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By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the patients who were admitted at Christiana Hospital has died. Monnaotsile Jacob Dire (52) from Khudutlou village near Taung was one of 22 patients who were ferried to nearby hospitals and Community Healthcare Centres (CHCs) after the hospital that was under construction engulfed by fire.

Now, Boitumelo Motswakae who is a nephew to the deceased said they believe that Dire who was transferred to Taung District Hospital, might have suffered from smoke inhalation and died.

“My uncle had swollen feet and we transported him to the hospital where he was admitted. However, on 8 September 2021, we received a call informing us that he has been transferred to Taung District Hospital after a blaze of fire ravaged the hospital.

“We received another call later on while we were preparing to go to the hospital to visit him telling us that he had passed away. What surprised us, the official who was on the phone instructed us to wait for three days before we could come to the hospital,” Motswakae said.

He said he went to the hospital to get more details the following day. Motswakae said he spent almost four hours at the hospital waiting to be assisted after being sent from “pillar to post.”

“There is something sinister about the cause of my uncle’s death. I was heartbroken seeing him in such a state. He was admitted to the COVID-19 unit even though he was negative, so we want to understand.  

“The hospital also refused to tell us what was the cause of his death. As a family, we suspect that he might have been killed by smoke inhalation from Christiana Hospital. So, we need answers,” Motswakae said.

However, the North West health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted Motswakae’s allegations.  

“The department wishes to state categorically clear that the patient was not admitted on a COVID-19 positive ward. He was, however, admitted as a COVID-19 suspect because he had general body weakness, shortness of breath, and low blood sugar.

“Patients who are COVID-19 suspects cannot by any means be admitted in the same ward as those who are positive, but they cannot be admitted in the same ward as those who are negative, while their status is not yet known,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said Dire was admitted at the PUI ward and managed there while waiting for results. He said the COVID-19 PCR test was collected at 12H50, but sadly the patient passed away at 19H49 the same day.

“The results of the patient came back negative on 10 September 2021 after the patient had already passed away. The patient had a lot of complications coupled with uncontrollable sugar levels and this made his organs not respond to treatment.

“So, his death was not caused by smoke inhalation because all patients at the hospital were evacuated on time,” he said.

Dire will be buried on 18 September 2021.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By STAFF REPORTER

Former SABC reporter, Sello Tatai was appointed as the North West Premier, Bushy Maape spokesperson. Maape said in a statement that Tatai comes with a wealth of experience in the media and communications fraternity.

“He is a former senior television journalist with a career spanning close to a decade. Tatai holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, African Literature, and Media Studies from the University of Witwatersrand, an Advanced Certificate in African Political Economy from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI).

“He is currently pursuing his Post-Graduate Degree in Public Administration with the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA),” he said. 

     

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While excited at his new responsibilities, Tatai succinctly avers that given the rurality of the province, communications must play a developmental role. He said this must encapsulate informing and educating the people of the North West about various government programmes and plans in fighting the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and income inequalities.

“The North West story must also include profiling the majestic tourist destination sites that the province has to offer, the heritage and culture through music, arts, literature, and preservation of oral history.

“The re-imaging of the province is therefore of critical importance in luring investment to the shores of the province while creating socio-economic opportunities for the youth, women as well as emerging and small enterprises. The communication of the province must be seen propagating for this trajectory,” said Tatai.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Reivilo- A 47-YEAR-OLD teacher from Tshepang Thuto Primary School in Reivilo is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2021 for allegedly assaulting a Grade 7 learner with sjambok.

According to the learner’s parent, Mogomotsi Jacobs, the teacher assaulted Refentse Jacobs (12) on 23 August 2021 after he accused him of stealing a memorandum. Jacobs said she reported the matter to the school, but the North West education department ignored her.

“I was surprised when I bathed my child and saw some bruises on his hand. I asked him what had happened and he said the teacher has beaten him up after accusing him of stealing a memorandum.

“I was confused because even though my son did not attend school that day, he went to his friend and borrowed the memorandum so that he could do his homework. He requested money to go and make copies of the assignment and did his homework as required,” Jacobs said.

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She said according to her son, the teacher was surprised to see him handing over homework when he requested it because he thought her son did not do it. Jacobs alleged that then the teacher accused her son of stealing a memorandum and assaulted him.

“My son tried to explain and reason with him that he did not steal anything, however, he was assaulted nonetheless. I launched a complaint with the school, but nothing was done. So, I decided to go to the police station and open an assault case because it is not the first time the teacher accused of beating learners,” said Jacobs.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened at Reivilo Police Station. A suspect was charged and will appear before court for his first court appearance on Thursday, 30 September 2021.”

Meanwhile, the North West education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said corporal punishment is against the law and has been prohibited in schools. Malindi further said the matter is under investigation and a disciplinary hearing will be conducted soon.

taungdailynews@gmail.com