Daily Archives: February 5, 2025

A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 February 2015- A man (27) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Bloemhof Regional Court for rape. The accused, Alfred Matlawe raped a girl (7).

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya, in December 2017, the victim was playing with the accused younger brother outside the house. Gunya said Matlawe, who was alone in the house, called the victim inside the house held her by hand and took her to the bedroom.

Gunya said in the bedroom, he undressed her and self. He further said Matlawe inserted his private part in her mouth and later in her anus.

“The helpless child started to scream, which led the accused to stop raping her. The victim ran outside of the house crying for help. The younger brother of the accused noticed that the victim was crying and asked her what was wrong.

“She informed the younger brother what had transpired, however, the accused denied the allegations. The victim did not report the incident because of fear, but reported it in September 2018, after the accused was arrested for a different case,” said Gunya.

He added that, after Matlawe was arrested for another case, the child revealed what he did to her nine months ago to her mother. Gunya said the mother opened a case with the police.

“The statements were obtained from the victim and younger sibling of the accused, who saw the victim crying after the incident. The accused was then charged with rape.

“The state managed to secure a conviction based on the evidence of the victim and the younger sibling of the accused,” he said.

In arguing for a harsh sentence, state prosecutor, Thamsanqa Tamele, indicated to the court the prevalence of violation of women and children in the country and that the victim is one of the vulnerable groups of people and needs protection from the courts. Tamele told the court that the victim was defenceless and the accused took advantage of that.

“We urge the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended all the role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victim.

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Police are looking for Luleme Masibulele aka Bizza Pula as a person of interest in a murder case

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Picture: A person of interest, Luleme Masibulele aka “Bizza” Pula/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 February 2015- The police in Kagisho Township, in Kimberley, request the assistance of the public in tracing Luleme Masibulele aka “Bizza” Pula, who is a person of interest in solving a murder case that occured in Snake Park, Phuthanang on 2 February 2025. The person of interest is believed to be the boyfriend of a female victim (33), who succumbed to multiple stab wounds at Snake Park, Phuthanang.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said “Bizza”, is depicted in the images herewith and normally drives a white Nissan hardbody bakkie with registration number BZT 106 NC.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Dineo Motseothata at 082 469 0236 or 08600 1011 or via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Unknown man found dead in the street

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Picture: Police divers rescuing five men who drowned in a river/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 February 2025- A body of an unidentified man was found in Khama Street, in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 1 February 2015. The deceased is slender built, 1,73m tall, in his mid 30’s and was wearing a striped orange T-Shirt, blue and black shorts as well as grey/black tekkies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the deceased also has a tatoo on his right leg and a light grown mustache. Sam said the police in Galeshewe are investigating an inquest docket.

“The police do not have any information regarding his identity and therefore request the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased.

“Anyone with information is urged to visit Galeshewe SAPS or contact Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielliegh at 082 469 0547 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information received, will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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North West MEC for Education applauds Are-Fadimeng Secondary School for Improved Matric Results

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Picture: Are-Fadimeng Secondary School logo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 February 2015- As part of her extended Education Month programme, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visits Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton, Klerksdorp on 3 February 2025, to engage with school leadership, teachers, and learners following the school’s commendable improvement in the 2024 matric results.

Motsumi’s visit forms part of her broader strategy to assess and support underperforming schools, as well as those that have shown significant progress. She said Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School achieved a 73.9% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, reflecting a 6% improvement from the 2023 academic year.

“We would like to commend the school’s leadership and educators for their dedication, and urge them to intensify their efforts toward achieving a 95% pass rate by year-end. We acknowledge the crucial role played by the community in supporting the school’s progress.

“I am indeed pleased that Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School has improved its pass rate by 6% and had learners who ranked among the district’s top 20 performers. Credit must be given where it is due,” said Motsumi.

She further said the Are-Fadimeheng community took a firm stand against gangsterism and criminal elements that previously plagued the school. Motsumi added that their unwavering support has boosted learner morale and this is reflected in the school’s improved results.

“The school’s proactive approach is exactly the kind of progress I want to see across all our secondary schools. With continued support from district and community levels, I am confident that Are-Fadimeheng can achieve a 95% pass rate come 2025 results,” she said.

Meanwhile, expressing confidence in the school’s curriculum strategy, Principal Leatile Moromane, assured Motsumi of their commitment to further enhancing learner performance.

“We are pleased to inform the MEC that we are refining our curriculum delivery strategies to build on our recent success. Our teacher files are in order, implementation has begun, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.

“More than anything, Motsumi’s visibility at our school has bolstered our confidence. With an overall enrolment of 1,650 learners, inclusive of 202 Grade 12 learners ,Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School remains committed to sustaining and exceeding its current performance,” said Moromane.

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Local Hip Hop artist ready for the world

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Picture: The Hip Hop artist, Gabriel “Young Sniwt” Senwedi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- Even though young and upcoming Hip Hop artists continue to be overwhelmed by pressure and uncertainties, Totso Gabriel Senwedi is happy to finally find his niche in the music industry. Young Sniwt as Senwedi is affectionately known in the music industry, said there are other certain challenges such as lack of financial support and piracy, but he is ready for the competition. 

Young Snwit who was born in Extension 7, near Taung, said he is passionate about music and he was inspired by his older brothers, who are also into music. 

“I hung out a lot with them and the rest is history. I started to embark on a musical journey at an early stage and never looked back. I have released a few singles that are on high rotation across various community radio stations in the North West such as Vaaltar FM and Radio Mafisa in Rustenburg. 

“Even though I have not reached my true potential, I am happy with the progress that I have made. I will be releasing a new single called Don’t Panic this month. As an upcoming artist, I would like to share the stage with American superstar, Drake one day,” he said. 

Young Sniwt further said he used to watch a lot of Drake’s music videos on TV and got inspired. He added that he was also introduced to the late 2PAC’s music. 

“I also like Motswako Hip Hop artist, Notshi. Currently, I have not released an album. It has not been easy to find the right music producer that I can work with, but so far so good. 

“There are so many challenges in the music industry and anyone who would like to embark on this journey, must be cut out for it. I have been recording a lot of demo tracks that are not official,” said Young Sniwt. 

A North West University (NWU) student said he also decided to further his studies as part of empowerment. Young Sniwt said education is imperative because he can fall back on it when things get tough. 

“I am great at multitasking hence I can easily juggle my music and studies together. I also believe that, as an artist, it is important to have multiple streams of income. 

“Music is not only the dream that I want to build. I am a visionary and believe that, through discipline, dedication and determination, I can make it through. So, my advice to aspiring artists is, focus and work hard,” said Young Sniwt. 

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Monna o latlhegetswe ke botshelo mo kotsing ya sejanaga

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

5 Tlhakole 2025- Sepodisi sa Pudimoe se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le go bolaya ntle le maikaelelo. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di 27, a tlhokafale mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa tseleng e golaganyang motse wa Matalapaneng ga mmogo le Mase, mono Taung ka letsatsasi la Tshipi.

Go begwa fa dijanaga di le pedi di thulane ka dinko ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi, mme monna mongwe wa mopagami a tlhokafala.

Go ya ka sebueldi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, sejanaga sa modiro wa Opel Corsa le sa Toyota Fortuner, di thulane ka dinko.

“Sepodisi sa kwa Pudimoe, se ile sa tabogela kwa lifelong la tiragalo, mme go begwa fa ba ne ba fitlhela fa bakgweetsi ba dijanaga tseo ba le mo ditlhabing. Ba ile ba tabogisetswe kwa bookelong jwa selegae go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Fela, mopalami wa sejanaga sa Opel Corsa, one a tlhokafalela kwa lifelong la tiragalo. Sepodisi se ile sa bula kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Tshireletso ya Baagi ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Wessels Morweng, o tlhalositse fa batho ba le 100 ba tlhokafetse mo dikotsing tsa dijanaga di le 98 ka motsi wa matsatsi a khunulogo. Morweng are le fa go nnile le koketsego ya dintsho, porofense ya Bokone Bophirima e nnile nngwe ya tse di dirileng sentle mo go thankgololeng letsema la go kgweetsa ka tshireletsego mo nageng.

“Re thankgolotse le nane la rona la thibelo-tseleng le le bidiwang Provincial Road Safety Campaign kwa Zeerust ka di 13 Sedimonthole 2024. Se ene ele karolo ya lenaneo la puso la go isa ditirelo kwa bathung le le bidiwang Thuntsa Lerole.

“Fela jaaka ene e tlhalositswe ke tona ya dipalangwa ya bosetshaba, Barbara Creecy fa a ne a tlhoma semmuso letsholo la thibelo tseleng, o tlhalosistse fa le ne le ikaegile ka dipilara di le nne jaaka go kgweetsa ka kelotlhoko, tshireletsego ya batsamaya ka dinao, go tsenya tirisong le go ruta badirisi ba tsela ga mmogo le tirisano mmogo,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

Are porofense ga ya bega ka dikotsi tse di masisi tsa mogosho. Morweng are mebila megolo e farologaneng jaaka N4, e golaganyang Brits le Gauteng, ga mmogo le motse wa Dinokana gaufi le bodara ya nagaya Botswana, e nnile tlhoba boroko.

“Ditsela tse dingwe jaaka N12 le N14, le tsone re iponetse tatlhegelo ya matshelo mo go tsone,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s fake resignation letter a propaganda

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi  

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 February 2025- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it wishes to caution members of the public and the general populace about fake resignation letters that have been attributed to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and some Members of the Executive Council (MECs).

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The provincial government wishes to advise the public to ignore these letters as they are nothing, but an attempt by some unscrupulous individuals to cause panic and instability in the day-to-day running of government. 

“The Executive Council as led by Mokgosi, continues to execute its Programme of Action as guided by the 2024/25 policy statement as well as the government’s Medium Term Development Plan.”

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Mokwadi wa dibuka o rotloetsa basha go buisa 

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Setshwantsho: Mokwadi wa dibuka o diphatsa, Kgotlhaetsile Mokabeng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

5 Tlhakole 2025- Mokwadi wa dibuka tsa Setswana o diphatsa, Kgosietsile Mokabeng, wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, o rotloetse batho go bala dibuka, mme segolo thata jang basha. Mokabeng are go bala dibuka go matlafatsa tlhaloganyo le kitso ya motho, mme gape e mo rute le go buisa mafoko sentle. 

Mokabeng are basha ba le ba ntsi ba dirisa nako ya bone botlhatswa ka go tlhola ba le mo metsweding ya boitapoloso e farologaneng. Are fela seo, ga se ba thuse ka gope fa ba sa dirise metswedi eo sentle jaaka go bala dibuka. 

Mokabeng yo o golotseng buka e e bidiwang Ke Tsa Botshelo sesheng jaana, are go bala dibuka go ruta motho go nna le dikakanyo tse di farologaneng tsa botshelo, ga mmogo le go leba botshelo ka mokgwa o farologaneng. 

“Ke sa tswa go ntsha buka ya boraro e eleng gore ke padi. Padi e, e rotloetsa basha gore thuto e botlhokwa. Thuto ke yone fela e e tla ba thusang go fetola matshelo a bone. 

“Jaaka mokwadi, ke dirisitse mosha, mme ka mo tsenya mo tlase ga dikgwetlo tsotlhe tsa botshelo. Ke ile ka mo isa kwa unibesithi, mme go boa kwa, a tla go tsaya karolo a nna le seabe mo phetolong ya matshelo a bao a tshelang le bone,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa. 

Mokabeng are le lerato la botsadi leo leleng teng, le shupa fa tshegetso ya botsadi le yone e tsaya karolo e tona thata gore mosha o, a tsoge a fitlheletse tseo a di batlang. Mokabeng are leina la buka Ke Tsa Botshelo, mme e raya gore dikgang tse, ke tsa botshelo tse eleng gore ba tshwanetse ba emelana le tsone. 

“Sengwe le sengwe se se diragalang mo botshelong jwa gago, se direga ka lebaka. Sa gago ke gore o tshwanetse go nna le maatla a gore o fenya jang dikgwetlo tse o kopanang le tsone. Dikgwetlho tse di a go ago, di a go tiisa gore o kgone o fithelele ko o batlang teng. 

“Fa o batla buka e, o tla e iponela yone fela ka R100. Botlhe ba ba e batlang, ba ka golagana le nna kwa bukeng ya sefatlhego eleng Facebook. Ba ka golagana le nna mo kabeng ya Kgotlaetsile Mokabeng, kgotsa go nteletsa mogala,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa. 

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HRD Officer at Taung Hospital accused of soliciting bribes from interns

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Picture: The HRD Officer, Abednigo Nako at Taung District Hospital 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- The embattled Taung District Hospital employee, Abednigo Nako, is accused of demanding bribes from individuals who are part of an internship at the hospital. Nako, who is Human Resources Development Officer and responsible for the recruitment process, allegedly demanded R1000 bribe each from 60 individuals who were recruited for the internship. 

Some of the individuals who are part of the internship said, they are apprehensive to alert the hospital management because they might be victimised. They alleged that Nako would come and harass them in demand of the money. 

One of the alleged victims, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are seriously concerned regarding Nako’s behaviour. We fail to understand why he would abuse his power in this manner. We do not get enough out of this internship, but here he is demanding R1000 from each of us every month. 

“We urge the hospital to probe the matter and ensure that it addresses it. This is an ethics problem and corruption at its best. Now, we are living in fear because if we refuse to give in, he threatens to take the internship away.” 

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said even though they have not received any formal complaint regarding allegations, they are in the process of verifying them.  Mothibedi said the department would not hesitate in dealing with criminally-minded public servants, irrespective of their stature.   

“No formal complaint has been lodged yet. However, we encourage anyone affected to come forward. In the main, a directive has been given to hospital management to look into this matter immediately and provide a report. 

“The department shall have a clear stance backed by empirical evidence to move this matter forward. Important to say, we remain committed to run a clean department and allegations as serious as this one are attended to and acted upon,” he said. 

Meanwhile, HOSPERSA Branch Secretary in Taung, Morethebe Maruping said they have not received any complaint yet, but if the allegations are true, then the hospital should launch a fully-blown investigation and take harsher punishment against the said individual if found guilty. Maruping said they do not promote misconduct, which in essence is equal to corruption.     

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Implementation of MTbBE in North West hit a snag 

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- The implementation of Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) pilot programme for Grade 4 across North West was supposed to be smooth sailing, however, it seems there are still more challenges to be addressed. According to some of the principals across various schools in the province, the programme has been marred with challenges. 

One of the principals said: “We understand that the North West Department of Education wants to bring changes into the sector, however, I believe this was premature. The educators who were supposed to teach learners in various official languages, especially Setswana, are yet to be given necessary training. 

“We have not yet received text books in indigenous languages for various subjects such as Mathematics, Life Skills, Natural Science and Technology. It was suicidal for the department to roll-out the programme without concept development, advocacy and proper translation.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, the department, through its Transformation Programme Branch, has put together a MTbBE programme to transform the landscape of education from the General Education and Training (GET) to the Further Education and Training (FET) bands. Molokwane said the department is implementing MTbBE in 650 schools out of 1131. 

“Advocacies were done in 2024, in all districts and participants were subject advisors, principals and teachers who are expected to teach NSTECH and Mathematics Grade 4 in 2025. 

“All relevant documents provided to districts for dispatch to schools such as electronic copies of both NSTECH and Mathematics ATP, Worksheets and workbooks,” he said. 

Molokwane further said there is a plan to train the concerned teachers on teaching the said subjects in African languages and the course is ETDP SETA compliant. He added that the teachers are excited to implement as they indicate that it is going to improve learner performance.

“Learners perform better when taught in their mother tongue even systemic evaluation and research proves that. Learners also receive it in good spirit as it will be a continuation of what they did in the foundation phase. 

“It is just a continuation of the language already used. Various schools that are part of the pilot project have enough support. They were all taken through during the advocacies conducted and Professional Support Forums conducted. Teachers are provided with relevant documentation and there was a meet and greet interaction session conducted on 28 January 2025,” said Molokwane.

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