By REGINALD KANYANE
A man has been arrested for a murder of a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. Bongane Shebi (24) was nabbed on 15 October 2022 for allegedly killing Irish Mohokare,47, who was a nurse at Charon clinic.

Mohokare was just promoted to the position of Facility Manager two days before her untimely death. She was found dead with her throat slit open by her sister in a backroom that she was renting on 13 October 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the murder case was postponed to 25 October 2022 for a formal bail application. 

Mamothame further said, the accused became a person of interest after police received information while doing investigations, that he was spotted not far from where the incident took place walking on with bloodied clothes. 

“The police then started looking for the accused and ultimately arrested him on 15 October 2022. Upon arrival at the police station, Shebi informed the police that he wants to tell the truth.

“He was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that Shebi alleged that, he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession that, he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said, the accused also alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person whom he was with.

“However, the police’s evidence obtained at the scene, indicates that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commission of the crime. The police investigations on the matter are continuing, while the accused will remain in custody until the next court appearance,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said: “We are saddened by the brutal murder of Mohokare. It is shocking to continue to learn of brutal murders of women, despite the condemnation of these barbaric incidents.

“The new cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) continue to be registered with the police. We cannot continue in this manner and we must create safer communities for women.”

He said it is gloomy that, Mohakare was killed only two days after assuming her new role of ensuring the provision of dignified healthcare to the people of Schweizer Reneke and neighbouring communities. Maape highlighted that, communities need to protect women and children by fighting the scourge of GBV&F.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Monna wa dingwaga dile 40 o tlhotse a rototse matlho fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao ya mosadi wa gagwe. Go begwa fa Thapelo Mojaki yo eleng moagi wa kwa motseng wa Kolong gaufi le Taung, a ne a tsatsanka mosadi wa gagwe, Matshidiso Mojaki (36) yo a ne a sa tlhole a dula le ene ka sekere le go mo lobela dintshi.

Tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Diphalane e tlhola matsatsi ale 9 mono ngwaga.  Go ya ka se sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Thapelo one gape a tsatsanka ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana ka sekere pele a lebotsa phokoje.

“Re ka netefatsa fa mapodisi a kwa Taung ba batlisisa kgetsi ya polao, ga mmogo le ya go keteka ka maikaelelo a go tsenya dikgobalo. Seno se tla morago ga tiragalo e go begiwang fa Matshidiso a ile a tlhabiwa ka sekere, moo ebileng a feleletsa a latlhegetswe ke botshelo.  

“Go begwa fa moswi a tlhabilwe ke monna wa gagwe, Thapelo ka sekere. Go ya ka dipego, Matshidiso yo o neng a tsamaya le bana ba gagwe ba le bararo eleng basetsanyana ba babedi ga mmogo le mosimanyana go ya tirong fa a ne a tlhaselwa,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Go ya ka Mokgwabone, Thapelo Mojaki one a ikgorotsa mo tseleng le go kopana le moswi. Go kaiwa fa molatofadiwa ane a batla karata ya banka mo go Matshidiso, mme moswi one a mo kaela fa a sa e tsaya.

“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ntsha sekere le go tlhaba moswi, mme one a tlhaba gape ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana pele ga a ka lebotsa phokoje.

“Tiragalo eno, ene ya begwa kwa sepodising, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa mo letsatsing le le latelang. One a tlhageletse ka boripana fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno, mme kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokwaledi wa lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Amogelang Matuane are: “Jaaka mokgatlho wa rona wa sepolotiki wa EFF, re netefaditse gore go nna le lephata le le thusang ka dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya bong mo mokgatlhong wa rona.

“Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a lephata leno, ke go samagana le dikgwetlho ga mmogo le dikgetsi tsa tshotlhakakang ya basadi le bana. O ka ela tlhoko gore dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana digola letsatsi le letsatsi mo sedikeng sa rona.”

Matuane are, jaanong ha go ntse jalo, ba bone go le botlhokwa gore dikgetsi tseo di bewe leitlho. Are ke ka moo ba ne ba ile kgotlha-tshekelo ele maitlhomo le maikaelelo a bone go ka supa kemo-nokeng mo batswa-setlhabelong.

“Ha re bua ka tshotlakako ya bong, ga e diragale fela ko motho yo o sa mo itseng, mme le mogare ga malapa a mantsi tiragalo eo e tsaya karolo. Jaanong, re tlile go ema ba lelapa nokeng gore tshiamiso e diragadiwe kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.

“Jaaka EFF, re tlile go baya kgetsi eno leitlho go fitlhelela tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaaka mokgatlho, rena le bagokaganyi go ralala sedika, mme re ikuela go botlhe ba ba itemogelang tshotlakako ya bong go ka golagana le bone,” Matuane watlhalosa.

O kaile gape fa seo se tlile go thusa thata, gonne ba tlile go buisana le mafapha a farologaneng a puso jaaka lefapha la katlatlelo-loago le go netefatsa fa batswa-setlhabelo ba bona thuso.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Monna wa dingwaga dile 40 o tlhotse a rototse matlho fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao ya mosadi wa gagwe. Go begwa fa Thapelo Mojaki yo eleng moagi wa kwa motseng wa Manokwane gaufi le Taung, a ne a tsatsanka mosadi wa gagwe, Matshidiso Mojaki (36) yo a ne a sa tlhole a dula le ene ka sekere le go mo lobela dintshi.

Tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Diphalane e tlhola matsatsi ale 9 mono ngwaga.  Go ya ka se sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Thapelo one gape a tsatsanka ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana ka sekere pele a lebotsa phokoje.

“Re ka netefatsa fa mapodisi a kwa Taung ba batlisisa kgetsi ya polao, ga mmogo le ya go keteka ka maikaelelo a go tsenya dikgobalo. Seno se tla morago ga tiragalo e go begiwang fa Matshidiso a ile a tlhabiwa ka sekere, moo ebileng a feleletsa a latlhegetswe ke botshelo.  

“Go begwa fa moswi a tlhabilwe ke monna wa gagwe, Thapelo ka sekere. Go ya ka dipego, Matshidiso yo o neng a tsamaya le bana ba gagwe ba le bararo eleng basetsanyana ba babedi ga mmogo le mosimanyana go ya tirong fa a ne a tlhaselwa,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Go ya ka Mokgwabone, Thapelo Mojaki one a ikgorotsa mo tseleng le go kopana le moswi. Go kaiwa fa molatofadiwa ane a batla karata ya banka mo go Matshidiso, mme moswi one a mo kaela fa a sa e tsaya.

“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ntsha sekere le go tlhaba moswi, mme one a tlhaba gape ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana pele ga a ka lebotsa phokoje.

“Tiragalo eno, ene ya begwa kwa sepodising, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa mo letsatsing le le latelang. One a tlhageletse ka boripana fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno, mme kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokwaledi wa lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Amogelang Matuane are: “Jaaka mokgatlho wa rona wa sepolotiki wa EFF, re netefaditse gore go nna le lephata le le thusang ka dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya bong mo mokgatlhong wa rona.

“Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a lephata leno, ke go samagana le dikgwetlho ga mmogo le dikgetsi tsa tshotlhakakang ya basadi le bana. O ka ela tlhoko gore dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana digola letsatsi le letsatsi mo sedikeng sa rona.”

Matuane are, jaanong ha go ntse jalo, ba bone go le botlhokwa gore dikgetsi tseo di bewe leitlho. Are ke ka moo ba ne ba ile kgotlha-tshekelo ele maitlhomo le maikaelelo a bone go ka supa kemo-nokeng mo batswa-setlhabelong.

“Ha re bua ka tshotlakako ya bong, ga e diragale fela ko motho yo o sa mo itseng, mme le mogare ga malapa a mantsi tiragalo eo e tsaya karolo. Jaanong, re tlile go ema ba lelapa nokeng gore tshiamiso e diragadiwe kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.

“Jaaka EFF, re tlile go baya kgetsi eno leitlho go fitlhelela tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaaka mokgatlho, rena le bagokaganyi go ralala sedika, mme re ikuela go botlhe ba ba itemogelang tshotlakako ya bong go ka golagana le bone,” Matuane watlhalosa.

O kaile gape fa seo se tlile go thusa thata, gonne ba tlile go buisana le mafapha a farologaneng a puso jaaka lefapha la katlatlelo-loago le go netefatsa fa batswa-setlhabelo ba bona thuso.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung Magistrate’s Court has postponed a murder case against four men from Manthe village in Taung until 15 February 2023. The alleged drug lord and businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested a few months ago in connection with the brutal murder of the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.

“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”

The case has been postponed for a possible pre-trial date. The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) is also expected to engage with various state witnesses.

Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022. Four individuals linked to the arson and looting cases were arrested.  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against a man from Mokgareng village, near Taung is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. Xolani “MacGyver” Sotshantsha was arrested a few months ago after he allegedly shot and killed a driver of Ramos Supermarket during an armed robbery.

According to information, Sotshantsha allegedly robbed the driver of an undisclosed amount of money. The incident took place along the Reivilo road that passes through Mokgareng village. Sotshantsha allegedly had information about the driver, who just collected money from a supermarket in Reivilo and was supposed to deliver it to his employers at Ramos Supermarket in Taung Central Business District (CBD).

He allegedly stopped the vehicle, shot and killed the deceased who failed to cooperate during the armed robbery. Sotshantsha is expected to do a formal bail application.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four men from Manthe village in Taung is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The alleged drug lord Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested a few months ago in connection with the brutal murder of the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.

“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”

The deceased’ sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said: “It is difficult to see my brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. Even though Thabiso was not perfect, he was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.

“So, what happened to him is inhumane. We call on the justice system to deal harshly with the perpetrators. It is not only Thabiso’s life that has been lost because of drugs but so many lives of young people are being destroyed on a daily basis.”

She alleged that the perpetrators used her brother and killed him afterward.

Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 10 female learners at Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng village, near Taung are up in arms after the school principal, Lerato Lamola, and her deputy, Maria Mocumi ordered them to ‘undo’ their hairstyles or leave the school premises.

The incident over hairstyles took place last week Thursday. One of the aggrieved learners, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We feel wrongly excluded over our hair. We were ordered to remove hairstyles like retro-chic looks, twin buns, and natural hair braids without using hairpieces, top knots, and boho braids.

“The principal and her deputy alleged that these kinds of hairdos are not allowed in the school. We think the school system has a problem with afro-textured hair. However, we are going to stand up against this wrongfully misplaced mentality. We now fear that this could be used against us at the end of the year.”

Another learner said, the hairstyles they have done are more effective and safe time, so teachers should stop stigmatising their hair. She further said those hairstyles are a necessary protective method for the maintenance and upkeep of afro hair.

“We continue to be penalised, often in the harshest possible ways for having afro hair. However, we say enough is enough against this discrimination. Even though we know that, this could be used against us at the end of the year, we will never be gagged for speaking the truth,” she said.

It is alleged that, a few weeks ago, a Grade 12 learner was deeply embarrassed in front of other learners by the same principal and her deputy simply because of her afro hair. The learners said an embarrassed learner was forced to straighten up her hair simply because teachers deem afro hair as deviant.  

“Teachers should understand that, we are black and they should stop with their draconian policies against afro hairstyles in schools. They are doing this to appease their gamut of 19^th century, which is racist ideologies,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The principal does not know of any new incident at the school. The only incident she recalls happened a while ago and it involves a Grade 12 learner.

“She came to school with a “Maphondo” hairstyle using brown pantyhose. The learner was requested to comb out the hair as it was not acceptable according to the school policy. She duly complied and the class was normalised.”

Malindi said the policy of the school allows only hairstyles using normal own natural hair and learners are continuously reminded about the school policy.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the brutal killing of a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. Iris Mohokare, 47, who was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found murdered at her rented place on Thursday last week with her throat slit open.

The North West MEC for Department of Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the atrocity and said Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role. 

“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. We condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. We also appeal to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged killer to contact the police. 

“It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals, who prey on women and young girls,” he said.

Sambatha sent his heartfelt condolences messages to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.

“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 39-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery and kidnapping by Vryburg Regional Court. On August 2021, William Mustafa was arrested after he followed a business owner (38), who just closed his business in Vryburg Central Business District (CBD) until he reached his home in Kismet Park, Vryburg.  

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The business owner, who was accompanied by his brother, realised that they are being followed. They were about to enter their yard when they were approached by three unknown men, who pointed them with a firearm.

“They instructed them to get out of their vehicle. The accused tied them up, then forced the victims into their vehicle and drove off with them to the direction of Stella along the N18 road. A vehicle was stopped after approximately 5 kilometres and the victims were instructed to get out before being robbed of their cell phones.”

Van Rooyen further said the victim’s brother was left with one of the suspects to guard him. She added that the business owner was taken back to his residence in Kismet Park, where he was robbed of R28 000. 

“The victim managed to report the incident to the police the same evening. During the investigation, the accused was positively linked to the incident through fingerprints and ultimately arrested at a business robbery scene.

“The business owner’s cell phone was also found in his possession. He was arrested for business robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods including kidnapping. Mustafa, who has been in detention since his arrest was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.

Mustafa was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Eric Jacobs of Vryburg Detectives and prosecution for their collaborative efforts that led to the sentence, which he said will serve as a deterrent.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Over 80 000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fire in Ganyesa and other parts of Northern Cape. The hectares of agriculture were destroyed following runaway veld fires that started last week. 

The chairperson of Tsa Bophirima Farming Corporation, Tebogo Mokgejane said, farmers have lost most of their grazing camps and livestock due to the uncontrollable veld fires.

“Some of Tsa Bophirima farmers are affected and it is a great loss to us as well. The effect of these fires will have a significant bearing on our livestock production program. We sympathise with all affected farmers and we would like to call upon our government to assist them.

“We also urge the government to assist with firefighting equipment and prevention programs. We would like to send our sincere appreciation to everyone who assisted in extinguishing these fires since Thursday and all support provided,” he said.

Mokgejane further said, they saw people as far as Wolmaranstad, Taung, Vryburg, and Kuruman flocking into the affected areas around Ganyesa and offering assistance. He added that farmers will overcome this turbulence like many other farming challenges they faced.

“Let us not be demoralised as we have a great responsibility for food production and security. As difficult as it is, let’s soldiers on and we also appeal to the public to help us prevent these fires by avoiding deliberate fire setting, children playing with matches, improper household ashes disposal, smoking, and throwing cigarettes on and near the dry veld,” said Mokgejane.

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said as part of ongoing efforts by his government to contain fires ravaging various parts of the province, they have deployed three helicopters and one spotter to battle the runaway fires. Maape said this was done in collaboration with Working on Fire.

“The team arrived on 13 October 2022 and six fire teams Working on Fire from Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces are also part of that. The government is monitoring the situation and will on a continuous basis, provide updates to affected areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development is set to meet with the North West chairperson, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “We have learned with sadness about the devastating veld fire that has burnt down over 80 000 hectares of grazing land in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality areas and other parts of the Northern Cape.

“Fence lines, poles, kraals, and six water sources such as pipes and water tanks were damaged by the fire. We appeal to the NWPG to move with speed in containing veld fires as this will result in an increased loss of agricultural produce, reduced availability of food for both humans and animals, a reduced growth rate of vegetation, and threatening livelihoods.

“Most importantly, the committee pleads with the government and civil society to assist farmers with food for livestock. Most farmers use grass to feed their livestock, which has been affected by the fire.”

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