Basetsana looking to round up second leg in style


Soccer
Johannesburg-The South African U20 Women’s National team (Basetsana) will be looking to round off the second leg of this FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Tanzania in style.
They meet the East Africans, already leading 4-1 from the first leg. The match will be played at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday and Basetsana are hoping to make it a formality having walloped the visitors in convincing style in the first leg played in Dar es Salaam a fortnight ago.

The return leg will kick-off at 15h30.

Basetsana completed their first training session at Edenvale Football grounds on Monday (16 December) morning and head coach, Sheryl Botes was oozing confidence. She has a full complement of players in camp and added it was all systems go for this crucial second leg clash.

“It a good thing to start preparations with everyone in camp. The only exception is Vuyo Mkhabela who is down with a bout of flu. Botes has given Mkhabela time off to recover and should be back at training soon.

“The girls looked sharp at training this morning. They are hungry for success and want to make the country proud,” said Botes.

Botes said it was important for the girls to remain focussed on the matter at hand until they overcome the final hurdle to the 2014 Edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup scheduled for Canada.

Basetsana return to the Edenvale Football grounds this afternoon for the final training session of the day.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Two people died in Kimberley accident


1454549_545346345542893_1676353543_n
By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley- Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after an

accident occurred approximately 20 km outside Kimberley on the Barkly West

Road.

The male driver,27, and his female passenger were allegedly travelling from

the direction of Barkly West en-route to Kimberley on Monday at approximately 00:20 with a white Audi A3.

“It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to crash through the

fence of the right-hand side of the road and rolled several meters into the veld. The

driver was strewn out of the vehicle.” Lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

“ Both occupants allegedly died on the scene. The two deceased’s were travelling alone hence their identities cannot be revealed at this stage as the next of kin is yet to identify them” said Kock.

All information regarding the incident can be forwarded to Det Const Gwyneth Paulsen

at 082 302 0407.

The investigation continues.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Corruption and fraud impoverishes businesses -Premier Modise


5d93e1389bc84199b71be653df4f97e5
Hebron-Corruption and fraud impoverishes businesses and requires those on its receiving end to take a stand to uproot it, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday.

In commending the Hebron businessman who reported a police officer who tried to collect unauthorised donation from him, Premier Modise called on businesses and members of the public who are approached for coerced donations and bribes to report such approaches to law enforcement agencies.

“Those approached for donations should ensure that their contributions do not benefit the individuals who are approaching them on behalf of the organisations but the cause towards which they are donating. One way of achieving this is to insist on depositing requested donations into bank accounts in the names of the beneficiary organisations and issuing of receipts for donations,” emphasised Modise.

According to police, Warrant Officer Vusimuzi Sibiya is to appear in the Brits Magistrates Court tomorrow for a formal bail application.

The 44 year old officer stationed at Hebron Police Station was arrested last Monday while allegedly trying to collect unauthorized donation money from one of the local businessmen.Spokesperson for the North West Police, Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said that the member allegedly went to the manager of one of local businesses on Tuesday under the pretext that he was sent by a senior police official to request donation for year-end function.

Ngubane said that according to information, in the process the manager called the police without the knowledge of the member to confirm the request. The manager was informed that nobody was sent to request for donations, and he requested the member to come back later.

“It is alleged that the member did not come back as requested and only went back to the businessman few days after. Upon his arrival the businessman informed the senior police official that the member came to collect the donation,” Ngubane said.

The senior official went to the businessman and took the official to Brits Police Station and opened a case of corruption and fraud.

Further investigations were conducted and it is alleged that the member had successfully collected money under the same pretext.

Premier Modise also commends senior police official for the swift and appropriate action that led to the arrest and for instituting internal disciplinary investigations.

“This should send a clear and unequivocal message that corruption within the SAPS is not tolerated and that police will not spare their own when it comes to corruption,” added Modise.
The Premier echoed Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo’s appreciation of the cooperation of the business community with the police in exposing dishonest members.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Northern Cape woman busted for dealing of dagga


Image

By Obakeng Maje

Douglas-The police are investigating a case of dealing in dagga after arresting a 52 year-old female in in Breipal, Douglas. 

 

“On Friday,at approximately 11:10 the police followed up on information of drug dealing at the specific premises” lieutenant Sergio Kock said. 

 

The respective Crime Prevention Units of Douglas and Campbell and the K9 Unit pounced on the suspect while she was least expecting it. 

 

“During the search police confiscated 43 kg of dagga consisting of 3 refuse bags of dagga, one stripe bag containing 13 arms of dagga , 1 black bag containing 4 arms of dagga, 11 brown paper bags , one roll of masking tape, 3 face masks and 1 siffing mesh” Kock said. 

 

The dagga has an estimated street value of R215 000,00.

 

 

“The Kimberley Cluster Commander, Major General Jean Abrahams commended the police members for their vigilance and swift reaction on the information received from the community”.

 

“The community is also lauded for their assistance in this regard, that yielded this great results” said Kock.

 

The suspect remains in custody and will appears at Douglas Magistrates’ Court soon. 

 

The investigation continues.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

SAFA President welcomes victorious U20 squad


Image

South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan said the victorious COSAFA Under-20 champions should remain on the M-Road on their way to the World Cup which will be held in Moscow in 2018.

 

“This team is on the M-Road; from Maseru to Moscow. But en route to Moscow, they will have to go through Rio in 2016 for the Under-23 Olympics in Brazil,” said Dr Jordaan in welcoming the Under-20 squad and coach Shakes Mashaba.

 

The past 10 days have been tough and painful for South Africans, following the passing on of the country’s anti-apartheid icon and former State President, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

 

“But you (Under-20) have brought happiness to the country and wherever Madiba is, he is happy about your achievements.  Madiba was not a quitter and was not after easy challenges. He pursued goals to the end – and I am seeing this trait in the way this Under-20 squad plays,” he said in reference on how they overcome Zimbabwe in the penultimate stage despite playing the remainder of the second half with one man short.

 

Dr Jordaan added that the victory could not have come at better time.

 

“Today we celebrate the Reconciliation Day, which in essence is the Madiba Day because he is the architect of what this day stands for.”

 

Coach Mashaba said he felt some Madiba Magic at the way his charges defied the odds especially in the semi-finals.

 

“In addition to doing it for Madiba and putting smiles back on mourning South Africans, the squad also did this for the new SAFA executive,” said Mashaba.

 

The junior mentor also praised the Basotho people at the way they supported Amajita.

 

“They were behind us through thick and thin. We never expected such support,” he said.

 

Amajita never conceded a goal in normal playing time on their way to gold and Mashaba attributed this to discipline, dedication and most importantly in honour of Madiba.

 

 

A 9m tall Madiba statue unveiled


Image

Pretoria – A 9m high statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled on Monday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a day after the anti-apartheid icon’s funeral in Qunu. 

 

The unveiling of the bronze statue was delayed on Monday when dignitaries had to wait for members of the Mandela family.

 

Minutes later, Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela walked down the red carpet to the VIP marquee. 

 

President Jacob Zuma arrived soon afterwards with his wife Thobeka Madiba Zuma.

 

Several dignitaries, including former president Thabo Mbeki, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, and Dali Tambo, head of Koketso Growth, which made the statue, were present.

 

Many local and international journalists were nearby. Broadcasting equipment had been set up on the lawns of the Union Buildings.

 

Zuma is due to unveil the nine-meter-high statue of Mandela on Monday morning. The R8m statue was created by South African sculptors Andre Prinsloo and Ruhan Janse van Vuuren.

 

“The unveiling, taking place just a day after the burial of the former president, signals the start of celebrating and living the late Madiba’s legacy and the end of the mourning period,” presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said on Sunday.

 

“The statue is expected to draw large numbers of people to the Union Buildings.”

 

Monday, the Day of Reconciliation, marks the centenary of the Union Buildings.

 

Mandela died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, aged 95, on December 5. He was buried in his childhood village of Qunu on Sunday.

 

SAPA

‘The Face Of Mahikeng Ready To Rule’


Image

Mahikeng-The heart of North West, Mahikeng came  to a standstill when 11 Mr Mahikeng Finalists and 12 Female Face Of Mahikeng Finalists took over the ramp in a competition ahead of Mr Mahikeng and Face Of Mahikeng announcement at Mmabatho Palms Resort Casino Hotel last Sunday. 

 

 

“Witnessed by full house, the models showcased their talents sparkling in elegant garments from different designers including Kingsley Creation from Rustenburg and Sholex Lewis” Lesego Molamu said.

 

 

The crowning of Mr Mahikeng became tense affair and Katlego Mokaleng was crowned second prince while Chris Hianeng was crowned as first prince. The climax of the evening Shane Mabejane was named Mr Mahikeng. 

 

“For Face Of Mahikeng second princess was Mmatebogo Mere and Keorapetse Radikonyane as first princess respectively”.

 

Tshegofatso Setaba was the biggest winner of the night as she was announced as Face Of Mahikeng. 

 

 

Business Man Of the Year was Shane Mabejane and Business Woman Of the Year was Kelebogile Mokgothu.

 

 

“I was one of the finalists last year. I came back with the aim of taking the crown. It was difficult this year compare to last year,but I kept on going and pushing till the end” said Tshegofatso Setaba who is the reigning Face Of Mahikeng 

 

 

“It has been one of the roughest roads for me,to jungle my school work with this was not easy. At the end of the day, the results are enormous. I received two titles in one year” said Reigning Mr Mahikeng Shane Mabejane.

 

 

Adjudicator were: 

 

Tebogo TJH Hotane from Motsweding FM, Engela Erasmus Center Manager @ Mafikeng Mall. Socpra Lavi Frm BMW and Dimakatso Molefe SABC News Anchor. Auditor was Tshiamo Ramabodu.

 

Scopra Principal Judge said “To choose Mr Mahikeng and Face Of Mahikeng, we wanted someone who can represents Mahikeng with pride and dignity”.

 

The pageant director Lesego Molamu thanked all the sponsor and audiences for making sure the event was successful. 

 

“To all the families and friends who supported their models and stood by them from the beginning of the competition, I thank you” said Molamu.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_Daily_News or @IceT_

Dagga worth R300 000 consficated in North West


Image

By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-The Flying Squad and Phokeng K9 ( Dog Unit) have allegedly arrested two women aged between 27 and 48 years respectively, who are alleged to be Swaziland  nationals as well as a 33 year-old man who is alleged to be a Mozambican national at the R24 road between Rustenburg and Derby on Saturday,at about 10am.

 

Police allegedly consficated 17 bags of dagga weighing 50kg each,estimated at the total value of R 289 000 at an abandoned stall next to the Derby and Rustenburg turn off.

 

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said police received a tip-off from a community member who saw a truck offloading the alleged bags of dagga into a bakkie. 

 

“Police responded immediately to the call and arrested the suspects. Three suspects are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of possession of dagga” Ngubane said.

 

Police investigations continue.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

North West man out on bail for dealing with illegal gambling machines


Image

By Obakeng Maje

Zeerust-The North West Organised Crime Unit have arrested a 32 year-old accused, Savvas Panagiotou for operating an illegal business in gambling, North West police said. 

 

“The accused was allegedly arrested on Thursday at about 09:00 at his business premises in Zeerust” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

 

Panagiotou appeared in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 December 2013 on charges of illegal gambling and money laundering. 

 

“He was granted a bail of R10 000 and will appear again in court on 6 February 2014 for further investigation.

 

“It is alleged that the accused does not have a license from the North West Legal Gambling Board to operate the business. Fifty two gambling machines, gambling tokens to the value of R16,000 and cash to the amount of R3400 were seized during the operation” Ngubane said. 

 

The accused’s bail have certain conditions attached to it:”He should hand in his passport and always contact the Investigating Officer when he leaves the Groot Marico district court area” Ngubane outlines.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Top Oscar Pistorius cop quits


Johannesburg – The head of police who took charge of the crime scene after Oscar Pistorius allegedly shot dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has resigned, the Sunday Times reported.
Several police officers told the paper that Boschkop police station commander Colonel Schoombie van Rensburg had been under immense pressure because of the bungling of the crime scene at the Paralympian’s home.

The Sunday Times revealed that a crucial piece of evidence, the bathroom door through which Pistorius shot Steenkamp, was bizarrely kept in Van Rensburg’s office.

It was there for about a week after the killing on 14 February 2013. Police protocol requires evidence to be kept in a secure storeroom.

A police officer known to the Sunday Times said the door was removed from Pistorius’s house in Silver Woods Estate, in eastern Pretoria, the day after the killing.

“It was covered with a body bag, cable ties and tape. Records at the Boschkop shows it was booked into the SAPS 13 [storeroom], but it was kept inside Van Rensburg’s office,” the officer told Sunday Times.

“It was actually lying on the floor in front of his desk and only taken away about a week later.”

The officer said during this time almost anyone in the police station had access to Van Rensburg’s office, from where they also sent faxes and made telephone calls.

“Business interests’ 

Van Rensburg, who has been in the force for more than 30 years, denied that his resignation had anything to do with the case, saying he was leaving to pursue business interests.

He is the second officer of the Boschkop police station to resign since the shooting drama.

“My decision has nothing to do with the Oscar case… and I cannot talk about the matter because it still has to go to court,” Van Rensburg told the Sunday Times.

The original investigating officer, Hilton Botha, resigned after he was embarrassed by Pistorius’s defence team during the bail application, the newspaper reported.

Botha became known as the bumbling cop after defence advocate Barry Roux criticised his conduct at the crime scene, including why he had not worn protective covers on his shoes.

Botha’s removal from the Pistorius case followed reports in February that he was charged with attempted murder.

Police later confirmed that he had seven attempted murder charges pending.

In 2011 Botha allegedly fired shots at a minibus while trying to stop the vehicle. Seven people were in the taxi at the time.

SAPA