Three suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and kidnapping. This comes after a high-density, intelligence-driven operation in Breipal, near Douglas
conducted by the Douglas police, assisted by De Aar Public Order Police, Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, and Douglas Neighborhood Watch.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they received a tip-off that led to the arrest of three suspects aged 22, 23, and 37 respectively for dealing in drugs and kidnapping.
“The crystal meth and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were also confiscated. The three suspects will appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“The police will continue with their collaborative efforts in the fight against crime and encourage community members to report any criminal activities to the police. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.
A man who is linked to six cases of burglaries and robberies in Vryburg is expected to appear in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today. Deflin Julies Visser (21) was arrested during a Crime Intelligence driven operation on 11 September 2023.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police conducted the operation after receiving a tip-off about Visser’s whereabouts. Funani said although the Visser ran away upon spotting the police vehicle, he was eventually arrested next to the railway line in Huhudi Township, in Vryburg.
“The preliminary investigation linked Visser to six other cases through forensic leads such as the DNA and fingerprints. The cases include business robberies and residential burglary, which were reported at Vryburg Police Station between November 2020 and August 2023.
“He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and investigations into the matter, including the tracking of Visser’s accomplices are underway,” she said.
Funani further said Visser abandoned bail during his second court appearance at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, who were involved in the operation for a job well done.
Picture: The late socialite and former Vaaltar FM presenter, Tshepang Seelo/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Modimong murder case is expected to resume today at North West High sitting in Vryburg. Two men from Modimong village, near Taung, Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are on trial facing a murder case for allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021.
Malekanyo and Tlonkwe are allegedly charged with premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.
“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.
“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” Mamothame said.
He said the two accused partners were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.
Picture: The usage of drugs rife in Pudimoe/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Pudimoe Township, near Taung, alleged that drug addicts are terrorising them. One of the residents, Botsile Moleboge said the usage of drug substances in Pudimoe is prevalent. He said what is disheartening is that the drug lord who continues to sell drugs to young addicts is well-known to the community.
“There is a serious challenge of drug abuse in our area. We tried in vain to report the matter to the police, however, what we have realised is that some of the police officers connive with him.
“Young people persistently abuse substances and break into our homes afterwards. If you go to Pudimoe railway station now, you will find these young addicts there smoking nyaope,” he said.
Moleboge further said they have come up with strategic measures as community members to combat drug abuse. He added that, those who are mostly affected by the actions of these addicts are students from Vuselela TVET College.
“We have decided to form a group that could be combative of drugs. What is bad is that, when these addicts need money to satisfy their cravings, they stop at nothing. They break into homes and those who are mostly affected are students from Vuselela TVET College, who are renting rooms.
“So, we need to be cautious as community members because these young addicts also rob children of their money when they are sent to the shops. We also urge the North West Social Development to assist in addressing this challenge,” said Moleboge.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said there is an undeniable link between substance abuse and delinquency. Funani said even though Taung and Vryburg are leading with the highest drug problems in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, there is also a challenge in Pudimoe.
“We are doing everything in our power to fight drugs in Pudumoe. The police are managing the problem and last month, a person who was selling drugs was arrested. Last week, a drug dealer (41) and a minor (17) were also arrested for dealing in drugs.
“The suspect (41) is out on bail and we can attest that drug abuse does contribute to crime. But, like I said, we are fighting the problem and so far, a total number of four have been arrested. We are not aware of police officers, who are working with drug lords, but if the community know those police officials, they can always report this to 08600 10111 or the district office,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said: “Drug abuse is really killing our nation and my heart bled when I realise that, the majority of them are graduates from tertiary institutions, who have decided to indulge in various substances because of unemployment and other personal problems.
“It is time we develop a programme to keep these young people busy by providing appropriate opportunities for them. As the department, we have budgeted an amount of R4.2 million to enable NPOs to provide substance abuse prevention services and aftercare to persons with substance use disorders,” he said.
Mokgosi said they will establish Local Drug Action Committees in all local municipalities by October 2023. He said that, this is indeed their plan for this year, which will see these local committees coordinating and intensifying substance abuse prevention programmes, which include Siyalulama Community Outreach Programme, Festive Season Campaign, and Debates on Substance Abuse in some schools.
Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshwara poo go tlhometswe kwa motseng wa Veertien, gaufi le Taung. Seno se tla morago ga gore, go begwe fa banna ba ba neng ba tlhometse go utlwala, ba itelekele kwa ntlung nngwe fa masigo asa ka 16 Lwetsi 2023.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, banna ba, ba ile ba tsena kwa ntlung nngwe, mme ba fitlha ba tshwara mosadi mongwe kananyo.
“Go butswe kgetsi kwa sepodising, mme go begwa fa mosadi wa dingwaga dile 67 a ne a robetse fa a utlwa modumo kwa ntle. One a tsoga le go ya go batlisisa gore se se tlholang modumo ke eng. Go begwa fa banna ba ba sa itsiweng ba le bane, ba ne ba itelekela mo ntlung.
“Go begwa fa ba utswitse tebeleishene ga mmogo le mogala wa letheka, mme ba tshaba. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng mo kgetsing e go fitlha ga jaana, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” va Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Members of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The founder of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Kabelo Seetelo (42) said his organisation addresses several very important lessons through a range of activities such as health and wellness, socialization and education.
He said after realising that there are many socio-economic challenges affecting the youth, he decided to form his organisation.
“Mamusa Karate Dojo NPO, is a division of world karate organisation, Shinkyokushinkai. The club is based in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke and is a community-based Karate Club. We are the officially registered South African branch of the Shinkyokushinkai.
“Mamusa Karate Dojo is the largest group of karate practitioners in the province. Our grades are recognised internationally and in Japan. Our senseis trained at the infamous Honbu in Tokyo as often as possible to ensure that standards remain at the highest level,” said Seetelo.
He further said they have over 30 members who have joined the organisation to benefit from self-defence and life skills lessons offered by his organisation. Seetelo added that, as a former Black Belt student of Shinkyokushinkai in Japan, this is a safe and secure way in which students can learn and train in the martial arts known as karate.
“Our members range from 4 to 36 years and we offer professional instruction by qualified and reliable practising karateka (students of the art.) We are internationally recognised offer black belt grades and are registered with the Department of Education in Japan.
“There is a chance for all karateka to earn provincial and national colours as well as World Karate Organisation (WKO) due to our various affiliations. We offer an exciting form of exercise as well as self-defence, which in today’s day and age is essential,” said Seetelo.
As a South African-based Karate Artist and a qualified Sensei, Seetelo started his career in 1999 where he trained under Sensei Lebina at Mmathari Creche in Ipelegeng Township. He obtained all colours from the HME grounds and training style as Kiokoshin.
“I went to Johannesburg and travelled across South Africa competing with other athletes from various provinces. In the late 90’s, I started travelling and competing internationally. My technical was Kioskoshin, then to JKA then transformed to Shinkyokoshinshinkai, which is currently my 3rd Dan, Black Belt.
“We have won over 36 trophies as an organisation and continue to compete across the country. Recently, we went to Mokopane village in Limpopo Province to compete there and we won trophies. Even though it is challenging to run an organisation like this, I like the discipline, dedication and determination I receive from my students,” said Seetselo.
Meanwhile, one of Seetelo’s students, Ouma Chabaesele (23) said: “I am passionate about karate as a sport because I learn different skills. karate training keeps us away from the streets. We learn various skills that help us to develop confidence.
“As a woman, I think all females need to learn these kinds of techniques for self-defence. It is not safe anymore and if one is equipped with various techniques, they can survive against all odds. The training has had a tremendous effect on my life and I am grateful for Seetelo’s teachings.”
Chabaesele said, that nowadays, young people get distracted and indulge in drug and alcohol abuse, which contributes to various socio-economic challenges. She said they need to be wiser to be better leaders of tomorrow.
A man who is linked to six cases of burglaries and robberies in Vryburg abandoned bail. Deflin Julies Visser (21) was arrested during a Crime Intelligence driven operation on 11 September 2023.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police conducted the operation after receiving a tip-off about Visser’s whereabouts. Funani said although the Visser ran away upon spotting the police vehicle, he was eventually arrested next to the railway line in Huhudi Township, in Vryburg.
“The preliminary investigation linked Visser to six other cases through forensic leads such as the DNA and fingerprints. The cases include business robberies and residential burglary, which were reported at Vryburg Police Station between November 2020 and August 2023.
“He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and investigations into the matter, including the tracking of Visser’s accomplices are underway,” she said.
Funani further said Visser abandoned bail during his second court appearance at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. She said Visser’s case has been postponed to Monday.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, who were involved in the operation for a job well done.
Picture: The firearm allegedly used in robbery/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two men who allegedly hijacked a truck were arrested in Kolong river towards Manthe village, near Taung. It is alleged that, the hijacked truck, a 5-ton Isuzu Truck belonging to a company in Lenasia in Johannesburg South, was traveling on the N12 en route to Kimberley transporting a consignment of cigarettes valued at approximately R4 million rand.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien said it is believed that, a grey Toyota Corolla Quest intercepted the truck near Warrenton and five armed men alighted from the vehicle. Gamieldien further said the armed men allegedly assaulted the driver, his crew, and two other passengers.
“After allegedly assaulting the victims and demanding information about the tracking devices, the suspects drove off with the truck and its cargo in the direction of Taung, where they offloaded the consignment of cigarettes in the veld.
“They then locked the driver and his passengers in the back of the truck, where it was hidden in the bushes near the Kolong river area in the vicinity of Manthe village,” she said.
Gamieldien added that, an intelligence-driven operation was launched and the truck was located with the assistance of Hartswater Police, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, and Hartswater K9.
“A lookout was posted for the grey Toyota Corolla Quest, spotted by the Taung police, who stopped and searched the vehicle. Cash and other valuables were found inside the car.
“Other police units and stations who were also involved in the tracking and apprehension of two of the five suspects, were Kimberley SAPS, Kimberley Flying Squad, Kimberley POPS, Crime Intelligence, Frances Baard District, Dr RS Mompati District CI and Visible Policing,” she said.
Gamieldien said the police are still searching for the three other suspects, who fled as well as the consignment of cigarettes. She said further information indicates that, the remaining three suspects are armed and deemed dangerous and should not be approached.
“The suspects will soon appear in court on charges of truck jacking and kidnapping and additional charges may be added,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the cross-provincial teams for collaborating their efforts, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects, the recovery of the stolen truck, and the driver and passengers being rescued.
Otola said the partnership clearly indicates that the police will leave no stone unturned despite borders being crossed.
Picture: The ANC member, Orapeleng Matshediso/Facebook
By ORAPELENG MATSHEDISO
Some of us were privileged enough to have been recruited into the ANC and other organisations of the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) by comrades, who patiently taught us both the written and unwritten founding principles of our organisations.
We have been taught to internalise and put into practice the phrase that says: “Let the best lead us.” We have been taught to appreciate and accept that, even within or among our own generation, there are comrades who are more seasoned and capacitated than us, and we have to always respect that fact.
Let me give an example, comrades such as David Maimela, Mosimanegape Moleme, Buti Manamela and many others are to a certain extent my generation. Acknowledging and accepting that they are somehow senior to some of us, does not make us lesser leaders.
This has been an unwritten principle that was internalised and practised within the congress movement for over years.
This unwritten principle has been key in reducing unnecessary leadership contestations. I am not suggesting that, we should not contest each other as generations. I am merely reflecting on how the principle of “Let the best amongst us lead” assisted the organisation and provided it with an opportunity to be led by comrades, who are equal to the tasks of the epoch.
I am reminded by the books of history that, in 1912 in Mangaung, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), today known as ANC – maturely managed leadership elections. Apparently, John Langalebalele Dube was elected in absentia, he was represented by his brother, Charles Dube at the founding conference.
We are also told that, initially, the first president of the ANC or SANNC was supposed to be comrade Walter Rubusana, who declined the election in favour of comrade John Langalebalele Dube. What is of interest to me is that, comrade Pixley Ka isaka Seme never had a sense of entitlement to the leadership position on the basis that was amongst the prominent organisers of the conference.
Instead, comrade Seme became the first Treasurer of the ANC.
Today, those who are tasked to organise conferences are rigging them in their favour or their faction. Today, leadership in the ANC is no longer about electing those who are equal to the task of the day, but it’s about self and factional gratification.
The ANC is an organisation with a very rich history that as younger generation could learn from in the quest for unity, rebuilding and renewal.
Note: (The views raised in this article do not represent Taung DailyNews or its Associates, but remain the views of the author. Taung DailyNews does not agree nor disagree with them)
*Mr Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso is an academic, former Secretary General, President of the SRC at North West University (Mafikeng campus), the current Deputy District Secretary of the SACP in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and a member of the ANC in good standing. Mr Matshediso wrote this in his personal capacity.
Picture: The delegation of the North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The delegation of the North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) raised concerns about the slow pace of completion of bulk water treatment plant projects. This comes after an oversight visit to the wastewater treatment plants in Madibeng on Friday.
The leader of the delegation, China Dodovu said the NCOP has unequivocally expressed its discontent regarding the slow pace of the completion of the construction and refurbishments of the bulk wastewater development infrastructure projects in the North West.
Dodovu said North West is one of the water-scarce provinces in South Africa.
“The province has the potential to develop top-notch modernized bulk wastewater treatment plants if the provincial and the local government can all focus on turning the current poor state of affairs in many district and local municipalities.
“The delegation received a briefing yesterday in the province from the provincial government. The delegation heard that several bulk wastewater treatment plants in the province have reached their design life span and are failing to cope with the increased demand for water and sanitation services to the local communities,” he said.
Dodovu further said the delegation heard that, across the province, this has resulted in many bulk wastewater treatment plants constantly experiencing sewer spillages, burst water pipes and leakages, malfunctioning pump stations, and contaminated natural water sources among other things.
He added that, throughout the week, the NCOP delegation received briefings on the province’s identified bulk wastewater infrastructure development treatment plants under the theme of this year’s NCOP Provincial Week: “Building viable provincial and municipal infrastructure for effective delivery of services to communities.”
“The plants were the Groot Marico Water Waste Treatment Plant, Zeerust Water Waste Treatment Plant, Potchefstroom Bulk Water Supply, and Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Project. Notwithstanding the challenges that include funding, stop and start of the contractors on site, shortage of machinery and construction, and shortage of prerequisite expertise and experience, the delegation was provided with completion and handover dates that will take place early in 2024.
“Most of the contractors have reported that they have increased capacities regarding the required resources needed by the projects to accelerate the pace with which the projects move to complete them within the revised target dates,” said Dodovu.
He said they also raised their concerns regarding the commitments made for completion and handing over of the projects as some of them took more than ten years to be completed. He said the sudden change and the guarantee to conclude these projects within a short space of time is raising eyebrows as it seems impossible to complete them within the targeted timelines, in particular for the bigger projects.
“We are also concerned about the low local employment figures in these infrastructure projects, despite large sums of funds being invested by the province, which include the outsourcing of the work to external contractors who do not transfer skills to the province and deprive the local small-to-medium enterprises.
“The delegation is particularly concerned about the growing trend of building new infrastructure projects without maintaining the existing ones. With all these concerns, we requested the provincial government to provide an updated report on the completion timelines for all the bulk wastewater projects,” said Dodovu.
He said the report should include an update on employment and skills transfer plans for local SMMEs and individuals to be submitted to the NCOP on or before 31 October 2023.
‘’It is clear that there are problems in all the wastewater treatment plants and other related projects and we are unhappy with the stumbling blocks, fraud and corruption reports, and no consequence management.
“Water is life and so we must all be concerned with the slow pace of completion of the projects. However, we are inspired by the commitment of the provincial government to overcome all these challenges,” said Dodovu.
The Guardian 