Picture: The missing Otsile Alfred Sebolao

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Mahikeng request the community’s assistance in locating the missing Otsile Alfred Sebolao (36), who resides in Signal Hill, outside Mahikeng. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Sebolao was last seen on 27 December 2023.

“A search was conducted in the village and the surrounding areas, but that did not yield positive results. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a white t-shirt and blue tracksuit trousers.

“He is dark in complexion, brown eyes, with a medium built body, 1.6m in height with long black hair. Anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Phale on 060 987 7601,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said individuals can call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on ‪08600 10111. He added that anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the My SAPS App from one smartphone.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who was arrested for murder was remanded in custody by the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2024. Johny Johannes Potgieter (27) allegedly fatally stabbed his friend, Jamie Van Tonder (47) with a knife in the early hours of Monday morning (22 January 2024).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Potgieter allegedly then went to his parents’ place and alerted them of the incident. Mokgwabone further said his parents accompanied him to his place, where they found Van Tonder’s partially burnt body with a stab wound in a backroom.

“The police were summoned to the scene and that led to the arrest of Potgieter. A knife and blood-stained clothes were seized. His murder case was postponed to 5 February 2024 for formal bail application,” he added.

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Picture: Nthapelang Primary School in Matolong village

By OBAKENG MAJE

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region has slammed the North West Department of Education after Taung DailyNews exposed the dire situation at Nthapelang Primary School in Matolong village, near Taung, where toilets were used as classrooms.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said they are deeply concerned with strong displeasure regarding the decision taken by the school principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) at the school to repurpose toilets as classrooms. Jam further said this decision made due to a shortage of classrooms, is not only unacceptable but also creates an unconducive environment for the learners.

“The situation also infringes upon their basic human rights. The start of the 2024 academic year in the province has witnessed an overwhelming surge in the number of learners, exacerbating the issue of overcrowded schools.

“It is disheartening to note that year after year, little to nothing is being done by the provincial government to address and resolve the persistent problem of classroom shortages. The Nthapelang Primary School is equipped with only six classrooms and is forced to accommodate 220 learners, spanning from Grade R to Grade 7,” he said.

Jam added that the amalgamation of Grade R and Grade 1, as well as Grade 5 and 6 at the school, further exacerbates the challenge. He said during discussions with the Head of the School, it was disclosed that the SGB, parents, and school management collectively agreed to convert an unused toilet into a classroom due to the underutilization of the pit ablution block.

“We are profoundly dismayed and raise concerns about how the department allowed the situation to escalate to a point, where the school principal felt compelled to make such a decision. This suggests a concerning lack of proactive intervention by the district office and the department in addressing the alarming incident at schools, particularly, at Nthapelang Primary School.

“This unfortunate circumstance not only burdens teachers and principals with immense pressure but, more importantly, compromises the quality of education provided to the learners. We are wondering whether the district office was aware of the school’s dire situation of shortage of classrooms,” he said.

Jam said they anticipate that, the department should have prioritised this matter and taken steps to ensure that, the school prevented the repurposing of toilets as classrooms. He said such actions compromise the integrity of the department.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The recent situation at the school, where toilets were unfortunately used as classrooms has been addressed. Upon learning of the situation, the department immediately dispatched officials to the school to resolve the issue and on the next day, learners were back to their normal classrooms.

“The department found that the principal committed a serious mistake by utilizing the toilets as classrooms even when the school had enough classrooms for learning and teaching. The department also found that, the principal made another error of taking teachers from neighbouring schools.”

Molokwane said the principal acted universally by transferring teachers to his school. He said it is important to clarify that, the situation was immediately rectified as soon as the department became aware of and all learners are back in proper classrooms.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court on 26 January 2024 for raping a minor. The accused (33) was also sentenced to five years for kidnapping.   The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused dragged the girl (12) into the bushes in Morogong village, Ramokokastad, outside Rustenburg in December 2020 and raped her.

“The matter was reported to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). Moreover, the court gave an order that the accused’s name be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the Investigating Officer, D/Constable Balungile Makaya of Mogwase Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the Prosecutor, Advocate Tebogo Mokoka, as well as other role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that the accused gets a hefty sentence.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five accused persons were sentenced to a combined 115 by the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria for kidnapping, robbery aggravating and murder on 26 January 2024. In October 2020, Lebogang Tshabalala (29), Everjoy Sibanda (20), Lucky Motholo (25), Kagiso Matlhabe (22) and Kamogelo Modise (23) kidnapped and killed Neo Modubu (34).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Modubu’s parents, reported him missing in Brits on 28 October 2020 after he failed to return from Crocodile Mine, where he worked. Mokgwabone further said the missing person’s body was found three days later with hands tied at the back.

“A murder case was registered at Mooinooi Police Station for investigation. In conjunction with PPS security officers, the investigator managed to piece together evidence and that led to the arrest of four of the five accused in Brits and Oukasie Location between 19 and 20 December 2020.

“After PPS security officers spotted a white Toyota Avanza on 19 December 2020, which the accused used to commit the crimes. The accused made several appearances in the Brits Magistrate’s Court until their case was transferred to the High Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mokgwabone added that the fifth accused, Kamogelo Modise was later arrested in Diepsloot and joined his co-accused on 1 February 2022. He said Lebogang Tshabalala, Everjoy Sibanda, and Lucky Motholo were acquitted on a charge of murder.

“However, all five accused were found guilty of kidnapping and robbery aggravating. Kagiso Matlhabe and Kamogelo Modise were also found guilty of murder. As a result, all accused were each given three years imprisonment for kidnapping.

“Furthermore, four of them were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating, while Lucky Motholo got 10 years for the same offense. Regarding the murder, Kagiso Matlhabe and Kamogelo Modise were each given 15 years imprisonment,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sgt Leornard Mapataka for his meticulous investigation that resulted in the sentencing of five accused to a combined 115 years imprisonment. Kwena also lauded the prosecutor, advocate Salome Scheepers, and PPS security officers for their hard work and cooperation to ensure that justice is served.

“The sentences will indeed serve as a warning that crime does not pay,” he said.

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Tunisia/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana bid farewell to Korhogo on Saturday and will be heading to San Pedro, where they will face Morocco at Stade Laurent Pokou in the eagerly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 showdowns between the two sides on Tuesday night.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ team had made CAN Village in Korhogo their home away from home since arriving in Côte d’Ivoire on 11 January 2024 ahead of the tournament group stages.

With qualification to the next round secured after a comfortable 4-0 win against Namibia, a goalless draw with Tunisia and a 0-2 defeat to Mali, the South African senior men’s team have now turned their attention fully to Morocco.

Broos said: “We are thankful that my charges have already met the North Africans in the last few months and know what to expect on Tuesday. You will remember that, Bafana Bafana defeated the FIFA World Cup semi-finalists 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at a vociferous FNB Stadium on 17 June 2023.

“So, we know and understand how this team plays, as we have played them before. We have also won against them and nothing is impossible. In this AFCON, we are seeing that nothing is impossible and I believe in my players. I believe they can do it and I know that they believe in themselves too.”

He further said Mothobi Mvala and Khuliso Mudau, suffered knocks during the final Group E game against a very physical Tunisia, which saw both players spending time in the sick bay for most of Thursday and Friday. Broos added that the two players sat out training during the two days.

“Mothobi took a knock while Mudau is recovering very well. I was surprised that he was able to walk the next day, but he is still in recovery for now. Both players are with the medical staff and they are being treated around the clock to ensure that they are fit for selection on Tuesday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen William has issued a call to South Africans to continue to support the team as they head to San Pedro with the hope that the next stop will be Bouake afterward and then Abidjan.

“I would like to urge all South Africans to stand by us through thick and thin. Like every other team, we need support, and this means everything. This sacrifice we make is not only for us but also for everyone back home. It is our goal to make you proud,” he said.

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Picture: The police searching for a drowned person

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape police said due to several drownings reported recently as a result of torrential rains in some parts of the province, the police urge the public to adhere to the water safety hints. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant COL, Sergio Kock said the public must be careful when visiting or fishing at the riverbanks and refrain from entering the water to retrieve fish.

Kock further said individuals should be extra careful and alert when fishing, especially on rowboats and rocks. He added that the canals and sewage plants are also very dangerous attraction areas for children, especially during the hot summer months.

“The parents should always know the whereabouts of their children. Do not jump in the water to save a friend and stay away from pool drains, water holes, rivers, and dams. Never swim when under the influence of alcohol, strong medication, or drugs. Report alleged drownings to the police as rivers and dams are currently very dangerous, therefore, refrain from attempting to enter to try and save a friend or a loved one.

“The police emergency number must be contacted immediately on 08600 10111 or contact your nearest police station and remember to give precise location details to ensure that help can be sent as soon as possible,” he said.

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Picture: The Meat Brothers Pub

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Meat Brothers Pub in Taung has opened its doors again to the public, exactly 40 days after the mayhem. The most popular joint was shut down after the local businessman and its former owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape, allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28), and also injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) in a scuffle on 17 December 2023.

Mdi and Kokwe were among the patrons, who visited The Meat Brothers Pub which was fully packed. According to information, Mdi and Kokwe were part of the group that allegedly misbehaved and gained access forcefully into the joint. Mangwegape was allegedly called and a fight ensued.

He allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

The management of Meat Brothers Pub said in a statement: “In light of the recent event that took place at our establishment, we had to keep the gates closed not only because relevant authorities needed to conduct their investigations, but also to give the bereaved and affected families time to deal due to their loss.

“As everyone knows this is an ongoing investigation, we are therefore limited in our comments regarding the incident. We hope that everyone will allow the law to take its course, with that being said, we are in the process of deciding the way forward.” it reads.

It says in the meantime, they will be opening as soon as new management has taken over. Final preparations are being made and further information will be provided on their socials.

However, this has caused an outcry from some sections of society. One of the community leaders in Manokwane village, which is Mdi and Kokwe’s hometown, Kgakololo Koji said those who are planning to open The Meat Brothers Pub are daydreaming. Koji further said they will never allow that to happen until justice prevails.

“Anyone who dares to open The Meat Brothers Pub will be in for it. For now, we have agreed as the community not to vandalise that place, so that it can be safe. We want the owner to answer for his actions and we are sure that, The Meat Brothers Pub will never open its doors again.

“Lastly, we have also written to the North West Liquor Board to officially evoke the license of that pub. So, we have given the North West Liquor Board seven days to respond to our demand. So, we do not know who will open it and how are they going to do it,” he said.

Koji agreed that many people were previously killed in various taverns across Taung, but there was never a boycott. However, he said it was because those people were not killed by the owners of those taverns.

“Yes, it is true that many killings took place in various taverns across Taung. However, the difference is that those who died were not killed by tavern owners. If Mdi was killed by a patron like him, we would not have any problem, but wait for the law to take its course.

“So, we are against the opening of The Meat Brothers Pub because the owner is the one who allegedly brutally took his life,” he added.

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