A 38 YEAR-OLD MAN arrested for allegedly killing a five months-old boy with a spade. According to the North West police, a commotion ensued between the mother (16) of the baby and her uncle at Extension 4, Kgakala Township in Leeudoringstad on Saturday.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the uncle then went outside, came back with a spade and tried to assault the niece. Funani said, however, the uncle ended up hitting the baby boy whom her mother was carrying on her back.
“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.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for murder,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and applauded the police for their swift reaction that led to the arrest.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari along with one of the beneficiaries/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari for donating 20 animal-drawn carts worth R780 000 to Dibono and Manawa villages outside Mahikeng just in the face of poverty.
Last week, Lehari donated donkey carts to some residents and said these villagers use this mode of transport to clinics, shops, and learners who are traveling about 20km to school in Masutlhe village.
“Our government remains committed to touching the lives of citizens and focus on the rural areas of the province. This mode of transport has been used for years back.
“It is a very reliable mode of transport when you take good care of these donkeys. Please, feed them and maintain the carts too. These 20 animal-drawn carts were locally manufactured and created a number of jobs for the local communities,” he said.
Lehari further said, the appointed service provider, LKT Business Enterprises has transferred skills to two local residents, who will maintain and repair the carts for three years with the expense of being paid by the department, through the service provider.
The 2 seaters cost the department R32 500 each, while the 4 seater is R45 500 each.
The DA’s spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in North West, Freddy Sonakile said they are appalled by this decision.
“Instead of developing roads and transport infrastructure, building clinics and schools within reach of the community, the provincial government donates donkey carts.
“Lehari unashamedly arrived at the villages with his convoy of blue light German luxury vehicles to donate donkey carts to beneficiaries within the community to use as a mode of transport to clinics, shops, and a school, which is 20 kilometres away in a neighbouring village,” Sonakile said.
He added that this is an indictment on the government. Sonakile said learners of Dibono and Manawana are expected to travel in donkey carts over a gruelling distance of 20 kilometres twice a day, sometimes in adverse weather conditions, yet this department is also responsible for managing the scholar transport system in the province.
“Lehari has demonstrated yet again that the provincial government does not have a plan to address socio-economic injustices rural communities continue to endure, but would much rather keep rural villages primitive.
“We will submit questions to Lehari to explain the total number of carts to be procured over three years, the total financial cost of the contract, whether a feasibility study was conducted, and how the beneficiaries were identified and selected,” said Sonakile.
He said they will also ask the department what it will do to ensure adequate scholar transport for the learners of both Dibono and Manawana villages.
Picture: Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung, allegedly refuses to honour the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)’s verdict.
This comes after the school ‘unduly’ terminated the contracts of four individuals, who were working as Education Assistants (EA). According to one of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) beneficiaries, Karabo Morwe (23), her contract was terminated because she was pregnant.
“I applied for the programme hoping to get meaningful experience. However, I was so devastated my contract was terminated disruptively simply because I was pregnant.
“I was working as Educator Assistant and the principal said I was not fit to work. She also said she was more concerned about the health of the pupils and my safety. Even though I explained to her that being pregnant does not necessarily mean I am disabled,” Morwe said.
She said they took their matter to CCMA to seek recourse because they feel that the decision to terminate their contracts was unfair. Morwe said, now the CCMA has ruled the matter in their favour and the school must refuse to pay.
“The school owes me R20 200 and I would be happy if the principal pays up. I really need that money because I have a baby to take care of now. So, that money will come in handy,” she said.
Another Teacher Assistant whose contract was terminated because of sharing a surname with an SGB member, Ontlametse Makgwe (26) shared the same sentiments.
“My contract was terminated in April 2022 because I shared the surname with one of the SGB members. The principal said there was a circular that is out and it said those who are related to any staff member, SGB or teachers should recuse themselves from the programmes.
“Unfortunately, I was sharing a surname with one of the SGB members even though we do not know each other. According to my understanding, the woman in question is married to the Makgwe family,” Makgwe said.
The North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the department has received the outcome of the CCMA and they have referred the matter to their labour unit for advice.
“So, if we challenge the ruling, it will depend on the assessment from the labour unit. However, for now, we can just indicate that the matter has been referred to our labour unit. The decision will be taken after that process has taken place,” Malindi said.
Meanwhile, the CCMA Director, Advocate Cameron Morojane said: “The award in this matter was issued on 25 September 2022 ordering the payment by the respondent by no later than 30 September 2022. The applicants may approach the CCMA’s Vryburg office for further assistance in this regard.
“The enforcement of the arbitration in accordance with Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), provides an effective and accessible way to enforce an arbitration award, where the award has not been complied with.”
Morojane further said, the award can be enforced as if, it was an order of the Magistrate’s Court scale. He added that, Section 143 (1) of the LRA says, an arbitration award issued by the commissioner is final and binding.
“It may be enforced as if, it was an order of the Labour Court in respect of which a writ has been issued. There is no longer a need for employees, who have had awards issued in their favour to approach the Labour Court for a writ of execution in the event of the employer’s non-compliance with the award.
“An arbitration award that orders the payment of a sum of money, (e.g: compensation, must be enforced or executed as if it is an order of the Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend (33) in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect and the victim, who are both residing at Lotlhakaneng village had an argument on 30 October 2022.
Funani said the argument ensued after the girlfriend refused to accompany him to Kimberley in the Northern Cape. She further said, the boyfriend allegedly visited the girlfriend at her home on Wednesday and stabbed her in her upper body.
“He then fled the scene and went to his employer’s house in Matlhonyane village. Consequent to being told about the incident, the employer called the police, who arrested and transported the suspect to a local hospital after he told them that he drank poison after stabbing his girlfriend.
“The suspect is currently under police guard at the hospital and is expected to appear in court as soon as he is released,” said Funani.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident. Kwena congratulated Lomanyaneng Detectives for acting fast in arresting the suspect to ensure that he faces the full might of the law.
Meanwhile, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We agreed to develop a National Strategic Plan (NSP) to guide our national response, to coordinate the various sectors involved in the fight against GBV, to strengthen the state’s response, and to align the efforts of government, the private sector, and civil society.
“We decided to embark on a number of interventions to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in our country. The first step was the development of a GBVF Emergency Response Action Plan in 2019.”
Ramphosa added that, he requested Parliament’s presiding officers to call a special joint sitting of both houses of Parliament to announce the action plan. He said the plan was embraced by members of Parliament representing all political parties.
“This was a significant moment in that GBVF was seen as a non-partisan matter on which all political parties demonstrated their preparedness to act together to address this scourge.
“This was followed by the release in April 2020 of the National Strategic Plan, which had been carefully drawn up together with civil society. Yet, despite our efforts, violence against women and children continues unabated in our country,” he said.
SIX men were sentenced to handed hefty sentences by the Vryburg Regional Court following a foiled armed robbery. Kagiso Jeremiah Mothibe (33), Benny Mooketsi (37), Khulekile Brian Maphati (38), Thabo Mokone (39), and Tshepo Charles Modise (49) were arrested on 26 July 2018 by Vryburg Public Order Policing (POP) after a tip-off regarding a planned armed robbery.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The accused were all found inside a BMW with a false registration number. The vehicle was parked opposite Capitec and Absa banks in Vryburg. Following a search of their vehicle, ammunition and firearms with obliterated serial numbers consisting of a Remington 9mm pistol, an Arcus pistol, a Glock pistol, a CZ 75 pistol, and an LR rifle were found.
“The firearms and the vehicle were seized for further investigation. The Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng took over the investigation.”
Rikhotso said further probing into the incident revealed that the vehicle that the accused persons were driving had been reported stolen in Mondeo in June 2018. She said one of the accused was allegedly also linked to another incident of hijacking.
“During the first appearance, the bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody until they were ultimately convicted. Maphati was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice.
“Other four accused were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the police for arresting the accused. Mbotho said this sentence will surely send a strong message to criminals.
Picture: Prisoners at Correctional Service Centre/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 52-YEAR-OLD man from Kolong village, near Taung, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping a girl.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the evidence presented in court revealed that Ratiki Radebe raped the victim several times between December 2020 and March 2021.
“Radebe is said to have worked at a cattle post near the victim’s home, and he would on various occasions request to charge his cell phone there. He would occasionally also give them milk at times.
“The victim’s ordeal was discovered when she spent a night at the accused place. She was later found next to a nearby river by a villager. The victim then reported her entire ordeal to her mother and a rape case was reported,” he said.
In mitigation, Mamothame said the accused said living with the knowledge that he took the virginity of the victim is punishment. He further said, Radebe told the court that, the victim approached him and requested to be his second wife.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She argued that the accused took advantage of the trust the family had in him including of the helpless minor.
Magistrate Bhuti Zulu agreed with the state as he found no compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from imposing life imprisonment on Radebe.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and Detective Sergeant Tolamo Ketlhoilwe for their collaboration in achieving a successful conviction.
“The protection of children against such heinous offenses is critical, hence a united front is necessary to root out perpetrators and place them in jail where they belong”, she concluded.
Picture: Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, who has been appointed as the NHTKL/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The chief of Barolong Boo Rapulana in Lotlhakane village, near Mahikeng, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). Seatlholo, who was the deputy chairperson of the NHTL for seven years prior to his appointment as the chairperson, succeeds her Majesty, Nkosikazi Dorothy Mhla.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated him. Maape said Seatlholo is well deserving of this appointment as he has demonstrated dedication and commitment to issues of traditional leadership, culture, and the development of rural communities.
“We are delighted at Seatlholo’s appointment as this is a great achievement for the province and the nation at large. We must remember that traditional leaders are custodians of our cultures and traditions.
“They are very important to us as a government, particularly in ensuring that we address a number of service delivery challenges in our communities. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Seatlholo has our full support and we wish him well in his new role,” he said.
Maape further said that Seatlholo will execute his new role diligently as he continues to relentlessly serve the people of this country. He added, the North West Provincial Government is proud of Seatlholo’s installation in this position.
Setshwantsho: Bese e petla ditlhako morago ga go amega mo kotsing ya tsela
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
Mokgweetsi wa bese ya setlamo sa Pumatra e e amegileng mo kotsing ya tsela magareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 ga mmogo le Lokgabeng gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, are o kokotlegela sentle.
Tsietsi Segosapelo are, o bone dikgobalo tse di botlhotshwana fela, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong ga mmogo le bapagami ba ba farologaneng.
Tiragalo e, ke ya mo mosong wa Labobedi.
Go ya ka dipego, mokgweetsi wa bese yo o ne a tswa Pampierstad, mme a tsamaya ka tsela e e fetang ka motse wa Mocweding, o ne a kgweetsa mo tseleng ma gareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 le Lokgabeng fa a ne a kopana le tekesi e eme mo gare ga tsela.
Go kaiwa fa Segosapelo a ne a leka o e efoga tekesi eo, mme a latlhegelwa ke taolo ya bese.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta, Tryphosa van Rooyen are, bese eo, ene e pagamisitse bapalami ba ka nna 40.
“Go ya ka dipego, bese eo ene ya phetoga morago ga gore mokgweetsi a latlhegelwe ke taolo. Babagami bagwe ba bone dikgobalo tse di masisi fa ba bangwe ba iponetse fela tse dibotlhotshwana.
“Bapagami bao, ba ne ba rwalelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae. Kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatswa le go ikgatholosa meloa ya tsela e butswe, mme dipatlisiso di tsweleletse,” van Tryphosa wa tlhalosa.
Picture: North West Social Development’s Head of Department, Relebohile Mafokane/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
A dark cloud continues to be hovering over the Head of Department (HoD) of North West Social Development, Relebophile Mafokane. This comes after allegations that Mafokane, who is earning R1.5 million per annum does not have relevant qualifications for the position.
According to the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Mafokane’s appointment was allegedly rubber-stamped by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, despite Mafokane possessing no apparent qualification beyond a matric certificate.
According to the Mail & Guardian, they have established through an internal note from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), that Mafokane only had a matric certificate when he began his five-year term in May last year.
Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development refused to process an Annual Performance Plan (APP) signed off by Mafokane.
The chairperson of the committee, Gavin Edwards said: “We are disappointed that the outstanding matters relating to the questionable appointment of Mafokane have yet to be addressed.
“We had several interactions with the department trying to resolve the matter. So, we decided to return the department without processing the 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan.
“The decision was taken based on the uneasiness of members of the Portfolio Committee to hear and deliberate on a report signed off by a HOD whose appointment is currently still in question,” Edwards said.
He further said, there is a written communication between the committee, North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, and North West Premier, Bushy Maape which last received attention in June 2022.
“It has become clear that this matter has been outstanding as far back as June 2022. The matter of the legality of the HOD’s appointment has been raised by the committee during previous committee meetings and more recently in media reports.
“The lack of progress on the matter poses serious possible financial risks to taxpayers’ funds, therefore, we will not continue to deal with the HOD until the matter is resolved,” said Edwards.
He added that, the committee resolved to hand over this matter to the relevant Portfolio Committee overseeing the Office of the Premier, in ensuring that the legislature carries out its mandate of oversight over the department. Edwards said the committee further invited the Mafokane to provide his version of events before it.
“We hope that the truth will finally come to the fore and if proven to be correct. All those involved from the accused to those who appointed him and those involved in this matter and failed to do due diligence, will be dealt with appropriately,” said Edwards.
A 46-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly killing two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday, is a free man. This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Taung Magistrate’s Court struck the case off the roll on Monday. It is alleged that a commotion ensued between Tebogo Morokgweng and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35), and Joseph Loeto (48) over R20.
The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “According to the docket, the deceased’s girlfriend, who is the only witness was owed R20 by Morokgweng.
“On that day, at around 7pm, the deceased saw the accused and approached him demanding R20 that is owed to his girlfriend by the accused and an argument ensued,” Mamothame said.
He further said, the deceased and the accused engaged in a fight and this happened in the presence of the witness and her son (5). Mamothame added, the witness allegedly reprimanded the deceased to leave the accused alone.
“She allegedly told the deceased that, she will get her R20 after the social grants and took the child to the house. While in the house, she heard the deceased saying, he has been stabbed.
“Then the second deceased, who was in the house went outside and said his brother cannot be stabbed like. The witness went outside the house as well and saw her boyfriend lying next to the gate,” said Mamothame.
He said the witness also saw the second deceased lying on the ground a few metres from the house. He said, however, the deceased’s girlfriend did not witness the stabbing of both deceased persons.
“The police were called to the crime scene and observed the two deceased persons. Next to the first deceased, there was a knife, while there were a bottleneck, a broken knobkerrie, and a knife in the possession of the second deceased.
“According to the arrest statement, the accused had multiple head injuries. Morokgweng went to Taung Police Station to open a case of Assault GBH. So, in the absence of an eyewitness, it is not clear what transpired at the crime scene,” he said.
Mamothame said at this stage, it appears that there is a ground of justification, so the docket was referred back to the police for further investigations.
