Daily Archives: August 14, 2024

Morweng: “Crime is a societal phenomenon”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said crime is a societal matter and requires all role players to play their part in creating a functional society with low levels of crime. Morweng, who addressed the Community Policing Indaba in Mahikeng, made this notion.

He further emphasised the support required to assist the police and community based structures to fight crime.

“The values our forebears legacy to us is that as we say in Setswana, letsema le kgonwa ka go tshwaraganelwa. We shall not and we will never defeat crime unless and until we begin to work together and report any kind of wrong doing to law enforcement. This country has laws and all of us are subjected to obeying those laws.

“One anomaly that needs to be corrected is that crime fighting is the responsibility of one or two entities. Crime is a collective responsibility of all us. Let me illustrate, trauma counselling of a crime victim is the responsibility of the Social Development and not of Community Safety and Transport Management or the police.

“I would also like to encourage the Indaba to prioritise a community involvement approach as an advanced way of dealing with crime. Recently, we tabled plans to ensure the necessary support to capacitate Community Policing Forums (CPF). What we are doing here today follows a directive from the President that CPF must be strengthened as an added arm to fight crime,” he said.

Morweng further said the CPF strategy was drafted as well as Rural Safety Strategy. He added that when presenting the 2024/2025 Budget Speech two and half weeks ago, he had indicated that as department, they have implemented a number of campaigns in the past financial year to address issues related to the prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

“For CPFs to be effective, we require support of our municipalities. We have to start educating our communities on the role of the CPF and how they, as ordinary citizens can play a role in reporting crime.

“The Community Policing Indaba will chart a new set of ideas on the overall promotion of accountability of the service to local communities. This Indaba is not done in futility, we develop plans and strategies, including identifying areas of priority under the premise of the fundamental pillars which are public education, building community resilience to crime, multi disciplinary collaboration, community policing and public order, communication and marketing as well as capacity, capability and resourcing of CPFs,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the North West Deputy Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Gopolang Patrick Asaneng, who provided an overview presentation on Community Policing as an Overarching Integrated Crime Prevention Policy, Rural Safety Strategy and Traditional Policing Concept said in their efforts to fight crime, it is also important to solidify crime prevention programmes to demotivate people from criminality in all its forms.

The Indaba is scheduled to take place over a period of two days, where commissions will deliberate on the pillars of the community policing strategy. This includes the signing of a pledge of support by different stakeholders.

The event was also graced by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile, the Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi- San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, the Provincial Chairperson of the CPFs, Robert Malungane and Mmakgosi Seatlholo from the Moral Regeneration Movement who all made meaningful contributions to the programme.

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Amajita preparations for Lesotho clashes underway

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The South African U20 Men’s National Team reported for camp on 12 August 2024 at the SAFA Technical Centre ahead of their two friendly matches against Lesotho on 16 and 18 August 2024.

A total of 26 players reported for duty with the exception of Shandre Campbell and a few other players who could not honour the camp due to lack of documentation.

Campbell, who made a move to Club NXT out in Belgium, has been excused from camp after the club requested his exclusion ahead of his debut season.

Amajita will travel to Lesotho on Thursday 15 August 2024 ahead of the matches in Maseru in preparation for the 2024 COSAFA U20 Championships scheduled for September 2024.

Lesotho will host South Africa at their Technical training centre on Friday 16 August and Sunday, 18 August 2024. These two matches will be played at 15h00 and 10h00 respectively.

U20 Head Coach Raymond Mdaka welcomed all the players who have honoured the camp.

“We will have two days of vigorous of training that are dedicated to tactical work before we travel across the border to Maseru,”  Mdaka told   www.safa.net.

26 player squad:                              NoFull NameClub1Musa MASEMOLA Via Sports FC (RSA)2Fletcher SMYTHE-LOWEBenfica FC (Portugal)3Takalani MAZHAMBAKaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)4Duane BENNETWits University FC (RSA)5Neo RAPOOSuperSport United FC (RSA)6Asekho TIWANISekhukhune United FC (RSA)7Lefa AUTATATS Galaxy (RSA)8Mbekezeli MBOKAZIOrlando Pirates FC (RSA)9Tylon SMITHStellenbosch FC (RSA)10Lakham GQONGOTS Galaxy (RSA)11SifisoTIMBAKaizer Chiefs (RSA)12Lazola MAKUSuperSport United FC (RSA)13MphoKHATHANAKaizer Chiefs (RSA)14Siyabonga MABENAMamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA)15Mfundo VILAKAZIKaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)16Faiz ABRAHAMS Stellenbosch FC (RSA)17Langelihle PHILIStellenbosch FC (RSA)18Thabang MAHLANGUSuperSport United FC (RSA)19Kutlwano LETLHAKOMamelodi Sundowns FC(RSA)20Shakeel APRILCape Town City FC (RSA)21Luke BAARTMANCape Town Spurs FC (RSA)22Ofentse KGOSANA Kaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)23Gopolang TAUNYANAKaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)24Gomolemo KEKANAMamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA)25Oupa MOTAUNGTS Galaxy (RSA)26Bennet MOKOENAMamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA)

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North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi implement concerted efforts to transform state of municipalities

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

In a concerted effort to transform the state of the municipalities in line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the North West Provincial Treasury, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), have joined forces to drive meaningful change and improvement in municipalities.

The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the aim of this collaboration is to amplify the successes achieved so far and eliminate silo operations that have hindered effective collaboration in the past. Mosenogi saud the District Development Model (DDM) framework, which emphasises coordinated planning and service delivery, serves as the foundation for these collaborative efforts to foster an integrated and effective local governance that benefits all citizens.

“We appreciate the efforts of the past administration for their unwavering commitment to strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life for all citizens. The current commitment builds on the progress that has been made to date, rather than starting from scratch.

“However, there is a concern regarding municipalities that continue to adopt unfunded budgets because this is impediment to service delivery to the citizens of this province. We cannot overemphasise the importance of municipalities implementing funded budgets,” she said.

Mosenogi further said a funded budget is a critical step towards financial sustainability, as it ensures that municipalities have the necessary resources to deliver quality services to citizens. She added that they will work closely with municipalities to ensure that they have the capacity to prepare and implement funded budgets.

“That will enable us to provide reliable and efficient services to citizens, invest in infrastructure development and maintenance, create jobs and stimulate local economic growth and improve their creditworthiness and access to funding.

“The collaborative efforts will focus on supporting municipalities in implementing the Financial Recovery Plan, which is a critical component of improving the finances of municipalities and supports the objectives of DDM,” said Mosenogi.

According to Mosenogi, the Financial Recovery Plan is designed to help municipalities overcome their financial challenges and achieve financial sustainability.

“We firmly believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges that our municipalities face. Through cooperation, shared vision, and unwavering commitment, we will strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life for all citizens as this will foster greater collaboration and coordination between different spheres of government thereby promoting inclusive and participatory governance that involves all stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local communities.

“These collaborative efforts build on the process already started between CoGTA and Provincial Treasury of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would clarify the role of each department and do away with duplications. The structured arrangements would also include SALGA,” she said.

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Two prosecutors nabbed for obstruction of justice 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two state prosecutors, Tshikani Golden Rikhotso (46) and Mikhalani Patrick Chauke, briefly appeared at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. The duo was arrested on 8 August 2024, they are facing allegations of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said following lead investigations, (J50) warrants of arrest were issued for three accused. 

“Only accused 1 and 2 were arrested and appeared before court. The police are on the lookout for the third accused and believe s/he will be arrested soon. The matter was adjourned to 26 September 2024, and the two accused were granted a R1000 each. 

“The accused were sensitised as one of the bail conditions, to report once a week to the local police station between 9am and 5pm. The NPA remains committed to upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is served in our communities,” he said. 

Gunya further said the NPA is serious about fighting those who are corrupt in its ranks. He added that the NPA would like to assure the public that disciplinary actions will be taken against its members, who are against the system. 

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SPAR renew its sponsorship with Netball SA 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

SPAR and netball have gone hand-in-hand this century and the supermarket giant has just renewed its sponsorship until 2027. SPAR first became involved with netball in 2000 and its commitment to the biggest women’s sport in South Africa has been unwavering ever since. 

Its 24-year sponsorship of the SPAR Proteas and it is the longest team title sponsorship in South Africa.  Its sponsorship of Netball South Africa (NSA) is one of the country’s longest federation sponsorships.

In terms of the new sponsorship deal, SPAR’s title sponsorship includes the national team, the SPAR Proteas, the Under-21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas, the national senior and Under-21 Championships and a home Test series and one or more international teams in the form of the SPAR Netball Challenge. 

In addition, SPAR will be an associate sponsor of the national Fast Five Senior team, the Telkom Netball League and the men’s national championships.

Making the announcement, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane said sport provided an exciting platform for brand-building and women’s sport in particular presented an excellent channel.

“We believe a call for action to empower women serves as a good initiative not only to build a nation but to capacitate women to take up relevant and influential spaces in our society. 

“Netball is the most popular sport among women, who are important role players in South Africa. SPAR was honoured to be part of netball and sporting history last year when we partnered with Telkom and other netball sponsors to support Netball South Africa (NSA) and World Netball in staging the first African Netball World Cup in Cape Town,” said Maubane.

Meanwhile, the NSA President Cecilia Molokwane was thrilled to announce the extension of the partnership with SPAR.

“Over years, SPAR has been a pillar of support, providing commitment and resources that have been instrumental in our success. 

“Their genuine passion for women’s sports and their dedicated efforts to empower our players resonate deeply with our values and mission,” she said. 

Molokwane further said SPAR is more than a sponsor. She added that it epitomizes women empowerment. 

“Their support for women’s sports, particularly netball, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young girls and women.

“By investing in women’s empowerment, SPAR is shaping a brighter future for our nation and leaving a legacy. As we mark 30 years of democracy in South Africa, let us acknowledge the strides made in women’s sports,” said Molokwane.  

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Residents continue to be affected by water shortages  

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Picture: The residents queuing for water in Granspan

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Water scarcity continues to affect various areas across Taung. Many villages like Cokonyane, Mothanthanyaneng, Sekhing and others continued to be affected. 

The Deputy Minister of Department Water and Sanitation (DWS), Sello Seitlholo said the Greater Taung Bulk Water Supply Scheme (BWSS) Phase 2E-1, is a critical component of the Taung/Naledi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme. 

Seitlholo said even though the project was designed to augment water supply to the Naledi and Greater Taung Local Municipalities within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, it has been marred with challenges, which have exacerbated water supply shortages in the region.

“The project is funded under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). Despite initial progress, the project has encountered significant delays, primarily due to contractor-related challenges. 

“The Selenane and Ultimate Dynamic have been responsible for constructing the pump stations and reservoirs, respectively. These components were completed between 2018 and 2024. 

“The original contractor, Amawakawaka Tipucab JV, appointed on 25 October 2017, was expected to complete the project within 20 months. However, due to poor performance and financial difficulties, the contractor abandoned the project at 85% completion,” he said.

Seitlholo further said multiple attempts to re-engage the contractor were unsuccessful, leading to the termination of the contract on 9 February 2024. He added that following the termination of Amawakawaka Tipucab JV, a new contractor, Selenane and Ultimate Dynamic, was appointed on 22 May 2024. 

“The first shipment of pipes is expected by 16 August 2024, with the project anticipated to be completed by 28 November 2024,” said Seitlholo.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Manager at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Itumeleng Jonas said: “The Sekhing area is one of the villages that relies with the supply from the Pampierstad Water Treatment Work (WTW) within the Phokwane Local Municipality and currently there is erratic supply from the side and this has resulted in full time tinkering of water to the area by the municipality. 

“In the short term, the municipality took an initiative to conduct groundwater aquifer testing on the abandoned boreholes in Sekhing in order to check if we can make use of them.” 

He said there are recommendations, which has directed them to drill and source for new supplies to serve the village. Jonas said a borehole SG-BH-01 is a low borehole of 0.2 l/s recommended for hand pump or solar submersible pumps only. 

“Borehole MG-BH-01 is a low yielding borehole with Class 3 water quality and is not to be used for human consumption. New production boreholes to be developed at a distance of approximately 500m from the existing boreholes. 

“Based on the above tests, we have recently issued an instruction to a service provider to conduct source development in the view of drilling and equipping two boreholes at the peripheries of the village,” he said.

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Former municipal officials to appear in court 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Two former officials of Nama Khoi Local Municipality have been summoned by the Hawks Kimberley-based Serious Corruption Investigation members to appear in court. The former Chief Financial Officer (55) and former Municipal Manager (66), are facing allegations of contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said the summons were served on 13 August 2024. Thebe further said the allegations date back to 2014, whereby the former Municipal Manager, was accused of approving expenses, which were not budgeted for in contravention of MFMA. 

“The case was set for trial during the course of 2017. Before the trial could start, the second accused on the matter, who happens to be the former CFO, produced documents to the contrary of the charges. 

“The prosecuting team withdrew the charges based on information submitted by the suspect. However, the Serious Corruption Investigation team thoroughly investigated the matter and re-submitted the docket to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision,” he said. 

Thebe added that the Office of DPP, decided to charge both accused.  He said the duo will make their first court appearance at Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024.

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Over 500 000 people living with HIV in North West 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said there are encouraging signs of the province being on a right trajectory in reducing HIV infections. Mokgosi said this during a quarterly meeting address of the Provincial Council on Aids held at Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng. 

He further said since the resuscitation of the council, the provincial government has been able to coordinate and bring together various stakeholders in response to HIV infections. Mokgosi added that through these collaborative efforts, they have been able to respond positively in bringing down HIV-AIDS infections in the past three years with a decline of 1.7% in the last financial year. 

“The province has been able to reduce AIDS-related deaths since 2017. Our efforts in reducing AIDS-related deaths are gaining traction and from 2017, we reduced these deaths from 5169 to 3100 in 2022. 

“It is also encouraging to mention that life expectancy has increased from 64 years in 2019 to 66 years in 2023 for both males and females. Of concern is over 24 000 young people between the ages of 20-24, who are living with HIV with only over 13 000 on treatment,” he said.

Mokgosi said as he indicated in his Opening of the Provincial Legislature Address, the youth agenda is one of the apex priorities of this administration and this cuts across the board. He said they are going to double their efforts in combating the spread of HIV among young people. 

“These campaigns will be rolled out in our schools and institutions of higher learning. This will include working with various youth formations to intensify these campaigns.

“As of June 2024, over 540 000 people are living with HIV in the province and over 366 000 are on treatment. The Bojanala and Ngaka Modiri Molema remain hotspots in terms of HIV with infections hovering around 260 000 and 111 000 respectively,” said Mokgosi. 

He said in strengthening the province’s ongoing efforts in response to HIV, North West has already concluded the End-term Review of the 2017/2022 giving impetus to the development of the 2023/28 Provincial Implementation Plan (PIP) on HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB. 

“We will ensure that this plan trickles down to all four districts of the province, as it will play a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing the HIV-AIDS response and related diseases in the province,” said Mokgosi.

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Porojeke ya kago ya tsela e tsweletse kwa Itireleng

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Setshwantsho: Porojeke ya kago ya tsela e tsweletse 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse wa kwa Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, bare ba itumeletse go bona porojeke ya kago ya tsela ya dikilometara di le 10 e tshimolotse. Tsela e, ke e e golaganyang motse wa bone le tsela-kgolo ya N18. 

Baagi ba ne ba ikuela go masepala o mogolwane wa Taung go ba agela tsela. Mo dikgweding tse di fetileng, baagi ba ne ba nna le kopano le masepala, Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya ga Tonakgolo (Office of the Premier) go ka tlhagolela tsela porojeke e.  

Masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Lefapha la Ditsela, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya ga Tonakgolo, ba ne ba tsena mo tumalanong ya go agela baagi tsela eo ka mokwa wa tiriso ya ditene (paving). 

Jaanong, mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Itumeleng Pholo are, le fa ba itumeletse kago ya tsela, go nnile le go ngodiega. Are le ka mokgwa o go thapilweng badiri ba ba agang tsela eo ka gone, ga se o go dumalanweng ka one.

“Re ne re dumalane le puso gore go tla thapiwa badiri ba Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) ba le 80. Fela go thapilwe ba le 40, mme bone ba dira ka go refosana.  

“Re ne re ikuela go Lefapha la Ditsela go oketsa palo ya badiri, mme go dire badiri ba le 40 ka gangwe. Masepala one o tlhalositse fa tiro ele ntsi, fela matsogo ele one a tlhaelang,” Pholo wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, molekgotlha o a ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha kwa masepaleng, Itumeleng Maribe are: “Dilo tsotlhe tse di tlhokegang mo kagong e ya tsela, di fitlhile. Gape, jaaka re ne re dumalane kwa tshimologong gore go tla dirisiwa badiri ba EPWP, ga gwa fetoga sepe. Go ne go na le magatwe a gore kago e ya tsela e tla agiwa ke rakonteraka. 

“Fela re tlhalositse gore tsela e, e tlile go agiwa ke badiri ba EPWP, mme ba tlile go unngwelwa ka go ithuta ditiro tse dingwe tse di farologaneng (skill transfer). Re tlile go netefatsa fa porojeke e ya tsela, e agiwa ka manontlhotlho.” 

Maribe are ba tlile go ka ela tlhoko gore seo se a diragala, mme diengeniere tsa masepala le tsone di tlile go nna karolo ya kago ya tsela e. 

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Mong wa maloba wa The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Magwegape o batla gore kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao kgatlhanong le ene e tshololwe  

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Setshwantsho: Mongwebi o itsegeng le mongwa The Meat Brother’s Pub wa maloba, Tshwaro Mangwegape

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mogwebi o itsegeng gape ele mong wa maloba wa lefelo le le rekisang bojalwa la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, o batla gore kgetsi ya gagwe ya polao le maiteko a polao e tshololwe ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.

Seno se tlhalositse ke mmueledi wa gagwe, Isang Nakale. Nakale are kgetsi e, e tshololwe gonne bosekisi bo tsweletse go goga dinao mo go yone.

Go ya ka Nakale, labofelo bosekisi bo ile jwa kopa magistrata gore a busetse kgetsi eno morago fa bo sentse bo emetse diteko tsa sethunya.

Nakale are, seo se feleletsa se ama molatofadiwa, gonne o senyegelwa ke madi go dula a boa-boa kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme go sena lepele le morago. Nakale are kgotlha-tshekelo, e tsholole kgetsi e, mme e tla busediwa fa bosekisi o itekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko.   

Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go thuntsa le go bolaya naledi ya kgwele ya dinao ya setlhopha sa NWU Soccer Institute, Undivile “Vila” Mdi (28) le go gobatsa tsala ya gagwe, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba etela lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub mono Taung ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate. Fela go begwa fa lefelo leo le ne le tletse phetelelo.

Go ya ka dibego, Mdi le Kokwe ba baneng ba le mo gare ga lefelo leo, ba ile ba tswela kwa ntle, mme batlhokomedi ba ile ba ba lemotsha fa ba se kitla ba kgona go boela mo teng, gonne go tletse.   

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga tlhatlharuane magareng ga Mangwegape le banna ba, gonne ba ne ba batla go tsena ka kgang. Go begwa fa Mangwegape a ile a ntsha sethunya le go thuntsa Mdi, ga mmogo le Kokwe.

Go begwa fa Mdi a ile a tlhokafalela kwa bookelo, mme Kokwe ene o ile a amogelwa le go kgaolwa leoto. Mangwegape, yo o neetsweng beile ya R5000 ke kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo ka di 21 Phatwe 2024.

Kgabagare, mongwe wa baeteledipele kwa motseng wa Manokwane, Kgakololo Koji are: “Se ke tla go se netefaletsang ke gore mo nakong e e fetileng, ke kgonne go naya kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung bopaki. Ba tshegeditse bopaki jwa gore, fa o batla gore o se ye kgolegelong mo Taung, o tshwanetse go nna le mmueledi o diphatsa.

“Jaanong, re a itse gore go diragalang. Fela jaaka kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ene e mo ganetse ka beile, kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West kwa Mahikeng, e ne e tshwanetse gore le yone e mo ganele ka beile.”

Koji are fa kgetsi e e ka tshololwa, o ikana a sa dutle gore basimanyana batla itshupa mo banneng. Are ba tlile go lwa go fitlhelela ba rwala mmu ka sehuba, kgotsa batlile go dira sengwe gore kamoso le bona ba be ba tlile go ema fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo go tla go se arabela.

“Re tlile go dira seo gore le rona re ikgotsofaditse” Koji wa tlhalosa.

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