Two men who appeared at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for possession and dealing with drugs were remanded in custody. Papiki Piet Mofokeng (42) and Ifegbu Chinedu (32) were arrested during disruptive operations on Thursday by the North West Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Drugs Task Team and Stilfontein K9 unit.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, in the first arrest, the police were executing search warrants in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein when they arrested Mofokeng after being found in possession of 10 mandrax, 51 packets of crystal meth, and nine half tablets of mandrax and dagga estimated at the street value of R50 000.
“The police were still at the scene when a blue Chevrolet Spark with two occupants arrived. One of the occupants, Ifegbu Chinedu who was allegedly delivering drugs, was arrested after being found in possession of 50 mandrax tablets, and a packet of crystal meth; all with an estimated street value of R40 000.
“Chinedu, who is a Nigerian national, is also facing an additional charge of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002),” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for arresting the suspects as part of ridding communities of drugs.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs will be conducting public hearings on the Division of Revenue Bill (B2 – 2023) at Mabule Community Hall in Mabule, Boskuil Community Hall in Boskuil, Tosca Community Hall in Tosca and Mabeskraal Tribal Hall in Mabeskraal at 10am.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Aaron Motswana said, they will be conducting public hearings on the Division of Revenue Bill (B2 – 2023) bill seeks to provide for the equitable division of revenue raised nationally among the national, provincial and local spheres of government for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The determination of each province’s equitable share, allocations to provinces, local government and municipalities from national government’s equitable share, the responsibilities of all three spheres pursuant to such division and allocations and to provide for matters connected therewith.
“Relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live in the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook and other social media platforms such as YouTube Channel,” Motswana said.
Picture: The police retrieve the decomposed body from the Taung Dam walls/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A DECOMPOSED body was discovered at Taung Dam on Wednesday. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “A man who was cruising with his boat at Taung Dam, allegedly spotted a body lying on the dam wall.
“He reported the matter to the police and at this stage, the identity of the body is unknown. The body was found in a reasonably decomposed state and we cannot determine how long it was there.”
Botma further said, the police have opened an inquest docket for investigation, which is underway.
Setshwantsho: Mokwadi wa dibuka, Kgotlhaetsile Mokabeng
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
Mokwadi wa dibuka, Kgotlaetsile Mokabeng o rotloetsa bontsi jwa batho, segolo bogolo thata basha go ka buisa. Mokabeng (35), yo eleng morebuludi-mmogo wa Taung Imatlafatse Book Club, kaile fa a itemogetse fa bontsi jwa basha ba sa tlhole ba buisa dibuka, mme seo se tswelela go ama ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng.
“Bontsi jwa basha ba dirisa nako e ntsi ya bone mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso jaaka Facebook, Instagram, Twitter ga mmogo le tse dingwe. Fela, ke itemogetse fa ba dirisa mafaratlhatlha ao botlhatswa. Jaanong, ke tlhola ke etse tlhoko ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng, mme ke ile ka utlwa botlhoko thata go gaisa.
“Ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng, go bontsha fa ba beile thata mo metlaeng, mme fa bangwe ba bone ba ka tsaya bokwadi tsia, e ka nna bakwadi ba mmakgonte. Jaaka bakwadi, re batla go bona puo ya rona ya Setswana e gola, mme e feleletse e itsiwe lefatshe ka bophara,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.
Are, o tshimolotse go nna mokwadi ka ngwaga wa 2006 fa a ne a tlhagisa buka ya kgankgutswe e e bidiwang, Botshelo Jo. Go ya ka Mokabeng, o ile a ntsha gape buka ya bobedi e e bidiwang Bana Ba Mpa ka 2019.
“Lerato laka la bokwadi le rotloeditswe ke mokwadi wa buka ya Maru, Bessie Head. Go bo tlhokwa jaaka mokwadi go ka buisa dibuka tsa bakwadi ba bagwe, gonne o tla ithuta gore bakwadi ba bangwe ba kwala jang.
“Kana fa o ka lebelela, buka ya Maru e bua ka Batswana bagaetsho ga mmogo le morafe wa Masarwa go tswa kwa nageng ya boagisani ya Botswana. Ke itumeletse ka mokgwa o mokwadi wa bua eo, a e tlhagisitseng ka teng,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.
Go ya Mokabeng, mokwadi wa buka ya Maru, o nere mmuisi mo lefelong la tiragalo. Mokabeng are ke ka moo a reng mokwadi o e kwadile ka bokgabane le matsetseleko.
Mokabeng, yo ga jaana a tsweletsang dithuto tsa gagwe kwa unibesiting ya UNISA, koo a ithutelang dithutego tsa Archives and Records Management, are konoseditse dithuto tsa gagwe tsa marematlou kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Kgosietsile Lethola.
Mokabeng are, ene ya re morago ga marematlou, one a leba kwa kholejeng ya ikatiso ya Vuselela kwa Pudimoe ko a neng a ithutela tsa kgwebo teng.
“Fela, ga ke aka ka kgona go konosetsa dithuto tsame teng. Jaaka morebuludi-mmogo wa Taung Imatlafatse Book Club, rena le dingwaga di le tharo re ntse re tsweletse ka go rulaganya di kopano tse di farologaneng le go rotloetsa bana go ka buisa.
“Re kopana gangwe mo kotareng, mme seo se re thusa thata. Gape mo dikopanong tseo, re mema moitsanape wa bokwadi mo dibukeng tsa bana go tla go ba buisetsa le go ba tlhaba matlhale mo go kwaleng. Kana dikgang di monate ditla ka mong wa tsone, jaanong re rotloetsa thata bana go ka kwala,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.
Jaanong, ga jaana, Mokabeng o mekamekane le diporojeke tse di farologaneng mo di porofenseng dile pedi eleng ya Bokone Bophirima ga mmogo le Kapa Bokone. Are, se se botlhokwa ha o le motho ke go ka dira ka natla gore o bone maungo a namatshang.
Picture: Sewer spillage overflows into a house in Pampierstad/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the residents at Korea Section in Pampierstad said, the sewer spillage in his yard is hazardous to his health and children. Wesley Kgadubane (37) said, he has reported the sewer to the Phokwane Local Municipality, but nothing has been done to fix the mess.
“I have tried all avenues to report this mess, but the municipal workers will come and fix the sewer only for it to burst again after two days. So, our health is at risk because sewage contains harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
“What is more worrisome is that, the sewer overflows down the street and sometimes, children play in the dirt. We urge the municipality to do something about this before we lose lives,” Kgadubane said.
He further said, now he has to stay indoors because of the bad odour that comes outside. Kgadubane added that, the spillage might be caused by poor maintenance. He urged the municipality to properly maintain the sewer system to enable it to get rid of the sewage safely.
The Phokwane Local Municipality spokesperson, Kgalaelo Letshabo said: “Sewer spillage remains a huge challenge at Phokwane. Every day of the week, our water and sanitation team works on blocked manholes, sewer pipe leaks and spillages.
“This is due to ageing infrastructure in the sewer network. Foreign objects flushed down the toilet are also a contributing factor in the sewer network.”
Letshabo said, the municipality has made contact with the complainant after seeing the pictures on social media, even though they had already attended to the problem previously. She said that given the reasons mentioned above, this causes a backwash in that yard.
“Our team has been onsite addressing the problem,” said Letshabo.
Meanwhile, the https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au website said: “Sewage overflows can be caused by damaged or blocked plumbing, sewerage system backflow, septic tank damage and flood water. If your home has an overflow, protecting yourself and your family should be your top priority.
“Avoid direct contact with sewage and any contaminated surfaces. Thoroughly disinfect every surface touched by sewage. Make sure you wear protective clothing when cleaning and disinfecting, including rubber gloves, boots and eye protection.”
It said, affected people should use an uncontaminated water supply when cleaning. The website said, people should not use their own water supply, if you they are unsure of its quality.
“If a sewage disposal system is not properly maintained it will not be able to get rid of the sewage safely. Proper maintenance of a sewerage system means all faulty (blocked, damaged, broken or worn-out) parts must be repaired as soon as possible after they stop working correctly.
“Practise good hygiene and wash your hands frequently, especially after touching contaminated surfaces and before preparing food. Clean and disinfect all contaminated areas. Keep children and pets away from contaminated objects and areas until they have been disinfected.
Picture: The deceased persons, Ontuetse and Mosalashuping Mokhasi who died at Modisa Lodge in Taung/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Mokhasi family in Cokonyane village, near Taung, said, the deaths of Ontuetse (34) and Mosalashuping (39) left them dejected. The duo drowned, while trying to swim at the notorious Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung last week Saturday.
It is alleged that, there was a function at the lodge and Mosalashuping jumped into the swimming pool in a quest to swim, however, drowned. According to an eyewitness, the drowning man allegedly raised his hand calling for help.
It is alleged that Mosalashuping’s nephew, Ontuetse jumped into the pool to try and rescued him, but he also drowned. The Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) was called to the scene.
It is alleged that Mosalashuping was ferried to Taung District Hospital for medical attention, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival, while Ontuetse was certified dead on the scene.
The family spokesperson, Victor Mokhasi said: “We are devastated, but we have to put everything in the hands of God. The owner of the lodge paid homage to the bereaved family and wanted to understand what really happened from the perspective of those who eye witnessed the tragedy.
“So, we have accepted the situation, and funeral preparations for the deceased persons are underway. They will be buried on Saturday at Cokonyane village cemetery and we also appreciate all heartfelt condolences from friends and the community of Taung at large,” Mokhasi said.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We have registered and investigating an inquest docket. The deceased persons were booked at the lodge for the Easter weekend and they were swimming when they drowned. No foul play suspected,” Funani said.
She further said drowning is an ever-present risk when people go on outings to rivers, beaches, dams, and swimming pools. Funani added that, people should always exercise water safety tips at all times.
“Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim.
“Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and must avoid places, where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents, or a danger of being washed onto the rocks,” she said.
Funani said, people should also check the weather and the tides before they leave home – if the sea is too rough, they could be swept away. She urges people to only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
“If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea, or at least do not go in deep. Never swim while you are intoxicated because alcohol impairs judgment and unnecessary risks are taken.
“An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning. Kindly check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea or swimming pools,” said Funani.
She said people should swim only in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. Funani also said, people should avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps.
Picture: A Porsche Cayenne allegedly belonging to Bester’s girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana seized/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A MAN (28) was taken in for questioning by police after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a white Porsche Cayenne vehicle believed to belong to Thabo Bester’s girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana.
The National police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said, the vehicle was seized by the Gauteng SAPS Tracking Team in Lichtenburg, North West.
Still on Bester’s saga, a man (44) is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court this morning following his arrest on Tuesday.
Mathe said, the suspect who is an employee contracted to a company that installs and maintains cameras at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, faces a charge of aiding and abetting a convicted prisoner to escape from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice as well as violation of a dead body.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said, the police are closing the net on those responsible for aiding Bester to escape from lawful custody.
“Anyone who knows that they are involved in this case are warned to hand themselves over to authorities. Either they hand themselves in or we fetch them ourselves,” said Masemola.
Bester and his co-accused, Dr Nandipha were brought back to South Africa this morning.
Picture: The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe donating soccer kits/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said he is delighted to donate kits to various teams across the district. Molefe said, they want to see players develop, improve and reach their fullest potential and he is confident that, this partnership will enable them to do that.
Last week, Molefe donated 15 soccer kits to community-based soccer teams in the district. He said, although there is a North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation that is faced solely with assisting and facilitating sports in the communities, they cannot just stand by and not help where necessary.
“As the district municipality, we have partnered with a local company to make sure this gesture materialised. We are planting a seed here and there are no business people, who will do business without ploughing back to the communities.
“Whether they are consultants or contractors, they should leave something for the community and we will not retreat on this agenda. So, the district is pleased with the donations from companies that do business with the municipality,” he said.
Molefe said the municipality will continue to support its communities.
Meanwhile, the Golden Ladies FC, Okraal, Benfica FC, and Sannieshof FC, were a few of the beneficiaries who were at the council chamber to receive their kits. Molefe further emphasised that the municipality could not do this alone.
The Marauding FC representative, Tebogo Sega shared the same sentiments. Sega said they were grateful to receive a new kit.
“The team is excited and it has lifted their morale. I am certain that we will do well in our upcoming games,” said Sega.
The chairperson of district sports federation, Ntswaki Marase Vangele said: “We are thankful for what Molefe has done. He is the first mayor in the district to do such an act. We struggle a lot and we are overlooked, but everything happens at the right time.”
Picture: Former Taung Mega Stars FC player, Thembelani Majingo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Taung Mega Stars FC and now-defunct Platinum Stars FC player, Thembelani Majingo (24) have joined a newly promoted team, Holy Ghost Sporting FC that plies its trade in Botswana’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Majingo, who was a free agent after parting ways with ABC Motsepe League-based team, Taung Mega Stars FC, signed a one-year deal with the Holy Ghost Sporting FC during the start of the season.
The Madibogo-born midfielder’s team is hovering in the relegation zone and accumulated only 19 points out of 22 games. However, Majingo said, he is adamant that, his team will survive the wielding axe.
“It feels great to be back on the playing field after missing in action for some time. I have been missing those moments of being a professional footballer. However, what is important is that I have hit the ground running.
“Remember, it is not easy to establish yourself in a new country with a totally different environment and setup. However, I am adjusting well and the reception was amazing. I am happy because actually this is not my first time playing at the higher level,” he said.
Majingo further said, what is important is grabbing every opportunity coming his way. He added that the competition is high in the league, and as a player, one needs to be disciplined, dedicated, and determined at all times.
“The league here is competitive and everything runs professionally. So, my advice to those who want to make it here, they will need to double their efforts. There is an abundance of talent and that should inspire young players, who consider playing professional football in Botswana,” said Majingo.
He also said, the technical team has made it easier for him to adapt to the ‘style of play’ at the club.
Meanwhile, Majingo, who established Thembelani Majingo Foundation to groom grassroots players a few years back said, he continues to forge ahead with his idea.
“This is our fourth year hosting a football tournament under the foundation. So, we are getting there and we managed to invite other stakeholders from various sectors.
“We also managed to increase our teams from 8 to 16 and had affiliations as far as Rustenburg and Mahikeng. The growing trend of this tournament shows that, indeed we are doing things right,” he said.
Majingo lauded the North West Social Development, South African Police Services (SAPS), and other stakeholders for their unwavering support during the tournament. He said it was with great pleasure to announce that, their tournament has been fully registered under the North West Social Development.
“Remember, the grassroots sport is the bedrock of the communities and offers so much more than just the sport. There are tremendous opportunities it presents such as addressing socio-economic challenges, especially facing the youth.
“We have teenage pregnancy, alcohol, and drug abuse, high-level rate of unemployment amongst the youth, and HIV-AIDS challenges that need to be addressed. So, we invite various stakeholders to come and share their expertise in various subjects,” said Majingo.
He said, learning new skills strengthen community bonds, so he invites anyone who would want to be involved to come forward in enabling the North West community going forward.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style. The EFF deputy secretary in North West, Justice Dabampe said, the EFF as the third largest political party in South Africa, calls for submissions for entry into the National Secondary School Essay Competition.
Dabampe further said the competition is open for all secondary school-going learners of all walks of life and in all South African official languages. He added that the EFF seeks to inculcate a culture of writing among the youth through this competition.
“The ability to express oneself in a written form is central to modern life in all and every part of its aspects. With the advent of social media and short text messaging, the art of writing is daily undermined.
“The youth who spend so much time on social media and message platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage, turn to lose the general ability required for comprehensive long written works with complex and consistent arguments,” he said.
Dabampe said, above all, the EFF also wants to promote the diverse languages of South Africa. He said the essay competition will not privilege any language.
“All essays will be as per each official language. Meaning, there will be 11 winners, each standing for each official language. The competition opened on 10 March 2023 during Freedom Month and the announcement of the winners will be in June during Youth Month.
“Those who are eligible to enter are all South African-based active high school-going learners from both public and private education systems between Grades 10-12. Entrants will be required to provide evidence of their enrolment at their schools,” said Dabampe.
He said the topic will be: “A 10-year history of the EFF”. According to Dabampe, the topic emanates from the occasion of the EFF’s 10 anniversary as all the winners will be published in a single booklet to mark this occasion.
“The topic covers sub-themes relate to what conditions led to the formation of the EFF. When and where was it formed, and what have been its major turning points over the past 10 years.
“Who are the key actors in the development of the EFF. What has been the key impact of the EFF in South African politics over 10 years? So, all entries should be typed and submitted in an electronic version in PDF format,” said Dabampe.
He said all essays entering the competition should be in one of the South African official languages. Dabampe said, all submissions must be accompanied by an EFF High School Essay Competition entry form, which should contain full contact details of the entrant, including an ID-sized photograph, physical address, telephone, fax number, and email address.
“This should also include contact details of the entrant’s parent or guardian. The essay should be 1200 and not shorter than 900 words. The essay must be unique in its style and original in its form such that it stands out from the pack.
“It should assess how well one has understood the question and how much they know and articulate the subject matter, and demonstrate the breadth and depth of knowledge,” he said.
He said the competition needs critical thinkers with proper analysis of facts, events, and evidence to form an argument. The deadline for submission of entries is 30 April 2023 to essays@effonline.org.
The Guardian 