THREE accused were sentenced to combined 35 years by Itsoseng Regional Court on Thursday. Tshepiso Ngakantsi, 25, Selly Mashala, 42 and Isaac Lekwala, 33 were arrested after a business robbery committed in September 2014.

North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the accused robbed a shop in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng.

“It was reported that the accused tied the victim and ransacked his shop. They fled the scene with a getaway car after taking cigarettes, grocery and an undisclosed amount of cash. The car was abandoned after being involved in an accident. Two of the accused were arrested through assistance of the community.

“They were charged for robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunitions as well as an accessory after the fact.

Upon sentencing the accused, the court declared Ngakantsi and Mashala unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 (g) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” Moleko said.

She said Ngakantsi was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances while Mashala was sentenced 15 years and two years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

“The sentences handed to Mashala, who was a parolee at the time of arrest, will run concurrently.  Lekwala was sentenced to six years imprisonment for an accessory after the fact,” she said.

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Joyce Molale welcomed the conviction of the three accused.  She said that the police in the province will continue to send a stern message that offenders will harshly be dealt with.

-TDN

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ANCWL in North West engaged with young women at Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng on Friday. Provincial secretary, Bridgette Magakwe said the women dialogue touched on daily issues affecting women.

“As women there are traits that we continually struggle with. And we are working towards achieving it. Young women are most vulnerable and sometimes lose self-confidence in the process. Young women need to put positive body image, love themselves and value their strengths.

“They also need to forgive their flaws. It is a known fact that the preteen years are often the most difficult for today’s youth, especially for young women. Young women are hit by inequality, poverty and lack of skill development,” Magakwe said.

She added that women dialogue talk brings the sense of leadership. Young women were allowed to bring forward their challenges. Magakwe said they wanted to see many young women being empowered and play a pivotal role in the society.

“We need to start to engaging young girls in intelligent conversation. We want to see women contributing to the economy growth too. They must have their own companies and cooperatives. However the ANC is doing well in empowering women so far,” she said.

Magakwe commended the decision taken by ANC in North West to put forward more women in decision-making positions like in mayoral positions.

The party has put forward 12 females as mayoral candidates for local government elections.

Seipone Malinga, 19 who studies Business Management at Vuselela FET College in Potchefstroom campus said she benefited from the women dialogue.

“The women talks help to root out skewed portrayal of women. Women need to be empowered through education, and know their role. We also need to fight teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS pandemic amongst young women,” Malinga said.

One of young influential young women in the province, former SABC 1 “One Day Leader” show contestant, Natasha Sesing said many young women need to break into male dominated industry.

Sesing is a student at North West University. She also run an online store called Loeto La Afrika selling women bags and leather jackets.

“We need to be more active and innovative. Young women are mostly affected because there are lesser women breaking boundaries. We need to stand up and be game changers. We need to play a pivotal role in enterprise development too. Being the cutting edge amongst others will set you apart,” Sesing said.

-TDN

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TWO of ten suspects who escaped from Mogwase Correctional Centre three weeks ago were re-arrested. North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the police managed to re-arrest two of the escapees, Lloyd Munungu and Joseph Mlambo in Koster last week.

“They appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. They were charge for escaping from lawful custody and the case was postponed until Tuesday.  We are still looking for other eight awaiting trial detainees who escaped.

“Eight escapees, Oscar Sibiya, Luckymore Mutasa, Mandla Mokoena, Emmanuel Banda Hobe, Chris Sithole, Knowledge Benny Machesa, Alfonso Alfred Mpofu and Cleophus Tapiwa escaped while in detention for various offences such as murder, robbery aggravating, house robbery, attempted murder, burglary as well as illegal possession of firearm and ammunition,” Mokgwabone said.

He added that the said cases were registered and under investigation at Zeerust, Mooinooi, Hartbeesfontein, Brits, Rustenburg police stations.

“Knowledge Benny Machesa is also facing various charges on cases that were registered at Bela-bela in Limpopo. The community is urged to assist with information that may lead to the re-arrest of the eight escapees. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest can contact Investigating Officer, Ezekiel Rakodi on 079 881 9905,” he said.

-TDN

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Matlosana Secondary School from Klerksdorp showed their pedigree during music competition held at Rhema Church in Randburg, Johannesburg on Saturday.

The North West province was crowned the overall winner. They took home 11 renditions out of 38. Education and sport development spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the province was crowned as champion for the first time in the history of ABC Motsepe Schools Eisteddfod Music Competitions.

“Matlosana Secondary School was the most dominant school in the competition. They won five renditions like Preamble of the Constitution, Plea for Africa and Female solo. They collected a prize money to the tune of R57 000 which will be used to address the needs of the school.

“The province was crowned as the best province for their good administration and compliance in the smooth running of the provincial music competition. Amongst others include well-coordinated schools music elimination from schools to district and province,” Malindi said.

The ABC Motsepe Schools Eisteddfod, formerly known as the South African Schools Eisteddfod (SASCE), is one of the department’s prestigious events in the annual school calendar.

“The main purpose is to promote unity, diversity, national reconciliation, social cohesion, and a national identity among young South Africans of school going age.

“The programme realises this vision by addressing embedded cultural, traditional and indigenous meanings to nation-building, sense of belonging and definition of a national identity,” he said.

The North West province sent 25 schools to the national competitions to compete in the 38 renditions. That included reciting the Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, sing the Plea of Africa piece as a symbol of commemorating the past of the continent and the national anthem.

-TDN

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THE ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) comes out of Tlokwe and Matlosana in Dr Kenneth Kaunda region boisterous. The organisation’s bigwig including ministers, were in the area to facilitate the Provincial Executive Committee elections campaign.

Minister of science and technology, Naledi Pandor, minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi, minister of telecommunication and Postal Services, Siyabonga Cwele, deputy minister of communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu and deputy minister of agriculture, Bheki Cele met with ANC staunch supporters and potential voters during a door-to-door campaign.

PEC spokesperson, Gerald Modise said the people were grateful to meet with their leaders. He said they raised few concerns regarding basic service delivery.

“We visited Tlokwe and Matlosana this weekend. We also introduced our ward councillor candidates to the broader community. The people are happy and adamant that they will vote for the ANC on August 3. We visited few churches on Sunday too,” Modise said.

ANC chief whip, Jackson Mthembu said they were emboldened by the support they received from Dr Kenneth Kaunda region. He said this was a good sign for the party ahead of local government elections.

“We intensify our efforts to mobilise the masses to vote ANC in the upcoming government elections. ANC government has done fairly-well to improve the quality of life for our citizens. We remain committed to build on the progress of the past 15 years and re-double our efforts towards a better life for all.

“The report highlights that there are many achievements that have transformed the country’s urban landscape from apartheid construction to democratic spaces which all citizens are free to interact. It is further indication of the progress we have made in deconstructing the apartheid city and improving service delivery,” Mthembu said.

Siyabonga Cwele also shared the same sentiments. Cwele said the ANC was the only movement that has the interest of the people at heart. He added that people from Tlokwe and Matlosana welcomed the party.

“People received the party well and also addressed few concerns raised by the communities. We went to Sonderwater Informal Settlements, Promosa and other parts of Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom. Some of community members urged the party to address water and sanitation including electricity issues.

“The ANC has always appreciated and welcome concerns raised by them. We are the only organisation that listens to the people. We will make sure we address those concerns and we will do follow-ups. The ANC wants to eradicate inequality, unemployment and poverty. The gap between rich and impoverished is narrowly closing down,” Cwele said.

The party lambasted the independent candidates who called for the resignation of IEC chairperson, Mosotho Mepye. The independent candidates alleged that Meyepe failed dismally on his duty. Tlokwe is one of the highly contested municipalities in North West.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO people have sustained minor injuries after a vehicle overturned on the Old Pretoria Road in Mooinooi near Rustenburg in North West.

Netcare 911 spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe said: “The paramedics worked alongside paramedics from another emergency service on scene to stabilise the injured before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further medical care.”

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO people were killed and five others injured in a collision that occurred on the N14 near Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape on Saturday. ER24 spokesperson, Pieter Rossouw said the collision occurred at night.

“When ER24 paramedics arrived on scene, they found two people already succumbed to their fatal injuries. They were declared dead on scene. Over and above the deceased patients, five others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.

“ER24 treated and transported two patients to Kuruman Hospital for further treatment. The remaining patients were treated and transported to hospital by other services.

The cause of the incident remains unknown and local authorities were on the scene for further investigation,” he said.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
FIFTY unemployed youth in Dr Ruth Mompati region benefited from the national youth service programme after they went through training.

The social development department awarded them certificates in computer end user, enterprise development and civil construction.

MEC for social development, Kgakgamatso Nkewu said 775 unemployed youth from impoverished areas benefited from the programme since 2011.

“We expect you to go out there and change lives. Make sure that you have your own cooperatives to fight poverty and create jobs. Your background does not necessarily have to determine your future. “Unemployment remains one of the critical challenges faced by our country. Youth are the most affected group and the government has evaluated the impact. We render services to young people through youth development,” Nkewu said.

She also said those who received training needed to share their skills with their communities. Nkewu further said the youth could boost the economy by creating cooperatives.

“Go out and look for sponsorship from businesses in your area including various government departments. Sit together and plan on how to advance your goals.

“It is now the time for young people to come up with innovative ideas. They need to change their mindset and stop indulging in crime and substance abuse. Nowadays young people embark on strikes, destroy buildings and loot shops.

“The future is in your hands. Each generation out of relative obscurity, discovers its mission and either fulfils or betrays it. I would hope that the generation of these young people, presently here today have discovered their mission,” she said. Nkewu also commended all stakeholders involved in the process to equip young people.

Kagisano Molopo local municipality mayor, Veronica Keketsi shared the same sentiments. Keketsi said that youth empowerment was imperative. “The country will benefit as the youth are our future leaders. This is more like transferring of skills and work ethics.

We are adding a meaning to life and the initiative will help to reduce crime rate. “If we empower the youth, they will miss the chances of engaging in anti-social behaviour too.

“Let us encourage them to form their own cooperatives and lead them to self-employment and rapid industrialisation,” Keketsi said.

One of the beneficiaries, Boikanyo Modisaotsile from Gamoitsenyane village in Morokweng said she welcomed the initiative. “I am very grateful to receive my certificate after 12 months of intensive training. The programme facilitates the process of nation-building and development.

We need to be empowered as the youth for economic growth,” Modisaotsile said. Another beneficiary, Tsholofelo Dintwe said the certificate was ideal. She said that the training would open doors for her.

“The youth are the most affected group. We need to come up with strategic plans to reduce unemployment.

“Youth empowerment enables one to consider vital tenets and societal values. It also helps to commit oneself to worthwhile values,” Dintwe said.
-TDN
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Picture: (Initiates led home after the shutdown of bogus school)

A 40 YEAR-old initiate died at initiation school in Dihatshwane village outside Mahikeng on Thursday. Thataone John Letshabo allegedly suffered severe complications.

Letshabo died at a bogus initiation school and other fifteen initiates were released after the culture, art and traditional affairs department (CATA) shut down the initiation school.

The provincial initiation team representative, Kgosi Thari Maotwe said: “We need to do everything according to the legislative rules. If we find that your school is not compliant, we will shut it down immediately. We conduct workshops on legislation to teach people how these schools operate to avoid any eventuality.”

MEC for CATA, Ontlametse Mochware strongly condemned illegal practices contravening legislative provisions.

“We are calling on all communities to report any illegal initiation school to the nearest police station. They can also visit our departmental offices including traditional authorities in their locale,” Mochware said.

 Fifteen initiates were in good state of health. At Least seven illegal initiation schools were shut down in the province since the beginning of May.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said they were investigating case of inquest. He said the investigation was underway to determine the cause of death.

“We have opened a case of inquest after the death of an initiate at the school. According to information, the deceased was allegedly found death on Thursday morning,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
LABOUR department embarked on an outreach campaign to meet with employers in Klerksdorp recently. Beneficiary Services manager, Selete Qhamakoane said many companies continue to violate its workers.

“We stumbled on dishonest practices by some of the employers in Klerksdorp and other parts of the province. We discovered that some companies deduct UIF contributions from their employees yet they are not registered with the Fund.

“In some instances, new employees were not registered with the Fund too. Mostly those who are employed permanent were not declared to the UIF on a monthly basis as required by the Act,” Qhamakoane said. 

“Employers deducted UIF contributions from their employees even though they are not registered.  Employers who pay UIF contributions through SARS failed to declare their workers to the UIF too.

“They also failed to declare changes such as salary increase as required by the Act. So we will be able to address this issue through this campaign. We have also identified employers that need to be audited for employee registration, declarations, and payment of contributions to the Fund,” she said.

Qhamakoane further said employer audit inspectors will visit all concerned companies to do thorough inspections. She added that they will visit other areas like Brits, Rustenburg and Christiana.

Qhamakoane said the campaign was fruitful as some companies came out and registered their domestic workers. 

“According to the Unemployment Insurance Act, any person working for 24 hours or more in a month is supposed to be registered with the Fund. This will enable such workers to be covered for unemployment benefits.

“Workers are encouraged to contact the nearest offices of the labour department to find out if they have indeed been registered with the Fund,” she said.
-TDN
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