By OBAKENG MAJE

Some community members in Taung have raised concerns over the increased high rate of crime across their villages. The empirical research confirmed that mostly affected areas are Mokassa, Cokonyane, Magogong, Maphoitsile, Modimong, Mokgareng, Matsheng, and Rooiwal.

The coordinator for Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide organisation, Bakang Mankuroane urges the minister of police, Gen Bheki Cele to build more police stations and have satellite police stations in strategic areas in a quest to combat crime.

“We are not happy that we have only four police stations in the entire Taung. Currently, Taung comprises of police stations such as Kgomotso, Reivilo, Taung, and Pudimoe, while we have over 106 villages.

“It is practically impossible that the current police officers that we have could maintain police and order in 106 villages affectively. Remember, there are also new villages that have mushroomed and they have not yet been incorporated into the statistics,” Mankuroane said.

According to Mankuroane, Taung has recently experienced a high rate of crime, and that needs to be dealt with.

“Let’s assume that each police station has the manpower of 250 police personnel and that mean, we have 1000 police officers across all four police stations in Taung. Or let’s say for argument seek, we have 2000 police personnel across all police stations in the area, but that is still not enough.

“The police will never perform their duties effectively and diligently because of the population. We need more satellite police stations too in strategic areas in order for us to combat armed robberies, stock-theft, and other general crimes that we have experienced recently in Taung,” he said.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said there are no plans to build more police stations in Taung currently. However, Mokgwabone said communities can still apply through the office of the North West Police Commissioner.

“Taung is part of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi ​ Mompati District that comprises 19 police stations. There are no satellite police stations in operation in the area and the one that was established in Kokomeng was allegedly set alight by members of the community. ​

“During the 2021/2022 financial year, problematic crimes were murder, assault GBH, common assault, robbery aggravating, common robbery, burglary in non-residential areas, and stock theft,” he said.

Mokgwabone added that in order to address crime, integrated and stabilisation operations or interventions including pro-active and collaborative approaches are implemented in line with the operational plan.

Meanwhile, The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West shared the same sentiments. DA Member of Parliament (MP), Leon Basson said violent contact crime has been marked as a sharp increase in the province leaving a bloodbath in its trail. “Over the period, there were 214 murders, up by 39 more murders (+22.3%) over the same period last year. Sexual assault offenses increased by 12.1% bringing the total to 942 reported cases. Attempted murder is up by 8.5% with a total of 242 reported cases.

“Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm increased by 30.9% recording a total of 3 621 recorded cases in the first three months of this year. Common assault is up by 24.1% with 2 624 cases, robbery increased by 8.5% with 545 cases and robbery with aggravating circumstances increased by 12.4% with a total of 1 635 cases,” Basson said.

He said rape has increased by 10.9% with a total number of 769 reported rape cases. Basson said rape remains an underreported crime and the real rape case figure can be expected to be far higher.

“A total of 1 816 serious crimes were reported in the first quarter of 2022, up 10%, while it ranked 6th in the Top 30 for robbery at business premises, followed by Klerksdorp landing the 13th spot.

“Another underreported crime is stock theft as both Taung and Ganyesa Police Stations reported stock theft cases that ranked them 11^th and 24^th on the Top 30 stock theft areas,” said Basson.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 15 years for two counts of attempted murder by the Taung Regional Court on Tuesday. Itumeleng Kgwele was arrested after he severely stabbed his ex-girlfriend, Nthabiseng Lekaota, and her boyfriend, Tlhalehang Leshoe after he found them sitting in a car at Extension 6 in Taung back in 2020.

According to information, Lekaota, who was in a romantic relationship with Kgwele, dumped him before she continued dating Leshoe. Kgwele stabbed the lovebirds several times and damaged the car belonging to Leshoe with stones.

Leshoe and Lekaota were admitted to the Taung District Hospital but were transferred to Tshepong/Klerksdorp Complex Hospital due to their injuries. Kgwele was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder.

He was granted R1000 bail until his trial resumed. However, Kgwele was kept in custody a week before his judgment day where he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.  

All cases will run concurrently.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 20 suspects were arrested for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure in Rustenburg on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the SSG security guards spotted a silver double Cab Nissan Hardbody V8 vehicle turning onto the R104 road in the vicinity of the ventilation shaft near a townhouse complex and followed it.

Mokgwabone said subsequently, a group of men was seen running into the bushes while firing shots in the direction of the security personnel who called for backup from the police.

“As a result, a number of suspects were arrested in the bushes and in a hole next to the ventilation shaft. A joint operation by SSG security officers, Crime Intelligence, and Rustenburg Visible Policing resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects and seized approximately two tons of copper cables worth R750 000.

“The copper cables were stolen at the Samancor ventilation shaft along the R104 road in the early hours of Monday. As the police, we believe that the fight against tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure has gained success,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all suspects aged between 18 and 45 are expected to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 June 2022 facing a charge of tampering with essential infrastructure. He added that the investigation into the matter continues.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the private security company’s personnel and all South African Police Service (SAPS) members for their collaboration that led to the success.

It is alleged that cable theft costs South Africa’s economy between R5 billion and R7 billion annually. The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is compelling to characterise cable theft as economic sabotage.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The body of a sangoma trainee, Maniekie Robert Botshelo (68) was allegedly found floating in the water in a cave at Leshobo village near Taung on Tuesday. It is alleged that Botshelo, who is from Matsheng village near Taung, was set to graduate the following day.

According to information, Botshelo’s lifeless bruised body was found by his ‘Gobela’, who called the police. He allegedly suffered injuries after he fell and hit a rock.

The North West police spokesperson for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police attended to the complaint and found Botshelo’s body lying face down in the water.

“It appeared that he had drowned. An inquest case has been opened and is under investigation to determine what exactly transpired. The investigations will also determine the cause of his death,” van Rooyen said.

Meanwhile, a month ago, another sangoma trainee, Boitshepo Sapelo (32) from Vryburg allegedly drowned and died during his ritual ceremony in the same area. Van Rooyen said Sapelo and other trainees were busy with their rituals under the leadership of his “Gobela” when the atrocity took place.

“It is alleged that they were dipping themselves in the water and all of a sudden, Sapelo disappeared in the water. According to the information provided, a search for him commenced and his lifeless body re-surfaced after a few minutes.

“The police were immediately summoned to the scene and a case of the inquest was registered. The investigation into the matter continues,” she said.

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By SAFA

The South African women’s national team has assembled for a preliminary training camp in Johannesburg to begin preparations for the coming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from 2-23 July 2022.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis announced a strong 33- woman preliminary squad that will undergo a series of training sessions before it is cut down to the final squad that will depart for Morocco on 21 June 2022.

The team will have their first training session later today with more players expected to arrive for camp.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality’s Chief Whip, Elvis Tladinyane. The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) chairperson succumbed to a long illness on 9 June 2022.

The ANC in North West described Tladinyane as a unifier and a selfless leader. The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said the region has lost a humble servant, a seasoned public representative, a disciplined and committed activist.

“Cde. Ma-Elvo, as he was popularly known, distinguished himself as a champion of community development and an agent of progressive change. His activism spans over three decades, having joined the struggle in the late eighties.

“Tladinyane’s political activism is well recorded in the books of our glorious movement, having led the ANC in various capacities including as a branch chairperson from 1993 to 1994 and later serving in the Regional Executive Committee (REC) of the erstwhile Vryburg region,” Morolong said.

He further said Tladinyane was also elected to the position of the Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region back in 2010. Morolong added that Tladinyane also demonstrated his profound understanding of the two-stage theory through his active participation in the South African Communist Party (SACP), which he later led as a District Chairperson of the J Nkosi District, formerly known as Bophirima District in 2008.

“Cde. Elvis’ capacity for inventive thought, political maturity, and passion for service enabled the movement to deploy him into various positions of leadership in government. This included amongst others, his deployment to serve as a Member of Local Government Negotiating Forum between 1994 and 1995, a forum that laid the foundation for South Africa’s local government.

“He became part of the first cohort of municipal councillors in the post-democratic South Africa during the transitional period, serving in the Stellaland Regional Service Council in 1995,” said Morolong.

He said after the first democratic Local Government Elections (LGE), Tladinyane was elected as the mayor of the newly-established Kagisano Local Municipality. Morolong said Tladinyane was later deployed as the executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, a position he held between 2011 and 2016.

“Tladinyane was later elected as the Speaker of the same municipality. By the time of his passing, he was the Chief Whip of the ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“His qualities and traits were not only visible in his political life, but were demonstrable in communities through the work he carried out on behalf of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Foundation for which he was the chairperson,” he said.

Morolong said Tladinyane was undoubtedly an accomplished activist, grounded in political and social consciousness. He said Tladinyane’s commitment to the people he served was unparalleled and unwavering.

“We dip our revolutionary black, green, and gold flag in honour of this son of the soil and convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. We wish them strength during this difficult period,” concluded Morolong.

Meanwhile, the SACP in North West shared the same sentiments. The SACP provincial spokesperson, Jeffrey Lesie said Tladinyane was recruited into the SACP by the ANC stalwart, the late Kaone Lobelo in the early 1990s.

“His activism within the party made him to earn respect within the SACP and the community at large. He was one of the distinct cadres of the revolution, who sacrificed his entire political life in fighting for the improvement of the lives of our people and reclaiming of the rightful position of the entire movement to our people.

“Tladinyane was one of the first South African generations, who was at the helm of introducing people’s power through local government. He was part of the collective, who went out throughout the district to establish municipal structures such as village level committees (VLC),” Lesie said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Atamelang Magistrate’s Court for killing his own father. Tshepo Andrew Mmusi initially reported his father, William Mmusi (60) missing on 12 October 2021. 

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 14 October 2021, the accused admitted during an interview with police that he murdered his father and burnt his body. Myburgh said as a result, the body was found at Ramabesa village, near Setlagole.

“The accused was arrested and remained in custody throughout the duration of the court case. Due to excellent investigations by Sgt Mbulelo Victor Isake of the Setlagole Detectives, Mmusi was found guilty of murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence handed down to Mmusi. Kwena said Mmusi’s sentencing came after he entered into a plea bargain with the state.

“We would like to commend the Investigating Officer and prosecution for a sterling job,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Three suspects are set to appear at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on Monday for stock theft. According to the police, the suspects aged between 25 and 38, were arrested by heft by the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Stabilisation Team members on 10 June 2022 for stock theft.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The trio’s arrest came after the team members responded swiftly upon receiving information about a slaughtered cow in Sesana Section near Makgobistad village, outside Mahikeng.

“Upon questioning the suspects, they could not provide a satisfactory answer regarding the slaughtered cow, which was found in their possession. All three suspects were then arrested and are expected to make their first appearance before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 13 June 2022.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for a job done well.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 24-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear at Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday for attempted murder. Mpho William “Seun” Modirapula (24) was arrested in Makolokwe village, Bethanie outside Rustenburg on 5 June 2022.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “Modirapula was arrested for the attempted murder of a woman (42) in Lekgalong village, near Marikana. It is alleged that the accused forcefully gained entrance into the woman’s residence in the early hours of Thursday morning of 2 June 2002, then hit her with a spade.

“The severely injured woman managed to fight back and the accused ran away. The incident was ultimately reported to the police leading to the arrest of the accused three days later. He was remanded in custody upon his first court appearance on 7 June 2022.”

Mokgwabone said the preliminary investigation revealed that the accused has two pending rape cases allegedly committed in December 2017 and December 2021 in Mooinooi and Pretoria respectively.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The police in Brits have launched a manhunt after a shooting incident that was reported in Oukasie, outside Brits on 8 June 2022. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh alleged that community members were on their way to attend a meeting at Oukasie Community Hall when the shooting took place.

Myburgh said shots were fired and a woman (30) was fatally injured and five more people between the age of 12 and 46 were injured.

“The motive of the shooting is still unknown and no arrests have been made. The members of the community who may have information that can assist in the investigation, are requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Gift Matome on 078 338 2542 or to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App,” she said.

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