By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Seven suspects were arrested for stock theft at Zeekoeivallei farm in Ottoshoop near Mahikeng in the early hours of Thursday morning. The owner of the livestock, Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane said, he was called by his herder at around 2am who informed him about a crime that was underway.

“When we arrived, we counted the cattle and realised that 43 were missing. However, we found 27 cattle scattered around the farm, so we are still looking for another 16.

“It appears that the suspects entered the farm by breaking the padlocks of the main gate and our preliminary investigation indicates that, they began loading the cattle in their trucks at around 7pm on Wednesday,” Tlhabanyane said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We alerted the police and seven suspects, including a woman and two African males were apprehended with two trucks loaded with cattle.

“People often accuse the police of lacklustre response and here we are with them having reacted with speed. The problem of stock theft in some parts of the province is rife, hence the visit of the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale on 5 November 2022 in Taung.”

Lehari also expressed profound gratitude to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a swift response when called upon. He said the ministerial crime imbizo that took place in Taung last week Saturday focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the rising stock theft statistics.

“We appeal to the communities to play a role in fighting crime. Often suspects are known and only through the support of the community members criminality could be fought.

“Crime is not committed by people we do not know. The police promptly apprehended suspects because community members played a significant role,” said Lehari.

He said, the neighbouring game farm has Close Circuit Cameras that assisted in exposing the criminality activities that were taking place. Lehari said the owner is part of the farming neighbourhood watch.

“The suspects were in the process of being arraigned and charges formulated. However, it is not clear when will they appear in court,” said Lehari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The EFF in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the disgraced municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. The EFF regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Tebogo Babuile alleged that Moipolai continues to flout the standing rules and orders of the council and that makes her ‘unfit’ for the position.

This comes after the municipal council meeting that took place at Pudimoe Community Hall, near Taung was turned into a circus. Babuile further said a few items like danger allowance, the motion of no confidence against the beleaguered municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and the suspension of the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma were supposed to be discussed amongst others.

Babuile said, however, nothing of those items were discussed.

“Clearly, the municipal council is run by gangsters, who can threaten councillors. They dictate which matters should be raised and debated. There was also a high number of security guards from Diphetogo Security company in the council meeting.

“So, we are off the view that, they were actually brought here for opposition parties. The EFF councillors requested Moipolai to remove them from the chamber, but she blatantly refused,” he said.

Babuile added that the issues that were supposed to be discussed are confidential and no members of the public including municipal officials were supposed to form part of the meeting.

“The meeting was adjourned at 2pm and reconvened at 5pm. However, some unidentified individuals wearing blankets entered the chamber and poured pepper spray into the chamber. 

“There was a stampede there and councillors had to run for safety because they could not breathe. The Public Order Police (POP) were also invited to oversee the council meeting as there were threats, but what was surprised us, when Moipolai adjourned the meeting, she failed to inform the police that, the meeting will re-convene at 5pm,” said Babuile.

He alleged that this clearly shows that, Moipolai knew what will happen when she re-convene the meeting. It alleged that Moipolai altered the investigation report on the suspended Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma who allegedly misled the council on the danger allowance matter.

Mokoma is also accused of tempering with the recordings of the previous council, where the decision was taken that, all employees will receive R1500 for danger allowance. It is alleged that, all senior managers were paid R2500 instead of R1500 and this was done without the council resolution.

“Moipolai intentionally delayed the council meeting because she was supposed to convene the meeting before 8 November 2022. However, she convened the council meeting after the termination of the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract on 8 November 2022.

“So, she presented a completely different report from what was compiled by Gabanakgosi. How can the speaker say she has received a complaint from Mokoma, while she reports to the municipal manager? asked Babuile.

He said they will head to court in order to force Moipolai to comply with the municipal structure act. The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the municipality, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments.

It is alleged that Moipolai and Gaoraelwe want to uplift the suspension of Mokoma and bring her back as the acting municipal manager.

Meanwhile, Moipolai failed to respond to our questions. However, she said in a report presented to the council: “I, the speaker of the council, confirm that the resolution was not to suspend the Mokoma, however, to investigate the matter and report it to the council and allow the council to deliberate on it and take the decision. That is not done.

“So, I believe that the decision to suspend Mokoma was entirely the actions of Gabanakgosi solely and not of the council. The local government regulations on the disciplinary procedures for senior managers were not followed and nor allegations against Mokoma have been made.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The artists and businesspersons in Taung, call on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR), Virginia Tlhapi to have a consultative engagement with them before the Taung Cultural Calabash (TCC) event take place on 18-19 November 2022.

The Mmabana Foundation received a whopping R5.5m to organise the event. It was supposed to take place on 15 October 2022, however, it was postponed due to disruptions. Some artists and local businesspersons alleged that the unique art festival that was set to discover new talent through a series of provincial auditions is marred with corruption and embezzlement.

One of the business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, they have written numerous letters to various stakeholders including the Office of MEC to have consultative engagements with them, however, that has not happened. Nkonyana said, Tlhapi failed to honour their meeting on 27 October 2022 and that no event will take place until their grievances are addressed.

“As local businesspersons, nothing about us without us. We have written numerous letters to the Mmabana Foundation including Tlhapi. We wanted to have a meeting with the MEC, Head of Department (HOD), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) including the CEO of Mmabana Foundation.

“They promised to meet with us on 27 October, unfortunately, they did not pitch as they promised. To our surprise, the department sent through their junior staff. So, we agreed that we will no longer continue with the event until Tlhapi comes down to the community of Taung and address our grievances,” he said.

A cultural activist, Keaoboka Molomo shared the same sentiments. Molomo further said, as artists, they do not benefit from the Mmabana Foundation programs. 

“The proper transformation is needed at Mmabana Foundation. We urge the department to appoint relevant individuals, who have creative backgrounds. Even though art is called the golden economy, as artists, we continue to suffer at the hands of politicians.

“When we raise our grievances, they label us as hooligans. The Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority also does not represent us well because the Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane is never there. He is actually missing in action and why should we entertain this family that is holding the entire community hostage? He asked.

Molomo added that in other provinces, chiefs are the ones who fight for the preservation of indigenous and cultural events.

Meanwhile, the acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Paul Malatsi said: “We understand that the Taung Cultural Calabash was previously sponsored, but most of the sponsors later withdraw due to the audit outcome that was not up to standard. Hopefully, going forward, we will be able to attract sponsors.

“In 2021 financial year, the budget received from the department was re-directed to the COVID-19 pandemic and we did not have the event. In 2021/2022 financial year, we were planning to have the event in November 2021, but it was postponed to March 2022.”

Malatsi said in the current financial year, they have received eight bidders for the tender and they all went through the evaluation and administrative processes. He said they awarded a tender to a service provider to the tune of R3.9 million.

“The reason why we postponed the calabash was because of some disruptions. Initially, the event was earmarked to take place in September, which is a heritage month.

“However, through the challenges that we have experienced, we had to postpone the event. The management took a decision to engage with all stakeholders, but there were many issues raised,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A murder case against Lazarus Chaka Hambone (38) from Extension 4 in Kgakala Township, near Leeudoringstad, was postponed until 16 November 2022 for a formal bail application. Hambone who was on parole for murder was arrested on 6 November 2022 for allegedly killing his niece’s infant with a spade.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, on 5 November 2022, a commotion ensued between Hambone and his niece (16) who was carrying her baby on her back.

“The accused then went outside, came back with a spade, and tried to assault his niece. Unfortunately, he ended up hitting the five-month-old baby boy. The baby was taken to a local clinic, where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital where he died due to head injuries. 

“This led to the arrest of Hambone and he will remain in custody until the next court appearance. Hambone has appointed a Legal Aid attorney to represent him. The state will oppose bail as the accused is a parolee on a murder case that occurred in 2011,” Mamothame said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping an elderly woman, Naomi Motlhwareng (73). Daniel Kediemetse Sehemo (53) from Sekhing village near Taung, was apprehended on 3 February 2022 after he broke into the home of Motlhwareng, who was his neighbour with the intent to commit rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Sehemo subsequently strangled and raped Motlhwareng before fleeing the scene.

“He knew the victim very well and also had privileged information that she stayed alone. Sehemo was also aware that the victim had previously suffered from a stroke. The victim reported the matter to the police and Sehemo was subsequently arrested.

“He was denied bail and in the mitigation of the sentence, his defense read a statement wherein he pleaded guilty as an illustration to express remorse for his action. The victim also took a stand and referred to her ordeal as a painful one, as it was committed by a person she trusted, referring to him as “my son” while giving her evidence,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, arguing that elderly people are vulnerable and must be protected from the likes of Sehemo.

In a passing sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and lamented that society is outraged by rape as it makes them feel unsafe. Zulu further alluded to the responsibility the court has in imposing sentences that will restore the faith of the public in the criminal justice system.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and the investigating officer from the SAPS for a collaboration that yielded a positive outcome.

“Our fight against protecting the most vulnerable members of society will be demonstrated through such convictions”, she added.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in the North West said cabinet reshuffling is imminent and that will take place within seven days. This comes after the swearing-in of its provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West on Tuesday afternoon after the resignation of MPL, Kim Medupe.

The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said they are also in talks with other ANC MPLs to vacate their seats in order to make way for other provincial leaders such as Jostinah Mothibe, Wendy Nelson, and Lazarus Mokgosi amongst others.

“The ANC in the province took a decision to replenish the list. So, we wanted the legislature to actually reflect the ANC provincial leadership that has just been elected. Also, we want to make sure that we strengthen the legislature and have stability.

“Those who will resign will not be thrown out in the cold, but they will be redeployed somewhere strategic to sustain what they are doing. We have not encountered any formal resistance from them and we hope to reach an agreement before the end of this week,” he said.

On reshuffling, Diremelo further said, either the legislature or cabinet in the province should reflect the newly-elected provincial leadership. He added that, they will not use a yardstick to measure performance and evaluate their cabinet members when removing them.

“I will not point out which portfolios are going to be affected. So, reshuffling will be done after our consultative engagements with ANC officials. Just to clear the air, Medupe was not forced to resign and she did that voluntarily.

“She is going to be re-deployed somewhere strategic either in the government or private. Our alliance partners were highly briefed about these developments during our Alliance Council Meeting (ACM). Fortunately, we have found each other and again, there will be a series of meetings afterward,” he said.

Maloyi said he is more than ready to ascend to any position ANC deploys him to.

Meanwhile, NWPL speaker, Sussana Dantjie said: “I have received the resignation letter from ANC MPL, Kim Medupe who was serving as a full-time member of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL). 

“I have also received a letter from the ANC in terms of the Electoral Act 73 of 1990 A Schedule 1 Section 93 (1), which states that in the event of a vacancy in the legislature to which this schedule applies, the party which the vacating member represented must fill the vacancy by nominating a person who is the next qualified and available person on the list.”

She added: “I’ve also checked with the revised list of the ANC as gazetted by the party on gazette number 8425. I am satisfied that, Dumile Patrick Nono Maloyi is the next in line of the party list as submitted by the ANC Provincial Secretary, Louis Diremelo.”

Dantjie further said, the swearing-in is needed in terms of Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of a Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the Legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the Constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC chairperson in North West, Nono Maloyi is allegedly expected to be sworn in as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) today at 5pm. 

The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) speaker, Sussana Dantjie will preside over the swearing-in. Dantjie declared a vacancy after the resignation of ANC MPL, Kim Medupe.

Dantjie said: “The member will be sworn in, in accordance with Section 107 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”

The swearing-in will be conducted at the NWPL Speaker’s Boardroom at 5pm.

Meanwhile, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “We cannot confirm that the ANC provincial chairperson will be sworn-in, but we will communicate should such developments ensue.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Kolong gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung. Go begwa fa Thapelo Mojaki (40) a ne a tsatsanka mosadi wa gagwe, Matshidiso Mojaki (36) yo a ne a sa tlhole a dula le ene ka sekere le go mo lobela dintshi.

Tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Diphalane e tlhola matsatsi ale 9 mono ngwaga.  Go ya ka se sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Thapelo, gape one a tsatsanka ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana ka sekere pele a lebotsa phokoje.

“Re ka netefatsa fa mapodisi a kwa Taung ba batlisisa kgetsi ya polao, ga mmogo le ya go keteka ka maikaelelo a go tsenya dikgobalo. Seno se tla morago ga tiragalo e go begiwang fa Matshidiso a ile a tlhabiwa ka sekere, moo ebileng a feleletsa a latlhegetswe ke botshelo. 

“Go begwa fa moswi a tlhabilwe ke monna wa gagwe, Thapelo ka sekere. Go ya ka dipego, Matshidiso yo o neng a tsamaya le bana ba gagwe ba le bararo eleng basetsanyana ba babedi ga mmogo le mosimanyana go ya tirong fa a ne a tlhaselwa,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Go ya ka Mokgwabone, Thapelo Mojaki one a ikgorotsa mo tseleng le go kopana le moswi. Go kaiwa fa molatofadiwa ane a batla karata ya banka mo go Matshidiso, mme moswi one a mo kaela fa a sa e tsaya.

“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ntsha sekere le go tlhaba moswi, mme one a tlhaba gape ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana pele ga a ka lebotsa phokoje.

“Tiragalo eno, ene ya begwa kwa sepodising, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa mo letsatsing le le latelang. One a tlhageletse ka boripana fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, mme kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e tlhola matsatsi ale supa, fa Thapelo a ka nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile.  

Kgabagare, mokwaledi wa lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Amogelang Matuane are: “Jaaka mokgatlho wa rona wa sepolotiki wa EFF, re netefaditse gore go nna le lephata le le thusang ka dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya bong mo mokgatlhong wa rona.

“Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a lephata leno, ke go samagana le dikgwetlho ga mmogo le dikgetsi tsa tshotlhakako ya basadi le bana. O ka ela tlhoko gore dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana digola letsatsi le letsatsi mo sedikeng sa rona.”

Matuane are, jaanong ha go ntse jalo, ba bone go le botlhokwa gore dikgetsi tseo di bewe leitlho. Are ke ka moo ba ne ba ile kgotlha-tshekelo ka maitlhomo le maikaelelo a go supa kemo-nokeng mo batswa-setlhabelong.

“Ha re bua ka tshotlakako ya bong, ga e diragale fela ko motho yo o sa mo itseng, mme le mogare ga malapa a mantsi tiragalo eo e tsaya karolo. Jaanong, re tlile go ema ba lelapa nokeng gore tshiamiso e diragadiwe kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.

“Jaaka EFF, re tlile go baya kgetsi eno leitlho go fitlhelela tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaaka mokgatlho, rena le bagokaganyi go ralala sedika, mme re ikuela go botlhe ba ba itemogelang tshotlakako ya bong go ka golagana le bone,” Matuane watlhalosa.

O kaile gape fa seo se tlile go thusa thata, gonne ba tlile go buisana le mafapha a farologaneng a puso jaaka lefapha la katlatlelo-loago le go netefatsa fa batswa-setlhabelo ba bona thuso.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayoral luxury BMW X3 will allegedly cost taxpayers R200 000 to fix. This comes after the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe who crashed the official SUV worth over R700 000 allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.   

According to reports, now the municipality allegedly wants to use R200 000 budget allocated for service delivery to fix the vehicle, however, this has caused an outcry within the council. Gaoraelwe, who was on leave and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road in October 2022.

Even though he alleged that he was with his ex-wife and two children, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that, he was with the ‘unknown’ passenger aged 31 in the luxury SUV during the accident.

Now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion of no confidence against him. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office. Nape further said, Gaoraelwe allegedly submitted a contrary affidavit.

“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against the GTLM mayor to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I move on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.

“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.

Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.

“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.

“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the

municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.

However, Gaoraelwe squashed these allegations and said this begins to raise a serious concern about the journalist conducting the inquiry, which is a matter which ought to be looked into and exposed if found to be fiddling to sponsor a certain negative narrative about him.  

“I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.

“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting,” he said.

He said as things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery. Gaoraelwe said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council.

“The speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings are not driven by motions or emotions. The issue of the municipality having submitted the accident report or not may be verified with the administrative arm of the municipality,” he said.

Moipolai failed to respond to our calls and WhatsApp messages before printing this article.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the information at their disposal confirmed that Gaoraelwe was with his ex-wife and children during the accident, however, he failed to explain why the AR suggests that he was only with one passenger.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four suspects aged between 37 and 61 who are suspected members of a syndicate are set to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday for theft and fraud. The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they tried to defraud a local man.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspects allegedly approached unsuspecting contractors and promised them tenders. 

“The victims would then be asked to deposit a certain amount of cash into an account in exchange for a tender. Reports suggest that on 2 November 2022, the suspects who pretended to be North West Provincial Government (NWPG) employees, approached a victim (53) and promised to award him an R58 million tender on condition that he gives them R40 000.

“Consequently, the victim deposited R20 000 00 and committed to paying the remaining money later. He then informed the police and the suspects were ultimately apprehended by the National Organised Crime Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives after trying to meet up with the suspect,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the units involved for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest. Kwena also urged members of the community to be vigilant of scams such as this one. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com