Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Kolong gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung. Go begwa fa Thapelo Mojaki (40) 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, gape one 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 maabane, mme kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e tlhola matsatsi ale supa, fa Thapelo a ka nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile.  

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 tshotlhakako 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 ka maitlhomo le maikaelelo a go 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

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayoral luxury BMW X3 will allegedly cost taxpayers R200 000 to fix. This comes after the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe who crashed the official SUV worth over R700 000 allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.   

According to reports, now the municipality allegedly wants to use R200 000 budget allocated for service delivery to fix the vehicle, however, this has caused an outcry within the council. Gaoraelwe, who was on leave and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road in October 2022.

Even though he alleged that he was with his ex-wife and two children, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that, he was with the ‘unknown’ passenger aged 31 in the luxury SUV during the accident.

Now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion of no confidence against him. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office. Nape further said, Gaoraelwe allegedly submitted a contrary affidavit.

“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against the GTLM mayor to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I move on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.

“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.

Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.

“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.

“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the

municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.

However, Gaoraelwe squashed these allegations and said this begins to raise a serious concern about the journalist conducting the inquiry, which is a matter which ought to be looked into and exposed if found to be fiddling to sponsor a certain negative narrative about him.  

“I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.

“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting,” he said.

He said as things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery. Gaoraelwe said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council.

“The speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings are not driven by motions or emotions. The issue of the municipality having submitted the accident report or not may be verified with the administrative arm of the municipality,” he said.

Moipolai failed to respond to our calls and WhatsApp messages before printing this article.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the information at their disposal confirmed that Gaoraelwe was with his ex-wife and children during the accident, however, he failed to explain why the AR suggests that he was only with one passenger.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four suspects aged between 37 and 61 who are suspected members of a syndicate are set to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday for theft and fraud. The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they tried to defraud a local man.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspects allegedly approached unsuspecting contractors and promised them tenders. 

“The victims would then be asked to deposit a certain amount of cash into an account in exchange for a tender. Reports suggest that on 2 November 2022, the suspects who pretended to be North West Provincial Government (NWPG) employees, approached a victim (53) and promised to award him an R58 million tender on condition that he gives them R40 000.

“Consequently, the victim deposited R20 000 00 and committed to paying the remaining money later. He then informed the police and the suspects were ultimately apprehended by the National Organised Crime Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives after trying to meet up with the suspect,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the units involved for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest. Kwena also urged members of the community to be vigilant of scams such as this one. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 38 YEAR-OLD MAN arrested for allegedly killing a five months-old boy with a spade. According to the North West police, a commotion ensued between the mother (16) of the baby and her uncle at Extension 4, Kgakala Township in Leeudoringstad on Saturday.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the uncle then went outside, came back with a spade and tried to assault the niece. Funani said, however, the uncle ended up hitting the baby boy whom her mother was carrying on her back.

“The baby was taken to a local clinic, where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital, where he died due to head injuries.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and applauded the police for their swift reaction that led to the arrest.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari for donating 20 animal-drawn carts worth R780 000 to Dibono and Manawa villages outside Mahikeng just in the face of poverty.

Last week, Lehari donated donkey carts to some residents and said these villagers use this mode of transport to clinics, shops, and learners who are traveling about 20km to school in Masutlhe village.

“Our government remains committed to touching the lives of citizens and focus on the rural areas of the province. This mode of transport has been used for years back.

“It is a very reliable mode of transport when you take good care of these donkeys. Please, feed them and maintain the carts too. These 20 animal-drawn carts were locally manufactured and created a number of jobs for the local communities,” he said.

Lehari further said, the appointed service provider, LKT Business Enterprises has transferred skills to two local residents, who will maintain and repair the carts for three years with the expense of being paid by the department, through the service provider.

The 2 seaters cost the department R32 500 each, while the 4 seater is R45 500 each.

The DA’s spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in North West, Freddy Sonakile said they are appalled by this decision.

“Instead of developing roads and transport infrastructure, building clinics and schools within reach of the community, the provincial government donates donkey carts.

“Lehari unashamedly arrived at the villages with his convoy of blue light German luxury vehicles to donate donkey carts to beneficiaries within the community to use as a mode of transport to clinics, shops, and a school, which is 20 kilometres away in a neighbouring village,” Sonakile said.

He added that this is an indictment on the government. Sonakile said learners of Dibono and Manawana are expected to travel in donkey carts over a gruelling distance of 20 kilometres twice a day, sometimes in adverse weather conditions, yet this department is also responsible for managing the scholar transport system in the province.

“Lehari has demonstrated yet again that the provincial government does not have a plan to address socio-economic injustices rural communities continue to endure, but would much rather keep rural villages primitive.

“We will submit questions to Lehari to explain the total number of carts to be procured over three years, the total financial cost of the contract, whether a feasibility study was conducted, and how the beneficiaries were identified and selected,” said Sonakile.

He said they will also ask the department what it will do to ensure adequate scholar transport for the learners of both Dibono and Manawana villages.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung, allegedly refuses to honour the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)’s verdict.

This comes after the school ‘unduly’ terminated the contracts of four individuals, who were working as Education Assistants (EA). According to one of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) beneficiaries, Karabo Morwe (23), her contract was terminated because she was pregnant.

“I applied for the programme hoping to get meaningful experience. However, I was so devastated my contract was terminated disruptively simply because I was pregnant.

“I was working as Educator Assistant and the principal said I was not fit to work. She also said she was more concerned about the health of the pupils and my safety. Even though I explained to her that being pregnant does not necessarily mean I am disabled,” Morwe said.

She said they took their matter to CCMA to seek recourse because they feel that the decision to terminate their contracts was unfair. Morwe said, now the CCMA has ruled the matter in their favour and the school must refuse to pay.   

“The school owes me R20 200 and I would be happy if the principal pays up. I really need that money because I have a baby to take care of now. So, that money will come in handy,” she said.

Another Teacher Assistant whose contract was terminated because of sharing a surname with an SGB member, Ontlametse Makgwe (26) shared the same sentiments.

“My contract was terminated in April 2022 because I shared the surname with one of the SGB members. The principal said there was a circular that is out and it said those who are related to any staff member, SGB or teachers should recuse themselves from the programmes.

“Unfortunately, I was sharing a surname with one of the SGB members even though we do not know each other. According to my understanding, the woman in question is married to the Makgwe family,” Makgwe said.

The North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the department has received the outcome of the CCMA and they have referred the matter to their labour unit for advice.

“So, if we challenge the ruling, it will depend on the assessment from the labour unit. However, for now, we can just indicate that the matter has been referred to our labour unit. The decision will be taken after that process has taken place,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, the CCMA Director, Advocate Cameron Morojane said: “The award in this matter was issued on 25 September 2022 ordering the payment by the respondent by no later than 30 September 2022. The applicants may approach the CCMA’s Vryburg office for further assistance in this regard.

“The enforcement of the arbitration in accordance with Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), provides an effective and accessible way to enforce an arbitration award, where the award has not been complied with.”

Morojane further said, the award can be enforced as if, it was an order of the Magistrate’s Court scale. He added that, Section 143 (1) of the LRA says, an arbitration award issued by the commissioner is final and binding.

“It may be enforced as if, it was an order of the Labour Court in respect of which a writ has been issued. There is no longer a need for employees, who have had awards issued in their favour to approach the Labour Court for a writ of execution in the event of the employer’s non-compliance with the award.

“An arbitration award that orders the payment of a sum of money, (e.g: compensation, must be enforced or executed as if it is an order of the Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend (33) in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect and the victim, who are both residing at Lotlhakaneng village had an argument on 30 October 2022.

Funani said the argument ensued after the girlfriend refused to accompany him to Kimberley in the Northern Cape. She further said, the boyfriend allegedly visited the girlfriend at her home on Wednesday and stabbed her in her upper body.

“He then fled the scene and went to his employer’s house in Matlhonyane village. Consequent to being told about the incident, the employer called the police, who arrested and transported the suspect to a local hospital after he told them that he drank poison after stabbing his girlfriend.

“The suspect is currently under police guard at the hospital and is expected to appear in court as soon as he is released,” said Funani.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident. Kwena congratulated Lomanyaneng Detectives for acting fast in arresting the suspect to ensure that he faces the full might of the law.

Meanwhile, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We agreed to develop a National Strategic Plan (NSP) to guide our national response, to coordinate the various sectors involved in the fight against GBV, to strengthen the state’s response, and to align the efforts of government, the private sector, and civil society.

“We decided to embark on a number of interventions to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in our country. The first step was the development of a GBVF Emergency Response Action Plan in 2019.”

Ramphosa added that, he requested Parliament’s presiding officers to call a special joint sitting of both houses of Parliament to announce the action plan. He said the plan was embraced by members of Parliament representing all political parties.

“This was a significant moment in that GBVF was seen as a non-partisan matter on which all political parties demonstrated their preparedness to act together to address this scourge.

“This was followed by the release in April 2020 of the National Strategic Plan, which had been carefully drawn up together with civil society. Yet, despite our efforts, violence against women and children continues unabated in our country,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

SIX men were sentenced to handed hefty sentences by the Vryburg Regional Court following a foiled armed robbery. Kagiso Jeremiah Mothibe (33), Benny Mooketsi (37), Khulekile Brian Maphati (38), Thabo Mokone (39), and Tshepo Charles Modise (49) were arrested on 26 July 2018 by Vryburg Public Order Policing (POP) after a tip-off regarding a planned armed robbery.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The accused were all found inside a BMW with a false registration number. The vehicle was parked opposite Capitec and Absa banks in Vryburg. Following a search of their vehicle, ammunition and firearms with obliterated serial numbers consisting of a Remington 9mm pistol, an Arcus pistol, a Glock pistol, a CZ 75 pistol, and an LR rifle were found.

“The firearms and the vehicle were seized for further investigation. The Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng took over the investigation.”

Rikhotso said further probing into the incident revealed that the vehicle that the accused persons were driving had been reported stolen in Mondeo in June 2018. She said one of the accused was allegedly also linked to another incident of hijacking.

“During the first appearance, the bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody until they were ultimately convicted. Maphati was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice.

“Other four accused were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the police for arresting the accused. Mbotho said this sentence will surely send a strong message to criminals.

The sentences will run concurrently.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 52-YEAR-OLD man from Kolong village, near Taung, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping a girl. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the evidence presented in court revealed that Ratiki Radebe raped the victim several times between December 2020 and March 2021. 

“Radebe is said to have worked at a cattle post near the victim’s home, and he would on various occasions request to charge his cell phone there. He would occasionally also give them milk at times.

“The victim’s ordeal was discovered when she spent a night at the accused place. She was later found next to a nearby river by a villager. The victim then reported her entire ordeal to her mother and a rape case was reported,” he said.

In mitigation, Mamothame said the accused said living with the knowledge that he took the virginity of the victim is punishment. He further said, Radebe told the court that, the victim approached him and requested to be his second wife.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She argued that the accused took advantage of the trust the family had in him including of the helpless minor.

Magistrate Bhuti Zulu agreed with the state as he found no compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from imposing life imprisonment on Radebe.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and Detective Sergeant Tolamo Ketlhoilwe for their collaboration in achieving a successful conviction.

“The protection of children against such heinous offenses is critical, hence a united front is necessary to root out perpetrators and place them in jail where they belong”, she concluded.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The chief of Barolong Boo Rapulana in Lotlhakane village, near Mahikeng, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). Seatlholo, who was the deputy chairperson of the NHTL for seven years prior to his appointment as the chairperson, succeeds her Majesty, Nkosikazi Dorothy Mhla.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated him. Maape said Seatlholo is well deserving of this appointment as he has demonstrated dedication and commitment to issues of traditional leadership, culture, and the development of rural communities.

“We are delighted at Seatlholo’s appointment as this is a great achievement for the province and the nation at large. We must remember that traditional leaders are custodians of our cultures and traditions.

“They are very important to us as a government, particularly in ensuring that we address a number of service delivery challenges in our communities. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Seatlholo has our full support and we wish him well in his new role,” he said.

Maape further said that Seatlholo will execute his new role diligently as he continues to relentlessly serve the people of this country. He added, the North West Provincial Government is proud of Seatlholo’s installation in this position.

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