Daily Archives: June 20, 2024

Two bodies discovered in pit toilets

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Four accused who were arrested for treble murder in Kabe village in Makgobistad, outside Mahikeng, remanded in custody. Mmapula Seletedi (29), Lesego Seletedi (39), Lorato Molefe (37) and Goitseone Seletedi (28), briefly appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 19 and 20 June 2024, for three counts of murder. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a woman in her thirties and an 18-month-old child, were reported missing on 29 April 2019. Mokgwabone said consequently, human bones were found in a pit toilet on 27 May 2019. 

“The DNA results that came back positive in November 2023, indicated that the bones were those of the missing woman. Further investigation revealed that, the body of a man that was retrieved from a pit toilet on 21 April 2019, was of a possible witness in the missing persons’ enquiries,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said thorough investigation paid off when the accused were linked with the incidents. He added that a warrant of arrest was obtained leading to the arrests of the suspects. 

“They were arrested by a team of District, Makgobistad and Mmabatho Detectives, as well as Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT). The accused were arrested at Extension 39, Unit 7 and Phefeni Section in Mocoseng village, outside Mahikeng on 15 June 2024,” said Mokgwabone. 

The case was postponed to 26 June 2024, for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their concerted efforts in ensuring that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.

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Seemo se tokafetse kwa masepala morago ga go tsenngwa mo tlase ga Section 139  

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Batlhankedi go tswa kwa Lefapheng la Matlo le Tsamaiso ya Puso mono Bokone Bophirima, ba tlhotse ba tsenetse kopano le council ya masepala o mogolwane wa Taung kwa Depot Hall mono Taung. Seno se tla morago ga gore lefapha le tsenye masepala mo tlase ga Section 139 (1)(a) ngwaga o fetileng. 

Tlhogo ya Lefapha kwa Lefapheng, Dr Ben Bole are go fitlha ga jaana ba itumeletse pegelo ya masepala morago ga gore ba o neele ditaelo tsa go ka tokafatsa seemo. Bole are mo nakong e fetileng, khuduthamaga-tsamaiso (EXCO), e ile ya tsenya masepala mo tlase ga Section 139 (1)(a) morago ga go itemogela mathata. 

“Jaanong re ne re tlile go neelana ka pegelo. Fela, go mo maruding a EXCO go ka tsaya tshwetso ya go ntsha masepala mo tlase ka Section 139 (1)(a) kgotsa jang. Jaaka ke buile, mokhuduthamaga o tla tsaya pegelo le go e neela EXCO go ka tsaya tshwetso. 

“Lefapha la rona le tla neela tona-kgolo pegelo gore a e seka-seke pele ga a tsaya tshwetso,” Bole wa tlhalosa. 

Motsamisi wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Andrew Makuapane are ba amogela pegelo ya lefapha. Makuapane are ba tlile go netefatsa fa masepala o tokafatsa seemo sa one, thata jang seemo sa ditshelete. 

“Morago ga gore re neelwe taelo ya go ka tokafatsa seemo sa masepala, bontsi jwa dilo tseo re ile ra di fitlhelela pele ga nako. Fela, se eleng tlhoba-boroko ke go tokafatsa tsamaiso ya ditshelete mo masepaleng. Gona le dipolisi tsa rona tse re setseng re di lekotse jaaka go tsaya ka sekoloto (credit control), ga mmogo le lekala la rona la Supply Chain Management. 

“Re lekile ka bojotlhe gore go nne le teka-tekano mo go yone, mme gape e unngwele bo mme. Re dirile ka bojotlhe go efoga go senya madi mo dilong tse di seng botlhokwa. Re tlile go netefatsa thata fa baagi ba bona ditirelo.” 

Molekgotlha wa lekoko la sepolotiki la Patriotic Alliance (PA), Mmoni Letele are le fa ba amogela tshwetso ya lefapha, bone jaaka council kwa masepaleng, ga ese ba tsamaye ba bolelelwe gore masepala o tsenngwa mo tlase ga Section 139 (1)(a). 

“Ke gopola gore fa e sale re emetse pegelo (report) go tswa kwa go mokhuduthamaga wa maloba wa lefapha, Nono Maloyi. Fela, le go fitlha ga jaana, ga ese re e bone. Jaanong, fa lefapha le tlhalosa gore go nnile le tokafalo kwa masepaleng, ga re itse gore le bua ka eng. 

“Fela re itumelela gore lefapha le atlenegesitse dikuno (upper limits) tsa council. Re bogologolo re di emetse, mme go tla ga bone go re thusitse,” Letele wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, molekgotlha wa lekoko la sepolotiki la F4SD, Mika Moeti wa tlhalosa: “Re ne re filwe ditaelo di le thataro gore re di tokafatse. Mme masepala o dirile fela jalo, ebile re itumetse thata. Se ke se tlhaloganyang ke gore, masepala one o setse o beetse thoko madi a di upper limits. 

“Ntlha enngwe ke ya balekgotlha ba ba sa tseneleng di kopano tsa council. Balekgotlha ba, ba tshwanetse go tseelwe dikgato, gonne re tsentswe mo tlase ga Section 139 (1)(a) ka ntlheng ya ditiro tsa bone.” 

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi appoints new MECs   

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Picture: The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi announces his new cabinet 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has announced his Members of the Executive Council (MECs). Mokgosi has appointed Madoda Sabatha as the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessels Morweng as North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management. 

“I have appointed Oageng Molapisi as North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane as North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, while Viola Motsumi will remain North West MEC for Education. 

“Kenetswe Mosenogi has been appointed as North West MEC for Provincial Treasury, Sello Lehari as North West MEC for Department of Health. Elizabeth Mokua as North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads, while former Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Dantjie has been appointed as the North West MEC for Social Development,” he said. 

Mokgosi further said the 7th administration is a culmination of wider consultations within and outside the government. He added that this decision represents a dynamic interface between the exercise of the Premier’s constitutional prerogative in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution and the established democratic practice of consultation with the leadership of the province, national and the alliance.

“I am confident that the Executive Council of the 7th administration is made up of men and women of high ethical standards, who are committed to serve the people and understand the implications of the oath of office they are to take before assuming their official duties.

The composition of the Executive Council affirms our commitment to assert gender equality and representation. 

“It is a collective of institutional memory, fresh talents and skills required to accelerate service delivery and build on the foundation of the sixth administration. The Executive Council is enjoined by the Constitution to work as a unit under the leadership of the Premier and to be collectively and individually accountable to the Legislature for the

exercise of their powers and performance of their functions,” said Mokgosi.

He said EXCO is ultimately accountable to the people of the North West, whose power of the vote is the foundation of our existence. Mokgosi said they dare not disappoint them.

“By powers vested in me in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I hereby appoint the following Members of the Executive Council to lead the 7th administration. 

“I congratulate all newly appointed MECs and wish to remind them all that we have been given the last available opportunity by the people of the North West to work for them and not ourselves nor our families and friends,” he said. 

Mokgosi said the people in the province expect that they act with integrity in the conduct of their duties and carry themselves with dignity in both our social and official conduct. 

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Breaking News: Taung prosecutor recuse himself from a murder case

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A prosecutor in a murder case against the alleged murderer and convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), has allegedly recused himself from the case.

Sandile Mbokazi allegedly informed the the court yesterday that he recuse himself from the case, but he did not state his reasons. The case was postponed until 8 August 2024, for the state to secure services of a new prosecutor.

The accused persons were nabbed two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. 

Meanwhile, the court heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.

It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.

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FN Rangers win big on the second day of the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs 

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Picture: The players competing during ABC Motsepe National Playoffs

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Day Two of the 2024 ABC Motsepe National Playoffs out in Upington was a roller-coaster ride of emotions as some teams went home with big smiles on their faces while others had to contend with disappointment.  

The National Playoffs are being held at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium with the final scheduled for 23 June 2024. Day Two began with a goalless draw between Highbury FC from the Eastern Cape and North West’s Thames FC.

The second match of the day brought Upington to its feet as FN Rangers from the Western Cape hammered Limpopo’s Mpheni Defenders 4-1, leaving Group A wide open.

Kruger United of Mpumalanga and Gauteng’s Dondol Stars played to a goalless draw in the last match of the day.

With the group stages still wide-open after day two, the nine provincial teams will be eagerly awaiting results from the third day to see who will progress to the semi-finals.

The two teams that eventually progress to the final will gain automatic promotion to the first division of South African football, the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A man (38) was sentenced to Life imprisonment by the Mmabatho Regional Court for rape. In December 2022, Joseph Sekoko raped his former girlfriend in Buhrmansdrif.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said on 16 December 2022, the victim was waiting along the road in Rooigrond for the police to come and attend to her complaint against her ex-boyfriend.

“She was still waiting when the ex-boyfriend arrived and forcefully took her to the bushes, where she was severely assaulted. The accused kept the victim for three days in the bushes near Buhrmansdrif and raped her several times.

“The victim managed to escape on 18 December 2022 and went back home, where she informed her grandmother of her ordeal. They were apparently assisted by a local ward councillor to report the matter to the police,” he said.

Mokgwabone the suspect was subsequently arrested in February 2023. He said on sentencing Sekoko, the court made order that his name be entered into Sex Offenders Register.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, which displayed the responsiveness of the entities towards the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

They also commended the Investigating Officers; Const Moemedi Lefifi, as well as the prosecutor, Advocate Kefentse Diseko.

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ANCYL calls on North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to appoint only “creme de la creme” individuals as MECs

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi is expected to announce his Members of Executive Council (MECs) today. The ANCYL in the province calls on Mokgosi to appoint only ‘creme de la creme’ as MECs and do away with unscrupulous individuals.

The ANCYL provincial secretary, Tshiamo Tsotetsi said they wish to encourage the ANC to continue being driven sobriety and a desire to give the people in the province nothing, but the best, capable and most capacitated crop amongst its MPLs.

Tsotetsi said the province does not need the best amongst ANC factions and the best amongst friends of the leadership.

“As we enter into the phase of appointing a team that will work with Mokgosi to drive service delivery known as EXCO or the MECs, we need capable men and women to be assigned to the tasks of leading the EXCO in the province.

“So, we plead with the ANC not to appoint comrades who have not served our people well in the past. Committing such a mistake will invite a credibility crisis to the leadership of the ANC, while also reversing the good impact which the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) had made since the inception of Nono Maloyi as the acting North West Premier,” he said.

Tsotetsi further said appointing people who are scandalous and unethical, will be insurmountable. He added that on 28 June 2024, the ANCYL will be marching to deliver a document, which entails the demands of the youth of the province.

“As we embarked on door-to-door and sectoral engagement, the organisation met and engaged with young people from various walks of life, which includes the scholars, drop outs, drug and alcohol addicts, youth in sports, young professionals, youth in agriculture, youth in entertainment and many other young people.

“A common denominator amongst their demands is that government must ensure that it creates the necessary opportunities and platforms for them to explore that talents and capabilities,” said Tsotetsi.

He said the youth in the province is becoming frustrated and depressed. Tsotetsi said they are left with no choice, but to find entertainment in using drugs and alcohol, the traits which rapidly destroys their future as well as the future of the province.

“We demand that the 7th administration bring along a renewed hope for the youth of the province. We demand that factories be opened in order for the youth of this province to get sustainable employment.

“We demand that the mines in the platinum belt stop retrenching our people and the agricultural cooperative be supported by the government-sponsored market in order for them to sell their produce,” he said.

According to Tsotetsi, they demand that the youths have decent sporting facilities. He said they demand that unemployed teachers be hired and unemployed graduates be absorbed by both the private and public sectors.

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