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Somizi Mhlongo is entangled in a bitter row over his choreography services in Botswana.

The celebrity dancer, choreographer and Idols SA judge was allegedly awarded a half-a-million pula deal to direct the country’s golden jubilee celebrations to be held next month in the capital, Gaborone.

The country had budgeted 100million pula (about R130-million) for the celebrations, appointing a committee with the name Botswana50 (Bot50). The committee has recently been accused of corruption and favouritism in the award of tenders for events linked to the celebrations.

The country’s anti-corruption unit, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), has now been roped in to investigate the tenders.

But the latest scandal to rock the country would be Somgaga’s P500000 gig for the two-day event.

This is not the first time Mhlongo has been booked to choreograph a major event in Botswana. He was also brought in to facilitate the opening ceremony of the Africa Youth Games in May 2014.

Sowetan can confirm that Mhlongo was not contracted by Bot50 but rather by Red Pepper PR and Consultancy agency, which won the P14-million tender to procure the dance and theatre productions for the celebrations.

Batswana dancers and choreographers complained they were being sidelined.

“I don’t doubt Somizi’s capabilities and talent, but when we’re told this is time to celebrate us, as Batswana, then why hire a South African for the job? We can do it too,” commented one of Botswana’s top choreographers, who refused to be named.

Another protested: “Bot50 promised they would hire only locals, why were we overlooked this time around?”

“Could a Motswana have been paid that much for the same job? That is my question,” said another local.

Efforts to reach Mhlongo were unsuccessful at the time of going to press, but his Instagram profile shows that he is excited about the event.

He posted: “… this brings so much joy to my soul. Spreading and sharing my talent with the continent. Botswana has talent. Day 1 dance workshop for #bot50.”

The Bot50 committee held a press briefing on Thurs- day in Gaborone. Fielding questions from the media about Mhlongo’s appointment , Bot50 coordinator Charity Kgotlafela was quoted as saying they had nothing to do with Mhlongo’s appointment.

She said all Bot50 tenders were awarded to local companies just as they had promised from the outset.

However, she said Bot50 did not have control over who these companies engaged, just as long as they got the job done.

Efforts to reach Red Pepper PR and Consultancy agency failed.

Source:www.sowetanlive.co.za

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Women in law enforcement stamped their authority on the borders of North West and Limpopo when they impounded more than 36 taxis and de-registered 7 vehicles from using our public roads. This was during the three inter-provincial roadblocks which were recently conducted simultaneously in all borders of the two provinces.

More than 1500 vehicles were stopped, searched and more than 30 were tested on the mobile testing station that was operating on the R510 road between Northam and Rustenburg.

One taxi that was transporting school kids from Mmakau to Tsogo Primary School was impounded for un-roadworthiness.

The vehicle was not registered and the driver did not have a driver’s license either.

The Bokone Bophirima MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane raised his concern on the state of vehicles that are transporting kids to schools in particular.

“We are experiencing serious challenges about taxis that are transporting kids to school. They are not road worthy and mostly overload the kids”.

“This is a serious concern and it means we must continue ensuring that tough measures are put in place to defaulting motorists. If you look at the taxi that is transporting 15 kids in Mmakau on daily basis you will realise how the lives of this kids are put to risk”.

“Parents of these kids must also stop risking the lives of their children, how can a parent pay for his/her child to be transported in a moving coffin like this. It’s like they are paying for the death of their kids”.

“Road safety begins with us, let us all take responsibility to safe our own lives on the road,” said the visibly irritated Dr Motlhabane.

The North West, Limpopo inter provincial roadblocks were conducted by the women in law enforcement from the two provinces as part of commemorating the August Women’s month.

Members of the public experiencing any challenges or non compliance on the road are advised to contact the Departmental Call Centre on this number: 0800 204 992.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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A 32-year-old man is expected to appear in the Jan Kempdorp magistrate court on Monday for allegedly killing a 6-year-old boy.

The boy was allegedly killed while trying to protect his mother from being raped. The man was arrested by police while roaming around the community.

“We are investigating a case of murder following the death of a six-year-old boy, Kutlwano Garesape in Jankempdorp, the suspect was arrested and charged with murder,” said Captain Olebogeng Tawana.

The incident happened on 12 August when the deceased was in the company of his mother on their way to school.

While they were on their way to school they were allegedly attacked by the suspect.

In the process Kutlwano tried to defend his mother against the attacker and the suspect allegedly fatally stabbed him.

Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas joined organisations and individuals who have expressed shock at the attack and killing of the six-year-old boy.

Lucas labelled the killing as a “senseless and insensitive attack that came during a month when we actively advocate for the rights of women”.

Lucas said there can be no justifiable reason or explanation for one person to inflict so much pain and suffering on an innocent child.

“Kutlwano had his whole life ahead of him and then one merciless act destroyed the life of a child, that of his parents and the community.

“More disturbing is the fact that this innocent boy was on his way to school to get an education” she said.

Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za

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Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson says he wants his side to start their Absa Premiership season on a high note when they face Supersport United on Wednesday. 

Last season, Dikwena had an impressive season under Johnson finishing third in the Absa Premiership and also qualifying for the upcoming MTN8 tournament.

The 57-year-old coach insists that his side are looking to open their Absa Premiership account on a positive note and he is hopeful that the team does well this season with the help of his new signings.

‘It’s important that we start on a good note. In 2015/16 season we started well. We started with a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns and it was a big boost for the players because they played well against a so called big team. We need to start on a good footing,’ Johnson toldPlatinumstars.com.

‘The beginning of the season is always exciting. Everyone has a package – new players. Some have bought two, three or four players. It’s always mixed feelings because you don’t know what the teams are coming with. Hopefully, we are able to do well this season.’

Johnson says he expects Matsatsantsa will put up a fight but the former SuperSport coach insists Dikwena are well prepared for coach Stuart Baxter’s men.

‘SuperSport have been one of the busiest teams in the market. We are expecting a lot of effort from them but we are not scared of them. We are well prepared. They are coming to our home ground so hopefully, we can play the best football and get off to a good start,’ he added.

Platinum Stars will welcome SuperSport United to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in their opening Absa Premiership match on Tuesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.

Source: http://www.sasoccermag.co.za

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BY REGINALD KANYANE 

A 30-YEAR-OLD man allegedly strangled his younger brother,12 to death. The atrocity took place at Masutlhe village near Mahikeng on Friday.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Pelonomi Makau said the lifeless body of a boy was found in an abandoned house by hawkers.

“The boy was still wearing his school uniform when found. The hawkers called the police and the body was found without visible injuries.

“Post-mortem was conducted and it was revealed that the boy was strangled to death. The preliminary investigation led the police to the deceased’s brother who was the last person to be seen with him alive,” she said.

Makau said the suspect confessed and he will appear in Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being charged with murder.

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THE Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality sworn-in the newly-elected district mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu and the speaker, Lerato Maogwe at Dr Ruth Mompati district municipality chamber on Friday.

Boitumelo Mahlangu said she was indebted to be bestowed with those responsibilities. Mahlangu said she was looking forward to run the municipality and continue to improve the lives of the masses.

“We will elect the mayoral municipal committee during the first council meeting. We are applying municipal structural act and it was not bidding to elect the MMC. We are still in the confines of the legislative act. As the mayor, I have the power to choose the suitable day to decide on MMC.

“Dr Ruth Mompati is a district municipality and we have a mammoth role to play. We need to oversee things from local municipalities. We will make sure that the municipality functions well. The district municipality is an instrument that can be used by local municipalities to do oversight,” Mahlangu said.

She added that good governance will make sure that the lives of the masses are improved. Mahlangu further said she will make sure that the services that were to be rendered to local municipalities are taken into consideration.

“Good governance will bring in better lives and maximum support to local municipalities. North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo highlighted that all councillors who were elected, need to hold meetings with communities and report monthly. We will emphasise that because we are not here for luxury, but to serve the people who have voted us in.

“As public servants, we need to report back to the communities because they entrusted us by electing us. We need to keep the masses informed and that will assist in minimising challenges,” she said.

Mahlangu said they will look into the communities need and make sure they deliver on that. She said even though the district municipality is predominately rural, the initiative of village, township and small dorpies (VTSD) implemented by Mahumapelo will assist in creating job opportunities and eradicate poverty, inequality and unemployment.

However EFF regional secretary in Dr Ruth Mompati district, Kabelo Tshite said he was unhappy after the mayoral municipal committee was not elected.

“At local municipalities the council was elected in a virtue of percentage, but why the situation is different in district municipalities. We are off the belief that ANC is using their majority number to isolate us. We were given the documents less than 24-hours before the inauguration. However, according to the law, we must receive them in five days time prior the meeting,” Tshite said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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SOMBRE moment creep in at a funeral of a six year-old boy, Kutlwano Garesape who was murdered last week Friday in Jan Kempdorp while trying to protect his mother from being raped.

Kutlwano Garesape who was a pupil at Tau Dia Rora Primary School in Jan Kempdorp was buried at Manthe village, Taung on Saturday. He was allegedly walking to school along with his brother, Thabiso, 8 and his mother, Segomotso.

They allegedly came across a suspect, Tesele Dikole, 32 who demanded money from them. Segomotso said the suspect allegedly produced a bottle and tried to rape her after she did not have money.

“The suspect threatened me with a bottle and attempted to rape me. Kutlwano intervened and the suspect stabbed him. He also tossed Kutlwano’s body in the air and dropped him. The suspect threw Kutlwano’s lifeless body on the railway tracks afterwards,” Segomotso said.

Family spokesperson, Lebogang Garesape said what happened to their child was despicable. Garesape said the atrocity affected the family because his killing was senseless and brutal.

“We are reeling in shock as the family. We cannot believe our son was killed in that despicable manner. He was so young and energetic. We expected a lot from him as the parents. However, we believe that God will give us strength to deal with his untimely.

“Men need to protect women and children. But what happened clearly shows that we still have a long way to go as the country. We believe that the suspect will be punished for his heinous crime and the pain he caused this family,” Garesape said.

Northern Cape MEC of transport, safety and liaison, Pauline Williams said what happened to Kutlwano was bizarre. Williams said the incident was a metaphor of what kind of society the country is living in.

“We are very touched by the death of a young, vibrate and energetic boy. He showed bravery and protected his mother from being hurt. We need to learn from Kutlwano’s life and get inspired. He is a young hero who put his tiny body in line to protect his family. We believe justice will take its cause and the perpetrator will be punished,” Williams said.

MEC for education in Northern Cape, Martha Bartlett shared the same sentiments. Bartlett said the heinous crimes needed to be rooted out within the society. She urged community members to stand against criminal activities.

“We need to do introspection as the society. We cannot allow things like these to prevail amongst us. The perpetrator needs to be harshly punished. He robbed us the future leader and our hero.  

“Men need to be protectors and providers, not monsters. We need to address women and children abuse issue once and for all. We cannot allow incidents like this to deter our meeting with destiny. Children go to school to be nourished and nurtured to become better persons. However, criminals continue to rob us young talents because of their greediness and selfishness,” Bartlett said.

Operation Wanya Tsotsi chairperson, Pantsi Obusitse said: “We will make sure that the criminal is removed from our society. We must not be apologetic about that. We need to fight crime and I also urge politicians to be part of the fight. Lets us use the same energy we injected during local government elections to fight crime.

“The atrocity cannot be explained and we should be ashamed as a country. We need to honour Kutlwano and take a stern look at ourselves. We cannot let the country be terrorised by criminals and rob us our future leaders because of their senseless thinking.”

Dikole will be back in Jan Kempdorp Magistrate Court on Monday facing murder and attempted rape. He will also apply for a formal bail application.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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SOMBRE moment creep in at a funeral of a six year-old boy, Kutlwano Garesape who was murdered last week Friday in Jan Kempdorp while trying to protect his mother from being raped.

Kutlwano Garesape who was a pupil at Tau Dia Rora Primary School in Jan Kempdorp was buried at Manthe village, Taung on Saturday. He was allegedly walking to school along with his brother, Thabiso, 8 and his mother, Segomotso.

They allegedly came across a suspect, Tesele Dikole, 32 who demanded money from them. Segomotso said the suspect allegedly produced a bottle and tried to rape her after she did not have money.

“The suspect threatened me with a bottle and attempted to rape me. Kutlwano intervened and the suspect stabbed him. He also tossed Kutlwano’s body in the air and dropped him. The suspect threw Kutlwano’s lifeless body on the railway tracks afterwards,” Segomotso said.

Family spokesperson, Lebogang Garesape said what happened to their child was despicable. Garesape said the atrocity affected the family because his killing was senseless and brutal.

“We are reeling in shock as the family. We cannot believe our son was killed in that despicable manner. He was so young and energetic. We expected a lot from him as the parents. However, we believe that God will give us strength to deal with his untimely.

“Men need to protect women and children. But what happened clearly shows that we still have a long way to go as the country. We believe that the suspect will be punished for his heinous crime and the pain he caused this family,” Garesape said.

Northern Cape MEC of transport, safety and liaison, Pauline Williams said what happened to Kutlwano was bizarre. Williams said the incident was a metaphor of what kind of society the country is living in.

“We are very touched by the death of a young, vibrate and energetic boy. He showed bravery and protected his mother from being hurt. We need to learn from Kutlwano’s life and get inspired. He is a young hero who put his tiny body in line to protect his family. We believe justice will take its cause and the perpetrator will be punished,” Williams said.

MEC for education in Northern Cape, Martha Bartlett shared the same sentiments. Bartlett said the heinous crimes needed to be rooted out within the society. She urged community members to stand against criminal activities.

“We need to do introspection as the society. We cannot allow things like these to prevail amongst us. The perpetrator needs to be harshly punished. He robbed us the future leader and our hero.  

“Men need to be protectors and providers, not monsters. We need to address women and children abuse issue once and for all. We cannot allow incidents like this to deter our meeting with destiny. Children go to school to be nourished and nurtured to become better persons. However, criminals continue to rob us young talents because of their greediness and selfishness,” Bartlett said.

Operation Wanya Tsotsi chairperson, Pantsi Obusitse said: “We will make sure that the criminal is removed from our society. We must not be apologetic about that. We need to fight crime and I also urge politicians to be part of the fight. Lets us use the same energy we injected during local government elections to fight crime.

“The atrocity cannot be explained and we should be ashamed as a country. We need to honour Kutlwano and take a stern look at ourselves. We cannot let the country be terrorised by criminals and rob us our future leaders because of their senseless thinking.”

Dikole will be back in Jan Kempdorp Magistrate Court on Monday facing murder and attempted rape. He will also apply for a formal bail application. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com