North West police said the investigation in a murder case of Mojorosi Lecholo,27, from Majaneng village, near Taung, is still underway. The police spokesperson in North West, Capt Aafje Botma said this comes after the discovery of the body of the deceased with head injuries in a watercourse on 19 August 2022.
“The police divers assisted with the search and recovery of the body of a man approximately aged 27 in the Hartsriver near Magojaneng village. He was discovered in a stream of water at about 3:30pm.
“A post-mortem will be done to determine the cause of the death. The deceased had head injuries and subsequently, a case of the inquest was opened. However, it was changed to murder after preliminary investigations,” she said.
Picture: The missing Magdeline Mashao Nthunya/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 58-YEAR-OLD woman from Phase 3 Section, in Hebron near Ga-Rankuwa who is mentally retarded went missing. The police in Hebron request the community’s assistance to locate Magdeline Mashao Nthunya (58), who was last seen on 22 August 2022.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Nthunya was last seen by her daughter at around 10am. Funani said according to information, the missing person was left at Bosman Street in Pretoria Central Business District(CBD) by her son, but she never returned home that day.
“A search was conducted, without any success. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a multi-colored dress, a grey jacket, a pair of black sneakers, and a black hat. She has a fair complexion, a slender body structure with a gold tooth and a beard on the chin.
“In addition, she is mentally challenged. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Lucky Makhubele of Hebron Detectives on Cell: 076 510 8235. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
Picture: North West model, Taahirah Zungu after being crowned Miss Intercontinental SA 2022
By OBAKENG MAJE
When the North West model, Taahirah Zungu (21) began her journey in the modelling industry, she showed some great traits and pedigree to conquer the world. Now, twelve years later, she can now count her endless achievements.
Zungu, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022 last week, displayed her unmatched experience and pedigree during a fiercely contested competition.
“It was an honour to be crowned by Miss South Africa 2010, Mrs Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala. I am so excited to start my reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022. The pageant competition was promoted on social media and I was scouted on 16 March 2022.
“I have always looked up to my sisters, while growing up. They always took care of themselves and I liked how confident they were. They both have a history in the modelling industry,” she said.
Zungu said, even though there were challenges along the way, they never deterred her because she kept her eyes on the bigger picture. She further said challenges will always be there, but what is important is to be persistent.
“Remember, those challenges do not bring you down, but only nurture you and make you stronger. You know, I would sometimes doubt myself and overthink a lot.
“However, the enormous support that I received from my family was amazing. I also managed to complete my studies at the North West University (NWU) in Mahikeng campus,” said Zungu.
The founder of Taahirah Modelling Academy (TMA) has a Degree in Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Human Movement Sciences. She has won 17 pageant titles under her name as a model and now mentors up to 40 aspiring models across North West.
“A few months ago, I did a TMA presentation to President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Imbizo, while visiting the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub. The academy does not only focus on runway, pageantry, or photo-modeling. We also focus on life skills training and public speaking.
“We live in a digital world and technology is growing with time. So, that is why TMA is in partnership with the Hub in a quest to implement 4IR to the academy by means of holograms and virtual rooms,” said Zungu.
She added: “This is set to be completed in five years and is a great opportunity for the Ngaka Modiri Molema youth as it will give the participants an opportunity to participate in 4IR programs.
“We also have various projects under the Hub and one of them is being the Face of Ngaka Modiri Molema, which started in 2021. It is a beauty pageant that aims to empower and grow the youth. It lays a solid foundation for them to be ready for the world and stimulate their power.”
Speaking about Women’s month, an enthusiastic Zungu said, she is proud to be a woman because women are fighters. She added that, she will continue to vanguard for women and fight patriarchy within the society.
Meanwhile, the Mahikeng Local Municipality mayor, Tshepiso Mphehlo said: “We want to congratulate Ms Zungu on her achievements. She will be representing South Africa at the Miss Intercontinental competition, which will be held in Egypt later this year.
“Zungu aims to bring on board the local and district municipalities to the various youth projects she will be focusing on during her reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa.”
It seems the road to the ANC elective conference continues to be a thorny one if going to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) is what the aggrieved ANC members intend to do.
According to the court papers seen by TDN, buoyed Lebogang Medupe, Lesego Serapelwane, Puso Moeng, Sello Moefe, and Itumeleng Moswane are intending to submit a notice of motion on an urgent basis to the ConCourt in Johannesburg on Friday, in a quest to nullify the conference.
On Thursday, the North West High Court in Mahikeng dismissed their court application on an urgent basis.
The court papers said: “Kindly take notice that the applicants intend to apply to the above Honourable Court in terms of Rule 18 on a date to be determined by the Chief Justice for an order dispenses with the normal rules pertaining to the set down of this application and that this application be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12 of the Rules of this court.
“This application be enrolled and heard as an urgent application. The Chief Justice condones non-compliance with the provisions of the rules pertaining to service of this application.”
Medupe said the Chief Justice should give directions on filing of opposing papers and further directions on the hearing of this application.
He further said that, leave be granted for the application for direct access in terms of section 167(6)(a) of the constitution read with Rule 18 of the Rules of this court.
“Once direct access is granted, this court should make the following order that, it be declared that the ANC’s decision of the 13th August 2022 to usurp the powers and functions of the ANC’s 9th Provincial Conference on 13 August 2022 after the court order and judgment of the North West High Court, Mahikeng on 12 August 2022 is in violation of the ANC constitution and is unlawful and be set aside.
“That it be declared that the ANC’s 9th Provincial Conference of the North West that took place on the 12–14 August 2022 and subsequently postponed to the 26–28 August 2022, is held in violation of the ANC constitution and that the said conference, its decisions/resolutions and/or outcome are unlawful and be set aside,” he said.
Medupe further said the ANC should be ordered to appoint an interim structure in terms of its constitution in the stead of the North West PEC, pending the election of a lawfully constituted PEC of the ANC in the North West Province.
The North West High Court acting deputy president, Judge Tebogo Djadje dismissed their application on an urgent basis.
“Having heard the submission on behalf of the applicants and respondents in matters 160 and 161 on the issue of urgency, I make the following order. In a matter of Lebogang Medupe and four others versus the ANC and others, the following order is made.
“This application lacks urgency and is struck from the roll and the applicants are ordered to pay the cost, which will include two counts. In a matter of Mosadiwatshipi Selebogo and four others versus the ANC and others, the following order is made,” she said.
Djadje added: “This matter lacks urgency and is struck from the roll. The applicants are ordered to pay the cost, which includes two counts and that’s the order of this court.”
Yesterday, the rejuvenated Maloyi welcomed the court ruling and said, their focus now is on the conference itself. He said they are immediately heading to Rustenburg for preparations.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba Manthe ba fisitse dilwana tsa rakonteraka/Tshwantsiso
Ka BAKANG MOKOTO
Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se butse kgetse ya go fisiwa ga ntlo ga mmogo le dijanaga dile pedi. Seno se tla morago ga tlhatlharuwane e ene ya tsoga ka Labobedi magareng ga baagi ba motse wa Modimong, Manthe ga mmogo le ba kwa Dikhuting.
Go ya ka tshedimosetso, go begwa fa baagi ba motse wa Manthe le ba Modimong, ba ne ba tswa letsholo le go ya go batlana le segongwana se sene se latofadiwa ka go utswa leruo kwa Dikhuting, mme ba ne ba kopana le dinta di huduga.
Go ya ka mongwe o boneng ka matlho, mme a sa batle fa leina la gagwe le ka itsiwe, o kaile fa go ne ga tsoga nganyisano magareng ga baagi ba Dikhuting, Manthe ga mmogo le Modimong, mo ebileng dithunya di ne tsa ntsiwa. Go begwa fa segongwana se seneng se latofadiwa ka go utswa leruo, sene sa digela baagi bangwe dingalo go fitlhela ba le botsa phokoje.
Go kaiwa fa baagi bangwe ba ne ba amogelwa kwa kliniking ya Manthe ba phukga-phukga madi. Go kaiwa fa segongwana se, sene se hupile tedu, mme ba leba kwa motseng wa Picong, ko ba ne ba fitlha ba ja ntlo ya moagi mongwe, Kalakgosi More ka molelo ga mmogo le sejanaga.
Go begwa fa ba ne ba bona sejanaga sengwe sa motse wa Manthe se sene se eme kwa ntlung nngwe, mme le sone ba ne ba se lakaila ka molelo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Re ka netefatsa gore go na le ntlo nngwe ya moagi kwa Dikhuting e ene ya jewa ka molelo mohama, le sejanaga sengwe. Seno se diragaetse morago ga kgothakgothano magareng ga baagi.
“Go begwa fa gona le leruo lengwe le le utswitsweng, mme jaaka sepodisi re sentse re kokwanya dintlha ka botlalo. Jaanong, dintlha tse di feletseng di tla rebolwa moragonyana,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The newly-elected ANC chairperson, Nono Maloyi
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-elected ANC chairperson in North West, Nono Maloyi said, they welcome the outcome of the North West High Court and they are happy that the much-anticipated elective conference is ready for round two.
On Thursday, the North West High Court in Mahikeng dismissed the application of the aggrieved ANC members, who wanted the conference to be nullified.
The disgruntled ANC members, approached the court seeking redress on an urgent basis arguing that, the conference was rigged and there were some discrepancies that took place when the ANC provincial structure was elected two weeks ago in Rustenburg.
Others also alleged that the conference itself should be nullified as it was organised by the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), which was illegitimate.
On 12 August 2022, the North West High Court in Mahikeng proscribed the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) and Interim Regional Committee (IRC) members from voting citing that their term of office had expired.
The North West High Court acting deputy president, Judge Tebogo Djadje dismissed their application on an urgent basis.
“Having heard the submission on behalf of the applicants and respondents in matters 160 and 161 on the issue of urgency, I make the following order. In a matter of Lebogang Medupe and four others versus the ANC and others, the following order is made.
“This application lacks urgency and is struck from the roll and the applicants are ordered to pay the cost, which will include two counts. In a matter of Mosadiwatshipi Selebogo and four others versus the ANC and others, the following order is made,” she said.
Djadje added: “This matter lacks urgency and is struck from the roll. The applicants are ordered to pay the cost, which includes two counts and that’s the order of this court.”
The rejuvenated Maloyi welcomed the court ruling and said, their focus now is on the conference itself. He said they are immediately heading to Rustenburg for preparations.
“We welcome the outcome of the court, but we would like to advise the ANC members who are aggrieved that they have the right to follow the internal processes of the party.
“When I spoke last time, I said, I do not think they followed all the internal processes. But anyway, they are South African citizens and have the right to go to court and seek a recourse,” Maloyi said.
He said, however, they have done that exercise, but that chapter is now closed as they are now focusing on the conference.
One of the disgruntled ANC members, who filed court papers, Gerald Pakiso said, they welcome the court ruling, but they will have a consultative engagement with their lawyers to map the way forward.
Meanwhile, ANCYL in North West said they support the newly-elected ANC PEC and also lambasted those who went to court. ANCYL provincial secretary, Tshiamo Tsotetsi said: “We note the election of the provincial office bearers of the ANC in the North West and we are looking forward to the second leg of the conference for it will be dealing with policy directives and contributions towards the national conference.
“We intend on strengthening our relationship with ANC, COSATU, SACP, SANCO, and PYA structures in the province for it is revolutionary correct to do so. We commend the delegation of the ANCYL to the provincial conference of the ANC by saying whilst they were small in number, they remained big in character as this was demonstrated through the submissions they made throughout the conference,” he said.
Tsotetsi said the time has come now, that they rally behind the elected leadership, furthermore, consolidate the ground for the decisive victory of the ANC 2024. He said they must put it on record that, a united and renewed organisation gives them the power to service the communities better and improve where there may be shortcomings without any disturbance.
Picture: Former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four years later since, the former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, who was unceremoniously ousted from his position, seeks justice. Now, Mahumapelo has resorted to court in quest to clear his name.
Mahumapelo is suing the so-called Revolutionary Council members, Themba Gwabeni, Thato Magogodi, and Lucky Kgabi for R10 million for allegedly tarnishing his name. He believed that they orchestrated the #SupraMustFall campaign against him in 2018.
Now, Mahumapelo and members of the Revolutionary Council which is no more in existence, are facing each other in the North West High Court in Mahikeng. However, the acting Judge, Mark Morgan has postponed the matter to allow the defendants time to find legal representation.
According to Gwabeni, who pleaded poverty, there was a fall-out between them and their previous attorney due to the financial bearing. Morgan ordered the defendants to pay legal costs occasioned by the postponement.
“Well, I think everything went well and it is unfortunate that the court roll was full. So, the only date that we could get was 14 and 15 February 2023. Our desired date was to meet in two months to settle the matter.
“Justice delayed, is justice denied. But I am happy that, the Judge has ruled that, the defendants will have to pay the costs that incurred for coming to court today and tomorrow,” Mahumapelo said.
He further said, they will be ready come February 2023. Mahumapelo added that anyone can do illegal things but to a certain extent.
“If one is like a bull that is running around in the veld, but at some point, it will be in the kraal. So, we have to stop this thing of people just mudslinging others in the media without substantiating their arguments.
“I am also going to request the ANC to investigate the genesis of the so-called Revolution Council including the members of the party, who formed it. I would like the final report to be published in South Africa, so that everybody can see that this was a smear campaign to injure my reputation,” he said.
However, Gwabeni said: “Well, the truth of the matter is, there is no character to defame. We as members of the community and ANC, were not going to allow mismanagement and corruption to unfold and kept quiet.
“We have nothing against Mr Mahumapelo as we are both members of the ANC. But as members of the community, we also have an obligation to stop any corruption activities taking place in this country. The Zondo Commission has cleared us and confirmed what we said.”
He added: “We said this before the Zondo Commission and we will do it again. Remember, we formed the Revolutionary Council for one objective, which is to unite and stand for what we believe is right, he said.
“This excitement that we are in court will not last long because this matter will be fully ventilated in court. We are aware that, those who are responsible for investigations are hard at work. So, it is still early, but we have also placed on record and said yes, we believe Mahumapelo is corrupt and presided over a corrupt government.”
Gwabeni said, he was talking to his colleagues that, maybe Mahumapelo was supposed to go in for counselling because he is still in denial. He said sometimes when people falter in life, they do not come to reality and accept that this thing was a mess.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Lokgabeng village, near Taung said they are happy after having a consultative engagement with the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje.
One of the community leaders, Mothohela Motshabi said, the meeting to discuss water challenges went well after three months of difficulties. He said, atleast they have found a lasting solution.
“The residents are happy because the mayor ensured that there will be water provision in the area from now on going forward. He also appointed experts to come and do assessment on our boreholes.
“The jojo tanks were also increased to 11 and we have water in our area. So, we want to applaud the mayor for resolving our challenges. Life has never been easy as most of the community members are unemployed and cannot afford to buy water sold to them in the village,” said Motshabi.
Motshabi said it was bad to see residents being forced to travel a long distance to fetch water. He said, others were forced to use donkey carts to fetch water for household usage, while others had to pay an exorbitant amount of money to buy water.
It is suspected that decades of chronic underfunding of water infrastructure are putting many villages at worse risk. Other residents urged the municipality to address the investment gap in water and sanitation and refrain from perceiving these services mainly as social issues rather than economic ones.
Last week, the residents embarked on protests and barricaded R57 road that links Taung and Reivilo with burning tyres and shrubs.
Meanwhile, the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC), who is responsible for Infrastructure at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Pico Seepamere said: “We have a challenge with a borehole that was vandalised after the cable was stolen. So, we are struggling to find the same model of stolen cable.
“However, what we have done today is to re-energise another pumping machinery that can pump up to 1.2 litres per second. The one that is broken was able to pump 1.6 litres per second.”
Seepamere said the borehole in place can pump water for ten hours, then take a two hours interval. He added that, when the machinery reaches its highest level, it will be able to supply water to all residents of Lokgabeng.
“As the municipality, we are working on a permanent solution. However, to redeem the situation, we have also provided the residents with jojo tanks.
“We will also have a consultative engagement with residents on Monday, where all stakeholders will be present. I believe that the municipality would procure a needed engine if the needs arise so that our people could get access to clean and drinkable water,” he said.
Meanwhile, the R580 million Taung /Naledi Bulk Water Supply Project launched by the late Minister for Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa back in 2012 is still incomplete. The project was expected to augment the bulk water supply scheme and bring relief to thousands of villagers who had to travel long distances to draw water.
Picture: The Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation leader, Modisaotsile Lebitse handing over memorandum/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The residents of Taung embarked on a peaceful march and barricaded the N18 road on Monday. They handed over their memorandum of demand to the North West Premier, Bushy Maape’s office.
The anticipated march was led by Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation chairperson, Modisaotsile Disco Lebitse. According to Lebitse, there is a lot of malfeasance and corruption happening in Taung and that hampers developments.
“There is abuse of public money by the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). The municipality purchased two BMW vehicles for the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai.
“Again, there is a regular breakdown of water systems, but we want to reclaim our Taung Dam that was sold to a private entity without community concerns. There is also nepotism and cadre deployment that exist within the municipality and sectoral departments,” he said.
Lebitse said they demand the cancellation of traffic officers’ learnership because the whole process was flawed. He further said, they demand the government entities to insource security guards.
“The municipality should also cancel the property rates in Ext 6. We demand that the municipality pave streets and all unoccupied RDP houses be occupied. We also want to reclaim our beloved Taung Cultural Calabash and demand that local artists be prioritised.
“We demand the completion of Taung Ext 7 water project and atleast municipality pave streets there. There are incomplete stormwater projects in Mase and Matlhako 1 villages that need to be completed too,” said Lebitse.
He added that, more libraries are needed across Taung and called for proper maintenance of Pudimoe library. Lebitse said, they demand cleaning projects in Taung CBD and parks because this has a negative impact on the environment.
“We also call for the removal of all illegal foreigners in Taung and urge the government to build a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in Taung. There are challenges on various road projects across Taung too.
“So, we demand that the D201 road project from Mokassa to Pampierstad not be abandoned in the process, like what happened to the D221 road project in Molelema village. We urge the government to prioritise the AZ502 road in Mogopela, including the internal road in Myra,” he said.
Lebitse also demanded the return of Taung Skull with an amount of R86 billion. He said the skull was taken away 98 years ago, so that money will contribute positively to building the Taung museum and creating jobs in the tourism sector.
“We need an update on incomplete construction projects such as Sekhing Community Healthcare Centre, Pudimoe Old Age Home, Manthe Indoor Sports Complex, Pudimoe Sports Ground, and Manthe Community Hall,” said Lebitse.
Meanwhile, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Tshepo Leoko, who received the memorandum on behalf of Maape said: “I must confirm that we came here to listen to the grievances of the community. They did send the request two weeks back, so it is necessary for us to be here to listen to their frustrations.
“We have received their memorandum and will ensure that their demands are met. One of the things they have raised is an issue of water. We understand that North West is a water scarce province and that has received the attention of municipalities.”
A stock-theft case against a former policeman, Itumeleng Godfrey Setatwe (45), has been postponed by Vryburg Magistrate’s Court until 29 August 2022. Setatwe was arrested on N18 road between Vryburg and Pudimoe on Saturday.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said: “The police spotted a suspicious looking bakkie and stopped it. During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. Setatwe was questioned, but failed to give proper accountability for the possession.
“It was further established that, he also did not have transportation documents. As a result, he was arrested for stock-theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival at the police station, Setatwe allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers, who were detaining him.”
Botma said Setatwe was subsequently restrained and detained. She further said the lawful owner of the livestock was successfully traced and given back his goats. According to information at our disposal, Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station, worked for the stock-theft unit.
He was fired for fraud and corruption after he allegedly made a false affidavit for a murder convict. The convict alleged that his cellphone was lost and went to the Taung Police Station to make an affidavit.
However, police investigations revealed that, the former police allegedly connived with the convict and made a false affidavit- now, he has a pending case. Setatwe will remain in custody.
The Guardian 