Monthly Archives: March 2025

‘Magogong turned into gangster paradise’

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Picture: Community members embarked on peaceful march/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 March 2025- It seems the infamous Magogong village, near Taung, has a significant problem with crime, particularly violent crime, with a high rate of murder, robbery and assault. Recently, the community members were prompted by the situation to embark on a peaceful march and submitted a memorandum of demand to the Taung Police Station.

One of community leaders, Mosetsanagape Blom said, their village has turned into a notorious gangster paradise and they do not feel safe anymore in their homes. Blom alleged that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has failed in executing their constitutional obligation. 

“Many incidents have been reported to the police with no responses. You will remember the famous case of Oratile Mothibi, who went missing back in 2022, after being abducted.

“As we speak, the case has gone cold. We demand that the case be reopened and assigned to a properly trained detective. The case falls under Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related crimes,” she said. 

Blom further said, there was another case involving a minor, Rethabile Molapo (13). She added that Molapo was kidnapped, killed and partially burned before being thrown into a pit toilet. 

“Also, the investigations yield no positive results. We demand that the investigating officer in the matter be removed as he lacks compassion, dedication, professionalism and respect. He consistently fails to report to the deceased’s parents regarding the progress of the investigation,” said Blom. 

She said they are disgruntled after the police arrested seven community members, who were accused of burning the traditional healer to death. Blom said the crime was committed by community members in retaliation. 

“So, it is injustice to keep those arrested in detention for crimes committed by the community. Therefore, we demand that they be released immediately from detention as their release is in the best interest of the community,” she said. 

Recently, a man was arrested for allegedly killing his mother with a spade, while a woman was nabbed for allegedly killing a man, whom they accused of stealing a Jojo tank. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Even though there was a general decrease in crime, contact related crimes increased by 2.3%. Malicious damage to property contributed most cases which are 1969 cases. 

“This is 48 more cases compared to the previous year, which is a 2.5% increase.”

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24 000 job opportunities for young people in North West 

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 March 2025- More than 24 000 job opportunities are expected to benefit the youth as the North West province forges ahead with finding solutions in addressing the scourge of unemployment in the province. This emerged during a roundtable discussion between the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, organised labour, business and civil society in Rustenburg.

Mokgosi said the initiative, which is a collaborative work between the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), and the Department of Employment and Labour, will be implemented through Labour Activation Plan (LAP). He further said the LAP initiative is funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), aiming to enhance employability, enable entrepreneurship, and preserve jobs through skills training, enterprise development, and other various intervention measures. 

“The much-anticipated announcement which will be made by Minister Makhosazana Meth on 14 March 2025, forms part of the province’s ongoing efforts to nip youth unemployment in the bud.

“This initiative has been on the pipeline for some time and I am happy that it is coming to fruition. This is one of the policy announcements I made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) to help find solutions to high levels of unemployment in the province,” he said. 

Addressing delegates Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, insists that the government has through LAP targeting over 24 000 young people in the North West.

“The roll-out of this programme is in full swing in various provinces and North West is the latest beneficiary. 

“Young people will be trained in various fields such as engineering, agriculture and artisanal work in preparation for the job market and consequently placed at various industries,” said Tshabalala. 

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Hartswater triple murder accused jailed    

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Picture: Daniel Brand (his wife, Breggie Brand, and their daughter Elsabie Brand)

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 March 2025- Three accused persons were sentenced to a combined 97 years imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for three counts of murder, robbery, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice. On 26 July 2020, the victims, Daniel Brand (83), his wife, Breggie Brand (73), and their daughter Elsabie Brand (54), were at their residence at Plot 2M9 Farm in Magogong, near Hartswater.

They were violently attacked by the accused, Donald Mothusimang Seoloseng (25), Tsepo Visagie (43) and Tshepaone Melato (24). The victims sustained various blunt and sharp force trauma injuries to their heads and bodies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victims were robbed of two vehicles, a Nissan Micra and Mazda 5, three laptops, their cell phones, and a handbag with personal belongings. Shemane said they were found dead on 28 July 2020.

“The suspects were arrested by the Provincial Detectives and Hartswater K9 members, while on their way to sell the deceased personal belongings. The investigating officers, Colonel Jeffrey Kanakang and Lieutenant Colonel Basil Buys, recovered all stolen property.

“The Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley, sentenced Melato, Seolesang and Visagie 43 each to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 15 years each for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 5 years each for defeating the ends if justice and 2 more years for Seoleseng, for escaping from lawful custody,” he said.

Shemane said the defeating the ends of justice and escaping from lawful custody will run concurrently with murder the robbery sentences.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the judgment and reassured communities that crimes against the elderly remain the priority of the police in the province and will be vigorously policed and investigated.

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Dikemedi tse pedi kwa Tigerkloof di tla tswelela go dirammogo 

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se se kopaneng sa Tigerkloof 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

13 Mopitlwe 2025: Mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha La Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima, Viola Motsumi, are seemo se ritibetse kwa sekolong se se kopaneng sa Tigerkloof kwa Vryburg. Motsumi are ba kgonne go rarabolola mathata a ileng a tlhagisiwa ke lekgotlha-tsamaiso (School Governing Body) la sekolo kgatlhanong le maloko a Boto (Board of Directors). 

Ene ya re ka 2024, modulasetilo wa lekgotlhatsamaiso la sekolo kwa Tigerkloof, Dr George Balebe, a tlhalosa fa maloko a Board of Directors kwa sekolong, a itshona-tshona nko mo tsamaiso ya sekolo. Balebe one a bua se go tletse kwa kopanong ya makgotlha-tsamaiso a dikolo kwa Mmabatho Convention Centre kwa Mahikeng ka 2024. 

Se, se ile sa rotloetsa Motsumi go ka tlhama komiti eneng ya go batlisisa magatwe a.  

“Lefapha le ka netefatsa gore lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo kwa Tigerkloof, le ile la tlhagisa matshwenyego mabapi le go itshona-tshona nko ga maloko a Board of Directors mo tsamaisong ya sekolo. Fela, o tla gopola botlhokwa jwa go kopanya dikemedi tseo tse pedi. 

“Jaaka lefapha, re tla netefatsa gore fa e sale gona le dikemedi tse pedi kwa sekolong eleng Board of Directors le lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo (School Governing Body), fa e sale sekolo se tlhamiwa,” Motsumi wa tlhalosa.  

Fela Motsumi are, maikarabelo a dikemetsi tse pedi tse, a farologane. Motsumi are le fa go ntse jalo, dikemedi tse, di dira mmogo. 

“Go botlhokwa gore o itse gore sekolo sa Tigerkloof, se agilwe mo lefatsheng le le poraevete, mme seo ka bo sone, se dira gore go nne le kemedi ya Board of Directors. Go tlaleletsa mo go seo, diphaphosi tse baithuti ba dulang mo go tsone, le tsone ga se tsa lefapha. 

“Tirisano-mmogo e, e ile ya lebisa kwa dikatlegong tse di farologaneng. Seo, se akaretsa go golagana le ditheo tse di farologaneng go ralala lefatshe. Jaanong, lefapha le bone go le botlhokwa gore dikemedi tse pedi tse, di tswelele go dira mmogo, gonne maikarabelo a tsone a le botlhokwa,” Motsumi.

Motsumi are jaanong, Board of Directors e tla tswelela go dira kwa Tigerkloof, gonne e netefatsa fa go na le tsamaiso le lolame kwa sekolong. 

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A Trailblazer in Theatre and Beyond

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Picture: World renowned Stage Manager, Thunyelwa Thambe/Facebook 

By THAPELO MOKHUTSHOANE 

13 March 2025- In the ever-evolving world of theatre, where the technical and creative aspects have long been male-dominated, Thunyelwa Thambe (40), stands as a force to be reckoned with as continues to reshape the narrative and pioneering a new era for women in the industry. 

Thambe, who is armed with a National Performing Arts Diploma from the Market Theatre Laboratory, has seamlessly transitioned from a stellar performer to a sought-after stage manager and lighting programmer.  Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the arts, making her a beacon of inspiration for the next generation.

A Talent Nurtured from Childhood:

Every great artist has an origin story, and for Thambe, it all began with the unwavering belief of her twin brother, Mncedise Thambe, who first recognized her natural flair for performance. Encouraged by his support, she ascended to the stage, embracing her first love—performing. The Mahikeng-born artist’s undeniable talent quickly set her apart, earning her the Best Newcomer Actress Award for her role in Kwa Sangoma.

Her career flourished as she delivered unforgettable performances in productions such as Esuthwini, Maru, The Story of an African Choir and The Very Next Breath. Each role deepened Thambe’s artistic expression and solidified her reputation as a remarkable stage actress. 

From Centre Stage to Backstage Mastery

While many performers remain tethered to the spotlight, Thambe’s insatiable curiosity led her to explore the technical and production aspects of theatre. This pivot was anything, but accidental.

During her studies in 2005, she volunteered as a stage manager for the Market Theatre Laboratory’s Saturday showcases—a move that would later define her career. 

By 2007, her dedication earned her a coveted position as a Stage Management Trainee at the Market Theatre Foundation.

Her growth was meteoric. Over the next decade, she managed over 100 productions, becoming a Resident Stage Manager and a critical pillar in the theatre’s operations. 

Thambe’s expertise became a vital ingredient in some of the most renowned theatre productions, ensuring seamless transitions, impeccable lighting, and flawless stage execution.

Elevating Theatre on Global and National Stages

Thambe’s expertise soon transcended the confines of the Market Theatre, taking her talents to prestigious national and international stages.  She became a trusted Stage Manager and Lighting Programmer for, The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, Joy of Jazz

Dance Umbrella and Legends Celebrating Mandela’s Centenary (2018) at Joburg Theatre, where she collaborated with icons like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Abigail Kubheka, and the late Jonas Gwangwa. 

*To read more about Thambe, visit RTFLive Magazine on Facebook. 

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Mokgokong elected as NWU chancellor 

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Picture: Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson, Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor and Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 March 2025- The North West University (NWU) has confirmed that the renowned business leader and entrepreneur, Dr Anna Mokgokong has been appointed as a chancellor for the second term. The NWU Council elected Mokgokong as the new chancellor for the second term during a prestigious event in Potchefstroom on 12 March 2025.

Mokgokong said as chancellor, she serves as titular head of the NWU, and all qualifications awarded by the university are formally conferred by her. She further said it is an honour for her to be afforded the opportunity to serve a second term as chancellor. 

“This gives me an opportunity to continue to serve the NWU. As I embark on my second term, my sense of purpose and determination for what we need to achieve together has never been stronger. I am eager to build a legacy that will bear testimony to my tenure.

“I believe that no job is ever truly finished. We can always do better and aim higher. We can always work harder – because what we are working for is greater than ourselves. This belief has been a hallmark of my career, and it will continue to guide me in the years to come,” said Mokgokong.

She is the co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a 100% black-owned company that was established in 1995. Mokgokong is a true social activist who has made immense contributions to the transformation of the companies on whose boards she serves.

“In addition, contributing to my extensive business knowledge and acumen to the NWU, I have served on the boards of several JSE-listed companies and as president of the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN).

“As a former president of the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA), I was inducted into Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 1998, which is an independent, international network of the world’s most powerful and successful entrepreneurs,” she added.

Mokgokong said over the years, she has received numerous accolades, the latest from African Women in Business (AWiB) in partnership with Regenesys Business School, which presented her with the prestigious Outstanding Leadership Award during the Inaugural AWiB Conference awards ceremony in August 2024. She obtained a BSc from the University of Botswana, and an MBChB from the Medical University of South Africa. 

“I am the first woman to have received an honorary doctorate of commerce from Unisa,” said Mokgokong. 

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of NWU Council, Bert Sorgdrager, congratulated Mokgokong on her re-election and expressed his gratitude for the active role that she plays within the NWU community. 

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

13 Mopitlwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Mietjie Babiki Fischer (44), wa kwa motseng wa Diplankeng kwa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 17 Mopitlwe 2025. Se se tla morago ga gore Fischer a latofadiwe ka go bolaya Boitumelo Sebekedi wa kwa motseng wa Lokaleng matsatsi a le marataro a fitileng. 

Go begwa fa Sebekedi a ne a latofadiwa ka go utswa Jojo tank, mme a tlhaselwa ke baagi. Go ya ka dipego, Sebekedi o ile a teketiwa ka ketane le go tlhabiwa ka thipa pele ga a ka bidiwa ka garawe. 

Go begwa fa baagi ba ile ba mo tsenya mo kgetsing, mme ba mo latlhela kwa forong. Ene ya re morago ga nakonyana, go begwa fa baagi ba ile ba ntsha Sebekedi kwa forong eo. 

Go begwa fa baagi ba ile ba mo isa kwa godimo le kwa tlase makgetlhonyana, pele ga ba mo tshela ka motlhapo le makgome. Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa tshwara basadi ba le bararo, fela ba le babedi ba ile ba ntshiwa gonne go se bopaki jo bo tletseng kgatlhanong le bone. 

Sepodisi se ile sa tshwara Fischer, mme ba mo latofatsa ka polao. Fischer o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile ka di 17 Mopitlwe 2025. 

Kgabagare, sepodisi se ganne go tshwaela mo tiragalong e, gonne ba tlhalositse fa seo se tla kgoreletsa dipatlisiso tsa bone mo kgetsing. 

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North West athletes broke eight records  

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Picture: Some of athletes announced as winners/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

13 March 2025- Young North West athletes were on the rampage as they broke eight records during the Provincial School Sports Athletics Championships held at McArthur Stadium, Potchefstroom between 6 and 8 March 2025. Amongst the best performing athletes were Amogelang Moeng and Jordan Denike.  

This comes after Moeng clocked 1:56.54 in 800m for boys 15 and 4:14.2 in 1500m for Boys 15, breaking both Ronan Oosthuizen’s previous records. Jordan Denike ran 0:55 in the 400m for Girls 15, breaking Isone Booysen’s previous record (0:57.24). Denike (43:17) also broke Kayla Van Der Berg (43.21) in 300m Girls 15. 

The North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said Manders Jaydeen (12.27) equalled Nicola Van der Merwe’s record in 100m for Girls 15. Sebolecwe said in the Boys 15 High Jump, Galane Khothatso soared 1.80m to equal Ronan Oosthuizen’s previous record. 

“Boitumelo Nchoe did very well during the LSEN category, breaking the record for 100m Girls 15 years 14. These champions participated in track and field events such as Javelin, Discus, Short Put, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump as part of the partnership between the department, Department of Education and Provincial Sports Federations.

“School sports is the bedrock of sport development and its primary aim is to ensure that all the schools are afforded an opportunity to participate in at least one sporting code,” he said.

Sebolecwe further said the programme seeks to address all the barriers of entry that are currently inhibiting participation in school sport through provision of the requisite support and competition opportunities. He added that the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District performed very well and scooped 1st position with 1159.5 points, Bojanala came second with 929 points. 

“The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati occupied 3rd position with 511 points and Ngaka Modiri Molema District got 4th position with 471.5 points,” said Sebolecwe.

The Chairperson of School Sport Athletics, Mooketsi Moshwadiba said: “We are happy that all the events during the Provincial School Sports Championships went very well without any hiccups. Athletes from across the province came in numbers to partake in the games.

“I would like to encourage schools both mainstream (Secondary and Primary) and Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) to take part in school sports which are important for a learner’s physical fitness, social skills, academic and character development.” 

Meanwhile, one of the gold medal winners Bokamoso Moabi from Zeerust Hoerskrool was ecstatic and could not hold back his joy. 

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Horse Racing Event Find A New Home 

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Picture: The horse-racing taking place in Dundee, Durban/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

12 March 2025- The highly anticipated annual Lobelo La Dipitsi Horse Racing event will be finally launched in Vryburg on 29 March 2025, after numerous postponements. The event was supposed to take place in Motswedi village, near Zeerust on 26 October 2024, but it was delayed due to unforeseen logistical and financial challenges. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of North West Gambling Board, Boitumelo Qalinge said a subsequent rescheduling for 15 February 2025, also proved unsuccessful. Qalinge said the initial postponements were due to a combination of lack of public participation, logistical challenges and funding shortfalls. 

“The initial site in Motswedi village required extensive clearing to create a race track. Preparations at the identified site were hampered when the Department of Public Works’ machinery, deployed to clear the land for a race track, experienced significant breakdowns and could not be repaired or replaced in a timely manner. 

“Insufficient funds and sponsorships also contributed to the delay in ensuring a successful event. The NWGB as the regulatory body for gambling activities in the province, has secured a fully equipped (Horse Race-track) venue in Vryburg to host the inaugural event,” he said. 

Qalinge further said the NWGB has partnered with Mompati Horse Race for Change, an organisation with a proven track record in organising traditional horse racing events in the province to bring the event to fruition. He added that they are delighted to bring Lobelo La Dipitsievent back on track through the partnership with Mompati Horse Race for Change. 

“Their expertise and commitment to social transformation aligns perfectly with our vision for this event, this is not a contract with Mompati Horse Race for Change, it is a partnership that will ensure that all the North West Horseracing Communities are included and take part in this inaugural event.

“The NWGB is dedicated and always ready to partner with organisations that uplift communities such as Mompati Horse Race for Change. The organisation’s efforts extend beyond the racetrack, addressing critical issues such as combating Gender-Based Violence, raising awareness about prostate cancer, and empowering disadvantaged youth through equestrian therapy and tourism,” said Qalinge. 

He said the Mompati Horse Race for Change organisation is 100% black-owned and led by youth and women, demonstrating a commitment to social transformation through equestrian sport. Qalinge said the collaboration aligns with the core values of NWGB and its socio-economic development policy dedicated to the upliftment of communities through various impactful avenues. 

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DCS learnership programme to reduce youth unemployment

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Picture: The Correctional Services Officers/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it has received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on its Learnership programme selection process, targets and progress achieved to date. The committee heard that the current developmental programme for the training of entry-level correctional officers is the Corrections Services Learnership programme.

The Committee Chairperson, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the main aim of the programme is to assist with youth employment and empowerment and also serves as a pool from which entry-level appointments are made. Ramolobeng said the committee is aware that there was an intake in 2021 and some were supposed to be absorbed into the system.

“The previous committee received a briefing and certain commitments were made. We would like an update on those commitments. Recruitment of the 6 192 learner positions entails the appointment of 50% of applicants with a Grade 12, a National Certificate in Vocational Studies or a Further Education and Training Certificate.

“The remaining 50% comprises a focused recruitment of those who have DCS-related qualifications, with preference given to those with qualifications in Corrections, Penology and Criminology and those with qualifications/skills that will support the implementation of the Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said the DCS received over 1.2 million applications. She added that the committee heard that the DCS programme can accommodate an intake of 1 032 learners at two training colleges, Kroonstad (with a capacity of 540) and Zonderwater Training College (with a capacity of 492).

“The programme runs for 12 months – 16 weeks of theoretical training at the colleges and the rest of the period constitutes experiential learning at the correctional centres.

“Learners who have successfully completed the Learnership will be considered for permanent employment in the department as correctional officials. Group 1 will commence on 1 April 2025 subject to the completion of all personal suitability checks,” said Ramolobeng.

She said thus far, the selection process has gone well at all centres, except for the score/result sheets for physical fitness assessments, which were tampered with at Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area in Gauteng. Ramolobeng said the Regional Commissioner has referred the matter to the Inspectorate for Investigation.

“The assessments were repeated at the beginning of March. The department needs to ensure that the first group of learners into the programme are those that meet the criteria and are without any questionable suitability issues to ensure credibility of the programme.

“Strict measures must be applied, such as vetting of applicants, to prevent nepotism, as alleged in the past. The committee received several complaints regarding the recruitment and appointment process into the programme previously,” she highlighted.

Ramolobeng said the committee also heard that in the interests of achieving a reformed, integrated and modern criminal justice system (CJS), the department intends increasing its capacity by employing 12 950 correctional officers by 2030. She said in order to achieve this target, the DCS will have to train 3 000 learners per annum.

“However, this staff increase depends on the DCS’s funding levels. The committee wished the DCS well for the start of the 2025 Leadership programme in April. The intake will assist in dealing with the ratio of inmates versus officials, as the current ratio in some centres is concerning and might compromise security in some instances.

“We resolved to visit two training facilities in order to allow [the committee] to see the conditions of the facility and assess the training provided to the learners, including the learning material. Furthermore, the committee wants a detailed breakdown on the dropout rate from the programme over the years, a report on the investigation into allegations of tampering with fitness results and nepotism in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng Region and subsequent consequence management to be implemented,” emphasised Ramolobeng.

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