By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said the fire that gutted the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality building and clinic in Christiana might have been caused by political interference.

EFF provincial spokesperson, Linda Mabengwane said in a statement that even though there is no finalized report currently, the party hopes that the cause of the fire is an innocent human mistake.

“However, we cannot rule out the possibility of political foul play due to the internal factional battles of the ANC. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region is a well-known ANC war zone in the North West.

“Over the past few years, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and its local municipalities have all been engulfed in the remnants of the ANC’s political war fares. In December 2021, we saw Christiana Hospital equally being burned in the midst of the heated factional battles of the ANC and to this day no one has been held accountable,” Mabengwane said.

He further said as the EFF, their stance has always been that communities must never be caught in the crossfire of the ANC fighting itself. Mabengwane added that the people of North West must never allow themselves or their resources to be used to fight the internal party fights within the ANC.

“The EFF hereby calls on all stakeholders to be on the ground and ensure that a proper report is compiled to ensure that the person responsible for torching healthcare services in Lekwa Teemane is held accountable.

“It cannot be that health facilities continue to burn yearly and no one is held accountable,” he said.

The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha said: “We have sent a team of executive managers led by the acting DDG for Health Services, Pule Monale to assess the state of the Christiana Town Clinic, which was destroyed by fire Monday evening.

“The town clinic which has been the only remaining health facility in the area was attached to the municipal hall which also caught fire. The sad incident occurs at a time when we are in the process of finalising procurement of Parkhomes, which are to serve as a temporary structure until the hospital is rebuilt.”

Sambatha said his team has made some sound recommendations to restore health services to the community of Christiana. He said the management team has reported that the extent of the damage caused by the fire is such that the facility will not be operational any time soon.

“As a result, a number of measures for intervention have been proposed and will be immediately implemented. The first immediate intervention is to avail a mobile clinic, which will be stationed next to where the burnt clinic was. The mobile clinic will be stationed there until the health services are restored.

“Following the assessment, the management team has also recognised that there is a piece of land next to the municipality, which can be used to erect a temporary structure in a form of a Parkhome. The strategic positioning of this piece of land will enable the structure to access water and electricity, which will allow clinic services to be rendered without interruption,” said Sambatha.

He said the team has proposed the utilisation of an old Parkhome which consists of three consulting rooms and the structure will provide an additional room to the burnt clinic. Sambatha said the municipality was immediately engaged on these proposals as the need to restore clinic services is a matter of emergency in the area.

Meanwhile, the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi said that service delivery will not be affected and they have appointed a team to do a damage assessment caused by the fire.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 30-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by the Vryburg Regional Court for murder. On 10 September 2021, Lalelani Lovungo viciously assaulted Karabo Makolonkwane (17) with fists and kicked her until she lost consciousness in Coldridge Township near Vryburg.

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The court heard evidence that Lovungo and the Makolonkwane, who were from a tavern in Monoto-Mosetlha Informal Settlement in Vryburg, were previously in a relationship.

“The accused suddenly started assaulting the victim and she left the tavern to go to her aunt’s home. However, she was followed by the accused, who continued to assault her along the way. The members of the community, who witnessed the atrocity, tried to stop him with no success.”

Van Rooyen further said the vicious assault continued as the due reached the home of the victim’s aunt. She added that Makolonkwane’s aunt tried to intervene, but Lovungo overpowered her.

“The Emergency Medical Response Service (EMRS) were called and declared Makolonkwane dead on the scene. A case of murder was reported at Vryburg Police Station and the accused was arrested the same evening with the assistance of the victim’s aunt and community members.

“On Wednesday, 29 September 2021 the investigating officer, Sergeant Lebone Maine, successfully opposed bail and Lovungo, who remained in custody until the date of his sentencing,” she said.

Lovungo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) and his name will be entered into the National Child Protection Register to be declared unfit to work with children.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A gun-wielding man (40) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for premeditated murder and five years each on two counts of attempted murder. In 2019, Confidence Sekgoro purchased a vehicle at Speedy Car Sales in Klerksdorp and drove it to Mahikeng where he resided.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, however, later on, Sekgoro complained about some defaults on the car, which the dealership was obliged to inspect.

“The dealership ordered Sekgoro to pay for the costs of transportation before they could release his car back to him. He then approached the North West High Court on an urgent basis for his car to be given back to him. However, his application was dismissed and the matter was struck off the roll,” he said.

“Subsequently, the dealership took the vehicle back for a mechanical check-up in Klerksdorp at a cost of approximately R4700. The inspection results, however, showed no defaults to the car as it was serviced before.

Mamothame said on 11 November 2019, Sekgoro went to the dealership to collect his motor vehicle, but the sales manager, Mehboob Soomra (36) told him to pay for the transportation costs after consulting with the dealership attorney before receiving his car back.

“He was then told to wait for Mohamed Dangor, (deceased) who was the son of the dealership owner to further engage on the matter. Sekgoro then went to the office of the deceased, who was in the company of Yusuf Ally (61), and an argument ensued before he started shooting at them.

“He proceeded to chase after Soomra in the showroom and fired shots at him. Dangor was declared dead on the scene, while Soomra and Ally were rushed to a nearby hospital to receive medical care after sustaining serious gunshot injuries,” said Mamothame.

He said following this shooting incident, Sekgoro asked for directions to the police station, where he handed himself over. Mamothame said he was later granted R10 000 bail, but the bail was revoked after he was found guilty on all three charges.

“In his defense, Sekgoro claims he acted in self-defense as Dangor was reaching for a firearm, threatening to shoot him. He further asserted that he heard gunshots fired inside the dealership, hence he fired shots at the third victim.

“However, this submission was dismissed by the state, through video footage that was accepted by the court as evidence. In aggravation of sentence, Adv Riekie Krause urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence, considering the serious nature of the offense committed,” he said.

Krause also urged the court to consider the prolonged traumatic sufferings by the family of the deceased and the two surviving victims. She further alluded to the remorseless posture of the accused.

“In passing sentence, Judge A.J Makoti also agreed with the state and alluded to the devastation caused by this incident to the family of the deceased and the two victims, who survived the attack. The court further agreed with the state that Sekgoro could have advanced further legal means to address his dispute with the dealership.

“The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and granted him leave to appeal on premeditated murder,” said Mamothame.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A murder case against four accused, Junior Modise (21), Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) was deferred to the North West High Court by the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court.

Modise, Khoza, Masetla, and Nkuna are linked to the gruesome death of the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha (24). Mbatha was reported missing a few days before the police made a grim discovery of his charred remains in his burned Hyundai i20 vehicle near a soccer field in Ikageng Section, Klipgat.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said all inquiries relating to the investigation have been completed and the state advocate, Nangamso Goloda has completed compiling the indictment and is ready to proceed with pre-trial when the matter goes to the high court.

“Meanwhile, Modise who allegedly missed his court date and his bail was revoked, was granted free bail and warned to be present in court on the next appearance. A bail hearing against Masetla, who initially abandoned it was set for 7 July 2022.

“Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each and their bail conditions are that they must report to the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. They are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses,” Mamothame said.

He said the accused were positively linked to Mbatha’s murder after the police investigations led them to a house in Phutha Section, Klipgat where they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet. Mamothame further said an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of the crime was also found on top of the roof of the house.

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By OBAKEN GMAJE

The ANC Women’s League in North West said it is disgusted by the incident, where the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality councillor, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo was humiliated and mistreated during the municipality’s budget speech on Thursday in Vryburg.

Kgabo was prevented from participating in the municipal council special meeting and he was seen on a video being escorted out. It is alleged that the municipal speaker, Kgalalelo Sereko, instructed security officers to prohibit him from entering the Banquet Hall building, where the budget speech was held.

The acting ANCWL’s provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “The move has completely compromised the ANC in the council and the public, especially with no intervention provided by the organisation’s caucus chair.

“Kgabo is a deployee of the ANC in the district council and the ANC ought to aid him or any other of its deployees when subjected to such ludicrous treatment. Since the inception of this council, Kgabo has been subjected to consistent humiliation and enjoyed no protection from the organisation and or its members even those in council.”

Lenkopane said in fact, the first humiliation Kgabo experienced was from their own ANC members in the council, when they defied the ANC mandate to elect him to be an executive mayor. She said the ANCWL as an integral part of the ANC, would like to raise a serious

concern and frown at the organisation’s failure to jealously guard its honour and rebuke those who disrepute its good name.

“The League respect young people of the movement and accord them necessary space to play their role to inject lifeblood into the life of the ANC. They should be nurtured accordingly, invested in and marshalled to become future leaders of the movement.

“History has shown us that young people have the capacity to rejuvenate, set the agenda and direct the ANC’s campaigns as a leader of society. The organisation’s stalwarts rose from its young ranks,” she said.

Lenkopane further said they would never stand by the side and allow inhumane treatment of a young person, who is entrusted with service delivery programmes of the ANC in government.

The incompetent Sereko failed to respond to our media inquiry timeously but said the manager in her office will respond.

Meanwhile, the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in North West said they never instructed anyone to prohibit Kgabo to participating in any council meeting, but they will respond accordingly to the matter.

ANC IPC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said: “According to our knowledge and records, Kgabo is a councillor representing the ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. With respect to recent development and letters circulating on social media, the ANC will in due course appropriately respond.”  

The disgruntled Kgabo penned his grievances in a form of a letter directed to Sereko and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga. In the letter that was seen by the Taung DailyNews, Kgabo said: “I’m in Vryburg, Banquet Hall attending the Special Council meeting of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality as a councillor. However, I’m denied access by security officials claiming that they have received an instruction from yourself and the acting Municipal Manager not to allow me entry into the council meeting venue because I am a problem.

“I called you yesterday informing you that I have not received the invitation and the agenda for the special council meeting of today (30 June 2022). Indicating the unlawfulness of your actions and the financial implications of your actions on the municipality, but rather you chose to disregard me.”

Kgabo added that Sereko’s decision not to invite him to a council meeting and deny him access is a direct infringement of his rights. He said it was also illegal and unlawful for the Municipal Manager to instruct security officers to deny him access.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Forms of corruption and malfeasance are found in local government systems. Other forms of political corruption are nepotism and patronage systems. 

However, the Patriotic Alliance councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mosadiotsile Morapedi vows to fight them all to the core.

This comes after the ANC councillor, Pinky Mosinkiemang, who serves as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services, was seen in a video that went viral on various social media platforms allegedly directing the recruitment process of young people who were elected to undergo training as traffic officers on Sunday.

According to Morapedi, the municipality advertised the learnership two weeks ago and no recruitment processes have been conducted already. She was seen confronting Mosinkiemang and asking her when these individuals were selected. However, the shocked Mosinkiemang could not provide answers.   

“We have kept quiet for so long, now these individuals are doing corruption with impunity. In February 2022, the council decided in a strategic planning meeting that because the municipality is failing to collect its revenue, we should come up with strategic measures to ensure an increase in our fiscal.  

“So, the council took a resolution that the municipality should have its own traffic officers to implement the by-laws and assist in collecting revenue. Remember, the GTLM is a rural municipality and mostly collects its revenue from Reivilo, Pudimoe and Extension 6 only,” she said.

Morapedi further said the council is still waiting for a report on the traffic officer training learnership, but she was shocked to hear that there were individuals selected already.

“As the council, we just take resolution and the recruitment processes should be implemented by the administration. However, I was surprised to hear that on Sunday, Mosinkiemang was directing the selection processes and there are individuals who have been selected already.

“I rushed to the scene and indeed I found young people in a minibus taxi with their luggage and ready to hit the road to undergo training. What surprised me is that, I saw Mosinkiemang directing that process and holding the list,” said Morapedi.

She further alleged that what Mosinkiemang did was equivalent to misconduct and political interference as no councillor or politician should be involved in any administration processes.

Meanwhile, the GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe confirmed that indeed the municipality has already elected its first cohort to undergo training as traffic officers. Gaoraelwe said there was sinister with Mosinkiemang’s presence as she was only assisting the administration and doing oversight.

“Yes, the municipality has already recruited its first cohort that will be trained as traffic officers. It will be very difficult to allege that those who have been recruited have close proximity with some municipal officials.

“By the way, I was not born alone and that does not mean my siblings or relatives should be reprimanded for applying for any job opportunities at the municipality simply because I am a mayor,” he said.

However, Gaoraelwe said he understands that close proximity can cause corruption. He said he was not aware of any municipal official who used his/her powers to flaw the process. 

“The municipality has set aside over R4m for these learnership and that will be divided accordingly. These young people will undergo training in Welkom, in Free State. 

“All those who are elected have relevant requirements,” said Gaoraelwe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature in North West, Betty Diale (52) was postpone3d by the Rustenburg Regional Court to 4 August 2022 for pre-trial conferencing.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Diale is out on a warning and has been warned not to interfere with the state witnesses. She is facing six charges of theft, amounting to approximately R700 000.00 allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund(RAF) claimants.

“The police reports reveal that Fidelity Funds, a body that oversees the conduct of attorneys, received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.”

Mamothame further said the claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the pay-outs and henceforth, reported to the police for investigation. He added that Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021.

“The investigations into that matter are complete, and the state is ready to proceed with pre-trial conferencing and subsequently, speedy completion of the trial,” said Mamothame.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Botshelo Moncho (18) in Mokassa 2 village near Taung said they are happy to reunite with her. Botshelo, who is mentally ill allegedly went missing on Wednesday last week and she was last seen walking on N18 road between Dryharts village and Vryburg.

According to a family member, Koketso Molale, Botshelo was allegedly picked up by one of the Samaritans who dropped her at Pudimoe Police Station.

“We are grateful to all those who assisted us to locate Botshelo. She was picked up by a good Samaritan and dropped her off at the Pudimoe Police Station. We received numerous calls from people who confirmed that she was safe and sound at the police station.

“Her mother, Dithoto Moncho went there and found her unharmed. We highly appreciate the unwavering support we received from our people. Indeed, a child is raised by a village,” Molale said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “Morning, as per our telephonically discussed, the Taung Police Station doesn’t have such a missing person case reported. If you can please contact the complainant to open a missing person at the station.”

She said there was no missing person case opened and encouraged family members to open cases timeously with the police if they found any family member missing.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Four people died in a horrific head-on collision on the R25 road between Schweizer Reneke and Vryburg on Sunday. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said the police have opened a case of culpable homicide.

“The police in Huhudi are investigating a culpable homicide case after a head-on collision took place on Sunday. The atrocity happened on R25 about 20km from Schweizer Reneke and to Vryburg.

“It is alleged that a truck was on its way from Vryburg to Schweizer Reneke, while a Renault Clio was from Schweizer Reneke to Vryburg when the collision took place,” Botma said. 

She further said the truck had three occupants. Botma added that the driver and a passenger passed away, while another passenger was transported to the hospital for medical attention. 

“The driver of Renault Clio and the passenger also died on the scene. The police investigations into the matter continue,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Economic Freedom Fighters’ Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Betty Diale (52) is set to appear at the Rustenburg Regional Court for fraud on Monday. It is alleged that Diale defrauded her clients the Road Accident Fund (RAF) money to the tune of R700 000 between 2009 and 2021, while she was still practicing as an attorney.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that Fidelity Funds received several complaints from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.

“It is alleged that the said money did not reach the claimants. The matter was reported to the police for investigation and the accused, who was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 was subsequently charged with fraud in June 2021.”

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