Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Simon Molale mo kgetsing ya polao
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
16 Ferikgong 2015- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 17 Tlhakole 2025. Simon Molale (22), yo a latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (21), o tla nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.
Go begwa fa Molale a ne a tlhaba Medichane le go mo bolaya, mme one a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo morago a go bona batho.
Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo e. Go begwa fa Molale a lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe pele ga ba lelapa la gagwe ba ka mo neela sepodisi ka motsi o.
Molale o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae jwa Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o ile a itlhaba ka thipa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.
“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Go fitlha ga jaana, bosekisi bo tlhalositse fa bo setse bo emetse dipholo tsa diteko tsa thipa e go begwang fa Molale a e dirisitse go bolaya Medichane, mme dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di a tswelela.
Picture: The roof of the Onalerona Primary School building blown off
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 January 2025- Onalerona Primary School were among buildings that were damaged by the severe wind on Tuesday. The roof of a building at the school was blown off.
However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the strong winds and heavy rains damaged several homes and buildings in Kgomotso village, near Taung.
“The district schools have experienced disruptions due to storms from December 2024, to the present, resulting in the damage of two institutions, specifically Majeng Secondary School and Onalerona Primary School, both located in Kgomotso village.
“Foundation phase learners from Onalerona Primary School will be accommodated at the nearby Thutoneo Primary School, which possesses sufficient classroom facilities,” he said.
Molokwane further said Majeng Secondary School also has an abundance of unused classrooms, therefore, no critical crisis has arisen. He added that repairs are scheduled to commence in 2025.
16 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has delivered an official letter to the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the ongoing disaster at the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein, North West. This comes after the mine became the site of a devastating crisis, with over 78 illegal miners’ bodies recovered.
The DA spokesperson on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, James Lorimer, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the letter emphasises the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding this crisis. Lorimer said the mine has attracted significant attention, both locally and internationally, as the humanitarian catastrophe unfolds.
“We believe that this crisis warrants a full and
transparent inquiry into the causes and consequences of the disaster. So, we calling for the inquiry to investigate key issues, including the role of government agencies.
“An examination of the actions or failures of government bodies such as law enforcement and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), which are responsible for managing and addressing illegal mining operations,” he said.
Lorimer further said the investigation must also look into the role of the mine owners, management, and operators in ensuring safety and mitigating illegal mining activities. He added that the inquiry should determine the factors that led to the disaster, including insufficient safety protocols and the escalation of illegal mining activities.
“The extent of illegal mining at Buffelsfontein and its effect on both the mine’s operations and the surrounding community, must be fully explored. We also call for an assessment of how government agencies have responded to the crisis, particularly in light of the Gauteng High Court’s order for a lawful rescue operation.
“The inquiry should propose recommendations for preventing similar disasters in the future, including regulatory improvements and stronger measures against illegal mining,” said Lorimer.
He said the DA urges Ramaphosa to act swiftly, while witnesses are still available to ensure that this inquiry takes place. Lorimer said a transparent investigation will help uncover the full scope of the crisis and prevent future tragedies of this nature.
Meanwhile, a total of 84 alive illegal miners have been retrieved on 15 January 2025. All 84 have been placed under arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Eighteen illegal miners have been certified dead. Mathe said the total figures on day three of operations by 4pm on Wednesday afternoon showed that 216 alive illegal miners were retrieved, while 78 are deceased.”
The acting North west Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, provided further updates at 7:30pm yesterday.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi said his province’s back-to-school campaign, which experienced little hiccups on the first day of schooling is indicative of a government hard at work. Mokgosi visited Dirang ka Natla Comprehensive School and Khuma Primary School at Khuma Township, outside Stilfontein on 15 January 2025.
He further said Dirang Ka Natla Comprehensive School recorded a pass rate of 90.1% with 33 distinctions in their 2024 Senior Certificate final examinations. Mokgosi added that this represents an improvement of over 10% from the 2023 matric results at this school.
“The visits come immediately after the announcement of provincial results by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, where the province achieved 87.5% pass rate, retaining 4th position in the national senior certificate results.
“The commitment of learners, teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), parents and government officials on the first day of the re-opening of schools serves as a glimmer of hope that the province will achieve beyond the 2024 results,” he said.
Mokgosi said a foundation has already been laid for the Grade 12 learners and 2024 results give credence to this assertion. He said, therefore, Grade 12 learners cannot disappoint them.
“You must work hard and surpass the 2024 results. Our government is looking at introducing breakfast at all deserving schools in the province to cushion learners against high levels of poverty in economically depressed communities.
“We have introduced breakfast at 300 schools across the province and through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), we are feeding over 70 000 learners in our schools at a cost of R650 million,” said Mokgosi.
He also applauded teachers and management of Khuma Primary School for producing national athletes. Mokgosi said the school, which is the Alma Mater of the late Bafana Bafana star, Philemon Masinga, continues to be the pride of the province in various sporting codes.
Picture: The ZFM police along with stakeholders during donations/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 January 2025- The ZF Mgcawu District Community Police Forum, in conjunction with the SAPS and KDHT Investments, visited the Riemvasmaak area to give back to the community on 15 January 2025. During previous interventions on crime by the district management in the Riemvasmaak area, shortcomings were identified emanating from socio-economic challenges.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said consequently, the Community Police Forum (CPF) initiated a community outreach programme to address some of the challenges. Masegela said the police, CPF, and KDHT Investments company, jointly donated 100 food hampers to the identified beneficiaries in the Sending and Vredesvallei area.
“The programme was attended by the ZFM District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili and her management team, the District CPF Chairperson, Clement Baai and local CPF, the ward councillor, Ethel Vass and the team from KDHT Investments company as sponsors of the programme.
“The two-phase programme was opened with devotion and prayer by Employee Health and Wellness, Chaplain Sekopane Mosetlhe and Mario Titus. Sebili delivered the keynote address during which she indicated that the police can never work in isolation,” she said.
Masegela said therefore Sebili adopted Riemvasmaak to ensure that the relationship between the police, the community through the CPF, local NGOs, and the business sector is maintained. She further requested the community to work with the police and with each other in the fight against crime.
Picture: DA spokesperson on Basic Education, Dr Delmaine Christians doing oversight at New Park Primary School in Kimberley/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 January 2025- As part of the renewed focus on early childhood development (ECD), the Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted oversight visits to four schools in the Kimberley area – two public and two private institutions. According to the DA, they were encouraged to find that all the centres and schools demonstrated a commitment to nurturing early learning and development, with well-equipped, positive learning environments.
DA spokesperson on Basic Education, Dr Delmaine Christians, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, there are some key challenges that need to be addressed, including the need for improved outdoor facilities, consistent meal provision and expanded infrastructure to accommodate demand.
Christians said the commitment of educators, support staff, and management teams was evident in every visit, but without increased government support, many schools may struggle to sustain these efforts.
“During the visits, the infrastructure, resource availability, learner support and overall functionality of the centres and classrooms were assessed. West End Primary School has three classrooms catering to 136 children, with approximately 45 learners per class.
“While sanitation facilities were adequate and well-maintained, there is an urgent need to upgrade the playground to ensure a safe and stimulating outdoor play environment. It is also concerning that learners are not provided with meals which may create a barrier to holistic learner development,” she said.
Christians further said Noddies Private Centre is a beautiful, well-equipped learning environment that is registered with the Department of Basic Education. She added that, it has six classrooms, each with two teachers, a dedicated chef, and a gardener.
“New Park Primary School has one Grade R classroom, with only six enrolments for the year so far. With most of its Grade R learners being former learners at a local private centre, it is clear that the school needs to develop a more robust enrolment strategy.
“Kimberley Junior School has four classrooms with an enrolment of 109 learners (approximately 27 learners per class). Learners are introduced in small groups to become familiar with the classroom environment, but due to demand, other learners attend to ensure smoother adaptation,” said Christians.
She said online applications are managed by the district office on a first-come, first-serve basis. Christians said the school requires government support for expansion due to high application volumes.
“While the department has provided a portable classroom, additional space remains a priority. The DA will continue to do oversight and advocate for enhanced support for ECD centres and Grade R classrooms to ensure that every child has access to quality early learning opportunities.
“We appreciate the dedication of each school, teacher and principal and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this foundational phase of education,” she said.
Picture: The embattled executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe/screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 January 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West calls for a decisive action to be taken against the embattled executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe. SANCO accused Molefe of being corrupt and alleged that, since 2023, media reported serious allegations of corruption and maladministration against him.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said Molefe is accused of extorting money from service providers for personal gain. Jam said according to one of the online media publications, IOL’s sources, Molefe allegedly misused these funds to construct another double-storey house, purchase a BMW for his wife and acquire several other vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux.
“The sources claim that service providers were summoned to secret meetings, where they were coerced into making donations to the mayor. One source noted that he has been meeting with service providers regularly.
“He began by calling private one-on-one meetings in Mmabatho. Molefe’s tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor service delivery. Communities in Seweding, Ramosadi, and other villages near Mahikeng have endured dire living conditions, including sewage spills that persisted for months,” he said.
Jam further said this issue was only addressed after a community march and another one led by SANCO, demanded action. He added that, during the SANCO march, Molefe allegedly instructed police to arrest SANCO Regional Secretary, Bennett Masike and other community members who are still going to court.
“The ANC Youth League (ANCYL), recognizing the gravity of the situation, also held a press conference calling for Molefe to relocate his office to Seweding and Ramosadi villages to witness the suffering first-hand.
“Adding to the community’s struggles, the district continues to face water shortages. Allegations suggest that the mayor and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Galaletsang Moroane, diverted funds earmarked for water services to unrelated projects, such as constructing fire stations and paying preferred service providers,” said Jam.
He said the redirection of public funds has left residents shocked, especially given the municipality’s R1.4 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year. Jam said the reports from senior officials indicate that the CFO bypassed legal processes, paying service providers without notifying the municipal manager, as required by law.
“The controversy deepened in 2025, when a recording surfaced online in which the mayor reportedly admitted to accepting a R300 000, allegedly from a service provider and detailing how he shared the money with other comrades.
“If the audio clip circulating on social media is not proof of Molefe’s corruption allegations, it suggests that the mayor is untouchable and may have leverage over the leadership. In light of these allegations, we demand a forensic investigation into Molefe’s activities, lifestyle audit of the executive mayor and his immediate suspension pending the investigation,” he said.
Jam said SANCO is ready to open criminal cases against those exploiting the poor, but is giving the ANC and government an opportunity to act first. He said should the ANC fail to address the allegations, SANCO will escalate its actions by marching to the ANC Provincial Headquarters in Mahikeng to demand Molefe’s removal.
“SANCO is deeply concerned about the ANC’s silence and lack of accountability regarding these allegations, which have significantly impacted service delivery and the integrity of the liberation movement.
“If the ANC continues to ignore the situation, SANCO will also mobilize communities to shut down the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality until Molefe is removed from public office,” said Jam.
Meanwhile, Molefe said: “This is a sideshow, I am focusing on service delivery. I’ll give you a call, I am still in a meeting.”
16 January 2025- Four men who are accused of business robbery in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, will be back in court and apply for a formal bail application today. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokasa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
16 January 2025- A total of 84 alive illegal miners have been retrieved as at 4pm on 15 January 2025. All 84 have been placed under arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Eighteen illegal miners have been certified dead. Mathe said the total figures on day three of operations by 4pm on Wednesday afternoon showed that 216 alive illegal miners were retrieved, while 78 are deceased.”
Meanwhile, the acting North west Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, provided further updates at 7:30pm yesterday.
16 January 2025- A terror financing case against a man (35) was postponed by the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court to 22 January 2025, for bail judgement. Ziyahd Hoorzook allegedly financed a terrorist organization back in 2017.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Hoorzook is facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA), including six alternative counts of contravening Section 4(1) (f)(ii) of the Act.
Gunya said additional charges include contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 15 of 1998 and Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 for failing to secure firearms in the prescribed manner.
“During the proceedings, both the state and defence submitted to the court their closing arguments for the bail application. He is remanded in custody until his next court appearance,” he said.
The Guardian 