Residents call for resilience and communism in commemoration of Africa Day 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

Some residents in Taung said it takes cultural identity and pliability to be a true African. They said being an African often encompasses a strong sense of community and collectivism, as well as a connection to traditional customs and practices. 

One of the residents, Dimakatso Modise said Africa is rich with natural minerals that should benefit its people. She further said African countries should show a sense of strong leadership and stop being greedy. 

“We need true leaders who will take the continent to the greener pastures. We continue to be spectators in our own economy, while all minerals are being taken away. Many countries are marred with internal conflicts. 

“So, I will request those leaders to put the needs of African children first. For a typical example, South Africa is rich in natural minerals, but just look at the economy. It is still in white people’s hands and our leaders are doing nothing to change the status quo,” said Modise. 

Another resident, Tshiamo Moeng, shared the same sentiments. Moeng said it is hard to stay in the North West province due to the high rate of unemployment, especially amongst the youth. 

“Taung is rich when it comes to tourism, Agriculture and Culture. We have Taung Skull World Heritage Site, but nothing is happening there. We do have various areas rich with natural mineral resources, but we do not have a single mine in our area. 

“What I have realised is that corruption is rife in South Africa. I think we were supposed to be competing with the first world countries because we are capable. However, that is not possible because of corrupt leaders. Most of them occupy positions for self-interest. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continues to get low results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) year in, year out and that shows lack of leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Lechesa Tsenoli and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo said on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, they join the African continent in commemorating Africa Day.

Tsenoli said this year, the African Union (AU) theme for Africa Day 2024 is: “Educate an African fit for the 21stCentury”. He said they encourage member states to build resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

“Every year on 25 May, Africans commemorate the anniversary of the AU, which was established in Addis Ababa as the Organisation of the African Union (OAU) on 25 May 1963. 

“It was repositioned for the realities of the new millennium and renamed as the African Union in South Africa in July 2002 to, among others, promote the unity and solidarity of African countries, defend state sovereignty, eradicate colonialism, promote international cooperation, and coordinate and harmonise member states’ policies,” said Tsenoli.

He further said this year’s Africa Day coincides with the last days of the 6thparliamentary term and days before the country’s national and provincial elections on 29 May. Tsenoli added that the Africa Day serves as a poignant reminder of the political freedoms gained in South Africa and across the continent and the responsibility to protect and exercise them responsibly.

Masondo said: “Part of the AU’s objectives is achieving the goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and all the other strategic plans aimed at improving the lives of African people in every country on the continent. 

“These goals include, among others, improved quality of life and well-being of all citizens, well-educated citizens and a skills revolution underpinned by science and innovation, healthy and well-nourished citizens, transformed economies, and modern agriculture for increased productivity.”

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North West University student went missing


 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Lomanyaneng request the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Thabang Matolo (20), who resides at Rapitso Section, Lotlhakane village, near Boikhutso. It is alleged that Matolo was last seen by his mother on 6 May 2024, when he left early in the morning to attend classes at the North West University (NWU) in Mahikeng Campus. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Matolo allegedly left the campus at 12:33 and walked towards Mega City in Mmabatho.  

The preliminary investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a cream jean, black jacket with white print all over it, black “Tuffy” shoes and a light blue “sporty” hat. 

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a medium built body, 1.5m in height with no hair. Anyone who may have information regarding Matolo’s whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Andrew Motlhabane 072 0877616 or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111. 

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Two men arrested for murder remanded in custody


By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two men who were arrested for murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition in Klerksdorp remanded in custody until 30 May 2024. Nkululeko Mbekezele Mbatha (24) and Siyabonga Sithole (31) allegedly shot Timotheo Kenntse (29) several times outside his residence in Andrew Street in Klerksdorp on 22 May 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said then suspects allegedly fled in a silver Hyundai. She said the victim was declared dead at the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The fleeing silver Hyundai was traced and stopped by the police in Potchefstroom, near New Machavie on N12 Road. On searching the vehicle, the police found two firearms with ammunition and immediately arrested the duo,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their speedy reaction and collaboration that led to this success. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to remove dangerous weapons from the hands of criminals.

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Absa Bank ATM bombed in Taung


By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Taung said they are investigating a ATM Bombing case. This comes after the ABSA Bank ATM at Taung Complex was bombed on Friday.

The North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the information at their disposal is that, the suspects allegedly overpowered the security guards, tied them up and bombed the ATMs.

It is alleged that, the incident took place at around 02:06am.

“The suspects fled the scene with three bags full of money. It is undisclosed how much it was. No one has been arrested so far, but the investigations are underway,” she said.

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Maloko a Mamusa Karate Organisation a tlhoka matlole go leba kwa Japan 


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mokatisi gape eleng motlhami wa setlhopa sa basha se se ikatisetsang karate kwa motsese-toropong wa Ipelegeng, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, Kabelo Seetelo are o motlotlo ka katlego ya basha ba a ba katisang. Seno se tla morago ga gore, maloko a setlhopa sa gagwe sa Mamusa Karate Organisation ale mabedi, a tlhopiwe go ya go emela naga ya Afrika Borwa kwa toropong ya Tokyo kwa nageng ya Japan ka Phukwi 2024. 

Go ya ka Seetelo, Thapelo Mandlane (12) ga mmogo le Resegofetse Seetelo (12), ba bontshitse bokgabane mo dikgaisanong tse kgale ba di tsenela tsa selegae. Seetelo are Thapelo le Resegofetse, ba ile ba tlhopiwa kwa Durban go ya go emela naga. 

“Bana ba ke ba ba fitlheletseng makgaola-kgang, mme ba ile go tsenela dikgaisano ko toropong ya Tokyo kwa nageng ya Japan ka Phukwi 2024. Jaanong jaaka setlamo, re tlhoka ketleletso ya matlole gore ba kgone go tsamaya. 

“Ba ne ba tsenetse dikgaisano kwa Klerksdorp ka Mopitlwe 2024, mme ba ile ba fenya. Seo se ile sa ba kgontsha go fetela kwa legatong le le latelang kwa Durban, mme le gone ba ile ba tlhopiwa jaaka bafenyi,” Seetelo wa tlhalosa.

Seetelo are ba tlhopilwe go tswa mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, go ya go emela Afrika Borwa kwa Japan, ga mmogo le bagaisani nabo go tswa kwa diporofenseng tse dingwe. Seetelo are ba ile ba tsenela kgaisano gape kwa motsese-toropong wa Mamelodi kwa Pretoria. 

“Le gone koo, ba ile ba fenya. Jaanong, re tshwanetse gore re tsamaye le bone ba le babedi go leba kwa Japan. Re kgaogantswe go ya ka didika tse di farologaneng, mme rona re emetse sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. Go fitlha ga jaana, re lekile go ikgologanya le mafapha a farologaneng jaaka lefapha la botaki, setso le metshameko, ga mmogo le kantoro ya tonakgolo mo porofenseng,” Seetelo wa tlhalosa.

Are ba tlhoka madi a kanang ka R119 000. Seetelo are seo se akaretsa marobalo, dijo, ga mmogo le go tsenela kgaisano go tloga ka di 16-22 Phokwi 2024. 

“Re ya go gaisana le dinaga tse di farologaneng, mme kgaisano e, e tla morago ga dingwaga di le tlhano. Re tla itumela thata fa re tla bona baetletsi ba ba tla re thusang gore re kgone go leba kwa Japan. 

“Mongwe le mongwe o anang le kgatlhego, a ka nteletsa mo dinomorong tsa 0783984037. Re tla itumela thata, gonne seo se tla rotloetsa bana ba bangwe go ka dira ka natla,” Seetelo wa tlhalosa. 

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Baagi ba re ga ba voute ntle le kago ya tsela   


Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Baagi kwa motseng wa Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, ba re ga ise ba fetoge mo tshwetsong ya bone ya gore ga ba ye go tsaya karolo mo ditlhopong tsa bosetshaba ka di 29 Motsheganong 2024. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba tlhalose fa porojeke ya tsela e e kopanyang motse wa bone le tsela-kgolo ya N18, e puwaganngwe. 

Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Itumeleng Pholo are, ba nnile le kopano le baagi, mme ba mina ka nko ele nosi. Pholo are selelo sa baagi ke gore, ga gona sepe seo se diragalang mo porojekeng ya tsela. 

“Ga gona tlhaloso epe e re e neetsweng ke ba ba maleba, mme baagi ba tshotse tshwetso ya go se tseye karolo mo ditlhopo. Ka di 27 Mopitlwe 2024, gone gona le kopano ya komiti mo motseng. Re ne rena le baemedi go tswa kwa lefapheng, mme ba kaile fa lefapha le sena madi.

“Fela, ba tlhalositse fa lefapha le tla bo lena le madi ka di 2 Moranang 2024. Ba tlhalositse fa ba tlile go simolola ka porojeke, mme ba tlile go ya kwa Bloemhof le Christiana go ya go reka ditene tsa paving le dilwana tse di tla dirisiwang,” Pholo wa tlhalosa. 

Pholo are fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga go nko e tswang le mina. 

“Ke lekile go bua le mafapha a mantsi, mme ga gona tswelelopele. Jaanong, ke feleletsa ke le motho yo o maaka mo baaging. Seno se bontsha fa puso ya rona e palelwa. 

“Jaanong ka kopo le boikokobetso, re kopa tsereganyo pele ga beke e e fela. Baagi ba kgenne, mme ebile ba angwa fela ke tse ba diapering,” Pholo wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa lefapha la ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, Lerato Gambu are: “Re tlhaloganya seemo sa baagi. Jaaka lefapha, re kopanetse porojeke e le masepala o mogolwane wa Taung. Se se emisitseng porojeke ke matsapa are a itemogelang mo thekong ya dilwana tse di dirisiwang go aga tsela.

“O tla tlhaloganya gore porojeke e, ke enngwe e e tlisiwang ke lefapha, ga mmogo le masepala go ka tokafatsa ditsela mo di masepaleng tsa rona. Jaanong ga go bonolo go bona gore e tlile go jela puso bokae. Bo nnete ke gore, gone go sena ledi le le beetsweng thoko go ka aga tsela e.” 

Gambu are lefapha la gagabo le tlile go tswelela ka go neelana ka dilwana tse di tla dirisiwang go aga tsela e, mme tsone di tla jela lefapha la gagabo madi a kanang ka R2 million. 

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A teacher accused of raping two learners remanded in custody


  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A teacher (47) who is accused of raping two learners aged 12 and 14 at Thakadu Primary School in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad remanded in custody until 24 May 2024. Rabane Tladi, who is also a DJ, was arrested on Tuesday after the principal and mother of the two learners registered cases at the Wolmarastad Police Station. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspect would allegedly ask the two minors to help him carry books or go and fetch something at his office, where he performed sexual acts.

It is alleged that Tladi will expose his private parts and use his fingers to penetrate these learners.

“He was arrested at the school on 16 May 2024. Tladi was remanded in custody for formal bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said it is sad that the victims were allegedly abused by someone, who was supposed to protect them. 

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NPA’s hearing to revoke ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula’s R50 000 bail to resume on Wednesday  


 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s application to the North West High Court to revoke bail of the ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula, will be heard on Wednesday. 

This comes after allegations that Kula has contravened his bail condition, by approaching witnesses and persuading them to change their statements provided to the state. 

Kula is currently out on R50 000 bail granted by the North West High Court, following his appeal on the Orkney Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail. He was ordered to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station and provide the investigating officer with his work itinerary. 

The then NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said in a statement: “He was also supposed to report to the Investigating Officer, if he moves outside his residential jurisdiction. Kula should not have direct or indirect contact with his children. 

“The police reports reveal that Kula’s wife, Jennifer Mohlomi, was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery. She was found with a stabbing wound on her back, but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. 

“The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention. The accused told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.”

Mamothame said following thorough investigations by the police, Kula was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023. 

He further said the accused was charged with murder, defeating the ends of justice, Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, making false statements and affidavits, and conspiracy with any other person to aid or procure the commission of murder.

The NPA said the application for bail cancellation is ongoing. According to the NPA, the state led evidence of the Investigating Officer today and the matter will continue on Wednesday.

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Democratic Alliance stalwart, James Selfe dies 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of the Democratic Alliance (DA) stalwart, James Selfe, who passed away late this afternoon. The DA leader, John Steenhuisen said Selfe departed peacefully, while surrounded by his family and loved ones, following a lengthy battle with illness.

Steenhuisen further said they would like to extend its sincerest condolences to those close to Selfe. He added that as DA, their thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sheila and three daughters, Chloe, Stephanie and Emma during this difficult time.

“Selfe led a quietly influential life in contemporary South African political history, having made an immense contribution to South African democracy. In the late 70s and 80s, Selfe worked tirelessly as a researcher for the DA’s forerunner, the Progressive Federal Party, to combat divisive and regressive apartheid laws by the National Party in parliament. 

“He then served as the party’s communications director, later becoming an executive director. Upon his election to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in 1994, he served in the Constitutional Assembly, participating in the drawing up of South Africa’s democratic constitution,” said Steenhuisen. 

He said over his nearly 30-year parliamentary career, Selfe served on various portfolio committees, most notably the Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, where his oversight of South Africa’s judicial system was crucial to ensuring that fairness and accountability were always upheld in South African society. Steenhuisen said, however, it is Selfe’ work for his political home, the Democratic Party (DP) and later the Democratic Alliance (DA), which solidified his legacy as a true democratic stalwart. 

“Through his service to three federal leaders as the party’s first chairperson of the federal council, Selfe operationalised the establishment and fortification of the DA as South Africa’s formidable official opposition.

“Selfe help fine-tune the party’s systems and processes, tightening its federal constitution and turning the fast-growing DA into a modern, internationally-renowned African liberal party of rules and fairness,” he said.

Steenhuisen said more crucially, Selfe pioneered the DA’s lawfare programme responsible for some of the most groundbreaking legal judgements in post-democratic history, setting a variety of legal precedents, which strengthened public accountability in our young democracy.

He said from the Zuma spy tapes, to Nkandla, to blowing the whistle on state contracts awarded to Bosasa, Selfe led the charge against corruption and maladministration leveled against the South African people by some of the governing party’s most unethical figures. 

“Selfe was always committed to building and sustaining a democracy in which transparency and accountability would ensure that our government served its people, and not the politicians holding the reins.

‘In many ways, Selfe was a pioneer in South African opposition politics, because he was one of the first politicians in post-democratic history to begin the work of opposing the unfettered power of the ANC’s majority, and turn South Africa into a living, breathing democracy where the opposition took up its role as society’s ultimate watchdog,” said Steenhuisen. 

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Police officers in North West urged to seek professional help instead of committing suicide 


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The police in the North West are urged to use available services of the South African Police Service’ Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) to get psycho-social support. This comes after two police officers allegedly killed themselves over the weekend. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in Dithakong village, outside Mahikeng, a Warrant Officer (58), who was attached to Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP), allegedly shot and killed his wife (46), then turned the gun on himself. 

“The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Lomanyaneng Police Station registered murder and inquest dockets for investigation. According to information, the couple was found in the bedroom. 

“The wife was certified dead at the scene, while the husband was taken to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. However, he was certified dead at the hospital. The motive of the incident is unknown,” said Mokgwabone.

He further said in Potchefstroom, a Lieutenant Colonel (50) attached to the Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT), allegedly shot and killed himself along New Machavie Road, outside Potchefstroom on Sunday morning. 

Mokgwabone added that no foul play is suspected and the inquest docket has been opened for investigation.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the three deceased persons.

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