By BAKANG MOKOTO

The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the seasoned City Press newspaper feature journalist, Poloko Tau. PK as Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity was described as inimitable, fearless and extraordinary.

PK passed away last week Friday afternoon at his residential area in Mmabatho near Mahikeng, North West.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said Tau was part of a team of South African journalists that covered the South African delegation at the United Nations Climate Change talks in Glasgow, Scotland in December 2021.

“Tau interacted extensively with our delegation and I am deeply saddened by the unexpected news of his sudden passing. I remember fondly our extensive conversations on climate change and the Just Transition to a low carbon economy and society.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family and colleagues in the media fraternity. Tau’s important contribution to the public information debate on matters such as climate change and sustainable development will be much missed by the government and the fourth estate,” said Creecy.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) co-ordinator in the North West, Hlomani Chauke shared the same sentiments. Chauke said Tau was an accomplished journalist, who used his pen to contribute to building better communities across the country and the world.

“Tau was an industrious journalist who fully comprehended the role of the fourth estate in ensuring that promises of our constitution are realised in the day-to-day life of our people. His illustrious career was characterised by selflessness and courage, which was displayed during his reporting on the death of mineworkers in Marikana.

“He was instrumental in blazoning their cause for decent pay. As we pay homage to this revered son of the North West, we call on his confrères in the media industry to emulate his deeds and acts, particularly in preserving the main tenets of our democracy,” Chauke said.

He further said the media industry has lost a man of great repute who carried himself with honour, respect and dignity. Chauke added that Tau held himself to consistent, moral and ethical standards.

“He will be remembered for his meticulous and balanced reporting even in instances when some of his work courted controversy. We convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The Democratic Alliance MPL in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “We join the country in mourning this young man. Tau was a hard worker who understood his craft and never allowed politics of the day to dilute his work. 

“His attention to detail and his deep understanding of his craft was part of his success when he covered stories in the North West. He broke a lot of stories and followed his stories to the end, as was evident when he was named Journalist of the Year in print media in 2013 for his coverage of the Marikana Massacre.”

Tau, who was described as a humble, yet fierce advocate of social justice will be buried at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022. He graduated in his junior Degree in Communications at the North West University (Mafikeng Campus) at the dawn of the millennium.

Tau cut his teeth in journalism in the early 2000s and his career spans close to two decades.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West police warn the community not to take the law into their own hands. This comes after the community of Magogong near Taung went berserk on Wednesday during the intense search of Oratile Mothibi.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, Mothibi was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man on 23 January 2022 at about 9am. Myburgh said Oratile, her brother and cousin aged 11 and 14 years respectively, went to Modutung to fetch morogo (indegenious edibles) when accosted by the man.

“Whilst in the veld, an unknown man grabbed her and threatened the boys with a knife in their attempt to rescue Oratile. The boys ran home to inform the parents. Since this incident, various police units, including the Air Wing (helicopter) and community members have been searching for Oratile without success,” she said.  

However, some community members accused the police of sabotaging their search. One of the community leaders who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said the police shot at them with rubber bullets after they allegedly discovered Oratile’s underwear full of blood.

“The traditional healers were consulted to assist in locating Oratile. They led us to traditional healers’ huts in Granspan village. As a community, we arrived there and one community member allegedly saw a man who kidnapped Oratile riding a horse and running away with her. 

“The community members tried to chase him, but unfortunately, they lost track. The community members also found two men who were allegedly working with the perpetrator and confronted them. However, they were rescued by the police before they could tell the truth,” she said.

According to community members, the traditional healers who were consulted highlighted that Oratile has been kidnapped for ritual purposes.  

“These traditional healers said her kidnappers are in the process of turning her into a zombie. Now, yesterday, we found two old women who were allegedly working with the perpetrators too. However, they were also rescued by the police.

“We believe that the police are sabotaging our search. According to these traditional healers, if seven days can pass by without finding Oratile, it will be too late for her to survive because she is in the process of being turned into a zombie,” said one of the community leaders.

Meanwhile, Myburgh, who was cagey about the details said: “The details of the case are sub judice and therefore, details will not be discussed in the media. The police are aware of the allegations made by the community after consultation with traditional healers.

“These people were already interviewed by police and we would like to urge the community once more not to take the law into their own hands. Vigilantism cannot be a justifiable act of punishment for anyone. Mob justice is not a solution and will not be tolerated.”

She said the community needs to work with the police and to report all criminal behaviour to law enforcement and stop acts of vigilantism. Myburgh further said anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Joseph Montwedi on cell: 082 496 0332.

A house belonging to one of the women was allegedly torched by angry community members. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said Sedibeng Water’s financial woes led to its demise. According to Mchunu, the water utility provider allegedly struggled to collect revenue from the municipalities for the past five years.

“Sedibeng Water experienced liquidity challenges and had to be bailed out twice in Feb 2021 and December 2021 in the total amount of R270 million. As a result, project implementation and operations were compromised.

“As at 30 September 2021, Sedibeng Water had a total debtor’s book amounting to R7 billion owed by municipalities for bulk water supply and other services. Most of the citizens in its current geographic footprint are indigent, which therefore does not allow for sustainable revenue,” he said.

Mchunu further said the biggest debtor’s book contributor is Matjhabeng Local Municipality, which owes more than R4.4 billion. He added that Sedibeng Water also owes his department more than R4.7 billion for raw water.

“Sedibeng Water is financially constrained to raise capital and based on its balance sheet, the entity is not sustainable. It has an average recovery rate of 41% in the period and its concern status is largely threatened by its financial and liquidity challenges.

“The result of these financial challenges is that, Sedibeng Water is not able to provide the required services, which affects service delivery in three provinces. The financial position of Sedibeng Water has deteriorated to a level where they are unable to continue with their daily operations as a business entity,” said Mchunu.

It is alleged that the Sedibeng Water requested the intervention and urged the department to consider providing R2bn soft loan, to provide cash injection of R395m as an immediate cash relief to settle the demanded payments and monthly operational costs.

“They also urged the department to write off its interest on the water account and the discontinuation of the interest charge. However, there is little prospect of Sedibeng Water’s financial sustainability improving in the foreseeable future and unless something is done it is likely to continue to require bailouts.

“The CEO, CFO and COO positions are vacant and Sedibeng Water is over staffed. It has a staff component of 759, which is excessive in terms of the area it services and when compared to other water boards. So, we approved the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water to be incorporated into Magalies and Bloem Water,” he said.

Mchunu said they will transfer the North West assets and liabilities to Magalies Water and transfer the Free State and Northern Cape assets and liabilities to Bloem Water.  He said the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water will address the underlying problem of the poor billing and revenue collection and high water losses of the municipalities.

Meanwhile, Sedibeng Water acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Toto Molobye said in a letter: “This communique serves to notify you that the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo

Mchunu has approved the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water as an entity and have its constituent parts incorporated into Bloem Water and Magalies Water respectively.

“Staff, assets and liabilities in the Northern Cape and Free State provinces will be transferred

to Bloem Water, while staff, assets and liabilities in the North West will be transferred to Magalies Water.”

Molobye further said the ministry will in due course gazette the extension of the areas of operation of Bloem Water and Magalies Water. He added that a detailed roadmap of the disestablishment process will be provided as soon as it is available.

“Furthermore, briefing sessions where members of staff will be afforded an opportunity to raise their concerns and ask clarity-seeking questions will be arranged regionally in the next two to three weeks.

“In the meantime, all operations and/or activities will continue as usual so that services to customers both internal and external may not be impacted negatively. The board, management and department are committed to ensuring that the transition process is managed in a manner that is fair, objective, transparent and compliant to all applicable legislation,” said Molobye.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50-YEAR-OLD illegal immigrant was sentenced to two years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and for being illegal in the country in terms of immigration Act 2002, Act No. 13 of 2002.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said Noria Ziburwa briefly appeared at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested for assaulting a half-naked on a video trended on social media in the beginning of January 2022.

Tselanyane said on 13 January 2022, the information was operationalized and led the investigators to Potchefstroom Central Business District (CBD) where the accused was located in a building in Walter Sisulu Street.

“Moreover, the police also found 32 children under the care of Ziburawa, including the toddler that was seen assaulted on the video. All stakeholders including Social Welfare were summoned to the scene.

“Subsequently, Ziburawa was immediately arrested and appeared in court for the first time on 14 January 2022. She pleaded guilty on both charges and was fined R3000 or sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, which is suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar charge during the period of suspension,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the accused was also fined R800 or sentenced to six months imprisonment for being an illegal immigrant. He added that the half of the sentence is suspended for three years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar charge during the period of suspension.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence. Kwena also lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Jacob Ranoko from the Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for a job well done.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside with other three accused are expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court for GBH assault on 26 January 2022.

It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung after a commotion last year.

It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries. Tau was taken to a local clinic and was allegedly transferred to Taung District Hospital.

According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau while lying down after the beatings.

Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”

At the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”.  The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung Regional Court is expected to sentence a convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi (31) today. Motlhasi was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping, GBH assault and car hijacking in 2020.

This comes after he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend, Mamosa Senwedi (29) and her mother, Agatha Senwedi (52) during a commotion on 26 January 2020.

It is alleged that Mamosa wanted to end her romantic relationship with Motlhasi after she found out that he is a parolee. However, Motlhasi who is out on parole for killing his previous girlfriend did not want to hear any of it.

He allegedly started harassing and stalked Mamosa. On 26 January 2020, he allegedly hid at Mamosa’s residential area and waited for her to arrive. Motlhasi allegedly stabbed her several times and she was hospitalised.

Mamosa’s mother was also stabbed in the hand allegedly while trying to intervene.

The incident took place at Mamosa’s residential area in Lokaleng village, near Taung. According to Agatha, they continued to live in fear while Mamosa’s boyfriend was on the run.  

Mamosa’s brother Letlhogonolo Senwedi (37) told Daily Sun at the time that Mamosa started dating the guy in September 2020.

“After she realized that she was dating a parolee, she wanted to end the relationship,” he said. On Sunday, he was hiding at the house when my sister got out of her car. He attacked her and stabbed her many times. My mum tried to intervene, and she was stabbed in her hands,” he said.

Letlhogonolo said Matlhasi allegedly escaped with their bakkie that had his sister’s cellphone and handbag inside. The bakkie was later found about 15km away after the tracker was activated.

“Our mother is scared to be in her own house. She spends the night with friends and relatives,” he said.

The police launched a manhunt for Matlhasi and he was arrested a few months later hiding at Lehurutshe in Zeerust. Matlhasi also allegedly posted their sex videos with Mamosa on various social media platforms. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLDman who was arrested for malicious damage to property is expected back in court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the Vryburg Magostrate’s Court windows.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty heard windows being smashed, and upon investigation saw the suspect running away from the scene.

“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.

Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.

“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.

Dube was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 18-YEAR-OLD girl who was kidnapped on Sunday is still nowhere to be found. Oratile Mothibi from Magogong village near Taung was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man at around 9am while walking with her two younger brothers in the bushes from Modutung village.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “According to information received, Oratile, her brother and cousin, aged 11 and 14 years respectively, went to Modutung to fetch morogo. Whilst in the veld, an unknown man grabbed Oratile and threatened the boys with a knife when trying to rescue their sister.

“The boys ran home to inform the parents and since this incident, various police units, including the Air Wing (helicopter) and community members have been searching for her without success.”

It is alleged that Oratile’s clothes stained with blood were found at the crime scene. A case of kidnapping was opened at Taung Police Station.

Myburgh said anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Capt Joseph Montwedi on cell: 082 496 0332. Alternatively, you can phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information from your smartphone to the MySaps App.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said discussions to open social, cultural and economic activities are underway. On 21 January 2022, Phaahla embarked on a site visit to the health facilities and vaccination sites in Mahikeng and Lichtenburg in the North West province.

“We are here to monitor the province’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-our programme and also to assess the provision of comprehensive health services during the pandemic. So, I have received a report from the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha and I can safely say the province has passed the 4th wave.

“I have also assessed some healthcare facilities, and even though there are some challenges, we will work hand-in-hand with the province to improve on that. Our aim is to continue to give support to our colleagues and re-activating the programme of vaccination roll-out,” he said.

He further said the government’s top priority was to fight against Covid-19 pandemic and ensure there is stability in terms of infection rates. Phaahla added that the president will address the nation when he is ready to announce some relaxations on lockdown regulations such as the opening of stadiums and other cultural activities.  

“There is a positivity rate and all the factors including the admission at the hospitals. However, the fight against the pandemic is still on. The key to this is to ensure that we accelerate vaccination roll-out.

“We have learnt a good lesson for the last two years in terms of management. We are not saying that the pandemic will disappear, but a lot more social and economic activities can be opened,” said Phaahla.

He also urged people to refrain from spreading ‘fake news’ about vaccines. Phaahla said all vaccination programmes are backed-up by established programmes, processes of monitoring and evaluation of adverse effects after vaccination.

“We have medical experts ready to attend to any matter if somebody reports that they have adverse effects after vaccination. They get examined and if there is any scientific evidence that proves that the person experienced permanent damages after vaccination, that individual will be compensated.  

He urged young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to continue to vaccinate as they have experienced a low rate. Phaahla also added that there are plans underway to re-build the Christiana Hospital that was gutted by fire last year.

“There are some challenges regarding shortage of healthcare facilities and Christiana is one of them. You know that the hospital was gutted by fire and there is technical work that is happening there.

“Our infrastructure personnel are on the ground and this includes Thusong Hospital near Lichtenburg where the area is dolomitic. Patients were forced to be relocated a few weeks ago due to the intense situation,” said Phaahla.

Meanwhile, Phaahla was quick to defend the government after the World Bank approved South Africa’s whopping R11.4 billion loan to boost economic recovery.

Some sections of the society questioned the loan and said all this money will not be used for intended purpose, but will be lost through corruption.

“On the issue of the IMF, the national treasury is doing everything to ensure that we have resources and are low interest loans. This will assist us in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are copying in terms of managing the pandemic.

“So, the money is put to good use and it has been a year now without any health worker complaining about the personal protective equipment.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The family of Johannes Monnanyana Mahusi (55) in Granspan village near Taung said they were devastated after he went missing. Mahusi was last seen on 6 January 2022 returning to Rustenburg where he works.

According to family member Thabang Magage, Mahusi allegedly called his wife while in Lichtenburg and indicated that he was at the garage buying food. Magage alleged that Mahusi also said he hitch-hiked a private vehicle with three male occupants inside.

“We would like to urge anyone who can assist us to locate our brother to come forward. He was last seen wearing a blue jean, purple shirt, black shoes and a hat. Anyone with information can contact me on 078 261 6098,” he said.

Meanwhile, North West police Col Adele Myburgh said: “The Phokeng Police request community assistance in locating Mahusi. Anyone with information that can assist police in finding Mahusi can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya on Tel: ‪014-566 1700 / Cell: ‪073 8017 173.

“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on ‪08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” Myburgh said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com