Picture: The Optog Teen Plaasmoorde pamphlet doing rounds on social media platforms

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the province said it is concerned about the pamphlet doing the rounds on social media platforms titled: “Optog Teen Plaasmoorde.” It is alleged that, the distributor of the pamphlet is organising a march in Brits scheduled for 10 October 2023.

The North West Police Chairperson of the Rural Safety Priority Committee, Major General Patrick Asaneng said they have a Priority Committee, which is in line with the National Rural Safety Strategy, ensures an effective and sustainable approach to optimal service delivery to rural communities, including on farms and smallholdings.

“The march organiser is neither known nor plays any active role in ensuring the safety of the farming communities. At the same time, misleads the public and creates a perception that nothing is being done about crime in rural areas.

“In fact, the District Commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 and the Station Commander of Brits have a good working relationship with farmers, farm workers, Community Police Forum (CPF) and other stakeholders,” he said.

Asane further said, that while volunteers and partners are welcomed in the fight against crime, it is imperative that those who do that, work together with the police through recognised structures such as the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to address safety and security on farms. He added that everyone has the right in terms of the Constitution to peacefully demonstrate, assemble, picket, and present petitions, but that must be done in a responsible manner.  

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Picture: The tombstone damaged at Lokgabeng/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Serolong family in Lokgabeng village, near Taung, was left dejected after their tombstones were vandalised by unknown people just a week after the unveiling.

Lesego Serolong said they held a successful ceremony on 30 September 2023 in honour of their grandfather, Daniel Masasa Serolong, grandmother, Sophie Galoname Serolong, and her father, Goitseone Staross Serolong.

She said Sophie was a philanthropist who contributed positively to the society. Lesego further said her grandmother as a teacher and a leader of society, always vanguard for a change is the lives of many.

“Sophie studied at the icon Tigerkloof near Vryburg and became a teacher a few years later. She taught at various schools across the country, including at Setshwarapelo Primary School in Lokgabeng. She was also involved in community work and as a leader of a Girl Guide initiative, she mentored a lot of girls.

“She advocated for education and this was a form of celebrating her legacy and influence, hence we did the celebration ceremony at her house. The celebration also included the unveiling of my father, Goitseone Staross Serolong’s tombstone, who was affectionately known as Motlotlegi Chesa in a Setswana drama during the Bophuthatswana era,” said Lesego.

She further said, her father was also a soldier by profession and a remarkable individual. Lesego added that Staross’ teachings and love, resonated uniquely and strongly.

“They left an irreplaceable void that only Christ can console. His distinct presence illuminated our lives. Every moment spent in his company is treasured and left a tapestry of memories woven with care and warmth.

“This also goes to the legacy that Daniel and Sophie left behind. She was a beacon of light that will forever inspire. Rakgadi’s unwavering faith and bundles of love enriched our lives and shaped our paths,” she said.

Lesego said they now have a scholar program under Sophie Serolong Umbrella, where they provide bursaries to young people. She said they were shattered after they were informed about the vandalism.

“We call on community members to assist with any information to ensure that culprits are brought to book. There might be a reward because I think it is not fair to destroy gravesites.

“We cannot fold our arms and let criminals target the sacred grounds. What surprises us is that nothing was stolen but some people just decided to vandalise those tombstones with a hammer for no apparent reason or only known to them,” said Lesego.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, there is a criminal case that was opened and investigations are underway. The damages are estimated at R20 000.”

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Picture: The protesters allegedly damaged the vehicle belonging to the municipal councillor, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The irate protesters from Itireleng village, near Taung vow to resume their service delivery protest, if there is no action taken by the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. A week ago, protesters barricaded the N18 road that links Taung and Hartswater with burning tyres and debris demanding the construction of the 2.5km internal road.

One of the community leaders, Itumeleng Pholo said the community members threatened to resume their service delivery protest because they have not received any communication from the municipality thus far.

“We have given them ample time to come up with a solution to our demand. However, it seems they are taking us for a ride and now is the time for action. We only need answers regarding the R10 million construction road project that was budgeted for.  

“Gaoraelwe told us that, there was a R10 million budget set aside for this project, but he continues to send us from pillar to post. So, as the community, we feel disrespected by the manner in which he is handling this matter,” he said.

Pholo also alleged that, there were allegations that there was a R6 million budget that was part of the budget, but it is missing.

However, the municipality’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe said, they will visit the area on Tuesday at 2pm and meet with aggrieved residents.

Last week, Maribe’s vehicle was damaged during a protest.

“I was on duty travelling from Kgomotso village to Taung and utilising my private vehicle, which is a grey Toyota Legend when I came across protesters on N18 road next to Taung Hotel School.

“The police were dispersing protesters with rubber bullets and teargas when one of the protesters threw a large stone at my vehicle. This resulted in the stone damaging the rear passenger door,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sam Nape lambasted Gaoraelwe for the ‘delay tactics’ in addressing the residents. Nape said all this is happening because Gaoraelwe made empty promises to the residents back in 2022.

“He promised the residents that the municipality would construct an internal road connecting them to the N18. This is a typical ANC fashion as Gaoraelwe made politically expedient promises to residents knowing full well that, the municipality did not have the funding nor the capacity to build such a road.

“Neither does the road fall under the jurisdiction of the municipality. The road is a competency of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). The DA would in principle support the construction of a road, but it must follow the correct process and procedures,” he said.

Nape further said, that when the matter appeared before the council, they raised concerns that this would be an unfunded project. He added that the municipality also has no jurisdiction to construct this road since it is a provincial road and that the cost of R10 million seemed excessive.

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Picture: The accused, Sibongeseni Ngubane who is linked to Ben Gumbi’s murder/Sowetanlive

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane who was arrested after being linked to the murder of the North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was granted the re-opening of the bail hearing by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 3 October 2023.

Ngubane took a stand and testified that he is an Uber driver and he will suffer the loss of income if he is not released on bail. He further testified that his life would not be endangered should bail be granted.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi (49). Mamothame said Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.

“The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car, which was found a few minutes after the incident, abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets. The car was confirmed to have been stolen, and the number plates that were on the car were false.

“Ngubane was arrested on 12 September 2023 in Germiston, after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail. He also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail,” he said.

He further said during cross-examination, the state asked Ngubane why he used a stolen vehicle, which was later abandoned, instead of his registered Uber vehicle as he claimed he was just hired to transport people to Rustenburg. Mamothame added that Ngubane was further interrogated on the R15 000, which he alleges was his payment for the transport service.

“The state will argue strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer. The investigating officer, in taking the stand prior to the reopening of the bail hearing, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence, as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder.

“He alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects, who were on the run and may endanger his life. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses,” said Mamothame.

He said the state also highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms. Mamothame said the state urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed.

The matter was postponed to 5 October 2023 for closing arguments.

Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.

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Picture: Former principal of Sunrise View Secondary School in Rustenburg, Agnes Rasesemola/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former principal, Agnes Rasesemola who is now the Circuit Manager, will be representing the North West province in a panel of discussion composed of other international prize laureates in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France on 5-6 October 2023.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this is in preparation to kick-start World Teachers’ Month. Motsumi said the panel will discuss how teacher prizes improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession.

“This is aimed at raising the teacher status and recognition as well as exploring how teacher prizes encourage the implementation of best practices at national, regional, and global levels. This milestone is a pride for the entire North West teaching fraternity.

“It is a pleasant honour to have our teachers and principals join the global stage to discuss such delicate matters relating to teachers. I take this invitation as a universal recognition of Rasesemola and the North West teaching profession as a whole,” she said.

Motsumi further said to be recognised in such a platform and sharing experiences in it, is a great milestone. She added that, as a department, they wish Rasesemola luck.

“I am grateful for her dedication both in leadership and in the classroom. Rasesemola is a former principal of Sunrise View Secondary School in Rustenburg, a three-time National Teaching Awards winner in 2013, 2017 and 2011, an African Union Continental Teachers awards winner in 2021 and two Batho Pele award winners amongst others,” said Motsumi.

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