By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Most people will be going on holiday to unwind and spend time with their families and friends. However, the North West police urge them to be cautious and safe at all times. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh encourages those who will be travelling or leaving their homes unattended to apply safety measures.

“We have shared some tips on how to be safe at home, on the road and while having fun. This year’s Safer Festive Season Operations commenced on 11 November 2022 and will continue until 31 January 2023. In order to be vigilant, the public is urged to keep their homes safe in their absence or ask their neighbours to take out the post.

“Post left in the mailbox says that nobody is home. Make sure they have good lighting and do not leave the outside lights on during the day. Those who will be travelling, should not let too many people know when are they going on holiday, but to only those whom they trust,” Myburgh said.

She further said, they should ensure that their doors are locked properly and have burglar bars. Myburgh added, if your house is broken into, notify the police immediately.

“If you are going on a road trip, kindly buckle up and should not drink and drive. While on the road, keep a safe following distance and they should not use up their energy on activities, which will increase fatigue. We also advise them to get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours.

“Please plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight. You should also make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Motorists should make sure that they have a spare wheel and it is in good condition with the necessary tools to change a tyre,” she said.

Myburgh said, people should make sure their luggage is in the boot and it closes properly. She said it is advisable to stop every two hours and take 15-minute breaks.

“If the driver feels tired or restless, they shall pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little. If they are travelling at night, they should be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles.

“Know where you are going and do not use unfamiliar routes to get home. Lock your doors and close your windows. If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety. Also, never leave keys in your ignition to open gates,” said Myburgh.

She said it is advisable not to wait for passenger/s, but the driver may rather drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors. Myurgh said motorists should not pick up hitch-hikers or get out to assist someone, who seems to be in trouble, but rather inform the police.

“Those who will be shopping should avoid carrying large amounts of money. They also should not leave valuable belongings in the trolley. It is also important not to have your wallet or purse visible. Kindly keep it in a front pocket, instead of the back pocket.

“Do not let money be too visible, especially large amounts. For those who will be shopping with their children, we advise that, they hold the children’s hands and be alert of them at all times. It is best to always accompany them to the bathroom,” she said.

Myburgh added: “If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money in order to distribute it. Rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 60 informal traders received equipment from the Small Business Development on Thursday. The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Sdumo Dlamini said these Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and Cooperatives, received these trade of tools as support measures geared towards the upliftment and empowerment of their businesses.

Dlamini further said, his visit to Taung was part of a provincial roadshow in Taung earlier in the year.

“This is my second visit to the area after I was here in June 2022. Amongst some of the issues raised by SMMEs and Cooperatives were difficulties in accessing tools and machinery to help sustain businesses mainly owned by informal traders.

“In response to this impediment, we handed over working tools to traders in Mamusa and Greater Taung Local Municipalities. It is our intention to decisively tackle the lack of employment and productive economic activities in society, especially amongst informal traders,” he said.

Dlamini added that, the treble challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and poverty propelled them to revisit the area as they seek to improve socio-economic development in the province. He said business people play a crucial role in economic growth.

“I want to acknowledge the SEFA and Seda entities, in particular in their work. This is the district that has produced giant leaders like mme Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, who is also Seaparankwe. Taung needs to be recognized for its cultural aspects.

“This is where the Taung Skull was discovered and that has assisted the world to have a better understanding of humanity. The discovery also confirmed that, Africans have long settled in this area. Taung is a large rural area and its economy lies heavily on community developments, agriculture and tourism,” said Dlamini.

He said they will also come up with other avenues to ensure that they expand the economy of Taung. Dlamini also said this equipment will ensure that the informal traders execute their work properly.

The chairperson of Local Economic Development (LED) at Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Thandi Sebe shared the same sentiments.

“We highly appreciate you for honouring our invitation on short notice. It was in June 2022, when our SMMEs and Cooperatives raised their grievances during your visit.

“You are now here to give them support because you want to see informal traders grow their businesses and take part in economic growth. This will not only assist in growing the economy of Taung, but it will also ensure that SMMEs and Cooperatives grow,” Sebe said.

The Member of Parliament at the National Assembly (NA), Bridget Tlhomelang said: “Today, you are our most important people as beneficiaries. Let me take this opportunity to send a token of appreciation to Dlamini for being a man of his word. You are committed to assisting the people, especially in deep rural areas.

“There is a skill and capacity in Taung, so let’s continue to capacitate them. Our role is to play oversight of the executive and we are happy to see Dlamini coming back to Taung. Let’s ensure that this initiative does not benefit the same people over and over again.”

Tlhomelang also urged beneficiaries to use their equipment sparingly. She said they will embark on unannounced visits to various businesses of beneficiaries to monitor them.

“The aim is to ensure that you are self-efficient and ensure that you use this equipment accordingly. You are capable of creating more job opportunities and that will assist our government in fighting the high rate of unemployment.

“We will visit these businesses unannounced to ensure that, this is not a fruitless exercise. When I look at the list of beneficiaries, 70% are women, so let’s continue to work hard and ensure that there is growth,” said Tlhomelang.  

One of the beneficiaries, Fuziwe Sokupha welcomed the donation. Sokupha, who is a nail technician said, this will assist her business to grow and reach a bigger market.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men who were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and killing a Bangladesh national businessman, Pierre Ahmed Mujunder,40, are expected back in court for a formal bail application. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said, it will oppose the bail.

It is alleged that on 22 November 2022, Aobakwe Ntsomane (32), Modisa Ralokwakweng, (31), and Kabelo Badimo (32) kidnapped Mujunder, who owned a supermarket in Hartswater and drove off with him to Magogoe village, near Mahikeng.

According to police, the deceased was kidnapped, while opening the gate at his home. The accused allegedly demanded ransom money of R1 million from his family. Mujunder was allegedly rescued by the police two days after he was kidnapped.

The deceased was allegedly found tied into a chair at the house, where one of the accused stays. The police allegedly untied him and he collapsed. Mujunder was certified dead at the scene.

Ntsomane, Ralekwakweng, and Badimo were arrested and charged with kidnapping and murder after the police traced the vehicle that they were driving. The vehicle was also found in Magogoe village.

The NPA spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The accused made their first court appearance at Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 28 November 2022. The case was postponed to 9 December 2022 for formal bail application, which the state intends to oppose.

“The investigations are still underway to uncover the real facts in this case.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The disgruntled ANC members in North West, who took the ruling party to the court said, they might take their case to the Constitutional Court to seek remedial action. This comes after the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng dismissed their case.

The disgruntled ANC members wanted the court to declare the ANC provincial elective conference that was held in August 2022 in Rustenburg non and void.

They alleged that, they were denied access to the voting precinct at Rustenburg Civic Centre during the elective conference, even though they were voting delegates.

One of the applicants, Gabriel Nkgweng alleged that the North West High Court, Judge Andre Petersen undermined the fundamental issues they raised in this case.

“The Judge has not stated the reasons why this order was presented in this manner. We are going to wait for those reasoning orders. As soon as they are available to us, we will be able to study each and every reason until we inform you about our next course of action.

“But I can assure you that, we will not leave this matter unattended because we strongly believe that the fundamental issues we raised in this particular matter are valid,” Nkgweng said.

He further alleged that, the elective conference and its processes were stolen and undermined, hence they wanted the court to render it non and void.

The North West High Court Judge, Andre Petersen dismissed the case without providing reasons but said he will make them available in due course.

“The court issues its order and reasons for the order shall follow in due course. I have carefully considered the order having heard counsel for the 1^st and 3^rd to 5^th applicants and counsel for the 6^th and 7^th applicants.

“I also have carefully considered the papers filed on record to the counsel for the 1^st to 5^th respondents, counsel for the 6^th to 9^th respondents, and amici curiae,” he said.

Petersen further said, in respect of the application by the amici curiae, application B is hereby dismissed with no orders to costs. He added, in respect of the application by the 1^st and 3^rd to 5^th applicants and the 6^th and 7^th applicants, the application is hereby dismissed with costs.

Petersen said this will include the costs of two counsels, who were employed.

Meanwhile, the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi said: “We welcome the judgment. We knew from the onset that we have a strong case. Unfortunately, the applicants did not have a case.

“Their case was scattered all over the show. However, I do not want us to focus on this thing because it was just destruction. We have serious responsibility as the ANC.”

Moloyi said amongst others, they want to bring unity within the structures of the ANC. He said, also, they need to focus on service delivery in all our municipalities across the province.

“We will definitely take disciplinary actions against those who violated the ANC constitution, despite their positions,” he said.

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Ka  BAKANG MOKOTO

Katlholo mo kgetsing ya polao ya mmakgwebo o o itsegaleng mo Taung, Kgomotso Serei, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 24 Moranang 2023. Kgetsi eno, ene e reeditswe kwa kgotlhatshekelo-kgolo ya Bokone Bophirima kwa Mahikeng kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa ba le bararo eleng, Tumo Phatudi, Zwelinzima Mohapi ga mmogo le morwa wa moswi yo eseng wa madi, Lebogang Serei.

Mo letsatsing la gompieno, lekgotlha le ntshitse molatofadiwa, Zwelinzima Mohapi mo kgetsing eno, gonne go sena bopaki jo bo lekaneng go ka mo golaganya le polao ya ga Kgomotso.

Go begwa ka ngwaga wa 2017, Lebogang Serei one a thapa balatofadiwa-nae go ka bolaya Kgomotso yo one a na le kgwebo ya mmoshara kwa toropong ya Taung. Go ya ka dipaltisiso tsa sepodisi, lekwalo le lene le kwadilwe ke moswi rragwe Lebogang, le leneng le atlholang gore dithoto tsa gagwe di ka neelwa mang (will), ele lone bakileng tlhatlharuwane ebile le tlhotlheleditseng Lebogang go ka rulaganya polao ya ga moswi mmagwe yo eseng wa madi.

Go kaiwa fa moswi rragwe Lebogang, a ne a kaya fa bontsi jwa dithoto ditshwanetswe ke go neelwa Kgomotso, mme seo go begwa fa sene sa utlwisa Lebogang botlhoko. Kgomotso one a lobelwa dintshi ka go thuntsiwa kwa dikagong tsa kgwebo ya gagwe. Go begwa fa Phatudi ele ene one a thuntsa moswi.

Lebogang o boleletse le kgotlha fa a ne a sa itse sepe ka thulaganyo eo ya polao, ebile ene one a seo mo motseng wa Taung ka motlha wa tiragalo e. Fela, dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di ne tsa mo golaganya le polao ka mafaratlhatlha a mogala wa letheka.

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Barua-kgomo mo motseng wa Taung, ba kaile fa bogodu jwa leruo bo tlisa tlhaka-tlhakano mo matshelong a bone gonne ba itshidisa ka lone. Barua-kgomo, bano, ba akgotse sepodisi morago ga go tshwarwa ga monna mongwe wa mmueledi wa semolao kwa motseng wa Cokonyane gaufi le Taung mo bekeng e fitileng.

Go kaiwa fa mmueledi ono wa semolao, o itsegeng mo motseng wa Taung, Tebogo Letloleng, a ne a tshwarwa ke sepodisi morago ga go fitlhelwa ka kgomo e le nngwe e go belaelwang ele ya bogodu.

Letloleng, o tlhotse a shadikantse matlho fa pele ga magistrata wa Taung le go dira kopo ya beile. Fela, kopo ya gagwe ga ya atlega, gonne kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago go fitlha ka Labobedi wa beke e e tlang. 

Magistrata are, seno ke go naya sepodisi nako ya go ka dira dipatlisiso. Letloleng o ka nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga gore go tlhagelele gape dikgetsi dingwe tsa bosenyi tse a golaganngwang le tsone.

Lekgotla le utlwile fa Letloleng a amega mo dikgetsing dingwe tsa bosenyi kwa porofenseng ya Gauteng, mme a tshwanelwa ke go ka di arabela.    

Mongwe wa Barua-kgomo kwa motseng wa Modimong, Brigadier Mothupi wa tlhalosa.

“Rele Barua-kgomo mo motseng wa Taung, re itumeletse go tshwara ga monna wa mmueledi wa semolao mabapi le bogodu jwa leruo. Kgang e, e re isa ko goreng leruo la rona le ntse le ya kae. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago, gonne go sentse go dirwa dipatlisiso. Fela, re tshepa fa dipatlisiso di ka senola sengwe gape.

“Fela, re tlile go nna pelotelele, mme re na le tshepo ya gore molao o tla diragadiwa. Go na le dikgetsi dile dintsi tsa bogodu jwa leruo tse re nang le tshepo ya gore monna o, a ka latofadiwa ka tsone,” Mothupi wa tlhalosa.

O mongwe wa Barua-kgomo, Gaobusetse Kanyane le ene o ntshitse maikutlo a gagwe jana.

“Bogodu jwa leruo ga jwa siama, gonne bo re dirisa dilo tse re sa tshwanelwang le ke go di dira. Ke boatla jo bo tshwanetsweng ke gore bo emisiwe. Tota go ka nna monate, ha mongwe le mongwe a ka tshele ka se eleng sa gagwe. Go fitlha ga jaana, maikutlo a barua-kgomo a ko godimo morago ga go tshwarwa ga monna o,” Kanyane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Funani o boleletse ba dikgang tsa Taung DailyNews fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse kgatlhanong le Letloleng.

“Molatofadiwa o tshwerwe ka di 2 Sedimonthole 2022 morago ga go fitlhelwa ka leruo le go belaelwang ele la bogodu. O tlhageletse lekgetlho la ntlha fa pele ga magistrata wa Taung ka Mosupulogo, mme one a solofetse go ka dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go ya ka dipego, go fitlhetswe kgomo ele nngwe e go belaelwang ele ya bogodu go molatofadiwa,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Corruption and mismanagement of funds allegations continue to hackle the North West Investment (NTI). This comes after the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) that was appointed to assist in resuscitating the embattled NTI dismally failed.

Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts chairperson, Job Dliso resolved that the contract of the BRP be terminated with immediate effect.

Dliso said, this is to safeguard the monies of the North West Provincial government.

“We have the responsibility of protecting the interests of our people and guard against the continuous abuse of funds being embezzled at NTI. The reliance on the assistance of the Business Rescue Practitioner has been fruitless, as there is no comprehensive report on the progress registered thus far since its inception.

“We, therefore, instruct the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to stop all payments made to the Business Rescue Practitioner with immediate effect until all relevant documentation and reports are submitted before the committee to ensure compliance,” he said.

Dliso further said the BRP was appointed by the Shareholder Technical Task Team on 19 July 2022 to intervene in long-standing challenges faced by the NTI. He added, amongst some of the challenges facing NTI, was the failure to submit Annual Financial Statements (AFS), non-payment of statutory obligations, and non-payment of licenses and permits resulting in daily threats of withdrawal of buses leased, due to amounts owed.

“The BRP had failed to submit the Business Rescue plan as per terms of reference and extended his contract, while not having adhered to terms of reference for his appointment. He also failed to follow supply chain management and PFMA even after being advised by Provincial Treasury,” he said.  

Dliso further lambasted the North West Premier, Bushy Maape for ‘no show’. He added that, this was not the first meeting, where Maape failed to come and account for issues of NTI.

“We needed clarity, amongst others is why the BRP had opened a separate bank account from the NTI account. We need clarity on the legality of that, the signatories of that account, how much was transferred to the account and how much has been spent to date, and on what.

“We also want the details of the board meeting, including the minutes and attendance registers of the meeting that took a resolution that NTI must be put under Business Rescue. The process followed in putting NTI under Business Rescue included allegations of an existence of a court order revoking the license of the BRP and a comprehensive Business Rescue Plan,” said Dliso.

He asked how BRP request an extension of a contract, while he dismally failed to adhere. Dliso said the BRP allegedly disregarded the legislation, in particular, the PFMA and Supply Chain processes.

“If the extension is granted, it will increase the irregular expenditure the Auditor General (AG) always raised about our entities. As SCOPA, we cannot allow that to happen. We have a duty to hold government accountable and play our oversight role,” said Dliso.

The NTI Group CEO, Grace Sadiki said: “The BRP has not assisted the NTI since its inception and only formally met on 8 November 2022. We have not received any Business Rescue Plan. We do not have a report on the company’s bank accounts, or any bank statements, which affects the preparations of monthly bank reconciliations.

“Changes are not communicated to NTI management, with regard to the appointment of service providers and that procurement processes are not in line with PFMA.”

Meanwhile, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) also opposed the extension of the BRP’s contract, stating amongst others that BRP breached the agreement by using his vantage point to advance personal and/ or business interests to supply the state-owned bus company with fuel.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West High Court in Mahikeng is expected to hand down a judgment on a premeditated murder case of a prominent businesswoman, the late Kgomotso Serei. It is alleged that, Tumo Phatudi, Zwelinzima Mohapi, and Lebogang Serei were arrested in connection with her murder.

Kgomotso, who owned a mortuary was shot dead, while at her business office in 2017. According to the investigation, Lebogang Serei, who is a stepson to the deceased allegedly hired hitmen to kill Kgomotso.

It is alleged that the motive behind the killing was prompted by a ‘will’ that Lebogang’s father signed and made Kgomotso a beneficiary. This allegedly caused a feud between the deceased and the accused.

Meanwhile, the Taung Community against Crime organisation’s chairperson, Peggy Molathegi said then: “We will continue to follow up on this case. We want to see suspects rotting in jail and the law must prevail.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

An urgent bail application hearing in a murder case against four accused was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court to 13 and 14 December 2022. A local businessman and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo Katong (34), and Katlego Mosimege (31), who allegedly brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35), made an urgent bail application and their request was granted.

They were arrested in April 2022 for allegedly killing Mothibedi, who was one of their loyal customers after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house at Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.

“The accused were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in armed and allegedly torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The murder case against the accused was initially postponed to 15 February 2022, but they made an urgent bail application for 22 November 2022, which was granted.

However, magistrate Edwin Letsapa postponed the matter to 5 and 6 December 2022. Letsapa said this was to give enough time to both the defence and state to prepare for their ‘heads of arguments’ for bail application.

Meanwhile, community members packed the court to the rafters. They also submitted a petition calling for no bail against the accused.

Thabiso’s aunt, Kehilwe Modisakoma said: “We were not even informed as a family about this urgent bail application launched by the accused. So, we just wonder why it was made a secret. However, we do not want to see these criminals getting bail because they sell nyaope to the youth.

“They turned Thabiso into their slave and killed him afterward. Nyaope is killing the future of many young people and we hope that the justice system will take that into consideration. We call for no bail against the accused because we are not sure what will happen if they are granted bail.”

One of the community leaders, Rapampiri Motshitshi shared the same sentiments. Motshitshi said they do not want to see the accused in their community because of the criminal activities they execute.

“Our youth are faced with a bleak future because they are destroyed by nyaope. The only thing that we want is to see a clean community that is free from drugs. These young boys come to our houses and steal just to feed their cravings,” he said.

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