By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects who were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice were remanded in custody by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 4 January 2022 for formal bail application.

Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) were arrested for the alleged murder of the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32). According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend in Modimong village near Taung.

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 girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed.

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 suspects were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police. The Taung Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 4 January 2022 for formal bail application. The accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance,” Mamothame said.

Meanwhile, the community of Modimong village near Taung are up in arms and accused the investigating officer of being incompetent. Taung Community against Crime organisation chairperson, Peggy Molatlhegi said they have signed petitions.

“We have signed petitions calling on the SAPS to remove the investigating officer from this case. We have realised that the investigating officer is not highly experienced to handle a case of this magnitude.

“He is also from Manthe village where the area is crime-prone. We also believe that he is not safe. We urge that the accused be granted bail because we have lost faith in our justice system. We want them to be released because there is no need to have false hopes knowing exactly that they will be granted bail,” she said.

Molatlhegi further said they believe that when the accused are outside, they will realise how the community feels about their alleged actions.

Some community members shared the same sentiments.

Seelo’s aunt, Lesego Chupane said: “We feel short-changed by the police regarding investigations in this saga. The police never bothered to visit us as a bereaved family and give an update.    

“We are crestfallen and we urge the police to perform their duties diligently. We do not know if these two suspects were arrested in connection with Seelo’s murder or they were arrested for stock-theft case.”

One of the residents, Lucky Kwate said they are not happy after the court postponed the matter.

“Truly, we are not happy after the court postponed the matter. We urge the court to speed-up this case and ensure that justice prevails. We will wait for 4 January 2022 and see if these suspects are granted bail.

“We will discuss the next step as the community on what will happen if they are granted bail. We do not think it will be an ideal for the court to grant them bail because we do not know what will happen afterwards,” he said.

Kwate further said, as a community of Modimong, they are sick and tired of criminal activities taking place in their area.  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Newly-elected Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Oratile Segosapelo along with Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation (RATCO) chairperson, Modisaotsile Lebitse said they are hopeful that they will get justice.  

This comes after they were granted ‘leave to appeal’ their common assault case. Lebitse and Segosapelo were found guilty of common assault by Taung Regional Court recently after they assaulted Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane during a peaceful march in 2018.

The matter will be heard at the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg next year.    

They were given a R4000 fine or sentenced to six months imprisonment. Magistrate Buti Zulu said the sentence will be suspended for five years in condition that any of the accused is not found guilty of the same offense.

They were also prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm. 

They led a peaceful march where they submitted a memorandum to the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices demanding that Mankuroane be dethroned from his chieftaincy position. 

In the memorandum, the duo alleged that Mankuroane’s administration was marred with corruption, fraud and maladministration. Lebitse said there were so many challenges such as divergence in land allocation, selling of land to foreign nationals, businesses operating in Taung without following legislation measures and projects stoppage.

He also said the Taung Cultural Calabash event continues to benefit the few only. Lebitse further said the overlapping responsibilities especially on the land have resulted in conflicts between the two authorities, local and traditional.

However, there was a tumult and the police were called where Segosapelo and Lebitse were arrested.

The defense attorney, Isang Nakale confirmed that he had appealed the matter. 

“Truly, we will be appealing the matter because in our submission, we believe that the conviction is neither premised nor factual on legal sound reasons. You will realise that the court did not even give reasons why the accused are found guilty of common assault. 

“Over and above, there are inherent contradictions from state witnesses, their statements and evidence placed before court. Also the medical evidence submitted meditates against the findings which the court has arrived at.”

Meanwhile, Segosapelo and Lebitse still maintain their innocence and said they had never raised a finger against Mankuroane.

“I still maintain that what was presented in court is nothing but far-fetched. I have realised that our justice system is not trustworthy because what has happened is not the true reflection of the matter.

“This matter is politically motivated because they know that I have been sworn-in as EFF councillor. Now, there is a witch-hunt propagated against me.  I always stand for the truth and I have represented our community of Taung well as an activist,” Segosapelo said.

Lebitse also shared the same sentiments. He said they are steadfast in their mission and want to see Taung being under good leadership and administration.

“What I remember is that, on that day, I didn’t even see Mankuroane. So, I am gobsmacked that I am accused of common assault. It is so heart-breaking to see our justice system doing this especially to poor people.

“In my view, the justice system only favours the elite. However, I will continue to fight for the rights of our people and Taung will be free from the corrupt. I also want to appeal to our courts to be wary of being used by the elites to violate poor people’s rights,” he said.

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BAKANG MOKOTO

Matsatsi a Keresemose a fitlhile pele ga nako go baagi bangwe ba ba dikobo di magetleng kwa motsaneng wa Matlhako 2 gaufi le Pudimoe. Seno se tla morago ga go abelwa ga dilwana jaaka dijo le tse dingwe ke bo rrakgwebo ba mo motse-setoropong wa Pudimoe mono Taung.

Letsema leno la go ka abelana dimpho, le ne le rulagantswe ke sepodisi sa Pudimoe, mme ba mema beng ba dikgwebo jaaka ba The Kroll Chisanyama and Carwash go tswa gone mo Pudimoe ga mmogo le beng ba ba tsamaisang ditikwa-tikwe tsa marekelo.    

Mong wa The Kroll Chisanyama and Carwash, Lesego Nakana are o mo tlotlo go bo a nnile karolo ya thulaganyo eno. Nakana gape o rotlweditse beng ba dikgwebo mono Pudimoe go ka tsaya karolo mo go abeleng baagi ba ba dikobo dikhutshwane.   

“Re le bo rrakgwebo mono Pudimoe, re bone go le botlhokwa go ka nna karolo ya gompieno gonne re itemogetse fa malapa a le mantsi a leba kwa matsatsing a keresemose le ngwaga o motsha ba sena letseno.

“Re bone pegelo go tswa go ditheo dile pedi eleng sa sepodisi ga mmogo le sa Community Policing Forum (CPF). Ba ile ba kopa gore re neelane ka dimpho go malapa a  sa itsholelang le fa e se dimpho tsa sepe, mme lemme ga le bolaye,” Nakana wa tlhalosa.

O kaile fa seo se tla thusa gore le beng ba malapa a sa itsholelang ekere fa go tsenwa mo matsatsing a khunologo le bone ba kgone go ka itumela ga mmogo le baagi. Nakana o tsweletse ka gore go botlhokwa gore re ba thuse, mme ese gore ba itsholetse.

“Ke fela gore re ile ra nna le lesego leo go tswa mo Modimong. Jaanong,  fela jaaka Motswana a buile are sejo sennye ga se fete molomo. Re bone go le botlhokwa go ka kgaoganyang tlhogo ya tsie,” Nakana wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mongwe wa lebentlele wa motswa-kwa, Hemod Gebreeegz Jabher o a itsagaleng ka leina la Sipho are le ene o itumeletse go ka nna karolo ya go abelana. Sipho are o makgetlho-kgetlho a tsaya karolo mo letsemeng la go ka thusa baagi ba ba dikobo dikhutshwane ebile ga a boele morago.

“Le nna ke itumeletse go nna karolo ya kopano e go nne Modimo a re letsogo le le fang, le tshegofaditswe go gaisa. Ke lobaka le le telele ke ntse ke thusa baagi ba ba dikobo magetleng, mme ke tlile go tswelela go dira jalo.

“Re file baagi dilwana jaaka dijo, mme re tshepa fa di tla tlisa pharologanyo mo matshelong a bone thata-thata ka matsatsi ano a khunologo. Re ikuela go borra dikgwebo ba bangwe go ka nna karolo ya bontle jo gonne, motho ga iphetse e se naga,” Sipho wa tlhalosa.  

Bangwe ba ba ungwelwa jaaka Boipelo Thakadu go tswa kwa motseng wa Mmatlhako 2 o kaile jaana.

“Dimpho tse di tlile go re tswela mosola gonne kena le bana ba le bararo, mme ga ke dire. Se se dirilweng ke borra-dikgwebo bano se bontsha botho, ebile ka Setswana gatwe ngwana ke sejo wa tlhakanelwa.

“Jaanong ke ikuela go baagi botlhe kgotsa bo rradikgwebo ba bangwe go ka tsaya karolo, mme ba tswelele go re thusa jalo. Re tshepa fa Modimo a tla ba tshegofaletsa go ya kwa pele,” Thakadu wa tlhalosa.  

Refilwe Segole le ene o ne a amogela dimpho.

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BAKANG MOKOTO

Baagi ba kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang gaufi le Christiana ba kaile fa ba tshositswe ke go tlhokafala ga mosimanyana wa dingwaga dile 17 kwa sekolong sa setso kwa dipolaseng tse di gaufi le Matsheng mono Taung.

Go kaiwa fa Katlego Moselane a ne a ngwegela mophatong ka di 13 tsa Sedimonthole 2021, mme ene ya re ka di 19 Sedimonthole 2021, go ne ga begwa fa rra-mophato a ne a itelekela kwa lelapeng la moswi. Go ya ka moemedi wa baagi, Olebogeng Morake ga gwaka ga nna le puisano e e tlhapileng magareng ga rra-mophato le ba lelapa la moswi.

“Re ikuela go borra-mophato go ka dirisana thata le ba malapa a bana ba ba ileng sekolong sa setso. Gara itumelela ka mokgwa o rra-mophato a tsamaisitseng dilo ka teng gonne, o gorogile kwa lelapeng lo rra Moselane ka di 19 tsa Sedimonthole 2021 go tla go tlhalosa fa boitekanelo jwa moswi e se jo bo namatshang.

“O fitlhile mme a batlana le karata ya klininiki ya moswi, le dinomore tsa mogala tsa motlhokomedi. O ne a tsamaya, mme e ne ya re moragonyana a boa gape a tla go tlhalosa fa mosimanyana a tlhokafetse,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

O kaile gape fa dikolo dingwe tsa setso di sa latele melao le melawana mme ditsenya bana mo sekolong entle le tetla ya batsadi kgotsa batlhokomedi. Morake a re go bontsha gape fa melao ya COVID-19 le yone e sa salwe morago, mme o kgadile borra-mephato ka go dirisa dikolo tsa setso go ka ikhumisa.

“Dikolo tsa setso di dirisetswa go ka ikhumisa mme matshelo a bana ga a mo pabalesegong. Loso la mosimanyana o le re amile thata gonne re ne re setse re solofetse tse dintsi go tswa mo go ene.

“Re kgala thata tiragalo e, mme re tshepa fa majoro wa rona mo Lekwa-Teemane eleng Sebang Motlhabi yo le ene ga jaana a leng kwa sekolo sa setso kwa Bloemhof, a ka fitlha a kgala tiragalo e thata,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare sebueledi sa sepodisi mono sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Serg Tryphosa van Rooyen o netefaditse tiragalo e. Van Rooyen are: “Lekawana leno le ne la idibala kwa sekolong sa setso morago ga difitlholo. Go kaiwa fa go ne ga bidiwa ambulance go ka ya go thusa, mme ka maswabi moswi o ne a tlhokafala.

“Kgetsi ya morago ga loso ene ya bulwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Amalaia mme dipatlisiso tsa morago ga leso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Kgosi ya Batlhaping Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Motlhabane o kgadile tiragalo eno. Motlhabane o kaile fa seno ele matlhabisa ditlhong mme ebile o ikuetse go batsadi go ka netefatsa fa ba sa tlogele bana ba bone ba ngwegela mephatong e e seng mo molaong.

“Re ikuela go batsadi go ka netefatsa fa ba itsise sepodisi ka ditiragalo tseno. Rona mo ga-Maidi ga ra tlhatlhela mophato. Ke fela gore tiragalo e, e diragaletse kwa dipolaseng tse di gaufi le motse wa Matsheng eseng kwa Matsheng go ya ka dipego.

“Go tshwanetse ga tsewa dikgato tse di tseneletseng kgatlhanong le botlhe ba ba robang molao. Mephato e e seng mo molaong ga ya tshwanelwa ke go letlelelwa mme ke ikuela go ba ba maleba go ka tsaya dikgato,” Motlhabane wa tlhalosa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung-born shoe mechanic, Tshidiso Motlhabane said he is exultant to see his business turning into the most reputable shoe repair service across the country. Motlhabane who transforms basic pairs of sneakers or shoes into fully-fledged masterpieces with paint said, even though he is based in Pretoria, he continues to receive business across the country.

“I have expanded my operations nationally with a growing portfolio. I would say social media platforms have given our business the necessary exposure and we continue to increase our footprint.

“I started this shoe mechanic business back in 2017. But before giving shoes makeovers, I was only cleaning them. What prompted me to start this business is the love for shoes and fashion. I’ve always wanted to look different from the rest and wear shoes that others cannot find,” he said.

A 28 year-old LLB graduate said he always had that mind-set since he was a kid. Motlhabane said the skill he acquired was self-taught and now he is a master.

“Thanks to the internet because it is where I have learnt the basics. I developed a skill through time and became creative. I graduated with LLB through the University of South Africa (UNISA) back in 2019.

“However, I am not practicing law because I am devoted to my business now. I believe that I have a lot of potential to grow and I am the best at what I do. I have received business from all over the country including orders from our neighbouring countries such Botswana and Swaziland,” said Motlhabane.

He further said he had achieved his niche through discipline, dedication and determination. However, a buoyed Motlhabane added that regardless of an individual’s talent, he encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to go to school.

“Education prevents poverty and can create opportunities. It also brings growth, so it is very imperative to equip yourself. I would like to see myself having shoe mechanic stores across the country and creating more jobs and empowering the youth.

“I would not only be doing my work on shoes and clothes, but also on cars and other materials like watches, etc. Mostly, my target market is the working class, but my pricing is balanced to accommodate people from detrimental backgrounds,” he said.

Motlhabane has painted shoes for many celebrities including actor, SK Khoza, world renowned music producers, DJ Cleo and Prince Kaybee. He also displayed his artistic work for soccer players like Teboho Mokoena and Sfiso Myeni.

“My work is loved across the spectrum and I’ve also painted shoes for music producers such as Chymamusique, Da Capo and the list goes on. My charges are affordable and currently it will only cost a customer R350 per pair.

“However, the pricing will go up on 1 January 2022. Previously, I had a team but things did not go accordingly but most definitely next year I’ll be employing more people. I would like to encourage everyone out there to follow their dream and make sure they succeed.

Anyone who would like to be in contact with Motlhabane can go to their Facebook: Shoe Mechanic.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 25 Under-17 players who were selected during the Benito Sport Development tournament held at Mighty Boys FC grounds in Manthe village near Taung will undergo a week-long  intensive training come January 2022.

The former football player, Benny “Benito” Setumisho said all went well despite some challenges. Setumisho said he was impressed with what was displayed by young players’ through-out the tournament.  

“The tournament went well under difficult conditions. We had to postpone some games on Sunday due to rainy conditions. However, all 16 teams played their games on Saturday, but those who qualified for quarter finals were forced to play close to three games on Monday.

“We managed to select players on Saturday and we soldiered on until Monday. The tournament reached its objective and I am happy. Under-17 players participated and there was a lot of potential that needs to be nurtured,” he said.

Setumisho further said these players demonstrated their football-playing skills and he was happy with the recruitment processes. He added that all players selected will assemble during the second week of January 2022 for a week-long camp.

“We will bring them together and ensure that they understand what is needed from them. These Under-17 players played like adults. We only have to show them a new way to get better because most of them are largely from rural society.

“However, I do not have any doubt that they could compete with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs FC, Orlando Pirates FC, Mamelodi Sundowns FC including Jomo Cosmos FC. I also believe that some of these players can go abroad and play in one of the biggest leagues in the world,” said Setumisho.

He added that life in soccer academies is understandably filled with challenges and stringent procedures, so he called on businesspersons to come on board and assist with funding. Setumisho said he will be in need of accommodation to house these players during a week-long camp.

“’You’re talking about a lot of young players chasing a few options. We had over 200 players who participated in this tournament, but only 25 made it. So, we will need as much support as we can because this is a long term option.

“Taung has an abundance of talent but that can only be nurtured if we work together. We also brought in players such as Mothusi Gopane to give a word of advice to them. One of the problems with the academy is its ethos,” said.  

He also applauded those sponsors who came on board like Centre of Medical Imaging SA for support and the North West Social Development. Setumisho who said he was disappointed by the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) for its failure to come on board, he lauded the Roots shop and Lebo Tebo Construction company director, Lebo Mabe who donated five soccer balls.  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two suspects aged 35 and 37 respectively, were expected to appear at Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of explosives and attempted ATMs bombing. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lit Colonel Amanda Funani, police who were on patrol allegedly spotted two suspects next to the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Marikana and approached them.

“Upon seeing the police approaching, the duo ran away leading to a chase. Subsequently, the police managed to catch them and searched their bags. During the search, the police discovered explosives inside the bags. 

“The police allegedly went back to the ATMs where the men were initially spotted and ultimately found other explosives connected to two ATMs. The pair were arrested and are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’ Court on 15 December 2021,” Funani said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated Marikana members for their vigilance and swift reaction that resulted in the arrest. 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Premier, Bushy Maape who wished South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa well after he tested positive for COVID-19, calls on all people to support government programmes to receive vaccination, follow existing non-pharmaceutical protocols during this festive season.

Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele said in a statement on 12 December 2021 that Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive for the viral infection.

“The President started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier today. The President is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force.

“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week. On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 in all countries,” Gungubele said.

He also urged people who have had contact with Ramaphosa to watch for symptoms or to have them tested.

Meanwhile, Maape said: “As we wish President Ramaphosa a speedy recovery, we also wish to thank him for his leadership in choosing to make public his positive test and lead from the front of the country’s effort to respond to the new variant Omicron.

“President Ramaphosa’s role in the frontline response to COVID 19 has been recognized in our country, continent and globally since the pandemic in 2020. We welcome the news that Ramaphosa has presented with very mild symptoms, which is a clear indication that vaccines do work.” 

He further said they believe that vaccination offers the only viable option out of the pandemic towards a manageable health response, which will allow South Africa to restore most of our normal lives and return most of our economic and social activities to near normalcy.

Maape added that as Ramphosa takes time off to recover in order to return to full service of our nation, they should not allow this festive season to delay their recovery any further.

“We pledge our support to the Deputy President, David Mabuza as he leads the following days of our response to COVID-19, together with the collective of the National Coronavirus Command Council, and all Provincial and District Command Councils across the Country.

“Let’s vaccinate, before we vibe this festive season,” he concluded.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy was killed by a train at Dryharts village near Taung on Monday. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Serg Tryphosa van Rooyen, Kabo Mogapi who suffered from a hearing impairment was walking along the train tracks when the atrocity took place.

“The train that was approaching him from behind rang the warning horn, but due to his hearing impairment he could not respond. The driver of the train tried to apply his brakes but it was too late and the boy was hit by the train,” van Rooyen said.

She said a case of culpable homicide was opened at Pudimoe Police Station, while investigation continues.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) continues to be prevalent in South Africa and according to the statistics, more cases have been reported since lockdown. Pudimoe Police Station along with other stakeholders organised a GBV&F awareness campaign at Pudimoe Library on Friday to educate children about this pandemic.

Pudimoe Police Station Captain, Michael Leboiho said: “We get more influx of GBV cases especially that involve children. We have realised that some parents neglect their children and they end up being victims of GBV.

“Another challenge is young girls being involved in romantic relationships with older guys. In most cases, these young girls get involved with outcast men, especially those who would come to the villages as contractors.”

Leboiho said some of these young girls will run from their homes and stay with these ‘foreigners’ and end up being pregnant. He said their parents would then try to go and open cases with the police, however, perpetrators would ‘run’ away.   

“We would like to encourage our people, especially parents, to come forward and report these cases before it is too late. They need to know that sexual offences are defined in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007).

“Sexual offences include rape, which can be committed by a male or a female while the victim may be a male or a female. This also include sexual assault, compelling or causing persons of 18 years or older to witness sexual offenses, sexual acts or self-masturbation,” he said.

Leboihi further said he believed that this initiative had given more exposure to children and anyone experiencing GBV. He added that mostly, the GBV cases are taking place behind closed doors and urge victims to break the silence.

Meanwhile, the Pudimoe Gender –Based Violence and Femicide Organisation activist, Oratile Phulane shared the same sentiments. Phulane said GBV&F is another pandemic apart from COVID-19.

“We have established this organisation in quest to combat GBV&F within our area. In most cases, parents do not know the impact of this pandemic. Some households refuse to work together with us, but we always encourage them to report this scourge.

“Even though GBV&F knows no boundaries, it is more prevalent among underprivileged households. Maybe this had to do with gender inequality in South Africa, which is exacerbated by the country’s torrid history of exclusion and separate development, its sharply divided socio-economic character and a pervasive male-dominated culture in various industries,” she said.

Joseph Tanyane from Matlhako 2 Tribal Authority Office said: “We urge men to stand up against GBV. So, women and children should report these horrendous acts to the police.  Let us work together with the police and other stakeholders.”

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