BY BAKANG MOKOTO EIGHTEEN Schools across Taung embarked on a peaceful march to address socio-economic issues affecting learners. The march was organised by Care and Support, Teaching and Learning (CSTL) structure which is part of North West Education and Development department. The initiative commenced from Anglican Church towards Batlhaping High School on Friday. Learners from various schools held placards depicted with various messages like stop bullying, HIV and Aids affect us and others. CSTL coordinator in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Simon Nenzani said many learners are facing socio-economic challenges especially at schools. He said that affect their studies and the initiative was inevitable. “It was imperative for the North West Education and Sport Development department to come up with this initiative. The aim of the programme was to raise awareness within the community of Taung. The initiative addresses socio-economic issues as well as health related matters affecting the society. “Our learners are members of the communities and we want them to be aware of those challenges. This will assist them to stay in school and know what is expected from them. The structure has also engaged with various stakeholders to address these societal issues,” he said. Nenzani further said the engagement also strengthen relationship between educators, learners and communities at large. He added that the department believed that societal issues need to be addressed broadly to build a better society. “We have issues like drug and substance abuse, crime, bullying, teenage pregnancy, HIV and Aids. The initiative addresses all those barriers that contribute to lack of concentration on our learners. It is also important to remove all risky behaviour associated to our learners. Parents play a pivotal role in their children’s lives. They are first line of educators from home before learners come to educational system. “We need to work collectively and ensure that we take care of our learners before is too late. The education system also works together with Social Development, Health departments including the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) and National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA). When learners are equipped with education, no darkness can creep in. We have empowered all schools across the Dr Ruth Mompati region and they are implementing Peer Education and Soul Buddies programmes,” Nenzani. According to research,schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable in classrooms. Two 2012 Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention surveys showed that 44.3% of threats, 51% of assaults, 54.2% of sexual assaults, 60.2% of robberies and 91.5% of thefts all took place in a classroom. The next highest place of danger was a sports field, where 25% of threats took place, 24.8% of assaults, 13.2% of sexual assaults, 14% of robberies and 4.6% of thefts took place. Other locations included corridors, toilets, school gate areas, other open grounds, halls and a small proportion in a principal’s office. Grade 11 from PH Moeketsi High School, Tebogo Dibakwane said: “We learnt a lot through this initiative. It is a blessing to talk about things that affect our daily life. We also learnt on how to socialise with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. I also urge those learners who experience bullying to report it.” “Koketso Moncho, 14 from Pinagare High School said: “Our society is faced with many challenges especially learners. We have peer pressure where a learner will engage in other things that are irrelevant simply because his/her friends are doing them.” Kgosietsile Lethola High School learner, Rebaone Diseko shared the same sentiments. Diseko said learners should take a stand and ensure that they improve their lives. “The future is in our hands and we need to work hard before we engage in things that can ruin our lives. Sometimes it is hard to avoid the temptations, but I believe with our parents guidance, we can produce future leaders,” Diseko said. taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A Conspiracy case against former Mahikeng councillor, Gaasite Legalatladi is expected to sit today at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court for judgement. The case was postponed indefinitely after the defence team submitted their ‘heads of argument’ late.

Legalatladi was arrested back in 2014 following allegations that she conspired to kill North West Premier and ANC Provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo.

The case was scheduled for judgement, however National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) spokesperson, Luvuyo Mfaku said: “The case was postponed until 30th October 2017 because the defence brought their heads of argument late. The court has considered that and postponed the case.”

ANC in Bokone Bophirima welcomed the postponement. The ruling party provincial spokesperson, Gerald Modise said they were disappointed after the case postponement. Modise further said they still have confidence in the judiciary system.

“As the ANC in Bokone Bophirima, we will await the judgement on the scheduled date. In this case, an ANC member and former councillor, Gaasite Legalatladi stands accused
of conspiring to kill Mahumapelo and former Mahikeng local municipality mayor, Gosiame
Seatlholo.

“It is alleged that Legalatladi consulted a traditional healer in Mmasebudule village near Zeerust in November 2014 to solicit assistance in executing the murder. She was arrested during her second consultation and she has been on trial at the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court,” Modise said.

He added that the ruling party support its provincial chairperson. Modise further said they also want to commend Mahumapelo for continuing to execute the ANC mandate in both the party and in the provincial government despite many attempts to divert his attention and derail him.

“Mahumapelo is commitment to work selflessly for the ANC and the people of Bokone
Bophirima. We also want to commend him for continuing to preach and practice Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal (RHR) amidst all efforts negatively targeting him.

“The ANC in Bokone Bophirima want to reiterate once more its appreciation to the vigilance of law enforcement agencies on this matter and many other matters affecting our
society. We are looking forward to the justice system meting out an appropriate decision on this matter,” he said.

North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said: “The North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo is adamant that the judiciary will take its course. Mahumapelo is also not deterred by those detractors who want to derail him from realising the vision of changing the lives of the people in Bokone Bophirima.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY BAKANG MOKOTO
A Fraud case against three suspects from Free State province will resume in court today. Mojalefa Springkan (30), Kgosana Tladi (49) and David Mokonyane (52) were arrested three weeks ago in Taung by South African Police Service (SAPS) Intelligence in partnership with Taung Police Station cluster for card-skimming.

The suspects were followed by police intelligence while driving from Vryburg to Taung after a tip-off. Police stopped and searched their vehicle and allegedly found loads of bank cards in their possession.

They confiscated the vehicle belonging to the suspects and the bank cards. The trio appeared briefly at Taung Magistrate’s Court last week Thursday.

Magistrate Olaotswe Bojosinyana heard on how the suspects allegedly robbed unsuspecting victim her hard-earned cash at the ATM in Pudimoe Location, near Taung before they proceeded to Taung Mall.

One of the suspects, Mokonyane was cross-examined and he revealed that he had previous convictions regarding card-skimming back in Free State and Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng Province. The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Kagiso Phemelo is expected to take the stand to give more evidence on Monday.

The suspects were remanded in custody until Monday amid formal bail application. The community of Taung packed the courtroom with placards depicted ‘No Bail For Them’ while others were written #CrimeMustStopInTaung.

Many card-skimming victims came forward and positively identified some of the suspects as perpetrators.

According to http://www.banking.org.za, card skimming or card cloning uses a card skimming device to fraudulently copy bank customer details stored on the magnetic strip (brown/black strip at the back) on a debit or credit card.

Whenever you present your card for payment you run the risk of being skimmed. However, the majority of skimming incidents in South Africa are recorded around ATMs and, to a lesser extent, at retail merchants when bank cards are presented for payments.

The customer and card information stolen with skimming devices is often used to manufacture counterfeit (duplicate) cards which criminals use to make fraudulent transactions on a victim’s account.

The organisation says card fraud perpetrators use various scams and social engineering tactics to trick naïve ATM users and skim their bank cards. These are some of the most widespread scams.

“The perpetrators approach unsuspecting ATM users prior to or after concluding a transaction and claim to work for the bank. The target is advised to ‘re-activate’ their cards by swiping the card through a ‘card reactivating device’.

“The ‘card reactivating device’ is actually a hand held skimming device. This type of skimming requires accomplices to loiter around the ATM shoulder surfing for the customer PINs,” http://www.banking.org.za wrote on their website.

The perpetrators use the stolen card information to manufacture a counterfeit card and match the customer PIN to the new card to make fraudulent transactions.

Customers should never use ATMs that seem damaged or tampered with because this creates opportunity for card fraudsters to take advantage:

When a customer is confronted with an ATM that is damaged or tampered with, the perpetrator will approach the customer and use social engineering tactics to take the customer’s ATM card. The customer is often escorted to another ATM in order to assist the customer to make a withdrawal.

The card is then secretively skimmed on the way to the second ATM with a hand held skimming device. The victim is handed back their card without noticing that it has been skimmed. The interaction between the perpetrator and the customer creates trust and the perpetrator often stands next to the customer while the transaction is conducted. The perpetrator will memorise the customer’s PIN when it is keyed in.

The unsuspecting customer will only realise they have fallen victim to a scam when money is withdrawn from their account.

CARD SKIMMING AT RETAIL MERCHANT POINT OF SALES

Criminals often collude with staff working at retail outlets such as waiters or cashiers. The card fraud perpetrators provide business staff with hand held skimming devices and reward them for skimming customers’ cards.

TIPS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF CARD SKIMMING THEFT:

ATM SAFETY TIPS:

Never give your card to someone at an ATM for any reason.Never let anyone assist you at an ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel.Beware of people standing close to you when you are concluding transactions at an ATM.Ensure you hide your pin when keying it into an ATM.Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged.Always use an ATM in a well-lit area.If possible, use an ATM that is monitored by a CCTV camera.

SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS:

Ensure your card never leaves your sight. Most restaurants and shops have portable card swipe machines so there should be no reason for your card to leave your presence. If the person needs to use a different machine always accompany that person.Ensure that your card is not swapped for another card after paying.Use cash instead of your card if you have any suspicions.Monitor you bank statements for any unusual transactions.If married, reconcile your account transactions with your spouse on a regular basis.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

TWENTY Seven people are expected to appear at Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for public violence. It is alleged that a group of people blocked R507 road from Geysdorp to Delareyville with burning tyres and dangerous objects in protest over lack of basic service delivery in Delareyville.

North West Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Pelonomi Makau said the other group blocked N14 road from Vryburg to Delareyville and the N14 from Sannieshof to Delareyville with burning tyres and stones.

“This disturbed the flow of traffic and police are at all these roads monitoring the situation. According to the information, the community also looted the foreign national shops at Extension 7 in the township and as well as in town. The information we received is that the community is protesting for the lack of service delivery.

“Police managed to arrest 27 people (19 women and 9 men) and charged them for public violence. The perpetrators are expected to appear at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” Makau said.

Tswaing local municipality mayor, Mangie Malwane said: “The community uses lack of service delivery as scapegoat. They submitted memorandum last week and alleged that our electricity tariffs is high. They also demanded 500 RDP houses at Senthumule Informal Settlement outside Delareyville.

“The community also alleged that there is lack of water in the area. However, water challenge is all over across South Africa. We are working firmer as the municipality to ensure that our people receive water constantly.”

Malwane further said the electricity tariffs are approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). She added that NERSA is a regulatory authority established as a juristic person in terms of Section 3 of the National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004).

“NERSA’s mandate is to regulate the electricity, piped-gas and petroleum pipelines industries in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006), Gas Act, 2001 (Act No. 48 of 2001) and Petroleum Pipelines Act, 2003 (Act No. 60 of 2003). So it is inaccurate that our tariffs are high.

“The mandate of NERSA is to derive from legislation governing and prescribing the role and functions of the Regulator. The municipality was also marred by cable theft recently. We were forced to replace a cable cost R500 000 twice in a short space of time because of theft,” she said.

Malwane said the community also demanded 500 RDP houses at Senthomule Informal Settlement. She further said the people occupied the land illegally and the municipality cannot accept that behaviour.

“We cannot have illegal informal settlements mushrooming and people demand houses afterwards. The municipality is guided by policies and regulations and we need to be wary about that. There are lot of service delivery taking place within Tswaing local municipality.

“We still believe that this is a smear campaign orchestrated by disgruntled individuals against municipality. They want to disrupt the smooth-running of the municipality. We are currently constructing a sewerage system at ward 14. The municipality is also building internal roads to make them accessible,” she said.-Newsnote

Ekurhuleni – Former SABC head of news Snuki Zikalala has been elected the second president of the ANC’s Veterans’ League.

This follows a three day conference, where the veterans elected four other leaders and discussed their role in the ANC and ways to improve this so it has an authoritative say on matters in the ruling part.

Zikalala, who left the public broadcaster with a dark cloud hanging over his head, was accused at the time of blacklisting commentators from appearing in bulletins during former president Thabo Mbeki’s era. He recently made it into the news again when his name appeared on a shortlist of candidates for the SABC board.

Bonsile Phillemon Norushe from the Eastern Cape was elected his deputy. The secretary Natso Khumalo retained her position, while the Northern Cape’s Evelyn Lubidla was elected her deputy. Gabriel Moosa from the Western Cape was elected the treasurer of the league.

“Let me state upfront, comrades, that our determination of the success of this gathering will be based on how we implement the resolutions we have adopted,” Zikalala told comrades during his closing address.

He said what was achieved over this weekend was due to the veterans of the 105-year-old liberation movement being committed to their objectives.

“We are in agreement that our movement is facing serious challenges unlike what we have experienced in the last century of its existence,” said Zikalala.

“Most of our structures are characterised by factionalism, corruption, gatekeeping, patronage and buying of membership and support. Importantly, we all agree that if these ills are not addressed decisively, our glorious movement will diminish further and may ultimately be removed from power,” he continued.

Agreeing with his views the ANC’s Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte told the crowd that was gathered at the event that no one in the ANC could pretend there were no challenges in the party.

“But for us to see only challenges is a serious fault line,” said Duarte.

Although there were murmurs among delegates that President Jacob Zuma would address the closing of the conference, it ended without his appearance, this inspite of members of his presidential protection unit being spotted doing the rounds throughout the conferencing centre. Zuma was initially set to deliver an opening address but couldn’t due to a scheduling clash. ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe delivered the address instead.

Duarte warned of the dangers of factionalism and of the veterans reducing their role to historians in the movement, urging them to help reform and strengthen future leaders in the party.

“We are not minions that can’t hear you,” said Duarte, reminding the senior ANC members that the current crop of leaders were also approaching veteran age.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Maine is way too old to lead the young lions, according to the disgruntled members.

Maine was elected uncontested as the ANCYL’s president during the league’s national conference back in 2015. At the time, he was an MEC in the North West and has been closely associated with President Jacob Zuma’s supporters in the ANC.

One of the people behind the demand is known as Thabo Arrafat Molamu, who is apparently believed to have been close to Maine at some point.

Source: http://www.citizen.co.za

WHAT used to be a dumpsite is now a hot spot for criminal activity.

A group of women who collect rubbish at the site in Toekomsrus near Randfontein, Gauteng said members of the Russians gang force victims to lie on top of their boyfriends as they are raped.

One victim said: “When the second thug raped me he forced my partner to shout ‘laduma’ when he climaxed.”

Another victim said she was raped by four armed men in front of her boyfriend.

“They didn’t use condoms,” said the 38-year-old woman.

“I was taken to Leratong Hospital and thankfully my HIV test was negative.”

The victims have found refuge at the Carry You Ministries.

Pastor Joseph Nicodemus said: “I believe it is my work to provide them with prayers, beds and food.”

Rand West municipal spokesman Tshidiso Tlharipe said he has referred the matter to Councillor Annah Gela, a senior community service official.

Police spokeswoman Sergeant Tshepiso Mashele advised the women to raise their complaints with the station commander of Randfontein Police Station.

She said: “I will investigate this serious matter.”

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 46 year-oldman who allegedly shot and killed a 15 year-old boy was arrested by North West police on Tuesday.

North West Police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect arrived at the police station accompanied by his legal representative.

Mokgwabone said: “The suspect’s arrest follows an incident in which he allegedly shot and killed Stander Tshukudu (15) from Blydeville and injured two other males aged 17 and 20 during protests.

“The incident was preceded by public violence in which an unconfirmed number of Blydeville community members torched a truck on the R503 (Lichtenburg-Coligny Road) near Agricor building in the early hours of Tuesday.”

He said protesters subsequently barricaded the road with burning tyres and other objects. Mokgwabone added that R503 is still closed.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Baile Motswenyane commended the police for working tirelessly to ensure that the suspect is arrested.

Motswenyane also urged members of the community to refrain from damaging properties and to respect the rule of law as well as to come forward with information that may lead to apprehension of those who are responsible for damaging of properties.

“The suspect is facing a charge of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He will appear at Lictenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

“Meanwhile, due to temporary closure of R503 between Lichtenburg and Coligny, motorists utilising N14 from Ventersdorp are advised to use N14 towards Vryburg,” she said.

Motswenyane added hat those who are travelling to Mahikeng and Lichtenburg, while on N14 will get R504 that will take them to both Lichtenburg and Mahikeng.

She furter said motorists who are travelling from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng are urged to use R52 Koster in order to reach Rustenburg and Johannesburg.

“Those that are going to Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, while on R52, they will get R53 which will take them to their destinations.

“Police are still maintaining presence in the area and no incident was reported last night,” Motswenyane concludes.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY BAKANG MOKOTO
A 15 year-old boy was killed allegedly by a white driver during protests at Boikhutsong Location near Lichtenburg on Tuesday.

North West Police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a driver allegedly fired shots at the protesters near Sukran at approximately 8am.

“Following the alleged shooting incident, a 15-year old boy was certified dead on the scene, while two other persons were injured. Investigation into the matter continues.

“Although the suspect is not yet arrested, he is known and the police are working hard to ensure that he is brought to book,” Mokgwabone said.

North West Police commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Baile Motswenyane urged members of the community to remain calm and allow the police to conduct investigations.

Motswenyane said they also want to make it clear that no violence will be tolerated and the police will not hesitate to act against any person who disrespects the rule of law.

“Due to temporary road closure, motorists utilising N14 from Ventersdorp are advised to use N14 towards Vryburg. Those that are travelling to Mahikeng and Lichtenburg, while on N14 will get R504 that will take them to both Lichtenburg and Mahikeng.

“The motorists who are travelling from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng are urged to use R52 Koster in order to reach Rustenburg and Johannesburg,” she said.

Motswenyane added that those who are going to Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, while on R52, they will get R53 which will take them to their destinations.

Police are still maintaining presence in the area.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

FIFA have ordered the replay of the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Senegal be played on November 10‚ officials said on Wednesday.

It will be followed on November 14 by a second meeting between the two countries in Dakar‚ as per the original fixtures‚ which will conclude the qualifying campaign for Russia 2018 for both countries.

South Africa host the November 10 game after the original result from last November’s match in Polokwane was declared void when the referee Joseph Lamptey was found guilty of match manipulation.

The Ghanaian match official allegedly made decisions during the game on behalf of betting syndicates in Hong Kong and Singapore‚ awarding a dubious penalty and a disputed goal in the 2-1 win for Bafana Bafana at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Stripping South Africa of the three points means that they are bottom of the standings and must win their last three qualifiers – starting with Saturday’s clash against Burkina Faso at Soccer City – if they are to have any chance of advancing to the 2018 World Cup finals.

SAFA will decide on the venue for the November 10 encounter.

Source: http://www.timeslive.co.za