Olivier goes big in Japan

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Friedle Olivier/Morgan Piek 

By MORGAN PIEK 

27 March 2025- Former Toyota Cheetahs loose-forward Friedle Olivier has officially been unveiled as a Mitsubishi Dynaboars player in Japan.

OFM Sport broke the news that the versatile ball-carrier has signed a contract to continue his career in Japan – an opportunity he felt he simply couldn’t turn down.

The 32-year-old, who previously played in Russia as well as for Valke, joins a team that already boasts two other former Cheetahs players: lock Walt Steenkamp and prop Khutha Mchunu.

Another South African currently on the Dynaboars’ books is Springbok and Bulls outside back Kurt-LeeArendse. “I am very excited to join the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars family,” Olivier told rugbyjp.com.

“It is a massive honour to be part of this club and its rich history, and I can’t wait to make the club and its supporters proud.

“I will always strive to leave the jersey in a better place and bring honour to it. I can’t wait to meet everyone and begin this amazing journey.”

Olivier is available to play for his new team immediately and could feature in their upcoming match against Kubota Spears.

Kubota Spears, in turn, boast Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, along with two Grey College Old Boys – Merwe Olivier and Rikus Pretorius – who both played their junior rugby for the Cheetahs. Other South Africans at Kubota include Schalk Erasmus, Tyler Paul, Ruan Botha, and David Bulbring.

Olivier is contracted to play for the Dynaboars until the end of the season, and a return to the Cheetahs has not been ruled out.

Source: OFM Sport/Morgan Piek 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities to hit Rustenburg

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 March 2025- The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities are this week being rolled out in Rustenburg and will culminate in several services being delivered to villagers in Monakato, Lethabong, Tsitsing, Mamerotse, Maile and Marikana on 28 March 2025. The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) leadership will also have a community feedback session at Monakato Community Hall, which is about 40km north of Rustenburg.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said, Mokgosi will be leading the roll out of this service delivery programme, accompanied by Members of Executive Council (MECs) and District and Local Executive Mayors. Tatai said they will hand over four mobile libraries to Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, while farmers in Mamerotse and Tsitsing will receive state-of-the-art livestock handling facilities.

“Moreover, four RDP houses will be handed over to beneficiaries in Lesung, with about 153 beneficiaries set to receive their title deeds – reflecting a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve housing and property ownership within the community.

“Other services to be rendered will include the handing over of newly constructed toilets to Monakato Primary School, school uniforms to 38 learners at Maumong and Tlapa Primary Schools,” he said.

Tatai further said they will also distribute 100 food parcels to vulnerable families across the local municipality, two cheques to local non-profit organisations, five wheelchairs to identified beneficiaries and sporting attire and equipment to identified local teams. He added that, as constant features of the weekly Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities, potholes patching and blading of internal roads, clearing of illegal dumping sites, distribution of agricultural support packages, law enforcement operations and registration of indigent households for access to free basic services will be some of the services that will be undertaken across the local municipality.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Bafana beat Benin to maintain lead in Group C

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Benin 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

27 March 2025- Bafana Bafana beat Benin 2-0 in a crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier at a sweltering Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Tuesday to maintain their lead in Group C. It was the occasion of Percy Tau’s 50th cap and while he did not find the back of the net himself, he worked very hard to ensure that coach Hugo Broos’ charges return home with the priceless three points.

Second half goals from Lyle Foster in the 52nd minute and Jayden Adams in the 84th minute were enough to give the visitors victory away from home.

Broos had said that he wanted six points from the two matches against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday last week and against Benin in Cote d’Ivoire, and his charges met the challenge. The Bafana Bafana coach said the victory was down to a very good analysis of the opponent and his players followed the instructions to the book.

“We knew where we could be dangerous against Benin. They are a good team, but what we did very well today was to keep possession and wait for the right moments,” he said.

It was a tough game in Cote d’Ivoire, but this Bafana Bafana side has proved time and time again that they can grind out the result in difficult conditions.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A sentenced to six years for fraud 

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

27 March 2025- A man (28) who bought two vehicles amounting to R749 999, using fraudulent documents such as confirmation of employment and employment contract, was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court, which was wholly suspended. Two vehicles were later repossessed after investigation by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said a reputable vehicle finance house suffered a potential loss of R749 999. Thebe said the accused, Jan-Ray April was sentenced for two counts of fraud. 

“April was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that he is not convicted on the same offence again during the period of suspension, to compensate the finance house a loss amount of R258 000. 

“In terms of Section 103 (1) of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000, the accused is declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for killing a cop 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

27 March 2025- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Upington for killing a police officer in Keimoes. The atrocity occurred in January 2020. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said a police officer, who was attached to Upington Public Order Policing (POP) and his friend, were attacked by the accused, Chidi Emmanuel Okafor while sleeping.

Thebe said the deceased lost his life as a result of being stabbed, while his friend got away with serious injuries from the incident. 

“Okafor was charged with housebreaking with intent to commit murder, attempted murder and murder. The accused disappeared after the brutal crime. 

“However, Upington Hawks Serious Organised Crime members were tasked with the tracing and investigation of the matter. Okafor was traced to Klerksdorp, where he was arrested and brought back for a lengthy trial,” he said. 

Thebe said Okafor was convicted in August 2024, and sentenced in 18 March 2025, with a final verdict of life imprisonment on the main charge and 10 years imprisonment on the charge of attempted murder. He said the sentence will run concurrently.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Hartswater man nabbed for fraud and money laundering

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The accused, Ruan Maritz/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

27 March 2025- A man (30) from Hartswater was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for fraud and money laundering. This comes after allegations that Ruan Maritz misrepresented to the complainants and other victims that he is a broker for Quick Trade Investment and Forex Trading. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the investment contract stipulated that when clients invest 50%, the broker will add with the same percentage, a promise he never honoured. Thebe said the victims suffered a loss amounting to R2 million. 

“Maritz a made a brief appearance before Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2025, and was granted bail of R50 000. The matter is postponed to 12 May 2025,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

No Outbreak of Tumbu Fly Infestation

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Tumu fly hatching larvae/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

27 March 2025- The North West Department dismissed allegations that there might be an outbreak of Tumbu Fly Infestation. This comes after community members across the province alleged that they have seen some flies dropping their eggs on their clothes or table cloths. 

Last week, a video that has since gone viral, a fly was seen hatching larvae (maggots) on a cloth in one of schools in Mahikeng.  

However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi said the matter was thoroughly investigated on the same day, when the department was made aware. Mothibedi said they have concluded that it was an isolated incident. 

“The department was made aware of the matter and on the same day, we sent the Departmental Environmental Health officials, who went to the school on Saturday. Officials did not discover a swarm of flies as initially reported by resident(s). 

“It was one isolated fly and upon investigation, our data suggested that there was no widespread health risk. There was no swarm of flies as earlier suggested, but one isolated fly which we recommended should be taken for tests,” he said. 

Mothibedi further said in an unrelated case, there were unconfirmed reports of worms coming out of wounds of a certain individual, to date such a case has not been officially registered with them. He added that, however, they recommend any individual to visit their nearest facility so that a thorough assessment and determination could be conducted for treatment. 

“The department also calls for calm and wishes to caution everyone not to cause panic as this matter has already been dealt with, with all pupils safely attending classes at the said school,” said Mothibed. 

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa (NICD) said it was consulted back in 2018, about numerous cutaneous maggot infestations (furuncular myiasis) in humans in North West, as well as increased sporadic cases in Gauteng Province. The body said its laboratory has confirmed that the maggots are those of the tumbu fly (also known as the ‘mango’ or ‘putsi’ fly). 

“The increase in the number of cases is most likely related to the recent marked increase in seasonal rainfall, leading to the expansion of the fly’s normal range, namely the warmer northern and eastern parts of the country. 

“The adult female tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) deposits eggs usually on urine- or faeces-contaminated sand, soil or clothing. The larvae (maggots) hatch and on contact with skin, penetrate and cause enlarging boil-like skin lesions, each with a small opening at the apex through which the larva breathes (furuncular myiasis),” it said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

R112m road project marred with challenges  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The D206 road construction project

By OBAKENG MAJE 

27 March 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West has expressed frustration over a protracted delay in the R112 million construction of a tar road in Taung. The 10km road runs from Matsheng to Molelema village.  

In 2020, the Botong Construction and JV Nkolele Projects were appointed in a joint venture to the tune of R65 018 991.18 (VAT incl), but the budget was increased after court fiasco.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said the project has been under construction for almost five years. Jam said these shenanigans being done by these people, dent the image and integrity of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). He said these kinds of arrangements between the contractors and MECs are the reason for the failure of most of the projects. 

“We have tried to engage the Office of the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua in quest of getting answers, but to no avail. However, taxpayers’ money has been used to pay the contractor, but nothing is happening.

“So, to us, it does not matter who is involved in this corruption scandal, but we are going to beat the dog until the owner comes out. We are not going to fold our arms, while the taxpayers’ money is being flushed down the drain by those who do not care and serve no interest,” he said. 

Jam further said it is excruciating to see that this is not the only road construction project being stalled. He added that the same thing is happening in other areas across the province. 

“You will find unfinished projects belonging to the department. Sadly, when we engaged Mokua, she blamed the previous MEC. However, these projects belong to her portfolio whether she likes it or not. 

“Inherently, we have made a call that she will respond as soon as possible. However, what we have realised is that, if one wants to talk to these people, we must do it through Chapter 9 institutions because their arrogance does not allow them to talk to ordinary citizens like us,” said Jam. 

He alleged that those in power are so high and mighty, forgetting that they were placed there by the masses. Jam said as SANCO, they have declared 2025, a year of accountability and they only care about nothing else, but service delivery. 

Meanwhile, the North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The revised contractual agreement between the contractor and the department end date was March 2024, which has lapsed. Currently, the contractor is not on site.

“This project was stalled due to contractual complexities. The catchup plan has not been submitted to the department, and it is in this regard that the department has called a meeting with the agent by the end of this week to address the matter and prevent further delays.”
taungdailynews@gmail.com

Baagi ba kwa Tamasikwa ba ikepetse sediba  

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Baagi ba epile sediba sa metsi kwa Tamasikwa  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

27 Mopitlwe 2025- Baagi ba motse wa Tamasikwa, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba itumeletse go bona metsi a kgale ba a labalabela morago ga dikgwedi kgwedi. Se, se tla morago ga gore baagi ba, ba tseye tshwetso ya go katolola sediba sa bo rrabone mogolo se ba ne ba ga metsi mo go sone ka nako ya puso ya tlhaolele. 

Baagi ba tlhalositse fa tlhokego ya metsi mo motseng wa bone, ele yone e ba tlhotlheleditseng go tsaya tshwetso e. Baagi ba tlhalosistse fa go le lobaka ba ntse ba tlhoka metsi mo motseng wa bone, fela masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati o tsweletse go itshela moriti o tsididi. 

Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Thabo Sekonyane are metsi ke tlhoba boroko kwa motseng wa bone.  Sekonyane are ba bone fa go le botlhokwa go epa sediba, gonne ba godile ba nwa metsi mo go sone. 

“Re godisitswe ke sediba se, mme madutelo a re nang le one mo motseng, re ne ra a direlwa ke puso ya Bophuthatswana. Porejeke ya metsi e tlile ka ngwaga wa 1995, mo motseng wa rona. Ene ele porojeke go tswa kwa Lefapheng la Water Supply pele ga e tla sitlhamololelwa mo pusong ya ga jaana. 

“Seo se shupa gore ene entse ele projeke e e neng e tshwanetswe ke go tlisiwa mo Tamasikwa. Go bua nnete, metsi a mantsi thata mo motseng wa rona wa Tamasikwa. Metsi a re nang le one, baagi ba Taung ba ka nwa ba be ba siela ba bangwe. Re ka fepa metse yotlhe ya Taung ele 106. Ke fela gore madutelo a rona a metsi ga a dirwa sentle,” Sekonyane wa tlhalosa.       

Sekonyane are fa madutelo a bone a ne a epilwe kwa godimo, go ka be go sena tlhokego ya metsi kwa motseng wa bone. Sekonyane are ba na le dingwaga ngwaga ba tlhoka metsi, mme masepala ga o tsiboge ka nako. 

Kgabagare, majoro wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje are, jaaka masepala, ba amogela gore go na le kgwetlho ya metsi mo sedikeng. Maje are ba bone pegelo go tswa kwa setheong sa Magalies e ba laelang gore madutelo a tshwanelwang ke go neela baagi metsi kwa Tamasikwa a imelwa. 

“Re itsisitswe gore madutelo ga tlhole a kgona go neela baagi botlhe ka kakaretso metsi, mme ba tsitsintse gore go agiwe madutelo a mangwe. Jaanaong, re sentse re seka-seka kakanyo eo gore baagi ba kgone go bona metsi. 

“Re ikuela go baagi gore ba letle gore go dirwe diteko mo metsing a ba epileng, pele ga ba ka anwa,” Maje wa tlhalosa. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Monna wa motswa-kwa latofadiwa ka petelelo 

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

26 Mopitlwe 2025- Sepodisi sa Afrika Borwa mono Taung, se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya petelelo. Se, se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 21, le leneng le dira kwa lebenkeleng lengwe kwa toropong ya Taung, le betelelwe. 

Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le beteletswe ke mothapi wa lone wa motswa-kwa. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka letsatsi la Tshipi. Ga gona o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.”

Kgabagare, ba South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mono Taung, ba kaile fa ba tla etela lebenkele leo, le go lekola fa le ikwadisitse se mmuso, kgotsa beng ba lone ba tsene mo nageng ya Afrika Borwa go le maleba. 

Modulasetilo wa SANCO mo kgaolong ya Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka yone ntlha e, mme ga ya re tsaya sentle gotlhelele. Re ikuela go bo kgaitsadi ba rona gore ba ikele tlhoko, gonne bone ba ya go dira kwa dikgwebong tsa batho ba, ba re ba ile go leka botshelo. 

“Fela kwa bofelong, ba feleletsa ba betelelwa. Baagi ba rona ga ba sireletsega. Re utlwile gotwe mmelaelwa o setse a leletswe ke ditshipi. Se se makatsang ke gore go begwa fa lebenkele leo le tsweletse go dira ekare ga gwa diragala sepe.” 

Tanyane are ba tlile go etela lebenkele leo, mme ba tla be ba patilwe ke sepodisi, Lefapha la Merero ya Selegae, ga mmogo le Lefapha la Boitekanelo. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com