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect has previous convictions of assault, theft and fraud of which crimes were committed between 2006 and 2010 in Kanana, Lichtenburg and Polokwane.
“The police urge victims of crime that occurred at various shafts in Orkney to contact Colonel Ditiro Makaudi on 082 568 2375 or Captain Alec Lebodi on 082 338 1076,” he said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

POLICE in Letlhabile arrested three suspects aged between 25 and 41 for business robbery, malicious damage to property, theft and possession of house breaking implements.
North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Saturday. He said the suspects were arrested after the police promptly acted on a tip-off.

“The police received information about suspected illegal activity at Letlhabile complex. They approached the shopping complex, however the suspects drove off.

“They were driving four vehicles including a Toyota Hilux bakkie fitted with a blue lamp. The chase ensued between the police and the suspects. The driver of a bakkie allegedly lost control and his bakkie overturned,” Mokgwabone said.

He said three suspects were all injured. Mokgwabone added that they were ferried to a local hospital for medical attention under police guard.

“The police found two generators and two drilling jack machines inside the bakkie. They also found the second car, a red Volkswagen Golf abandoned due to breakdown.

“A substantial amount of cash was allegedly found in the vehicle. It is alleged that the money was taken from Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrates’ Court soon,” he said.
North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant Gen, Baile Motswenyane commended the cooperation of the community. She said that this will definitely send a clear message that crime does not pay.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has urged all fathers to be good role models to their children.  He wished all fathers a Happy Father’s Day on Sunday.

He added that it was imperative to acknowledge those fathers who play a unique role in their children’s lives.

“On this day we wish all fathers out there a Happy Father’s Day. We know that fathers are role models. They are disciplinarians and providers who together with mothers play a significant role in shaping the character of their children.

“That is why we call on all fathers to play a central role in the development of their children. They need to ensure that they become the best they can be,” Mahumapelo said.

He also said the province and the country require fathers who treat their partners and children with love and compassion. He further added that it was for this reason that one of the ten campaigns that he recently launched focused on Women and Children Abuse Awareness.

“The campaigns were crucial to ensure a better life for people living in the province. Raising children who are disciplined, responsible, respectful, and compassionate is important.

“This will ensure a stable society and a better South Africa. Research shows that, fathers contribute greatly towards the emotional well-being of their children, he added.

Mahumapelo also urged parents who have disagreements or difficulties in their relationships to desist from using children to settle scores.

-TDN

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Picture: (Cosatu shop steward, Thabo Moroa gunned down)

The ANC factional battles in the North West – over the selection of candidates for the upcoming local government elections in August – have claimed the life of an ANC and Cosatu member in Brits, Thabo Moroa, aged 35.

Also, Moss Molekwa, a Madibeng Local Municipality ANC councillor, survived an attempt on his life by unknown gunmen when returning from a funeral yesterday.

The killing of the 38-year-old Moroa marks the first fatal attack since the ANC’s selection of candidates began this year.

Over the past few months, ANC members in the Bojanala district of Rustenburg have suffered multiple injuries and it was reported that one of the victims was assaulted and that her injuries would affect her ability to have children.

Yesterday’s deadly attack was the first in the North West, while KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of fatal attacks compared to all the other provinces across the country.

ANC North West spokesman Gerald Modise has, however, dismissed the claim that Moroa’s death had anything to do with the selection of candidates for the forthcoming elections.

“Moroa was an ordinary member of the ANC in Maboloka, in the Madibeng rural North West.

“He was nominated to be a councillor for Ward 4 but declined.

“It is not correct that his death had anything to do with the selection of candidates,” Modise insisted.

The attackers struck in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The gunmen stormed into Moroa’s bedroom in his Brits home at about 2am and fired three shots at him while he was asleep.

They then went into another room, where they also fired shots at a 17-year-old boy.

Family members said the teenager was attacked after he began screaming for help moments after hearing gunshots being fired in the house.

Cosatu in Rustenburg believes the murder was politically motivated.

Moroa was employed as a personal assistant in the Bojanala District Municipality in Rustenburg.

He was also known as a key fighter against corruption in Madibeng Local Municipality as well as being opposed to councillors being imposed on communities.

Cosatu chairman in Rustenburg Maleho Gaonakala said Moroa took part in a trade union meeting in the town on Friday, where it was decided not to support candidates who had been imposed on the communities.

“In the meeting, Moroa stood up and said that the ANC must start to respect its guidelines on the appointment of candidates.

“He also said it cannot be right that Cosatu must support those candidates as that would betray the trust that the communities had placed on the ANC,” the Cosatu official said.

The meeting was also attended by two ANC provincial executive committee members, Lerato Teme and Kgetleng River Local Municipality mayor Kim Medupe.

Gaonakala said he believed the killing was political motivated.

“I am still asking myself who is next? Gaonakale asked.

He recalled the slaying of former ANC councillor Moss Phakoe in Rustenburg for raising issues of corruption.

His killers were still roaming the streets of Rustenburg without any consequences.

According to Gaonakale, these factional battles took centre stage during the Bojanala ANC regional list conference on May 26.

Gaonakala said some of the ANC members came armed with pangas and other dangerous weapons allegedly to influence the outcome of the candidates’ selection.

Gaonakala said Cosatu has vowed not to support candidates who were imposed on communities particularly in the Bojanala region in Rustenburg.

“As alliance leaders who have been outspoken about this issue we fear for our own lives.

“I have been advised on several occasions not to travel alone from meetings because I have also been vocal in questioning the processes followed,” he said.

Moroa’s sister Mankwang said the family was devastated by his death and suspected it was politically motivated because he fought for his community’s rights.

She said this was the second time an attempt was made on Moroa’s life after his house was also broken into in April by gunmen.

“He bled internally from the gun shots and died but the 17-year-old boy survived and is critical in hospital,” she said.

“He was outspoken and openly fought for his community.

“We are very proud of him for always putting his community’s interests first but we want to know why he had to die this way.”

Moroa is survived by his wife and two daughters. His wife is expecting their third child next month.

North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said the police in Letlhabile, outside Brits, were investigating a case of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, murder and an attempted murder.

“This is after two suspects gained entrance into the house in which the victims were sleeping.

“The gunmen gained entrance through the window of the house,” Mokgwabone said.

Source: Sunday independent

Pic: (Prisoner's cell)

JOHANNESBURG – North West police and prison officials are trying to determine how 10 awaiting trial inmates were able to escape from the Mogwase Correctional Centre in Rustenburg. 

Authorities are planning to interrogate one inmate who was rearrested after the break-out.

The gang fled in the early hours of yesterday morning after having broken through a bathroom window.

They are all facing charges for serious crimes and some had also tried to escape from prison earlier this year.

The Correctional Services Department’s Manelisi Wolela says it appears the inmates carefully planned their escape.

“We are cautioning people that whatever information they find they must contact the police instead of doing anything because we regard them as dangerous. In due course we will also release their pictures so that people can identify them.” 
Source: http://www.ewn.co.za