Daily Archives: November 2, 2023

Arson case against seven suspects postponed

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Picture: Seven suspects who were arrested for arson

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung has been postponed to 29 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The state is expected to call the police officers who attended the crime scene to the stand to testify.

The trial on the matter commenced on 17 October 2023.

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 with arson.

The police arrested the seven accused 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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The sluggishness of D201 road construction project disconcerting

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Picture: The D201 road construction project/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Taung said the sluggishness of the D201 road construction project is disconcerting. This comes after the North West Department of Public Works and Roads announced that, the road construction project that was slated to be completed in November 2023, will be re-scheduled to February 2024.

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said, indeed the project will not be completed on the scheduled time due to the delayed access to the borrow pit.

“Other reasons are disruptions during the selection and appointment of local SMMEs, in climate weather conditions, which lead to delays in construction works and delays in seal construction due to winter embargo,” he said.

However, DA’s Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sello Seitlholo said: “As the DA in Greater Taung, we have once again undertaken oversight at the D201 road construction project, which is 60km road running from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng village.

“It is absolutely shocking that the department will now miss its November 2023 deadline to complete the 24km road, which is phase 1 from Pampierstad to Mokassa. We have warned the department on a number of oversights that, it will fail to deliver on its mandate to build the sustainable road infrastructure.”

Seitlholo further said, now the residents from various villages have been affected negatively. He added the DA has no doubt that this deadline will also be missed, judging by the current state of affairs the project finds itself in.

“It seems there is no progress that was made from the previous oversight that we overtook last year,” said Seitlholo.

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Gender-Based Violence Prayer Ahead Of 16 Days Of Activism  

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Picture: The police and other stakeholders pray against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Col Koliswa Otola said, community members should unite in the quest to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Otola said they will need everyone’s contribution to end the pandemic.

“We hosted the GBVF Inter-Faith/Moral Regeneration Prayer Service at the Galeshewe Traffic Circle on 2 November 2023 under the theme: “Let Jesus say something in the midst of your challenge.”. The event commenced with a motorcade and prayer walk led by male spiritual leaders from Galeshewe Police Station at 9am and proceeded to the Galeshewe Circle.

“The church service was opened with interfaith prayers by different religious leaders and the welcoming address delivered by Frances Baard District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johan Bean,” she said.

Otola further said the Provincial Chairperson for Spiritual Crime Prevention, Rev Shimane Morake shared the same sentiments. She added that Morake outlined the service was focused on GBVF and seen as a build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

“Messages of support were offered by the Moral Regeneration Movement from the Office of the Premier, GAMIFRA, the Rastafarian Community, and the Provincial Community Police Board. Policing GBVF remains one of her priorities in combating crime in the province.

“Efforts are reinforced in order to address all contact crimes. The actions will be more focused, intensified, and enhanced on GBVF during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Festive Season, and beyond by ensuring more boots on the ground,” said Otola.

She said they are working with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Crime Fighting Organisations, Community in Blue Patrollers, and all other relevant stakeholders. Otola said Operation Shanela actions will be enhanced and intensified throughout the province, specifically focusing on hotspot areas.

“The sermon of the day was directed by Presiding Elder Bernett Phoko. Intercessory prayers focusing on GBVF, police safety for the festive season, youth, and substance abuse were also offered by church leaders.

“The day was concluded with the vote of thanks by Major Gen Lekhele, who appreciated the Programme Director, the Provincial Pro-Active Crime Prevention representative, Abraham Tsoone, for spearheading the event in conjunction with all relevant role players, sponsors, and the community,” she said.

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Banna ba kwa Dikhuting ba tshwarwa ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu dile 29

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Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le bararo ba go belaelwang ele ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, ba leletswe ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12 kwa motse-setoropong wa  Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp mo letsatsi la gompieno. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi dile 29 tse go belaelwang fa ele tsa bogodu.

Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa dipudi tseo kwa motseng wa Manthe, mme ga fitlhelwa fa ele tsa monna mongwe wa morui, Thapelo “Raider” Katong. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba ne ba le mo tirong, ba ne ba bona sejanaga se se belaetsang, mme ba se sala morago.

“Bane ba se emisa, mme a kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba ne ba fitlhela dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba le bararo ba ne ba tshwarwa, mme ba tla tlhagelela kwa Kgotlha-Tshekelo ya Klerksdorp fa Ngwanatsele a tlhola matsatsi ale 6.

“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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A man injured in hit and run accident!

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Roodepan police are investigating an inquiry following a hit-and-run incident. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the preliminary investigations indicate that, the victim Kagisho Bezuidenhout (22) was walking home with a friend along the Maitland Road to Roodepan when a speeding white VW Golf hit him and sped off.

Sam said the Kimberley Emergency Services (EMS) ferried Bezuidenhout to the hospital for medical attention. He further said the incident occurred on 29 October 2023 at approximately 14:15pm.

“Anyone who might have information that may assist the investigation in tracking down the mentioned vehicle’s driver, can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Moshupiemang Jimmy Bululu on 0735337146 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” added Sam.

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