A man (44) was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment in jail by the De Aar Regional Court for rape, escaping from a lawful custody and attempting to escape from lawful custody. On 25 August 2023 at around 15:40pm, the accused, Zamuxolo Michael Lester raped a woman (30) in the toilet of a tavern in Richmond and was subsequently arrested the following day.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Lester asked the police official on duty to use the bathroom and managed to escape from the holding cell in the Community Service Centre, but he was re-arrested in Richmond minutes later.
“The accused was later placed in the cells at the police station, where he again attempted to break the mesh fitted to the cell window. He remained in custody and was sentenced in the De Aar Regional Court on 15 July 2024.
“Lester was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape, 10 years imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody and five years imprisonment for attempting to escape from lawful custody,” said Kock.
He said Lester’s name will also be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended D/Sgt Ilze Fan from the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and D/Cst Rodney Julius of the Richmond Detectives for their hard-work that led to the outstanding sentences.
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a priority for the police. They will continue to sharpen their responses to crimes committed against the most vulnerable in society,” she said.
Picture: Some of the drugs allegedly found in the possession of the suspect/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A suspect (49) was arrested for being in possession of drugs. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding a foreign national, who was allegedly in possession of drugs and pounced on him.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the Danielskuil and Postmasburg police, pounced on an unsuspecting dealer and confiscated drugs worth about R10 000.
“On Tuesday at around 12:40pm, the police operationalised the information and the suspect allegedly fled when he noticed the approaching police vehicle. The police gave chase and arrested him minutes later in Marantheng, Danielskuil and confiscated the Mandrax tablets found in his possession.
“The suspect will appear in the Danielskuil Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of drugs. The investigation continues. The police encourage the community to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public,” he said.
Picture: The newly-appointed Municipal Manager of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Olaotswe Bojosinyane
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality is under siege after it appointed the Municipal Manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyane without allegedly following due process. According to our highly-placed source, the municipal speaker allegedly adjourned and stormed out of the special council meeting, where Bojosinyane was appointed as the Municipal Manager.
However, some of the council members allegedly continued and appointed Bojosinyane without following due process.
“The appointment of Bojosinyane was unduly and I think this matter will end in court. There was no municipal speaker as the presiding officer. Even though the meeting met the quorum, the processes were flawed.
“There are also allegations that Bojosinyane was not the suitable candidate and he also failed vetting processes. Another issue, there was a letter from the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, instructing the municipality not to fill senior manager positions. However, the letter was ignored.”
The Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Thabo Nkashe introduced the Bojosinyane to the staff after he was appointed as new Municipal Manager during a municipal special council meeting held on 4 July 2024.
Nkashe said Bojosinyane was appointed a substantive Municipal Manager in terms of the provisions of Section 54A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No 32 of 2000 and Regulations.
He further said Bojosinyane was appointed by the council on a three year fixed contract basis effective from 8 July 2024. Nkashe added that Bojosinyane was appointed at a critical time when the municipality desperately needed an administrative head to steer its strategies towards growth and development in the interest of the citizens.
“The appointment of Bojosinyane will greatly influence and improve the municipality’s financial position and its audit outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson, Dineo Thapelo said even though the department is aware of Bojosinyane’s appointment, they only learnt about it through social media. Thapelo said the department is yet to receive a report from the municipality regarding the appointment of Bojosinyane.
“According to the Section 54 A (7)(a) of Municipal Systems Act (as amended), council must within 14 days from the date of the appointment of the Municipal Manager, notify the MEC of the appointment processes and outcome.
“The council of Ditsobotla is still within the 14-day period within which to submit such a report to the MEC. The recruitment and appointment process of the Municipal Manager is very detailed and it is prescribed in terms of the Regulations 17 of 2014 on the Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers,” she said.
Thapelo said indeed Molapisi had advised the municipality not to proceed with the filling of vacant senior manager positions because it continues to struggle to pay the salaries of the employees. She said the provincial government has intervened by seconding senior managers to assist in running the municipality.
“These officials are being remunerated by the provincial government. The role of the MEC in this regard is to assess the recruitment process and ensure compliance,” said Thapelo.
*The municipality spokesperson, Pius Batsile ignored Taung DailyNews media inquiry regarding allegations levelled against the municipality and he has also not responded at the time of publishing this article. The response from the municipality will be incorporated in the article when received.
Picture: The horrific accident that involved North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho on Tuesday, wished North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, who is also the South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery. This comes after Sambatha and his protectors were involved in a car accident on R30 near Derby on Monday.
Sambatha allegedly insisted to be ferried to a public hospital in Klerksdorp, while his protectors were admitted at a private hospital. According to information, Sambatha was on route from official duty in Rustenburg driving towards home, where he was to join bi-elections programme in ward 1 and 25 in Matlosana.
Rosho said: “We wish Sambatha a speedy recovery, healing and restoration on behalf of the ANC Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature. We are grateful that he survived the horrific accident with minor injuries.
“Rosho pointed out that Sambatha’s incapacity occurred at a crucial stage when MECs are preparing themselves to next week present departmental policy statements and budget speeches that will contribute towards accelerating service delivery and deepening transformation,” she said.
Rosho further said while this is a setback, they are confident that as a courageous revolutionary cadre, he will bounce back to good health in time to discharge his duties with passion and dedication. She added that they also wished Sambatha’s two protectors, who were with him in the vehicle when they met the accident a speedy recovery.
“One has already been discharged from hospital, while the other was to undergo an operation,” said Rosho.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Sejanaga se menogile mo tseleng mono Bokone Bophirima
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 36 a thulwe ke sejanaga mo tselakgolo ya N18 gaufi le Rooiwal mo letsatsing la Tshipi. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanga seo, a ile a tsena ka lenga la seloko morago ga tiragalo.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela moswi a rapaletse fa fatshe, mme mokgweetsi a ineile naga ka sejanaga.
“Sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela makgetlhe a sejanaga seo fela ga mmogo le moswi kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe. Ga gona ope o setseng a tshwerwe go fitlha ga jaana.
“Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a katswang ana le tshedimosetso mabapi le tiragalo e, go ka letsetsa sepodisi mo 08600 10111, kgotsa a itsise seitishene se se gaufi sa sepodisi,”
Picture: SACP wishes its provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery
By REGINALD KANYANE
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the North West said it wishes its provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha, who also serves the masses as the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development together with his VIP Protection team a speedy recovery after being involved in a car accident last night on the R30 road from Derby to Ventersdorp.
SACP provincial spokesperson, Jeffrey Lesie said fortunately, the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) responded timeously and reports indicate that there are no fatalities although they are in hospital having suffered some injuries. Lesie said the protector drivers were taken to a private care facility, while Sambatha insisted on being taken to a public health care facility.
“We take inspiration and pride in the confidence our leader has placed in the public health care system. There can be no better testament to the good work he and the team did at the Department of Health during the 6th administration.
“May Sambatha and the protection team recover timeously and continue to serve the people in pursuit of a better life for all,” he said.
Picture: Former SABC newsreader, Ezekiel Masego Matjila/Google
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The ANCYL in the North West has congratulated the former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila on being awarded an honorary doctorate by the North West University (NWU). The ANCYL provincial spokesperson, Motebang Mohlomi said with an impeccable career spanning for over three decades in broadcasting both on-air and television, Matjila has contributed significantly in the preservation of our Setswana, Sepedi and Sesotho languages.
“African Languages remain an integral component of our culture and traditions, embodying our rich heritage and diverse identities. It is imperative that we preserve and develop them for future generations.
“By safeguarding these languages, we uphold our unique ways of expression, wisdom, and storytelling to ensure that our cultural tapestry thrives. By conferring this honorary doctorate, the university not only honours Matjila’s accomplishments, but also amplifies the importance of African languages in academia and society at large,” he said.
Mohlomi further said it serves as a beacon, highlighting the value of linguistic diversity and the need to elevate African languages to their rightful place within educational and cultural discourse. He added that this prestigious acknowledgment underscores the university’s commitment to celebrating individuals, who have made significant contributions to the advancement and preservation of African languages and cultures.
“This proactive stance by the NWU sets a precedent for how higher education institutions can actively contribute to the revitalization and promotion of African languages, ensuring their vitality and relevance in the contemporary world.
“In essence, the awarding of the honorary doctorate to Matjila by the university is not just a personal accolade, but a symbolic gesture of institutional support for African languages, affirming their significance in shaping knowledge, identity and cultural heritage for current and future generations,” said Mohlomi.
He said moreover, investing in the development of African languages promotes inclusivity and strengthens social cohesion, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their shared history. Mohlomi said thus nurturing their languages is not only a duty to the ancestors, but also a gift to the generations yet to come.
“This will empower them to connect with their roots and contribute to a more vibrant and culturally enriched society. Overall, the ANCYL commends Matjila for his outstanding contribution and celebrates his well-deserved recognition by the NWU.
“This affirms its steadfast support for initiatives that elevate African languages and empower youth to embrace their cultural heritage,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Morui, Lucas Koji o a utsweditsweng dikgomo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Mongwe wa barui ba mono Taung o latofatsa sepodisi ka go goga dinao mo dipatlisisong tsa bone mabapi le bogodu jwa leruo. Lucas Koji wa kwa Ranstad are o na le dikgwedi di feta nne a butse kgetsi ya bogodu jwa leruo, mme o sentse a beile letsogo mo phatlheng, gonne go sena tswelelo-pele mo dipatlisisong tseo.
“Ke utlwile dintjha di bogola ka ura ya bobedi fa masigo a sa, mme go bontsha fa ele gone fa dikgomo tsame di ne di utswiwa. Ene ya re metsotso ele masome a le mararo morago ga ura ya boraro mo mosong, ke ne ka tsoga le go ya go lekola dikgomo.
“Ka maswabi, ke ile ka fitlhela lesaka le butswe kwa morago. Mme re ile ra tswa letsholo go batlana le dikgomo tseo. Ke ile ka feleletsa ke letseditse nnake gore a tle go nthusa go batla. Fa re ntse re batla, re utlwile kgomo e lela,” Koji wa tlhalosa.
Koji are ba ne ba ya kwa modumo wa kgomo o tswang teng gaufi le molapo. Are ba ile ba fitlhela kgomo ya bone e bolailwe ka lerumo.
“Jaanong re ile ra letsetsa sepodisi, mme ga se nke se tle. Kgomo e e bolailweng e, ene e na le dinamane di le tharo. Ene e tlhokometse dinamane di le pedi, gonne bo mma tsone ba ile ba utswiwa.
“Re sentse re rwele matsogo mo tlhogong, gonne le go fitlha ga jaana ga se re bone dinamane tseo. Ke utlwisitswe botlhoko ke ka mokgwa o kgomo eo e bolailweng ka teng. Ebile ga ra eja gonne e bolailwe botlhoko,” Koji wa tlhalosa.
Koji are ba ile ba emela mapodisi lobaka, mme ba ile ba ba feleletsa ba fisitse kgomo eo. Koji are mapodisi a gorogile morago ga di ura di le nne.
Kgabagare, sepodisi sa Taung se letse se tswile letsholo le go ruta barui gore ba dire jang go ka efoga gore leruo la bone le seka la utswiwa. Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Beng ba diruiwa ba tshwanetse go tlhokomela gore magora le dikgoro di mo maemong a siameng go sireletsa leruo la bona. Go thapiwa ga motlhokomedi yo o katisitsweng sentle go botlhokwa gore a tlhokomele legora la gago letsatsi le letsatsi.
“A ka netefatsa gore o kaba diphatlha tse di leng teng mo legoreng le kwa tlase ga lona ka gangwe. Lekola kgotsa o tlhatlhobe dipaakanyo tseno ka bowena go netefatsa fa tsotlhe di siame. Megotlha ya masaka kana ya dipolasa tse di se nang batlhokomedi, e tshwanetse go nna e notletswe kgotsa e thibilwe ka dinako tsotlhe.”
Van Rooyen are fa morui a batla go reka polasa ya tlaleletso, o tshwanetse gore a gakologelwa gore beng ba polasa ba ba sa duleng mo dipolaseng tsa bona ga ba ungwelwe. Are bogolo ba leke go reka gaufi le fa ba nnang teng.
“Netefatsa gore ga go diphologolo dipe tsa matimela tse di fitlhiwang mo dikagong tsa gago. Masaka a na le go dirisiwa jaaka mafelothibelelo a go fitlha diphologolo tsa matimela. Fa go na le diphologolo tsa matimela begela mapodisi ka gangwe.
“Diruiwa di tshwanetse go balwa ke mong ka boena, bonnye gangwe mo bekeng. Fa batlhokomedi kgotsa badisa ba na le diruiwa tsa bona mo lesakeng la gago, go di tlhakanya le go di fudisa mmogo ke tsela e e siameng ya go thibela bogodu jwa diruiwa, (segolo fa bathapiwa e le bona ba belaelwa),” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The former Bafana Bafana coach, the late Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
South African Football Association (SAFA)president Dr Danny Jordaan visited late former Bafana Bafana coach Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala’s family home in Centurion to pay his respects on Monday afternoon.
Jordaan was one of the numerous visitors who arrived at the Tshabalala family home to offer condolences and comfort, including acting Gauteng Premier, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Education and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane, and former Bafana Bafana team doctor, Dr Victor Ramathesele, among others.
South African football legend Tshabalala passed away in hospital last week after succumbing to injuries he suffered when he was shot in March 2024. Jordaan said the much-loved 75-year-old former player, coach and administrator left a huge mark on South African football, at Bafana Bafana, and at his former clubs Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
“We are still very shocked following the passing of Screamer Tshabalala. He has been in the three big clubs in this country. Screamer Tshabalala has been in the three big football clubs in this country – Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
“His footprints and fingerprints are in all three clubs and Bafana Bafana. When we played our first international match as Bafana Bafana in 1992 after SAFA became a member of FIFA, Screamer helped us to build a senior men’s national soccer team,” he said.
Jordaan further said the team had no name. He added that the coach had assembled players that were unknown to the world.
“The name came later when Sowetan used it, and they called the team Bafana Bafana. The funeral will be held at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, on Thursday and the service will start at 9am,” said Jordaan.
Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha was involved in a car accident. Sambatha and his Protectors were involved in an accident near Derby on the evening of Monday, 15 July 2024.
He was driving from Rustenburg to Klerksdorp on an official duty.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said: “We take this opportunity to inform the residents of the province that Sambatha and his protectors survived the accident and have been admitted at the hospital in Klerksdorp.
“We wish both Sambatha and his Protectors a speedy recovery,”
The Guardian 