Monthly Archives: July 2024

The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly staged shooting incident  

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Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) calls for the removal of ‘incompetent’ municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. This comes after the embattled Gaoraelwe, crashed the municipality’s R700 00 luxury BMW X3 on Sunday again.

It is alleged that Gaoraelwe was involved in an accident during the day on 30 June 2024 and later on, staged a shooting incident as a cover-up. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said Gaoraelwe crashed numerous municipal vehicles and it is inacceptable to see this kind of behaviour from him.  

“What really happened is debauched. You will remember that we have been cranky about the misuse of the municipal vehicles by Gaoraelwe. This is not the first time he crashed the same vehicle. Gaoraelwe also crashed other municipal vehicles belonging to different units.

“What is upsetting is that all these vehicles were bought with taxpayers’ money. There are allegations that the shooting incident that he was involved in, was staged to cover-up the actual accident,” he said.

Nape further said according to the allegations, Gaoraelwe called his ‘friends’ and instructed them to shoot the municipal vehicle to make it look like there was an attempt to hijack him. He added that, however, there are those who allegedly saw everything and have confessed.

“They alleged that they were instructed by Gaoraelwe to shoot the vehicle and staged a shooting incident. So, we call on the law enforcement agencies to do their job diligently and get to the bottom of this.

“They should engage those who allegedly confessed and take their statements. Truly speaking, Gaoraelwe is incompetent and does not qualify to be the mayor. We have been raising this issue, but the ANC dismally failed the people of Taung by not listening. However, we hope this time around they will listen and do the right thing by removing him,” said Nape.

He said as a mayor, one needs to have integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, morals and other leadership qualities, which are lacking from Gaoraelwe.

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said the ANC is facing a mammoth task ahead.

“Gaoraelwe, who is known for damaging municipal vehicles repeatedly with reckless driving, has done it again. There are unconfirmed allegations that he was involved in an accident on Sunday with the same expensive municipal vehicle and he staged attempted robbery.

“The number one citizen of the Greater Taung, should know better that making a false statement is perjury and punishable by competent court of law. Yes, a case of attempted murder is under investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “Gaoralwe was driving his vehicle at around 23:30 on 30 June 2024, in Khibicwane village, near Taung when he realised that he was being followed by another vehicle. While driving, he heard gunshots, then lost control of the vehicle, which eventually collided with a gate.

“The victim allegedly jumped out and fled. Consequently, four bullet holes were found on the victim’s vehicle. He was not injured and no one has been arrested thus far. So, anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boingotlo Tokwe on Cell: 082 469 0241.”

*The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry before publishing the article. The response of the municipality will be incorporated in the article when received.  

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North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua to prioritise road projects

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Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for the Department of Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said she will be responsible for overseeing acceleration of the delivery of road projects in the province. She said this includes overseeing the department’s Infrastructure Capital Implementation projects and driving the province’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) initiatives, which are a key government priority for infrastructure development.

Mokua further said her presence will play a pivotal role in driving the department’s strategic initiatives, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that it continues to meet the needs and expectations of the community. She added that she will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical role.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the role of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for the department. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, for his trust and confidence in my ability to serve in this capacity.

“This is a moment of immense pride for me. I am fully aware of the significant responsibilities that come with this position. Our department plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and dedication in fulfilling our mandate,” said Mokua.

She is the second female MEC in 30 years to be appointed in the male-dominated department. Mokua hails from the dusty Kalpan village and grew up in Gelukspan in the North West.  

As a former NEHAWU provincial chairperson and a member of the COSATU, ANC and South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), Mokua is well-equipped to transform the male-dominated public works sector.

She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to her roles that she was entrusted with and has the necessary capacity to drive progress and accountability in her new role.

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Mokgosi: “We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994”

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the Month of June reminds them of the heroism of the young men and women. Mokgosi, who addressed the Provincial Youth Day celebration in Derby on Saturday said, it is important to pay tribute to the gallant fighters of the June 16 generation, whose struggles and sacrifices placed the country on a firm path towards freedom, which they obtained in 1994.

He further said they declare without any fear of contradiction that South Africa belongs to all who live in it (black and white), united in diversity. Mokgosi added that the province is proud of its galaxy of June 16 freedom fighters like Onkgopotse Tiro, Thandi Modise, Kaone Lobelo, Zakes Molotsi, Molahlehi Tau, Kagiso Ramatlhoko and many others, whose fearlessness inspired the people of the province to join and participate in the struggle for national liberation.

“Their tenacity laid an important foundation for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous country. It is fortitude which paved the way for the long-standing resolve of our forebears, who in the Freedom Charter proclaimed that the doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all.

“This among others means, education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. I am honoured to join today’s important occasion, which marks the start of the countdown to the historic half century (50th Anniversary) of the June 16 Uprising,” he said.

Mokgosi said a few days ago, the country celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted on 26 June 1955 as a blueprint for the democratic dispensation of 1994 and the nation building project they have pursued since. He said they also remember the lives of innocent people who were shot and killed in the year 2008 in the informal settlement of Skierlik.

“This tragedy sent shockwaves across the globe and put a dent in our continued quest for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country. Our gathering here today is a testimony that the foundations of our democratic society are stronger and will not be shaken by those seeking to divide our people. The revolutionary spirit of Onkgopotse Tiro shall forever stand guard to defend the gains of our freedom and inspire us to fight more and harder for the full attainment of economic liberation for our young people in the villages and townships.

“We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994. But it is not enough as the youth carry the burden of the failures of our socio-economic project. The youth and mostly black and African women more than any section of the population (53% in North West) are poor, they are not in education, in employment nor any,” said Mokgosi.

He said they are missing out on opportunities available to them. Mokgosi said they need to do more and it is a moral duty of their struggle to do good by young people, to give them a stake in the society and give their citizenship meaning.

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Magalies Water Appoints Acting Chief Executive Officer

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Board of Directors at Magalies Water has appointed Ofentse Nthutang as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 1 July 2024. Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said this follows the recent departure of the water utility’s CEO.

“The acting appointment will be in place until recruitment processes pursuant to the filling of the CEO vacancy have been completed. An announcement of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, will be made after cabinet approves the name of the recommended candidate to the Minister of Water and Sanitation,” he said.

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North West Department of Human Settlement to address backlog on Military Veterans Housing Project

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Picture: The Project Steering Committee members during the side visit to one of the houses currently under construction at Bapong/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said it will continue to address challenges previously experienced in the Military Veterans Housing Programme. The department had a feedback session with the steering committee of the Military Veteran’s Project, which aimed at addressing the backlog in the construction of the houses for Military Veterans.

The Deputy Director responsible for Housing Development, Orapeleng Tabile said the programme is one of the initiatives that the department in collaboration with National Department of Military Veterans, National Department of Human Settlements and Municipalities is rolling out through the identification of beneficiaries from the database and allocation of sites, where the houses will be constructed.

Tabile acknowledged the backlog and pointed out that the department has already built six houses in Mabele-a-Podi and Bapong villages respectively. He said the department has also built houses in Ganyesa and Lethabong in Rustenburg.

“These houses will be completed and handed over to beneficiaries before the end of the year. The contractor is currently on site and promised to deliver on time. The officials of the department will continue to monitor and give reports back about progress made.

“Despite challenges faced by the department, we intend to construct 86 Military Veterans’ houses in the province for the current financial year. The department will comply with policy governing the Military Veterans Housing Programme in terms of projects rolled out,” he said.

The National Department of Human Settlements representative, Jacky Mamabolo advised the provincial department to ensure that they have more projects so that they can deal with the backlog.

“The department must ensure that they extend the scope of work to existing contractors rather than appointing new contractors to avoid delay and under-performance. Appointment of new contractors takes a long time because it is a process and this causes unnecessary delay,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries identified was Mosiiwa Sekhutle (61), who worked for the former Bophuthatswana Defence (BDF) for a period of ten years and later joined the South African Defence Force (SANDF) for three years.

“I am happy because I have been living in my family home and I cannot wait to have a place of my own. This is a legacy for my children,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Daniel Mandlane shared the same sentiments. Mandlane also worked for former BDF and SANDF. 

“I am married with three children and was born and bred in Bapong village. I would like to thank the government for building a house for me and my family. I never thought I would see this day, I am really thankful,” he said.

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Bafana ready to face Eswatini in crunch final COSAFA group match

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Picture: Bafana Bafana during Cosafa Cup

By REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana go into their final Group A match against Eswatini knowing that they need a victory to make life easier for themselves and ensure safe passage into the next round of the COSAFA Cup. The two neighbouring countries face off at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon, 2 July 2024 and kick off is at 3pm.

A semi-final place will be on the line and coach Helman Mkhalele conceded that his charges have to rise to the challenge after successive draws against Mozambique (1-1) and Botswana (0-0).

“We have to make sure we bounce back tomorrow and win our game because if we don’t get a win, any results other than a win could send us home. We might not know what will be happening in the other group game between Mozambique and Botswana.

“We will make a few changes to the team that drew against Botswana on Saturday. It is still in our hands and it is crucial that we do the business against Eswatini by making sure that we score more goals. We aalso need to ensure that we do not concede because the goal difference could become a factor,” he said.

Mkhalele further said it is important that they keep a clean sheet and score as many goals as possible. He added that Thabang Sibanyoni was not given very much support upfront in the previous outing and he will ensure that this changes against Eswatini.

“For us to be able to score those many goals, I believe that we will need to make sure that, we beef up our striking force and more, especially give Sibanyoni the support that he needs upfront as he has won almost each and every high ball played to him.

‘Now, we need someone who will anticipate those high balls and use them effectively,” said Makhalele.

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More than 580 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. 

“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.

She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.

“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations. 

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The driver arrested with illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million remanded in custody

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Picture: The truck allegedly distributing illicit cigarettes seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The driver (55) who was arrested for being in possession of illicitcigarettes worth R1.5 million, remanded in custody until 5 July 2024. Sabelo Mampane briefly appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court. The North West poloce spokesperson, Col Adele Myburg said the police received a tip-off from an attentive farmer on 27 June 2024, regarding suspicious activities on his farm in Zeerust. Myburgh said this led to the arrest of Mampane and the recovery of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million.

“It is alleged that the police responded to a call from a farmer, who spotted a unknown truck parked on his farm. On arrival, the police approached the truck and found the man inside. Upon searching the truck, illicit cigarettes were found and the man was arrested, while the truck and cigarettes were confiscated.

“The investigations into the matter are underway by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). This is the second bust of illicit cigarettes within three days. In the first incident, police and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R8 million in Makgobistad on 25 June 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the farmer for his vigilance and cooperation, which led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspect.

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North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng wages a war against crime

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By REGINALD KANYANE

The newly-appointed North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has vowed to prioritise the fight against crime. Morweng, who comes from Moshaneng village, near Lehurutshe, he is a Communication graduate from the North West Univesity (Mafikeng Campus).

Despite his relatively young age, he is an experienced civil servant and quite versed with socio-economic challenges in the province. Morweng is a former Director for Recreation Management at the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, where he also served as a Media Liaison Officer (MLO) before becoming Head of MEC Office.

Morweng had recently been an acting CEO of the Mmabana Foundation. He already knows the task at hand and knows what is expected of him.

“You don’t need to read any documents, nor listen to the news to know that our communities are complaining about high crime levels. Before I am a Member of the Executive Council (MEC), I am a citizen and a member of the community.

“Therefore, I know how crime affects the community. My message is simple, arrest all those who are terrorising our communities. The road ahead will not be easy, but collectively pulling together with men and woman around me, we shall overcome,” said Morweng.

Morweng on Monday, met with the Execuive Management Committee of the Department.  

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Breaking News: Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe survives a shooting

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe survived a shooting. It is alleged that, Gaoraelwe was shot at by unknown assailants last night.

This is a developing story and more details will follow.

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