Setshwantsho: Monna wa moswi o dikaganyeditswe ke baagi morago ga tiragalo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
28 Diphalane 2024- Mosadi wa kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o tlhokafetse morago ga go idibala. Go begwa fa Bontleeng Matseko (41), a ne a tsamaya le mogatse go ya kwa toropong fa tiragalo e, e diragala.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are ene ya re mo go boeng ga bone, Matseko one a ikutlwa e kare otshwerwe ke sedidi. Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Lamatlhatso, mme moswi one a le mo tekesing fa e diragala.
“O ile a bewa mo tlase ga setlhare, mme go ile ga bidiwa ambulance. Ka maswabi, o ile a begwa fa tlhokafetse, mme kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, dipatlisiso di tsweletse, mme ga go belaelwe fa go nnile le letsogo la tshwene,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Some of Municipal Health Inspectors raiding non-compliant spaza shops/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2024- The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe said they will intensify a crackdown on spaza shops across Taung. Last week, the municipality confiscated expired food and counterfeit goods worth over R350 000 from various spaza shops in Kgomotso, Losasaneng, Kameelspuits and Ikageng villages in Ga-Mothibi area.
Maribe further said the crackdown duped: Ga Re Shename campaign, targeted shops that sell poisonous foods to the public, which has sparked public outcry. He added that the campaign was in conjunction with various stakeholders such as Home Affairs’ Immigration unit, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Municipal Health Inspectors.
“We embarked on a random search and ensure that spaza shops owners are compliant. You will understand that this comes amid several reports of people who have died and others falling ill after allegedly consuming food bought from spaza shops.
“Even though we have not experienced that in our area recently, it is better to be safe than sorry. This has become a matter of grave concern countrywide lately. We can confirm that expired goods worth over R350 000 were confiscated and disposed of during the campaign,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams told SABC News that they have amended the legislation to ensure that it gives authority to her department. Ndabeni-Abrahams said when she arrived in office, the Portfolio Committee did not pass any legislation that gives authority to the department.
“We have established the Township Economy Task Force, which consists of Food Manufacturers, Consumers Protection, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders.
“We have also reached out to the Department of COGHSTA because licensing lies with the municipalities. We do recognize weaknesses at the local government and that is why you see the Minister of Health getting into that space saying although the National Health Act gives authority, the National Environmental Health should visit the municipalities,” she said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said, however, they are aware of some challenges, therefore the Department of Health will step in. She said the municipalities should strengthen the by-laws and there are the Department of Labour to ensure there is enforcement.
“We have spoken to the COGHSTA to ensure that municipalities impose compliance. Those who have the right to trade are those who have certificates to trade. That is why today, we have the Small Enterprise Act that has just been signed by the president of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramphosa.
“Why is it important to pass legislation? There are a lot of challenges experienced by entrepreneurs that require the department to have authority and time to make certain determination,” she said.
According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, without a law that empowers them, they cannot be able. She said at some point, people may recall that in 2021, during COVID-19 pandemonium, she was criticized for issuing directives on how spaza shops should operate and other informal businesses.
“We will engage the cabinet in November 2024, to bring that policy, including the Township Economic Development and Revitalisation Plan, in order to reclaim and give authority because we never imagined a situation whereby in a township, there could be an influx of illegal foreigners that can trade in the areas.
“The spaza shops were in partnership with Wholesalers and retailers. Firstly, we provided training, registration of those spaza shops and called for applications, where we needed 1000 spaza shops,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
28 October 2024- Four accused persons aged 26 and 40, who were in connection with the murder of Alfred Ntagane Puoeng (34), are back in Taung Magistrate’s Court. Puoeng was reported missing at Pudimoe Police Station on 7 July 2024.
According to the reports, Puoeng was last seen in December 2023, when he left his home in Pudimoe. The missing man’s father allegedly received a tip-off that his son was assaulted by Keaobaka Blos, Mohau Gaobuse, Oaitse Nchweng and Rapelang Blos, for stealing a cell phone.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said in January 2024, the concerned father called other family members to check if they were not aware of the victim’s whereabouts, but nothing positive came out of that.
“In June 2024, the father eventually met the victim’s friend,
who was with him when he was assaulted. After being informed that Puoeng was severely assaulted by four people, who accused him of theft, the father reported the matter to the police.
“It transpired during investigations that four men assaulted and killed Puoeng, then buried him in a shallow grave at a farm, outside Vryburg. The accused persons were arrested at their residences in Pudimoe on 13 August 2024,” she said.
Funani further said the accused persons initially appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2024, and their case was postponed until 21 August 2024, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all members of Pudimoe Police Station and other role players for their collaborative and investigative efforts to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
28 October 2024-More than 1168 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the total arrests, 513 were effected during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 50 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During the operations, 94 premises, 2 424 persons and 817 vehicles were searched. Moreover, goods such as alcohol, 55 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, tobacco products (543 packets) , a variety of drugs, counterfeit goods and precious metals were confiscated.
“A total of 29 illegal liquor outlets / shebeens were shut down. In its pursuit to prevent and combat crime in the province, the high density Operation Shanela remains steadfast in ensuring that those who disrespect the rule of law are arrested,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed successes achieved and reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to address the heightened risk of criminality due to increased movement of people in accordance with the phased approach of the Safer Festive Season 2024/2025 Operations.
28 October 2024– COSAFA Banyana Banyana take on Seychelles in their last Group A match on Monday with an eye on the semi-finals of the regional tournament at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Qheberha at 3pm. Coach Maude Khumalo’s charges confirmed their place after beating Eswatini 3-0 win on Friday.
According to COSAFA, even a defeat would see South Africa progress to the semi-finals. This is because only Namibia or Eswatini, would be able to match their six points, but whoever it is, South Africa would trump them on the head-to-head rule having beaten both in the competition already.
Khumalo said they would not be complacent, and the mandate still remains the same, not to concede and to score as many goals as they can.
“It’s collective teamwork, hence, we got those results (against Namibia and Eswatini). The players are responding very well to all the technical aspects of the game. Regarding our preparations for Seychelles, we’re not going to say, because of this we’re going to score a lot of goals, and we also expect to score a lot of goals.
“Our mandate is to make sure that we don’t concede. We will then try, as much as we can, to score goals because it’s another thing that we need to sharpen. So, in this game coming tomorrow, the plan is to make sure that we don’t concede, but also, to get goals from Seychelles,” she said.
Khumalo further said, whoever they face in the semi-finals they will be well prepared. She added that it’s something that they are looking at because they are looking at the people that gave them a bit of a shake-up in the group stages.
“It is Namibia in terms of their physique and in terms of their running. We saw Zimbabwe, we saw Mozambique, Lesotho and Malawi. Who else can it be? Botswana?” said Khumalo.
Picture: The house allegedly belonging to a traditional healer torched
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested for various offences such as attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court today. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said those arrested are seven men and a woman aged between 29 and 45. Mokgwabone said they were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
He further said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo (11), some community members took the law into their own hands. Mokgwabone added that among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“Moreover, goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “We welcome the arrest of suspects, following the brutal murder of Mothusiemang-Legodu, after community members accused her of witchcraft. This came after the disappearance of a child in the village.
“Following the incidents, I went to visit the families of both the deceased to comfort them on their loss, but also to gather more information as to what transpired. After meeting with both families, I promised to leave no stone unturned in finding the killers of both child and the woman.”
Morweng said he promised when he was there on Wednesday that, they will not sleep until those who are responsible are brought to book. He said he have to congratulate the police for their swift response in ensuring that those who are responsible are brought to book.
“We will not rest until we are able to unravel these mysterious incidents happening in that village, we are not a banana republic. There is law and order that must be upheld, our community must have trust in us to protect them and we will do just that,” said Morweng.
27 October 2024- A man (43) was sentenced to life sentence by the Victoria West High Court for killing his partner, Dina Nosipho Matyobeni (46). The accused, Xolani Gerald Pherndro Bilatyi reported the murder to the police in Victoria West on 9 September 2023, who accompanied him to Modderpoel Farm, outside Victoria West.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon investigation, police discovered that the floor was wet and found a brick and a broken mop hidden. Shemane said they also noticed that the crime scene had been tampered with.
“The accused was subsequently arrested and charged with the murder of his partner. Further investigation revealed that on 8 September 2023, the accused and the deceased went to a shebeen in Victoria West, and on their return to their residence in Modderpoel, an argument ensued.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded D/Sgt Mojalefa Ignatius Mokitimi, who through his efforts secured the hefty sentence and ensured justice for the victim of this heinous offence was served.
27 October 2024– The African champions, Banyana Banyana arrived in Coventry, United Kingdom (UK), on Saturday night after a full day of traveling from Aalborg in Denmark. The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team landed in London in the afternoon and then travelled another two hours by road to Coventry, where Tuesday’s friendly international match against European champions England will be played.
Coventry is a city in central England and is known for the medieval Coventry Cathedral, which was left in ruins after a bombing during World War II.
Banyana Banyana international players, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Sinoxolo Cesane and Hilda Magaia, joined the team on arrival. Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ team will start preparing for the clash against the Lionesses on 27 October 2024, the first day of daylight saving in the United Kingdom.
27 October 2024- The ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they have reached the conclusion of an important and constructive meeting of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). Ramaphosa said the meeting focused on issues of renewal of the ANC and how they should promote integrity and ethical conduct in the ranks of the ANC.
He further said the NEC adopted a comprehensive programme of renewal and rebuilding of the organisation that will be rolled out over the next eighteen months. Ramaphosa added that, at the centre of renewal, is to return their organisation to its historical mission of service to the people and their collective quest to build a better life for all South Africans.
“Therefore, the NEC has resolved that we will focus our branches, our public representatives and our leadership at local, regional, provincial and national level on the immediate tasks of the National Democratic Revolution as set out in our manifesto.
“Accordingly, we must continue the transformation of our country to create work and opportunity, to end poverty and hunger, and to ensure that all South Africans, men, women and children are able to live in peace and safety,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they are implementing jobs and plan to put more South Africans to work. He said they are building the industries, developing infrastructure and investing in an inclusive economy.
“We are taking a number of steps to tackle the high cost of living, investing in our people and improving the provision of affordable water and electricity. We are working to defend democracy and advance the freedom we fought for, and continue to build a better Africa and a better world.
“The NEC’s deliberations on rebuilding our organisation culminated in a practical roadmap to rebuild the organisation from the ground up so that we have branches with active members and quality of cadreship to advance the tasks of our revolution,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they have always said the strength of the ANC lies in its footprint in every ward throughout the length and breadth of the country. Ramaphosa said this is borne out by the fact that despite their electoral setback in 2024, the ANC still commands an outright majority in over 14 000 of the 23 000 voting districts in the country.
“We decided that our renewal programme focus on rebuilding branches to become vibrant and activist branches, with clear programmes of action that address the tasks of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“In doing this, we are guided by the words of Amilcar Cabral, who famously asserted in 1965 that: “We must always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children.”
He said this in his well-known treatise: “Tell no lies, claim no easy victories”. Ramaphosa said accordingly, the NEC resolved that the programme to build ANC branches must ground them in the everyday struggles of ordinary South Africans to overcome poverty and inequality and create inclusive local economic development and jobs in communities.
27 October 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they will address concerns over a tavern near Boitshoko Secondary School Incubation Camp in Mahikeng. Motsumi said this was discovered following her unannounced visit to the incubation camp on Sunday.
She further expressed concern over the proximity and noise levels of a nearby tavern. She added that parents and teachers, who were there during Motsumi’s visit, also raised their concerns regarding the tavern’s location, which is closer to the school’s incubation camp than permitted by law.
“In accordance with the Liquor Act, liquor establishments must maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from schools. However, the tavern’s current location has raised concerns about safety and the learning environment, particularly as matric candidates focus on their final examinations.
“We have tasked senior departmental officials to facilitate a meeting with stakeholders on 28 October 2024. This meeting will include representatives from the school, the community, and the tavern owner to collaboratively explore solutions that balance community standards with the legislative requirements set forth by the Liquor Act,” said Motsumi.
She added that the safety and focus of the learners are paramount, especially during this critical examination period. Motsumi said they are committed to finding an amicable solution that respects both the rights of business owners and the well-being of our candidates.
“Our proactive approach underscores the department’s commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that learning spaces are conducive to academic success,” she said.
The Guardian 