Journalists left stranded at Qunu


East London – Police stopped journalists from going to the houses they are renting, which are in close proximity of former president Nelson Mandela’s home in Qunu on Wednesday.

“Everything has been hunky dory, and now all of a sudden we can’t go in without any prior warning,” a photographer said.

“We can’t even go inside to fetch our clothes.”

He said he had been renting a room on the property – located on the side of the N2 – since Saturday with no problems.

The police initially told him they would escort him in to fetch his belongings, but then said they could not because they would get fired.

Other journalists staying on the same property were stuck outside. Some media houses had paid locals to accommodate their journalists.

This comes after the local government called on residents to open their homes.

Protocol

However, on Wednesday Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said the media in Qunu was “violating protocol”.

He did not specify what was violated.

In a statement Chabane said: “It has, however, come to our attention that some members of the media have violated the protocols and arrangements that are in place in Qunu, and that this is causing frustration for the authorities and the Mandela family and community of Qunu.

“Government appeals to members of the media to respect former president Nelson Mandela’s final resting place in Qunu, Eastern Cape.”

Madiba’s final resting place was culturally significant to the amaThembu clan and Chabane asked the media to “please be sensitive to this and respect this site”.

Police have closed off the N2 – which is the main road to and from Qunu – for a few kilometres before and after Mandela’s house.

The side road through Qunu, which media and other people used to get to the house, was closed late on Tuesday afternoon.

SAPA

A Taung teen sentenced after stabbing cousin


By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A 18 year-old man was given a suspended sentence by Taung Magistrate Court after he allegedly bludgeoned his cousin.

Mosalaesi,18, from Magogong village, near Taung was sentenced to 2 months in prison or R1000 fine with half of it suspended for 2 year suspension.

The court ordered Mosalaesi to pay R500 fine and have a suspended sentence for two years.

He allegedly stabbed his cousin with a knife after a fight ensued between the two.

“We were talking about school and I told him that he is stupid and he keeps on repeating grade 10. He was furious and we fought” Mosalaesi told TDN.

According to the accused, the victim,20, unleashed him with pile of stones and he ran for cover.

“I stabbed him after he hauled stones at me. He hit me with a stone on my head, blood trickle down my face,and that precipitated to the stabbing” said calm Mosalaesi.

A 18 year-old boy said he regret the moment he stabbed his cousin.

“We were drunk and the fight happened at a blink of an eye. I understand the sanction and I will make sure I do not commit any crime from now on” he said.

The Magistrate outlines how important education is to Mosalaesi and took him through passage of life before handing sentence.-TDN
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Maphotsile alleged rapist remains in jail


By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A man who alleged raped an elederly woman while fetching firewood at nearby veld, appeared briefly at Taung Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Segomotsi Gaojelwe,78, was allegedly raped by Boitumelo Bankutlwang,31, almost a month ago at Maphoitsile village, near Taung.

Bankutlwang appeared for bail application, but opted to stay in custody until his next appearance.

The case was postponed until 17 January 2014.

Boitumelo Bankutlwang allegedly threatened a gogo with a knife and raped her.

The case continues and the community of Maphoitsile came out in numbers to show support to Gaojelwe’s family.

Bankutlwang was subsequently arrested later at a near shebeen while enjoying beer.

Distraughted gogo said she wish the case being speed-up as she want closure: “I really feel hard done by the justice system, but hopefully the rapist will pay for his deeds. The case has been dragging for long, and I will be very grateful the day I see him be sanctioned”.-TDN
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A case of Taung taxi owner postponed


By Obakeng Maje
Taung-The case of Taung prominent businessman, Xolani Lloyd Nkonyane was postponed by Taung Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Nkonyane,33 was allegedly arrested on Tuesday during police shoot-out.

Five suspects allegedly entered a Chinese shop at Molelema village, near Taung and robbed the owner.

“Undisclosed amount of money, airtime vouchers, groceries were allegedly robbed from a shop” captain Pelonomi Makau said.

The suspects were allegedly travelling with a minibus taxi belongs to Nkonyane.

The community members helped in a suspect-chase and police were called.

“Five suspects allegedly ran away toward Pitsong village and police followed them. They were cornered at the bushes near Pitsong and retaliated by shooting at police” Makau said.

The police arrested Nkonyane who has previous cases and other fled.

Back in 2000 Nkonyane was arrested for assaulted and he paid a fine with suspended sentence.

Again in 2008 he was back in court for damage of property and settled the matter out of court.

A wayward Nkonyane was again back in court in 2011 for assault and paid admission of guilty fine.

Nkonyane’s case was postponed until 19 December 2013 for another court appearance.

Wearing a black jeans, black all star takkies and a sky blue top, Nkonyane looked relaxed and opted to have his own lawyer when asked.

His face was swallowen and whether he suffered those bruises drung the scuffle with police or not, only God knows.

He will remain in custody untill his next court appearance.

Nkonyane was charged with attempted murder, business robbery and possession of firearm.
Police investigations continue.-TDN
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Electric atmosphere at CT Mandela memorial


CAPE TOWN – There is an electric atmosphere at the packed to capacity Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening where the Mother City is bidding farewell to former president Nelson Mandela.
Madiba died at his Johannesburg home on Thursday evening.
For more http://www.ewn.co.za

DEPARTMENT TO DEDICATE SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAMPAIGN TO THE LATE TATA MADIBA


By Obakeng Maje
Taung-North West Department of Social Development in partnership with non-profit organisations will Thursday embark on door-to-door campaign at Lokaleng in Taung to highlight the plight of substance abuse.

The campaign is dedicated to the late former President Ntate Nelson Mandela who in his lifetime spoke against the abuse of substances and drugs.

Substance abuse co-ordinator Mfana Tsotetsi said the main objectives of the campaign is to promote the implementation of prevention and rehabilitation programmes, to provide factual information to the youth and the wider community on drugs and alcohol and to raise awareness on the dangers of drug use and associated risks.

“With this campaign, we also aim at encouraging members of the community to actively participate in substance abuse activities and motivate role-players to intensify their efforts in bringing about the desired change in communities as far as substance abuse is concerned,” Tsotetsi said, adding a massive campaign will be conducted at the taxi rank on Friday.

SAPS, local drug action committee, ex-drug addicts and community members will on Friday join the march to Taung taxi rank to demonstrate their stance on substance abuse.

Details of the campaign are as follows:-

Date: Thursday, 12 December 2013
Activity 1: Door to door campaign at Lokaleng village in Taung
Time : 09h00

Date: Friday, 13 December 2013
Activity 2: Substance abuse campaign at Taung taxi rank
Time : 09h00.-TDN
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Taung prominent businessman arrested for robbery


By Obakeng Maje
Taung-North West police confirmed that they have arrested one of Taung prominent businessmen on Tuesday.

Captain Pelonomi Makau said a taxi owner was allegedly arrested after a shoot-out with police.

“A suspect was allegedly involved in armed robbery at Molelema village, near Taung. A chinese shop was robbed and undisclosed amount of money, cigarettes and airtime vouchers were allegedly stolen” Makau said.

Police said a Chinese owner screamed for help after he was robbed.

Four suspects were allegedly travelling with a minibus taxi and they were chased by community members.

Police Dog unit from Hartswater were summoned to the scene where a shoot-out broke out.

“A suspect will appear at Taung Magistrate Court for robbery and attempted murder” Makau said.

The police allegedly chased the suspects until to the nearest neighbourhood, Pitsong village.

They allegedly cornered the suspects and some of them escape unharmed.

“A prominent taxi owner was allegedly arrested and will appear in court” Makau said.-TDN
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Dignified farewell for Mandela


Pretoria – People were respectful and dignified in paying their last respects to former president Nelson Mandela, as he lay in state at the amphitheatre at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, on Wednesday.

Many of them were silent, and others spoke softly as they made their way up the stairs to view his body in its open casket, which was guarded by military personnel dressed in white.

Government officials helped people, ensuring they were brief.

Each visitor took about 10 minutes, from the time they disembarked from their bus until the time they climbed back in.

They were told to switch off their cellphones before entering the building, but some managed to sneak a few pictures outside after viewing the body.

In one instance, two police officers walked past a group of young men who were taking pictures on their cellphones.

Sarah Ross, a US missionary who has lived in South Africa for six years, said the experience of seeing Mandela lying in state was solemn and sincere.

“It was scary at first, but he was an amazing man. The work that God must have done on his heart is amazing,” she said.

“He’s beautiful”

Ross said she would have loved to have met Mandela while he was alive.

Barbara Barde-Vaquette, a dentist from the island of Reunion, said she decided to fly to South Africa when she heard of Mandela’s death on Thursday.

“He’s beautiful,” she said after seeing his body.

“[The viewing] was short, but I think I still need some time [for the experience] to sink in.”

Mandela will lie in state until Friday.

He is to be buried in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday.

SAPA

Safa offices close for christmas break


Johannesburg-South African Football Association (SAFA) will be closed as from Friday, 13 December 2013 for the annual Christmas and New Year’s break.

 

The offices will re-open on Monday, 06 January 2014.

 

“This has been a long year, and it is that time when we have to reflect on the past 12 months, recharge our batteries, and plan for the challenges of the New Year.

 

“SAFA has a new leadership following our elections held on 28 September this year. We will face the New Year with renewed energy to execute our duties and make this organisation one of the most professional entities in the world.

 

“We wish all our national teams good luck in their various competitions in 2014 and will give them all the necessary support needed to make them world class,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.

 

“We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, a joyous and prosperous 2014. This is the period to share and spend time with our families. May all your wishes and dreams come true. Most importantly, be careful on the roads and drive safely,” added Dr Jordaan.

 

The SAFA Communications department will however, continue to be available for any media enquiries during the break.-TDN
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NWest Provincial Memorial Service To Be Held In Orkney


North West Premier Thandi Modise has extended an invitation to leaders of all political parties represented in the Provincial Legislature, Provincial House of Traditional leaders, social partners and religious leaders to ensure that the programme for the provincial memorial service in honour of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is inclusive, her office said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“Inclusivity was one of the key lessons we learnt from Madiba that we will advance into the future as part of his legacy and it will also guide proceedings at the provincial memorial service,” said Premier Modise who is to deliver the keynote address.

Buses have been availed for all communities across the province that which to be part of the memorial service to be held as from 11:00 at James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney tomorrow, Thursday 12 December 2013.

Renowned poet and musician Mzwakhe Mbuli, Blondie Makhene and other gospel artists will perform at the event to celebrate the life to be South Africa’s first democratically elected President.-TDN
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