By BAKANG MOKOTO

A body of a 38 year-old man was discovered in the river in Khibitswane village in Taung. It is alleged that Paseka Selading who worked at Taung Hospital as a pharmacist, went missing last week on Sunday at Cokonyane.

A passerby saw Selading’s vehicle in the river and alerted his family. Selading was allegedly swept away by flood and his body was found 20km away from the scene.

Selading’s uncle, Ezekiel Sejo said: “I was with my nephew on Sunday night after he dropped us at my place. He drove back to Cokonyane, but he did not reach his destination. It is alleged that his vehicle was swept away by flood, while trying to cross a makeshift bridge in the area.

“He tried to get out of the car, but he allegedly fell into the river. We are hurt about the outcome of the event as he was the only breadwinner.”

Greater Taung local municipality ward councillor, Frans Leshoe sent his heartfelt condolences to the family.

“We want to send our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. We urge our people to be more careful during these torrential rains. Taung is predominantly rural and the roads are inaccessible especially during rainy season.

“We kindly urge our people to stay away from flooding areas to avoid casualties,” he said.

Meanwhile, a one year-old baby also drowned in a pond in Magogong village. Mamello Maine was allegedly following her father when she fell into the pond.

Orapeleng Ditsebe said he did not notice that his daughter was following him. Ditsebe said he went outside to feed chicken and did not look back.

“I was not aware that my daughter was following me. I was surprised when I could not find her in the house.

“My wife asked where the daughter was and we went to look for her outside. It was so heartbreaking seeing her lifeless body in the pond. Mamello was so bubbly and we enjoyed having her around,” Ditsebe said.

Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe confirmed that two cases of inquest were opened.

“Police in Taung opened two separate cases of inquest. We urge our people to be more vigilant and avoid rivers and other flooding areas. People must be cautious when accessing those areas as they can be more dangerous especially during rainy season,” Thebe said.

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Picture: Gaoganediwe Tlhareseng, who is Otlotleng’s brother

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The African National Congress (ANC) in Taung Sub-region and its alliances mourn the death of struggle icon, Otlotleng Johannes Tlhareseng. Mokgareng-born political activist was found dead at his home in Mokgareng village, near Taung on Sunday morning.

Gaoganediwe Tlhareseng who is Otlotleng’s brother, said they are deeply hurt. He further said the whole community of Taung lost a combatant.

“He contributed immensely into the fight against struggle during apartheid. Otlotleng’s strong political leadership was imperative. He assisted us a lot in grooming young cadres. Otlotleng also participated in a fight for economic development as well. I did not spend much time with OJ as Otlotleng was affectionately known in the political arena because I fled to Potchefstroom during the tenure of Bophuthatswana government.

“However, I know that he had a strong political leadership. We started to participate in politics with Otlotleng back in 1982. He contributed in recruiting new members for the ruling party and encouraged them to be card-carrying members. Otlotleng loved children and encouraged them to study hard. He also believed that the only tool to assist a black person to get out of poverty is through education,” he said.

A 53 year-old man actively took part in various schools across Taung as School Governing Body (SGB) member. OJ was also a staunch member of South African Communist Party (SACP).

Gaoganediwe further said his brother always urged ANC and SACP members to stop ‘infights’ and work together for the betterment of the communities.

“The funeral arrangements are underway and he will be buried this week. We will always be inspired by OJ’s life that was full of good leadership, inspiration and management. OJ represented the relevance of political leadership,” Gaoganediwe said.

North West Community Safety and Transport Management department, MEC and a member of SACP in Bokone Bophirima, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said Tlhareseng was a rounded activist. Motlhabane further said the deceased was an organiser and they will miss his contribution in building the alliance.

Greater Taung Local Municipality Ward councillor and ANC branch chairperson in Ward 7, Matlhomola Mokgobo said they were politically groomed by Tlhareseng.

“We regard him as our struggle stalwart in our area. He was one of those people who launched ANC branch in Mokgareng back in 1993. Tlhareseng was subjected to abuse during Bophuthatswana government, but he never nudged. He was constant like a northern star in his fight against injustices.

“Tlhareseng was our branch chairperson in back in 1994 after general elections. He was also our current branch treasurer and a secretary for SACP VD Ntokwe branch. He produced many leaders like Kgalalelo Sereko, Motseothata Mabe and Keneilwe Kgosimore including myself,” Mokgobo said.

He added that they will follow on Tlhareseng’s foot-steps to ensure that his objectives are realised. Tlhareseng was the SGB chairperson at Keseng Primary, Tlhareseng Primary Schools and the SGB member at Batlhaping High School respectively.

One of community members, Thansanqa Gulekane said: “Tlhareseng always encouraged us to work hard and ensure we improve our lives. He was a true soldier and social activist. We will celebrate his life and ensure that his objectives and visions are envisaged.”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A case of public violence against seven accused from Molelema village, near Taung was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Gaorongwe Mooki, Kenny Letebele, Ompolokile Leeuw, Malefane Motswakae, Chris Motsewaone, Olebogeng Monchusi and Tebogo Makoloi were arrested during protest at Molelema last week.

The seven accused, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court and they were remanded in custody until 3 April 2018 for formal bail application. One of community leaders, Makoro Mothibi said they were disappointed and the community lost confidence in the justice system.

“We are very disappointed after the court denied our fellow brothers bail. We believe that there is a third force behind the decision. There are people who wanted to see our fellow brothers spending Easter holidays in custody. However, we are content and we will never budge.

“We are fighting for our rights and the department promised to construct D208 and D209 roads respectively. As the community, we handed over a memorandum which the department acknowledged. Now, they want to send us from pillar to post without giving us proper answers. We will meet with community on Thursday to discuss way forward,” Mothibi said.

He also dismissed allegations that their march was politically-motivated. Mothibi said their grievances are genuine and they are also aware of those who are against developments in their area.

Molelema Primary School, community hall and shops were torched and ransacked. North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari condemned the arson after Molelema Primary School’s administration block and the National School Nutrition Programme kitchen were reduced to ashes.

“The destruction of schools was never a solution to challenges residents face in communities. On behalf of the department, I condemn in the strongest terms the burning of the two schools in the province. Last year pupils of GS Phoi Secondary School lost about three months of teaching and learning due to strikes.

“At the end of the year in the matric results, they were at the bottom of the district with results of 46%. I am pleading with our communities to desist from burning schools as this act creates a huge backlog in the infrastructure for schools,” he said.

North West Public Works and Roads department MEC, Mmule Maluleke said: “We have met with Molelema community and requested them to give us seven working days. We will revert to them after we met with relevant authorities to come up with solution to this matter.”

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