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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
FOUR children burnt to death at Madibogo village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday at around 9pm.

North West police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Pelonomi Makau said they are investigate a case of arson after four  children (three girls and a boy) aged  between 5 and 7 burnt to death inside their shack at Phofung Section in Madibogopan.

“The fifth child, an 11-year old boy who was also inside the shack survived the incident and was taken to the hospital with serious burn wounds. 

“According to information,  the children were alone inside the shack at the time of the incident. The mother of two of the children was allegedly at the neighbour’s place when the incident occurred,” Makau said. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Wendy Nelson is expected to launch Provincial Consumer Affairs Court at Mahikeng on Friday.

Nelson said the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court was established in terms of Section 11 of Consumer Affairs Act No. 4 of 1996, as amended.

“The operation of the Court will finally see consumers in Bokone Bophirima getting redress and unscrupulous business ordered to cease unfair business practices. It will further enforce one of the most important rights to redress,” she said.

The Provincial Consumer Affairs Court members will be led by John Nkomo as the Chairperson of the Consumer Court. Nkomo has vast experience within the legal field and he will be working with Messrs Jacob Kgomongwe and Paul Hlahlane.

“They will serve as members of the Court, while Advocate Johannes Strydom will serve as an alternative member. All four members pledged to fast-track the resolution of cases that will be referred to the Court by the Department’s Consumer Affairs Unit.

“The function of the Court will be among others, make orders declaring business practice to be unfair, interdict any prohibited conduct, confirm arrangements and order any appropriate relief to consumers,” Nelson said.

She added that the department is expecting representatives from Consumer Regulators, Law and Enforcement Authorities, government departments to mention few.

“We have appointed people with legal background that will be able to ensure that businesses comply with relevant consumer legislation’s and adhere to orders of the court.  The Court will have its 1^st sitting the same day as the launch as we do not want to delay services to consumers,” Nelson said.

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People who shared a video on social media of a 14 year old girl performing sexual acts on herself might end up in trouble with the law.

The mother of the girl is consulting the police and a social worker on how to proceed. 

The explicit video was recorded by the 14-year old on a friend’s cellphone. After returning the phone the video was shared on the internet. 

The girl is also receiving counselling after being traumatised by the video going public. 

“ The child will now see a social worker for counselling so that she can be alright then we are thinking of opening a case to ensure that other kids thinking of doing something like this are warned,” said the mother.

It is unclear at this point how the video was published. 

The police warn that anyone in possession of the video or distributing it faces arrest.

People downloading child pornography can be sentenced to 10 years in prison.Source: http://www.sabc.co.za

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

South African Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane met with stakeholder at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday. Mkhwebane said her visit was to harness good working relationship with institutions tasked with oversight over the executive, provincial legislatures.

“We need to harness close working for greater impact. Our meeting can only bode well for good governance. The Public Protector has effectively worked with this legislature before to hold the executive to account. We were one of several investigative institutions that we were called upon by the North West Standing Committee on Public Accounts (NWSCOPA) in January 2013.

“We investigated allegations of maladministration, abuse of power and irregular expenditure in the appointment of a law firm as a service provider for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development department,” Mkwebane said.

She said that the report was subsequently handed over to NWSCOPA in Madibeng on August 29 back in 2016. Mkhwebane said the report revealed gory details of how R15million in public money was irregularly spent by the department to procure legal services for disciplinary enquiries of three officials.

“I will be in Bokone Bophirima over the next two days as part of a nationwide blitz that commenced in Johannesburg mid-February. The aim of this roadshow is threefold and I deemed it fit to not just waltz into office quietly and start writing to stakeholders to inform them that my office is investigating their conduct.

“It was paramount importance for me to take the people of South Africa into my confidence regarding the plans that I have for his institution over the seven years of my non-renewable term of office. It was essential for me to reveal my vision for the institution and hear from stakeholders what they think of it,” she said.

Mkhwebane said it was crucial for her to listen to the people. She further said false information has been said about her.

“I want to grant the people of this country an opportunity to engage in an unmediated fashion with me. We will proceed to Madibogo village on Friday to engage with the masses. Along with the Auditor-General, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Gender Equality, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the Electoral Commission, we established by Section 181 of the Constitution to support constitutional democracy.

“We have the power to receive protected disclosures and serve as a safe haven for whistleblowers under the Protected Disclosures Act. The power to review the decisions of the National Home Builders Registration Council under the National Protection of Housing Measures Act,” Mkhwebane said.

She said the Public Protector’ services are free. Mkhwebane said Nkgono from Majemantho in Mahikeng does not need money to call them. Mkhwebane said people can call them on toll-free line. 

“My vision for this institution is that of a Public Protector that is a stronghold and a place of refuge for the poor and the marginalized. It is of a Public Protector that is an avenue for justice in disputes between the people and the state. At the core of this vision, is the need for this institution to be accessible to all people.

“We have offices in Mahikeng, Rustenburg and in Klerksdorp. This will ensure that we are closer to the corridors of power. Our aim is to seek and obtain answers on behalf of the people. This has to be counter-balanced with the constitutional injunction for us to be accessible,” she said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
SIx suspects aged between 19 and 27 were arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder at Tigane Township, Hartbeesfontein.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects allegedly fought each other on Sunday at about 21:30 where one person died and the other admitted at a hospital.

“The fight allegedly started at a local tavern and police were called. They managed to calm and separated the gang members. The latter allegedly went to another place where their  fight continued. 

“A 21 year-old man was stabbed several times. The man died on the scene while another one, aged 29 was rushed to hospital where he is recuperating,” Mokgwabone said. 

He said the suspects were arrested on Monday.  Mokgwabone said other suspects are still at large and investigation continues.

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Durban – Itumeleng Khune will captain Bafana Bafana in the upcoming international friendly matches against Guinea-Bissau and Angola.

 
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the squad’s base camp in Durban.
 
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman and Hlompho Kekana have been appointed as vice-captains.
 
Khune is the captain of Kaizer Chiefs, while the trio of Hlatshwayo, Furman and Kekana hold leadership  positions at Bidvest Wits, Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
 
All have worn the Bafana Bafana armband with the exception of Kekana.
 
Both Khune and Hlatshwayo have been alternating as captains in the Bafana set-up over the past few months.
 
Bafana Bafana face Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday at 15:00 while their next fixture will be against Angola three days later (Tuesday, March 28 at Buffalo City Stadium in East London at 19:00.

Owen da Gama will serve as caretaker coach. 

Source:www.news24.com 

At the meeting of the NWU Council on 16 March 2017, Dr Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka was elected as the new chairperson who will steer the Council for the next three years. This follows the expiry of the previous chairperson, Adv Johan Kruger’s term of office at the end of March 2017. He did not avail himself for re-election.

Dr Tyobeka, who was elected as the fifth chairperson of the NWU Council, has been a member of the NWU Council since November 2014. He currently serves as chairperson of Council’s Transformation Oversight Committee, and was recently appointed to the Student Oversight Committee of Council.

He is a proud NWU alumnus and is recognised as one of the leading nuclear power experts in the world. He has held the position of CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa (NNRSA) since 2013 and plays a major role in various initiatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He currently serves in the IAEA’s International Advisory Committees on Nuclear Safety (INSAG), is the vice-chairperson of the International Nuclear Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF), and serves as the vice-chairperson of the Forum for Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), among others. Despite this international prominence, he has not forgotten his roots and retained strong contact with many former students who now work in the nuclear power industry in South Africa.

He obtained the degrees BSc (Ed) (1999) and MSc (2001) at the former University of North West and in 2004 another master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University in the USA.

In 2005 he obtained a master’s degree in project management at the Colorado Technical University in the USA and in 2007 his PhD in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University.

Dr Tyobeka was honoured with an NWU Alumni Award of Excellence in 2013 for his personal and career achievements, in particular for his huge contribution to nuclear science across the world.

Prior to his appointment as CEO of the NNRSA, he worked as a nuclear engineer at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Austria (since 2008). From 2002 to 2007 he worked at the Penn State University as senior reactor physicist, and from 2000 to 2002 he held the same position at Eskom.

Dr Tyobeka has been author and co-author of several academic articles and has travelled all over the world to present papers at international academic conferences.

In his acceptance speech Dr Tyobeka thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the NWU and its communities and for the trust placed in him. He intends to build on the excellent work, cohesion and momentum of his predecessors. “I am under no illusion that it will be an easy task, but I am confident that with the cooperation of all members, and the shared commitment to see NWU succeed, we will make it happen.  I look forward to walking the path with the NWU, and together we will be flying this institution’s flag high,” he says.

Adv Johan Kruger has served as chairperson of the NWU Council since November 2014, and he has led the NWU through difficult times.

“The NWU’s new strategy and restructuring process has been a complicated and sensitive matter, but my term as chairperson was assuredly also one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The quality of the people with whom I worked and served, fills me with hope for the future of our country and our institution. That goes for all those involved: Council members, management (institutional and campuses), and also the academic and support staff. I also had the great privilege of dealing formally and informally with a wide variety of staff members and students. I will always cherish that. NWU, I salute you, you have made my task an easy one,” said Adv Kruger.

Several of Adv Kruger’s colleagues on the Council have praised him for his contribution:

“Council and the broader NWU community owe you a debt of gratitude for your stewardship. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine where we would be without your steadfast, firm, just and fair leadership of our Council.”

“You served the NWU Council with distinction. You are so flexible, but yet so firm. You are a good leader, listener – honest, balanced, sober and very fair. You became the chairperson at the critical time of transformation at our university. I’m going to miss your wisdom and outstanding good leadership.”

“Chair you came and steered this ship through extremely turbulent times, where you were called names, but because God was always with you, you came, you saw and you conquered. I will definitely miss all your leadership qualities. I wish you well in your future endeavours, may our Lord bless you abundantly, and preserve and protect you at all times.”

Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor, says under the leadership and guidance of Dr Tyobeka, he is sure that the NWU Council will continue to govern the university in such a way that it will achieve even greater heights. Despite challenges, the NWU will remain one of the top universities in South Africa.”

Prof Kgwadi thanked Adv Kruger, on behalf of management, staff and students, for his guidance during his term as chairperson of the NWU Council.

 taungdailynews@gmail.com 

​JOHANNESBURG – Tributes poured in on Sunday for legendary actor Joe Mafela.
The 75-year-old star of ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi died on Saturday night reportedly in a car accident in Johannesburg.

Fellow veteran actress Lillian Dube could hardly believe the sad news

“He was the happiest when I last saw him on Saturday, telling me that he was going on a cruise with his wife,” said Dube.

“I have known Joe forever and Joe was such a lovely human being and generous. I am so saddened,” she said.

“I started working with Joe, I had known him as this imbungulu on Sis’ May (‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi) . I first worked with him on Khululeka when we were preparing for the elections and I was playing the part of his sister.

“I found him to be a very wonderful person, sharing and encouraging.”

Dube said she had been disbelieving when told Mafela had died in in a car accident.
The Department of Arts and Culture said that the nation had lost an “extraordinary son of the soil” who was multi-talented, multi-skilled and much loved.

“The minister [ Nathi Mthethwa] salutes Mafela’s lifelong contribution to South African arts and culture,” department spokesperson Lisa Combrink said.

“He sends his condolences and his strength to the Mafela family. He was part of our living legends legacy programme and he was a very popular member of that programme.

“We were really taken by his great spirit of generosity and being prepared to help others.”

Source: http://www.enca.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE
A 56 year-old woman was arrested for being in possession of dagga at Lekgema Street, Klipgat on Friday. 

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said that Visible Policing, Klipgat K9 and their counterparts from Gauteng Province resulted conducted an intelligence drive operation after a tip-off. 

“A woman was arrested after police allegedly found 32 bags of dagga at her house. The dagga worth the street value of R100 000. 

“She is expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” Mokgwabone said.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended a joint effort that resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

“The arrest was effected because police and community members were at the drug awareness campaign in Letlhabile not far away from Klipgat. This will send a message that drug dealers have no place in society,” Motswenyane said.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO
THE situation allegedly turned ugly last night at Itsoseng Location, near Lichtenburg after community members embarked on a protest. 

One person who believed to be a security guard, has allegedly being killed after the people went berserk and looted shops. 

The people of Itsoseng embarked on a protest a month ago demanding service delivery like water amongst other things.

However, they met with Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to resolve the matter. 

North West police were called to the scene and we will keep you updated as the story unfold. 

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