Monthly Archives: September 2024

Rugby icons join hands with Engen

NEWS Leave a comment

Engen Ambassadors Eben Etzebeth, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, CEO of Engen Seelan Naidoo, Vivo Energy’s CEO Stan Mittelman, Cheslin Kolbe, and Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira during the Engen Ambassador Launch held at the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town on 09 September 2024 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 September 2024- South Africa’s biggest fuel brand and the Official Fuel Supplier of the Springboks, Engen, has officially welcomed four rugby legends as brand ambassadors. Engen is also inviting rugby fans to join it in celebrating this exciting new chapter and to share in the joy of the game loved by so many.

Rugby superstars, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and retired Springbok, Tendai Mtawarira, were unveiled by Engen in Cape Town on 9 September. These icons of the game will join forces with Engen to celebrate the rich heritage and spirit of rugby in South Africa.

Commenting on the announcement, Engen Managing Director and CEO, Seelan Naidoo commended the four Springboks for bringing pride to South Africa through their contributions to the world champion Springbok rugby team, as well as their ability to inspire and connect with people across cultures and backgrounds.

“As a company synonymous with high performance and reliability, Engen is incredibly honoured that Siya, Eben, Cheslin and Tendai have chosen to represent our brand to help us fuel growth and progress in communities across South Africa.

“The four living legends all demonstrate a deep passion and care for our country, which resonates deeply with Engen’s commitment to making a positive contribution,” said Naidoo.

He further said together, they will continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence in every endeavour. Naidoo added that Engen holds a firm belief in the power of sport to connect people from different backgrounds and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

“Through this exciting new partnership, Engen and its ambassadors will collaborate on various initiatives aimed at inspiring South Africans, supporting local communities, and promoting a spirit of unity, perseverance, and excellence.

“The appointment of the four living legends further underscores Engen’s commitment to rugby, which is also seen in the company’s sponsorship of Get into Rugby (GIR), SA Rugby’s grassroots development programme, as well as Engen being the Official Fuel Supplier of the Springboks,” he said.

Naidoo said their fuel sponsorship of the Springbok rugby team is testament to their commitment to supporting excellence and helping foster national pride. He said rugby is more than just a game in South Africa, but a symbol of national unity.

“As the Official Fuel Supplier to the Springboks, Engen is proud to support a team that exemplifies excellence.

“Every player’s hard work, skill, and unwavering commitment have not only driven the Boks to extraordinary heights but have also ignited a sense of unity and joy across South Africa,” said Naidoo.

He said moreover, their involvement in SA Rugby’s ‘Get into Rugby’ youth development programme, reflects their long-standing commitment to helping nurture future sports stars. Naidoo said by supporting grassroots rugby, they aim to provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence, and engage in the camaraderie of sport.

“Through these initiatives, we are not only supporting the game of rugby but also contributing to the development and welfare of broader society,” he said.

Mtawarira, capped 117 times by the Springboks said: “It was an honour to serve as one of the Engen ambassadors. Engen is a household name in South Africa, and across the continent.

“The company’s ever-expanding sports sponsorship portfolio is extremely exciting, and their support for an initiative such as the ‘Get into Rugby’ development programme is especially commendable.”

The president of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark said this is an innovative partnership, which brings together iconic South African rugby stars, who share common values, and the same vision of making an impact in the community. Yormark said collectively, there was clear alignment with Engen, a brand that is synonymous with South Africa, and they are very proud at Roc Nation Sports International that they were able to facilitate this deal for three of their world-class clients, who all also have a very special friendship.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A scholar transport bus involved in an accident in Vryburg, three learners hospitalized

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The scholar transport bus involved in an accident/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 September 2024- More than 15 learners were ferried to the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg on Friday. This comes after their scholar transport bus was involved in an accident in Liliefontein, near Vryburg.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said according to the reports, the accident occurred late on Friday, when a tyre on the bus burst. Motsumi said at the time of the incident, there were 18 learners on board and some had already disembarked at their homes.

“Fifteen learners received trauma counseling at the local hospital. It was revealed that four individuals sustained serious injuries, including fractured legs and arms. The driver has also sustained serious injuries.

“As a result of the severity of their injuries, three learners are currently hospitalized at Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg. We express profound shock upon learning about the accident,” she said.

Motsumi further said they urge all scholar transport operators to drive with extreme caution as scholar transport accidents continue to rise. She added that operators need to ensure that their buses are roadworthy, adhere to speed limits, and carry a limited number of passengers to prevent accidents.

“As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to providing support to those affected, the psychosocial team will continue to offer counseling sessions to the learners.

“Continuous care and assistance during this critical time are essential,” said Motsumi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 September 2024– A man (29) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for rape. The incident was reported to the police on 6 June 2020.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the victim testified that she was sexually assaulted by Temosho Parkins, whom she knew.

“She said on the day of the assault, she was sitting in her home with the accused and her two cousins. During their gathering, one cousin stepped out to use the bathroom due to a stomach ailment, while the other left to meet his girlfriend.

“Seizing the opportunity, the accused carried the victim from the sofa to the bedroom and raped her. The assault only ceased when the cousin returned from the bathroom and opened the bedroom door,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said in the aftermath of the shocking ordeal, the victim did not immediately disclose the incident to her cousins or anyone else. He added that it was only a week later, following a WhatsApp status update in which she expressed: “I could have told my parents,” that her uncle became concerned and inquired about it.

“After confiding in her uncle about the rape, he informed the victim’s mother, which led to the opening of a formal case. Although the victim’s uncle passed away before the trial commenced, his statement, as the first report, was submitted and accepted by the court under Section 3(1)(c) of the Hearsay Evidence Act, with the court deeming it in the interest of justice.

“During the trial, the accused initially denied the allegations but later testified that the victim had given her consent. The state prosecutor, Kekeletso Lokota led the cross-examination of Parkins, utilizing several Facebook messages, where he expressed remorse, discussed suicidal thoughts, and mentioned his intentions to turn himself into the police following confrontations about the crime,” said Senokoatsane.

He said the court ultimately found Parkins guilty and sentenced him to 12 years of direct imprisonment. He said in addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and unsuitable for working with children and his name will be listed in the National Register for Sex Offenders.

“The NPA expresses hope that this conviction will provide justice and closure to the victim and her family. The NPA remains committed to removing violent criminals from society and upholding the rights of victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Bafana Bafana get acquainted with surroundings in Juba

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Uganda 

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 September 2024 – South Africa’s ambassador to Sudan, Adv Mahlodi Sam Muofhe, has rolled out the red carpet and welcomed Bafana Bafana to Juba after coach Hugo Broos’ charges arrived in the North-East African country on Sunday.

The South African senior men’s national team will tackle South Sudan at Juba National Stadium in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 10 September 2024 (kick off is at 3pm) just days after drawing 2-2 with Uganda at Orlando Stadium in the opening match of the qualifying programme on Friday.

Muofhe said while Bafana Bafana did not arrive with a throng of fans in tow, they would not be alone at Juba stadium on Tuesday.

“South Africa and South Sudan have got a very strong relationship and our wish is that we watch a very good match on Tuesday, free of hard tackles, understanding that more than just playing football, the two countries are also cementing their relationship,” he said.

Meanwhile, SAFA NEC member and HOD of Bafana Bafana, David Molwantwa said he was heartened by the warm welcome that the team received in Juba.

“On behalf of SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, I want to say thank you, and we are honoured by the kind of welcome and reception we received here as soon as we landed.

“We were made to feel at home, and we now have to deal with the task at hand and turn our attention to Tuesday’s AFCON qualifier against our hosts,” he said.

Broos’ charges wasted no time in getting down to business soon after arrival and hit the gym.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources welcomes the arrests of alleged illegal miners in Rustenburg

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The manmade hole in a house in Tlhabane/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, has welcomed the arrest of two men aged 65 and 31, for allegedly renting out one of the bedrooms inside their house for illegal mining activities. Mahlaule said it is reported that some illegal miners were also arrested.

He further said the media reports say that the incident took place at the Nkandla Informal Settlement, in Rustenburg. Mahlaule added that there is a manhole inside one of the bedrooms, which is alleged to be used to access Khuseleka Shaft of Sibanye Stillwater to steal copper cables.

“We applaud the brave members of the community, who alerted the police about the suspicious movements of people in-and-out of the said house. Rustenburg is another illegal mining hot spot in the North West after Klerksdorp.

“The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy in the 6th term of Parliament, visited both areas together with other illegal mining hot spots in Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, as well as Mpumalanga and recommended for a streamlined approach to this scourge between law enforcement agencies, the then Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, affected communities, and mining companies,” he added.

Mahlaule said this incident is a classic case of the unity of purpose between the community, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Sibanye Stillwater Mine. He said they welcome the arrests and call for law enforcement agencies to spare no effort in further investigations to ensure that the entire value-chain is brought to book and ultimately collapsed.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the police had arrested eight more illegal miners aged between 16 and 45, on 6 and 7 September 2024. Funani said these suspects allegedly decided to stay underground when they were trying to evade arrest.

“It is alleged that when they saw the police coming into a house in Tlhabane Township, they used to enter Khusela Mine. They were arrested after they decided to finally come out. Out of the 10 arrested suspects, four are South Africans, and six are foreign nationals.

“The 10 suspects are expected to appear in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2024,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

House owner and his compliance nabbed for illegal mining

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The man-made hole in one of the bedrooms of the accused/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024 – A homeowner (65) and his accomplice (31), are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2024, for illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen goods. 

The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning, 5 September 2024, at Nkandla Informal Settlement, near Khuseleka 1 mine by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team and Rustenburg Public Safety.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the police received a tip-off and arrested two suspects for illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen goods. 

“It is alleged that the home owner, who resides with his family, used and/or allowed a group of men to utilise one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka Mine Shaft. 

“Upon noticing the police, an unconfirmed number of men entered and disappeared into the man-made hole in the bedroom, while the other two including the owner of the house were arrested,” she said.

Funani said: “With the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house. A search for other suspects is continuing.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

An alleged notorious livestock thief remanded in custody

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: An alleged notorious livestock thief, Moses Matshego/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 September 2024 – An alleged notorious livestock thief, Moses Matshego (39), who was arrested on 4 September 2024, near Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg, will remain in custody. This comes after Matshego briefly appeared in Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court in Itsoseng on 6 September 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said Matshego was arrested on Wednesday morning, 4 September 2024, by the Mahikeng Stock theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit members, near Itsoseng after a tip-off about suspected stolen cattle loaded in a truck.

“The police managed to arrest the suspect who was found in possession of 15 cattle worth R150 000. According to information, the accused had already branded the cattle with his brand mark.   

“The preliminary investigation into the matter showed that the cattle were allegedly stolen from different places in and around Mahikeng and Itsoseng,” she said.

Funani further said it was further established that the accused was previously charged on several stock theft cases in the province, although some were withdrawn due to investigation related queries. She added that the possibility of linking Matshego with more cases cannot be ruled out.

His stock theft case was postponed until 12 September 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the members of STES for their quick response that resulted in the seizure of cattle and apprehension of the accused for stock theft, which is one of the problematic crimes.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police are looking for missing Maryanne Venter

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The missing Maryanne Venter/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 September 2024- The police in Mooinooi request the community’s assistance in locating Maryanne Venter (17), who is residing at Plot 52 Bokfontein. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, Venter was last seen by her family on 5 September 2024.

“Venter is mentally challenged. She left her home without telling anyone where she was going. A search was conducted around the plot and surrounding areas of Mooinooi without any success.

“At the time of her disappearance, Venter was wearing black sleepers, white short-sleeved T-shirt and green short trousers. She is short, has a slender body, brown eyes and short curly hair,” she said.

Funani further said anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Andile Molate of Mooinooi Detectives on 060 970 9200 or can alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The third suspect on business robbery case nabbed  

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024- The third suspect (35) on an alleged business robbery at Brits Mall has been arrested. On 29 July 2024, the shop had just opened at around 8am, and the employees were still entering the shop when two suspects stormed into the shop.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said two suspects, Reborn Chiloane (31) and Regomoditswe Mmethi (29), threatened the employees with firearms. Myburgh said they were ordered to hand over cash and also took cellular phones and laptops before they fled from the shop.

“On 7 August 2024, the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. This led to the arrest of Chiloane and Mmethi. The police also seized eight stolen cellular phones and two laptops.

“They 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,” she said.

Myburgh further said a third suspect was arrested on 8 August 2024, by the dedicated police investigators. She added that all three suspects will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 12 August 2024, on a charge of business robbery.  

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Monna oneng a amogetswe kwa bookelong morago ga go shela mo seroring sa mapodisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa kwa Morokweng le ene o tlhokafetse

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Lekala le le ikemetseng la dipatlisiso kgatlhanong le mapodisi la Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), le tsweleditse dipatlisiso. Se se tla morago ga gore banna ba le babedi ba ba neng ba tshwarwa nakwana le go bewa kwa morago ga serori sa mapodisi kwa seteisheneng sa mapodisi sa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, ba tlhokafale.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse fa masigo a Labobedi a ne a sa. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba ba ne ba tshwerwe nakwana morago ga maitsholo a sa isegeng.

Go begwa fa molelo o ile wa runya kwa morago ga serori se sa sepodisi, mme monna mongwe o dingwaga tsa gagwe di sa itsiweng, one a tlhokafala ka ntlheng ya go hema mosi, fa o mongwe a ile a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa selegae ka dikgobalo tsa go fisiwa ke molelo. Fela go tlhalositswe fa monna o wa dingwaga di le 24, le ene a ile a tlhokafala mo letsatsing la maabane.

Sebueledi sa IPID, Lizzy Shuping are: “Ke nnete, monna o neng a amogetswe kwa bookelo, o ile a tlhokafala. Ba lephata la IPID, ba tsweleditse dipatlisiso.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com