Picture: The Director of Omolemo Funerals, Hlomelang Manare/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some clients who are still owed by the bogus Director of Omolemo Funerals, Hlomelang Manare said, their hopes are wearing thin. They alleged that Manare (32), who was found guilty of fraud of owing them. 

Maruping Mocwadira (43) from Lokgabeng village, near Taung alleged that he bought a tombstone worth R16 000 last year from Manare, but he failed to deliver.

“I am worried because on 7 August 2023, I also paid R1000 for a funeral cover. It has been a while since they promised to deliver the tombstone. Manare said he is experiencing financial difficulties because his employees were allegedly pocketing the money, instead of depositing it into the business account,” he said.

Another irate client, Moatlhodi Lencwe (60) from Mogopela A village said, he bought a tombstone for his mother, Maserame Gaonnwe at Omolemo Funerals, but it has not been delivered.

“Now, family members are not happy with what is happening. Manare promised to bring the tombstone in March 2023. However, nothing has happened and we were paying a monthly premium. They continue to send me from pillar to post.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Manare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for fraud. Manare acted as a financial services provider without having a license and lured members of the public, particularly the elderly to take insurance policies from his company, Omolemo Funerals, whilst he knowing that his company is not registered.

“Between 2019 and 2020, Manare registered five complainants on cashback policies in his company, Omolemo Funerals. He promised to pay his unsuspecting clients after the death of the insured, whereas he knew his company was not underwritten by any insurance company. Manare was convicted on one count of the Contravention of Section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory Intermediary Act 37 of 2002 and five of fraud.”

Mamothame said Manare paid R20 000 fine and he was also sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on five counts of fraud, which was suspended for three years.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that Manare preyed on vulnerable people, who lived off social grants. Mokgopa said the unsuspecting clients relied on the services of the accused in the unfortunate event of death.

Meanwhile, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spokesperson, Joel Motlhasedi said: “An inspection for funeral undertakers is conducted according to the regulations relating to the management of Human Remains, No. R363 of 22 May 2013. Omolemo Funerals Services was visited for inspection in February 2022, and the funeral undertaker’s premises or mortuary does not create a health nuisance or endanger human health.

“The funeral undertaker meets minimum requirements stipulated in the mentioned regulations and was then issued with a certificate of competence. The municipality makes use of R363 to conduct inspections.”

Motlhasedi said the Environmental Health Practitioners conduct routine inspections at funeral undertakers, which is done once a year in accordance with the National Norms and Standards relating to Environmental Health in terms of the National Health Act, 2003 No. 61 of 2003, Notice 1229 of 2015 unless otherwise.

Meanwhile, Manare refused to comment on the matter.

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Picture: The ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessel Morweng, provincial secretary, Tshiamo Tsotetsi and provincial spokesperson, Kutlwano Masibi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The ANCYL in North West has refuted allegations that it was dragged before the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) on Monday. This comes after ANCYL called for the removal of the sick North West Premier, Bushy Maape last week.  

The ANCYL provincial spokesperson, Kutlwano Masibi said they were summoned to a consultative engagement meeting by the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo to explain their utterances regarding Maape’s removal.

“There was no hearing on Monday, but Diremelo requested a formal consultative engagement meeting with our provincial secretary, Tshiamo Tsotetsi. You will remember that, before you can drag anyone to a disciplinary hearing, there are processes that need to be followed including charging a person.

“So, at this stage, there is no disciplinary hearing that the ANCYL leaders are subjected to. We have not even received any formal charge sheet. On Monday, he just had an engagement with Diremelo regarding the statement we made over Maape’s early retirement,” he said.

Masibi further said the engagement is still ongoing and it is regarded as internal. He added that, once the process has been completed, both structures in the province will release a joint statement pertaining to that. 

“So, let’s allow that process to unfold before we are pre-emptive,” said Masibi.

The defiant Tsotetsi said the premiership position is strategic and a bedrock of the implementation of key government policy in particular and service delivery in general. He said a lack thereof, makes it arduous for the government to properly function.

“The people of North West deserve a full complement of leadership in order for them to realise their desired goals. It is worth noting that, Maape has excelled with distinction in stabilisation of government post-administration. We have seen steady improvement in all departments post-administration.

“There is empirical evidence that a substantial Premier will assist in the implementation of government work. The engagement pertaining to this matter must ensue in the movement and the way forward must ensue,” he said.

Maape underwent a surgery two months ago. He was admitted to Wilmed Park Hospital in Klerksdorp for a minor orthopaedic procedure.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “We will request the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to disclose information surrounding Maape’s extended sick leave.

“Two months after the start of his sick leave, there has been no update from his office besides the fact that he is recuperating at home. The DA sympathises with Maape and wishes him good health, however, North West residents need to know the extent of his sick leave.”

He said the recent calls for Maape’s removal are rather opportunistic, since they have long said that he is not fit for the job and should have been removed when he saw nothing wrong with the province’s killer potholes.

Sonakile said, if Maape is critically ill, the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) should consider replacing him.

“The North West Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements MEC, Nono Maloyi is moonlighting as Premier and reporting to himself,” he said.

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Picture: The ANC councillor, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo 

By REGINALD KANYANE

The factional battle in the ANC continues to be a ‘source of instability’ at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. It has been almost two years since the ANC councillor, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo was barred from attending any municipal council meetings including activities.

This comes after one of the ANC councillors, Mike Mkhandawire, who serves as a councillor at the same municipality, launched an interdict against Kgabo to participate in any municipal council meetings. Mkhandawire alleged that proper procedures were not followed when Kgabo was elected as a councillor.

However, Kgabo who continues to get a monthly salary from the municipality even though he is not part of the council said this was used as a smokescreen to avoid his appointment as the executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“I was informed by the municipal speaker, Kgalalelo Sereko that I must no longer attend council meetings. Basically, I have been barred from attending any municipal council proceedings. One of her reasons to suspend me was, there is a pending court case against my deployment as a councillor.

“The ANC National Working Committee is currently dealing with the matter in terms of finding a way to resolve it politically. You cannot have the ANC councillor sitting in the municipal council and at the same time, having the case against the ANC,” he said.

Kgabo further said he did not appoint nor submit his name to the IEC. He added that, it turned out that, the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) was the one that finalised the list that was allegedly submitted and confirmed by national.

“So, there was no one in the country whose name was submitted to the IEC without going through ANC’s internal processes. You will remember that this court case came after the ANC councillors at the municipality voted for the EFF for the executive mayoral position even though ANC has a majority.

“You’ll remember that, I was identified to be appointed as the executive mayor after the interviews. So, I was supposed to be elected through a council meeting. However, through that council meeting, the EFF councilor, Tebogo Babuile was elected as the executive mayor,” said Kgabo.

The ANCYL national spokesperson, Wesley Kgang said: “As we move towards National General Elections, the ANCYL has taken a decision to work tirelessly to ensure that all its provincial chairpersons become MECs in strategic departments in their provincial governments. This will put young people at the centre of decision making. They will get into these spaces carrying a mandate to participate in the struggle to create jobs for youth and transformation of society in favour of all young people.

“The ANCYL wishes to further register that, we have not forgotten about the mayorship in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where a young person was resolved to take up the position yet it remains not implemented. The ANCYL will be taking up the matter to ensure that justice is done.”

Meanwhile, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spokesperson, Joe Motlhasedi said the municipality reserves its right not to respond on the matter, taking into consideration that, what has been raised should be directed to the councillor himself and the political party, which deployed him.

The ANC regional secretary, Walter Mabogola was not available for comment and his phone rang unanswered.

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Picture: Eskom lines engulfed by wildfires/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

Thousands of agricultural hectares have been destroyed by fire in Jan Kempdorp, Hartwater and Pampierstad. Some of the residents said the wildfires that have swept their areas, left devastation in their wake.

One of the farmers, Daniel van Wyk said their grazing land has been affected. Van Wyk further said the wildfires have also destroyed infrastructure.

“Is been a week since we do not have electricity due to the wildfires. Our animals have also been affected because the grazing land has been affected. We urge assistance from the government to ensure that the fire is contained.

“This is a run-away fire and it is difficult to control due to wind. We have not heard of any injuries either to live-stock or any human being thus far. At this point in time, we cannot estimate the losses,” he said.

Another resident in Pampierstad, Goitseone Tau, shared the same sentiment. Tau added that he sympathizes with farmers who suffered the losses.

“The wildfires have affected many livelihoods in the area. Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are the most affected as they continue to bear the brunt of load shedding, now this. We expect a massive amount of job losses as many livelihoods will be destroyed and food security be affected.

“It is also so sad to see the destruction of the environment and infrastructure. Even though most of the fires are being extinguished, the areas affected are not out of the woods yet. We also believe that Eskom lines are not maintained and there are no firebreaks — in high winds the lines touch and spark, causing fires,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eskom said in a statement that it continues to address power outages in some parts of Northern Cape following damaged infrastructure. Eskom said it regrets to inform the residents of the Northern Cape that, a recent incident of infrastructure damage, caused by veld fires, has resulted in power outages affecting various areas in the province.

“The affected areas include Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp, Warrenton and parts of Christiana. The veld fires have unfortunately caused significant damage to the power infrastructure, resulting in disruptions to the electricity feeders serving these areas.

“In order to balance the electricity system and prevent further complications, Eskom had to implement a temporary load rotation approach. This decision was made to ensure the stability of the local grid and avoid potential damage to the system,” the statement said.

Eskom said The estimated normalization time is at 18:00 on 17 August 2023. 

“We commit to keep you updated on progress by 09:00. We understand the inconvenience that power outages bring to their customers and we would like to assure everyone that, a dedicated team of skilled technicians has been dispatched to the affected areas. 

“Our priority is to assess and repair the damaged infrastructure as swiftly as possible. We thank customers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience, while we work non-stop to restore electricity supply,” it said. 

Eskom said the electricity can be switched on without notice. It said customers are therefore reminded to treat all electrical sockets and appliances as live and dangerous. 

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Setshwantsho: Monna o go begwang a ketekile lekgarebe mo video/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa dingwaga dile 39 o leletswe ke ditshipi morago ga go bonwa mo video e tletsetletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso a keteka lekgarebe le go dumelwang ele la gagwe kwa Shell Garage kwa Vryburg mo letsatsing la Tshipi. Go ya ka dipego, go kaiwa fa Poloko Sekgopi a ne a tsena kwa Shell Garage a hupile tedu kwa fitlhetseng lekgarebe le, lena le monna o sa itsiweng.  

Sekgopi o bonala mo video a tlhasela monna mongwe, pele a ka raga kaka lekgarebe le, le go mo digela mo fatshe. Go kaiwa fa lekgarebe le, lene la go bula kgetsi kgatlhanong le Sekgopi.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa kgorwaneng ya Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Sekgopi one a tshwarwa le go tlhagelela ka bo ripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelong ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la Mosupulogo. Van Rooyen o kaile fa Sekgopi a lebane le kgetsi ya go keteka.

“Ke nnete, go butswe kgetsi ya go keteka kgatlhanong le Sekgopi. Mo ngongoregi mo kgetsing eno, ona le dingwaga dile 33. Sekgopi o tlhageletse ka bo ripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la maabane.

“Kgetsi kgatlhanong le ene ene ya busediwa morago go fitlha ka di 18 Phatwe 2023. Molatofadiwa o tla nna a namile kwa ntlo lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile ka Labotlhano,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (29) from Cokonyane village, near Taung is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court for murder. 

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On Sunday morning, the police were called to attend to the victim who was brought to Cokonyane clinic. Information provided indicated that, three male persons brought the victim to the clinic in the early morning of Sunday.

“The victim had a stab wound on his shoulder and he was already dead on arrival at the clinic. A case of murder was opened and initial investigation into the case led to the arrest of a suspect on Monday morning.”

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Picture: Underage children allegedly indulge in alcohol/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has condemned underage drinking as well as drug and substance abuse that allegedly occurred over the weekend at the merry-go-round swings, near the Mahikeng Mall in Mahikeng.

Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele described the binge involving children as young as 12 as not only shocking but also a symptom of a deeper moral crisis facing society.

Kgwele said these deplorable acts, which are conducted in broad daylight whenever the merry-go-round swings are in town, point to a decay in moral values. He further said they are extremely concerned because underage drinking is a Siamese twin to teenage pregnancy.

“We call on law enforcement to clamp down on lawlessness and intensify visibility around the area, while the merry-go-round swings are in town. We urge parents to reclaim the Ubuntu adage that says, every child is my child.

“They should also play their part by accompanying their children to the entertainment because heartless drug dealers and unscrupulous liquor traders are opportunists that are taking advantage of our vulnerable youth to derive maximum benefit,” said Kgwele.

He further said the members of the committee had witnessed first-hand, young girls staggering, drinking publicly, others smoking hubbly-bubbly on their return from the Ministerial Imbizo on Gender-Based Violence, Drug and substance abuse that was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional Development and Correctional Services, John Jeffrey.

Kgwele added that, this calls for urgency to ensure that the pledge that they had signed at the Imbizo, is given practical expression with implementing sustainable intervention programmes.  

“As the MRM, we are committed to mobilising churches, men, women and youth organisations including businesses to combat the scourge of crime as well as drug and substance abuse destroying the future of our youth as well as tearing our families and communities apart.

“The MRM is determined to intensify and redouble its effort to establish stronger partnerships for safer communities, establishing youth mentorship programmes as part of championing the charter of positive values is a priority that the civil society-led organization will embark upon as part of implementing its safer schools programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and other intervention programmes,” he said.

Kgwele said they hope that, the Provincial MRM Youth colloquium that they will be hosting on the 15 September 2023 to raise awareness about the Charter of Positive Values that they are advocating for inclusion in the school curriculum.

“We express a wish for the model of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), Moral Regeneration Movement(MRM) and Ubuntu leadership programme that was implemented by Agape Foundation in partnership with Merafe Resources, the Adopt-A-School Programme, an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation at Boitekong and Meriting Secondary Schools in Rustenburg replicated at other schools and districts across the province.  

“While collaboration with the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternal (SACOFF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will also assist us tackle the scourge of crime at a broad societal level, municipalities must ensure that young people have recreational facilities,” he concluded.

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Picture: The cattle that were allegedly stolen/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects were arrested for stock theft on Reivilo gravel road on 7 August 2023. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police from Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species(STES) unit, received a tip-off on 7 August 2023 of a suspected vehicle pulling a trailer with stolen stock.

Van Rooyen said the police immediately operationalised the information and conducted patrols on the Reivilo gravel road, where they found the reported vehicle. She further said when the vehicle was stopped, there were allegedly three occupants.

“The driver indicated that, the stock belonged to him. Further enquiries were made and the occupants were unable to provide documentary proof of ownership of the stock. A case of possession of suspected stolen stock was opened.

“Three suspects were immediately arrested. Koos Barnard (34), Ntwaitsile Matebesi (33), and William Shuping (49) briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 August 2023. They were remanded in custody and the case was postponed to 15 August 2023 for formal bail application,” said van Rooyen.

She added that, the owners of the stock were traced and positively identified the stock.

Meanwhile. The acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, applauded the police involved in the apprehension of the suspects. Tlotleng also lauded them on their dedication to ensuring that, the safety of the communities is prioritised.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder and robbery in Ganyesa. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police allegedly received a call from a community member about a man, who was lying motionless along the old Kudunkgwane gravel road.

Rooyen said the police responded quickly and went to the scene, where they found the victim (38) next to his vehicle.

“After the scene was processed, the detectives immediately started tracing the suspects and early Monday morning, 7 August 2023, five suspects were arrested. All five suspects were positively linked to the crime and they briefly appeared in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 8 August 2023, where they faced charges of murder and robbery.

“Tsholofelo Montshwane (27), Mukhano Keabetswe (27), Christopher Gaobape (29), Gaonapetso Rancho (29), and Thabang Pudieng (35) were remanded in police custody until 15 August 2023, where they will appear in court for formal bail application,” she said.

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Picture: The N18 road in North West/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said it will be rolling out projects to improve some intersections on the national route N18. The SANRAL CEO, Reginald Demana said the roads agency has set aside about R78.3 million towards Routine Road Maintenance of the N18 from Naledi Municipal Border to the Botswana border post.

Demana further said the budget will also cover the R49 national road from Mahikeng to the Ramotshere-Moiloa Municipal border, and the R505 national road from the Ditsobotla Municipal border to the R49 intersection. He added that the scope of work for the project includes accommodation of traffic, pavement layer repairs, crack sealing and patching of asphalt pavements, and repair of edge breaks and edge drops.

“This includes the gravel shoulder repairs, construction of drainage works to combat erosion, cleaning of all drainage structures, including removal of grass and debris from grids as well as clearing bridge drainage ports and scuppers.

“The budget also includes the repairing damaged fencing, repairing damaged fencing, repairing damaged road signs, cleaning of road signs, installation and replacement of road studs, repairing damaged guardrails and balustrades, road reserve, including the median, and the removal of grass cuttings,” he said.

Demana said SANRAL is committed to creating economic value throughout South Africa. He said, therefore, local sub-contractors within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District and general workers from the targeted areas will be appointed throughout the life cycle of this project.

“This will be sourced from the database captured by the Project Liaison Officers representing both municipalities. The appointment of labourers will be based on the sub-contractor’s requirements, depending on activities.

“All general labourers being employed by the main contractor and sub-contractor, must be sourced from the project’s targeted areas only, with assistance from the project’s targeted areas only, with assistance from the affected sections,” said Demana.

He said for 2024, SANRAL will further roll-out projects for the provision of non-motorised and public transport facilities and improvements of intersections on N18 section 6 from 25.0 to 38.2km. Demana said the project worth R14.3 million, is scheduled to start in February 2024.

“The scope of work will include geometric improvements of four intersections, N18 and Sekonopo school access, N18 and Madibe town, N18 and Lekoko access, N18 and Tabernacle school access provision of pedestrian crossings.

“This will include the public transport facilities and sidewalks along intersections, reduction of speed to 60km per hour from both approaches, provision of traffic calming in the form of rumble strips, the addition of the left-turning tapers, the addition of street lighting and right-and – left-turning lanes, and closure of existing school access at the N18 and Tabernacle school access information,” he said.

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