By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Four suspects were nabbed for dealing with drugs in the Wrenchville, Kuruman on Thursday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said: “Police pounced on credulous suspects and found them with 93 whole, 2 halves and 3 quarter of mandrax tablets. The estimated street value of the drugs is R5215.
“The suspects are aged 21, 24, 25 and 27 and they are expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court soon. Police investigation continues.”
Picture: Molelema community leader, Mothibi Makoro
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Seven accused from Molelema village, near Taung were granted bail by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Gaorongwe Mooki, Kenny Letebele, Ompolokile Leeuw, Malefane Motswakae, Olebogeng Monchusi and Tebogo Makoloi were arrested during protest at Molelema two week ago.
Community embarked on a protest demanding tar road on D208 and D209 after the North West Public Works and Roads department failed to honour their promises to construct those roads on 1 April 2018. According to one of community leaders, Mothibi Makoro, the department agreed to construct those roads in 2018 financial year.
“We are grateful that our fellow soldiers are out on bail. They have received R500 bail each and we want to welcome them back. We met with the department last week Thursday as they requested us to give them seven working days before they could respond to our grievances.
“The department said they still have to engage with national treasury for R290m that could be used to construct some of these roads. So, they said this might take two months and we are content about it. All the roads in Baga-Maidi are inaccessible and we need them constructed,” Makoro said.
He further said they will continue to proscribe children from going to school until they see the contractor on site.
Those who were released on bail were instructed to report at Kokomeng Police Station every Friday between 6am and 6pm.
Molelema Primary School, Community Hall and shops were torched and ransacked during the protests. North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari condemned the arson after Molelema Primary School’s administration block and the National School Nutrition Programme kitchen were reduced to ashes.
“The destruction of schools was never a solution to challenges residents face in communities. On behalf of the department, I condemn in the strongest terms the burning of the two schools in the province. Last year pupils of GS Phoi Secondary School lost about three months of teaching and learning due to strikes.
“At the end of the year in the matric results, they were at the bottom of the district with results of 46%. I am pleading with our communities to desist from burning schools as this act creates a huge backlog in the infrastructure for schools,” he said.
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has joined millions of South Africans and the world at large in sending the heartfelt condolences to the Madikizela and Mandela families. This follows the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (81) at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Monday.
Mahumapelo has described Mama Winnie as a warrior of social justice.
“Mama Winnie is one of the greatest women to walk this part of the world. This struggle icon was not just a freedom fighter to most of us, but the Mother of the Nation. A true revolutionary that sacrificed her life in dismantling the apartheid regime to ensure that there is liberation in this country.
“Despite all the difficulties and dirty tactics employed on her struggle journey, she was never deterred. Her spirit was never broken and she remained fearless. Madikizela-Mandela’s contribution to the struggle is immeasurable. In Mama Winnie, the nation has lost a courageous and a gallant leader who dedicated her life in serving the people,” he said.
Mahumapelo further said his provincial government is deeply saddened by the passing of Madikizela-Mandela. He added that this is not only a loss to the Madikizela and Mandela families, but that of the world.
“She will be sadly missed and we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families. May the families have strength during this difficult time. Madikizela-Mandela held several government positions, served on the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and also headed its Women’s League,” he said.
Nelson Mandela Foundation chairman, Prof Njabulo Ndebele said: “The death of Madikizela-Mandela is a hard blow for the foundation. She travelled a very long road together with our Founder, Nelson Mandela. She was a member of a generation of leaders which survived the most brutal period of state terror in apartheid South Africa.
“All South Africans are indebted to Mama Winnie, whether they acknowledge it or not. From the witness of her life, we knew we could stand tall. We knew also we could falter and stumble. Either condition was an affirmation of life. Her cry was our cry, and in 2018 we can say we did triumph.”
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A body of a 38 year-old man was discovered in the river in Khibitswane village in Taung. It is alleged that Paseka Selading who worked at Taung Hospital as a pharmacist, went missing last week on Sunday at Cokonyane.
A passerby saw Selading’s vehicle in the river and alerted his family. Selading was allegedly swept away by flood and his body was found 20km away from the scene.
Selading’s uncle, Ezekiel Sejo said: “I was with my nephew on Sunday night after he dropped us at my place. He drove back to Cokonyane, but he did not reach his destination. It is alleged that his vehicle was swept away by flood, while trying to cross a makeshift bridge in the area.
“He tried to get out of the car, but he allegedly fell into the river. We are hurt about the outcome of the event as he was the only breadwinner.”
Greater Taung local municipality ward councillor, Frans Leshoe sent his heartfelt condolences to the family.
“We want to send our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. We urge our people to be more careful during these torrential rains. Taung is predominantly rural and the roads are inaccessible especially during rainy season.
“We kindly urge our people to stay away from flooding areas to avoid casualties,” he said.
Meanwhile, a one year-old baby also drowned in a pond in Magogong village. Mamello Maine was allegedly following her father when she fell into the pond.
Orapeleng Ditsebe said he did not notice that his daughter was following him. Ditsebe said he went outside to feed chicken and did not look back.
“I was not aware that my daughter was following me. I was surprised when I could not find her in the house.
“My wife asked where the daughter was and we went to look for her outside. It was so heartbreaking seeing her lifeless body in the pond. Mamello was so bubbly and we enjoyed having her around,” Ditsebe said.
Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe confirmed that two cases of inquest were opened.
“Police in Taung opened two separate cases of inquest. We urge our people to be more vigilant and avoid rivers and other flooding areas. People must be cautious when accessing those areas as they can be more dangerous especially during rainy season,” Thebe said.
Picture: Gaoganediwe Tlhareseng, who is Otlotleng’s brother
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The African National Congress (ANC) in Taung Sub-region and its alliances mourn the death of struggle icon, Otlotleng Johannes Tlhareseng. Mokgareng-born political activist was found dead at his home in Mokgareng village, near Taung on Sunday morning.
Gaoganediwe Tlhareseng who is Otlotleng’s brother, said they are deeply hurt. He further said the whole community of Taung lost a combatant.
“He contributed immensely into the fight against struggle during apartheid. Otlotleng’s strong political leadership was imperative. He assisted us a lot in grooming young cadres. Otlotleng also participated in a fight for economic development as well. I did not spend much time with OJ as Otlotleng was affectionately known in the political arena because I fled to Potchefstroom during the tenure of Bophuthatswana government.
“However, I know that he had a strong political leadership. We started to participate in politics with Otlotleng back in 1982. He contributed in recruiting new members for the ruling party and encouraged them to be card-carrying members. Otlotleng loved children and encouraged them to study hard. He also believed that the only tool to assist a black person to get out of poverty is through education,” he said.
A 53 year-old man actively took part in various schools across Taung as School Governing Body (SGB) member. OJ was also a staunch member of South African Communist Party (SACP).
Gaoganediwe further said his brother always urged ANC and SACP members to stop ‘infights’ and work together for the betterment of the communities.
“The funeral arrangements are underway and he will be buried this week. We will always be inspired by OJ’s life that was full of good leadership, inspiration and management. OJ represented the relevance of political leadership,” Gaoganediwe said.
North West Community Safety and Transport Management department, MEC and a member of SACP in Bokone Bophirima, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said Tlhareseng was a rounded activist. Motlhabane further said the deceased was an organiser and they will miss his contribution in building the alliance.
Greater Taung Local Municipality Ward councillor and ANC branch chairperson in Ward 7, Matlhomola Mokgobo said they were politically groomed by Tlhareseng.
“We regard him as our struggle stalwart in our area. He was one of those people who launched ANC branch in Mokgareng back in 1993. Tlhareseng was subjected to abuse during Bophuthatswana government, but he never nudged. He was constant like a northern star in his fight against injustices.
“Tlhareseng was our branch chairperson in back in 1994 after general elections. He was also our current branch treasurer and a secretary for SACP VD Ntokwe branch. He produced many leaders like Kgalalelo Sereko, Motseothata Mabe and Keneilwe Kgosimore including myself,” Mokgobo said.
He added that they will follow on Tlhareseng’s foot-steps to ensure that his objectives are realised. Tlhareseng was the SGB chairperson at Keseng Primary, Tlhareseng Primary Schools and the SGB member at Batlhaping High School respectively.
One of community members, Thansanqa Gulekane said: “Tlhareseng always encouraged us to work hard and ensure we improve our lives. He was a true soldier and social activist. We will celebrate his life and ensure that his objectives and visions are envisaged.”
taungdailynews@gmail.com
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A case of public violence against seven accused from Molelema village, near Taung was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Gaorongwe Mooki, Kenny Letebele, Ompolokile Leeuw, Malefane Motswakae, Chris Motsewaone, Olebogeng Monchusi and Tebogo Makoloi were arrested during protest at Molelema last week.
The seven accused, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court and they were remanded in custody until 3 April 2018 for formal bail application. One of community leaders, Makoro Mothibi said they were disappointed and the community lost confidence in the justice system.
“We are very disappointed after the court denied our fellow brothers bail. We believe that there is a third force behind the decision. There are people who wanted to see our fellow brothers spending Easter holidays in custody. However, we are content and we will never budge.
“We are fighting for our rights and the department promised to construct D208 and D209 roads respectively. As the community, we handed over a memorandum which the department acknowledged. Now, they want to send us from pillar to post without giving us proper answers. We will meet with community on Thursday to discuss way forward,” Mothibi said.
He also dismissed allegations that their march was politically-motivated. Mothibi said their grievances are genuine and they are also aware of those who are against developments in their area.
Molelema Primary School, community hall and shops were torched and ransacked. North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari condemned the arson after Molelema Primary School’s administration block and the National School Nutrition Programme kitchen were reduced to ashes.
“The destruction of schools was never a solution to challenges residents face in communities. On behalf of the department, I condemn in the strongest terms the burning of the two schools in the province. Last year pupils of GS Phoi Secondary School lost about three months of teaching and learning due to strikes.
“At the end of the year in the matric results, they were at the bottom of the district with results of 46%. I am pleading with our communities to desist from burning schools as this act creates a huge backlog in the infrastructure for schools,” he said.
North West Public Works and Roads department MEC, Mmule Maluleke said: “We have met with Molelema community and requested them to give us seven working days. We will revert to them after we met with relevant authorities to come up with solution to this matter.”
(Picture: Facebook)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
It seems the North West Public Works and Roads department played an early ‘April Fool’ on Baga-Maidi community, if what Molelema community leader, Makoro Mothibi said is anything to go by.
According to Mothibi, the department promised to introduce the contractor to the community in January 2018, while the construction of the road between Manthe and Molelema villages in Taung will commence on the 1st of April 2018.
Now situation is currently out of hand at Molelema as community went berserk. Police were forced to fire rubber bullets to unruly community members as they continue looting shops. The community demands tarred road on D208 and D209 roads and they promised not to stop until their grievances are met.
“The department failed to honour their promises. We submitted our memorandum last year and they agreed to maintain the road, while we are still waiting for the contractor to be introduced to us in January this year. However, nothing has happened and we are only left with few weeks before April.
“We have decided to embark on a protest to demonstrate our unhappiness. We have closed clinics, shops and schools, but we do not burn anything. Our roads are inaccessible especially during rainy season and that affects our livelihoods. So, we demand the tarred roads and we will never budge,” he said.
North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Tsholofelo Mathibedi said: “The department has no money allocated for both roads due to budget constraints. However, MEC Mmule Maluleke will make time to visit the affected community and explain to them. The department will ensure that it grades those roads to the level of tarred roads. This will make them accessible and easier to tar them when there is budget available.
“We also urge communities to work together with us as we could not tar all roads at once. We understand their frustrations and we urge that patience must prevail among them. The department needs billions of rands to tar all roads across the province. The budget that we have is a conditional grant and we cannot shift it.”
North West Education and Sport Development department spokesperson, Elias Malindi lambasted those who prohibited children to go to school. Malindi said it is wrong to prohibit children to go to school as service delivery has nothing to do with them and the delay will affect them.
Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said: “No one has been arrested thus far. However, I will update you as the situation is currently underway. Police are in the area monitoring the situation.”
Unconfirmed reports stated that the Molelema Community Hall was up in flair.
NB: This is a developing story and we will continue to update you with any new developments.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A Fidelity security guard was killed instantly in an accident next to Taung circle on Monday. Pudimoe Police Station cluster, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said: “Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a minibus taxi collided with a Fidelity Security vehicle. Unfortunately a male security guard lost his life in the accident.”
Thebe said investigations are underway and no one has been arrested.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to undertake a working visit to Mozambique and Zimbabwe on March 17 as the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the presidency has said in a statement.
The visit forms part of a long-standing tradition in the SADC region, whereby newly elected heads of state pay courtesy calls to the neighbouring countries.
“During the visit, President Ramaphosa and his counterparts will discuss bilateral co-operation as well as regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.
“It is expected that the SADC heads of state will pay a particular focus on the latest political and security developments in the region, including the regional economic integration agenda in the Southern African Development Community,” the statement said.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Lindiwe Sisulu and the Minister of State Security, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.
Source: http://www.news24.com
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 29 year-old man was arrested for robbery in Danielskuil on Tuesday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the police are investigating a business robbery that allegedly took place at a shop in Danielskuil.
Kock further said the victim alleged that he was asleep when several suspects entered his shop through the roof. He added that one of the suspects had a firearm and allegedly fired two shots.
“Other suspect tied the victim with cable ties and demanded money. The suspects robbed the victim undisclosed amount of money, cigarettes, boxer tobacco, two cellphone chargers, a cell phone and flash machine. Police are requesting assistance with information regarding the whereabouts of three other male suspects.
“All information can be forwarded to D/WO Neels on 082 302 0380. The suspect will appear in court soon. We can also confirm that investigations are underway,” he said.
