Arson case against seven suspects postponed


Picture: Seven suspects who were arrested for arson

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung has been postponed to 29 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The state is expected to call the police officers who attended the crime scene to the stand to testify.

The trial on the matter commenced on 17 October 2023.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.

The police arrested the seven accused in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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The sluggishness of D201 road construction project disconcerting


Picture: The D201 road construction project/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Taung said the sluggishness of the D201 road construction project is disconcerting. This comes after the North West Department of Public Works and Roads announced that, the road construction project that was slated to be completed in November 2023, will be re-scheduled to February 2024.

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said, indeed the project will not be completed on the scheduled time due to the delayed access to the borrow pit.

“Other reasons are disruptions during the selection and appointment of local SMMEs, in climate weather conditions, which lead to delays in construction works and delays in seal construction due to winter embargo,” he said.

However, DA’s Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sello Seitlholo said: “As the DA in Greater Taung, we have once again undertaken oversight at the D201 road construction project, which is 60km road running from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng village.

“It is absolutely shocking that the department will now miss its November 2023 deadline to complete the 24km road, which is phase 1 from Pampierstad to Mokassa. We have warned the department on a number of oversights that, it will fail to deliver on its mandate to build the sustainable road infrastructure.”

Seitlholo further said, now the residents from various villages have been affected negatively. He added the DA has no doubt that this deadline will also be missed, judging by the current state of affairs the project finds itself in.

“It seems there is no progress that was made from the previous oversight that we overtook last year,” said Seitlholo.

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Gender-Based Violence Prayer Ahead Of 16 Days Of Activism  


Picture: The police and other stakeholders pray against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Col Koliswa Otola said, community members should unite in the quest to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Otola said they will need everyone’s contribution to end the pandemic.

“We hosted the GBVF Inter-Faith/Moral Regeneration Prayer Service at the Galeshewe Traffic Circle on 2 November 2023 under the theme: “Let Jesus say something in the midst of your challenge.”. The event commenced with a motorcade and prayer walk led by male spiritual leaders from Galeshewe Police Station at 9am and proceeded to the Galeshewe Circle.

“The church service was opened with interfaith prayers by different religious leaders and the welcoming address delivered by Frances Baard District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johan Bean,” she said.

Otola further said the Provincial Chairperson for Spiritual Crime Prevention, Rev Shimane Morake shared the same sentiments. She added that Morake outlined the service was focused on GBVF and seen as a build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

“Messages of support were offered by the Moral Regeneration Movement from the Office of the Premier, GAMIFRA, the Rastafarian Community, and the Provincial Community Police Board. Policing GBVF remains one of her priorities in combating crime in the province.

“Efforts are reinforced in order to address all contact crimes. The actions will be more focused, intensified, and enhanced on GBVF during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Festive Season, and beyond by ensuring more boots on the ground,” said Otola.

She said they are working with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Crime Fighting Organisations, Community in Blue Patrollers, and all other relevant stakeholders. Otola said Operation Shanela actions will be enhanced and intensified throughout the province, specifically focusing on hotspot areas.

“The sermon of the day was directed by Presiding Elder Bernett Phoko. Intercessory prayers focusing on GBVF, police safety for the festive season, youth, and substance abuse were also offered by church leaders.

“The day was concluded with the vote of thanks by Major Gen Lekhele, who appreciated the Programme Director, the Provincial Pro-Active Crime Prevention representative, Abraham Tsoone, for spearheading the event in conjunction with all relevant role players, sponsors, and the community,” she said.

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Banna ba kwa Dikhuting ba tshwarwa ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu dile 29


Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le bararo ba go belaelwang ele ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, ba leletswe ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12 kwa motse-setoropong wa  Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp mo letsatsi la gompieno. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi dile 29 tse go belaelwang fa ele tsa bogodu.

Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa dipudi tseo kwa motseng wa Manthe, mme ga fitlhelwa fa ele tsa monna mongwe wa morui, Thapelo “Raider” Katong. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba ne ba le mo tirong, ba ne ba bona sejanaga se se belaetsang, mme ba se sala morago.

“Bane ba se emisa, mme a kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba ne ba fitlhela dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba le bararo ba ne ba tshwarwa, mme ba tla tlhagelela kwa Kgotlha-Tshekelo ya Klerksdorp fa Ngwanatsele a tlhola matsatsi ale 6.

“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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A man injured in hit and run accident!


By OBAKENG MAJE

The Roodepan police are investigating an inquiry following a hit-and-run incident. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the preliminary investigations indicate that, the victim Kagisho Bezuidenhout (22) was walking home with a friend along the Maitland Road to Roodepan when a speeding white VW Golf hit him and sped off.

Sam said the Kimberley Emergency Services (EMS) ferried Bezuidenhout to the hospital for medical attention. He further said the incident occurred on 29 October 2023 at approximately 14:15pm.

“Anyone who might have information that may assist the investigation in tracking down the mentioned vehicle’s driver, can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Moshupiemang Jimmy Bululu on 0735337146 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” added Sam.

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Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe in ‘breach’ of council resolution


Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi to intervene at Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). This comes after the embattled municipality continues to be marred with widespread corruption and maladministration allegations.

The DA councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sam Nape said, they have written a letter to Maloyi, requesting his immediate intervention.

“The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe in defiance of a council resolution, refuses to sign the monthly contract extension for acting Municipal Manager, Motlhaletsimang Andrew Makuapane. The municipality has not had an accounting officer since 21 October 2023.

“We engaged Gaoraelwe on the appointment of the acting Municipal Manager, but our engagements have been ignored. We then approached the Greater Taung Speaker, Grace Moipolai to call a special council meeting to resolve the issue of the temporary appointment of the acting Municipal Manager, but she has blatantly refused to consider our request,” he said.

Nape further said, it appears that both Gaoraelwe and Moipolai are deliberately obstructing the legal requirements of the council to ensure that an acting Municipal Manager is appointed until a permanent appointment is finalised.

He added that the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) also remains vacant.

“Not only do we have a political leadership vacuum, but also an administrative one in the municipality. There is no political or administrative leadership and as a result, the little bit of service delivery has come to a complete halt because of this impasse.

“Gaoraelwe is in breach of a council resolution and under normal circumstances, a complaint for disciplinary investigation would have been sent to Moipolai to refer it for investigation. However, Moipolai herself, is guilty of dereliction of duty and in breach of the Code of Conduct for councillors,” said Nape.

He said the DA therefore calls on Maloyi to intervene to resolve this dispute in the interests of THE Greater Taung residents and to initiate the required disciplinary processes against both the Mayor and the Speaker.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Whip at the municipality, Amogelang Matuane said: “They condemn the wrong approach used to appoint the Municipal Manager. The council took a resolution on 5 January 2023, on which procedure should be followed in appointing the Municipal Manager.

“The council took a resolution that a panel consisting of five individuals should be assembled according to MFMA Schedule 12 of Appointment of the Section Panel for the Appointment of the Municipal Manager and that is Resolution 175/2022-2023.”

Matuane said the council also took a resolution on the advertisement of the Municipal Manager position and the members of the panel. She said those who were appointed, were the mayor as the Chairperson, Member of the Executive Council responsible for Recruitment as designated by the council.

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Arson case resumes in court


Picture: The seven accused in arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung will continue today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The state is expected to call its last witness to testify regarding the events during the torching of three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.

The trial commenced on 17 October 2023 and was postponed until 1 November 2023.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.

The police arrested the seven accused in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Vodacom donates reflector jackets to CPF members


Picture: CPF members receive reflector jackets from Vodacom/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said they welcome the donation of reflector jackets donated by Vodacom to the Community Policing Forum in Kimberly. Sam said Vodacom s one of the integral role players in the Provincial Non-Ferrous Metals Crime Combatting Forum.

“These jackets will be utilised by the provincial CPF Board for easy identification by the public when executing their functions. The jackets were well received by the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Koliswa Otola who was joined by the executive mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Kagisho Sonyoni, the CPF Board Chairperson, Tebogo Molapo and the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi.

“Vodacom representative, Hadley Goliath handed over the jackets and wide brim sun hats. Goliath said that, Vodacom supports the efforts by SAPS and community structures in their fight against crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola, thanked Vodacom for the gesture. Otola said this collaborative gesture maintains public safety and fosters trust, communication and shared responsibility among all partners in the fight against crime.

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Police are looking for missing Kedibone


By OBAKENG MAJE  

The Galeshewe police are appealing to the public to assist them to locate Kedibone Schalk Wyk (7), who resides at 13148 Moledi Street, Bloemanda in Galeshewe, Kimberley.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, it is reported that Schalk Wyk left in the morning of Tuesday, 31 October 2023 to school at Venus Primary School in Roodepan, but never returned home where she was placed in foster care.

Sam said the social worker visited her biological mother, aunt and neighbours, but could not trace her. He further said Schalk Wyk was dressed in grey trousers, white shirt and a black jacket with pink flowers.

“The police are requesting anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of little Kedibone to contact FCS Galeshewe, Detective Lt Colonel Marli Strydom at 082 495 0618 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app.

“The public is once again reminded that there is no waiting period to report a child missing. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Vryburg police are looking for missing Okedutse Itumeleng


Picture: The missing Major Okedutse Itumeleng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Vryburg request the community to assist them to locate Major Okedutse Itumeleng (47). The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, Itumeleng was last seen after work on 27 October 2023 and indicated that, he will be hiking from Vryburg to Johannesburg.

“A search was conducted around Vryburg and surrounding areas without any success. At the time of his disappearance, it is unknown what Itumeleng was wearing. He is light in complexion, 1.5 in height with dark brown eyes and a medium built body.

“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Detectives Commander at Vryburg, Lieutenant Colonel Reuben Masire on 060 987 7589. Alternatively, they can call Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone,” said Funani.

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