Picture: The RDP house of a traditional healer, the late Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu torched
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 November 2024- Three of nine accused in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case from Modutung village, near Taung, were denied bail. Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The verdict on bail application against Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo, was announced today.
The bail application hearing of Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe continues.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“They allegedly looted goods 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
18 November 2024- An accused in a triple murder case, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), was remanded in custody by the Kgomotso Periodical Court until 25 November 2024. Kale briefly appeared in court on Monday, after he allegedly killed his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68) and Sister Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on Friday evening.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the family members were inside their shack, sitting around a coffee table when the suspect entered and struck his father over the head with a knobkierrie. Myburgh said thereafter, family members fled through a window and ran to neighbours for assistance.
“The suspect then assaulted his mother and sister with a knobkierrie over their heads and fled the scene. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called and declared all three victims (father, mother and sister) dead on the scene,” she said.
Myburgh further said with the assistance of community members, the suspect was traced and arrested on Saturday at around 6am. She added that the suspect was charged for the triple murder and will appear before the Kgomotso Periodical Court on Monday.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident. Kwena thanked the community for their assistance and commitment that assisted the police to arrest the suspect and said the police will work hard to ensure successful prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe are expected to pay homage to the Kale family today.
18 November 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said as a government, they have made a clear determination to deal with acts of criminality, whether they be Cash-in-Transit heists, extortion, illegal mining, gang violence, or related crimes. Ramaphosa said illegal mining is a form of criminality that has caused a great deal of anger and anguish in communities.
He further said to address this problem, they set up an illegal mining task force involving various parts of the security cluster. Ramaphosa added that, they also deployed personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support the work of the police.
“For over a month now, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other government agencies, has been working to resolve a situation of several hundred illegal miners refusing to surface from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein in the North West.
“The miners, who entered the mine to conduct illegal mining operations, face arrest. The operation forms part of the nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi, which continues to register gains in cracking down on illicit mining activities across the country,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the law enforcement authorities have information that some of the miners may be heavily armed. He said it is well-established that illegal miners are recruited by criminal gangs and form part of wider organised crime syndicates.
“The hazardous nature of illicit and unregulated mining poses considerable risk in terms of the presence of explosives, the inhalation of toxic fumes and the possible collapse of unstable mine shafts.
“This endangers not only the illegal miners, but also our police and other law enforcement agencies. Because of the many hazards such an operation poses, law enforcement agencies have been negotiating with the illegal miners since the stand-off began to get them to the surface and to safety,” said Ramaphosa.
He said police, mine safety experts and emergency and rescue personnel remain at the scene. Ramaphosa said the situation is precarious, uncertain and potentially volatile.
“As part of the operation, police had closed off the entrances the illegal miners use to transport their supplies underground. This has generated a great deal of public debate about the rights of illegal miners.
“Acts of violence and intimidation of communities by illegal miners is well-documented. Some illegal miners have been implicated in serious and violent crimes, including murder and gang rape. Many are in the country illegally,” he said.
Ramaphosa said illicit mining activity costs the economy billions of rands in lost export income, royalties and taxes. He said violence between rival gangs over the spoils of illicit mining has spilled over into surrounding communities and has cost a number of lives.
“The hazardous materials used by illegal miners endanger the health of neighbouring communities. Last year, 16 people, including three children, were killed in an explosion in Boksburg in Gauteng linked to gas used by illegal miners to process gold.
“This was just one of many such accidents linked to illegal mining activity that has claimed the lives of both miners and innocent civilians,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they need to be clear that the activities of these miners are illegal. Ramaphosa said they pose a risk to the economy, communities and personal safety.
“The Stilfontein mine is a crime scene, where the offence of illegal mining is being committed. It is standard police practice everywhere to secure a crime scene and to block off escape routes that enable criminals to evade arrest.
“In doing so, the police must take great care to ensure that lives are not put at risk and that the rights of all people are respected. So far, more than 1000 miners have surfaced and been arrested,” he said.
Ramaphosa said those who resurface are assessed by medical personnel on site. He said those in good health are detained and will be processed according to the law.
“Those who require medical care will be taken to hospital under police guard. The police will carry out their duties and responsibilities to bring the illegal miners to the surface safely.
“They will do all they can to reduce the risk of harm to the miners and to our law enforcement officials. We will continue to work with the mining industry to ensure they take responsibility for rehabilitating or closing mines that are no longer operational,” said Ramaphosa.
He said as a country committed to the rule of law and dedicated to upholding the human rights of all, they will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution of the stand-off at Stilfontein.
Picture: Some of residents boycotting Taung Cultural Calabash event
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 November 2024- The residents of Taung call on the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport to restore the Taung Cultural Calabash event to its former glory. The residents were left in awe after the department allegedly announced that, the event that was supposed to take place in November 2024, has been rescheduled to 27 February until 2 March 2025.
Taung Cultural Calabash historically takes place during Heritage Month and is a great opportunity to develop local talent and create a form of income for the surrounding Taung community – which it so desperately needs.
The Chairperson of Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation, Modisaotsile Lebitse said the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, does not take the people of Taung seriously. Lebitse said the Taung Cultural Calabash event was established back in 1994, as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.
“However, it was allegedly marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This allegedly forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet, to pull the plug. So, as residents of Taung, we demand answers.
“It cannot be normal to see the Taung Cultural Calabash event being reduced to nothing. Last week, we had a consultative engagement meeting with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport representatives, Neo Jobeta and Thabo Mabe,” he said.
Lebitse further said they were told that there will be no Taung Cultural Calabash event this year. He added that they said the event will only take place on 27 February until 2 March 2025.
“So, we are so disappointed and I just wonder why the department is doing this to us. We are all demoralised and most artists did not attend that meeting. We do not even know when the next meeting will be.
“The department does not care and what is disappointing is that Jobeta is one of our own. He comes from Buxton village, in Taung. So, he was supposed to be at the forefront of defending this event,” said Lebitse.
He said: “This happens year in and out. We haven’t had a smooth-running event since 2017. So, we call on the department to get its house in order.
“They also mentioned that they have roped in the new service provider because they were not happy with the service of the previous one.”
In 2022, the Democratic Alliance (DA), called on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, Virginia Tlhapi came clean on alleged tender irregularities surrounding Taung Cultural Calabash.
The then DA North West Spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Winston Rabotapi said the allegations of corruption surrounding the Taung Cultural Calabash festival is concerning. Rabotapi said disgruntled artists, along with some community members, staged a protest outside the Mmabana Taung offices, where they raised serious allegations of tender irregularities implicating the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation and demanded that the event be put on hold.
“The Taung Cultural Calabash will host big names in its line up like Casper Nyovest, Thebe and Douglas Mosadi, but allegations of false advertising on festival flyers and that the event is no longer up to standard have also come to light.
“Taung Cultural Calabash is not the only event marred by allegations of corruption. He said the R55 million Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival scheduled to take place in December also came under scrutiny following allegations of tender irregularities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tlhapi said: “Taung Cultural Calabash event is still on and Mmabana Foundation has conducted auditions across all four districts and there are winners to such. So, all participants will be performing during the event.”
Picture: Some of rotten foodstuff seized during a clamp down/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 November 2024- Only two out of 34 tuckshops that were inspected at the Frances Baard District are compliant. This comes after the Northern Cape PROVJOINTS under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with MECs, the Frances Baard District mayor and local mayors of Dikgatlong, Phokwane, Magareng Municipalities and inter-governmental teams, embarked on the food safety campaign on 18 November 2024.
Otola said the focus was on compliance inspections to tuckshops/spaza shops to address illicit and contaminated foodstuff sold by tuck shops and non-compliance. She further said multi-sectoral teams were deployed under the leadership of the Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, local mayors in Barkley West, Delportshoop, Warrenton, Hartswater and Ritchie.
“Only two tuckshops were found compliant and 32 were closed down due to non-compliance, including operating without valid licences. Large volumes of expired, damaged and rotten meat and food items were confiscated during the visits.
“Seven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and detained for processing by the Department of Home Affairs and three fines were issued,” she said.
Otola further said an urgent plea is made to communities to allow the inter-governmental teams to conduct their inspections in order to ensure that all compliance is adhered to. She added that collaborative efforts will continue to ensure that fraudulent and fake food and beverages are removed from shelves and offered for sale to communities.
“Contaminated food products can pose serious health risks to consumers and can have deadly consequences. Hence, these operations will be conducted in all five districts within the Northern Cape province to clamp down on illicit trade in food and food fraud,” said Otola.
Picture: North West MEC, Viola Motsumi visits Reabona Secondary School/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi embarked on an oversight visit to monitor examinations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District through the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi, who monitored the examinations process at Reabona Secondary School in Maquassi Hills, said her visit was a success.
She further said the monitoring of examinations is aimed at ensuring effective oversight and creating a supportive environment for the 2024 cohort. Motsumi added that, she was accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Susan Djantie, and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR), Galebekwe Tsotso Tlhapi.
“The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to the academic success of the Class of 2024, as well as the strong inter-departmental collaboration within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), to boost learner morale and provide comprehensive support during this pivotal time.
“During the visit, Dantjie further contributed to learner welfare by distributing sanitary towels to learners at Gontshe Primary School in Maquassi, emphasizing the importance of dignity and uninterrupted access to education for girl learners,” she said.
Motsumi said reflecting on the progress of the examinations and the solidarity demonstrated by the social cluster, expressed her satisfaction. She said she is also encouraged by the commitment and resilience displayed by the Class of 2024, as they navigate this pivotal phase of their educational journey.
“The unwavering support from our sister departments exemplifies the government’s dedication to the well-being and success of our learners. This collaborative effort not only reinforces our shared objectives but also ensures that our learners feel supported every step of the way.
“The Department of Education remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality education and foster an environment where learners can excel. The continued partnership across various government sectors reflects the province’s collective vision for a thriving and empowered generation of young minds,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Grade 12 learners from Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg moved to Swartrruggens Gekombeneerde Skool/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 November 2024- The North West Department of Education said in its efforts for a calm examination environment, on Sunday, took 281 Grade 12 learners and 10 teachers of Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg, to Swartrruggens Gekombeneerde Skool to write their remaining examination papers.
The department said the decision of moving learners to an alternative examination centre follows after one of the learners was attacked outside the school premises of Meriti Secondary School last week by a gang of four individuals. It was reported that expelled and suspended former learners of the school stabbed a learner, who ran towards the school for protection.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner in the process. Motsumi said both learners were immediately taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.
“One of the learners sustained four stab wounds and is currently recuperating at home. The department has assured that both affected learners will be allowed to complete their examinations upon recovery.
“Immediately after this incident, I visited the school to meet the School Governing Body (SGB) and parents of learners. I am happy that finally learners of Meriti Secondary School will be able to write their remaining papers in a calm and peaceful environment,” she said.
Last week, Motsumi met the parents and further promised them that, as a department, they will ensure that the Grade 12 learners are provided with a quality space to write their final examinations. She added that, as a department, they have arranged meals which will be served three times a day to the learners.
“They will be provided with accommodation which will allow them to study efficiently. The learners will also be provided with 24-hour security. Meriti Secondary School has been provided with 4 full-time security members.
“They will be able to search learners in the morning and ensure that learners are safe. On 18 November 2024, the Grade 12 learners are expected at 9am to write Life Sciences P2 and at 2pm, they will write Visual Arts and Electrical Technology,” said Motsumi.
Picture: A house belonging to a traditional healer, Omphile Mothisuemang-Legodu set alight
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 November 2024- Nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, who were arrested for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson, will know their fate today. Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The verdict on their bail application is expected to be announced today.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“They allegedly looted goods 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Picture: The suspect who is accused of triple murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 November 2024- A man (33) is expecting to briefly appear before Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Monday. This comes after he allegedly killed his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68) and Sister Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on Friday evening.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the family members were inside their shack, sitting around a coffee table when the suspect entered and struck his father over the head with a knobkierrie. Myburgh said thereafter, family members fled through a window and ran to neighbours for assistance.
“The suspect then assaulted his mother and sister with a knobkierrie over their heads and fled the scene. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called and declared all three victims (father, mother and sister) dead on the scene,” she said.
Myburgh further said with the assistance of community members, the suspect was traced and arrested on Saturday at around 6am. She added that the suspect was charged for the triple murder and will appear before the Kgomotso Periodical Court on Monday.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident. Kwena thanked the community for their assistance and commitment that assisted the police to arrest the suspect and said the police will work hard to ensure successful prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe are expected to pay homage to the Kale family today.
17 November 2024- A stepfather (50), was sentenced to three life terms for three counts of rape by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for raping stepdaughter (11). This comes after the man raped his stepdaughter multiple times.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the mother of the victim and the man were in a romantic relationship from 2013 until 2020. Mahanjana said they were staying together at the man’s place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch, where two of the incidents happened.
“On 12 October 2018, when the mother of the victim had gone to the hospital to give birth to a child she shares with a man. The minor was left at the home they shared. When the father returned from the hospital, he found the minor child in bed.
“He then forcefully removed her clothes, prevented her from screaming and proceeded to rape her. The second incident happened in July 2020, when the mother of the victim had gone to a rural village to visit her mother,” she said.
Mahanana further said the victim was left in the care of the stepfather, when he returned home drunk that night, he ate his food and proceeded to the room, where the minor was sleeping and raped her. She added that he then told her not to report her mother, and she would be homeless and starve.
“The third incident happened in 2020 after the mother of the victim had broken up with the man. On the day of the incident, the victim and her younger sibling, were left in the care of the man, while the mother had gone to Lens to visit her grandmother.
“The man came while the victim was in bed when he raped her. When the mother fetched the children later that day she did not report,” said Mahanjana.
She said a while later, on 29 September 2020, when the victim was bathing, the mother noticed flesh coming out of her private part, she enquired what had happened. Mahanjana said after pressing her further, the victim eventually told her mother what had happened.
“The mother went to the police, where she opened a case of rape against the man. The man was arrested later that day. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied raping the child.
“However, the state prosecutor, advocate Emile Van Der Merwe, called witnesses, including the child, who testified using the intermediary services. The witnesses adduced evidence which proved that indeed the man raped the child,” she said.
Mahanjana said during the aggravation of sentence advocate Van der Merwe told the court that the man committed a gruesome crime. He was in possession of trust, but manhandled and violated the child.
“He, therefore, asked the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment for each charge. When handing down the sentence, Regional Court Magistrates, Ntlati agreed with the state that the man showed no remorse for his action.
“He raped a child who called him Papa and continues to deny the offences. Therefore, she found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence,” she said.
Mahanjana said the court ordered the sentences should run concurrently. She said he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The court ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders. The NPA welcomes this sentencing, affirming its commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions.
“This case serves as a crucial reminder of the NPA’s dedication to advocating for the rights and safety of victims within our communities,” said Mahanjana.
The Guardian 