By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 27-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Friday for stock-theft. North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, the police received a tip-off that there were suspected stolen goats hidden at a certain house in Lokalaneng Section in Morokweng village.

“The information was operationalised and the swift reaction by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Detectives and members from Vryburg Stock Theft and the Endangered Species Unit (STES) pounced on the suspect. 

“Out of 18 goats that were reported stolen at Caffhill Farm, near Morokweng on 5 November 2021, only 13 were recovered and will be handed back to the lawful owner. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday and his arrest coincides with the Provincial Commissioner’s stock theft awareness campaign that was held earlier on the day in Ganyesa,” Tselanyane said. 

He further said the event was aimed at combating stock-theft as well as to activate the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Rural Safety and Community in Blue Priority Committee.  Tselanyane added that this comes after the release of crime statistics for the 4^th Quarter of 2020/2021 by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele who indicated an increase of cases related to stock theft in Ganyesa.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, has applauded members of the community for their vigilance. Kwena urged the community members to continue reporting suspicious criminal activities within their vicinity.

“This success is a perfect example of police/community partnership where crime is combatted, leading to a safe environment. We would like to emphasise that stock theft is a high priority for police as it threatens food security, which is a basic human need,” he concluded.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Former football player, Benny ‘Benito’ Setumisho said it is imperative for Taung to have a football academy. Setumisho has now established Benito Sport Development in quest to increase the effectiveness of soccer training and social integration.

He said the academy will strictly cater for only Under-17 players.

“I am so grateful to come up with this initiative. I have realised that Taung has an abundance of talents, but no one is taking care of.  So, our aim at Benito Sport Development is to ensure that our players are well-developed from a young age.

“Remember, soccer is a game which enables a multidimensional influence on young players and it shapes their personalities and life attitude. Furthermore, it helps them to gain new experience and skills,” he said. 

Setumisho further said he nearly quit football completely, but realised that the new crop of players need guidance. He said what is impressive about the academy is to create a combination of school education and sports training which is an ideal solution.

“Sport is the best form of physical development for young people. It greatly influences players’ personality development, keeping them to acknowledge organizational rules, self-discipline and makes them gain self-confidence.

“What is very important is how our players conduct themselves. They need to develop techniques that will assist them on and off the field such as self-control in stressful situations, to be submissive to the team and permanent pursuit of self-development both personal and through sports,” said Setumisho.

He added that he will kick-start this initiative by hosting an under- 17 tournament at Mighty Boys FC grounds in Manthe village, near Taung on 4 December 2021. Setumisho said they have already affiliated with 20 teams.

“We are having 20 teams that have registered with us for participation. We are using this tournament as a tool for our players for a better cause and future sustainability. We are working with former player, Mmoloki Batlang, Gilport Lions player, Boitumelo Sentle including Boeung Ket Football Club player, Mothusi Gopane who will be our scouts.

“I know this is a mammoth task but it is achievable. So, I call on everyone who has the interest of our young players at heart to come on board. We would also appreciate any donations from businesspersons especially around Taung,” he said.

Setumisho said even though some of them did not make it as professional players, there is a need to assist the new crop to break through the ranks. He said the new crop will put Taung on the map.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A-51-YEAR-OLD patient from Dithakwaneng village near Vryburg allegedly committed suicide at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital on Wednesday. North West Health Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the patient was collected at the village by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on Tuesday at around 22H50 and admitted over-night.

“He was then referred to a psychologist yesterday and got discharged the same day having been given a follow-up appointment. Following his discharge, the patient was then discovered by a staff member hanging on the tree around the staff accommodation area at around 3pm yesterday.

“The department is astounded, saddened and dismayed at learning of the sad news. The police and forensic were immediately called into the scene and the lifeless body of the deceased was taken to the forensic mortuary,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said the transport was sent out to fetch the family and a debriefing session with affected staff was done. He added that the department, however, awaits a full report from which a decision on the way-forward would be taken.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha sent a message of condolence to the family and assured them that they will also be offered psychological support.

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