Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
Embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly crashed the municipal luxury BMW X5. Gaoraelwe, who was allegedly too drunk to be behind the wheel was with his ‘girlfriend’ at the time of the accident.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the accident took place 15km outside Shweizer Reneke towards Wolmaranstad on Monday afternoon.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a vehicle belonging to the mayor and a tractor involved in an accident. It is alleged that a tractor that was travelling toward Wolmaranstad was off ramping from the main road, while Gaoraelwe was driving behind it.
“However, Gaoraelwe allegedly tried to overtake but collided with the rear right side of the tractor. No injuries were sustained by the driver and the passenger of the vehicle and only damages to both vehicles were reported,” van Rooyen said.
She said a case of reckless and negligent driving was opened by the police and is under investigation. According to information, Gaoraelwe was on leave at the time and appointed F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti as the acting mayor.
Meanwhile, the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi, and municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry on why Gaoraelwe was using an official municipal vehicle, while on leave.
Gaoraelwe also did not respond to our WhatsApp messages and calls before publishing this article.
Picture: A minibus taxi bursts into flames on N18 road in Taung/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some commuters who were in a minibus taxi that bursts into flames on N18 road in Taung said they are lucky to be alive. It is alleged that, the 22-seater-minibus taxi was from Taung Taxi Rank ferrying commuters to Rustenburg when it experienced a mechanical fault.
One of the passengers, Wende Mooketsi said she lost her luggage during the incident.
“We are now in Lichtenburg on our way to Rustenburg and most of us (commuters) lost our luggage. The minibus taxi was engulfed by fire and we had to escape. We have not managed to open any criminal cases and I do not know what will be the next step. I lost my bag with clothes inside,” she said.
The Greater Taung United Taxi Association Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tshidiso Letlhaku shared the same sentiments. Letlhaku said it is worrisome because this happened just a few hours after the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula just launched the October Transport Month campaign today.
“We do not know what really happened because we were called to the scene. On our arrival, we saw the minibus taxi into flames and it is suspected that, the fire might have been caused by a mechanical problem.
“We are grateful that, atleast passengers escaped unharmed in the incident even though most of them lost their luggage due to fire. They managed to escape before it could burst into flames,” he said.
Letlhaku said, the affected minibus taxi was originally from Rustenburg. He said the driver was ferrying passengers to Rustenburg from Taung Taxi Rank.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, who was part of the October Transport Month said: “As the province, we always look forward to participating in this important and historic event, where we showcase our projects and the deliverables that we do.
“As the province, we will be replicating the launch and most importantly showing South Africa that, we are determined to ensure that there is service delivery in the transport infrastructure development and promotion of safety on all modes of transport.”
Molapisi further said, they will intensify their efforts in working together with all spheres of government through the District Development Model (DDM). He added that, they will also ensure that the transport model builds the lives and livelihoods of the people.
“We will realise this by rolling out new infrastructure projects to create much-needed jobs as we do the sod-turning activities tomorrow. As the government, we should strive in working together to realise our common objective.
“The October Transport Month gives all of us as stakeholders, especially government an opportunity to work in an integrated manner for a purpose of building a better life for our communities,” he said.
Molapisi wished all provinces the best as they are excitedly beginning their October Transport Month. He also applauded Mbalula for outlining the journey that he has taken.
“It is indeed important for us to be celebrating this achievement so that, we can showcase to our people what we are doing as the government. There is a narrative that, we are not bringing services to our people, but this is a demonstration that we are indeed changing the lives of our people,” he concluded.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “No criminal case that was opened as it was stated that the fire was caused due to mechanical issues.”
Picture: Former Vaaltar FM and socialite, Tshepang Seelo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against two accused from Modimong village, near Taung was postponed until 24 October 2022. Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, according to Taung DailyNews’ highly-placed source close to the investigations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West has appointed a Provincial Task Team to allegedly start investigations from scratch after a ‘shoddy’ work presented by the previous investigation team.
It is alleged that, so far, the police cannot pin any of the accused to the murder scene and now the case has hit the dead end. The accused will be remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
An arson case against seven accused from Manthestad village, near Taung was postponed until 29 November 2022. 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 and his brother, Phenyo (34).
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and accused Katong of murder. It is alleged that the Katong brothers, 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.
Picture: The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe along with his delegation assessing the situation at Deelpan during floods
By OBAKENG MAJE
The flood-stricken Deelpan community said they will continue to fight for what is rightfully theirs. This comes after some community members were arrested and briefly appeared at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court for arson, public violence, and destruction of essential infrastructure belonging to the North West Public Works and Roads department.
The residents embarked on a violent protest last week and torched the school. They accused the government of ignoring their plea after being hard-hit by floods early this year.
The houses belonging to many individuals were damaged and destroyed during the floods. This forced them to seek shelter in various refugee camps created by the government.
Now, on Tuesday, the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL)’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs will hold oversight meetings with the Office of the Premier, Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Department of Social Development, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Tswaing Local Municipality over the Deelpan Flood Disaster.
According to the Portfolio Committee chairperson, Aaron Mocwana, the committee was appointed as an Ad-hoc Committee that will analyse and assess the departments’ and municipalities’ intervention and relief of the disaster, which includes procurement matters and how the community was assisted.
“In May 2022, the committee conducted an oversight visit in Deelpan following a disaster, where floods damaged infrastructure which includes schools, roads, and houses,” Mocwana said.
The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality was accused of money embezzlement after it allegedly spent R7 million on water boots procurement. However, the executive mayor for Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe squashed those allegations and described them as distasteful.
“We acknowledged several media inquiries on the story that is making rounds on social media platforms alleges that during the Deelpan Floods Disaster, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality spent over R7 million on the procurement of water boots.
“I must say this story is discouraging and disappointing if you look at the amount of energy and effort we invested in the Deelpan Flood Disaster. However, let’s put facts to fiction and stated categorically that during the disaster, schools were closed and the decision was taken that, only matriculants will continue with teaching and learning,” he said.
Molefe said, they took a decision and procured water boots for matriculants, which was a small group of learners. He said the amount used by the municipality was around R16 900.
“The rest of the water boots and other things that we contributed and delivered to Deelpan was of assistance from various stakeholders. This was a plethora of assistance coordinated under the leadership of the municipality.
“There is no way in heaven that we would have spent so much money on water boots even if such boots were made of gold. We must state though that, there are millions of rands used by the department of community services within the municipality to procure what they ordinarily need during times of disaster,” said Molefe.
He added that the only mistake they made was to name all that was procured for the entire disaster in the district, “Deelpan Expenditure.” However, Molefe said that was corrected upon receiving such a report.
“We are clear that the expenditure for Deelpan Flood Disaster expenditure is not even more than R300 000. In fact, as the municipality, we understand that this story originates from our appearance before the Portfolio Committee chaired by Aaron Mocwana.
“They called us to respond to various issues raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). We responded to those questions both in writing and orally. However, in the process, they asked us so many questions and made assertions on various issues that they did not invite us for including Deelpan,” he said.
Molefe said, they made an assertion of R5 million and they were offered to respond here and there. However, he said, when they were to respond, the Portfolio Committee members argued that they were under pressure because of time and requested them to write their responses down.
“We said it was unfair because they raised several damning allegations and disrepute issues live about us, but when we were about to respond, they dismissed us.
“The committee has not invited us yet but continues to concoct and propel vexatious allegations about us. Actually, this is nefarious and discourages many of us who are committed to changing the narrative,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliances (DA) spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs in North West, Freddy Sonakile who is also a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) said they welcome the decision to probe Deelpan Disaster Relief allegations.
The Guardian 