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By OBAKENG MAJE  

Taung community says is living in fear after recent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) atrocities. This comes after Thando Valebyi (30) was stabbed to death allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, Neo Kgwapi (23).

It is alleged that Valebyi was approached by Kgwapi while sitting at Teachers’ Tavern (TT) at Lokaleng village near Taung on Friday. The commotion ensued between the two and Kgwapi allegedly left. According to the reports, Kgwapi returned at a later stage armed with a knife.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Funani said: “The suspect stabbed the woman with a knife on the neck. The victim died while in transit to the hospital. The suspect was also taken to hospital after being assaulted by two males who saw him stabbing the victim.

“The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.”  

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident which occurred within the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

Meanwhile, the community of Taung led by the Taung Men against GBV and Femicide chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane submitted a memorandum of demands to the Taung Police Station today. Mokgejane said they have embarked on a peaceful march to address various issues.

“Most of community members are often dissatisfied because of poor service rendered by the Taung Police Station. We, therefore, demand a proper and improved service from the SAPS to the community.

“Police often take time to respond when GBV matters are reported. SAPS must improve its response when GBV incidents are reported. They must also increase social crime officers to improve quick response and give much-needed attention to GBV cases,” he said.

Mokgejane added that the police must also ensure that the evidence collection is done thoroughly within 24 hours of the incidents. He said case investigators must improve their communication with the victims too.

“There is a murder case of Onalenna Chiocha, who was murdered more than two years ago and there is no update on this case until today. We demand a full investigation report and progress made in this case.

“There is a rape case of a 10-year-old girl, which the case was opened on Monday. We call for no bail for the arrested suspect and also demand the immediate arrest of the other suspect. We urge the justice system to ensure that both suspects get harsher sentences,” said Mokgejane.

He also urged the police to ensure that no dockets go missing as that will result on unsuccessful prosecution of the perpetrators. Mokgejane further said there is an attempted murder case of Nthabiseng Lekaota, which the docket was lost and the case was struck off the roll.

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“We demand the immediate reinstatement of this case and police must provide a detailed explanation to the victim about the lost docket. State resources must also be used only for SAPS matters and not personal so that the limited resources are stretched to cover our area and its demands.

“We request that new police stations be built in other areas. We cannot have four police stations serving over 100 villages with an average distance of 10km with poor access and public transport,” he said.

Mokgejane said they would appreciate if their demands are auctioned and responded to within 14 days.

Taung Police Station deputy Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Anah Makame said: “I would like to appreciate you, the community of Taung for taking a stand and addressing your grievances. I would make sure that this memorandum reaches the relevant people and respond accordingly to your grievances within scheduled time.”

The murder case against Kgwapi was postponed to 18 December 2020 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application.

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Dealsville-born gospel artist, Nyakallo Bangiwe is over the moon after his music continues to receive a high rotation across the country. Bangiwe (25) who has just released an enormous single called Ngihamba No’ Jesu where he featured the world-renowned gospel artist, Dumi Mkokstad, said his music is well-executed and provides that redemptive act.

“It was my dream as an upcoming artist to feature Dumi Mkokstad in one of my singles one day. So, when my manager, Tshidiso Moreane came up with the idea, I was over the moon. I do not how Moreane knew that my dream was to record a single with Mokstad, but I believe God works in mysterious ways.

“We met with Mkokstad in Middleburg at a funeral and both parties had a consultative engagement. I was happy when we reached an agreement with Mkokstad’s management team,” he said.

Bangiwe added that they left for Durban a few weeks after that. He said they were actually supposed to record another single with another well-known gospel artist, Lindani Gumede but things did not work out accordingly.

“Unfortunately, when we arrived in Durban, we found Gumede gravely-ill and we could not record a single with him. However, we managed to record a single with Mkokstad titled Ngihamba No’ Jesu.  I believe that God was on our side hence we managed to fulfill our dream,” said Bangiwe.

He further sent his regards to his fans across the country, especially to Taung fans. According to Bangiwe, he received unwavering support from his supporters while visiting the area recently.   

“Currently, what is happening in my life is because of God’s work. Remember, when God shows up, he shows-off. So, I would like to encourage anyone who is either facing some difficulties in his/her life not to lose hope because God is in charge.

“I have received unwavering and enormous support from the people of Taung. I love them so much and may almighty continue to bless and protect them. Taung is my second home and some of the fans jokingly said they have now adopted me,” he said. 

Bangiwe said his music has received a high rotation play across all radio stations in the country and that is a great achievement for him. He has recently performed in various areas like at Bojanala FM and also held a ‘Night of Worship’ in Mokgareng village, in Taung.

“The event was held as a worship and prayer ceremony to ensure that God gives us the strength to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also heading towards the festive season and we also like to invite God to be with us all the way.

“Let us all adhere to COVID-19 regulations and ensure that we overcome the pandemic. I would also like to encourage our society to ensure that we take part in a fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” said Bangiwe.

He said the country is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children and he encouraged men to take a stand and be counted.

Meanwhile, Are Goleng Music production stable owner and a humanitarian, Tshidiso Moreane said: “Bangiwe is an amazing person to work with. He is one artist that produces art that is true. I always say Christian artists must produce art that corresponds to Christianity.

“We have a project where we will be collaborating with one of the powerhouse gospel artists in Kwazulu-Natal and we are upbeat about that. Bangiwe is spiritually gifted and people enjoy his music. My dream is to see his music appealing internationally and breaking all barriers.”

Moreane said it has only been three years since he met Bangiwe but they have achieved a lot together. He added that Bangiwe has released two albums such as Hao Motswalle A Fetang Jesu and Araba Jesu and they are doing well.

“Bangiwe’s music has received a high rotation on various radio stations and gospel TV channels. His CDs are also selling like hotcakes and we are happy. Our people in Taung showed us some love and bought most of our CDs.

“To get Bangiwe’s music, our people can download it online. We are planning to release the new album, but we still need to engage few female artists to release more singles before the album,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com