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South Africa dominant at the inaugural COSAFA Awards

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Picture: The inaugural COSAFA Awards/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

South Africa dominated the inaugural COSAFA Awards held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday night with local coaches and players taking centre stage. It was a fantastic night for South African football and Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, led the way when she won the Women’s Coach of the Year Award. 

Ellis saw off competition from Zambia’s Bruce Mwape and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Jerry Tshabalala to win the award.

“When I was the captain of Banyana Banyana, we won our first ever trophy at the COSAFA Cup in Zimbabwe. And 15 years later as the coach of Banyana Banyana, we won it again in Zimbabwe. My journey started then, but there are so many people that I have to thank. 

“We thank the South African Football Association (SAFA) for being visionaries, for taking the chance on us female coaches, not just myself, but also our youth teams. To the Banyana Banyana players, I thank you and it’s an attitude of gratitude for everything that you’ve done because I am because you are,” she said. 

Ellis further said they are the ones that go onto the field and make them look good. She added that, to the coaches that have come before, that have laid the platform, to the players that have come before and to her fellow nominees, Bruce Mwape has done fantastically for Zambia and congratulations to them for qualifying for the Olympics. 

“To coach Jerry Shabalala, he’s shown on the continent and at club level there’s no one other than him,” said Ellis. 

Bafana Bafana forward, Percy Tau walked away with the Men’s Player of the Year, Ronwen Williams was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Andile Dlamini won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Thapelo Maseko won Men’s Most Promising Player and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, Rulani Mokwena, took home the Men’s Coach of the Year.

The Egypt-based Tau was not present at the awards and SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan accepted his accolade on his behalf. Jordaan said the COSAFA region has made great strides in the last few years.

“COSAFA has made the most progress last year, which culminated in the recent AFCON, where COSAFA had five representatives. Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, represented our region and made sure that we contributed to the overall success of the African Cup of Nations. 

“When people say that this was the best African Cup of Nations ever, COSAFA and its teams contributed to both the success, the commercial viability and the enjoyment of the tournament. We want to say congratulations to those who were there to share that moment with us,” he said.

Jordaan said in women’s football, the current African champion comes from COSAFA. South Africa, Zambia and Botswana represented COSAFA in the last African Cup of Nations. He said South Africa and Zambia qualified for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and made progress to the last group of 16. 

“In our own region, our men’s competition, the COSAFA Cup, Zambia finished top with 19 appearances. Zimbabwe at 12, South Africa 10, Mozambique 8 and Angola 7. Angola also has made it to the final of the recent FUTSAL tournament, and we want to congratulate them for making it to the final and finishing second in that tournament.

“In the COSAFA Women’s Championship, the Malawi senior women’s team are the current champions. Malawi has competed in every single women’s championship 10 times, tied with Zimbabwe and South Africa and then Botswana and Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” said Jordaan.

He said this showed COSAFA’s balanced approach not only on men’s football, but also in the pursuit and the development of women’s football. Jordaan said, so let them celebrate the achievement together.

Meanwhile, the SAFA Referees Committee Chairperson, Victor Gomes, was named COSAFA Referee Legend, former Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk received a Lifetime Achievement for services as a player. 

Fran Hilton-Smith was awarded a Lifetime Achievement in services to women’s football and veteran journalist, Mark Gleeson was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement in services to the media.

FULL LIST OF COSAFA AWARD WINNERS

MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Percy Tau (South Africa)

WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)

MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Rulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Dr Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

MEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies & South Africa)

MEN’S MOST PROMISING PLAYER

Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

WOMEN’S MOST PROMISING PLAYER

Leticia Chinyamula (Ascent Academy & Malawi)

COSAFA BEST MALE REFEREE

Jerson Dos Santos (Angola)

COSAFA BEST FEMALE REFEREE

Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)

COSAFA MOST PROMISING REFEREE

Tsiaro Randriambololoma (Madagascar)

COSAFA REFEREE LEGEND

Victor Gomes (South Africa)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT FOR SERVICES AS A PLAYER

Janine van Wyk

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO REFEREEING

Felix Tangawarima

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Fran Hilton-Smith

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO COACHING

Sunday Chidzambwa

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICES TO THE MEDIA

Mark Gleeson

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A SERIAL RAPIST GETS THREE LIFE TERMS IN PRISON 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man has been sentenced to three life terms imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane for rape. Tshepo Tshwagong (31) was linked to three cases of rape committed between February 2018 and November 2020 in Phokeng and Boitekong, near Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Tshwagong dragged a woman (29) into the bushes at Rafreddy Section on 7 February 2018, then strangled and raped her. The evidence led in court revealed that, he also raped the second victim (35), on Friday morning (4 May 2018), at Seraleng after dragging her also into the bushes and strangled her. 

“The victim was at the time of the incident, going to work.  In the third incident on Monday morning (11 May 2020), the convict raped a woman (32) at Rafreddy Section, in Phokeng. 

“Similarly, the accused dragged the victim into the bushes, then strangled and raped her. The long arm of the law caught up with the accused on 6 January 2021, for three separate cases of rape and robbery,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said Tshwagong was sentenced to two life terms, 20 years imprisonment for rape and 12 years for robbery. He added that, while serving the sentences, he was linked through the DNA with the 2018 and 2020 cases. 

“Due to overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three life terms. Count two and three will run concurrently with count one,” said Mokgwabone.

In aggravating for sentence the state prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, indicated that Tshwagong is a serial rapist and that he ruthlessly targeted his victims whom he strangled and raped. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, praised the Investigating Officer, Sgt Obakeng Rasego and Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, for their diligence and cooperation, which culminated in the successful prosecution and imposing of maximum sentences on the accused.

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A K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso honoured after ‘cracking’ a case 

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Picture: A K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A passionate K9 handler, Sergeant Gaogakwe Mabaso, was handed a Commendation Certificate, while his Fire Detection dog, Erin received a medal for dedication, commitment and appreciation for canine services. The handing over took place during a weekly Operation Shanela parade at Westpol Square parking on Friday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the memorable moment for Mabaso and his dog began when they assisted in solving a robbery, murder and arson case. Mokgwabone said the crimes were committed in Tlokweng village, Madikwe on 10 October 2018. 

“It was reported at the time of the incident that four suspects stormed into Sunrise shop, then robbed the shop owner of an undisclosed amount of cash and thereafter set the shop on fire. As a result, the victim sustained serious burn wounds and later died at the hospital.

“The Potchefstroom-based Mabaso and his fire investigation dog were called to join the investigation team to determine the origins and cause of the fire.   Investigations were done and evidence collected from the scene and sent to the laboratory for chemical testing. 

“The evidence was later presented in court and all four accused were found guilty in November 2021 and were each sentenced to life for robbery, arson and murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Deputy Police Commissioner for Support Service, Major General Ganasen Naidoo, applauded Mabaso and other team members for their dedication and loyalty they displayed during the investigation process. Nadioo further said this is exemplary and part of positive results they get when proper procedures are followed, investigative aids and resources are efficiently utilised during investigation processes.  

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Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of retired ConCourt Judge, Yvonne Mokgoro  

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Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the passing of a retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Jenifer Yvonne Mokgoro. On 3 April 2023, a South African jurist, was seriously injured in a car accident in the Northern Cape. 

After she was discharged, her family announced that she would step back from her public engagements in order to focus on her recovery. However, she died on 9 May 2024, at the age of 73. 

According to Wikipedia, Mokgoro served on the Constitutional Court of South Africa from October 1994 to October 2009. She also chaired the South African Law Reform Commission between 1995 and 2011. 

“Mokgoro qualified as a lawyer in the former Bophuthatswana and was a legal academic before she was appointed to the bench by President Nelson Mandela. She was born in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberly. 

“Her parents had only a primary education, and she was the first of her siblings to complete high school after matriculating at the local St. Boniface High School in 1970. Her first jobs were as a nursing assistant, a retail salesperson, and then as a clerk in the Bophuthatswana Department of Justice,” said Wikipedia.

It further said in Mokgoro’s early 20s, she was arrested for obstruction of justice after she intervened to object when the police arrested a young man for loitering. Wikipedia added that, although the charge against her was dropped after a brief detention, she was represented by political activist Robert Sobukwe, a family friend who was banished to Kimberley and was one of the few black lawyers in the town. 

“According to Mokgoro, Sobukwe encouraged her to become a lawyer, and she enrolled part-time in legal study shortly afterwards. Balancing her legal study with her full-time work and young children, Mokgoro attended the University of Bophuthatswana (now the North West University), where she completed a BJuris in 1982 and an LLB in 1984.

“On campus, she was active in the South African Students Organisation (SASO) and African National Congress (ANC), which are both anti-apartheid organisations,” said Wikipedia.

It says while studying for her LLB, Mokgoro worked at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court as a maintenance officer and public prosecutor. 

Wikipedia says after receiving her LLB, however, she was appointed a lecturer in the University of Bophuthatswana’s Department of Jurisprudence, where she worked until 1991, rising through the ranks to become an associate professor.

Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said: “The NWU community mourns the passing of Mokgoro – an outstanding alumna, and respected law practitioner. Among her various qualifications, Mokgoro obtained her B Juris Degree (1982) and Bachelor of Laws (1984) from the University of North West (now the North West University).

“The NWU honoured her with an Alumni Excellence Award at the inaugural NWU Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony in 2013. She was an exemplary alumna of the NWU, whose outstanding work has been recognised and celebrated by many institutions in South Africa and abroad.” 

Tyobeka said Mokgoro held membership of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC) and the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and the South African Women Lawyers Association.

“Law has been her passion and her endurance to ensure that all South Africans have access to fair treatment in our courts, made her even more special. She raised the NWU flag very high. 

“Our current students and other alumni can learn from her determination and achievements. We join her family, former colleagues, and friends in mourning her passing, and celebrating her contributions to South Africa and her people,” he said.

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A love triangle leaves a man dead  

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man who killed a Zimbabwean national, Nelson Malumbo (33), was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment by the Keimoes Regional Court. On 20 December 2022, Dingisweni Siphozonke (29), asked Malumbo to accompany him to the veld, where he wanted to gather his sheep. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said upon arrival in the veld, Siphozonke attacked Malumbo, robbed him of his cellphone and stabbed him multiple times in his chest. 

“He left the lifeless body of the deceased in the veld and was discovered the following day. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused assaulted his girlfriend, whom he accused of being in a relationship with the deceased.

“Siphozonke was arrested in Port Saint Johns in the Eastern Cape Province on 18 January 2023. He was remanded in custody during the trial. Siphozonke was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment for murder and robbery,” said Masegela. 

She said Siphozonke was sentenced to 6 months for assaulting his girlfriend. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentencing and lauded the partnership of the investigating officers, Warrant Officer William Mouers and Sergeant Anwor Titus, who assisted him in the investigation.

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North West Parks and Tourism Board employee linked to 51 rhino horns theft granted R5000 bail  

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Picture: 51 rhino horns stolen at North West Parks and Tourism Board office in Mahikeng/Generic 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West Parks and Tourism Board employee, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the theft of 51 rhino horns was granted a R5000 bail. Edwin Thapelo Rangaka (48) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 8 May 2024. 

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Rangaka was arrested at his workplace following an investigation that linked him to a business burglary at the North West Parks and Tourism Board on 26 June 2023, where 51 rhino horns were allegedly stolen. 

“He briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 9 May 2024, facing charges of business burglary. His accomplices, Elias Mangande and Lefa Mankgaba, were arrested in July 2023. Mankgaba is out on bail, while Mangande is still in custody,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrest and commended the sterling investigative work by the members. 

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Two police officers nabbed for alleged stock-theft

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two police officers have been arrested for allegedly being in possession of suspected stolen livestock. Warrant Officer Onkokame Shoboro (46) and Motseothata Ndlovu (25) were arrested after the police received a tip-off. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were allegedly seen transporting several cattle. Mokgwabone further said upon arrest, nine Bonsmara calves worth R80 000, were found loaded in a trailer pulled by a Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkie. 

“The matter was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) members, who conducted a preliminary investigation and finally charged the pair. They both appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said Shoboro and Ndlovu were remanded in custody. He added that their case was postponed to 15 May 2024, for bail application. 

“Shoboro is attached to Bloemhof Visible Policing. The bakkie, which belongs to Shoboro, was confiscated together with the trailer. The lawful owner of the calves has been located,” said Mokgwabone. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, reiterated that there will be no tolerance for employees involved in criminal activities. Kwena applauded the police and ACIU members for their collaboration and quick response that led to the arrest. 

“The police management will not hesitate to deal effectively with dishonest employees who tarnish the image of the service,” he said.

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A fraud and tax evasion against businessman and his employee postponed 

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By STAFF REPORTER 

Fraud and tax evasion against a businessman, Krishna Chetty (66) and his employee, Ravin Ramlall, has been postponed by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to 13 June 202, for pre-trial conferencing. They are facing charges of fraud and tax evasion relating to his company income tax amounting to over R43 million.

The Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Chetty and Ramlall are facing charges of fraud in that they failed to honestly declare the income of Counterpoint Trading 156 CC. He said thereby failed to comply with the statutory duty imposed by Section 25 of the Tax Administration Act. 

“Ramlall allegedly instructed a tax practitioner to misrepresent the company income tax returns of Counterpoint Trading 156 CC between 2018 until 2021, on behalf of Chetty, who is the sole director. 

“Their court appearance follows an investigation by the Investigating Directorate (ID) in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in terms of Section 73 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act no. 121 of 1998,” said Mamothame.

He further said during the period 2018 to 2021, the company received various amounts of money from different business sources. Mamothame added that, in 2018, Counterpoint Trading 156 CC, received taxable income of R26 million, to which it only declared R1 million to SARS. 

“The company received an amount of R10 million in 2019, and only declared R1 million. The trend continued in 2020, to which Counterpoint Trading 156 CC received over R18 million and only declared R1 million. 

“A further amount of R1 million was declared by the company to SARS for an actual taxable income of R16 million received. The two are out on R50 000 bail and they are expected back in court in June when the matter resumes,” he said. 

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24 students at Taung Agricultural College to be conferred 

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Picture: The Agricultural students conferred/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER 

Taung Agricultural College (TAC), through the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD), will on Friday, confer 24 students who have successfully satisfied the requirements of a 3-year Diploma of Agriculture in Irrigation Management.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said this is in a quest to produce qualified agricultural technicians who will take up space in the agricultural sector and serve the communities of the North West. 

Setlhako said this auspicious occasion aims to acknowledge and celebrate the 24 graduates for their endurance throughout their academic journey at the institution.

“The nature of this 3-year Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation is set in a manner to meet and exceed the needs of the industry, as it is also engineering based. 

“Moreover, the students are equipped with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue careers in farming as well as other careers in the agricultural sector, including irrigation technology,” she said.

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ANCVL in North West condemn DA’s flag burning advertisement campaign   

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Picture: The SA flag burning  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

ANC Veterans League in the North West is the latest structure to condemn the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s advertisement campaign depicting South Africa flag burning. ANCVL provincial secretariat, Nat Serache said the advertisement campaign is a disgusting, treasonous, insulting and unpatriotic act. 

Serache further said they were not necessarily surprised by the ‘racist party’s act of national betrayal and disrespect because they know who the DA really are. He added that they did not expect them to expose their true colours in public, as they have done. 

“We know and have always said that the DA is nothing but a relic of apartheid who will stop at nothing to sabotage and reverse the gains of our democratic dispensation. 

“They are dyed-in-the- wool traitors parading themselves in patriotic colours and mouthing patriotic slogans, while they are still caught up in nostalgia for their racist past – apartheid wolves in democratic sheep skins,” said Serache. 

He said the national flag is an expression and a symbol of national unity in their diverse linguistic, cultural and other formations. Serache said it is the embodiment of the reconciliation, which these hypocrites and traitors claim to embrace, while their actions show the direct opposite of what they say. 

“A national flag is used to represent a country without using its name. Burning that flag is tantamount to burning that very country, which it represents. The flag is a national symbol which no right-thinking and self-respecting citizen can desecrate for political expediency.

“To us and all other self-loving South Africans, this flag represents our victory over the abominable apartheid system, which the United Nations had declared a crime against humanity,” he said. 

Serache said it can only be burned by those who are still mourning the demise of apartheid, which (apartheid) was destroyed through the blood, sweat and toil of its victims. He said the DA has never been for democracy or majority rule. 

“We should, therefore, not be surprised if the next thing these remnants of the fascist apartheid regime resort to, is the burning of our constitution. This madness can only be the last kicks of a dying horse. 

“As the saying goes, those whom the Gods seek to destroy, they first make mad. The sooner the moribund DA is relegated to the rubbish bin of history, the better for all South Africans,” said Serache. 

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, shared the sentiments. Kodwa said they condemn in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the DA, which shows the burning of the South African flag.

“On a night in which we celebrated 30 years of sporting excellence at the South African Sport Awards (SASA) with athletes who have raised our flag high, the DA decided to offend and insult the nation by showing a political advertisement depicting the burning of our national flag.

“The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people. The South African flag symbolises unity in our diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of our nation,” he said. 

Kodwa said as a custodian of all national symbols, which include the South African flag, he strongly condemns the DA’s advertisement, which depicts the burning of the South African flag. He said this offends all South Africans who proudly raise our country’s flag sky high and appreciate its representation as the flag of a free, democratic and non-racial nation. 

“I shudder to think what other South African compatriots such as Hellen Suzman, Zack de Beer, and Van Zyl Slabbert, would say about this act of desperation and recklessness demonstrated by the current historical and unpatriotic leaders of DA,” said Kodwa.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has defended its action. The DA Member of Parliament (MP) and national spokesperson, Solly Malatsi said: “The DA notes Kodwa’s flimsy response to our recent political advertisement. Our ad serves as a glaring reminder of the bleak future awaiting South Africa if the DA isn’t elected.

“It’s a stark warning against the looming disaster of a doomsday coalition involving the ANC, EFF and other parties. South Africa will make a crucial decision in the upcoming election and the choice is stark.”

Malatsi said either the voters resuscitate the South African dream to life or watch it suffocate under the weight of corruption. He said there is no coming back from the chaos and collapse that will unfold under a possible ANC/EFF/MK coalition of corruption.

“It’s utterly telling that Kodwa opted to attack our ad, instead of addressing the pressing issues at hand. His feeble attempt to divert attention by dragging in irrelevant legal matters is a transparent and desperate ploy. Let’s not forget that Kodwa himself is currently embroiled in serious corruption allegations, including charges related to a R1.6 million bribe.

“We categorically reject any insinuation that our ad stokes division or hysteria. Quite the contrary, it’s a clarion call for all South Africans to make an informed choice at the ballot box,” said Malatsi.

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