By OBAKENG MAJE

A well-known lawyer, Tebogo Letloleng (42) was sentenced to 20 months in jail or pay R20 000 fine by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This comes after Letloleng pleaded guilty in a stock-theft case against him.

The embattled Letloleng was arrested on 2 December 2022 for stealing two cows worth R20 600. According to information, the incident took place at Manthe village, near Taung in 2021.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police found suspected stolen cows in Letloleng’s possession. Letloleng alleged that he found those cows in his kraal and the mistake he made was to brand-mark them.

However, the prosecutor condemned Letloleng’s action and said he does not show any remorse. He said, if Letloleng was genuine, he could have returned those cows to their rightful owners.

Now, Letloleng will be sentenced on Tuesday at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) called for a direct imprisonment for Letloleng, but his lawyer urged the court to hand him a suspended sentence.

Letloleng’s defence argued that, he has five children that he is taking care of and his incarceration might also jeopardise his career as a lawyer. The court also heard that the controversial Letloleng had a damage to property case against him that took place back in 2004.

Unfortunately, Letloleng was detained again as he has other pending criminal cases in Gauteng Province.

One of the owners of the stolen cows, Moses Phakedi (65) said, rural farmers are not only facing challenges of severe drought, but stock theft as well. Phakedi further said, the nature of this scourge extremely manifests itself in rural areas because it is not fully tackled by authorities.

Another owner, Edward Sereo (40) shared the same sentiments. Sereo said, livestock owners continue to bear the brunt and that affects their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the www.scielo.org.za said: “Rural communities regard livestock as living wealth and they are often their only source of income and sustenance. Thus, when their livestock are stolen many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods.

“But these farmers are not the only ones who suffer on account of stock theft. It also has a serious impact on commercial farmers, and thus the red meat industry as a whole. Stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community.”

The website added that: “The research reveals that an inadequate approach in dealing with stock theft in rural areas is prevalent. And in line with the importance of livestock, these species remain an absolute credit to South African rural livestock farmers’ families at large.

“However, the extent and dark figures of this crime undermine the capacity of the police, livestock farmers, and community members. The researchers are of the opinion that rural livestock farmers in South Africa have expressed concern over the rampant cases of stock theft. Undoubtedly, the escalating stock theft syndicate activities pose a threat to the community.”

It says, the livestock farmers’ concerned claim that those who have been arrested in connection with stock theft have not received appropriate punishment and the incidences of stock thefts are rising at an alarming rate, affecting their livelihoods.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police are investigating an attempted murder case after a shooting at Q-Base Pub in Vryburg on 8 January 2023, where ANC regional spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Seatlathebe Lepomane was shot.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, Lepomane was sitting in a minibus taxi with his other three friends when the incident happened.

“It is alleged that Lepomane and his three friends were seated in a combi near the club in Vryburg CBD when an unknown vehicle passed by. It alleged that, the vehicle made a U-turn and opened fire.  

“Lepomane and his friends allegedly heard gunshots and he realised that he was struck by a bullet in his left shoulder. He was rushed to the local hospital for medical attention and he is in a stable condition. No arrests have been made yet and investigations are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC regional secretary, Walter Mabogola said they condemned the incident. Mabogola further said, they will not speculate on whether Lepomane’s shooting was motivated by political factionalism within the ANC.

“We would like to wish Lepomane a speedy recovery and hope that the police arrest the perpetrator/s. We do not want to speculate on what has tricked the shooting and hope the law enforcement agencies arrest the perpetrator/s soon,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Patients at Mothanthanyaneng clinic near Taung were left stranded as they could not relieve themselves at the healthcare facility due to lack of water. These patients said, they were forced to seek help from nearby houses to use ablution facilities.

According to one of the patients, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, it’s been more than a week since there is no water at the facility.  

“I came to the clinic and wanted to use the ablution facilities, however, there was no water even to drink. We had to go to the nearest houses to request water or to use their toilets to relieve ourselves.

“I think urgent action is needed to improve services at this healthcare facility. We cannot live like this and it seems the clinic management is also not doing anything about it. Imagine, how older people copy about the whole situation?”

He said, in most cases, people spend almost the whole day at the clinic and this poses health risks.

Another patient said: “Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene are essential components of providing basic health services. However, that is non-existence at this clinic. We call on the North West Department of Health to intervene because the situation is hazardous.

“When you go to the toilets, you’ll find feaces exposed. It is so unfortunate to see lack of access to rudimentary levels of services. We expect a high level of services to be factored in at healthcare centres, but that is not the case at Mothanthanyane clinic. The situation is deteriorating significantly at this clinic and immediate actions are needed.”

She further said, the implications for health are severe and spread of infections in the very same place, in which patients are seeking care. According to the patient, the implications for dignity are also profound.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “I am struggling to get full details on what has transpired from our district manager Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. However, I will revert back to you with in-depth details.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death by his cousin at Lokaleng village, near Taung on 6 January 2022. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, a fight ensued between the deceased, Tiro Luanga and the suspect, Tebogo Luanga (32).

Tselanyane said, the police were called to the Taung District Hospital, where they were shown the body of the deceased lying on the bed with a stabbing wound on his collarbone.

“The man was certified dead at the hospital and a murder case was opened. The suspect, Tebogo, was arrested and appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

“He was remanded in custody until 16 January 2023, where he will be formally applying for a bail. The deceased was stabbed with a sharp object and the cause of the fight is unknown yet,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A boy (12) allegedly hanged himself at Qhoo village, near Taung. According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane, Ogorogile Motlhabinyane was left home with his younger brother (7) and cousin (6) by his mother.

Tselanyane said, the mother went to the nearest farm.

“On her return, she sent the deceased’s younger brother to call him from inside the house. However, the younger brother allegedly found Ogorogile hanging from the rafters of the roof.

“The police and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called to the scene. The EMRS paramedics certified Ogorogile dead on the scene and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

Tselanyane said the police have opened an inquest case and no foul play is suspected.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A well-known lawyer, Tebogo Letloleng (42) will be sentenced by the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This comes after Letloleng pleaded guilty in a stock-theft case against him.

The embattled Letloleng was arrested on 2 December 2022 for stealing two cows worth R20 600. According to information, the incident took place at Manthe village, near Taung in 2021.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police found suspected stolen cows in Letloleng’s possession. Letloleng alleged that he found those cows in his kraal and the mistake he made was to brand-mark them.

However, the prosecutor condemned Letloleng’s action and said he does not show any remorse. He said, if Letloleng was genuine, he could have returned those cows to their rightful owners.

Now, Letloleng will be sentenced on Tuesday at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) calls for a direct imprisonment for Letloleng, but his lawyer urged the court to hand him a suspended sentence. Letloleng’s defence argued that, he has five children that he is taking care of and his incarceration might also jeopardise his career as a lawyer.

The court also heard that the controversial Letloleng had a damage to property case against him that took place back in 2004.

One of the owners of the stolen cows, Moses Phakedi (65) said, rural farmers are not only facing challenges of severe drought, but stock theft as well. Phakedi further said, the nature of this scourge extremely manifests itself in rural areas because it is not fully tackled by authorities.

Another owner, Edward Sereo (40) shared the same sentiments. Sereo said, livestock owners continue to bear the brunt and that affects their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the www.scielo.org.za said: “Rural communities regard livestock as living wealth and they are often their only source of income and sustenance. Thus, when their livestock are stolen many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods.

“But these farmers are not the only ones who suffer on account of stock theft. It also has a serious impact on commercial farmers, and thus the red meat industry as a whole. Stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community.”

The website added that: “The research reveals that an inadequate approach in dealing with stock theft in rural areas is prevalent. And in line with the importance of livestock, these species remain an absolute credit to South African rural livestock farmers’ families at large.

“However, the extent and dark figures of this crime undermine the capacity of the police, livestock farmers, and community members. The researchers are of the opinion that rural livestock farmers in South Africa have expressed concern over the rampant cases of stock theft. Undoubtedly, the escalating stock theft syndicate activities pose a threat to the community.”

It says, the livestock farmers’ concerned claim that those who have been arrested in connection with stock theft have not received appropriate punishment and the incidences of stock thefts are rising at an alarming rate, affecting their livelihoods.

taungdailynews@gmail.com