Picture: Abandoned borehole allegedly drilled by Taung Water Drilling/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the aggrieved clients of Taung Water Drilling company said the unprofessionalism and ill-treatment she received from the company left her dejected. In July 2022, Lesedi Setlhodi said, she approached the owner and founder of Taung Water Drilling Company, Hennie Scheepers to drill a borehole at her house in Manokwane village, near Taung and paid R37 500.

“I was looking forward to having an uninterrupted water supply by drilling a borehole. There is water scarcity across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, so I thought having a borehole will be a great idea.   

“I requested a quotation from Taung Water Drilling Company and liaised with Scheepers. We had an agreement that, I will pay the deposit, then pays him in tranches until September 2022,” said Setlhodi.

She further said, Scheepers allegedly promised to complete the job in five working hours. However, Setlhodi added that was not the case.

“Scheepers agreed and said as long I paid the money for drilling timeously. Indeed, I paid him that deposit and he came to drill the borehole. However, that was the beginning of my frustrations because Scheepers disappeared in thin air afterward.

“He did not complete his work and kept on giving me empty promises. When I called him, he would not pick my calls up and just read my WhatsApp messages without responding.

“So, around September 2022, I paid off the whole R37 500 thinking that, maybe he behaved like this because there was money pending. However, he continued to send me from the pillar to post without finishing his job,” she said.

Setlhodi said, she got hold of Scheepers’ employee only known as Tiaan. She said Tiaan was also not better because he gave her a ‘run-around’ too.

“What is lacking is a stand, tank, and two taps that he promised. This devastates me the most because I could not get help. I tried all avenues to get justice including the law enforcement agencies.

“I went to the Hartswater and Taung Police Stations to seek justice, but to no avail. People take the law into their own hands because of situations like these. In January 2023, we went with the police to his house in Hartswater, but we could not gain entry because he has high walls,” she said.

Setlhodi said, now she wants to warn potential victims to be cautious of Taung Water Drilling company. According to her, Taung Water Drilling trucks are always parked next to Taung Fire Station building, near Taung cover ground.

Scheepers failed to respond to Taung DailyNews media inquiry and his phone rang unanswered, while Tiaan promised to revert back to us but he failed.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The matter in question is a civil matter. Information provided indicates that services were rendered to the complainant although it was not finalised.

“The complainant will be informed by the investigating officer that, it is a civil matter and it must be directed to small claims court.”

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Picture: Nkosi Madode’nkundla Langa-La-Sembo Zibi/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The heartfelt condolences continue to pour into the Fuba II Zibi Royal Family after the passing of Nkosi Madode’nkundla Langa-La-Sembo Zibi, who was the principal traditional leader of the AmaHlubi nation both in the Eastern Cape and North West provinces. Zibi passed away at his homestead of KwaKhayakhulu on 8 April 2023 after a lengthy period of illness.

The royal family spokesperson, Professor Lumkile Lalendle said, Zibi has touched and impacted the lives of many around the country, the SADC region, and in the world through his principles of humanity, dignity, love, compassion, respect, humbleness, which will endure and live in the hearts and minds of many for centuries to come.

“It is with these principles mentioned above in mind that, we as the Fuba II Zibi Royal Family and Zibi Royal Council, encourage all and sundry to continue his legacy of striving for a better life for all, in particular the marginalised, underprivileged, and forgotten people of our society –those of whom he has dedicated his entire life to helping.

“Although we understand and appreciate the person that he is and ultimately was in the lives of many, we humbly request that the Fuba II Royal Family and Zibi Royal Council be given the space and time to process and come to terms with his passing,” Lalendle said.

He further said, they also acknowledge and thank all those that have shown support to this pioneering leader, his family, and the nation of AmaHlubi as a whole during his time of ill health.

Lalendle added that Zibi’s presence has been wholeheartedly felt and is a driving force behind the faith and hope that they have been carrying with them throughout this trying time.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West has also sent its heartfelt condolences to the Fuba II Zibi family and Zibi Royal Council.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said: “It is with a sad heart to learn about the passing away of a leader of the people. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the AmaHlubi nation in the Eastern Cape, North West province, the country, and the continent at large.

“Zibi has devoted himself to the people and today, we are all grieving his death. We send the words of strength to the community at large, may the family remain strong and focused.”

Babuile said Zibi wished to see the growth of his legacy, the development of his community, and unity amongst the AmaHlubi people. He said, they strongly believe that, love will reign supreme in the African continent in respect of Zibi’s legacy.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said, Zibi was an astute traditional leader who led his people with respect and dignity.

“He also served as Chairperson of our Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. He worked closely with the government in addressing a number of issues relating to traditional leadership in the province.

“Zibi was an academic and equally an intellectual in his own right. He was a proponent of the history, culture, and heritage of African people. Throughout his life he championed the socio-economic development and self-reliance of communities in rural areas many of which fall under the jurisdiction of traditional leaders,” he said.

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Picture: The Kgomotso Community Centre in Kgomotso village, near Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some security guards at Kgomotso Community Centre, near Taung, which is under the North West Department of Social Development said, even though they continue to work very hard and are exposed to the worst working conditions, they feel short-changed by the Fusion Tactical Group.

The Fusion Tactical Group, which is allegedly owned by the ANC member and a prominent businessman, Sulieman Carrim, is contracted to the North West Department of Social Development to protect the centre.  

According to the aggrieved security guards, the Fusion Tactical Group is ‘the law unto itself’ and does not subscribe to the PSIRA rules and regulations.

One of the aggrieved security guards, Kealeboga Maribe said: “As security guards from Kgomotso and Sekhing villages, we would like to request Taung DailyNews’ intervention regarding challenges that we are facing here.

“We have tried in abortive to engage the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa regarding this matter. We understand that, her department has paid the Fusion Tactical Group for two months and 10 days, but there was a shortfall on our salaries.”  

Maribe further said, according to PSIRA, a security guard rates R23.19 per hour, which is not the case with Fusion Tactical Group. He added that, they have received R3000 in their first month and R3800 in their second month respectively.

“We were also surprised to receive R2000 for the 10 days that we worked. Our exercise to have a consultative engagement with the company to get to the bottom of this was futile,” he said.

The North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said, the department has paid Fusion Tactical Group for one month and there was a delay regarding the second month’s payment due to a lack of timesheets.

“However, on 27 March 2023, the department contacted the company regarding this matter. The company confirmed to have processed the salary payment of the guards and they are fully paid according to the company.

“The matter of security guards’ salaries is regarded as a matter between the employer and employee, therefore the department is not involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, on 30 March 2023, Carrim’s Personal Assistant, Bedelia Sulieman promised to respond to the Taung DailyNews media inquiry, however, she failed. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.

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Picture: The North West School for the Deaf logo/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

It seems the situation has not improved at the North West School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmarastad if allegations raised by the parents are anything to go by. Speaking to Newsnote News Agency, some parents alleged that, there are still no sign language teachers and study material at the school.

The 28 learners, who failed matric in 2022 are expected to sit for their matric supplementary examinations soon after the school achieved 0% results during matric examinations in 2022.

One of the parents, Clara Moeti (26) said: “Our children do not have books, they write on a shared piece of paper. The school management tells us that we will have to look for interpreters for our children because they still do not have qualified sign language teachers, this is breaking my heart,” she said.

However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi refuted the allegations.

“The allegations are not true as the department has provided the school with one sign language teacher and the school also hired two sign language teachers to help learners.

“There are 29 learners who have registered for supplementary examinations that will commence in May/June examinations depending on the timetable,” he said.

Malindi further said, these learners are not full-time learners of the North West School for the Deaf, but they were in the Class of 2022. He added that this year, the school has 9 Grade 12 learners who are registered as the Class of 2023.

“Therefore, the school has gone the extra mile to assist the last year’s class by accommodating them back into the school hostels, even though they are not full-time learners.

“As part of the intervention, teachers are assisting these learners as they are at school and the department has arranged with the school to assist them with stationery,” said Malindi.

Meanwhile, last year, the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) in North West, visited the school and said, they were shocked to find out that teachers at the school did not know sign language.

PANSALB provincial chairperson, Goitsemodimo Seleka said: “What is happening there undermines the rights of these learners that are enshrined in the constitution. When these learners go to school, they expect to be taught in the language that they understand.

“It is difficult if teachers who were supposed to use sign language as the medium of communication at the school do not know the language.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (28) is expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) – entering or remaining in the Republic of South Africa illegally.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspect was arrested together with six other undocumented persons in the Safer Easter Operation roadblock that was conducted on the N12 road next to Matlosana Mall on Friday.

“The reports suggest that, a Chevrolet bakkie carrying seven suspected undocumented persons who are believed to be zama-zamas, was stopped near the Matlosana Mall.

“The suspect (28) allegedly tried to flee the scene but was caught and searched. Consequently, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were discovered inside his bag and all suspects were arrested,” she said.

The District Police Commissioner of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Major General Suzette Pretorius applauded the Klerksdorp Visible Policing members and all other role players for their vigilance that led to the arrest.

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Picture: A firearm allegedly used during the commission of the crime/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A suspect (23) who was arrested for armed robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspect was apprehended on 5 April 2023 after he and his accomplices allegedly robbed a motorist of his personal belongings on the N4 road near Brits Toll Plaza. Funani further alleged that the motorist stopped his vehicle in order to take his medication, which was in the boot.

“He was opening the boot when approached by two armed men, who demanded money. The duo robbed the victim of an undisclosed amount of cash, two cell phones, and clothes. The men then fired a gunshot toward the victim and fled the scene.

“The suspects who are undocumented Mozambique nationals, fled to the nearby bushes and the victim drove his vehicle to the toll gate, where he found Brits Rural Safety Unit. The latter unit together with the police responded quickly and went into the bushes and searched for the suspects,” she said. 

Picture: Cell phones allegedly stolen from the victim recovered/Supplied

Funani added that, although the suspects ran away when they saw the police, one of them was subsequently arrested. She said during the arrest, two cell phones, a firearm, and ammunition were found in his possession.

“The suspects are believed to be part of the gang that has been placing spikes on the N4 road to cause punctures, thus, compelling motorists to stop. They would then rob unsuspecting motorists,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the Brits police, Brits Rural Safety Unit, and all other role players for their swift response that led to the arrest of the suspect.

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