BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West Provincial Government said it has noted the outcome of the application for a review on the bail application of the two farm workers in Coligny who are accused of killing Matlhomola Moshoeu, 16.

The North West High Court has set aside the State’s application for leave to appeal the decision of the Coligny Magistrate’s Court, which granted bail to Pieter Doorewaard (26) and Philip Schutte (34) a bail of R5 000 each.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo said: “We accept the outcome of the court judgment and will accordingly study it and explore our available options as we believe ours was a just cause.”

According to the accused, Moshoeu was stealing sunflowers on April 20 when they caught him and drove with him to the local police station. 

They claimed Moshoeu allegedly jumped off their bakkie and broke his neck while some eyewitnesses claim he was allegedly pushed off the bakkie.

The death of Moseou sparked protest that left a trail of destruction in Coligny as three houses and three trucks were torched, while several shops were looted and damaged.

The argument was heard by acting Judge, Daniel Matlapeng on Thursday. 

Matlapeng struck the application of the roll after some discrepancies on the application.

“The application constitutes irregular proceedings. In amplification, it was contended on behalf of the respondents that the right to appeal in terms of Section 65A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 as amended (the CPA) is automatic if the decision appealed against is from a lower court. As a result, there is no need to apply for leave appeal.

 “The applicant failed to follow the provisions of the CPA. In this respect the respondents submit that the applicant failed to follow the peremptory procedure laid down in Section 310A of the CPA. This decision therefore deals with the preliminary points raised and not the merits of the appeal,” Matlapeng said.

He further said the right to appeal against the refusal or the granting of bail is regulated by Section 65 of the CPA. Matlapeng added that Section 65A(1)(a) of the CPA provides that the attorney-General may appeal to the Superior Court having jurisdiction, against the decision of the lower court to release an accused on bail or against the imposition of a condition of bail as contemplated in Section 65 (1)(a).

 “In the circumstances it would serve no purpose whatsoever for the applicant in this matter to apply for a right that automatically has ex lege. I am emboldened in this view by what was said in S v Potgieter 2000 (1) SACR 578 at 581c. For the applicant to apply for a right that it has, is not only illogical but irregular,” Matlapeng outlines.

The State will review the matter and make another application. Meanwhile the case will take place on Monday and is expected to be transferred to North West High Court.

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

Sir Ketumile Masire, who was Botswana’s second President, has died aged 91. He had been hospitalised in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit at Bokomoso Hospital since June 18.

The Board of Trustees of the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation (SKMF) issued a statement last night announcing his death.

Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, GCMG (born 23 July 1925 in Kanye, Botswana) is the second President of Botswana for the Botswana Democratic Party from 1980 to 1998. (source wikipedia)

He stepped down and was succeeded by the then Vice-President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, who became the third President of Botswana.

Prior to this, he was a leading figure in the independence movement and then the new government, and played a crucial role in facilitating and protecting Botswana’s steady financial growth and development.

Since his retirement in 1998 Sir Ketumile Masire has been involved in numerous diplomatic initiatives in a number of African countries, including Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Swaziland. Between 1998 and 2000 he served as Chairman of the International Panel of Eminent Personalities Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, and between 2000 – 2003 was the facilitator for the Inter-Congolese National Dialogue, which had the objective of bringing about a new political dispensation for the Democratic Republic of Congo, in terms of the Lusaka Ceasefire Accord.

In 2007, Sir Ketumile Masire set up the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation to promote the social and economic well being of the society of Botswana.

****

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SIR QUETT KETUMILE JONI MASIRE / Co – Founder & Patron of SKMF.
The Board of Trustees of the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation (SKMF) and the Masire family wish to inform all friends and supporters of SKMF of the passing on of Rre. He died peacefully at Bokamoso Private Hospital surrounded by his family at 2210hrs on 22 June 2017.
We thank well-wishers and friends from near and far, for their prayers, thoughts and comforting messages of support during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Sir.

Source: http://www.independent.co.ug 

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

DEPUTY President, Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver keynote address during National Union of Mineworkers Youth Structure (NUM-YS) public lecture at Olympia stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday.

0NUM-YS national secretary, Bonginkosi Mrasi said: “Alliance structures will be part of the event. The Young Communist League (YCL), COSAS, SASCO and Cosatu Young Workers will attend. The theme of the public lecture is: “The current struggles and the relevance of the alliance.”

Mrasi added that there will be a march to Rustenburg Local Municipality. He said they will submit a memorandum of grievances at 10am.

“The public lecture will commence at 12pm.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 30 YEAR-Old woman from Losasaneng village, near Taung contemplates opening a lawsuit against the Taung District hospital.

  Dineo Mpofu alleges that her month-old baby died due to medical negligence at the hospital.

Mpofu said that things turned out for the worse when she was referred to the district hospital after giving birth at a local clinic.

  “My baby (Leungo) was born in April this year. I took Leungo to Mamutla clinic, but I was referred to Taung hospital where my ordeal began. A student nurse injected my son on the wrong vein while injecting him.

  “My baby developed a swollen hand as a result. The hospital referred me to Klerksdorp hospital for operational matter. However, I was forced to come and sleep over at Taung hospital in order for me to be ferried to Klerksdorp. My ordeal continues after I was taken to Klerksdorp hospital by department vehicle, but I had to hitch-hike back home after check-up with my baby on my back,” Mpofu said.

  She alleges that the hospital failed to organise a transport for her to go back to Taung and she was left stranded. Mpofu said unfortunately Leungo died last week Thursday because of complications.

  “I was so shocked when I saw my baby’s lifeless body in the bed. He was motionless with swallowed hand. So, we want the hospital to be responsible for its obliviousness,” she said.

 However, the North West Health department disputes Mphofu’s version of events.

Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The patient was sent to Klerksdorp on the April 6. She did not inform the hospital about findings and medical management from Klerksdorp. Taung District Hospital only learnt about her discharge from Klersdorp through the media.

  On May 5, she was called for acknowledging the complaint. Complaints procedure was explained. She told the hospital management that she was supposed to be in Klersdorp that very same day. Unfortunately she failed to honour her appointment, booking was then made for the 11^th May 2017.  The hospital fetched her from home on the 10^th May 2017 so that she will be able to honour her appointment for the 11^th May 2017 because she complained that she could not afford to transport herself from home in Losasaneng to Taung District Hospital,” he added.

  “She only found out in Klerksdorp on the 11^th that the actual booking was for the 22^nd May 2017. The hospital asked the escort nurse to persuade doctors to see her. She was seen and given a follow up date for the 18^thMay 2017. She came back the same on the 11^th May 2017 from Klerksdorp. The hospital arranged that she lodges overnight for her to be able to attend redress meeting on the 12^th May 2017,” Lekgethwane said.

  He pointed out that on examination, it was found that the discoloration complained of on the child’s arm had cleared and the baby was able to move the arm.

  “She however complained that she does not have money to transport herself to the hospital even though the hospital fetched her on the 10^th May 2017. She was asked how she feels about the treatment given to her and she said she was satisfied and that was recorded at the redress meeting.  

  However she did not honour her appointment for the 18^th May 2017. The department therefore could not find any untoward issue on her treatment at the hospital.  It is however unfortunate that the patient has lost the baby and we offer condolences to her and the family,” Lekgethwane said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

UNDOCUMENTED persons were arrested and two foreign nationals were charged with fraud after they were found to be in possession of fraudulent passports during Operation Phakisa in Northern Cape.

The provincial police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said one suspect was issued with a fine subsequent to be found in possession of crayfish. Tawana further said fines were also issued against motorist who was driving unroadworthy vehicle without valid driver’s licence.

“More than 1600 grams of Hydro dagga worth R208 000, 20 x sachets of crystal meth (Tik) worth R2 000 were confiscated. This includes 1913 litres of liquor worth millions of rands,” he said.

The Northern Cape Provincial  Commissioner, General Peter Shivuri commended the SAPS including officials from Department of Environmental and Nature Conservation (DENC), Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), State Security Agency (SASSA) and Customs for executing Operation Phakisa duties diligently along the Northern Cape Coast- line

“The Operation commenced on June 14 and was wrapped up on the 18. The focus of the operation was to fight marine related crimes, illegal hunting, illegal mining, crimes against endangered species, enforcing compliance. We will continue to fight crime, along the Northern Cape coast and Ports of entries,” Shivuri said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO suspects were arrested after being found with suspected stolen goods at Zinniaville, near Rustenburg on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects will appear at Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on charges of being in possession of suspected stolen goods on Wednesday.

“The suspects were arrested through crime intelligence driven operation. The initiative was executed by Flying Squad members. Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen goods to the value of R200 000.

“The goods consist mainly of building materials. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the goods were allegedly stolen in Benoni earlier this month,” Mokgwabone said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 
President Jacob Zuma will reply to oral questions in the National Assembly (NA) and the policy debates on budget votes in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) this week. 

Parliament spokesperson, Molopo Mothapo said about 44 committees will also meet to discuss various issues.

 “President Jacob Zuma will on Thursday provide oral answers to Members’ questions during the National Assembly plenary sitting on Thursday at 14h00.

“The NCOP is scheduled to continue its programme of policy debates on Budget Votes with Tuesday’s plenary scheduled to debate Vote 5 (Home Affairs), Vote 11 (Public Works) and Vote 35 (Transport). Wednesday’s plenary sitting is scheduled to hold policy debate on Labour (Vote 28) while the Mineral Resources (Vote 29) is provisionally scheduled for consideration,” Mothapo said. 

He further said the plenary will debate Vote 36 (Water and Sanitation) on Thursday. Mothapo said two Bills, the Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill and the Refugees Amendment Bill, are also provisionally scheduled for consideration during the Thursday plenary of the NCOP.

“The sitting is also scheduled to consider the Protected Disclosures Amendment Bill and Financial Sector Regulation Bill. Items for committee sittings scheduled this week include the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday. 

“The Committe will hold follow-up hearings on the irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure as well as payables and receivables by the Department of Water Affairs. The Portfolio Committee on Energy will be updated by the Department of Energy and Eskom on the signing of Power Purchase Agreements with Independent Power Producers,” he said. 

Mothapo further said the Select Committee on Social Services will consider and finalise the Refugees Amendment Bill. The Standing Committee on Finance will be briefed by National Treasury/South African Revenue Services on their latest quarterly reports. He said the Standing Committee on Appropriations will be briefed by National Treasury on the Fourth Expenditure patterns for national departments for the 2016/17 financial year. 

“The Portfolio Committee on Social Development will be briefed by the Department of Social Development on the impact of the Command Centres and also get an update report by SASSA on the payment of social grants. The Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises will hold discussions and preparations for the inquiry in Eskom and related matters. 

“The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament will, amongst others, meet to adopt reports and consider its strategic plans. On Thursday, only the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry will meet to get updates on legislation and other matters related to Space,” Mothapo said. 

He said on Friday, the Select Committee on Finance will be briefed by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury on their preliminary expenditure for the 2016/17 financial year.  Mothapo added that the Standing Committee on Auditor-General will also be briefed on the proposed amendments to the Public Audit Act.

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

Cape Town – North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has “suspended” ties with the SABC amid claims he was getting preferential treatment from the broadcaster’s provincial unit, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“The office of the premier has, as a result of these unfounded and fabricated claims, decided to suspend its working relations with the SABC, this to afford the corporation time to investigate these allegations,” Brian Setswambung said.

City Press reported claims that Mahumapelo was getting excessive coverage and was telling the SABC’s provincial unit how stories about him should be reported on.

Setswambung said the premier was shocked by allegations that he interfered with the broadcaster’s editorial policy.

He said Mahumapelo always made himself available for interviews, even allowing reporters to go off topic at press conferences.

Mahumapelo wrote to the SABC about these allegations, and the broadcaster indicated it would investigate.

The suspension meant Mahumapelo would not comment on stories when asked by the SABC in North West and would not be available for interviews, he explained. It would not apply to other media platforms, locally or nationally.

“The decision to suspend the relations is to curb further encroachment accusations, against the premier, on the corporation’s editorial policy, whilst the investigation is being carried out.”

Setswambung said Mahumapelo indicated in his letter to the SABC that he respected press freedom and had not taken the action to harm press freedom.

“He is disturbed by these allegations and wants them resolved,” he said.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Bhekisisa, the Mail & Guardian’s Health Journalism Centre, is one paid journalism internships a final year journalism student. If you are interested in health reporting and have a strong academic record, this internship could be for you.

Housed within the Mail & Guardian, Bhekisisa focuses on solutions-based journalism whether as part of narrative writing or news stories.

We aim to produce stories that tell our readers what’s happening, why it’s happening and what can be done to solve problems. We value creative angles and enterprise reporting.

Bhekisisa is currently accepting rolling applications for a two-month paid internship. Successful candidates will be mentored by our team and report to our news editor.

Additional opportunities may avail themselves based on intern performance.

The candidate should have strong news instincts with an interest in health and a desire to explore narrative and feature writing. The person should have a better-than-average grasp of the English language and should be reliable, open to feedback and be able to work independently.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Proactively pitch ideas for articles. These ideas should be well-thought through and show an awareness of current health news;
• Work with editors to develop these ideas into either short news stories for the web or longer form features for the website or newspaper. Note: the journalist will be expected to research their story as well as conduct interviews and write the initial draft of their stories independently;
• Work with a content management system to upload your articles as well as those from fellow reporters and contributors;
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Excellent English writing and language skills, including spelling and grammar, and attention to detail;
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently while showing initiative;
• Strong time-management skills;
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours if need be;
• Familiarity with the South African Press Code;
• Must have a strong editorial sense and demonstrate analytical thinking, be able to research stories, conduct interviews and produce stories in their entirety;
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver under time constraints;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Good planning and implementation skills;
• Should have good, sound news judgment.

Prospective candidates must be final year journalism students at a university or journalism students studying towards an honours journalism degree. Students must be available to complete a two-month internship between November 2017 and February 2018.

Application deadline: 15 July 2017

Students must send the following as part of their application to health@mg.co.za. Incomplete applications will not be considered:

• CV;
• Academic Transcript;
• A recommendation from a journalism lecturer that includes the lecturer’s contact details (email and phone number). This recommendation should be able to speak to the quality of your work and should be sent directly to the Mail & Guardian at health@mg.co.za. Please ask your lecturer to use your full name and ID number as a subject line;
• A 400-word motivational statement clearly stating which of the three positions you are applying for and why you would be a good fit for this internship. This motivation should speak to the tasks / qualities outlined in the relevant job description below;
• Two samples of your writing

Short-listed candidates will be expected to complete a timed, written test and will be interviewed by our staff. 

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