By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 15 year-old learner is faced with a murder charge after he allegedly stabbed another learner (17) to death with a pair of scissors. Taung Police Station cluster, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said the incident took place in Dikhuting village, near Taung on Tuesday.

“Two school boys allegedly fought in a school bus on Tuesday afternoon. It is alleged that a boy (15) stabbed to death a fellow learner with a scissors. The injured learner was rushed to Pitsong clinic where he was declared dead on arrival.

“Arrangements have already been made with the Social workers for assessment of the accused as he is currently a minor. He will meet with Taung Prosecution Office today for further arrangements. The suspect has already been charged with murder,” Thebe said.

He added that the cause of a fight is yet unknown and investigations continue.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 40 students from across North West province will embark on a three year study programme at the Denel Technical Academy in Kempton Park. The students will enroll in various study trade courses such as Fitting and Turning, Aircraft Mechanic, Welding and Electrical.

North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the province entered into with the Denel Technical Academy in 2016, will go a long way in realising the vision of rebranding, repositioning and renewal of the Province.

Mahumapelo addressed a group of 43 students and urged them to embrace the opportunity at their disposal. He said they must focus on building their future.

“Skilled trade people are highly sought after in our country. By choosing these fields of study, each one of you will not only contribute towards addressing the challenges of unemployment and poverty, but the realisation of the RRR vision as well,” Mahumapelo said.

The students, who were mainly recruited through the Technical Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) colleges, are from the provinces’ Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies. Mahumapelo further said this is in line with the provincial strategy to deliberately channel its resources towards the development of these areas.

“The 3-year study programme will cost the provincial government a total of R11.8 million this financial year. The programme will comprise theoretical training in the first year, practical training to be offered at the Mahikeng International Airport during the second year.

“The students will be placed at various institutions for a full year on-the-job-training during the third year. They will also have to pass the trade test before qualifying as Artisans.

One of the students, Kagiso Motlhwe (23) from Logageng village in Mahikeng, says the opportunity offered by the Provincial Government could not have come at the right time.

“I have keen interest in welding, and seeing that I have not had an opportunity to study it at any of the local TVET colleges, being selected to study it at Denel Technical Academy is a dream comes true for me. I am positive that the teaching I will obtain will enable me to contribute knowledge towards the planned face-lifting of Mahikeng International Airport”, Motlhwe said.

Dipuo Diphoko (31) from Ditshilong village in Taung who will  study Fitting and Turning course, says she hopes to change females’ mind-set about choosing technical studies as their profession.

“I want to first thank the provincial government under the leadership of Mahumapelo for initiating this ground-breaking programme, which will see many of us in villages acquiring skills and qualifications in what is generally considered as scarce skills. I am happy to be part of the first group, and believe this is the first step towards realising my dream of one day establishing a technical academy in my village. I also believe that my participation in this training will send a message to my peers that, females can also do it,” Diphoko.

For this first intake, 13 students are females while 30 are males. They will each earn a stipend of R5 000 per month, this as part of the study programme requirements.

This is part of Mahumapelo’s pronouncement during his 2017 State of the Province Address (SOPA) as part of the strategy to develop aviation and technical skills in the province.

He said: “The agreement with Denel Technical Academy will also provide for the establishment of a Denel Satellite Technical Academy in Mahikeng under the Office of the Premier – Ikatisong School of Governance.

“The second phase of this agreement will result in the opening of a fully built Denel Academy Facility at the Mahikeng International Airport, where students will complete their practical training before their placement with selected industry employers for on-the-job-training and preparation for final accreditation as qualified artisans.”

The project is implemented in partnership with provincial Departments of Community Safety & Transport Management and Public Works & Roads.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for their hard work. Two people were sentenced to 10 and 15 years in separate rape cases by Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court recently.

Onalenna Surprise Seitsang (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after he raped a 20 year-old woman on last year in April. It was reported at the time of the incident that the victim was at a certain hotel when she went to the toilet. She was approached by the accused who raped her inside the toilet. Seitsang was arrested after the incident was reported to the police.

In another incident, a 22 year-old woman was from her aunt’s place on her way home when she met Ompolokile Motshegare (20) at about 7pm back in July last years. Motshegare dragged the victim to the nearby bushes and raped her. The rape case was opened and the suspect was arrested.

Motswenyane said the police will continue to work hard so that those who commit crimes are successfully prosecuted. She further said the fight against sexual offences gained another victory in the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

It was hardly dreamt of in the past to find a woman running across
a soccer pitch, officiating a match of male players. Today,
however, female match commissioners are holding their own
alongside their male counterparts.

Award-winning Premier Soccer League (PSL) match
commissioner, Marriam Montsho, says football is her life and she
cannot exchange it for anything. Montsho was born in Motlhabeng
village in Mahikeng.

“My job is to preside over the meeting of referees and officials of
both teams prior to the start of a game. I also combine a report that
will include virtually everything that occurred before, during and
after the match. The role of match a commissioner cannot be
compromised considering its importance to the success of a
game,” she told Semphete in an interview.

“Security is one of the most important aspects of the game of
football as violence can erupt in the course of play. The match
commissioner has a duty to insist that the match be discontinued,
if there is no adequate security for the match officials or any
encroachment,” she said.

Montsho said some issues usually discussed in her course of duty
include security, medical, colours of the jersey to be used by both
teams and general reproach by the match officials on the need to
observe the spirit of fair play before, during and after the game.
She added that things like objects that can cause disruption or
injury do not enter the field of play. That includes unauthorised
persons.

“As a match commissioner, one must have the ability to take
prompt and accurate decision at all times. My task is to also
develop young referees across the province as a developmental
officer,” Montsho said.

She added that her job needs one to have a “sound knowledge of
the laws and the rules of the game”.

“One should also ensure that all aspects such as security and
safety are there and they must also carry out an inspection of the
field of play prior to the start of the game,” she said.

This mother of one said she started to follow football while she was
still at school. She said many people were surprised when they
saw her for the first time operating as a referee.

“I always wanted to be a PSL referee. My love for the beautiful
game started back during my tender age. In 1999, that is where I
took my craft very seriously and went on to win medals. In 2011 I
became the Best Assistant Referee for the Absa Women’s League
tournament in Kimberley.

“I always ensure that I study thoroughly the laws and rules of the
game to be on top. Football is an emotional game, so one wrong
decision can cause pitch encroachment and that will be a disaster.
I was so grateful when I was appointed as a referee assessor in
PSL,” Montsho said.

Montsho added that she was grateful because she never came
across any hostile situation in her career as a referee or match
commissioner and thanked God for putting out greater plans for
her.

“I have a vast experience and occupied various positions before I
was appointed a match commissioner. I would like to encourage
women out there to follow their dreams. Football used to be a
male-dominated sport, but things have drastically changed for the
better. Women can do anything that our male counterparts do.
“One needs discipline, dedication and determination to achieve
your mark. Let’s continue to strive for the better and ensure that
every day is fruitful,” said Montsho.

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

A man who pretended to be Bokone Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, and solicited money from people using the Premier’s name, has been found guilty by the Mmabatho Regional Court.

The 25-year-old Thato Hengari was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended to three years on condition that he does not get convicted of fraud or any offence involving dishonesty in the period of his sentence. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the court.

Hengari pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud and admitted to receiving money he was not entitled to. He was arrested late last year after he had approached several people asking them for money, claiming to be Mahumapelo or acting under his instructions.

A Member of Parliament in the Western Cape became suspicious of Hengari’s actions and contacted Office of the Premier to alert them about this impersonator.

Premier Mahumapelo has welcomed the sentence and reiterated his confidence in the country’s justice system.

“This must be a lesson to the accused that crime does not pay. I am happy that the law has taken its course,” Mahumapelo said.

The Hawks arrested Hengari near Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

The African National Congress (ANC) in Bokone Bophirima also welcomed the
guilty plea and the sentence.
“We are happy with the finalization of the case and the sentence imposed on Hengari. We hope that this will deter other people who think it’s acceptable to tarnish people’s names, especially leaders of the society such as Cde Supra,” said Deputy Provincial Secretary Susanna Dantjie.

“We have on several occasions mentioned that there are consistent efforts to smear the name of our Provincial Chairperson and this is one of the cases that show just how far some people are prepared to go to create unnecessary havoc. Our faith in the Justice System continues to be strengthened and we
believe that any other similar case that may come up would be treated with the same care,” she said.

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

Teaching and learning continued peacefully in Itsoseng and Verdwaal this week following unrest that led to the disruption of schooling during the first week of the 2018 academic year.

Learners returned to class on Monday and they were not interrupted by anybody on their journey to and from school. Last week, learners were forced out of classrooms and property belonging to African National Congress (ANC) leaders was vandalized. This was a result of a dispute over who should be employed to work on a road construction project for a road leading to Sephaku Cement Plant.

Children were blocked from attending classes and several properties that include a house belonging to ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, Blessing Modisane, and another one of Itsoseng Ward 6 Councilor, Molefe Morutse, were vandalised.

Several stakeholders, including government leaders, visited the communities of Itsoseng and Verdwaal to hear the grievances and to restore calm in the area.

MEC for Bokone Bophirima’s Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mokgantshang Mpho Motlhabane, urged communities to assist police with investigations and promised that police would arrest any suspects who cause trouble.

MEC Motlhabane promised parents that his department would ensure that learners return safely to school and that they are protected.

“We will be deploying police officers to each school to ensure that learners are safe in our schools and that they return safely to their homes,” he said.

On the issue of those who are vandalising property and victimising community members, MEC Motlhabane said police would handle that one. He urged community members to come forward with any information that might assist police with their investigations.

“We urge all community members to come forward with any information that might help with investigations as our special units are on the ground to deal with such issues. Police are going to make an example out of those who are arrested so that those who think of engaging in such activities know that there are dire consequences that they will face,” said MEC Motlhabane.

Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Justice Makolomakwa, said he is aware that there is anarchy in Itsoseng and the community is living in fear. He promised that various stakeholders would work together to ensure that everybody lives in harmony as it is their constitutional right.

A Joint Operation Centre comprised of the South African Police Service (SAPS), government officials and community members was formed in order to deal with the school disruptions in Itsoseng.

MEC for Education and Sport Development, Sello Lehari, told those attending community meetings last Friday that no one has got the right to take a learner out of a classroom and police should arrest anyone suspected of involvement in such activities.

Meanwhile 10 suspects appeared briefly before the Itsoseng Magistrates Court on charges of assault, arson and malicious damage to property.
The case was postponed to 29 January for a formal bail application as the suspects requested that they would be using the services of a private legal representative.

Warrant Officer Lebogang Mokgothu explained to Semphete.

“10 suspects appeared briefly before the Itsoseng Magistrates Court and their case was postponed due to the fact they have to consult their legal representative. Amongst these suspects are eight males and two females. Currently the situation is calm in Itsoseng and all learners have returned to class,” Mokgothu said.

Police are continuing to monitor the situation in both communities as it has remained calm over the past few days.

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

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 20 year-old learner from a small town, Christiana received the Best Performing Learner against All Odds during Dr Ruth Mompati Matric awards. The event was held at Uurpan Safari Lodge in Schweizer Reneke on Tuesday.

Dinilisiwe Makhetho is living with disability after he was born with deformed hands. Makhetho said he was not deterred and always wanted to finish his Grade 12 despite hardship. He lives with his unemployed mother in a RDP house in Marikana in Christiana.

The Lerona High School learner majored in Business Economics and Accounting and obtained exemption.

“I am grateful to God for bringing me thus far. Many people and learners have hurled insults at me because of my disability. However, that never deterred me and my aim was to make my mother proud. She has sacrificed a lot for us through hardships and tribulations.

“I am going to further my studies at Sol Plaatjie University in Kimberley and study BA Degree in General Art. I was raised by a single unemployed mother after my father disowned me, saying that I am not his child,” Makhetho said.

Makhetho’s mother, Tshidi Nwabufo said: “It was hard-breaking after I saw Dinilisiwe for the first time. I have to confess that his birth led to divorce. My husband left me after he found out that Dinilisiwe was not his child. The worst part was when his biological father also disowned him after I informed him that he is the real father.

“I went through depression, however, God always has a way to fix our lives. I am grateful that he made it thus far even. Even though I am unemployed, we hope Good Samaritan will come to rescue us.”

The municipality executive mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu said they have chosen 13 top achievers learners across the district.

“Most of those who benefited come from poor backgrounds. We have taken four learners from each three local municipalities and the overall top achiever in the district. Those learners come from Lekwa-Teemane, Naledi and Mamusa local municipalities.

The municipality will continue to monitor those who are funded at their various tertiary institutions respectively,” she said.

According to Mahlangu, the Stats SA has identified that the level of education in the district is too low. Dr Ruth Mompati District languished at the bottom of all districts in the North West province during matric results announcement recently. Top achievers learners received R10 000 each and laptops.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A fraud case against three Free State suspects has been postponed. Mojalefa Springkan (30), Kgosana Tladi (49) and David Mokonyane (52) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Thursday facing a fraud case.

The trio was arrested in October 2017 at Taung Mall by South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence in partnership with Taung Police Station after a tip-off.

The suspects allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims their hard-earned cash at the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across Dr Ruth Mompati district. The Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer, Kagiso Phemelo told the court that suspects allegedly robbed a woman her Sassa card at Pudimoe complex in Pudimoe Location, near Taung before they proceeded to Taung Mall.

“The suspects were followed by the police from Pudimoe Location to Taung where they were allegedly stopped and searched. The police found loads of various bank cards in their possession. They were arrested and police confiscated the vehicle that they used during the commission of crime,” Phemelo said.

The suspects were remanded in custody until their next appearance on 31^st of January 2018. They have obtained a new attorney, Johan Voster. They have previous fraud cases committed in Gauteng and Free State provinces.

Voster said he will submit new evidence and formally apply for bail. The fraud case against the suspects in Ficksburg in Free State has been struck off the roll because of lack of evidence against them.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Frank Lesenyego said: “We are adamant that we have a water-tight case against the suspects. They also have previous convictions.”

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe urged people to be alert. Thebe added that they have increased police visibility in Taung CBD.

“We urged bank users to be wary of criminals because we have realised that card-skimming operators ascend to our areas. We are working together with other law enforcement agencies to curb these criminal activities. There are many fraud cases being reported thus far and we will work tirelessly in arresting the perpetrators.

“The majority of card-skimming incidents in South Africa are recorded around ATMs and, to a lesser extent, at retail merchants when bank cards are presented for payments. So, card users should never give their cards to someone at an ATM for any reason. They should also never let anyone assist them at an ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel,” he said.

Thebe further said that people should beware of people standing closer to them when they are concluding transactions at an ATM. He added that they should ensure that they hide their pins when keying into an ATM.

“Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged.  Card users must always use an ATM in a well-lit area or use an ATM that is monitored by a CCTV camera if possible,” he said.

Victims of this fraud case said they still have faith in the justice system. Meisie Hendricks from Lokaleng village, near Taung was allegedly robbed R1000 and R1600 in two occasions.

“I was robbed my hard-earned cash by the suspects. I have faith in the justice system and I am hopeful that they will not be granted bail. We cannot let people come to Taung and engage into criminal activities. There are so many people who were robbed and that left them crippled financially,” Hendricks said.

Michael Motate said: “My wife was robbed R1000 at the ATM through card-skimming. We need to fight this criminal behaviour together with the community. I want to applaud the police for sterling job and believe that our court will not be lenient on the suspects considering that they have similar previous cases.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Police in Kgomotso together with Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Thuo-Boswa Farmers Association held a Stock Theft Crime awareness campaign at Losasaneng Community hall in Losasaneng village, near Kgomotso on Wednesday. Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe encouraged a good working relationship between all stakeholders.

“We highly-appreciate the community’s contribution in working hand-in-hand with the police. We also want to urge them to make use of existing complaints mechanism at all police stations by visiting station commander’s office, whenever they are dissatisfied with service rendered to them,” Thebe said.

Greater Taung local municipality, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Rural, Environmental and Agriculture Development (READ) were in attendance. Thuo-Boswa Farmer’s Association secretary, Pule Selokane said: “We urge the community at large to join the fight against crime. Crime is committed by people we know within our communities, so let us not protect them. We also need to support our local police by being their eyes and ears.

The North West Community Safety and Transport department was part of the event. The department encouraged livestock owners to tattoo their animals in terms of the Animal Identification act no 6 of 2002.

taungdailynews@gmail.com