Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mokgatlho o eseng wa puso wa Relebone Young People’s Organisation wa kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng gaufi le Taung, o tlhotse o tshwere keteko-moletlo wa ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya basadi le bana mo letsatsing la gompieno. Sebui segolo kwa moletlong o, ene ele mokgogo wa sekolo-potlana sa Setshwarapelo, Obed Sekawana.

Sekawana o rotlweditse thata gore go nne le tekatekano magareng ga bo rre le bomme. Gape o ikuetse go borre go se dirise maatla a bone go ka gatelela bomme.

“Go sa utlwaneng le go nna le dikakanyo tse di farologaneng ga go neele ope maatla a go ka keteka. Borre ba le bantsi ba na le go bua puo ya gore, o mang gore o katla go nkganetsa mo gaaka?

“Gape, ba feleletsa ba re ke bone ditlhogo tsa malapa. Fela, nnete ke gore ga re gane gore rre ke tlhogo, mme re kopa gore re lebelele seemo sa tlhogo gore ke se se ntseng jang. Noga ena le thamo, mme e itse metsamao yotlhe ya tlhogo,” Sekawana wa tlhalosa.

O kaile fa tlhogo e ka seke ya sheba go sele, mme thamo e seo. Gape, Sekawana are, ga gona gore tlhogo e ka nagana sengwe, mme thamo e seo.

“Jaanong, ha o le rre o le tlhogo, itse gore mosadi ke thamo. Mo tlotle fa ana le maikutlo a farologaneng le a gago, gonne bobedi bo bolaya noga. Re tshwanelwa ke gore re rate basadi ba ba rona ga mmogo le bomme ba. Bare Modimo ha fetsa go tlhola sengwe le sengwe mo lefatsheng, o ile a bopa Adam.

“Mme ene ya re a lemoga gore Adam o jewa ke bodutu, one a mo direla molekane eleng Efa go tswa mo legopong la gagwe. Rona re le borre, re a patelesega gore re fetole tsela e re akanyang ka yone. Fela, seo se tla diragala fa re ka simolola go tsaya batho ba bo mme ka go lekana mo ditseleng tsotlhe tsa botshelo,” Sekawana wa tlhaosa.

Are jaaka setshaba, ba na le kgwetlho e kgolo ya go ka godisa bana ba basimane le go ba ruta gore basimane le basetsanyana ba lekana. Sekawana are ngwana wa mosetsanyana ga tlhodiwa go nna mmotlana go ngwana wa mosimane.     

Motsamaise wa setheo, Charity Kujane o kaile fa moletlo o, ele wa ngwaga le ngwaga. Kujane are ba tlhomile setheo se ka ngwaga wa 2019, mme o kwadisitswe semmuso.

“Maitlhomo le maikaelelo a mokgatlho o wa rona, ke go thusa bana ba dingwaga tse dileng magareng ga 13-25 gore ba kgone go ribolola bokgoni jwa bone. Gape, re leka le go ema kgatlhanong le dikgwetlho tse di amang matshelo a bone jaaka tiriso e botlhatswa ya diritibatsi, tshotlhakako ya bong le tse dingwe.

“Mo letsatsing la gompieno, mokgatlho o ketikile tlhomo semmuso ya matsatsi ale some-thataro kgatlhanong le tshotlhakako ya bong, segolo bogolo mo basading le mo baneng. Gareng ga batsenela moletlo go ne go na le kemedi go tswa kwa kgotlha-theo molao ya bosetshaba, Bridget Tlhomelang,” Kujane wa tlhalola.

Kgabagare, mokhuduthamaga wa katlatlelo-leago mo Bokone Bophirima, Boitumelo Moiloa are: “Dipalopalo tsa ditshotlakako kgatlhanong le basadi le bana di ntse di fokotsega. Jaanong, re tshwanelwa ke gore re eme ka maoto. Re ikuela mo go lona bagaetsho gore le bege ditiragalo tsa tshotlakako kgatlhanong le basadi le bana. Ha o itse gore moagisani wa gago o dula le seganka, ebile se dula fela se mo digela dingalo, se didimale, gonne ke maikarabelo a rona re le setshaba go ka begela sepodisi ka ditiragalo tseo.

“Le fa o sa bue leina la gago, go bega dikgetsi tseo go ka pholosa botshelo jwa moagisani. A re tlogele go fitlha ditiragalo tsa tshotlakaka kgatlhanong le basadi le bana, gonne ke rona re tlileng go lela fa mongwe wa losika a ka latlhegelwa ke botshelo,” Kujane wa tlhalosa.

O kaile fa dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako kgatlhanong le basadi le bana di etegela kwa sedikeng sa Ngaka Modiri Molema. Moiloa gape o kopile gore setshaba se seka sa fitlha batho ba ba tsweletsang ditlhekefetso kgatlhanong le basadi le bana.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The former employee of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) and a whistle-blower, Thuso Bloem might get justice after 11 years. Bloem, who was working at the embattled municipality as a senior admin clerk, was allegedly dismissed in 2012 after lifting a lid on the alleged corruption that was taking place at the municipality.

However, Bloem reported this matter to the Public Protector’s office. The matter was ruled in his favour and the Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s remedial action gave the municipality three months to reinstate Bloem and pay him all the money he would have received since 2012, had he not been dismissed.

Mkhwebane also instructed the municipality to look into strategic measures that will efficiently address employees’ disclosures.

Recently, the municipality appeared before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs after it failed dismally to implement the recommendations of the Public Protector.  

The Portfolio Committee chairperson, Aaron Mocwana said, this matter was brought to their attention through a petition. Mocwana further said, this is a long outstanding matter and the municipality should just indicate how speedily it can deal with the matter.  

“I became so surprised and shocked that every leader being the Premiers, MECs, Mayors, and political leaders in various formations have come across this particular matter, but failed to address it.  

“We have also visited the municipality with our legal team to verify issues raised by Bloem. This matter dated back as far as 2011 waring a certain municipality manager seconded to the municipality by the former Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the late Sicelo Shiceka,” he said.

Mocwana further said, the former municipal manager has allegedly misused the funds of the council in various ways. He added that, there is evidence attached by the former mayor to suspend the former municipal manager, Mpho Mofokeng.

“What is surprising is that, the municipal council managed to use the same information it received from the whistle-blower to suspend the former municipal manager, but failed to protect him.

“We want to understand, why the Public Protector’s findings were not implemented. Bloem’ suspension was irregular because he was suspended by Mofokeng, who was also in suspension,” said Mocwana.

He said the allegations raised by Bloem from SAMWU, were utilized by the municipal council against the former Municipal Managers, Meokgo Matuba and Mpho Mofokeng. Mocwana said it is alleged that Mofokeng spent R56 000 of the municipal council to fix his damaged car and irregularly awarded the tender worth R188 000 to someone ‘bearing’ the same name as himself.

“Mofokeng also allegedly hired a car, while he was still receiving a travelling allowance. These allegations including of Lazarus Mofokeng, who is alleged to be the cousin of Mofokeng, were utilized to suspend the former municipal manager.

“The municipal council should not just deal with this matter in the simplest form, but should also take responsibility, which we will put in writing. It is a glaring case, where people are powers unto themselves. The municipality was supposed to either allow this person to come back to work or reach an agreement,” said Mocwana.

He also suggested that, the municipality should take Bloem in for a psychological assessment because he does not look fine.    

Meanwhile, the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “The report that we brought before the committee, was just to indicate that the municipality has decided to take the Public Protector’s findings regarding this case into a review. However, we think it will be a futile exercise after you have summed it up.

“I must say as the leadership of the municipality that, what the former municipal employee has been put through is degrading. However, it must be understood that this particular case has never been taken to council.”

Gaoraelwe said they were only made aware of this case as part of the cases that were on the list of litigation registrar at the municipality. He said, they do not see any problem going and revoking Bloem’s irregular suspension and enforcing the reinstatement.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

An arson case against seven accused from Manthestad village, near Taung was postponed to 21 February 2023 by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for further investigations.

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 and other three suspects 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.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A murder case against two accused from Modimong village, near Taung is set to resume at Taung Regional Court on Thursday. Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) were arrested for allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) in 2021.

They were charged with premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

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 in the furrow 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, who is close to the investigations said, the case might be provisional withdrawn. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West has also allegedly appointed a Provincial Task Team to 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 a dead end. The accused were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Service delivery is on the brink of collapsing at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). This comes after the municipal employees down tools on Tuesday over R2500 danger allowance.

According to these employees, the municipality should pay them R2500 for danger allowance, instead of the R1500 that was agreed upon. It is alleged that, the directors and senior managers have received R2500 as a danger allowance during the COVID-19 pandemic, while general workers only received R1500.

The GTLM’s acting municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane addressed the workers and said the council resolution is that, the municipality does not have money. However, things took a different turn when the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, who was also part of the meeting, ‘threw’ Makuapane under the bus and told employees that the municipality has enough money.

This caused mayhem as workers went berserk. They went to the streets and threw faeces and littered the Taung Central Business District (CBD) including municipal offices. They also vowed not to return to work until their grievances are addressed.

Video: Angry Greater Taung Local Municipality employees pour faeces into the streets of Taung CBD. The workers embarked on a strike over R2500 danger allowance. @Taung_DailyNews pic.twitter.com/o8zAjoaYju

— Obakeng Ice-T Maje (@IceT_) November 30, 2022

 

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) chairperson in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Modipadi Ruele said, the workers have taken a resolution that, they will down tools until the municipal council takes a resolution that is in their favour.   

“It is disheartening that these employees were at the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured that, there is service delivery. However, the municipality is now ill-treating them,” Ruele said.

The IMATU chairperson in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Goitseone Gill shared the same sentiments. Gill said, the strike was caused by the disparity in the danger allowance issue.

“We have realised that senior managers and directors received R2500 as danger allowance, while general workers only received R1500. You must remember that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decision taken that each employee must get R1500 across the board.

“So, our bone of contention is to understand why there was a disparity in the danger allowance. As IMATU, we want our employees to be compensated accordingly. What the workers want, is to be paid R2500 and we do not want to dwell too much on consequence management issues,” he said.

It is alleged that, the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagisho Mokoma was suspended for misleading the council over the R2500 danger allowance. According to the report, there was no council resolution that said, directors and senior managers should receive R2500 as a danger allowance, while general workers should receive R1500.

Azania Independent Community Movement (AICM), Tebogo Monchonyane said: “On Monday, the council was sitting discussing various items including the suspension of Mokoma. Now, what happened is that, the investigation report into the allegations of misconduct against Mokoma was tabled by Matshego Ramagaga Attorneys and Conveyancers as it was appointed to conduct investigations.

“The findings of the report are implicating Mokoma and suggest that she has misled the previous council. So, as opposition parties, we have adopted the report and called for a disciplinary hearing against her. However, the ANC councillors have declined the adoption of the report and suggest that the report be deferred for three weeks.”

Monchonyane said, what is surprising is that, the ANC councillors want Mokoma to return to work.  

The angry Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) employees down tools over R2500 danger allowance. @Taung_DailyNews pic.twitter.com/yNwSzUr9Ue

— Obakeng Ice-T Maje (@IceT_) November 30, 2022

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “Remember, the municipal manager does not speak as an individual, but the council resolution. If the council says there is no money and they would not be able to pay employees, that is the resolution of the council.

“However, where I am sitting as the mayor, I know that the municipality has enough money. But at the same time, it is only the council that should decide on whether to pay employees or not.”

Gaoraelwe said from an individual perspective, it is not fair what is happening to these employees, but he cannot divorce himself from the council resolution. He said the council resolution is binding, even as unfair as it is.

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