Picture: A head-on collision accident that claimed lives/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges road users to be more cautious while using various roads across the province. This comes after over 60 people died in various car accidents in North West.
Yesterday, three people died in a head-on collision in Pudimoe Township, near Taung on Christmas Day.
“Eleven more lives were lost on the North West roads over the Christmas weekend. This brings the total number of lives lost during the festive season to over 60 thus far. On 25 December 2022, three people, two men, and one woman died instantly in a head-on collision in Pudimoe, near Taung on N18.
“In another fatality in Makhubung village outside Mahikeng, a pedestrian (28) was hit by a car on N18 at around 2am. In another accident, a woman (61), who was reportedly waiting for a taxi, was hit by a car that allegedly lost control at 10am in Dinokana village near Zeerust on N4,” Lehari said.
He further said, another pedestrian who was with her, was taken to the Zeerust Hospital with serious injuries. Lehari added, culpable homicide cases are being investigated in all crashes.
“Cumulatively, the figure is 20% less than the same period last year as 67 lives were lost by Christmas Day. All arterial routes in the province including regional roads have recorded higher numbers than normal traffic volume with N4 and N12 having more of them.
“So, we appeal to all road users to be compliant with all regulations. The law enforcement officers have been ordered to strictly apply the law, especially on moving violations as almost all fatal crashes are as a result of deviant driver behaviour,” he said.
A worried Lehari said, there is a growing trend of pedestrians who die from road accidents, and most are reported not to be sober during those accidents. He said in most cases, this happens during the night.
Picture: a boy who died at initiation school in Vryburg/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A boy (12) has died at the initiation school in Vryburg. It is alleged that, the boy was taken to the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital after experiencing complications. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, the police in Vryburg were called to the hospital.
“Upon arrival, the police were informed that a boy was brought in from the initiation school, which is 10km outside of Vryburg along the N14 road. The victim died after being admitted to the hospital,” Botma said.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela told Newzroom Afrika that, they are concerned about death tolls at initiation schools across the country. Bapela said, the police will crack down and investigate those who are responsible.
“We have assembled the National Initiation School Oversight Committee (NISOC) and we also have Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) across all nine provinces.
“The initiation is being practiced across all provinces, now, with this committee established, we will be able to engage with communities including parents and families. It is paramount for parents to take charge and ensure that they know where their children are going,” he said.
Bapela further said, this will assist in eliminating illegal initiation schools. He added, the police also have the law on their side and they are now able to charge those individuals, who run illegal initiation schools.
“In the past, the police were able to arrest them, but could not charge them. Now, the new legislation allows police to charge them. Unfortunately, we already have over 11 deaths and Eastern Cape is the most affected.
“In winter this year, we also experienced some deaths, but I am hopeful that next year, we will be able to prevent many deaths as possible. It is important for those who go to initiation schools to undergo a pre-medical check before being admitted at the initiation school,” said Bapela.
He also encouraged parents to ensure that, the initiation schools that they take their children to are legitimate. According to Bapela, it is difficult to monitor illegal initiation schools because most of them are hidden in the deep forests away from authorities.
“It is fundamental for parents to ensure that they know those who will be responsible for conducting procedural issues at the initiation schools. They should check if those individuals are knowledgeable about tradition and culture. They should also check if the school is legal and those initiates, who have underlying conditions will be allowed to take their medication.
“These initiation schools are conducted within communities, so it is not difficult for parents to identify them. We urge everyone to come on board and ensure that compliance is the order of the day.
He added: “We need to deal harshly with those who commercialize the initiation schools. Most definitely, we will investigate the initiation schools, where children died to check what was the cause of deaths and those who are responsible will have to account.”
Picture: The newly-elected ANC ward councillor in Ditsobotla, Sibusiso Thamaga
By OBAKENG MAJE
Most political parties in the North West call for the removal of the newly-elected ANC ward councillor in Ditsobotla, Sibusiso Thamaga. This comes after the widespread allegations that, Thamaga was amongst three men who were arrested for stock theft on 23 December 2022.
Three men aged between 27 and 37 were arrested by police for possession of suspected stolen goods. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the arrest was executed by members of Sannieshof Stock-theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit.
Mokgwabone said, the suspects were arrested after the police searched two private dwellings in Bakerville, outside Lichtenburg.
“They found two sheep carcasses and the latter were positively identified through tattoos. They were confirmed to be part of 24 sheep allegedly stolen between 17 and 18 December 2022 on a farm in the area of Bakerville.
“The two suspects were arrested together with another man whose cellphone was found in the kraal, where the sheep were stolen. Investigation into the matter is underway and all three suspects are expected to appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2022,” he said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and thanked members for their efforts.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson in North West, Fanon Moema said, they welcome the arrest of Thamaga. Moema said, Thamaga’s arrest corroborates their contention that, ANC is responsible for creating a fertile ground for corruption in all spheres of government.
“Today, ANC ward councillor, who was elected merely 11 days ago in the by-elections is already stealing from the community as opposed to improving the socio-economic conditions.
“The reluctance of the voters in some of the wards to deal decisively with the ANC, has done more harm than good to their livelihoods. We commend the intervention of the law enforcement agencies and the whistle-blowers in this matter. We will apply ourselves fully and attentively to the developments of this case to ensure that the accused do not enjoy any impunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West calls for the resignation of Thamaga. F4SD provincial secretary, Lenyatso Legabe said: “As F4SD, we are not surprised that the newly-elected ANC deployee turns out to be a thief. This is so on-brand, typical ANC and Thamaga is not an exception.
“This is the type of people the ANC offers as public representatives. Thieves and other characters of questionable reputations. We call on Thamaga to resign from the position so that residents can get an opportunity to elect someone else and hopefully this time around, the corrupt ANC will not win the seat.”
Legabe said, he expects the ANC to try and protect Thamaga, instead of making him account. He said, they know that the ANC has low accountability standards that are hardly enforced.
“Their recent national conference is proof that the party of Mandela has now evolved into a full-on criminal enterprise that chose leaders among candidates that have all sorts of allegations around them,” said Legabe.
*ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.
Picture: Revellers at DJ Nation Annual Bash event/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The much-anticipated DJ Nation Annual Bash event returns with a bang after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DJ Nation Annual Bash organiser, Monnapula “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone, who had an interview with a 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika said, he has roped in some of the A-list artists on the line-up.
Mokgwabone said, this year’s DJ Nation Annual Bash event’s edition which will take place at Taung Cover-ground on 28 December, will be bigger than it was in past years. He also encourages patrons to purchase their tickets to avoid disappointment.
“We started this event back in 2007 with only 200 people in a small village. But as things stand now, the event has grown in leaps and bounds. We had over 18 000 revellers in our last event back in 2019 and that alone shows that this event is loved by many.
“We have applied various types of marketing including word of mouth. Some of the people in the village, apart from those who stay in the cities, only see these big-name artists on tv or social media. So, I think it is a good thing for them to see these household artists live,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said some of the A-list artists who are on the line-up are Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Master KG and the list is endless. He added that, on previous occasions, the event was graced by international artists as far as Japan, USA and UK.
“There are quite a lot of challenges and some companies have shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, obviously, it is difficult to have to deal with new service providers as most of them charge hefty amounts because they complain that Taung is too far.
“However, in terms of marketing, we have used various methods to remind our people that, indeed the DJ Nation Annual Bash event is back. There are also some of logistics that we had to deal with including ticket pricing,” said Mokgwabone.
According to Mokgwabone, he considered the high rate of unemployment when doing ticket pricing. Mokgwabone said, one thing that he did, was to ensure that tickets are affordable.
“We should not find ourselves in a situation, where tickets are too expensive and people could not afford them back home. Our country is struggling economically and where we come from, is not like here in Gauteng, where you’ll find either City of Tshwane or Johannesburg support events.
“The event brings a huge spin-off to the district and the province at large. We also have people from neighbouring countries like Botswana and Namibia attending the event. So, the minute they enter into the province, they either spend on fuel, food, or accommodation,” said Mokgwabone.
He said, mostly, Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and informal traders benefit from the event either indirectly or directly including those who are looking for love.
Mokgwabone said many people are keen to have the DJ Nation Annual Bash event in their areas, especially in the cities, but he never thought about it because Taung is the home of the Dj Nation Annual Bash event.
“What I have done previously, was to have activations across the country like Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Kuruman. However, this year, there were some challenges in planning and other things. However, next year, we will start planning early with my team to ensure that we have activations across the country again.
“Many people across the country are keen to host us. It is too costly to organise an event of this magnitude and it is ideal to have sponsors around. Fortunately, I have been saving over the years and we are quite covered from all angles,” he said.
Mokgwabone said, all systems go for the event as he had a consultative meeting with various stakeholders and in terms of security, everything is running accordingly.
THREE suspects were arrested for possession of unlicenced firearms and suspected stolen property. Hamilton Radebe (46), Michael Kgwete (42), and Thabiso William Kgame (34) made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and their case was postponed until 29 December 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday after the police in Jouberton received a tip-off. Botma said the suspects were travelling in a white Volkswagen Polo driving from Wolmaransstad toward the direction of Klerksdorp.
“The suspects allegedly robbed a cellphone shop at gunpoint in Wolmaransstad on Tuesday, so their vehicle was spotted near Jouberton and stopped. Three men as well as the vehicle were searched.
“The police found two unlicensed firearms and recovered 57 stolen cellphones. All three suspects were immediately arrested. They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on 29 December 2022 for a formal bail application. The investigation into the matter continues,” she said.
More than 200 people have been arrested for various offenses during Safer Festive Season Operation Tlotla Molao thus far on 20 and 21 December 2022 in the North West. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the operation was held on 20 and 21 December 2022.
Mokgwabone further said the suspects were arrested for offences such as assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, burglary residential and business, theft of the motor vehicle, rape, contravention of a protection order and many others.
“Of the 299 suspects, 107 were arrested in Bojanala Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg), 100 in Bojanala Sub-District 1 (Brits), 66 in Dr Kenneth Kaunda and 26 in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.
“In another operation by detectives and visible policing to enforce the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009), 16 business owners in Rustenburg were fined for contravening various sections of the Act. In addition, police subsequently visited butcheries and the owner of the butchery was fined for contravention of section 7(1)(c) of the Stock Theft Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000),” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, still in Rustenburg, a team comprising of Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime and K9 Unit, arrested five suspects for possession and dealing in drugs. He added, that in the first incident, the police spotted two males performing what appeared to be a drug dealing transaction.
“As a result, ix zip lock plastic packets and one plastic bag were found in possession of Ihionou Chinasa after being searched. Consequent to the arrest, a search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed at the accused’s place where R7 100 and eight cellphones were found and seized.
“In the second incident, a man was arrested at a block of flats after being found packaging crystal meth with an estimated street value of R1 600. In the third and last arrest, three suspects (two males and a female) were found in a room packaging drugs (crystal meth),” said Mokgwabone.
He said a search was also conducted in a vehicle belonging to one of the suspects. Mokgwabone said during the search, 120 packets of CAT, two mandrax tablets and crystal meth were found.
“All accused persons, Ihionou Chinasa (43) Everistus Egu (36) Nelson Keledukwe (42), Jude Eze (36) and Refiloe Malwane (21) were remanded in custody upon appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. They will reappear before the same court on 29 December 2022,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for their coordinated efforts that led to the arrests.
Setheo sa Katiso sa temo-thuo, Taung College of Agriculture se tlile go rebolwa jaaka kholeje ya Thuto go simologa 1 Moranang 2023. Kitsiso eno, e dirilwe ke ba lefapha la Thuto e Kgolwane, Saense le Boitshimololedi (Department of High Education and Training).
Go ya ka rre Athenkosi Sibiza go tswa kwa kantorong ya molaodi-kakaretso kwa lefapheng la Thuto e Kgolwane, Saense le Boitshimololedi, are kitsiso e, e dirilwe go latela karolo 21 (3)(b)(i) ya molao wa thuto e kgolwane Nr 101 2997 jaaka o mametleletswe.
“Fano go neelanwa ka kitso gore ka 1 Moranang 2023, Tona ya Thuto e Kgolwane, Saense le Boitshimololedi o ikaelela go rebola Taung College of Agriculture e e kwa Taung jaaka kholeje ya Thuto go latela karolo 21(3)(a) ya molao wa thuto e kgolwane, Nr 102 wa 1997 jaaka e mametleletswe.
“Mabaka a thebolo e ya kholeje jaaka kholeje ya Thuto e Kgolwane ke gore, Sejule 4 ya Molaotheo wa Afrika Borwa e netefatsa gore thuto e kgolwane ke tshwanelego ya bosetshaba. Lefapha la thuto e kgolwane (DHET) le tlhamilwe go kgontsha neelano ka thuto e kgolwane e e momaganeng le go tlhalosiwa sentle, thuto ya ditiro mmogo le tlhabololo ya dikgono go dirisiwa ditheo tse di farologaneng tsa thuto morago ga sekolo,” Sibiza wa tlhalosa.
Gape Sibiza are, DHET, lefapha la temo-thuo mmogo le lefapha la ntshwafatso ya mafatshe le tlhabololo ya magae, a tsene go tumalano ya porothokholo go dirisana mo go mekamekaneng le maikarabelo a mokopanelwa a thuto le go dira mmogo go rebola dikholeje tsa setshaba tsa temo-thuo jaaka kholeje ya thuto e kgolwane eo e leng nngwe ya mefuta ya semolao e e akantsweng go molao wa thuto e kgolwane.
Are, kholeje ya thuto e kgolwane ke setheo se se ikemetseng se se dirang fa gare ga sebopego sa bobusi mo tlase ga lefapha la bosetshaba.
“Dikholeje tse, di tla letlelelwa go neelana ka ditifikheiti, dipoloma le digerata fa di fitlheletse ditlhokego tsa tumelelo ka khansele ya thuto e kgolwane, mme ditshwanelego tseno di kwadisitswe go letlhoneso la bosetshaba la ditshwanelego ke bolaodi jwa ditshwanelego jwa Afrika Borwa.
“Kitsiso eno e rebotswe go latela karolo 21(3)(b)(i) ya molao wa thuto e kgolwane, go gwetlha batho botlhe bao banang le kgatlhego go rulaganya ditlhagiso tse di kwadilweng tse di malebana le thebolo e e akantsweng,” Sibiza wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, ditlhagiso tsotlhe di tshwanetse go romelwa go kantoro ya molaodi-kakaretso, mme di lebisiwe go rre Athenkosi Sibiza ka emeile go Siziba.A@dhet.gov.za kgotsa ka tiriso nngwe fela e e amogelesegang semolao ya tlhaeletsano. Di tshwanetswe go fitlha go kantoro eno pele ga 16 Ferikgong 2023.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said his government will continue to ensure that efficient and effective service delivery to the people is realised. Maape said that will deepen social solidarity, and tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequalities as well as social ills such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).
He also took the moment to wish all citizens of the province a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous New year.
“The end of the year is a special time for everyone as it marks the end of the journeys we have travelled through the year. It is a time to reflect on where we are as individuals, families, the province, and the nation as a whole.
“The accomplishments and challenges of 2022 should inspire us to focus on new possibilities and future endeavours. As we note many milestones we have reached and celebrated, we also acknowledge the concerted efforts we have implored,” said Maape.
He further said, as the world is celebrating the end of a productive year and recharging for the New Year, people should do that responsibly. Maape added motorists should drive carefully on the roads as they cannot afford to lose any more lives.
“I, therefore, urge all road users to be cautious on our roads, obey all traffic rules and drive with careful consideration for others. Christmas is about the expression of love and compassion, a season of sharing.
“I call on all of our people to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our communities. As we go into the new year, let us continue to work together toward building a prosperous and peaceful province. On behalf of the North West Provincial government leadership, I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said.
Theetso ya beile e e potlakileng mo kgetsing ya polao kgatlhanong le motshameki wa maloba o diphatsa wa setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Mighty Boys FC, yo ga jaana eleng rakgwebo, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), e tlhotse e busiditswe morago go fitlha 10 Ferikgong 2023 ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.
Bakang yo go begwang a rekisa seritibatsi sa nyaope, o ikuela gore a gololwe ka beile ga mmogo le balatofadiwa nae, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31) le Phenyo Katong (34).
Bakang o letse a shadikantse matlho fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo le go neelana ka mabaka a gore, goreng a tshwanetse go neelwa beile. Magistrata one a utlwa fa Bakang gape a lebagane le kgetsi ya petelelo e a e sekang, mme a le mo beileng.
Jaanong, morrwa-rragwe Bakang, Phenyo Katong o tlhotse a neelana ka mabaka a gore, goreng a tshwanetse go neelwa beile.
Balotofadiwa bale bane, ba ne ba tshwarwa ka kgwedi ya Moranang 2022 le go latofadiwa ka polao e setlhogo ya ga Thabiso Mothibedi (35). Tiragalo e, e diragetse kwa motseng wa Manthe gaufi le Taung.
Go begwa fa Mothibedi yo go kaiwang fa a ne a goga seritibatsi sa nyaope, a ne a tsena kwa ntlung ya ga Katong, mme a utswa matsebetsebe a madi a balelwang go R20 000 ga mmogo le motsoko wa boleng jwa R600. Go begwa fa morago ga tiragalo eno, Mothibedi one a le botsa phokoje le go leba kwa motseng wa Longaneng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Capt Sam Tselanyane, o bega fa segongwana seno sa banna ba ba neng ba tshakgetse, ba ne ba tswa letsholo le go batlana le Mothibedi. Go kaiwa fa ba ne ba mo fitlhela ale ko ga mothakga kwa motseng wa Longaneng.
“Dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di supa fa segongwana seno sa banna, sene sa thopa Mothibedi ka dikgoka, mme ba leba le ene kwa motseng wa Manthe. Go begwa fa bane ba fitlha ba mo gokelela mo genereiteng, mme ba mo digela dingalo go utlwala.
“Dipaltisiso tsa sepodisi di supa fa banna ba, ba ne ba mo itlhaganedisa kwa kliniking ya selegae morago ga go lemoga fa a neela mowa. Go begwa fa Mothibedi a ne a netefadiwa fa tlhokofetse kwa kliniking. Balatofadiwa ba ne ba tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao,” Tselanyane wa bega.
Tiragalo e, e ne ya tshakgatsa baagi ba motse wa Manthe. Ene ya re ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ne ba tswa letsholo le go fisa dintlo dile tharo tsa balatofadiwa ga mmogo le go ja sejanaga sa bone sa mabaibai ka molelo.
Banna ba, ba ne ba tswelela go ka shadikanya matlho fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo makgetlho a le mmalwa. Fela kgetsi ya bone ene ya busediwa morago go fitlha di 15 Tlhakole 2023. Go kaiwa fa banna bano, ba ba kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, ba ne ba dira kopo e potlakileng ya beile.
Picture: The head-on collision accident near Taung Marble/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A driver (41) died in a head-on collision on the N18 road between Taung Marble and Taung auction on Monday morning. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, warrant officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the police in Taung were on patrol when they came across an accident.
“It was found that, two vehicles collided head-on. The Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS), who attended to the scene, certified the driver, Itumeleng Molobi dead on the scene. Molobi was driving one of the vehicles, while the driver of the second vehicle was taken to a local hospital for treatment,” van Rooyen said.
She further said, a case of culpable homicide was opened and is under investigation.
The Guardian 