Picture: The bodies of two police officers were found at the back of a burnt police vehicle/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A trial in a double murder case against four men who allegedly killed two policemen in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg has been postponed to 24 July 2023 by the North West High Court in Mahikeng.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the trial was set to start from 13 to 17 March 2023, however, the matter had to be rolled over on the first day to allow some defense attorneys to make final consultations with their clients.
Mamothame said, on 15 March 2023, the defense attorneys submitted a guilty plea proposal to the state, which was ultimately rejected as it was deemed not to be in the interest of justice.
“This resulted in a new date being agreed upon by the court and all parties involved. The court sitting was declared a juvenile court, owing to the age of the 16-year-old accused, who is also standing trial in this matter.
“Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25), Matthews Modukane (20), and a 16-year-old boy, are charged with the murder of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42),” he said.
Mamothame further said, the accused are facing charges of malicious damage to property, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of ammunition, possession of a semi-automatic firearm, kidnapping, possession of ammunition with intent to commit an offense, and defeating the ends of justice.
He added that, a 16-year-old minor was granted R1000 bail in October 2021 and was left under the supervision of a guardian.
Meanwhile, the other four accused were denied bail and will remain in police custody until the matter is completed. According to the police report, the two deceased officers attended a stock theft incident in Mareetsane, however, the pair failed to return to the station and were declared missing.
A search operation was subsequently conducted and their remains were later discovered at the back of their burnt state vehicle on 27 July 2021 in Ganyesa. Upon arrest, police discovered the deceased’s firearm, two cell phones as well as SIM cards that were destroyed and thrown in a pit toilet at the home of one of the accused.
Picture: Gospel singer, Bucy Radebe during Mahika Mahikeng Gospel show in Mahikeng/Rapula Mancai
By OBAKENG MAJE
Most revellers were happy to see the return of the prestigious Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival after a three-year hiatus, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-day flagship event kicked-started on Friday evening with a gospel show featuring the gospel heavyweights like Bucy Radebe, iconic Joyous Celebration, David The King and others.
The event was held at Mmabatho stadium in Mahikeng, North West.
One of the revellers, Rebaone Masibi from Tshidilamolomo village, outside Mahikeng said, the event boosts tourism and hospitality sectors accordingly.
“We are more than happy to see this event taking place as it boosts the economy of the province. I was also happy to see my idol, Bucy Radebe performing live on our shores. Gospel music is an important aspect of every person and in most cases, it is the language that speaks to the inner being. So, I want to applaud the organiser including the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation,” Masibi said.
The world-renowned gospel artist, Busy Radebe who gave a prodigious performance said, she was happy to see the crowd eating from the palm of her hand.
“It feels good to be here and it was epic on the stage. I feel like the people in the North West were really thirsty for gospel shows. They were very thirsty for the presence of God. Many revellers gave me a warm welcome. I said, oh my God, I’m in heaven right now. I always tell God that, it is not about me, but is about you and your children,” she said.
Radebe further said, she always calls for God’s guidance. She added that, even if she rehearses a song when she gets on stage, God will instruct her which song to sing.
Another gospel singer, David Sejake who is affectionately known as David The King shared the same sentiments. Sejake said it was good to be back on stage after the COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is an international event that is loved by many. An event like this keeps people together. People are going through a lot, so once you speak the word of God to them in a form of melody, people get revived.
When I went on stage, I was happy to see that, the crowd was ready to accept what I was about to unleash. I have shared the stage with many gospel heavyweights such as the late Vuyo Mokoena, Rebecca Malope and Bishop Benjamin Dube, so I have learnt a lot,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As the department, we are satisfied with the turnout. Indeed, people of the North West and neighbouring countries were so looking forward to this event.
“We experienced so many challenges prior to the event. However, we want to assure our people that, this kind of event is important because it contributes immensely to the economy of the province.
“So, let’s work together and if there are any criticisms, we are willing to learn from them going forward. As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival features many artists from the province.”
According to Sebolecwe, on Saturday, the Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu. He said the festival will close with a popular genre, Amapiano with Kabza De Small, Maphorisa Foculist, Toss and Kelvin Momo among others.
The police in Taung are investigating a murder case that took place a week ago at Manthe village, near Taung. This comes after the deceased, Tseko Gabonnwe (37) from Kuaneng Section in Manokwanevillage, near Taung was allegedly killed by mob justice.
It is alleged that Gaonnwe broke into one of the houses at Manthe village during load shedding. However, the owner caught him red-handed after the electricity returned.
The deceased was allegedly beaten to a pulp by community members before the police were called.
Gabonnwe was allegedly released, but instead of going home, he went to another house and broke in too. His lifeless body was allegedly discovered by a passer-by in the early hours of the morning on Sunday last week.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “Yes, the police are aware of the incident, hence we are investigating a case of murder. At this stage, we have not made any arrests.”
Picture: The iconic Mmabatho Stadium is ready to host Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
It’s all systems go for the much-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival on Friday. The prestigious festival makes its return after a three-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-day flagship event, funded and supported by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) is set to run from March 17-19 at Mmabatho Stadium Parking Lot.
It event will feature a Gospel Night, a Jazz Festival, and Amapiano/Motswako night.
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival will feature many North West-based artists. The stage and the dome, which will accommodate thousands of revellers have already been erected.
“The local artists were organised as part of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival activations across the province in the past weekend, ahead of the main festival.”
The Gospel Night on Friday will be headlined by the popular gospel music group Joyous Celebration with supporting acts like Gospel stars such as Bucy Radebe and David The King.
Meanwhile, Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, and Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu on Saturday. The popular Amapiano Djs, Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, Focalist, Toss, and Kelvin Momo, among others with close the event on Sunday.
Sebolecwe further said, the Hip Hop and Motswako artists such as Molemi, Tuks Senganga, Areece, Notshi, and Fifi Cooper will also grace the stage. He added that, the festival, which attracts thousands of music lovers from outside the province and also from neighbouring Botswana, is set to boost the economy of the province in areas ranging from hospitality to tourism and small businesses.
“The Mahika Mahikeng is not just a music festival, but it benefits entrepreneurs from small businesses to the mainstream. The line-ups are dominated by local artists as we prioritise our very own,” said Sebolecwe.
A man has been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for rape by the Vryburg Regional Court. Frank Kai Monoko (52) raped a boy (14) near the railway lines in Vryburg. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the incident took place on 5 May 2019 at around 5:30pm.
“The accused found the victim gathering wood and lured him to a house close to the railway lines. The victim walked with Manoko to the backroom of a house after being promised money.
“The accused locked themselves inside the room and raped the boy. Manoko opened the door and allowed the boy to go after the ordeal. The victim ran to the street and found a traffic officer, who assisted him to report the offense,” van Rooyen said.
She further said, the accused was arrested shortly after the incident was reported and he was released on bail after his second court appearance. Van Rooyen added that, during the third court appearance, the accused failed to attend and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
“With the assistance of the Provincial Tracking Team, the accused was re-arrested in 2022 and was remanded in custody until the day of his conviction and sentencing,” said van Rooyen.
Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the investigation officer of Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), Warrant Officer Hannelie van Wyk for the conviction.
Tlotleng stated that, this should send a clear message that the police will do their utmost to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups within our community.
A body of an elderly man who went missing was found in the bushes. John Gumede (75) who was residing at a local Old Age Home in Jericho, near Letlhabile was last seen on 10 March 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Gumede allegedly died of natural causes.
“Gumede left the Old Age Home at around 4pm without informing anyone and never returned back home. A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and precinct of Jericho without any success.
“During his disappearance, he was wearing a black golf shirt and blue trousers. He was dark in complexion, average in height and body structure with short grey hair,” Funani said.
Picture: The Grade 12 learners from Mamutla Secondary School were allegedly chased away by the school principal/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A few Grade 12 learners from Mamutla Secondary School in Kameelpuit village, near Taung were allegedly chased away from school for buying their own uniforms.
It is alleged that these learners, ordered school uniforms from the tailor who was appointed by the school, but it took six months before the uniforms were delivered. So, this forced learners to look for alternatives by buying their own uniforms, which were similar to school uniforms.
However, this allegedly rubbed the school principal the wrong way. He allegedly chased these learners away and ordered them to look for their own schools.
One of the parents, Kegomoditswe Piet said, the school sold the uniform for around R1000, while the learners bought the same uniforms for around R550. Piet said they penned a letter of complaint to the circuit manager raising dissatisfaction against the school principal.
“As parents, we writing this complaint letter to the circuit manager complaining about the challenges we are facing at Mamutla Secondary School.
“The school principal has chased two learners from school because they bought school uniforms elsewhere not from the school. Other learners who endorsed the same uniform were also chased away,” she said.
Piet further said, the parents decided to buy school uniforms from elsewhere because the uniforms from the school took more than six months to arrive. She added that there are also parents who are still owed uniforms money by the school.
“The school principal endorsed the same uniform and he only had a problem because the same uniform was not bought from the school-appointed tailor.
“He also accused these learners of theft for using the school emblem without his consent. I think the Grade 12 learners should have access to the school emblem. So, I do not see any problem with that,” said Piet.
According to Piet, the matter was resolved a few days ago.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “It is important that we put everything into perspective and state the facts clearly. The uniform in question is not prescribed for all the grades, but is a Grade 12 preferred uniform for the year 2023.
“The principal never chased away any learner, but informed the two of them to bring parents to clarify some issues such as who authorised the use of the emblem without consulting the school administration and the School Governing Body (SGB).”
Malindi said, the school was running the risk of every Grade 12 learner designing their own patterns and different colours, which would not serve a purpose. He said the whole exercise of executing different patterns, colours and etc was going to defeat the exercise of uniformity.
“Learners in question were requested to bring their parents for purposes of clarifying the situation and one parent who responded conceded to the issues raised by the school.
“We fully believe that the matter is blown out of proportion and the SGB met and resolved the matter and that uniformity will prevail,” said Malindi.
Picture: One of community members raising his views during public participation at the North West Provincial Legislature/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The community members raised various service delivery challenges ranging from scholar transport challenges, lack of sports facilities in schools and communities, high teenage pregnancy and drug abuse in schools.
One of the community members, Tshegofatso Molome said, patients, are suffering because health centres are not operating at night and during the weekend. Molome said lack of social workers in schools and a shortage of health professionals and medicine in health centres.
“People cannot be sick only during the day and the week, but our clinics are turning away sick patients at night and at weekends. There is also a shortage of ambulances, especially in villages where road conditions are also bad and damage those vehicles as well.
“We health facilities that are not operating 24 hours and 7 days a week, shortage of medication and personnel, social workers that are not deployed in schools to deal with social challenges of learners, the dilapidated infrastructure of schools, health facilities and arts, culture and sports facilities and shortage of classrooms and teachers,” she said.
Another community member, Kedibone Matlhomola shared the same sentiments. Matlhomola said they were informed that, the classrooms in rural communities and some townships are overcrowded and that the learner dropout rate is very high due to drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.
“Although the department is providing mobile classrooms, there is no plan to maintain them when damaged. Some learners who come from child-headed families are also struggling to attend school due to social problems in their families hence they end up dropping out of school,” she said.
These challenges were raised during the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) public participation programme in Mahikeng, where Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) engage with community members to hear their concerns on various service delivery issues and discuss possible solutions as well as allow Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from various provincial departments to respond to such issues.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Gavin Edwards informed the attendees that, during the recent oversight programme of the legislature in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the committee witnessed various challenges such as dilapidated health centres without personnel and medication, poor records management in health facilities which results on patients files being misplaced, and victim empowerment centres that are not fully funded and supported with resources.
“There are instances, where patients in clinics or hospitals have more than one file, and instances where operations theatres and other facilities in hospitals are not working.
“Often medical doctors and nurses knock off at 4pm thus leaving patients stranded and unattended without receiving any medical attention,” said Edwards.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Paul Sebego said: “Schools that were built by communities before 1994 need serious renovations as the infrastructure is dilapidated and not conducive for teaching and learning.
“Another concerning issue is the scholar transport, where buses used to transport learners are not roadworthy as we have seen in recent times when traffic authorities have impounded them. Education department must engage the Transport Management department to ensure that learners are transported on roadworthy vehicles.”
Sebegoe added that the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) should also address challenges of libraries and sports facilities that are not maintained regularly.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department plans to renovate 44 clinics each financial year and upgrade 10 clinics to 24-hour/7 days a week operations.
“We are also planning to build a state-of-the-art hospital that will cater for Tswaing and Ratlou Local Municipalities. We have budgeted R170 million to upgrade Motswedi clinic to a Community Healthcare Centre (CHC) and have changed the method of procuring ambulances to accommodate the growing population,” he said.
North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi said the department has agreed with municipalities to provide maintenance support to libraries and install internet.
“As municipalities are not paying librarians the same as the ones from the department, we plan to incorporate them into the department so that, they can be on the same salary scale.
“We will ensure that municipalities utilise their 15% of Municipal Infrastructure Grant to maintain sports facilities and will work with sports federations to address their issues,” she said.
The North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said: “Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) are funded based on services rendered and are financially supported yearly with 2 trench payments.
“We are trying to support the NPOs and other organisations with necessary resources. The department will resolve the issue of transport for social workers in Ratlou and other affected areas,” she said.
Picture: Some of the patients at Taung District Hospital allegedly abandoned/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
About 51 National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) affiliated members in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District have not received their salaries for this month. This comes after they allegedly embarked on ‘illegal’ protests a week ago demanding a 10% increment.
Now, patients at Taung District Hospital were allegedly left unattended as some of the aggrieved workers stopped working and picketed outside the hospital in demand of their salaries.
NEHAWU acting regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Ismael Tshabile said: “It is true that some of our members did not receive their salaries for this month. We had a consultative engagement with the Human Resources (HR) Manager in the region regarding this.
“However, the HR Manager confirmed that this was the instruction from the provincial office not to pay them. So, negotiations are underway in a quest to ensure that, our members receive their hard-earned salaries. They have worked so hard for those salaries. So, the employer does not have any right to withhold their salaries.”
The North West Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said, employees who participated in the recent NEHAWU strike were not paid their salaries.
“This is the decision of the national government. It is not all the employees, but those who participated in the strike. The cause of the withdrawal of salaries was due to what the national government deemed as participation in the unprotected strike,” Lekgethwane said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister of Health, Michele Clarke who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, in light of the severe damage to the public health sector and the detrimental impact on patients, the DA will request that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigate the NEHAWU strike.
Clarke further said, since the strike’s commencement, the DA has done multiple oversights and engaged with even more public health sector stakeholders.
“Our findings concur with media reports. The hospitals and clinics that aren’t crippled by the strike, are being overrun by the patients diverted there – and buckling under the pressure. We commend these public health facilities for doing their best to serve the public under extremely difficult circumstances and provide the best possible care. However, the situation is unsustainable.
“The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has confirmed that the death toll is rising. Patients and staff are being barred access to health facilities and intimidated and threatened – often in full view of the police who rarely intervene. Hospitals are filthy, and at many facilities, all but the most infirm patients have had to be discharged,” he said.
Clarke added that the impact on the health of the discharged patients and other members of the public that seek care might be immense. He said it is time NEHAWU brings the strike to an end.
“Yesterday, the Labour Appeal Court interdicted this strike action, which includes essential workers in the health sector. This bars them from participating in pickets, strikes, or industrial action.
“While the DA has sympathy for the horrendous circumstances many public health practitioners work in, a wage dispute cannot supersede the oath of care,” said Clarke.
A murder case against ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula was postponed by Orkney Magistrate’s Court until 17 April 2023 for further investigations.
Kula (34) is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi at their matrimonial house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on 27 November 2022. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, Motlhomi was found with a stab wound on her back in what seemed like an armed robbery.
“The object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention.
“Kula told the police that, he was not present at his home when the incident occurred. Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and arrested on 20 January 2023,” Mamothame said.
He further said, Kula was charged with murder. Mamothame added that, the police investigations are still underway and Kula will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.
“Also, the North West High Court issued a notice for 23 March 2023 for Kula to appeal the bail judgment. The accused’s first appeal on the bail judgment was struck off the roll by the North West High Court because his application was not in order.
“The senior state Advocate, Benny Kalakgosi has prepared heads of argument to oppose the application. The application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.
Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip at the National Assembly (NA), Pemmy Majodina said: “The ANC caucus has been driving campaigns in our constituencies around the country against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F). We are deeply saddened by the news that Motlhomi was brutally murdered during 16 Days of Activism for violence against women and children.
“While we may not pronounce on the merits of the charges against Kula, the Office of the Chief Whip has submitted a report to the Head Office of the ANC on this matter. We expect ANC processes to follow, guided by the ANC step-aside rule since Kula is facing criminal charges.”
Majodima said the ANC caucus takes GBVF extremely seriously and they wish to assure the people of South Africa that, they shall act speedily on this matter. She said, the ANC caucus also calls on the NPA and the courts to act decisively to bring about justice for Motlhomi and her family, as many other victims of violent crime.
