By Obakeng Maje

The Kimberley police reacted to a business burglary in progress and due to lightning fast reaction managed to arrest four men. 

The police received a complaint of a business alarm at a cell shop at the New Park Shopping Centre on Saturday,at approximately 03:55am. 

“The Flying Squad arrived at the scene within 2 minutes and a chase ensued between the suspects(who were on foot) and police. The police arrested the first male at a business in Sydney Street” lieutenant Sergio Kock said. 

The Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit and the K9 unit assisted and searched the yard of an empty business premises(The old ZAR pub) and found the three males hiding in an old vehicle wreck. 

“Two of the stolen cellular phones were found on the suspects. The police searched the yard of a Church next to the old ZAR pub and found four more of the stolen cellular phones” Kock said. 

It is alleged that the suspects stole a total of 20 cellphones ranging from Blackberries, Samsung S4’s and I phones from the display cabinet after breaking through the businesses’ front door. 

“The shop suffered several break- ins to date and the police will definitely look at possibly linking the suspects to prior similar incidents at this shop and other businesses in the vicinity” he said. 

The police are still searching for the other stolen cellular phones and two male suspects who are still at large. 

The police request that anyone with information please call the Kimberley Detectives at 082 495 4646 or 053 838 4100.-TDN

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Durban – Marie Swanepoel, who played a key role in the conviction of drug trafficker Sheryl Cwele, the then wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, has died at the age of 61.

The Sunday Times reported that Swanepoel, the mother of convicted drug-mule Tessa Beetge, fell ill on 3 October with a perforated stomach and was taken to Queenstown Hospital. She was put on life support but went into organ failure. She was transferred to Frere Hospital in East London but died on Thursday night.

Swanepoel’s sister Margie Olsen, said the family was devastated by her death. She said her sister had been a very strong and courageous woman who had not been afraid to take down a minister’s wife.

Beetge was arrested at Sao Paulo International Airport in 2008 after being caught carrying nearly 10kg of cocaine. At the time, Swanepoel approached the Sunday Times with damning evidence including cellphone messages and emails between her daughter and Cwele, who set Beetge up for the drug mission. Cwele and her co-accused, Frank Nabolisa, were convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in May 2011.

By Obakeng Maje

Koster-The Police are investigating a case of murder after an unknown male victim was stabbed to death at approximately 02:45 at Reagile Location, in Koster. 

“It is alleged that the unknown victim broke into the house of a 35 year-old suspect with intention to rob him. The suspect fought with the victim and allegedly stabbed him in the chest with a knife” sergeant Kealeboga Molale said.  

According to the information the victim died on the scene.  

The suspect was arrested and he will appear at the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

The North West police arrested a total of 718 suspects through various operations in the past seven days between 06 and 13 October 2013 for Contact, Contact related, Property related, trio and other crimes. 

The arrested suspects include 2 for Murder, 22 for Rape,166 for Assault GBH and Assault common, 9 for robbery Aggravating, 15 for driving under the influence of liquor, 63 for Drug related and 14 undocumented persons. 

The operation also led to confiscation of 2 cellphones, 7 for possession of illegal firearms and recovery of 6 vehicles.

“In most of the cases, suspects have already appeared in various courts while others are expected to appear tomorrow, Monday 14 October 2013” sergeant Kelebogile Molale said.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

Christiana-A case of Inquest has been opened after a 21-year-old female was found dead in her shack said North West police. 

Sergeant Kealeboga Molale said it is alleged that female was found in her burnt shack at Ext 2 Utlwanang location.  

“According to the victim’s landlord he heard someone screaming and went outside to investigate.  He saw the victim’s shack on fire and the fire brigade was summoned to the scene” said Molale.

The body of the victim was found lying in front of the door inside the shack.  

At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown.-TDN

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When she was communications minister, Dina Pule sanctioned the controversial R550 million contract that was signed between the SABC and MultiChoice in July this year.

For more http://www.citypress.co.za

Despite the fears of her fans, Rihanna is finally in the house.

The 25-year-old superstar arrived at Joburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at around 4pm yesterday.

She was greeted by not more than 50 fans who screamed and gave chase after they expected her to emerge from the international arrivals terminal on the ground floor.

But when they spotted her catching a lift to the first floor of the airport, they raced towards her and her bodyguards had a tough time keeping them at bay.

Rihanna appeared friendly and waved to fans while several bodyguards manhandled them out of the way.

She was surprised to see her friend Tazz Msika, who came to greet her at the airport, and gave him a warm hug and kiss. Msika, the grandson of a former Zimbabwe vice-president Joseph Msika, said he had hung out with the pop superstar in Barbados and in London.

Rihanna frenzy has reached fever pitch in the run-up to the South African leg of her Diamonds World Tour this weekend.

Earlier yesterday, the steamy starlet appeared to be teasing her South African fans on Twitter with threats of a no-show.

A tweet reading: “I’m sorry South Africa but I’m stuck in Sydney and can’t make it this weekend” went viral, causing an online outcry.

One female fan from Joburg replied: “Get yo fine ass here wena Riri!”

On Friday, Rihanna posted pictures of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House as the sun was setting. She also uploaded pictures of the interior of her plane, its seats upholstered in white leather and gold trim.

Her plush reclining chair is flanked by a lit minibar and a counter with a pop-up vanity case plus mirror.

Yesterday, Sophie Doherty of Big Concerts said that, to their knowledge, Rihanna’s South African shows were going ahead as planned.

The singer and her 15 backup dancers are bound to show plenty of skin when they perform later today.

She will step on to the stage in costumes by the world’s top fashion designers, including Riccardo Tisci of luxury French label Givenchy; and wear heels by Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin.

After the concert, her vast set and equipment will be transported to Cape Town in 35 trucks, in time for her to perform at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Rihanna’s latest music video – Pour It Up – in which she twerks in a denim thong, recorded 44 million views by yesterday.

For more http://www.citypress.co.za

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-Alpheus Oshebeng Koonyaditse need no introduction as he is proudly one of the most celebrated radio personalities that ever graced Sabc.

Motsweding FM sport commentator-cum-Current Affairs anchor has it all.

Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse said his love affair with radio started at the tender-age. Koonyaditse said broadcasting was on all time and his move was a genuinely heroic endeavor.

Alphy K as Oshebeng is affectionately known to masses take us through his humble beginnings.

“I grew up with burning ambition, to work in broadcasting industry. I remember it was back in 1989 when I came for auditions. I was very fortunate as I was one of three people selected” Koonyaditse said.

Oshebeng Koonyaditse was selected during auditions at defunct Radio Mmabatho (It was merged with Radio Setswana to form now Motsweding FM) alongside the late Dipuo Mongale and former Motsweding FM presenter, ausi Minah Pilane.

With 25 years experience in broadcasting, Koonyaditse tells us what keeps him relevant.

“I read and read and try by all means to be relevant and most key aspect is to be aware of what’s happening around the world”.

“We’re living in an information age, so we cannot afford to be slack because audience could get that information somewhere else. So you must make sure your audience have trust in you” giggles Alphy K.

He was born many years ago in Cokonyane village,at the outskirt of Taung.

Koonyaditse said he was inspired and mentored by the likes of legendary Cebo “Ma-thousand” Manyaapelo, Aubrey “JR” Motloung, Molokwe Kgaswe, Dan Mongale, Martin Tyler and his close friend Mark Gleeson.

He is armed with Master Degree in Business Administration and is a (teacher) by profession.

He is also a lecturer at North West University where he teaches Journalism.

“Education is very important because it helps us to differentiate between wrong and right. It is one thing that no one will ever take it away from you” he said.

He said if he was not a radion personality, probably he will be a lawyer or continued with teaching.

Our crew asked Motsweding FM radio personnel about his 25 years journey in Media industry and any challenges he came across.

“The atmosphere is always brilliant and extraordinary, digressive and penicular. I have learnt a lot and still learning up to date. I once attended Edward R. Murrow Programme for Journalist in United State and it really shows that we learn everyday” he outlines.

A down-to-earth Cokonyane born presenter also shed more lights how he juggles work and family.

“My family is very close to my heart, it gives me a purpose to live” he reiterates.

Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse released a book called “The Politics of South African Football” back then and explains what really prompted him to come up with this concept.

“When we lost to Germany for the 2006 World Cup hosting rights and eventually won 2010 World Cup bid, I was just wondering where we come from a s a Nation. I did research on our football history”

“I wanted to know what role does a football and sport in general played in our lives” he outlines.

He is working on a big project and even though he did not want to let the cat out of the bag yet, keep captivated as all unfolds.

The Politics of South African Football is the story of people whose vehement resistance and declaration that there could be ‘no normal sport in an abnormal society’ proved to be a powerful antidote to the apartheid government’s assurances that ‘all was well’.

He is thought to have the most complete set of African football records in existence. And was one of few people if not alone amongst all sport pundits who outlines that Bafana Bafana actually did not qualify for African Nations Cup 2012 after the country went into celebratory mood owing to mis-interpretations of the CAF laws.

Oshebeng Alphie Koonyaditse in his book gives an inspiring account of the event-filled journey that led to that memorable Saturday of May 15, 2004.

For the first time in World Cup history of South Africa, and indeed Africa, won the right to host the nations of the world at the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

“South African football history began long before that, and in fact goes back to before the formation of FIFA in 1904” he concludes.-TDN

You can listen to Taung-born presenter only on Motsweding FM 87.9- 107.9 MHz or live on http://www.motswedingfm.co.za or Go to his website http://www.oshebeng.co.za

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North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison Nono Maloyi  accompanied by Mafikeng Local Mayor Lina Miga  has officially launched the Mahikeng Community Residential Units (CRU) at Extension 39  on Saturday. 

The launch was attended by 1500 people who came from the extension 39 area and the surroundings who showed excitement and further said they are looking forward for the successful completion of the project to reduce their plight. 

During his keynote address he said “The CRU’s are aimed to facilitate the provision of secure, stable rental tenure for lower income earners and provides a coherent framework for dealing with many different forms of existing public sector residential accommodation said Maloyi. 

He further emphasize that, potential tenants are selected according to specific criteria i.e, a person must be South African Citizens; not an owner of any property in the municipality; earn between R1600 and R3500 per month (gross income); not owing the municipality any services money; pass an affordability check and be a major to be able to sign the legal documents. 

And in terms of payments based on the unit type; unit size and minimum rent per month. 

“A Bachelor unit size of 30m2 rents per month will be R580.00 with minimum income per month of between R1600.00 to R2200.00; 1 Bedroom unit size of 40m2 will be R780.00 with minimum income of between R2200.00 to R2700.00; and 2 bedroom unit sizes of 53m2 will be R920.00 with minimum income per month will be between R2700.00 to R3500” MEC Nono Maloyi said.

He also congratulated selfless and committed men and women who volunteered to the department to conducted socio-economic study around extension 39. 

During the proceedings MEC Maloyi bestowed them with certificates of recognition for the work well done. 

The study revealed amongst others, high rate of unemployment and influx from rural to urban area which is something which need integrated approach to deal with.

He send heartfelt condolences to the family of a young lady who was allegedly raped and murdered by the man who continues terrorising communities around Mahikeng/Mmabatho known as “Hammer Man”. And further wish speedy recovery to the alleged victims of this criminal who are hospitalized. 

Maloyi sent a strong warning to criminals.

“As government, we will not rest until this capital city is safe to resides at, because as government we have constitutional mandate to protect our community which is enshrined in our constitution”. 

“That’s the reason why as a department we took a conscious decision to launch Community Safety Forum (CSF) across the province to work with police to fight crime” Maloyi said.-TDN

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Health care is very important and what the South African Department of Health is doing through its doctors training programme in Cuba will have a huge impact on the poor in this country. Retired Major-General Mokgethi Radebe said this in his parting message at a farewell function organised for him by the Office of the Premier at the Mafikeng Hotel School on Friday evening,

Major-General Radebe, who is a qualified medical doctor with ample experience in the field, has been requested by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaaron Motsoaledi to oversee the training of South African medical students in Cuba. He will be based in Cuba where he will also serve as an attaché for health relations between South Africa, Cuba and Chile.

“It feels as if I am leaving the earth. Leaving the North West is very hard for me. It feels as if I am going to exile again.

“When I was requested by the Minister of Health to go and oversee the training programme in Cuba, I finally agreed because health care is very close to my heart. North West has been the biggest part of my life. In fact my mother came from Ventersdorp,” said Radebe.

Radebe has been an Acting Director-General for the North West Provincial Administration since 2012. He was appointed Head of Department of Health in 2011. Prior to this appointment, he was with the Department of Defence where he was with the South African Military Health Services. He joined South African National Defense Force (SANDF) in 1994 and rose to the rank of Major General.

He was dispatched by the African National Congress to study medicine in Cuba in 1981 and qualified as a medical doctor in that country in 1998.  Upon graduating, he worked in the MK camps in Angola in 1989.

Between 1990 and 1991, he worked in Zimbabwe. He returned to South Africa from exile in 1991, and joined the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA) for a year, after which he went into private practice till 1994 when he joined the SANDF.

Major General Radebe is from the class of 1976 that went into exile in that year. He was in MATRIC when he left South Africa during a student uprising to swell the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) and Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK). He trained as an MK soldier in Angola and served the ANC in different capacities in the health sector until he was sent to Cuba to study medicine in 1981.

He was born in Katlehong in the East Rand, where he completed his primary school and high school.

Acting Head of Department for the Office of the Premier Oageng Mosiane said the Major-General has provided exemplary leadership.

“He has been an exemplary manager, doing his job with passion and dedication. We know that he will make us and the entire country proud in his new role,” said Mosiane.

Head of Department for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism  Abe Tlaletsi said Major-General Radebe’s departure must not be seen as a loss to the province as he will be an ambassador for the North West.

“You are going to represent the North West as an ambassador. Be focused, don’t be tempted by the sea, the beach and the Cuban cigars,” said Tlaletsi.

The farewell function was attended by prominent members of the community including traditional leaders, local priests, Members of the Mayoral Committee from Mahikeng Local Municipality, staff from the Premier’s Office and senior government officials from other provincial departments, members and some of the Cuban doctors based in the Province.