Picture: A taxi involved in a car accident/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two people lost their lives, while 18 were taken to Ganyesa District Hospital after a horrific accident that happened on Saturday on the R378 road near Ganyesa on the direction to Morokweng. According to traffic officers at the scene, a Toyota Hilux bakkie hit a stray animal (cow) and that led to a collision with another car, which was a Quantum taxi.
A taxi driver lost control and landed on its side.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has urged community members to look after their livestock as the accidents caused by stray animals is on the increase.
“My plea is for our community to make sure that their livestock are kept in their safe areas, especially during the night. Our villages are very dark at night and the visibility is very poor.
“Eighteen of those who were taken to hospital, five were critical while the rest have no serious injuries. We send message of condolences to the families of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to those who were taken to hospital,” he said.
Picture: The players selected during trials/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The president of Netball South Africa (NSA), Cecilia Molokwane has announced the final SPAR Baby Proteas squad selected from the intense trials held at Laerskool Constantiapark in Pretoria over the weekend. Molokwane said after two incredibly intense days filled with exhausting matches and remarkable displays of skill, Head Coach Precious Mthembu, Assistant Coach Phumza Maweni, and other selectors faced a daunting challenge in handpicking the final 15 players who will proudly carry the flag for South Africa.
“We are excited about the future of netball in our country and we are confident that this group of players can one day replace the players in the SPAR Proteas team. Their first assignment will be the SPAR Challenge in October. I have immense confidence in the talent and potential of our current crop of young players.
“They are an absolute delight to watch, and I firmly believe they have what it takes to become future stars of the SPAR Proteas team. I’m thrilled to see them gear up to represent our country at the SPAR Challenge, SPAR Championships and the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar – the future of netball in our nation is bright indeed,” she said.
Molokwane further said players who were not selected for the team will still play an important role within the system. She added that a comprehensive development program will be established to ensure that these players are constantly improving and ready to step in whenever a replacement is needed.
“The SPAR Baby Proteas squad will commence preparations for their upcoming international matches and tournaments, including the highly anticipated 2024 SPAR Challenge. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the historic Ellis Park Arena in October,” said Molokwamne.
Meanwhile, Mthembu revealed that the girls showed strong skills and determination during the trials, and as coaches and selectors, they are pleased with the selected squad.
“I am thoroughly impressed with the selection of players for our squad. They showcased exceptional skills and determination during the trials. We were looking for individuals who would put the team first and give their absolute best.
“It’s heartening to see the remarkable depth of talent among our U19 and U21 players. Their dedication and passion for the sport are truly encouraging, and I’m excited to see them take the court in our upcoming tournaments,” said Mthembu.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has put aside R28 million for a major facelift of Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre. The centre is undergoing a major restructuring that would result in its expansion from its current capacity.
The DEDECT spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said in 2015, the then Department of Tourism (now the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism), embarked on the development and construction of the Taung Hotel School and Conference Centre Infrastructure Programme in efforts to improve the tourism infrastructure and skills development in the province.
“The main purpose of the infrastructure programme is to renovate and build additional infrastructure at the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in an attempt to convert the existing infrastructure to a Hotel School and Convention Centre with state of the art facilities.
“The resulting infrastructure is designed to provide a holistic educational and hospitality environment for beneficiary communities within the context of a Local Economic Development (LED), Rural Development and Community Development,” said Matebesi.
He further said in the 2024/25 financial year, the department has allocated R28 million towards the renovation of the main hotel building and facilities. Matebesi added that many job opportunities will be created through the construction project of Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre.
“The ongoing project has created 78 jobs through local labourers and sub–contracting. This would continue to benefit the community for decades and would positively impact on the lives of many persons, who would in turn positively impact the lives of the community they reside in and the province as a whole,” he said.
Picture: The police conducting stop and search during Operation Basadi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 160 vehicles and 456 persons were stopped and searched during Vehicle Check Point (VCP) that was conducted in Roodepan. The traffic fines to the value of R7050, were also issued for various traffic violations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said this was done in a joined force between the police in Roodepan, police in Kagisho, Department of Home Affairs, Sol Plaatje Traffic Department, Roodepan SAPS Women’s Network and Safety volunteers during Operation Basadi in the Frances Baard District.
“The Kagisho SAPS Station Commander, Colonel Michelle Ford led the operation as Operational Commander. Compliance inspections were also conducted at tuckshops, premises were searched, and high visibility patrols were executed in hotspot areas.
“Operation Basadi will continue unabated during the month of August to commemorate the achievements and strides made by women in law enforcement,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said women play a crucial role in society and her department is committed to support community organisations.
Lenkopane, who celebrated Women’s Day in Tigane, near Klerksdorp, said 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, showed concerted efforts. She recounted the story of Mama Charlotte Maxeke, a social worker who became involved with the church after getting lost abroad.
Lenkopane was accompanied by the City of Matlosana mayor, Fikile Mahlophe and North West Gambling Board acting CEO, Boitumelo Qalinge. She attended a special Women’s Day service at St. Luke Anglican Church and the church’s Mary Sumner Mothers’ Union in Tigane.
“The church embraced her and she, in return, mobilized other women to discuss women’s agendas and challenges. So, we urge women to return to the church and begin dialogues about today’s societal challenges. Unlike the 1956 era, today’s issues include high unemployment rates among women, their exclusion from economic roles and leadership positions and the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and social ills.
“We encourage women to engage with these topics and develop solutions. There is a need for collective action in tackling GBV, alcohol abuse, and economic disparities affecting women. We must support one another in building an agenda, where women are empowered to thrive,” she said.
As part of her commitment to community support, Lenkopane donated new chairs to the church and provided the Emmanuel Child Day Care Centre with essential items, including bedding materials and groceries. She said this is an act of generosity following the commitment made in July during the Nelson Mandela International Day celebration.
“The centre cares for disabled children from the villages. I would also like to encourage the church’s Mothers’ Union to remain a strong and united body, ensuring that women’s issues are addressed effectively. The church is a powerful platform that welcomes all women, regardless of their political beliefs.
“Our department is tasked with promoting economic development through support for SMMEs, regularizing and enhancing business activities and attracting investors to maximize provincial revenue,” said Lenkopane.
She encouraged community members to ensure their businesses are registered and operate within legal frameworks, highlighting that proper registration and licensing enable the government to collect levies, which are then reinvested into communities through service delivery and donations, as demonstrated on the day.
Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul, from Kuaneng in Taung, North West, has a diverse background in media and literature. She obtained a Media Consultant Qualification from Boston City Campus in 2010 and a B.A. in Social Work from the University of the Free State in 2014. Her career includes roles as a journalist, news anchor, and presenter at Vaaltar FM, as well as freelance work for Taung DailyNews and Tomboi Magazine.
In 2016, she co-founded UNRECO Magazine, where she served as Editor in Chief, focusing on recognizing global talent and artistry. Setlhodi-Paul has also edited several books including Diary of a Zulu Girl books and Discord II, all books by Mike Maphoto; she also edited Diary of a Cheating Wife by Londiwe Xaba, Siphelele Masango and Book Launch by Charmaine Mrwebi.
Her first book, Being an African in the 21st Century: Modern African, explores themes of identity, parenting, marriage, and patriarchy. The book was launched in September of last year at the Central University of Technology in Welkom, Free State, and has sold over 200 copies nationwide.
The book arose from Setlhodi-Paul’s quest to understand traditions and customs, driven by questions she found unanswered by elders. Setlhodi-Paul attributes her passion for writing to her mother, who emphasized the importance of reading and provided numerous books for her to read aloud.
Despite the significant challenge of finding a publisher, which she overcame through persistence and support, she remains dedicated to proofreading, editing, and ghost-writing. She acknowledges the potential difficulty in writing another book but continues to inspire others by suggesting that even reading a page a day can lead to significant literary achievements.
“Through this book I hope that we get to do some self-introspection as Africans. It is crucial to know where we are coming from so that we know where we are going.”
Three suspects aged 29, 31 and 35, who were arrested for business robbery at Brits Mall are expected to appear in Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday. According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the shop had just opened on 29 July 2024, at about 8am and the employees were still entering the shop, when two suspects came inside and allegedly threatened them with firearms.
Myburgh said the employees were ordered to hand over cash and the suspects also took cellular phones and laptops before they fled the scene. She said on 7 August 2024, the police received a tip-off and operationalised it.
“This led to the arrests of Reborn Chiloane and Regomoditswe Mmethi. The police also seized eight stolen cellular phones and two laptops. Furthermore, a third suspect was arrested on 8 August 2024, by the dedicated police investigators.
“Chiloane and Mmethi briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 7 August 2024, in connection with an alleged business robbery at Brits Mall. They were both employees at the shop where the robbery took place,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Brits Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspects. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boitshepo Medichane o bolailweng ka go tlhabiwa ka thipa
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 21 la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung le bolailwe. Go begwa fa Boitshepo Medichane a fitlhetswe a rapaletse mo bophadiphading jwa madi morago ga go tlhabiwa ka thipa.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, tiragalo e key a fa masigo a Mosupologo asa.
“Go begwa fa moswi a tlhabilwe le go bolawa ke molekane wa gagwe. Go fitlha ga jaana, sepodisi ga se itse sebakwa sa polao, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Sepodisi sa Taung sene sa letsetswa ke mongwe wa baagi yo oneng a ba begela ka tiragalo e.
“Sepodisi se ile sa nanogela kwa lifelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela lekgarebe leo le setse le tlhokafetse. Se re se tlhaloganyang ke gore molatofadiwa o ile a tsena ka lenga la seloko, mme ga ese a tshwarwe go fitlha ga jaana,” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, lekwalo-dikgang la Taung DailyNews le tlhaloganya fa molatofadiwa a ile a siela kwa lelapeng la ga rragwe, fela isitswe kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung jaaka re bua jaana.
More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. This comes after police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and other role players, including Traffic Police, Department of Education, Transnet, the Gambling Board, Community Police Forums (CPFs), private security companies, ESKOM and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), continue with weekly high density operations to prevent and combat crime.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a total of 31 high density operations were conducted between 6 and 11 August 2024, and led to the arrest of 828 suspects for various offences. Myburgh said high density operations led to 3796 actions that included amongst others 14 roadblocks, searching of 49 premises, 2006 persons, 1 022 vehicles, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 41 others.
“Furthermore, 29 Second-Hand dealers were inspected and six received notices for non-compliance of the Second Hand Goods Act. Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were also effected.
“The suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as rape, murder, assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), house robberies, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession and illegal dealing in drugs, theft out of / from motor vehicle and 67 persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she said.
Myburgh added that 102 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. She said of the 828 suspects, 382 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“During the operations, a variety of drugs, four cell phones, explosives, three firearms, ammunition, liquor, tobacco products, three vehicles and other items were confiscated,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their collaboration and support in continuing to ensure safer communities.
Kgetsi ya kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung e buseditswe morago go fitlha 14 Phatwe 2024, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Go begwa fa kgetsi kgatlhanong le Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng (35), e siametse go ka seka.
Seoleseng o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba. Go begwa fa Seoleseng le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.
“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing la Tshipi.”
Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe.
The Guardian 