By REGINALD KANYANE

A business robbery case against three men that took place at a Shoprite store in Taung was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 24 August 2022 for a formal bail application.

Three accused, Belcarid Salvadon Malate (39), Mosimanegape John Sebolao (49), and Monnapula Tshabadira, who were arrested on 1 August 2022, will remain in custody.

It is alleged that Malate, Tshabadira, and Sebolao entered the store, while it was about to close and held staff captive. They allegedly robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of money and some belongings.

However, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the police in Taung quickly reacted after receiving a call about a business robbery in progress at the store.

“The Community Service Centre and Crime Prevention Unit members were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival at the scene of the crime, the police found three suspects who were about to exit the store.

“The suspects were immediately arrested and the stolen property was confiscated. A case of business robbery was opened and the suspects appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 17 August 2022,” van Rooyen said.

According to information presented before court, the accused have other pending cases of business and armed robberies committed in Klerksdorp and Vesselbron in Free State respectively.  

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the police for their swift response, which led to the arrests of these suspects.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The police in Taung said they are investigating a case of ATM bombing. This comes after an ATM was bombed in a garage in Pudimoe Township, near Taung on Wednesday morning.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The ATM bombing case is being investigated. On 17 August 2022, an ATM bombing was reported at a garage in Pudimoe.

“The ATM is completely damaged and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. No arrests thus far.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Lokgabeng village, near Taung, said it’s been three months without access to clean and drinkable water. The community members embarked on a protest and barricaded R57 road that links Taung and Reivilo with shrubs and burning tyres.

One of the community leaders, Mothohela Motshabi said, now residents are forced to travel a long distance to fetch water.

“It is being three months since our taps ran dry. We have been trying to solicit answers from the district municipality, but our attempts were futile. We will continue to barricade the road until our grievances are resolved,” Motshabi said.

He further said some residents are forced to use donkey carts to fetch water for household usage, while others have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to buy water. Motshabi added that, life has never been easy as most of the community members are unemployed and cannot afford to buy water sold to them in the village.

It is suspected that decades of chronic underfunding of water infrastructure are putting many villages at worse risk. Other residents urged the municipality to address the investment gap in water and sanitation and refrain from perceiving these services mainly as social issues rather than economic ones.

Meanwhile, the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC), who is responsible for Infrastructure at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Pico Seepamere said: “We have a challenge with water machinery that was vandalised after the cable was stolen. So, we are struggling to find the same model of stolen cable.  

“However, what we have done today is to re-energise another pumping machinery that can pump up to 1.2 litres per second. The one that is broken was able to pump 1.6 litres per second.”

Seepamere said the machinery in place can pump water for ten hours, then take a two hours interval. He added that, when the machinery reaches its highest level, can be able to supply water to all residents of Lokgabeng.

“As the municipality, we are working on a permanent everlasting solution. However, to redeem the situation, we have also provided the residents with jojo tanks.

“We will also have a consultative engagement with residents on Monday, where all stakeholders will be present. I believe that the municipality would procure a needed engine if the needs arise so that our people could get access to clean and drinkable water,” he said.

Meanwhile, the R580 million Taung /Naledi Bulk Water Supply Project launched by the late Minister for Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa back in 2012 is still incomplete. The project was expected to augment bulk water supply scheme and bring relief to thousands of villagers who had to travel long distances to draw water.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two waiting trial detainees, who allegedly escaped from lawful custody at Wolmaranstad Police Station on 13 August 2022, were re-arrested Last night. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said Gomolemo Chacha (24) and Ditshebi Eric Molaetsi (28), escaped together with six other awaiting trial detainees after overpowering a police officer.

“The incident happened at around 16:20 on 13 August 2022. They then took the cell key from the member and ultimately escaped. At the time of escape, the detainees were among others, facing charges of armed robbery, murder, burglary, and domestic violence.

“Six of the detainees were re-arrested between 13 and 14 August 2022, while Chacha and Molaetsi were nabbed last night,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Four suspects were arrested by community members in Maphoitsile village, near Taung on Tuesday for theft. This come after the alleged criminals ransacked the Kobane Middle School by stealing furniture, roof sheets, and door frames.

Kgosi Keaobaka Saku said, even though they have not opened a criminal case, they have arrested four suspects, who were allegedly in possession of stolen goods. Saku said, they still want to engage with other stakeholders before they could open a criminal case.

“We are aware of where those goods are and the people involved. So, we aim to recover those stolen goods and this will need all stakeholders involved. We condemn any subverted, reckless, and irresponsible attempts to vandalise our infrastructure,” he said.

Many schools affected by rationalisation continue to be vandalised across the province. The school was shut down during rationalisation back in 2017.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said she was informed that the school falls under Hartswater Police Station and this could be the reason the case was not opened at Taung Police Station.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Department of Basic Education (DBE) and MP, Angie Motshekgwa said then, that the existence of the micro-schools compromises effective teaching and learning.

“South Africa comprises rural, farm, township, suburban, and urban settlements. Some of these settlements are located in remote areas with very small population sizes. 

“Despite the size of these settlements, the government is expected to provide social services to these communities, in cost-effective ways. Micro schools are a common phenomenon in these small human settlements, some having been developed by the local communities,” she said.

Motshekga further said the existence of these micro schools is that the sector is not able to provide its services cost-effectively. She added that it also compromises the quality of teaching and learning due to multi-grade teaching that becomes necessary, and the unavailability of wide subject choices, especially for secondary school learners.

“Following the problems associated with micro-schools, the Department of Basic Education assessed means by which quality education could be provided in an affordable manner in the immediate and long-term.

“This led to a need to consider closing down some of the micro-schools and merge them with other schools, doing so after extensive technical assessments and inclusive stakeholder consultations have been carried out,” said Motshekga.

She said this was done as part of the school rationalisation and re-alignment process. Motshekga said they have presented the guidelines for rationalisation and re-alignment of public schools – a holistic approach to guide the basic education sector, stakeholders, and service providers on the processes and procedures to be followed when undertaking the school rationalisation and re-alignment processes.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A boy was killed by a vehicle in Modimong village, near Taung. According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma, Loeto Morweng (3) was allegedly playing with other children when he was hit by a reversing car in a yard.

It is alleged that the suspect, who was reversing a car in a yard did not see the deceased. The atrocity took place on Monday. 

“The police can confirm that culpable homicide is being investigated. This comes after the suspect, who was allegedly reversing a vehicle in the yard, hit the child. The suspect’s warning statement was obtained and will be presented to the public prosecutor,” Botma said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The residents at Pudimoe Township near Taung said they do not feel safe anymore because police officers allegedly lock themselves up at night. This comes after some residents allegedly visited the police station and found the gates locked. 

One of the residents, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I was surprised when I visited the police station at around 20: 50 and found the gates locked.

“I had to scream my lungs out before the police could open for me. But why would the whole police station lock its gate after 20:00? I think the police station offers a 24-hour service, but it seems I am wrong.”

 Another resident said running to the police station to report criminal activities in their neighbourhoods at night, will only be a waste of time because the gates are closed.  

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa said: “The Pudimoe Police Station gates were not locked, but only closed as confirmed by the Station Commander. As per instruction, after 6pm, the access to the police stations must be monitored accordingly and therefore gates must be closed and not locked.

“Service delivery will not be hampered since the gates are not locked and if, there is a victim of a crime that needs assistance they are still able to access services as they will be able to enter.”

Van Rooyen said in addition, they request any member of the public who alleged that the gates were locked and had proof, should be referred to the Station Commander in order to receive immediate attention.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A police bakkie was torched by angry community members in Extension 1 in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp. This comes after a missing girl, 10, was allegedly found in the shack next to her home in a company of a man.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the police were informed of a missing girl late at night on 9 August 2022. Myburgh said a missing person’s enquiry was opened and police did preliminary investigations.

“On 10 August 2022, at 10am, the community members mobilised and started to search for the missing girl. At around 4pm, the girl was allegedly found inside a shack close to her home in the company of a male, who was allegedly assaulted by members of the community. 

“The police were summoned to the scene and on arrival, they rescued the man who was subsequently admitted to hospital. According to information, the members of the community, then stabbed and damaged the tyres of the police Nissan bakkie and ultimately torched it,” she said.

Myburgh further said a police officer was injured during a brawl after he was hit by a stone. She added that, the girl was taken together with her mother to Thuthuzela Care Centre for a medical examination.

“At this stage, a case docket has been opened for malicious damage to property and is under investigation,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned in the strongest possible terms an attack on police. Kwena expressed his displeasure about the incident and urged the community to work together with the police in the fight against crime through recognised structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF).

“The attack on police is an attack against the state and the damage caused will have a negative impact on service delivery,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A case against 87 illegal miners arrested at Shaft 2 in Orkney on 21 October 2021, has been postponed to 6 September 2022 by Stilfontein Regional Court for dockets and consultations. The accused, who are in police custody, intend to apply for bail and have since appointed a different attorney to represent them just for this application.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said they initially abandoned bail, owing to their illegal status in South Africa.

“They are charged with six counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit robbery, illegal mining, possession of automatic firearms, attempted murder, and contravening the immigration act.

“The police reports indicate that eight of the accused were wounded, while other six were fatally wounded during a shootout with the members of the Special Task Force, assisted by Hawks Organised Crime in the North West, during an intelligence-driven operation,” he said.  

Mamothame said eight accused who were injured during a shoot-out, have since been discharged from the hospital and are now in police custody. He said police discovered two mini-buses, illegal mining paraphernalia, gold-bearing material, eleven illegal firearms (3 x shotguns, 3 x rifles, 4 x pistols, and 1 x revolver), and bags of food.

Meanwhile, Mamothame said the 88^th suspect, Thethile Master Boyce, 60, was added to the charge sheet. He further said Boyce, who is a taxi driver, allegedly transported the suspected illegal miners to and from the mine and also transported food.

“His taxi was seized by the Hawks after his arrest. He is currently out on R2000 bail and also appeared with the other 87 accused. In the last three postponements, the defense attorney committed to providing the state with a hard drive, at which the state will provide the content of the docket, which includes video footage.

“However, such was not fulfilled and the attorney cited a lack of co-operation from the families of the accused, who have been committing to provide him with the hard drive. He recommitted in court to provide it on 30 August 2022 as instructed by the court,” said Mamothame.

He added that the magistrate indicated that no further postponement will be granted.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

Even though the provision of houses continues to be a backlog in the North West province, that could be a thing of the past soon. This comes after the North West Human Settlements department embarked on a benchmarking in Mpumalanga Province at the same department on the housing delivery approach.

The Head of Department in North West, James Mashigo said both provinces have unanimously agreed that they should implement housing delivery according to policy prescripts, despite little innovation in the structure of houses being built. Mashigo further said the two provincial departments agreed to share best practices.

“The benchmarking program was undertaken by the two provinces following advice by the National Department of Human Settlements on the delivery of military veterans’ houses. “As the North West province, we are highly impressed by what Mpumalanga is doing in consulting with military veterans’ beneficiaries on how they would want their houses to be like, but not moving away from policy prescripts.

“We build houses of the same size, but with different features as agreed with beneficiaries. Our visit to Mpumalanga was a great eye-opener for both provinces. We shared best practices and I think that we should continue to do the same going forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department (HoD) at Human Settlements in Mpumalanga Province, Hazel Zitha shared the same sentiments. Zitha said, they all construct the said houses according to policy, however, the only difference is the innovation in coming up with the final product, which is still within the housing quantum.

“We hail the move by both the departments as critically important and will further bring more innovation in service delivery. We welcome the move and the best practice we learned from the North West province.

“The session was critically important to us as a province. We need to ensure that, as both provinces are predominantly rural, we have a common understanding and approach in delivering services,” she said.

Both provinces further highlighted that they experience common challenges such as the construction of services such as sewerage systems, especially the septic tanks, provision of Jojo tanks for water supply, and the negotiations between the beneficiary and the contractor on how the house should be like.

Another common challenge is the continued questions of low-cost houses constructed next to other houses in one yard. According to Mashigo, people should understand that in villages, families stay within one yard and parents would most like their children to remain next to them.

He said hence they find qualifying beneficiaries directing contractors to build their house in or close to their parent’s home.

taungdailynews@gmail.com