Kona was invited to a meeting at the Guptas’ Saxonwold, Johannesburg, home on October 29 last year by Siyabonga Mahlangu – “special counsel” and adviser to Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba.

Mahlangu, who yesterday said he “reserved his rights”, confirmed introducing Kona to Sahara, a Gupta company, but denied any knowledge of the cash offer.

The Sunday Times has been told that Mahlangu sat through the 40-minute meeting during which the younger Gupta brother, Rajesh, also known as Tony, made the offer.

Also present at the meeting were a son of President Jacob Zuma, Duduzane Zuma, and Tshepiso Magashule, a son of Free State premier Ace Magashule.

Zuma could not be reached for comment. Magashule yesterday “recalled” the meeting, but denied knowledge of an offer to Kona.

He said: “No, my brother, you can’t just give half a million for nothing … is this the Lotto or what? SportStake? I remember the meeting. I was there.”

The Sunday Times has spoken to several additional sources who had knowledge of the meeting.

Upon arrival at the meeting, Mahlangu introduced Kona to “our brother”, Tony Gupta.

They shared a cup of Indian tea and Kona was congratulated on his appointment – at that stage he was chairman and acting CEO, following the departure of Siza Mzimela on October 8.

Then Gupta allegedly told him they were “brothers,” that “times were tough” and there was R100000 available for him. Kona asked what this was for and told Gupta that he did not need the money. Gupta allegedly upped the offer to R500000.

For more details go to http://www.timelive.co.za

Traditional leaders to continue playing a key role as community advocates in articulating needs and expressing grievances towards mobilising support for a fundamental cause in various communities.

Speaking during her opening of the provincial house of traditional leaders in Mahikeng on Thursday, Modise said the role of traditional leaders was the most significant feature of traditional communities.

“The task of building a democratic state requires that what is envisaged in the democratic dream is shared by all.

“The task of strengthening and consolidating democracy requires the participation of all leaders, including traditional leaders,” said the premier.

She called on traditional leaders to focus on the struggle against HIV and Aids.

“You have the respect and authority to influence people’s views and practises on all issues.

“We trust in the battle against HIV and Aids you will advocate for change in the most personal behaviours, such as sexuality.

“Let us mobilise the communities to take HIV and Aids tests so that they know their status.

“The sooner the better.

“Medical intervention could be timeous and more lives could be saved,” she said.

The premier further noted and spoke about the five year strategic plan incorporating government priorities aimed at nation building, rural development and preservation of indigenous heritage.

She asked the traditional leaders to work with relevant provincial departments, municipalities and the private sector to look into reviving cultural heritage.

“Traditional leaders must organise and participate in festivals that celebrate our traditional songs and dance. The importance of our songs lie in the fact that they contain a lot of history and stories dealing with values and morals,” said Modise.

She encouraged traditional leaders to participate in local initiatives aimed at monitoring, reviewing and evaluating government programmes in traditional communities.

“Over the past years there have being concerns about the illegal initiation schools that have been cropping up in the North West province.

Some of these even resulted in cases of deaths, abductions and botched circumcisions,” said provincial government spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele.

Expressing his support for the premier’s anti-rape million signature campaign, provincial chairperson for the house of traditional leaders, Prof Madoda Zibi said chiefs, as custodians of culture, values and traditions, pledged support to the premier’s leadership.

He committed that traditional leaders in the province will support any initiative meant for the development of communities by the provincial government.

Johannesburg – National police commissioner Riah Phiyega believes she is the target of criticism because she is a woman, the Sunday Times reports.

“Why, when Phiyega comes it becomes a huge debate? The president can appoint a man or a woman to control and manage the organisation and I had the requisite skills,” she was quoted as saying.

“Are we having a veiled gender debate? What is the discomfort? You can feel that there is a sense of discomfort but what is it… I’m trying to unmask the discomfort.”

Phiyega said her predecessors, Bheki Cele and Jackie Selebi, had never received the same harrowing attention during their tenure.

“In the 100 years of the history of the police they introduce a woman. Is that a challenge? I don’t know, I don’t have the answer.”

Phiyega came under the spotlight in recent months after several cases of police brutality.

In Marikana, North West, 34 striking miners were shot dead by police on August 16 last year.

Phiyega testified before the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating the shooting, on Thursday.

She would appear before it again this week.

On February 26, Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia was dragged behind a police van in Daveyton and later died in police cells.

A video of the incident was posted on the internet.

Nine officers allegedly involved in the dragging and his death are facing charges in court.

This week, a North West policeman was arrested for allegedly dragging a court interpreter with his van in Setlopo village. – Sapa

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Sunday warned police officers to adhere to their code of conduct, SABC news reported.

“We have a very big task on our shoulders of keeping our public safe. I just want to remind you that through your code of conduct you have a responsibility to help other members who may have wrong intentions which are not lawful.”

He was speaking at the Lomanayaneng police station at Mahikeng, in the North West, after visiting court interpreter Morgan Mohlala.

A police officer allegedly assaulted Mohlala and dragged him about 100m alongside a police vehicle in Setlopo Village, Mahikeng, on March 7. He sustained injuries to his feet.

Mthethwa commended North West commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo for suspending a sergeant who was allegedly involved.

The sergeant appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Friday and remains in custody.

He was expected to apply for bail on Wednesday. – Sapa

North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed shock and condemned in the strongest terms the farm attack in which a 67-year-old farmer was murdered and his wife was allegedly assaulted on their farm outside Ventersdorp on Sunday morning.

Premier Modise has urged police to intensify their effort to work closer with the farming community to prevent farm attacks and to speedily arrest those responsible for the violent attack.

“We call on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous crime are behind bars. Perpetrators of violence against our farming community, particularly the vulnerable elderly should have no place in society but be permanently removed,” said the Premier.She also appealed to the public to come forward with information which might assist police in their investigations. According to police, Two men confronted the farmer outside his house on the farm shortly before 10:00.They reportedly hit him over the head and dragged him into the house and attacked his 64-year-old wife they found in the house. It was believed that they also raped her.

The men tied her up and fled with two cellphones. She managed to free herself and found help on a neighbouring farm. SAPS-North West Spokesperson Brigadier Thulane Ngubane

  says that the farmer died on the scene while his wife was recovering in hospital in Klerksdorp.

Police suspect the motive for the attack was robbery and have launched a manhunt for the assailants who were still at large

By Obakeng Maje

Madibogo-Police arrested a 21-year-old woman for stabbing her uncle to death. 

The incident occurred on Friday at about 15:35 police said. 

“It is alleged that a suspect and the victim were arguing about the suspect’s visitor who did not want to leave the suspect’s house” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“The suspect stabbed the victim once in his chest and he died on the scene” she said. 

The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. 

She is expected to appear before Atamelang Magistrate Court on Monday.

By Obakeng Maje

Ventersdorp- A 59-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly raping his 27-year-old mentally handicapped stepdaughter police said. 

The incident occurred thursday in Ventersdorp. 

“It is alleged that the victim’s mother left the her in the house with the suspect and went to the shop” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“A suspect allegedly raped her and she was found half-naked and crying hysterically” funani said.  

A suspect was later arrested and charged with rape police said. 

A 59-year-old suspect is expected to appear before Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg-North West police arrested a 22 year-old suspect for raping a teen on friday in Blydeville. Police said that the victim was allegedly from at tavern walking with her boyfriend when three men approached them. 

“Allegations further state that a suspect grabbed a 16 year-old girl and took her to his shack where he raped her” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“A suspect was arrested yesterday. And is expected to appear before Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday” Funani said.

By Obakeng Maje

Setlagole-Police arrested a 21-year-old suspect after a murder of a 23-year-old victim. 

The incident happened yesterday at about 01:30 am North West police said. 

“It is alleged that a suspect and the victim who both from Setlhwatlhwe Section had an argument that led them to fight” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“Allegations further state that the suspect stabbed the victim in the neck and the victim died on the scene” she said. 

A case of murder was registered and a suspect is expected to appear before Atamelang Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. 

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Ventersdorp-Police are investigating a case of murder,attempted murder and house robbery after two suspects attacked and killed a 67 year-old farmer at his house in Sterkstroom near Ventersdorp.

The incident took place on sunday police said.

“Two unknown suspects allegedly attacked a 67 year old man at his house in a farm. While assaulting a man,the wife of a farmer saw them” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

The suspects allegedly pounced on a 64 year-old woman after they dragged a man into the house where two cellphones were stolen.

Police suspects a woman was allegedly raped in the attack and they still waiting for result.

“The suspects tied up a woman before fleeing the crime scene. A 64 year-old woman managed to untied her and ran for help at the nearest farm” police said.

She was taken to Klerksdorp for medical attention.

Police are searching for unknown suspects and request for anyone with information that could lead the police in arresting two suspects to come forward.

 A 67 year-old man died on the scene after being attacked by hard object and investigations continue.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews