A father and his two sons were handed life sentences by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. Given De Koker (60), and his two sons, Neillon De Kocker (30) and Clyde De Koker (24), were arrested for killing Teboho Madiehe (36).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on 1 December 2019, the two brothers were walking home from a local night club and on their way, they were accosted by a group of men, who robbed them of their cell phones and shoes.
“They then reported the incident to their father. The trio decided to search for the robbers. They came across the deceased, who they pointed out to be one of the alleged robbers.
“They started assaulting him physically until he was unconscious and left him in the street without recovering any of the items they said to have been robbed of. The incident was reported to the police and the trio was arrested later on the same day and charged for murder,” she said.
Pilane said Detective Sergeant Modise Clive Moshotloa, was tasked with investigating the case, and through his diligence in investigating the matter, the three accused were convicted and sentenced.
She said the SAPS Management in the Northern Cape applauded the dedication of Moshotlhoa and warned the community to refrain from taking law into their own hands.
A man (30) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for murder. This comes after Francios Elrico Williams stabbed Jean Pierre Jood (26) in the chest at a tavern in Vosburg on 15 July 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Jood was certified dead by Emergency Medical Services (EMR).
“The SAPS Management in Pixley Ka Seme District applauded Detective Warrant Officer Marthinus De Koning for the thorough investigative work that led to the conviction and sentencing,” he said.
Picture: The seven accused persons who are accused of murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed until Thursday. This comes after two accused, Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang and Mothusi Motimeng, took the stand today.
Other two accused, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane and Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane, are expected to take the stand tomorrow.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested by the police 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. This came after they accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) 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 (35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Picture: The accused persons in a fraud case/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The company Directors and former Rustenburg Local Municipality employees, Mpho Alistair Lesolle (41), Johannes Botes Rossouw (58), Piter Retief Von Willigh (58), Ntlhayakgosi Michael Mokgwamme (66) and Merika Johannes Madungandaba (66), briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2024, facing charges of fraud.
Rossouw, von Willigh, and Madungandaba, are Directors of Malesela T&D Pty (Ltd), a company that allegedly had a contract with the Rustenburg Local Municipality in 2013 to install a switchgear for the Ikemeleng Bulk Infrastructure. Lesolle and Mokgwamme are former employees of the municipality and were reportedly charged with the responsibility of overseeing the project and ensuring that the switchgear is delivered.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicated that, in September 2013, the municipality paid Malesela’s company over R2 million to install a switchgear as per the contract arrangement. Mathebula said investigation revealed that the company did not render any service.
“Following an investigation, the accused were served with summons between June and July 2024, to appear in court. All five accused made a brief appearance in court and were released on warning. Their matter was postponed to 21 August 2024,” he said.
Picture: The Seabo High School learners boycott classes over lack of scholar transport buses
By OBAKENG MAJE
Teaching and learning was affected at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village, near Taung on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. This comes after learners from Molelema, Matsheng and other neighbouring farms, were left stranded as there were no scholar transport buses to ferry them to school.
The Representative Council of Learners (RCL) chairperson at Seabo High School, Rorisang Mpolokeng said they boycotted classes due to lack of scholar transport. Mpolokeng said some learners were forced to walk on foot to school and that put their lives at risk.
“It’s been a while since we raised this kind of a challenge. Even though teaching and learning was affected, this boycott was for a good cause. We decided to stand against the injustice that the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management tries to subject us to.
“Since the reopening of school after winter recess, there was no scholar transport available. Instead, the service provider brought a minibus certified to carry only 32 passengers and cooped us in,” he said.
Mpolokeng further said this resulted in late coming. He added that this also put the lives of learners at risk.
“Normally school starts at 8am, but most learners who are using scholar transport buses arrive at around 10am and sometimes at 11am. This means they miss other periods and that hinders their studies.
“As Grade 12 learners, we are preparing for preparatory and National Senior Certificate examinations. However, without scholar transport, how are we going to cope?” said Mpolokeng.
He said in 2022, a female learner was allegedly raped, while walking home because there was no scholar transport.
School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson at Seabo High School, Matshidiso Nzapheza shared the same sentiments. Nzapheza said they have written numerous letters to the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management and its sister Department of Education, requesting roadworthy scholar transport buses, but their attempt was futile.
“We have a challenge regarding the provision of suitable scholar transport buses. Some learners from Matsheng, Molelema and other areas, always arrive late and this affects their studies.
“We need scholar transport buses that are in good condition and no teaching and learning that will take place until this matter is resolved. We are sick and tired of the way the department ill-treats us,” she said.
North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “It is accurate to highlight
that parents took learners out of class around 1:30pm yesterday, citing their children’s difficulties regarding scholar transportation in the mornings.
“This was the reason for their boycott. The complaint was filed in May 2024 by the SGB and the Community Development Worker (CDW) and a representative from North West Community Safety and Transport Management were dispatched to evaluate the buses and their routes.
“The province implements the Learner Transport Programme in collaboration with the COSATMA to offer an oversight. Teaching and learning has been seriously disrupted as a result of learners’ lack of access to transportation during the third term,” he said.
Molokwane said transportation problems have impacted nearly five secondary schools such as Batlhaping High School, Seabo High School, Choseng High School, Kitlanang High School and Bogosing High School.
He said as far as the department is working tirelessly in order to address the transportation challenges in the Greater Taung sub-district, it is working with COSATMA to find a cooperative solution.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management failed to respond to Taung DailyNews media inquiry. However, the response will be incorporated when received.
Picture: The police conducting a search at Alabama High School in Klerksdorp/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
In a determined effort to curb crime and gangsterism, the North West Department of Education in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted a random search and seizure operation at Alabama Secondary School in Klerksdorp 17 July 2024.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this proactive exercise, which is part of SAPS’ Adopt-A-School initiative, optimally resulted in the confiscation of numerous dangerous items, including knives, pangas, alcohol, firelighters, vapes, and weed among others.
“Alabama Secondary School has been identified as one of the hotspot schools for crime and gangsterism. The random search and seizure operation is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for learners.
“To address the psychological impact and educate learners on the dangers of illegal substances, drugs, and dangerous weapons, the department has called upon the Department of Social Development to provide necessary psychological support and counselling services,” she said.
Motsumi further said this initiative aims to guide learners towards healthier, safer lifestyle choices. She added that the collective efforts of the educators, principal, School Governing Body (SGB) and sister departments like SAPS and Social Development will bring a lasting solution in curbing gangsterism in schools.
“This outlines the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing safety concerns in schools. The safety of our learners is paramount. We applaud our sister departments such as Social Development and SAPS for their unwavering commitment to our schools. We also extend our gratitude to the teachers, principal, and SGB of Alabama Secondary School for their proactive stance.
“Functional parental involvement and the support of stakeholders such as the Department of Social Development are crucial in our ongoing fight against crime and substance abuse in schools,” said Motsumi.
She said they extend their heartfelt gratitude to the SAPS for their unwavering dedication to maintaining safety in schools. Motsumi said they commend the teachers, principal, and School Governing Body (SGB) of Alabama Secondary School for their vigilance and commitment to our learners’ well-being.
“This operation underscores the importance of functional parental involvement and the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the SAPS and the Department of Social Development, in safeguarding our schools.
“Together, we can create a secure and nurturing environment where our learners can thrive. Our department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students,” she said.
Motsumi said through continued collaboration with law enforcement and social services, the department aims to build a future free from the influence of crime and substance abuse in schools.
Picture: The mining equipment seized by the police during raids/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Eight suspects aged between 36 and 20, were arrested during the Operation Vala Umgodi conducted in Mmakau and Sun City on 14 July 2024. The police arrested six suspects at around 2:45pm in Mmakau for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and Contravention of Section 49(10) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said during the arrest, 60 metres of copper cables with an estimated street value of R500 000 were confiscated. Myburgh said later at around 6:45pm in Sun City, two more suspects were arrested for Contravention of Section 49(10) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
“The operation also resulted in the seizure of illegal mining equipment, including generators, electrical extension cords, water pump, spades and a hammer. Bernard Chauke (31), Veryson Chikangaise (23), James Thakaruse (24), Prince Mbeurie (36), Richard Ndlovu (34) and Prince Zhou (20), briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody until 24 July.
“The other two accused, who were arrested in Sun City, briefly appeared before the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. Kwena said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to address illegal mining activities in the province.
“You do not pick fights with people who buy ink in barrels.” This saying used to ring true when printed newspapers ruled the news roost. North West University’s Director of the School of Communication, Prof Lida Holtzhausen said but with bandwidth having replaced the aforementioned barrels, is there still a future for journalists in the traditional mould?
Holtzhausen said this issue was further compounded when Media24 recently announced that it intends closing the printed editions of five of its newspapers, which include Rapport, Beeld and City Press and the printed edition of Soccer Laduma, while the digital editions of Volksblad and Die Burger Oos-Kaap will also be no more.
“The Daily Sun, City Press and Rapport will henceforth be only digital publications. This scenario is not exclusive to Media24. Hundreds of jobs are at risk and wordsmiths are uncertain if there will still be workshops with the forges and anvils they need to ply their trade.
“Prospective university students who are keeping their head on a swivel looking for career opportunities might think journalism as a vocation is no longer a viable pursuit,” she said.
Holtzhausen further said that it is a profession that should not be discounted. She added that on the contrary, looking at today’s changing media landscape, one may assume that the days of journalism are numbered.
“However, this cannot be further from the truth. Although technology has been disrupting the way in which news is published, quality journalism, no matter how it is shared, is more important in the world – and in South Africa – in 2024 than ever before.
“Journalists are the custodians of quality information in a post-truth world in which the battle against mis- and disinformation and news fatigue is fierce and sometimes – as was the case during the Covid-19 pandemic – even a matter of life and death,” said Holtzhausen.
She said in fact, the critical role of traditional journalism was foregrounded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as research shows that audiences returned to reputable news organisations. Holtzhausen said quality journalism, in essence, is about the verification of information.
“This is why we believe journalists as professionals, together with academics and scientists, are custodians or protectors of quality information.
“For young people who are networked and connected to local and global issues via social media platforms, journalism remains a career that allows socially, politically and environmentally conscious and creative individuals to express the challenges of our complex world through written text, in various audio-visual formats and through digital short-form storytelling,” said Holtzhausen.
She said in 1959, the NWU in its former guise was the first university in South Africa to offer a degree in Journalism, and in the decades since has adapted to reflect and provide for the evolving media landscape.
Holtzhausen said live online platform, three streams media, provides students with the opportunity to do real stories in real time, gain valuable work experience and build their professional portfolios and the School of Communication has well-established links with the journalism industry, for instance with the National Press Club and the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ).
She said this enables the School of Communication to continuously adapt its journalism education to reflect the latest trends in the workplace and to continue to produce journalists who are making their mark in the industry.
Meanwhile, Cornia Pretorius, Journalism and Media Studies lecturer in the NWU’s School of Communication, a former print journalist and editor of the Africa edition of the online publication University World News, said that parents of prospective Journalism students should be informed of what the profession entails.
“Being a journalist is not easy – never was, never will be. Be aware that journalism no longer entails merely writing articles. Writing remains a core skill, but the industry also needs researchers, fact-checkers, videographers, social media managers, subeditors, website managers, data specialists, graphic designers, sound engineers and search engine optimisation specialists.
“All these jobs are critical in the process of producing quality journalism. Journalism is also an industry in which graduates can become self-employed and be entrepreneurial, whether they live in Butterworth or Springbok,” she said.
Pretorius said the NWU has student media platforms – radio and online news publications – where prospective journalists can hone their skills. She said the academic practitioners, who teach Journalism at the NWU are also always willing to link students to job opportunities to shadow journalists by tapping into their professional networks.
“One of these opportunities that the NWU and the School of Communication have created through a partnership with the organisers of the Momentum Aardklop arts festival, hosted annually in Potchefstroom, is to use a group of students to help with the coverage of the festival.
“The ‘Aardklop NWU Nuushonde’ (Aardklop NWU Newshounds) are willing to sacrifice their September/October breaks to create visual and written content across platforms – another chance to gain work experience and build their professional portfolios,” said Pretorius.
She said students who use the opportunities that come along during their studies and who shadow working journalists in the industry during holidays walk into jobs once they graduate because they have experience. Pretorius said what is critical is that parents encourage their children to constantly look at job advertisements to gauge the requirements, to follow journalists on social media and engage with news, to be critical thinkers who are allowed to ask questions and to job shadow.
“The bottom line is that there are jobs and opportunities for Journalism graduates, who go the extra mile and not fulfil only the most basic requirements of a degree. The duo from the School of Communication describes a journalist as “someone with the assertiveness of a pit bull and the kind-heartedness of a Labrador.
“Journalism is an attitude, a fusion of curiosity, creativity, a can-do problem-solving mindset, hard work, determination and a public service orientation. And, as long as there is news to be reported, the NWU will keep producing the newshounds and watchdogs, who help to safeguard South Africa’s democracy,” she said.
Picture: The seven accused persons who are accused of murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, who are accused of arson are expected to appear in Taung Regional Court today. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested by the police 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. This came after they accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) 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 (35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Picture: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of Gayton McKenzie
By REGINALD KANYANE
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie met with a South African Football Association (SAFA) delegation led by President Dr Danny Jordaan in Tshwane on Thursday afternoon. McKenzie was accompanied by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe and several members of the department. Dr Jordaan was accompanied by Vice Presidents Anastasia Tsichlas, Linda Zwane and Bennett Bailey, CEO Lydia Monyepao and members of the SAFA National Executive Committee.
McKenzie said the department was happy to welcome the SAFA delegation to the capital and would support the association.
“This administration, we are very, very vibrant, we are active, we are transparent, and we are action people. That’s what you’re going to get from us. So, we’re coming here and saying how can we help you because I can tell you that is how you can help us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jordaan was very happy after the warm reception received by the SAFA delegation.
“We are quite encouraged by this engagement with the Minister, and we look forward to further engagements like these in the future. This has been an incredibly fruitful meeting with the Minister, and we are happy,” he said.
The Guardian 