By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Lower Majeakgoro village, near Pampierstad, said they are still shocked after a man allegedly stabbed and burned four people in the house. Two people succumbed to their injuries, while the other two are receiving medical attention.

According to a family member, Thandi Oliphant, her cousin who stays with the victims was on his way home, when he saw the smoke coming out of the house.

“He allegedly ran towards the house and found the doors locked. According to him, he forced entry by breaking the door with a spade. He found four of our family members burning on the bed.

“The attacker also stabbed them with the knife and we realised that after rushing them to the local clinic for medical attention. Even though we do not know what might be the cause of the attack, the suspect is a neighbour who is known to the victims,” she said.  

Ward 19 councillor, Michael Makwati said: “The atrocity left us dejected and we condemn it. We also urge the police to ensure that, the victims get justice. The Greater Taung Local Municipality officials visited the bereaved family.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the atrocity took place on 23 May 2023 at around 1:30pm. Kock further said the man allegedly entered the house and stabbed four persons with a knife, while robbing them of a cell phone.

“He then locked the female victims up in a room and set the place alight. An elder woman (71) and a girl (3) died on the scene, while two victims aged 28 and 62 respectively, were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

“The suspect (25) is allegedly a known neighbour to the victims and was arrested hours later. He will appear in the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Kock said the police are investigating a double murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and robbery case. Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola is saddened by the tragic and heinous incident and reiterated that GBVF remains a priority to the SAPS and cases of this nature will be dealt with harshly.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (23) has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping a girl (16). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, on 30 July 2016 at around 4am, the sister of the victim (23) was at a local establishment next to her house when she heard her sister (16) screaming.

“The complainant entered the house through an open window and found the accused raping her sister. The complainant tried to remove the suspect from her sister and was severely assaulted by the accused.

“The accused ran away and was later arrested and sentenced on 23 May 2023. The accused has been on trial for raping a 16-year-old female victim and assaulting the victim’s sister at their home in Bothitong village, near Kuruman,” Kock said.

He said the Mothibistad Regional Court sentenced the man to 15 years imprisonment and a further 3 years for assaulting a victim’s sister.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police’s Head for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Brigadier Sipho Kheswa lauded the Kuruman FCS commander, Captain Caren Nel, and the investigating officer Sergeant Lebogang Serati for his meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding conviction.

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Picture: Seven accused persons appear in court/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung has been postponed to 22 June 2023 for a pre-trial conference. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Picture: The ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa visits North West/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit Mahikeng on Saturday. Ramaphosa will be part of the ruling party’s National Working Committee (NWC) delegation that will be visiting North West province from 27-29 May 2023.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the NWC visit forms part of the ANC’s renewal programme and is aimed at reconnecting with its constituencies, organisational structures, and communities.

“The ANC NWC weekend-long programme will mainly involve engagements with the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), Regional Executive Committees (RECs), Branch Executive Committees (BECs), the Leagues and the Tripartite Alliance partners

“According to our draft itinerary, Ramaphosa will lead the activity at Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng from 9:30am until 4pm, deputy president, Paul Mashatile will be in Matlosana Banquet Hall, Dr Kenneth Kaunda region, where he is expected to meet with ANC structures, Troikas (Metros, District and Local Municipality), Top 5 Leagues and Alliance,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.

She further said, the ANC national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe and ANC 1^st deputy secretary, Nomvula Moknyane will be in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. Bhengu-Motsiri said the activity will take place at Naledi Banquet Hall in Vryburg.

“The ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula and 2^nd deputy secretary-general, Maropene Ramokgopa will visit Rustenburg in Bojanala region. The engagement will take place at Rustenburg Civic Centre. On Sunday, the ANC National Working Committee will meet with the ANC Provincial Executive Committee in Rustenburg,” she said.

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Picture: The Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality said, it has managed to pay salaries for the month of May 2023. A few days ago, the acting municipal manager, Kabo Forane sent a letter to municipal employees informing them about the possible delays due to financial distress.   

“The office of the acting municipal manager would like to bring it to your attention that, as the municipality is depending on revenue collection as one of its main sources of income, we are currently experiencing financial difficulties that have resulted from a low collection of revenue from consumers.

“Taking the above-mentioned statement into consideration, councillors, senior managers, line managers and officials are hereby informed that there is a great possibility that the payment for May 2023 salaries will be delayed until the municipality has sourced sufficient funds to process the salaries for May 2023,” said Forane.

He said, they trusted that, the matter will be resolved at the earliest convenience and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

However, yesterday, the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi told Taung DailyNews that, the municipality managed to pay salaries for the month of May 2023. Motlhabi said the municipality was able to collect enough revenue to cover salaries for May 2023.

Lekwa-Teemane is not the only municipality struggling to pay salaries. The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality is also experiencing delays in salary payments for the month of May 2023.   

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in North West, Leon Basson said all North West municipalities are dysfunctional. Basson said the average score for North West municipalities in the Rating Africa’s annual Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) is a mere 21 points.

“This is the lowest in the country shared with the Free State. In short, all North West municipalities are facing collapse, are dysfunctional, unable to deliver services, or maintain or expand on infrastructure to meet service delivery demands.

“This contributes significantly to economic decline and unemployment as we can see in all small dorpies throughout the province from Christiana to Vryburg, Leeudoringstad to Ganyesa, and Koster to Ventersdorp,” he said.

Basson further said the JB Marks Local Municipality is considered to be the best-performing municipality in North West, at a score of 35, but is, at the same time, one of the worst performing in South Africa, one point below the national average of 36. He added that the Naledi Local Municipality scored 7, the worst in the country.

“The Vryburg residents can attest to the misery they are forced to endure because of the ANC’s sustained misrule there. The MFSI report confirms that the “unabated destruction” of municipalities continues throughout much of South Africa, but that there is hope.

“The DA-governed municipalities continue to far outperform all those misgoverned by the ANC. The Western Cape average score is recorded at 52 points, the highest. Evidence that confirms the DA’s good governance track record and the only party that is capable to rebuild what the ANC has destroyed in North West,” said Basson.

He said the Ratings Africa in its annual Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) confirmed what North West residents knew all along, informed by their daily lived experiences – that three decades of ANC misrule has basically destroyed the province.

According to Basson, water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse removal services are erratic at best, unemployment is the highest in South Africa at 54%, roads are potholed-ridden death traps and all North West municipalities are dysfunctional.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) said it could not make any ruling on the labour practice case filed by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) against the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM).  

The SAMWU-affiliated employees, approached the SALGBC for arbitration after the municipality vehemently refused to pay them a monthly R2500 for danger allowance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the municipal employees embarked on a protracted strike after allegations that, the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma paid senior managers and directors a monthly R2500 as danger allowance, instead of R1500, which was a standard flat rate agreed upon.

The municipality launched an investigation against Mokoma’s alleged misconduct and appointed an independent firm, Matshego Ramagaga Attorneys.

According to Ramagaga’s report, Mokoma allegedly misled the previous council on danger allowance for the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in the municipality losing R508 500 due to Mokoma’s alleged misconduct.

Now, the chairperson of SAMWU in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Modipadi Ruele said: “The purpose of today’s meeting was an arbitration sitting. However, the case could not continue because the dispute was not filed within the required 90 days. So, we had an agreement to apply for the condonation.

“We believe that, we have a winnable case against the municipality over the danger allowance issue. We will be patient and wait for that day to come. However, if our workers decide that we take the legal route, we will do so.”

Some community members classified the situation at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), as being at medium risk for deterioration.

One of the community members, Benjamin Mashuga said there is a grim reality in the municipality, which is a direct result of municipal mismanagement. Mashuga further said the future of the residents looks bleak if the municipality is not going to be guided by the Municipal System Act.

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Picture: The missing person, Nakedi Andrew Motene/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Phokeng request the community’s assistance in locating Nakedi Andrew Motene (53), who is affectionately known as Killer. Motene resides at Chaneng Ramotene Section in Phokeng, near Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, Motene was last seen by his brother-in-law on 1 May 2023.

Funani further said a search was conducted around the neighbourhood and surrounding areas of Chaneng without any success.

“During the time of his disappearance, Nakedi was wearing a brown T-shirt and brown trousers. He is dark in complexion, has brown eyes, with a medium body, a short beard, and black hair.

“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective, Warrant Officer, Johanna Masenya of Phokeng Detectives on cell phone at 073 801 7173. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

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Picture: Seven accused persons in an arson case/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung is set to resume in court today. The case was postponed by the Taung Regional Court to 25 May 2023 after the state highlighted that, it still has to submit the outstanding documents with crucial evidence before it could continue with the case.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35). 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder. 

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Picture: The preparation to exhume the bodies/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Department of Health will exhume eleven unidentified bodies that were buried at Boikhutsong cemetery, near Lichtenburg. The department suspects that, the remains of a patient that went missing while admitted at Thusong Hospital near Itsoseng Township might be among those bodies.

According to the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, the patient went missing a few year ago.

Lekgethwane said: “The department has obtained a court order from the Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court to exhume eleven unidentified bodies on Thursday. This is in search of the remains of a male patient, who went missing a number of years ago at Thusong Hospital.

“The DNA tests conducted on the remains of a body found at the hospital at the time proved inconclusive. However, following a lengthy investigation, it is now suspected that the remains of the missing patient could be in one of the eleven graves.”

Lekgethwane further said, the family and the department recently approached the court to grant an order for the exhumation of the remains of a body suspected to be that of the missing patient. He added that, the suspected remains are said to have been buried with some personal items which could assist in the identification process.

The exhumation will take place at 9am.

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