By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) continues to be marred with corruption, malfeasance and mismanagement of funds allegations. This comes after the municipality allegedly finished up the R450 000 budget allocated for free basic services just in two months.

Now, some allegations are levelled against the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) national chairperson, Mika Moeti, who is also the municipal chairperson for finance for ‘putting his hands’ in a cookie jar.

Two months ago, the municipality put aside R450 000 for a free basic service programme. The programme that was launched in Reivilo, was intended for the provision of free basic services to poorer households.

However, Moeti had squashed these allegations levelled against him and said they are absurd.

“I do not know of any corruption at the municipality, but what I am aware of is that, there is a challenge regarding the budget for the free basic services programme. According to the administration, the budget for that is finished.

“However, we have a different view that the budget cannot be depleted in two months. We took the free basic services campaign to only four wards thus far. Now, when we look into the report…. actually, I’ll be more comfortable if we talk about this matter after the council sitting because it is not even aware of it,” said Moeti.

The defiant Moeti further said these are baseless allegations against him because he is not the administration. He said the allegations do not have grounds because he is only the chairperson for finance and does not implement the budget. 

“I also do not procure and this matter is in relationship with the budget process,” he said.

During the launch, Moeti said this programme will assist many households, who are subjected to poverty, inequality and unemployment. He said all councillors in various wards have token machines and can assist those needy.

“The free basic service policy encapsulates that the registration is renewed annually. This is to ensure that relevant individuals benefit from this programme. The programme has made a positive impact and we are happy with the turnout.

“We have 18 771 individuals already registered on our database. We had a successful launch in Reivilo and afterwards, we donated food parcels to 10 elderly people. We also proceeded to Modimong village, near Taung where they handed over food parcels to elderly people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaoraelwe said the municipality was tasked to identify indigent households that would receive services – such as water and electricity – for free or at substantially subsidised rates.

“Our municipality is providing insight into those households that struggle to afford access to basic services. Those who are eligible will get R50 electricity and 50kl of water. A free basic service is a national programme, that was established back in 2001 and the aim of the launch was to create awareness.

“We encourage those who are regarded as indigents to come forward and register in order for them to benefit. We will need a certified ID copy, marriage certificate, payslip and affidavit. The beneficiary should also be the owner of the household and have an income of lesser than R4930 per month,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two accused, Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31), who were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice will be back in court on Thursday.

Malekanyo and Tlonkwe were arrested for allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend in Modimong village near Taung.

The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and called them out. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.

Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing.

The two accused were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Seven accused who were nabbed for arson and looting are back in court. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), former Taung Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), Ali Sakiele (50) and Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) were arrested for allegedly torching two houses and a bakkie belonging to the alleged drug lord and businessman, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong during protests.

In May 2022, the community members from Manthe village near Taung, embarked on a violent protest and accused Katong of murder.

It is alleged that Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood. The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung and Katong along with his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

Upon arrival, the group of men allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. Subsequently, the accused allegedly transported Mothibedi to Manthe clinic where he was declared dead on his arrival.

Meanwhile, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng, who is representing all seven accused said, his clients are out on R500 bail each and charged with three counts of arson including looting.

“When we discuss the matter from a legal point of view, there is what we call a recent possession. For example, you burn the house now and you are arrested immediately. However, the incident took place three months ago, and only now, have the police arrested my clients.

“In actual fact, it took them three months to make arrests. All along, the police went out to look for statements, which might be true or not,” he said.

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