By OBAKENG MAJE

More than two hundred households were displaced due to torrential rains and windstorms that ravaged the Rekgaratlhile Township in Stella near Vryburg during the weekend.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape visited the affected area and sounded the alarm over the dire conditions. Maape said those who were most affected were provided with refuge, blankets, and food parcels.

“As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), we have brought in assistance to the area. I was also informed that many people managed to rebuild their shacks, while others decided to stay with their families.

“So, the situation has been managed and people received assistance in a form of food parcels, and blankets including a temporary shelter. Now, we are looking at the incomplete RDP houses to see, if we cannot accommodate them there,” he said.   

However, most of those affected have since abandoned the shelter after alleging that, their belongings were stolen.  

One of the residents who were affected, Akanyang Mongale,35 said she stays in a three-roomed shack with her children, but part of it was blown away by a windstorm.  

“My shack was flooded and my furniture including the TV set was damaged. I’m struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The government officials refused to assist me and said I should rebuild my shack on my own because there is no money.  

“The government cannot just provide us with food parcels. We actually need corrugated irons/sheets to rebuild our shack. We also need RDP house. Unfortunately, we sleep on top of those food parcels,” Mongale said.

Another resident, Ishmael Moalusi, 34, shared the same sentiments. Moalusi said, his shack was blown away and he does not know where he will find money to buy new corrugated irons to rebuild it.  

“I do not know where to find money to buy corrugated irons. I am currently homeless and unemployed without any family to stay with. I have two children and they are still young, so I need help,” Moalusi said.

The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Jackie Rikhotso said: “The municipalities provided 200 blankets and 62 food parcels as well as cooked meals to those affected. The municipalities are also providing water as well as restoring power supply as some electric supply poles were uprooted, which also poses the risk of electrocution.

“By 30 October 2022 around 3pm, some areas were switched on. It is envisaged that the power supply will be restored in the next few days. Again the municipalities provided security to the community hall, where females and males were separated and to ensure the safety of women and children.”

Rikhotso said, the North West Social Development and SASSA have also profiled 137 families for the SRD vouchers of R1900 and by 3pm, 104 families were confirmed that they will be receiving their vouchers by 1 November 2022.

He further said the department will also provide 102 blankets and 63 food parcels by 31 October 2022.

“The department also provided meals this afternoon and this will continue during the next few days and the situation will be monitored. The elderly and child-headed families will also be identified and profiled.

“Psychosocial support will be provided where needed. The COGHSTA department has verified the damages caused by the windstorms to both shacks and formal structures. We are also verifying affected families against the list of RDP houses for possible occupation as some are rearing completion,” he said.  

According to Rikhotso, the full assessment and verification reports will be presented to the committee on 31 October 2022 with recommendations for the way forward.        

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Batlhaping High School teacher, who allegedly sexually assaulted a Grade 12 learner (18) was arrested on Monday. Lebogang Mooka was arrested by Taung police after an outcry from a Grade 12 learner, *Naledi Kenosi (not her real name) who alleged that Mooka sexually assaulted her on 15 October 2022.

According to the aggrieved learner, Mooka started to make sexual advances to her back in 2020, but the school management allegedly swept the matter under the carpet even though it was reported.

In 2020, Kenosi, who was doing Grade 10 at the time, was the admin of a Physical Science subject WhatsApp Group where Mooka was also part of as the subject teacher.

“It was on Friday night around 11pm back in 2020, when I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. So, I asked who the sender of the message is. But the person said, he is the school administrator and asked if I’m still a virgin.

“So, I told the sender that, yes indeed I am still a virgin. However, he insisted that I am lying. He then sent a message making sexual advances towards me,” she said.

Kenosi said, the message she received from Mooka said, kea go galela, (which is loosely translated as, I sexually fantasise you). Kenosi said, she responded to the message by saying, “I wonder what will the principal say about this inappropriate message.” she said.

Naledi said, she was surprised to immediately received a call from Mooka after she responded to the alleged administrator.

“So, he confessed that actually, it was him who sent me the inappropriate WhatsApp message using his other number. Then he begged me not to report him to the school management because he might lose his job.

“However, I told a family friend, who in turn reported the matter to my mother. My parents went to the school and a meeting was arranged between Mr Mooka, school management and me,” Naledi said.

She further alleged that Mooka confessed and apologised for his behaviour in front of the school management and her parents. 

“On 15 October 2022, I got level 1 in Physical Science subject. So during the break, I went to Mr Mooka to ask him why did I get level 1. He said I should come and see him after the break when everyone has settled down.

“Immediately after the break, I went to him and found him in a computer room. There is another hidden room next to it. He stood up and went into that secluded room and I followed him,” she said.

Naledi added that Mooka allegedly grabbed her with her buttocks and dragged her closer to him and demanded a kiss from her.

“I was so terrified and I did not even know what to do. Mooka said he would not let me go until I kissed him. So, promised to kiss him immediately after my final examinations.

“Unfortunately, he needed assurance, but I told him that, the only thing that he could do is to trust me. He let me go and request me not to tell anyone,” said Naledi.

She said, now her life is upside down because of this ordeal. Naledi said she could not even attend either the incubation program or the Physical Science period because she is afraid of Mooka. 

“I cannot even concentrate anymore and I do not think I will pass my matric. I become so emotional when I see him and I feel like my rights were violated yet the school does not care.

“I think he was supposed to be suspended with immediate effect pending investigations. I mean, this is not the first time happening and I do not know want he will do next,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said, they have despatched the investigating team from their labour unit.

“With regards to the concerning Batlhaping High School, the department has dispatched a team of investigators from the labour unit to go and investigate these allegations. So, we will be able to report properly after the labour unit has dealt with the matter,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafja Botma confirmed that, a criminal case has been opened against Mooka.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after he allegedly killed two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday. According to the police, a commotion ensued between the accused, Tebogo Morokgweng, and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35) and Joseph Loeto (48).

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, one of the victims allegedly owed Morokgweng money and he demanded it.

“The victim informed him that he was unable to give him the money and an argument ensued between the two. The accused allegedly stabbed the victim and the second victim tried to intervene, but he was also stabbed to death in the process.

“The police were called to attend to a crime scene and on arrival, they found two male persons with stabbing wounds. The Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene. However, Sima and Loeto were declared dead on the scene,” van Rooyen said.

She further said, two murder cases were opened and are under investigation. Van Rooyen added that Morokgweng briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

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