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The case was postponed again for the court to consider centralising the two cases against the young man.

The defence lawyer for murder accused Mark Zinde on Thursday asked the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court to centralise the two cases against him.

Zinde, 23, is facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for allegedly attacking his father.

In a separate matter, he has been charged with the murder of his mother, former SABC board member Hope Zinde.

His lawyer Francois Joubert told the court they had received a report from a doctor which confirmed that more psychiatric assements needed to be done on the accused.

Zinde was previously admitted to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital where it was found he was fit to stand trial and capable of understanding court proceedings.

The initial report further stated that he did not suffer from any mental disorder when he allegedly killed his mother.

Joubert is disputing the psychiatric report and wants him re-admitted and re-evaluated.

If permission to centralise both matters is granted, the case will be transferred to the Pretoria High Court.

The matter was postponed to January 11, 2017.

Zinde seemed angry when the case was postponed, throwing a red plastic bag he had been carrying down the stairs leading to holding cells.

Zinde is accused of attacking his father, Dr Lebohang Mohale Manoto, with a glass on November 6.

Manoto was reading a newspaper at his home in Walkerville‚ south of Johannesburg‚ when his son allegedly struck him with the glass in his face.

His father took him in after he was released on bail in Brits, North West for allegedly killing his mother.

He allegedly killed his mother in June at her home in Pecanwood outside Brits.

His R10 000 bail on the murder charge was revoked on December 19 for not adhering to his bail conditions.

He was expected to appear in the Brits magistrate’s court on January 24, where an application for admission at Weskoppies would be made.

– African News Agency (ANA)

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The mission to ensure that communities are safe paid dividends after Northern Cape police, Traffic Officers, SANDF and Home Affairs embarked on a raid and road blocks over the weekend. 

Provincial police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said they also searched few houses suspected of drugs. 

“The arrest of a 34 year-old drunk driver was one of our highlights and successes. The police also arrested a man after they found 110 mandrax tablets at the value of R5000 on him. 

“Warrenton Detectives held a suspect-raid and managed to arrest 40-year-old male who was wanted for a house robbery he allegedly committed during November 2016,” Kock said. 

He added that police found a stolen firearm and ammunition on him after they conducted a searched. The 9mm was allegedly stolen during a house-breaking and theft that occurred in Warrenton during December 2016. 

Meanwhile police also confiscated two firearms that was recently stolen at two separate house breaking and thefts in Kuruman. 

“Police followed up on information and three men were arrested in this regard. SAPS Public Order Police, K9 and Flying Squad also assisted Richmond Police and managed to confiscate dagga with an approximate street value of R30 000 on the N1 between Richmond and Colesburg. Three men are currently charged for possession of dagga. 

“The teams stopped and searched 7177 vehicles at roadblocks, searched 12 332 persons and issued 786 fines for various contraventions. Almost 100 liquor outlets were visited where 249 litres of concoction was destroyed and almost 100 litres of alcohol was confiscated,” he said. 

Kock further said one stolen vehicle was recovered, 5 firearms, 18 cellphones, 3 I-pads and 1 laptop were also recovered.

“Dagga, Tik, Khat and Mandrax were some of the drugs recovered by the police during these operations,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Mahikeng – While some people dress up as Santa to cheer up children during the festive season, a man allegedly impersonating the North West premier – for more nefarious purposes – was nabbed on Christmas Eve, the North West government said on Monday.

“The man is reported to have contacted several high profile people in a bid to solicit money from them under false pretexts,” said provincial government spokesperson Brian Setswambung in a statement.

“He is reported to have threatened to bomb the Premier’s house when he realised that his tricks of extorting money were not yielding the desired outcome.”

The Hawks arrested the 25-year-old on December 24, after receiving several complaints from various people involved in government and politics who were contacted by the man, allegedly pretending to be Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Two cellphones, used to allegedly conduct the crimes, were seized.

Previously, a case was opened against the phony public figure by the Head of Security at the North West Legislature, Roger Ditse. The fraudster had requested R1 500 from him.

According to information on the premier’s website published earlier this month, the man also contacted Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance Andries Nel and Deputy Minister of Labour Inkosi Patekile Holomisa, as well as others in Gauteng, Bokone Bophirima, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Furthermore, the imposter also contacted an MP in the Western Cape asking for money to help a student stranded in Cape Town. At the time, he claimed that President Jacob Zuma had asked him to help the student, whom he alleged was the son of an old acquaintance of the president. The bogus bigwig then asked for R2 000.

The suspect was arrested in Kuruman and will appear at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on December 28. He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, as well as intimidation.

Source: http://www.news24.com

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The high number of incidents and fatalities recorded at this time of the festive season has shocked and concerned the Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane.

To date, about 58 fatalities have been recorded with 58 incidents, which 26 were pedestrians, 13 lost control, 4 cyclists, 8 head on collision and 2 tyre bursts.

Other incidents were unknown while others it was suspected to be mechanical faults on the vehicle.

Last year during the same period, the province had recorded at least 75 fatalities. “It is not an exciting reduction at all. 58 people dying on our roads it’s too much. More worrying is that most of our people dying are pedestrians. This reflects an unrestraint conduct of our road users in general. If a pedestrian gets hit by a car, those there are two people involved, a pedestrian and motorists and both are road users.

And this is a clear indication of not using the road wisely by our road users; it might be the motorists on the bad side of the law or the pedestrian. However, the department together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), will never surrender ourselves to bad road usage. We will never allow the lives of our people to flourish on our roads.

Today our roads are painted with the blood of our loved ones and this leaves us with pain because, as we speak now, someone is a widow today and one child somewhere is an orphan,” said the heartbroken Motlhabane.

He said the Department has partnered with Municipal traffic, RTMC and all other law enforcement agencies to increase visibility in all critical roads of the province.

“We have heightened visible policing in every entrance of our towns and increased traffic and police visibility on our roads, but our people must also contribute in reducing these incidents by taking responsibility. As much as we try our best, we cannot be in every street or car that is travelling on our roads,” he pleaded.

The departmental MEC said, traffic operations are been conducted in every critical road of the province and warned those who will be caught on the wrong side of the law. “We are going to continue arresting those driving under the influence of alcohol, those who drive with high speed, driving without driver’s licence, driving without fastening your seatbelt and unroadworthy vehicles will be impounded immediately,” he warned.

The department recently has created about 85 jobs through management of stray animals. “Stray animals have been causing a high number of incidents in our roads and we then saw it fit to get rangers who will assist us with these animals but besides that, we also continuously engage with our famers and communities with the same issue and we are grateful that this is now bearing fruits.

“Now we would like to urge our motorists to be on the lookout of jaywalkers and further take the same plea to our pedestrians to avoid walking on the road under the influence of alcohol.

“Safety begins with me, with you and with all of us. Please take precautionary measures before leaving the house, practice road safety as you drive on our roads and be alert at all times,” MEC Motlhabane concluded.

#RideWise

#BeingsafeIsCool

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Picture: (A driver plunged into a tree in Rustenburg)

A 47-year-old man was killed on the Tiptol Road in Safari Gardens, Rustenburg on Friday.

ER24 spokesperson, Werner Vermaak said the tragedy took place shortly after 10pm. He further said the paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene and found the vehicle on the side of the road. 

“Paramedics found that the vehicle crashed into a tree. The driver
of the vehicle was found behind the steering wheel with fatal injuries. Sadly, there was nothing that paramedics could do for him and he was declared dead on the scene,” Vermaak said.

He said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident is not yet known.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Werner Vermaak

ER24 Spokesperson

Picture: (Dj Sphere spinning the decks)

BY REGINALD KANYANE
All roads are leading to Pudimoe Location, in Taung later today for Dj Sphere Annual Bash event. The organiser, Dj Sphere as Lebogang Matebele is affectionately  known in the music fraternity  said: “Pudimoe Coverground is the place to be this Saturday. Dj Sphere Annual Bash is growing bigger and better.”

“The line-up is epic this year. We have invited crowd pullers like Hip Hop artist, Reece and Kwaito legend, Brickz just to mention few. 

“Yesterday the Pre-party was on point at Majeng Guest Lodge in Pudimoe. So, we are expecting a massive crowd to come over to Pudimoe Coverground later today,” delighted Dj said.

North West’s finest Dj who is known for bringing music heavy weights to Pudumoe and said fun is guaranteed.

He further said his event also boost local economy as SMME’s will benefit by selling food.

“We have stalls available and we also brought forward local artists and crafters including small businesses to come and showcase their artwork. We want to motivate young entrepreneurs and the younger generation,” he said.

People can still get their tickets on http://www.dticket.co.za or visit http://www.Djsphere.co.za for more information. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Picture: (Dj Nation playing his set during Dj Nation Annual Bash last year)

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

THOUSANDS of revellers are expected to flock to one of the biggest events in North West on December 28. MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono said they expecting music fanatics to flock into Taung for Dj Nation Annual Bash 2016. 

“We appeal to all patrons who will be descending to the festival to explore various local tourism products during their stay in Taung. We have embarked on a festive campaign called “Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima”. The aim is to encourage locals to explore tourism products within the platinum province during this festive season. 

“The campaign started at Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema districts and we visited Dr Kenneth Kaunda district last week. We will end our campaign in Dr Ruth Mompati district. Our main focus is in Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) of the province. Among others, the venture seeks to promote festive packages in the entire province as provided by participating products,” Mohono said.

She further said they want to showcase the province as the preferred holiday destination of choice. Mohono urged visitors to increase their stay in Bokone Bophirima during festive season. 

“We need to ensure that we boost local economy. So, Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima” campaign is part of the implementation of the domestic tourism strategy. We are expecting thousands and thousands of music patrons to attend Dj Nation Annual Bash activity. Guest houses and hotels are ready to accommodate them and we also expect to see major contribution towards the local economy.

“I am sure that during their stay in the province, they will get to experience the beauty, quality service and the warm welcome by the people of the North West. We want to expose other hidden treasures within the province especially in Taung. In so doing, we are sure that locals will know tourism products in their periphery,” Mohono said.  

Dj Nation Annual Bash organizer, Blondie Mokgwabone said: “It is all systems go as far as preparations are concerned. We are looking forward to welcome people from corners of South Africa and neighbouring countries into Taung. The festive is regarded as the best village entertainment event. The road between Taung District Hospital and Taung Station will be closed to avoid congestion. 

“What the patrons must also take into consideration is that No U18s and bottles will be allowed inside the venue. Major security measures will be put in place and we urge people to buy tickets early to avoid disappointments. One can find Dj Nation Annual Bash tickets at Computicket/Shoprite/Checkers.” 

Mokgwabone added that they also appreciate unwavering support they have  received so far over the years.

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Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge is an initiative that captures the attention of not just the football loving fans in Soweto but legends of the beautiful game. Both fans and players wait in anticipation for this four-week long spectacle that is currently in its third week.

Former Bidvest Wits and Supersport United star, Mark Haskins believes that the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge showcases the best of South African football by bringing true ‘kasi’ flavour to the forefront of soccer development in South Africa.

Haskins, whose side, Bidvest Wits Juniors is currently competing in the tournament, has long been a keen observer at the games in past years.

He tells of how he enjoys the fact that teams arrive each year with the aim of not only winning matches, but to also hone their unique skills that they bring to the South African style of football.

“There is so much talent in the country, but not everybody can make it as a professional,” Haskins says. 

“The Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge gives players the opportunity to not only feel like a superstar for a day, but also the opportunity to share a brotherhood and active lifestyle with their fellow counterparts”.

The former midfielder also believes that the experience for his Under-17 side is also a rich one and invaluable for their development as players.

“It is a chance for them to play at a higher level and learn new skills, whether technically or tactically. They get to know more about other elements of the game, such as studying the opposition, stage fright etc.”

Haskins has further edged Soweto football loving fans to come in numbers & enjoy football spectacle at their doorstep. 

“The crowds that come out to The Nike Football Centre are always eager to be entertained, they know that they will get to see some talent and skills by attending the matches, especially from players who love to make an exhibition of their opponents.”

Discovery’s Experiential Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Kristy Cunningham says the programme supports Discovery’s key purpose, which is to encourage people to be healthier, thereby enhancing and protecting their lives. The tournament is pivotal for development of young players in South Africa and allows top players to showcase their talent with a fully immersed fan base. 

The overall prize money for the winners of this year’s tournament is as follows:

•            Winners Open category (56 Teams) – R100 000

•            Winners Under 17 (32 Teams) – R20 000

•            Winners Ladies category (16 Teams) – R15 000

In addition, for this year’s tournament, Discovery will be once again reward exceptional individual performance through player awards. 

These player awards, which are valued at R1 500 each, will go to the following winners:

•            Player of the tournament

•            Top goal scorer

•            Goalkeeper of the tournament

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Picture: (Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters during #RideWise campaign in Potchefstroom)

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) said authorities must increase visibility and intensify zero tolerance to reduce carnage on public roads. 

 Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters released a shocking statistics that revealed a staggering 17 % increase in road fatalities compared to last year.

SANCO National spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “Motorists should also play their part by observing the rules of the road, adhering to speed limits, avoiding to drink and drive, texting and using cellphones while driving.” 

Over 800 people have died on the country’s roads since 1 December.

Mahlangu called for expansion as well as the effectiveness of road safety education and awareness campaigns. He further said speedy turnaround of blood samples for prosecution of drunken driving offenders shall be prioritised.

“Deployment of traffic officers for 24-hour road traffic operations as well as the overtime they have to perform must be cost-effective, specifically targeted at accident prone hotspots and deliver results. Allocated resources must save valuable lives and not just be extra pay,” he said.

Mahlangu added that the escalating annual death toll on public roads is placing tremendous strain on the economy as well as the country’s health care system.

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NORTH West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said he was concerned about the imposter who continues to phone unsuspecting people under false pretext. 
Mahumapelo said the imposter pretended to be him. 

“The imposter pounced again, this time phoning Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance Andries Nel, Head of Security at the North West Legislature Roger Ditse, and Deputy Minister of Labour Inkosi Patekile Holomisa.

“Nel was contacted yesterday. He immediately alerted me and a case was opened with priority crimes unit, The Hawks,” Mahumapelo said.

He further said Ditse and Holomisa were contacted earlier today. Ditse says the person requested an amount of R1 500.

Bokone Bophirima provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the trickster has requested money from several people in Gauteng, Bokone Bophirima, Western Cape and Eastern Cape so far.

“The Office of the Premier once again reiterates that the Premier does not go around phoning people asking for money.

“We again call on all people who are being approached by this fraudster to notify the police immediately,” Setswambung said.

In one of the previous incidents, the imposter contacted an MP residing in the Western Cape, requesting financial assistance for an alleged student named Tshepo Moroka, who was purportedly stranded in Cape Town.

He reportedly claimed that he was requested by the President to assist the son of an old acquaintance.

The swindler claimed that he was still busy preparing for a visit by the President and requested the MP to transfer R2000 to Moroka.

“However, the MP became suspicious after realising that the cell number used was not registered. The matter is under police investigation.” 

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