By REGINALD KANYANE

A 48-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Klerksdorp for killing his daughter (2). On 13 May 2021, Mokete Legodi went to his girlfriend’s home in Extension 20, Jouberton Township, in Klerksdorp and took their daughter without the mother’s consent, who was admitted to hospital at the time.

The family members who were taking care of the child assumed that Legodi would bring her back as he usually does, but later upon inquiry, he denied taking the child. The following day, the mother of the child was discharged from the hospital and embarked on a searching spree along with other family members, however, the results were futile.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the matter was reported to the police and a missing person case was opened. Furthermore, Mamothame said, the investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on 16 May 2021 and charged with kidnapping.

“This comes after he failed to tell the police about the child’s whereabouts. On 17 May 2021, the neighbours felt a bad smell coming out of Legodi’s house in Alabama Township, Klerksdorp. 

“Together with the child’s cousin, the neighbours investigated and searched the house. They discovered a lifeless body of a missing daughter concealed with a black plastic bag inside the ceiling,” Mamothame said. 

He added: “Subsequently, Legodi was charged with murder, but in his defence, he argued that he and the child fell while he was carrying her. Legodi said upon realising that his daughter had succumbed to the injuries from the fall, he panicked and was afraid to report the incident to the police,” Mmamothame said.

Legodi also told the court that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The murder charge was reversed to become a culpable homicide.

“Legodi was also sentenced to four years for defeating the ends of justice. The sentence should run concurrently with the three-year sentence, resulting in six years of direct imprisonment. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal the sentence was dismissed,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Riekie Krause argued that, Legodi could have reported the matter to the police and sought help from neighbours and emergency services, however, he opted for the worst.

Judge Andre Pietersen, agreed with the state and further indicated that the community scowls over such offences. Pietersen also highlighted that, such incidents leave undesired psychological and emotional consequences within the family of the deceased.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their collaboration.

“This sentence signifies the need for parents to be the first line of protection for their children. It further teaches us the importance of reporting the crimes to authorities, no matter how difficult it may seem,” she concluded.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa morago ga gore sejanaga sa modiro wa Toyota Tazz se thulane le kara ya ditonki kwa motseng wa Mokassa gaufi le Taung. Tiragalo e, e diragetse ka Lamatlhatso ka 20:30 mo bosigong.

Go ya ka dipego, go utlwala fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz yo eleng moagi wa kwa Maphoitsile, one a lemoga fa kgarebe ya gagwe e tsamaile le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Mokassa, mme a ba baya marowa.

Go begwa fa ene ya re go ba bona, one a thula ditonki ga mmogo le kara. Go ya ka sepodisi, bapalami ba le bararo ba ne ba bona dikgobalo, mme ba tabogisediwa kwa bookelong go ya go bona kalafi.  

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aafje Botma wa tlhalosa: “Re ka netefatsa fa sepodisi se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa, mme bopaki bo setse bo tshotswe ke  sepodisi mo mokgweetsing wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz.

“Mokgweetsi one a le mongwe mo sejanageng, fa bapalami ba kara ya ditonki ba ne bale bararo.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Most schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continue to produce poor results. These startling revelations sent shock waves during the North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela’s roadshow in Vryburg on 9 September 2022.

Thirty schools performed poorly and obtained less than 70% in their 2021 Final Matric Examinations. The Greater Taung Sub-district is leading the pack with 14 most underperforming schools, followed by Lekwa-Teeman Sub-district with 11, Kagisano Molopo Sub-district has 5.  

In efforts to improve the matric results in the province, Matsemela said school principals were given an opportunity to present and outline their challenges. She said a team of experts advised them on how to overcome the situation.

“I also highlighted that, the underperforming schools are placed in the spotlight of the department. These schools are given special attention to get out of the trap zone of 70% by zooming into their problematic areas.

“These strategies have worked miraculously in the past. We know that, when they go back to their schools, they will implement them (strategies). These sessions paid dividends in improving the position of the province nationally,” she said.

Matsemela said, this year, the North West province is targeting to be amongst the top 3 positions in the country. She added that, the session lasted for two days as they started with the Greater Taung and followed by Naledi Sub-district.  

“The underperforming schools were also coupled with the best performing school principals to share best practices. The interventions are held under the theme of “Ngwana Sejo Wa Tlhakanelwa” loosely translated as “It takes the whole village to raise a child.”

Matsemela’s next stop will be Bojanala District this week to meet with underperforming schools’ principals.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two suspects aged 23 and 34 respectively, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Utlwanang Township, near Christina on 8 September 2022. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said police from Vryburg K9 unit were on patrol when they noticed a suspicious-looking man standing at his gate.

“The police approached him, but he suddenly became nervous. They requested to search him and permission was granted. The police found 30 Methaqualone(Mandrax) tablets in his possession.

“Then the police proceeded to the house, where they found the owner of the house. They requested permission to search the house and it was granted. During the search, the police found a packet of Khat weighing 22grams,” van Rooyen said.

She said the drugs with a street value estimated at R9000 were confiscated. Van Rooyen said both suspects were arrested and charged with possession of drugs.  

“The two suspects are expected to appear in Christiana Magistrates’ Court on 13 September 2022.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Four suspects nabbed for illegal mining in Stilfontein are set to appear in court. Kenneth Baloyi (31), John Khumba (23), Paulos Macuvele (44), and a boy (17) were arrested on 2 September 2022 by the Illicit Mining Task Team.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma alleged that police held an operation on Friday morning at around 11:50am and observed a group of men, who were busy with illegal mining activities. Botma said the group allegedly ran away after realising that the police are pouncing on them. 

“However, four men were apprehended and they appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 5 September 2022. They were remanded in custody until 12 September 2022 and boy, 17, was processed in accordance with the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act No. 75 of 2008),” she said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena pointed out that illegal mining is a national priority and the police are relentless to ensure that those involved are brought to book.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Underage drinking continues to be a challenge across South Africa as the country has the undesirable ranking of being the third-largest consumer of alcohol in Africa and 6^th in the world according to the WHO 2018 report.

The statistics revealed that young people in fact start to drink from as young as 10. Now the Northern Cape police in conjunction with the Northern Cape Department of Education embarked on a “Sobriety Is My Responsibility” program to warn young people about the danger of alcohol.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the police in Postmasburg together with the Northern Cape Department of Education engaged with Grade 8 and 9 learners from Blinklip, Ratang Thuto, Postmasburg High School, and Shiloa Academy through this campaign.

“This is an annual campaign, which seeks to address social ills such as substance and alcohol abuse amongst the youth. The campaign kicked started on 6 September 2022 with public speaking on topics of peer pressure in terms of substance abuse and moral regeneration. Learners were adjudicated on aspects of understanding the topics and good presentation skills.

“The campaign is a proactive collaboration of the Postmasburg SAPS, together with the local Community Police Forum (CPF), Anglo American Kolomela Mine, Assmang Beeshoek Mine, Sedibeng Mine, Rufco Engineering, Northern Cape Liquor Board, and Liquor Traders Forum, Postmasburg Neighborhood Watch, Rhino Security including NKS Security and Tsantsabane Local Municipality,” he said.

Tawana further said, the campaign was preceded with a multi-disciplinary static roadblock on R325 on 7 September 2022 to address crimes such as transportation of illicit goods, stock theft, illegal possession of firearms, human trafficking, undocumented persons, and motorists who are violating the road traffic act.

He added that, the roadblock was manned by Postmasburg Visible Policing members, Tsantsabane Local Municipality Traffic Officers, Home Affairs Immigration Officers, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit members including the municipal speaker, and Northern Cape Liquor Board officials.

The Northern Cape Police acting Deputy Commissioner, Brigadier Hennie van Rensburg addressed the police during a parade prior to executing their duties.

“Traffic fines to the value of R15 000 were issued to motorists and high police visibility yielded positive results. Three suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and violating the Immigration Act.

“The police also conducted compliance inspections at taverns and liquor outlets in Danielskuil, Lime Acres, and Postmasburg, with the focus on enforcing the Northern Cape Liquor Act. The campaign was wrapped up on 10 September 2022 with a five-kilometer fun run by learners from local schools in Postmasburg,” said Tawana.

Meanwhile, the Aware.org Underage Drinking Campaign ambassador, Kabelo Mabalane said: “I felt it was important to lend my voice to this important issue because of my own challenges with alcohol and my role as a parent of growing children. I realised the importance for us as a society to be extremely vigilant, especially caregivers.

“Over the years, I’ve been invited to several interventions and when I point out to parents that they are enabling their children’s behaviour, the realisation is shocking for them. With its new underage drinking awareness campaign informed by research and a comprehensive marketing campaign, aware.org is changing the underage drinking is tackled.”

Mabalane said the campaign is built on the insight that people’s first exposure to alcohol is usually at a young age and enabled by parents and other caregivers. He said it hinges on a hard-hitting television commercial supported by digital, above the line and public relations efforts, with the tagline ‘Underage drinking starts long before it begins.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Thirty suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from assault, theft out of motor vehicles, and housebreaking over the past weekend in the Northern Cape. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the police in Kimberley and Postmasburg conducted wanted suspect raiding over the past weekend.

“The police were out in full swing fighting crime throughout the province and putting perpetrators behind bars for various crimes they allegedly committed. In Kamieskroon, Namakwa district, three males were arrested for drugs worth approximately R5000 and confiscated Tik, dagga, and mandrax.

“In a separate incident in Britstown in the Pixely Ka-Seme district, one male was arrested with dagga and mandrax worth approximately R10 000. The Postmasburg and Hopetown police held intelligence-driven operations and seized mandrax, Tik, and dagga worth R24 000 and also confiscated cash suspected to be the proceeds of the sales of drug dealing,” he said.

In other liquor-focused operations, Kock said 1310 litres of home-brewed beer were seized at four different houses in Slangpark and Hillside, Hopetown. He further said, three suspects were issued fines and one was charged with dealing in an illegal concoction.

“Roadblocks were conducted on various roads in Douglas, Campbell, and several other station precincts during which persons and vehicles were stopped, searched, and issued with fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act.

“The police will continue unabatedly with similar disruptive operations and ensure that the inhabitants of the province feel and are safe at all times,” said Kock.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A stock-theft case against the former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) will resume at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday for a formal bail application. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022. He is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.

Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation. The case is still on trial.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

All systems are in place for the most gratifying music festival, the annual Cultural Spring Fest in Modimong village, in Taung. The much-anticipated music festival organisers, Collen Moeketsi Mohapi and Kabelo Vincent Gaotlhaelwe said Modimong village will be a place to be on 24 September 2022.

Mohapi said the annual Cultural Spring Fest event has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception. He said this year, they have pulled all stops and their line-ups encompass A-list performers such as Metro FM presenter and club Dj, the sizzling Lerato Kganyago, and Patrick “Dj Kathapila” Seleka, who is a South African actor best known for his starring role as Katlego ‘Kat’ Petersen in the SABC1 drama series, Skeem Saam.

“Our event aims to promote a culture and heritage that will not only embrace African culture but also economize our very own indigenous talent by showcasing business through music and art.

“What is essential is that this event is hosted by the youth for the youth. So, the intention is to go beyond heritage celebration and we are looking forward to providing opportunities to the Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) across Taung and North West,” he said.

Mohapi further said, local vendors and traders, will also have an opportunity to sell their variety of products or traditional food at the event. He added that their mission is to stimulate the local economy by creating job and business opportunities for the youth.

“Our short and long-term vision is to provide local artists in Taung and its surrounding with a platform to showcase their abundance of talent.

“Remember, local artists and DJs such as Mr Buzz, Skhokho, Dj Fire, and others are part of the sweltering line-up too. We will also have exclusive performances from our various local artists such as Bakgaratlhi Ba Ngwao Traditional Music Group, The Groove Sessions, and others,” said Mohapi.

Tickets are available for this mouth-watering event at Computicket countrywide or Shoprite/Checkers at R120 for general and R200 for VIP.

The tickets will be R160 at the gates and only R250 for VIPs.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Baagi ba ba neng ba shakgetse ba kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng le Mokgareng gaufi le Taung, ba ne ba ikadima mongwe wa basimanyana ba ba latofadiwang ka go utswa dithapo tsa motlakase mo letsatsing la maabane bosigo.

Go kaiwa fa go utswiwa ga dithapo tsa motlakase ele tlhoba boroko mo motseng wa Lokgabeng le Mokgareng, mme seno se tlogetse matlo a le mantsi mo lefifing la mma ntshwarele ngwa ke ale.

Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Mothohela Motshabi are ga jaana, baagi ba tshelela fela mo letshogong, ebile ba ikutlwa ba sa sireletsega.  

“Re le baagi, ga re itumelele se basimanyana ba ba nyaope ba se dirang. Basimanyana ba, ba kaile fa ba utswa dithapo tsa motlakase tse di golaganyang matlo go tswa kwa dipale mme ba ye go di rekisa kwa scrapyard sa monna mongwe gatwe ke Mpofu.

“Mme se se re tshwenyang thata jaaka baagi ke gore, basimanyana ba, ba kaile fa Mpofu a reka dithapo tse ka madi a kanang ka R45 kgotsa R50. Jaanong, motse wa rona o senyegile bagaetsho,” Motshabi wa tlhalosa.

Gape Motshabi o kaile fa baagi ba mafelo a umakilweng a, ba tlile go kopana ka letsatsi la Tshipi ele go tla ka toga-maano ya go rarabolola bothata jo ba lemogileng ele botupi jwa nta ya tlhogo mo motseng.

“Ntlha ya rona ke gore, re tlile go kopana re le baagi ba Mokgareng le Lokgabeng ka Sontaga, gonne re kopile gore scrapyard se, se tsamaye mme go botsha fa mongwe wa sone a thibane ditsebe gonne se sale teng.

“Gape re itemogetse fa go na le dipanyane mo motseng wa rona ba ba golaganang le Mpofu, mme ba mo rorela mafoko gore ke bo mang ba ba neng ba bua ba reng ko dikopanong,” Motshabi wa tlhalosa.

A re jaaka ele baagi, ga ba tshabe sepe ebile ba ikiteile sehuba gore ga batle go letlelela bonokwane mo motseng wa bone ebile bodirwa ke dirathana.

“Nagana fela ntlo ya mogolo e tseelwa thapo ya motlakase? Gape sepodisi sa rona le sone ga se tsiboge, gonne fa ba tshwara basimanyana ba go le bosigo, kamoso mo mosong o tla be o ba ba bona gape ba sasanka mo motseng.

“Re ne re ikuela ko sepodising sa rona gore se re tseele tlhogong, gonne re le baagi re ka tlogana re tswa mo taolong ka ntlha ya dilo tse ba di dirang,” ga tlhalosa Motshabi.

A re ga ba itumela, mme ka Sontaga gone batla tsaya tshwetso ya gore go dirweng ka bothata jo. Motshabi are jaaka baagi, ba utlwile, mme ebile ga ba kgore boroko.

“Fa motho a sentse a robetse go le bosigo, fela fa utlwa sengwe se thwanya ko ntle, o tshwanelwa ke go tswa a ye go sheba gore a mme ga se magodu a thapo tsa motlakase.

“Ga re re ke setlhopa sengwe, mme rare jaaka baagi ba Mokgareng ga mmogo le Lokgabeng re tshwere bothata,” Motshabi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Aafja Botma are, ga gona kgetsi e butsweng ko sepodising kgatlhanong le mosimanyana mongwe o a latofadiwang ka go utswa dithapo tsa motlakase.

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