By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) who allegedly killed the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Mbatha, was postponed by the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court to April 8 2022.

The accused were linked to Mbatha’s gruesome death after intensive investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on 21 June 2021. The house was searched and the police found the bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet.

Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house. The DNA samples positively identified Mbatha who was burnt beyond recognition as the deceased person.

His body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2022.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said the state is waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to transfer the case to the North West High Court.

“The state will await the DPP’s authorisation of transferring the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, owing to the serious nature of the offence committed. The DPP’s office has acknowledged receipt of the application and requested a postponement to finalise the application.

“The four accused were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police. Meanwhile, Modise is still at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued and bail revoked. Masetlha abandoned his bail application, while Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each,” Mamothame said.

He further said the bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. Mamothame added that the accused are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 34-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear before the Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for murder of a former teacher. The suspect allegedly shot and killed Galotlwaele Jaqueline Motabogi (67) who is a former teacher at Mothelesi Secondary School in Shaleng village near Pampierstad on Sunday.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the suspect allegedly forcefully gained entry into the house of Motabogi through the kitchen door.

“The suspect allegedly stole the keys of her Toyota Fortuner. The victim allegedly heard her vehicle’s engine running and went to investigate. When the suspect saw the victim, he shot her. The Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene and declared her dead.

“Furthermore, the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s car. The suspect fled the scene and police launched a manhunt. Through the Gauteng police, the suspect was traced to Pretoria where he was found hiding,” she said.

Funani said police seized the Toyota Fortuner, five cellular phones as well as a hunting rifle. She said the suspect is facing charges of murder, being in possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, being in possession of suspected stolen property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.        

The suspect was transferred back to North West.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the Gauteng police for their cooperation in arresting the suspect. Kwena also condemned the incident and instructed the detectives to make sure that they oppose bail when the suspect appears in court.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BONOLO MOHLOKOANA

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the economy in the North West as it contributes 2.9 % to the GDP in the provincial economy. The province is also the third largest producer of maize and this translates into 17% of maize produced in South Africa.

While the province is leading the pack in terms of poultry production as well as vegetable produce such as beetroot and onions, it is trailing behind in terms of agro-processing. 

However, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape said this needs to change.

“We need to build partnerships with established and emerging farmers, but critically, we need to prioritise investments on agricultural infrastructure and facilities. Moreover, we need to put more emphasis on mentorship and training for emerging farmers.

“This will go a long way in accelerating transformation in the sector through expanding our production but most vitally prioritizing access to markets. Government is looking at capitalising on the provincial and district corridors to lure investments into the province,” Maape said. 

He said among others, this will be carried out through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan (ASDP) to respond to challenges such as water provision and road infrastructure. Maape further said the plan is to assist them in creating a tangible environment for business to thrive in the province.

“We are busy patching potholes and resurfacing our roads, so that our produce can move with ease from one point to the other. This model is being implemented across the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said: “A turn-around strategy has been developed to enhance performance of the agricultural sector in the province. One of the pillars is aggregation which is a market access model where investment is made on infrastructure and facilities to accelerate sustainable access to markets for emerging farmers.

“This includes the investments on priority value chains which are able to enhance performance of multiple producers within a specific geographic location. The meeting with farmers forms part of on-going efforts by the government to resuscitate and grow the sector, while creating opportunities for new entrants to participate actively in the provincial economy.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have over 522 406 population and housed 0.9% of South Africa’s total population. The executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile who convened a strategic meeting with the municipal employees in Vryburg on Monday said, it is imperative for all employees to understand their roles.  

“It is the responsibility of officials to implement, impart their professional skills and expertise into their work. It is also important that both politicians and administration work together as one at all times in order to serve the public with dignity and respect.

“I encouraged the employees to carry out this exercise as it will check if there are staff challenges when it comes to execution of municipal programmes and projects. One of the key things is to enhance the quality of service to the residents of this region,” he said.

Babuile said he believe that, at no stage should the political head should explain the reason for poor service delivery. He said it is commendable that the session was warmly welcomed by all employees.

“Remember, municipality contribute directly to economic growth by providing a range of essential services to households, commercial enterprises, industries and institutions such as schools and hospitals.

“So, it is important for us to ensure that we increase our contribution to economic growth by improving the reliability, quality and efficiency of these services. It also means getting the skills mix right by having an appropriate balance between managers, technical personnel and others, with vacancies kept to a minimum,” said Babuile.

He said municipal employees and skills they bring to workplace are critical input in the delivery of all services a municipality delivers. The beleaguered municipality invested R150 millions of taxpayers’ money to now defunct VBS Mutual Bank back in 2018.

taungdailynews@gmail.com