By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four illegal miners are arrested for three counts of attempted murder, three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and one count of malicious damage to property. 

This comes after 100 of illegal miners commonly known as ‘zama-zamas’ were spotted near shaft 4 in Vaal Reefs near Stilfontein on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, some of illegal miners allegedly fired shots toward the Specialised Services Group (SSG) security officers.

“The latter returned fire and one suspect was wounded. A Beretta semi-automatic shotgun and 18 ammunition were found next to him. Subsequently, the police from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) were mobilised.

“The operation ultimately led to the arrest of three more suspects and police confiscated two firearms with ammunition. The wounded suspect is under police guard in hospital, while the rest of the ‘zama zamas’ fled on foot.

Mokgwabone said those who are arrested are also facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). He said the matter is investigated by the DPCI.

The suspects are expected to appear at Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police and security officers for their cooperation, which led to the arrest and confiscation of the firearms and ammunition. Kwena strongly warned that illicit economic activities will not be tolerated and that those involved, will be dealt with harshly.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) was transferred to the Taung Regional Court on Thursday. Two accused were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

Malekanyo and Tlonkwe alleged killed the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32).

The atrocity took place in Modimong village, near Taung on 31 October 2021. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend when he was attacked.

The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and called them out. Malekanyo and Tlonkwe allegedly assaulted, kidnapped and killed him before dumping his body. Seelo’s lifeless body was found floating in a furrow in Khibitswane village near Taung on 3 November 2021.

It is alleged that his body was mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing.

“The two accused were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police. The accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance,” Mamothame said.

Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The murder case was postponed until 29 September 2022.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Seven suspects from Manthe village, near Taung were arrested for arson and looting by the police during an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday.    

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses, a vehicle and looted alcohol from Disoufeng tavern. This comes after they accused the tavern owner and the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) of murder.

It is alleged that Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood. The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

It is alleged that, upon arrival, the group of men chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. Subsequently, the accused allegedly transported Mothibedi to Manthe clinic where he was declared dead on his arrival.

Former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), who is now a businessman, Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, tavern owner, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), the former Taung Mega Stars FC goalkeeper, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), Ali Sakiele (50) and Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) were nabbed.

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. They are expected to appear in court on 21 July 2022 and investigations into the matter continue.”     

Meanwhile, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng, who will represent all seven accused said he proposed that his clients be given a warning, however, that was not the case. Letloleleng confirmed that his clients were charged with three counts of arson including looting.

“When we discuss the matter from a legal point of view, there is what we call a recent possession. For example, you burn the house now and you are arrested immediately. However, the incident took place three months ago, and only now, have the police arrested my clients. 

“In actual fact, it took them three months to make arrests. All along, the police went out to look for statements, which might be true or not. However, we agreed that they will be given station bail of R500 each and the case was postponed,” he said.     

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By SAFA

The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana will be forced to soldier on without a number of players after positive Covid-19 cases emerged in camp in Rabat, Morocco.

The South African senior national team is preparing for a crunch Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final match against Tunisia on Thursday, 14 July 2022 and a win against the North Africans will also ensure that coach Desiree Ellis’ charges are one of the four continental sides to qualify for the 2023 World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“We had one official who tested positive before the Burundi game [in the group stages of the tournament]. The official was isolated and treated as she was symptomatic,” Banyana team physician Dr Rodney Mokoka told http://www.safa.net

“And 48 hours prior to the Botswana game [the final group stage match], we had one player who tested positive for Covid-19 and she was also symptomatic. She was put in quarantine and treated accordingly. Her asymptomatic roommate who tested negative is in isolation, hence they both missed the Botswana game.”

Ellis has maintained a positive outlook ahead of another round of Covid-19 tests that will be conducted before the match on Thursday.

The 2022 WAFCON took centre stage for the first time in four years after the previous edition was cancelled due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic that wreaked havoc with the international sporting calendar.

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By DHIRSHAN GOBIND

In October 2018, the FIFA Council quietly endorsed a major reform in the football transfer system. The FIFA Clearing House (FCH) will centralize, process, and automate payments between clubs following an international transfer or first registration of a professional player.

When a player is registered as a professional for the first time, and each time the player is transferred before his 23rd birthday, clubs that participated in his professional development (i.e. “training clubs”) are entitled to training compensation.

Likewise, when any professional player transfers between clubs for a fee, training clubs are entitled to compensation in the form of solidarity payments. This is especially true in either case if there exists what FIFA terms an “international dimension” – e.g. a South African player signs his first professional contract in Portugal.

Members of Tiki Taka Sports Academy’s MYSAFA-registered development squad in action

Purely domestic cases are governed by the football controlling body in South Africa, SAFA.

Today, even when an international dimension does exist, less than 20% of training rewards are paid out internationally – likely far less in Africa. FIFA, SAFA, and SAFA’s technology partner Inqaku are working together to change this.

These electronic player registrations form the player’s Electronic Player Passport (EPP) that will be used exclusively by the FCH to pay training rewards to qualifying clubs. FIFA projects that by 2023, all payments in international transfers and training rewards will be handled through the FCH.

FIFA estimates that around R6,4B (USD 400M) will be distributed yearly by the FCH to more than 10,000 clubs. If just 1% of that figure (R64M) is directed to South African clubs, it will create massive incentives for investment in player development.

According to the FIFA Transfer Report 2021-22, South African football ranked 54th in the world (7th in Africa) with R580M (USD 34.7M) in transfer fees received by SA clubs. The lion’s share would have of course been paid to NSL clubs, and while the figure hints at the scale of the player development industry, it does not include training compensation or solidarity claims for SA players transferring between foreign clubs.

It is thus evident that the FCH system will uplift many football academies and clubs in SA that often struggle with access to funds. South African clubs need not only to be aware of FCH benefits but also of the ramifications of non-compliance.

There will be no more club-to-club payments on transfers where the FCH is competent to act. This means that, per FIFA, unregistered clubs will have no access to funds generated by the international transfer of a former player. FIFA may allow for a grace period to comply with FCH regulations and/or a transitional period, but it is unclear if importing historical registration records from the past will be allowed.

The FCH will literally be a game-changer, ensuring clubs are compensated to letter of FIFA’s regulations. It also creates the potential for compliant MAs to gain an advantage over rival nations in player development investment. SAFA is in a better position than most, if not all, CAF MAs to profit from these reforms.

That advantage will be multiplied by greater adoption of MYSAFA and by strengthening SAFA’s RSTP and enshrining domestic solidarity as the law of the land.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A learner from Gabonewe High School in Madikwe scooped a gold medal in his research and application in machine learning at an International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology (I-FEST2) held Monastir, Tunisia from 24-30 June 2022.

Tshatiwa, who was a computer enthusiast from his tender age, showed interest in software development. A Grade 11 learner’s passion for software resulted in him winning over 10 contests in the computer science field.

His biggest win before this was the Eskom bursary and this guaranteed him a bright future. The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated Tshatiwa and said the province is proud of him.

“We are proud of Tshatiswa’s achievements and believe that he can conquer the world. We are delighted to see learners from rural communities, at this tender age, taking interest in the 4IR and making their presence felt in that space.

“He is now competing with the best in the world and we are indeed proud. We want to congratulate and wish him well at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia,” Maape said.

Tshatiwa won Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2019 – Highly Commended Award Certificate, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Bojanala 2019 (Bronze Medal), Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2020 (Silver Medal), Geekulcha Top 15 Young Geeks 2020, and Youth ICT Council (North West 4IR Champion).

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela shared the same sentiments. Matsemela said her department is excited that one of their learners managed to get such a unique opportunity.

“It is such great news to hear of Tshatiwa’s gold medal win at an international level. On behalf of the team North West Education, I would like to express my sincere happiness for this young man, whose eagerness and enthusiasm for mobile phone machine learning put him on a global stage, competing with other whizz kids from developed countries.

“He serves as a great example to his peers in our public schools that curiosity for educational content not only does it does it sharpen the brain, it can be more fun and lead to greater exploits if one dares to challenge themselves beyond classroom learning, the world is their stage,” Matsemela said. 

She further said these are the kind of trendsetters they want to see more in schools. Matsemela sent her gratitude to Tshatiwa, encouraging him to soar higher and continue to dance with international stars.

“We rejoice with you and well done to teachers, parents, and principal of Gabonewe High School for nurturing this talent,” she said.

In his exhibition, Tshatiwa said he used millions of images to test custom models and distillation for mobile app machines. One of the most inspiring things about Tshatiwa’s win is that his knowledge of machinery is self-taught. 

“I feel good about my win because it gives me recognition on an international stage. Winning a gold medal at I-FEST2 was really great for me personally. It was an indication that my research project is not only amongst the best at home but among the best on an international stage.

“The competition was tough, with other countries presenting really smart and complex research. I also felt humbled by the experience, and was proud to represent my country,” said Tshatiwa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Some of the patients at Taung District Hospital are aggrieved after nurses and doctors allegedly forced them to wear face masks. One of the patients, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, he visited the hospital a week ago and was forced to wear a face mask before he could be assisted.

“I was surprised when one of the nurses instructed me to wear a face mask. At that time, I had no mask with me and thought she was joking. I just laughed and brushed it off. However, things got serious when it was my turn to be assisted.

“She refused to assist me and said she do not want to be infected with COVID-19. I tried to explain to her that, actually the government has scrapped the wearing of masks and it is not mandatory. However, she did not buy any of it and asked me whether I trust the minister,” he said.

Other patients at the hospital shared the same sentiments. They alleged that the hospital management also instructed its employees to wear face masks. In June 2022, the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla repealed several COVID-19 regulations relating to the wearing of face masks, gatherings, and persons entering the country.

The regulations were promulgated by the Minister on 4 May 2022 in the Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions. In April 2022, the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said during his address that regulations would be eased gradually.

Phaahla said: “The gazetting of the regulations means that the wearing of face masks in any public-use indoor space or when on public transport to contain the spread of COVID-19 fell away, as was required.

“On gatherings, people congregating in public spaces will no longer be limited to certain numbers. The regulations stipulated that a maximum of 50% of the venue capacity may be occupied, provided that every attendee must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and produce a valid vaccination certificate.”

He further said alternatively, individuals could produce a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of the gathering. Phaahla added that, where the sub-regulation (3) was not complied with, then attendance at the indoor gathering had to be limited to 1000 people or 50% of the capacity, whichever is smaller.

“Regarding limitations on people entering the country, the regulations required that any person entering the country be vaccinated against COVID-19 and produce a valid vaccination certificate.

“Alternatively, this group of people needed to produce a valid certificate of a negative PCR COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours before the date of departure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Health Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said he was still in a meeting and would respond to our media inquiry accordingly. Lekgethwane said they have received several inquiries regarding this matter.  

“I still have to gather facts first and I will revert back to you accordingly. This is a national issue and I still need to determine where the confusion might have been,” he said.

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Bontsi jwa baithuti ba tsweletse go ka itemogela tlhokego ya ditlhako tsa sekolo segolo thata jang ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a sa itsholelang. Mme seno, se dira gore bontsi jwa bone ba tlogele sekolo, fa bangwe ba ralala serame ka la ga Moshe.

Fela seno, se ne sa rotlwetsa basha ba kwa motseng wa Magogong gaufi le Taung go ka itira ngatana e le nngwe le go tla ka togo-maano ya go ka thusa. Morulaganyi wa setlhopha seno sa basha, Tebogo Morweng are fifing go tshwaranwa ka dikobo mme ke ka moo ba bone go le botlhokwa go ka tlhama porojeke eno.

“Thito-kgang ya porojeke eno, ke go ka netefatsa gore re neelana ka ditlhako tsa sekolo go barutwana ba ba dikobo magetleng. Re tlhamile setlhopa sa basha mo motseng wa rona wa  Magogong morago ga go lemoga gore go na le baithuti ba ba tlhokang.  

“Jaanong re neelane ka ditlhako di feta 100 go baithuti ba dikolo ka go farologana. Dikolo-potlana di tshwana le Sedibathuto, Olebile, Kopanang gammogo le Galeshewe di ungwetswe mo porejekeng eno. Re le basha ba ka nna thataro ka palo, re ile ra netefatsa fa seno se diragala,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

Morweng o kaile fa seno e se kitla e nna selo se se fetang, gonne ba tlhaloganya gore botlhoki bo iphile maatla gape ngwana ele sejo a tlhakanenlwa. O kaile gape fa ba dumalane ka bongwe jwa pelo fela gore ba tlile go neelana ka ditlhako go baithuti ba ba farologaneng ngwaga le ngwaga.

“Tota maitlhomo le maikaelelo a porojeke e, ke go bona seno se diragala go ralala Taung ka bophara. O ka lemoga gore bontsi jwa malapa mo Taung a tshelela mo khumanegong, mme ba ikaegile thata ka madi a kotlo.

“Go na le tlhokego e kgolo mo go thuseng baithuti, mme ga jaana re leka ka thata go ka tswala mokhino ono. Ke rata go rotlwetsa basha ba le bantsi go ka tsamaya mo dikgatong tsa mogaka, eleng mo presidente wa maloba o hulereng, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Re a itse gore rre Mandela e ne ele motho o o neng a rata go ka abela batho, mme segolo thata jang bana,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

O ikuetse gape go basha gore ba dirise ditshono tse ba di bonang mo botshelo jwa bone sentle, mme ba tlise tharabololo mo mathateng a fara-fereng seshaba ka kakaretso. Morweng are basha ba lebagane le namane e tona ya tiro go ka lwantsha botlhoka-tiro, diritibatsi ga mmogo le go ima ka bonako ga bana ba basetsanyana.

“Ke rata go rotlwetsa basha gore ba eme ka dinao le go bontsha kemo-nokeng, mme ba tlogele go tlhola ba goga-gogana. Jaaka re le basha ba Taung, a re tlise diphetogo mo matshelong a rona. Bagaka ba ba fetileng jaaka Tsietsi Mashinini, Onkgopotse Tiro ga mmogo le Hector Peterson ba lwetse kgololosego, mme go ne go se bonolo.

“Jaanong, jaaka re keteka kgwedi ya mogaka, a re tlise ditlhabologo tse di maleba go matshelo a basha ba ba farologaneng,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, bagokgo mo dikolong tse di ungwetsweng ba amogetse ka boitumelo kabelo ya ditlhako, mme ba rotlweditse basha ba bangwe go ka tsenya letsogo.

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekgarebe la kwa motseng wa Dryharts gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung. Seno se tla morago ga gore Rebaone Badise (28) a tshwarwe le go latofadiwa ka polao ya lesea la gagwe la ngwaga.

Tiragalo e, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Mopitlwe 2022.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Col Adele Myburgh, setopo sa mosetsanyana se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa mo thamung, sene sa bonwa kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlapaneng.

Myburgh o kaile fa Badise yo eleng mmagwe moswi, o ne a bonwa ke rremogolo wa gagwe a tswa ko ntlung a tshotse lesea, mme ene ya re mo go boweng ga gagwe, ene ya nna: “o ne o mpeile kae lesea.”

Myburgh are seno sene sa makatsa bagolo, mme ba ne ba botsa Badise gore o tlogetse kae lesea.

“Go begwa fa Badise a ne shadikanya matlho, mme a mela muta mo ganong ka ntlheng ya go tlhoka dikarabo. Go ya ka tsedimosetso, sepodisi se ne sa letsetswa, sepodisi sene sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo ya lesea. Go begwa fa setopo sa gagwe sene sa bonwa kwa nageng sena le dintho tsa go ka tlhabiwa.

“Lesea leno, lene la kaiwa fa le tlhokofetse ke ba ditirelo tsa pholo ya ka bonako kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Seno, sene sab aka gore mmagwe ngwana a lelelwe ke ditshipi. Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lit General, Sello Kwena o ile a akgola batsadi ba molatofadiwa ka go ka itsise sepodisi ka tiragalo eno,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh gape o kaile fa Kwena, a tsweletse go ikuela go baagi go ka nna le tirisano mmogo ga mmogo le sepodisi, mme ba neelane ka tshedimosetso ya bogodu bongwe le bongwe jo bo diragalang.  

Kgabagare, kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha fa kgwedi ya Phatwe e tlhola matsatsi a le 4 fa dipatlisisdo di tswelela.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

It is all systems go for the Taung Community TV project. This comes after the TCTV delegation met with the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) team in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region at Taung Skull World Heritage Site in Buxton recently.

The CEO of Taung Community TV, Kagiso Kai said they had a fruitful consultative engagement and the DDM team pledged its support to the TCTV initiative.

“I am happy because we have presented our case and North West Department of Public Works and Roads has committed to assist us with a building, that we would use as our operational office.

“So, for me, this is progress that we are making. The good thing is that in one of our presentations, we formed part of the DDM meeting. Our submission will form part of the case study that will be submitted to the cabinet,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries spokesperson, Christopher Mashilo said it was productive to meet with TCTV delegation.

“What is important is that the TCTV is a new initiative for the community of Taung. So, we are excited as the DDM team because it will bring back the culture of the area and revive it. It will also educate the young generation about the history of Taung and also promote tourism in the area.

“We want to see it growing and we will ensure that it receives the expression it deserves. We are going to support this project and see it eventually being listed as one of the channels on DSTV,” he said.

Mashilo said even though they would not commit to anything, they will lobby support and resources for TCTV. He said what he likes about the TCTV initiative is that, it is diverse.

“We also received a presentation regarding the developments at the Taung Skull Heritage Site since our last visit. According to me, the presentation was fair and honest. As the DDM, we have captured the Taung Skull as one of the catalysed projects.

“Taung Skull Heritage Site is one of the tourist attraction areas in the district. What is good is that it is also listed as one of the World Heritage sites in our country. So, our aim as the DDM team is to ensure that we revive it and bring back tourism attraction towards it,” he said.

Mashilo said they are engaging with relevant stakeholders on how best they can make sure that the Taung Skull comes back to its place of origins.

“What we want to achieve now is to have a Sector Focus Stakeholder Engagement, where we will be addressing governance and service delivery-related issues. This will assist us to ensure that we find a solution.

“Afterwards, we will be engaging in a DDM Investment Summit, which aims to bring investors to invest in the district and create job opportunities, especially for young people. Secondly, in the same district, we have identified Dipudi village in Kagisano-Molopo to be a model for a smart village,” he said.

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