Picture: Former Rustenburg mayor, Matthew Wolmarans to replace embattled Brian Molefe in Parliament

FORMER Rustenburg Local Municipality mayor, Matthew Wolmarans will replace embattled Brian Molefe in parliament. African National Congress (ANC) in North West officially confirmed that during a press conference at their provincial office, Mpekwa House in Mahikeng on Thursday.
ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said: “We have identified Wolmarans as former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe’s replacement. Molefe requested to be excused from the post and we accepted his request. The ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is content that Wolmarans will represent us well.
“We are aware about wild accusations that were levelled against Wolmarans, but we believed that he is still innocent. With his vast experience, we have confidence in him as the party. Our main objective is to ensure that we provide service delivery to our communities and carry its mandate.”
Wolmarans was jailed for 20 years in 2012 for the murder of whistle-blower councillor Moss Phakoe. The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced his former bodyguard, Enoch Mtshaba to life in prison.

However, the two appealed the sanctioned after spending two years in prison. They were acquitted after their lawyers poke holes in the witnesses’ statements.- Newsnote taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture (Facebook): Beleaguered Onkgopotse Tiro Comprehensive School principal, Edwin Teach Kgonothi suspended 

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

NORTH West education and sport development department has finally suspended a principal at Onkgopotse Tiro Comprehensive School in Zeerust. Edwin Teach Kgonothi faces a slew of graft charges.

The department spokesman, Freddy Sepeng said Kgonothi was implicated in mismanagement of funds.

Kgonothi was initially slapped with 13 charges of fraud and corruption. Some of the charges emanated from alleged submission of falsified quotations. In one instance, Kgonothi is said to have concocted a quotation of R92 430 directed to the school.

The quotation was designed as if it was sourced and submitted by KC Chemicals Company.

The department also alleged that Kgonothi submitted another false quotation to the amount of R114 130 to his school, pretending that the submission was from LKAB Company.

He was also charged for failure to execute functions and responsibilities of his duty as the principal.

Kgonothi allegedly approved and paid travel or transport claims of the School Governing Body members and educators in the amount of R103 775 for 2013/2014 without the necessary or required documents attached to each of the claims submitted. Moreover, the principal faces close to R1m in moneys not properly accounted for.

The department said he allegedly pleaded guilty to three charges mounting to R330 000 and reached an undisclosed agreement with the North West Education and Sport Development department.

However, Kgonothi felt that the sanction was biased and added that he signed the agreement under duress.

North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs Chairperson, Oageng Molapisi said they held a meeting with the department on 26 April 2017. Molapisi further said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the outstanding disciplinary cases in the department and the challenges the department is facing in finalising such cases.

“The case against Kgonothi started in 2012 where there was investigation against him for mismanagement of school funds. It was alleged that Kgonothi used some of the school money for his personal benefit. In 2014, there was a precautionary suspension against him, and the department appointed a forensic team to do investigations.

“The team came with the same conclusion that Kgonothi was guilty and must be charged. It was agreed that Kgonothi must be removed as the principal and be placed at the department to work there. The department failed to implement the recommendation,” Molapisi said.

He further said an instruction was given by Court on 2 February 2017 for the department to conduct a disciplinary hearing against Kgonothi. Molapisi added that the department took a decision to outsource the Public Protector and Labour Relations from Gauteng Province in order for the case to get a fair trial.

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Picture: North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo

The Hawks in the North West province arrested Ditebogo Kamogelo Molema for allegedly sending an sms to the North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, threatening to kill him.
The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the incident took place on 14 July 2017 and investigations  got underway.
 “The suspect was  then arrested at his home in Mmabatho today. He made an appearance at the Molopo District court. Molema was granted bail of R3000 with bail conditions set,” Rikhotso said. 

The case was postponed to 22 September 2017 for further investigations.  
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Linda Mbana said: “Hawks will continue investigating  without fear or favour. We also urge the community to report any illegal activities within their environments.”

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THE angry community of Majakaneng in North West this morning blockaded the N4 Freeway and the R104 Hartebeespoortdam roads.

The community accuse the cops of protecting a murder suspect.

Community leader Thabang Dibaba alleges that a white farmer living nearby shot and killed a 24-year-old man who went to fetch firewood in his farm, on 2 August.

They further claim that the farmer buried the body on his farm. They accuse the cops of failing to arrest the farmer and hiding him.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAD CONFRONTATIONS WITH THE COPS THIS MORNING AND THE COPS FIRED RUBBER BULLETS AND TEARGAS TO DISPERSE THEM.

A MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER, LIEUTENANT GENERAL BAILE MOTSWENYANE, CONFIRMED THAT A MISSING PERSON’S CASE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AT THE MOOINOOI COP SHOP. HOWEVER, THE MISSING 24-YEAR-OLD WAS APPARENTLY INJURED BY THE FARMER, NOT KILLED. HE AND ANOTHER MAN WERE ALLEGEDLY FOUND STEALING.

COPS ARE WARNING THE COMMUNITY TO STOP DAMAGING PROPERTY AND THROWING STONES AT PASSING VEHICLES.

THEY ASK ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO CONTACT THE INVESTIGATION TEAM ON 082 416 0767.

Source: http://www.dailysun.co.za 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) will hold a meeting with the Matlosana Local Municipality over the mayor’s vehicle accident on Wednesday.
The accident allegedly occurred on 8 November 2016. 

The SCOPA will also engage the municipality regarding newspaper articles concerning North West Parks Board’s alleged defence on irregular spending. 

SCOPA provincial Chairperson Mahlakeng Mahlakeng said they have been inundated with calls from the media and the public about the matter and therefore has called both municipalities to clarify and seek an amicable solution to the matter.

“The meeting will be attended by Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and management of both the municipality and provincial entity,” Mahlakeng said.

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Picture: Deceased (Baitshepi Monchwe) 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MURDER Case against a man from Manthe village in Taung was postponed until August 22. Lucky Aiseng (29) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Baitshepi Monchwe (28) on Sunday.

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe said the atrocity was caused by a domestic dispute.

“The suspect and the victim are both from Manthe village, near Taung and they were in a relationship. Post-mortem will guide investigation in terms of the type of weapon used,” Thebe said.

It is alleged that Aiseng bludgeoned Monchwe at his residential area. The deceased’s auntie, Kgomotso Monchwe said the incident left them dejected.

“I saw my sister (Baitshepi’s mother crying on Sunday morning and I went to check on her. She was crying uncontrollably and could not say a word.

“We went to Malaza’s bedroom (as Luckyboy Aiseng is affectionately known in the area) and found Baitshepi’s body in pool of blood. She was bleeding from her mouth and with a fatal wound under her right armpit,” Kgomotso Monchwe said.

The suspect and the victim have two children together.

Taung Community against Crime representative, Bakang Mankuroane said: “We want to condemn what happened in Manthe village. We also want to emphasise that women should speak out against any form of abuse.

“As the organisation, we believe that the fight against women and children abuse is a societal issue. We urge men to take a stand and ensure that women are protected.”

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe shared the same sentiments. Mogakwe said justice should take its course.

“We believe that perpetrator must face the law. Killing women must be condemned in all forms. We urge all community members to fight against domestic violence, femicide and women and children abuse,” she said.

Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma delivered a keynote address during Women’s Day celebration at Galeshewe Stadium, in Kimberly on Wednesday (August 9). The celebration was held under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.

Zuma said recent incidents of violence against women have caused enormous pain and distress in the country.

“Those crimes are physical, sexual, economic, psychological and emotional. They all represent a violation of human rights and dignity. The crimes that women suffer from include sexual offences, human trafficking, domestic violence and the criminal victimisation of elderly women who are accused of witchcraft.

“The police indicate that the biggest problem with the policing of these crimes is that they usually happen behind closed doors and in secluded areas where it is very difficult to police. Another challenge is that victims have been known to withdraw cases in domestic violence and sexual offences where the offender is known to the victim,” Zuma said.

He further said in such cases, families may intervene and reach an agreement among them to maintain a conspiracy of silence in exchange for money or some other financial benefit. Zuma added that this conduct is unacceptable as it further perpetuates violence against women and turns such crimes into a matter that can be resolved through cash transactions benefitting families.

“In other cases, the survivors prefer to keep quiet rather than speak out, due to the stigma attached to sexual abuse,” said President Zuma.

Other families, he said, have to confront the tragedy of human trafficking which is a painful and despicable crime that was tantamount to modern day slavery. Zuma said young women and girls were being promised jobs or visits abroad and end up being forced into prostitution in hijacked buildings or brothels locally or in foreign countries.

“We urge parents to take a keen interest on the activities of their children on social media and provide on-going advice and support so that they can be protected. Government is playing its part in fighting these crimes against women. South Africa must be safe for women and children in every corner. The South African Police Service has been directed to treat crimes against women and children as an apex priority.”

“Nobody is above the law when it comes to crimes against women. All persons, regardless of their position in society must face the full might of the law when they attack women and children,” he said.

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Picture: ANCYL PEC member, Sebang Motlhabi who is suspended

AFRICAN National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in North West has suspended its two members and charged them with misconduct.

The youth league announced that during media briefing that was held at ANC provincial office, Mpekwa House in Mahikeng on Thursday.

ANCYL provincial secretary, Sipho Dial said: “The Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) wants to put it on public record that after lengthy disciplinary hearing process, the organisation is hereby officially communicating its decision to suspend a member of the ANCYL PEC, Sebang Motlhabi and ANCYL regional secretary in Ngaka Modiri Molema district, Wessel Morweng.

“The two suspended members were charged for identical misconducts. This includes putting the organisation into disrepute. Motlhabi’s membership has been suspended for the period of two years, while Morweng was suspended for two years and half respectively.”

Dial said the decision has been formally communicated to the two cadres and they have subsequently been made aware of their right to appeal to the higher structure if they deemed it necessary.

The league said the two cadres failed to appear before Disciplinary Committee (DC) after numerous attempts. Dial added that the law allows them to suspend the members in absentia.

“Effectively, the two cadres, Sebang Motlhabi and Wessel Morweng are no longer in provincial leadership structure of the ANCYL.

“Nthabiseng Shuping is now an acting regional secretary of the ANCYL in Ngaka Modiri Molema district until the region fills the vacancy,” he said.

However, Morweng and Motlhabi refused to comment, but highlighted that they have already launched an appeal regarding their suspensions.

“I have already launched an appeal to the matter and I cannot comment until formal processes take place,” Morweng said. – Newsnote

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that their winger, George Lebese, has been sold to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Lebese’s move has been on the cards for a while now, and the Siya crew reported earlier this week that the two clubs were in negotiations regarding a move for the 28-year-old.

The Amakhosi then later explained that they were indeed in talks over the player’s transfer, with the crew also reporting that he had been sent away from first team training at the club and asked to train with the youth team.

Now, however, it appears that the move has been finalised as ‘Geeza’ heads home to Mamelodi, and he will be wearing the Brazilians colours in 2017/18.

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

Picture: A body of Phemelo Modirwa carried after being retrieved from a quarry

It is alleged that Phemelo was visiting his friend, but failed to return home. His body was found floating in the quarry by a passer-by. Modirwa’s family said their son’s death left them hopeless. 

Molelema residents held a memorial service for Phemelo on Wednesday at a local community hall and described him as a good child.

Phemelo’s uncle, Joseph Modirwa, had this to say:  “We are very touched by my nephew’s death. We hoped that Phemelo would come home alive but now this. We however believe that police investigations will reveal if there is any foul play in his death.”

Molelema Men Against Crime chairperson, Ofentse Senokwane, said Phemelo’s death is a surprise because they have been frequently searching the quarry where he was found without finding anything.

“We have been visiting the area in search of Phemelo, but his body was found floating in the water. However, we will wait for forensic investigations to understand what exactly killed him. He had no visible marks and that is a little bit surprising because it doesn’t tell whether he drowned or not,” Senokwane said. 

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe, said: “We have opened an inquest case and at this stage investigations are underway. We are expecting post-mortem results during the course of this week. The outcome will reveal exactly what happened to Phemelo.”

SANCO regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, Mika Moeti, urged parents to monitor their children’s movements.

“We urge parents to ensure that they keep their children safe at all times. Children always like to experiment and cannot afford to be left unmonitored. We are losing our future leaders through untimely deaths and that is unacceptable,” Moeti said.

One of the residents, Mothibi Makoro, said the community is in mourning. “As we mourn the tragic death of young boy Phemelo, I cannot help but put this out. I personally feel we have failed him and his family. I believe that we have failed the innocent soul as the community of Molelema.

“I am saying this because Phemelo is the third person to go missing in the past two years and the second person to be found dead,” Makoro said. 

He said the first person who went missing was a man in his late 30s or mid-40s and his body was found decomposed on a farm along the Hartswater route.

 “The second person who went missing was a mentally-ill cousin of mine. Fortunately, they were found weeks after they went missing. There were however no searches conducted in both cases. As a community, we need to do a thorough introspection.

“Many young children visit taverns frequently, but we hardly do anything about that. So many things could happen to those kids and what are we going to do? I am sorry if I am being insensitive, but this attitude is nauseating. I am not excluded as I am part to this ignorance,” he said.

Phemelo Modirwa will be laid to rest on Saturday.- Newsnote 

BY REGINALD KANYANE
RUSTENBURG- TWENTY One people are expected to appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested for public violence on Tuesday. 
One person was shot dead by a stray bullet in the process.
Tlhabane Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi said the incident took place after community members embarked on protest.
“They will appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The police also opened a case of murder after Letlhogonolo Mathews was shot dead during protest.
 “However, we cannot confirm nor deny that whether Mathews was shot dead by security guard or not. Investigations are underway and will reveal how many shots were fired,” Mokgadi said. 

He further said they call for tranquillity and urge community members to allow police to do their duty without any inteference.
Rustenburg Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Khunou said he was shocked by the death of Letlhogonolo Mathews who was shot dead on Tuesday. 
Khunou said the incident took place at Tlhabane Mall construction site.
“We have learnt with shock and disappointment of the fatal shooting of the late Letlhogonolo Mathews. He was shot dead during the uproar caused by some of community members. 
“They were protesting against the alleged irregular and unfair hiring of casual workers and Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) development at the Tlhabane Mall which is under construction,” Khunou said.
The protest was allegedly executed after the Project Manager failed to table a fair report to the community regarding hiring and SMME development. 
It is alleged that the deceased was killed by a stray bullet after a security guard at the construction site pulled a trigger. 
“We support peaceful protest, however, we condemn violence,” he said.
Khunou further said he believe that the law will take its course and deal with perpetrators. He added that some of community members were arrested in the process.
“We also want to send our heartfelt condolences to Mathews family and friends. As Rustenburg Local Municipality leadership and management, we are working together with police in an endeavour to find an amicable solution towards the matter. This will assist us to avert further unrests in the community. 
“We have already visited the family of the deceased and we will assist where possible. We strongly condemn this unfortunate use of live ammunition that led to the death of Mathews. The Municipality will work together with the police to ensure that justice is done and perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
South African National Civic Organisation also condemned the use of live ammunition during protest. Sanco provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso said police must swiftly arrest all perpetrators. 

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