Picture: A nurse, Iris Mohokare found murdered in Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A nurse was found murdered in her rented room in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. The lifeless body of Iris Mohokare, 47, who was a Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found on Thursday with her throat slit.
According to information, the gruesome event was discovered by the deceased’s landlord in the early hours of Thursday morning.
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.”
Picture: The deceased, Reotshepile Medichane/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The family of Reotshepile Medichane said her death left them crestfallen. Medichane was allegedly severely assaulted and left to die. The incident took place at Manokwane village, near Taung on 8 October 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the police were called after a case of assault was reported on Sunday.
“On 9 October 2022, the police of Taung were requested to attend to an assault after a victim of the assault was rushed to the Taung District Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, they found a victim, who was severely assaulted and suffered head injuries.
“According to information provided, the victim was found at her place of residence in Manokwane village by her mother who ensured that she was taken to hospital,” van Rooyen said.
She said, Medichane passed away on Wednesday and her death was linked to the assault that she suffered. Van Rooyen further said a case of murder was opened and is currently under investigation.
She added: “No suspect has been arrested and investigation into the murder continues. Anyone who can assist the police with information can contact the Taung Detectives on 053 994 9255.”
Picture: The murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some aggrieved community members in Manthe village, near Taung, threatened to march to the Taung Police Station. This comes after the murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong (31) was seen walking ‘freely’ with three detectives at Taung Mall last week Saturday.
It is alleged that, Katong had challenges with his bank card and he was escorted to the bank to fix it.
However, this did not sit well with some community members. One of the dazed residents said the ‘incident’ confirms their suspicions that Katong is receiving ‘special’ treatment at Taung Police Station.
“Firstly, we are not happy at all regarding the special treatment these alleged murderers continue to endure. Our police are so incompetent and we cannot let anything pass them by.
“We were so startled to see Katong walking around with police instead of being incarcerated. Secondly, why the accused are kept at Taung Police Station holding cells, instead of being at the correctional services facilities?”
Katong was arrested along with his brother, Phenyo, Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) after they allegedly killed Thabiso “W” 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 preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him to Manthe village.
Upon arrival, they allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by the accused for medical attention.
However, the deceased was certified dead and a murder case was opened.
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 18 October 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the accused was booked out. The station management is currently trying to establish what necessitated the action. We will therefore respond fully soon after establishing the facts.”
Taung Cultural Calabash which was scheduled to take place on 15 October 2022, has been postponed indefinitely. The event was brought to a grinding halt after the boycott of the aggrieved local artists and business people.
These individuals alleged that the bidding adjudication process was flawed and accused the North West Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation (ASCR) and Mmabana Foundation of corruption and favouritism.
A whopping R4 million was allocated for the event during this financial year.
The TCC was established back in 1994 as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.
However, it was marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet to pull the plug.
One of the local business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, the event was supposed to encompass the culture and heritage of the community, instead it has lost its value.
Nkonyana further said, the event was also supposed to create job opportunities for local people, but it does not serve that purpose anymore because it has been ‘hijacked’ by criminals.
“We are happy that the event has been postponed. We have been trying in vain to have consultative engagements with the ASCR and Mmabana Foundation to iron out our grievances, however, our plea fell on deaf ears.
“There is a discrepancy in the awarding of the tender, so we called on Mmabana Foundation to conduct investigations, especially from the supply chain management (SCM),” he said.
Nkonyana added that it cannot be correct that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events continue to be awarded to the same service provider over and over again. He said there are allegations that the local company, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos has been removed from the list even though it performed way better than the appointed service provider.
One of the bidders, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos, Kenosi Kehiloe shared the same sentiments. Kehiloe said even though they bid for the tender, they believe the tender processes were flawed.
“We did not even receive a call from the Mmabana Foundation to tell us where did we go wrong. We believe that would have assisted us because we will know where to improve in the future. However, we were surprised to see the appointed service provider having a piece of first-hand information before even the winner could be announced.
“So, we suspect that there might be a personal relationship between him and some government officials. It is also alleged that, the service provider submitted two different quotations of R3.5million and R6million using different companies,” he said.
Kehiloe also alleged that the same service provider wanted to pay semi-professional artists a meagre R5000.
Meanwhile, the Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kelebogile Modiselle said: “The postponement of the event emanates from the disruptions at the Mmabana Taung Centre. This is to ensure safety amongst all Mmabana stakeholders.
“The entity will issue out an invite to its patrons for a stakeholder engagement to try and find an amicable way to preserve the flagship festival. So, dates and venue will be communicated soon on the entity’s website.”
Picture: The tavern owner killed during an armed robbery in Christiana/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Geluksoord in Christiana said, they reeling with shock after the assassination of the Shack Attack tavern owner, Gerhardus Visser. A businessman (68) was allegedly robbed undisclosed amount of money.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the atrocity took place on Sunday morning.
“The police were summoned to the crime scene and on arrival, the owner of Shark Attack tavern was found lying on the ground next to a vehicle. Initial investigation indicated that Visser had been robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and was shot by four unknown black males.
“The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, but the victim, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries on the scene of the crime. No suspects have been arrested yet and the investigation continues,” van Rooyen said.
Picture: North West teachers awarded for their extraordinary efforts/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said it is important to award exceptional teachers, who continue to put extraordinary efforts in ensuring that learners excel in their grades.
Matsemela said this during the provincial 2022 National Teaching Awards (NTA) gala event held at Sun City Resort on 7 October 2022.
“The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers often in very difficult conditions.
“Such teachers, provide a better future for learners because the lack of quality education is a major factor behind many social, political, economic, and health challenges faced by the world today,” she said.
Matsemela further said lack of quality education also contributes immensely to poverty, prejudice, and conflict. She added that, the NTAs are aimed at motivating teachers to continue the selfless endeavours they make for the benefit of the country.
“As a result of the extraordinary efforts made by teachers under extreme conditions, the department with these awards pays homage to individuals who have demonstrated commitment, dedication, and sacrifice during difficult situations.
“We would like to congratulate the winners who will represent the province at the national level. As we all know the reason for our gathering in this prestigious event, it is to give a heartily tribute to you our esteemed teachers for your hard efforts in building learners throughout the years to be responsible citizens,” said Matsemela.
She said, they have witnessed the teachers’ avowed dedication. Matsemela said, the department hosts the provincial NTAs to celebrate selfless teachers for their remarkable deeds in the teaching profession.
Meanwhile, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District became the overall winner as the best-performing district and won a trophy for the district. The theme for the 2022 World Teachers Day is “Resilience in the Pursuit of Excellence”.
The National Teaching Awards gala event will take place on 20 October 2022 at CSIR, Pretoria.
The North West province winners for the 2022 NTA who will represent the province at the national are as follows:
· Ms Marakane Mokhele from Areitshokeng Primary School, Jouberton Township Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in Grade R Teaching category.
· Ms Lezeth Van Der Walt from Hoerskool Skoonspruit in Klerksport Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in ICT and Enhanced Teaching and Learning category
· Mr Tshwenyego Mokhukhwane from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School in Majakaneng Village, Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Kader Asmal Life Time Achievement Award
· Mr Bongumusa Mabuza from Reabona Secondary School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained the first position in the Excellence in Teaching Physical Science category
· Ms Silindile Hlongwane from Bothibello Secondary School in Bojanala District got the first position in Excellence in Teaching Natural Science category
· Mr Tebogo Mokwene from Mmabatho High School in Mmabatho Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category
· Mr Mzwandile Nduku from Refentse Secondary School in Delaryville, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained position one in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category
· Mr Ronald Sesing from Bophelong Special School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Special Needs Leadership category
· Ms Eldorette Havenga from Die Welge Special School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained position one in the Excellence in Special Needs Teaching category
· Mr Daniel Mekgwe from Tlhoafalo Secondary School in Sannieshof, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Leadership category
· Ms Tsholofelo Lechuti from Tswelelopele Secondary School in Itsoseng Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category
· Ms Dikeledi Sekopamotse from Platinum Village in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained the first position in Excellence in Primary School Leadership category
· Ms Christine Fourie from Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Excellence in Primary School Teaching category
Picture: The Hawks confiscated 15 AK47s in Stilfonteing during a raid on illegal mining/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Twenty suspects were arrested for being in possession of 15 AK47s, 6 hunting rifles, 2 shotguns, and R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money. They were arrested by the Hawks in a mining shaft in Stilfontein in the early hours of Monday.
The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said, the suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery to wit gold, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the immigration act.
Mogale said in a continuous fight against illegal mining, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in North West was assisted by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Management Section, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Harmony Gold mine embarked on an early morning raid at a mine shaft in Stilfontein.
“The operation follows weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities of the suspects. The operation is ongoing and we cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests and more seizures.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2022. The National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya lauded the excellent arrests and seizures by the multi-disciplinary team and warned that this is only just the beginning,” she said.
Picture: The dilapidated Kokomeng Police Station building/File
By REGINALD KANYANE
The residents of Kokomeng village near Taung call on the South African Police Services (SAPS) to do something about the abandoned dilapidating Kokomeng Police Station building.
One of the community leaders, Tebogo Motshebe said the building poses a threat to the community as something nefarious could happen there. Now occasional vagrants camp out in a dilapidating building, which is a ‘potential disaster’.
“In essence, the basic structural components of the building are hazardous. The electric wires are exposed, ceiling and roofing have dilapidated. Remember, this police station used to serve twelve villages in the Baga-Maidi cluster.
“Unfortunately, the institution was destroyed and burned down by protesting community members in 2018. The community members embarked on a protest demanding a tarred road between Molelema and Matsheng villages,” he said.
Motshebe further said, now criminals are taking whatever is left including roof sheets, windows, and door frames. He said, however, the relevant authorities are not doing anything.
“We have written numerous letters to them regarding this matter. The services we were receiving from this police station were essential. Now, people have to travel over 50km and pay R100 to Taung Police Station just to certify just one copy of ID.
“We can no longer afford this situation anymore. We need someone to assist us in voicing our grievances. We need the police station to be revamped and function again,” said Motshebe.
He also lambasted those who torched the police station because now residents must bear the brunt.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said they had satellite police stations in Freedom Park, Magogong, Majakaneng, and Komomeng, however, three of them were torched by the communities.
Kwena said, there is a time when they had to appear before the national Parliament Portfolio Committee to explain why there cannot be a satellite police station in Komomeng village.
“Now, because of the scarcity of resources, we are coming up with mobile satellite police stations, which are effectively implemented. The people who suffer the most are in villages because they have to travel to town to access police stations.
“So, these mobile police stations will move from one village to the other to address necessary challenges from community members. We will always move the resources where there are hotspots and priorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo, who is also MP said: “The old satellite police station was burnt down by community members after complaints that the police failed to attend to reported criminal activities and some police officers would often come to work intoxicated.
“The police station services atleast 22 724 people residing in Kokomeng, Molelema, and 10 other smaller rural villages. On 11 March 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Police and the North West Department of Public Works met to deliberate on the state of the police station. Promises were made to fix the police station and to rebuild it as a satellite station.”
Seitlholo said, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson promised that the committee would receive monthly reports on the progress of rebuilding the police station, but to date, no report has been received.
He said they will request the DA Shadow Minister on Police, Andrew Whitfield, to again write to the portfolio committee chair for an update on the progress of establishing a satellite police station.
“There’s been no response from the Provincial Commissioner. In the presentation to the Portfolio Committee, the commissioner indicated that the building was handed over to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for repairs and that the Sub Bud Adjudication Committee of DPW had a meeting on 4 March 2020 where the repairs of Kokomeng Police Station were approved.
“The DA, therefore, will request our Provincial Spokesperson on Public Works, Freddy Sonakile, to write to the North West MEC of Public Works and Roads to find out why there has been a delay in the repair of the station,” said Seitlholo.
Picture: Police in Taung arresting EFF councillor, Oratile Segosapelo at Batlhaping Baga-Mankuroane Tribal Authority during community protests/File
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Magogong village, near Taung demand a satellite police station. They said over the years, crime has increased in their area and that affects almost every citizen irrespective of their economic status.
One of the community leaders, Tebogo Morweng said, they had a satellite police station in their area, but it was shut down indefinitely a few years ago. Morweng further said, now crime is prevalent and they are planning a peaceful march to deliver a memorandum of demand.
“We are busy with petitions and we will embark on an awareness campaign. We will write letters to the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, and the Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele.
“The population in our area has grown and we need high police visibility. Also, there are some unresolved criminal cases in our area, so we will need an update on them. Most of the crimes committed in our area are contact crime and house-breaking,” he said.
Morweng said mostly, the community complained about stock theft, domestic violence, and house-breaking, which are rife in their area. He added, now people are forced to travel over 20km to Taung Police Station for assistance, which is too far.
“The community members alleged that, usually, the police don’t respond in time when called on crime scenes as they allegedly had no vehicles. They also complain about poor police visibility, while police officers allegedly utilised the state vehicles for personal use,” he said.
Kwena said: “We have a limited number of satellite police officials that, we are placing there. It is a fact that, more police officers are needed and it is part of our human resources.
“When you look at what the president and minister said at the beginning of last year, they talked about 10 000 police personnel recruitment projects. Those aspirant police officers are in the colleges as we speak.”
He added that, they will be coming out of the colleges around 15 December 2022 to try and address the shortages within the ranks of the police. Kwena highlighted that, they had a satellite police station in Freedom Park, Magogong, Majakaneng and Komomeng.
“All three satellite police stations were torched by the communities. We will always move the resources where there are hotspots and priorities. At no stage, we will have all resources that we need in the current situation.
“However, if there is a need, we have adequate resources to respond to those issues that might be raised. It is a fact that, more police officers are needed and it is part of our human resource,” he said.
According to Crime Stats SA, housebreaking is the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa. A total of 983 000 households experienced housebreaking incidences in the 2021/22 period. More than 41,9% of households are headed by women.
The second most common type of crime experienced by households is home robbery, affecting 155 000 households.
Assault is the third most common type of crime, affecting 99 000 households. Data shows that the experience of crime by households has increased for housebreaking, home robbery, assault, and murder. The experience of theft of motor vehicles by households declined from 81 000 in 2020/21 to 42 000 in 2021/22.
Picture: Some of students who are part of the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical program/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Department of Health bid farewell to 20 students, who are heading to Cuba to study medicine through the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical program. The Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical program is aimed at training disadvantaged African black medical students in Cuba in order to meet the needs of rural and urban populations across the country.
One of the students, Omogolo Moopelwa (19) from Choseng village near Taung said, she feels privileged to be part of this program. Moopelwa said there were many individuals who applied for the program, but unfortunately, they did not make it.
“I do not feel lucky but blessed because it has always been my dream to become a medical doctor. This should be a motivation by itself that, now my dream is manifesting into reality. I was raised by a single mother because my father passed away when I was only 4.
“I finished my matric at Choseng Secondary School and aims to bring the necessary changes into my community after finishing my course. So, I have realised that there is a shortage of medical doctors, especially in rural areas and that might be one of the contributing factors to poor services in various healthcare facilities,” she said.
Another student, Omphemetse Gabogope (23), who is also from Choseng village, near Taung shared the same sentiments. Gabogope said, indeed this is a golden opportunity for him and he will work hard to achieve his mark.
“Indeed, God is great because only a few people get this kind of opportunity in their lifetime. So, I cannot blow it away because in most cases, there are challenges marring healthcare centres, especially in rural areas. I will study hard and ensure that I do my work diligently as a medical doctor,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, who was the keynote speaker during the valediction event said, these beneficiaries have been selected from across all four districts and will be placed under internship upon graduation.
He further said, they will also embark on community service programs at various health facilities as part of servicing their bursary obligation. The North West Department of Health has participated in the program since its inception in 1998 and to date, 407 graduates have been produced under this initiative.
“Students should know the reason for their going to Cuba. They are going there to study not for leisure purposes. People cannot complain about the living conditions in Cuba, but just take a look across the province and tell me what you see.
“You may have difficult conditions in Cuba, but what is not said is the reasons. It is because of the long-known location by US government because they do not have supplied content. So, living conditions in Cuba are imposed by their difference with the US government on ideological questions of their state,” Sambatha said.
He said five years from now, these students will be expected to be in South Africa. Sambatha said it should not be difficult to keep focus for five years.
“The aim of this program is to ensure that the families of these individuals are released from the bondage of poverty. The living conditions in Cuba are like any other living conditions in any South African university.
“Cuba is a socialist country and these students are not there for leisure. What is needed is commitment and the only way to liberate ourselves from poverty is through education. We have a high rate of unemployment in South Africa and this is a great opportunity for them,” he said.
He added that, the skills that these students will acquire from Cuba are the same as those from the local universities, but the medical training in Cuba is more community orientated. Sambatha who failed to provide figures on how much they have budgeted for the program said, this is a bilateral agreement, which means it includes a national and provincial budget.
“North West is one of the provinces with a lesser number of doctors available and this program will assist us. In the coming five years, we may have our own medical university. We are working with the North West University (NWU),” he said.
The Guardian 