A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and arson case to resume in court

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today. This comes after a court recording device malfunctioned yesterday and the magistrate decided to postpone the matter.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house. He added that goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze.

“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

R51m set aside to compensate nurses and doctors who went beyond duty call 

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 November 2024- North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he is elated to announce that all outstanding 30% exceeding overtime payments, will be paid fully to all employees including nurses and doctors. Lehari and his management have been engaging both labour unions and all healthcare professionals to ensure negotiations are conducted peacefully.

He further said the announcement to unions comes after prolonged discussions for approval of payments with the Office of the Minister of Public Service and Administration (PSA), Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Provincial Treasury and Office of the Premier. Lehari added that they have convened an urgent meeting with leaders of labour unions to announce this pleasant news.

“This is one of the first issues I found on my desk upon arrival in this department. I am glad that it has now been resolved. We are all aware that government processes take time and we also know that consultation is very crucial when dealing with public funds.

“It may have seemed as if we were moving at a snail pace, but we were not. I want to thank all of you here, that even under extreme pressure to go on strike, you remained very disciplined, understanding the oath you took, to save lives at all material times” he said.

Lehari then announced that a Monitoring Task Team composed of senior departmental managers, representation from all six unions and other stakeholders, should be established to assess and verify employees’ claims and oversee all payments to ensure the process is transparent, fair and hoist an element of accountability. He said his department has budgeted over R51 million to compensate workers, who have rendered their services beyond the 30% overtime payment requirements.

“I need to stress out that as unions, you are now part of the team that will ensure that the process is fast tracked, while eliminating all financial risks. We are working on ensuring that we inject more nurses into the system so that you are not required to be overstretched and work so many hours without immediate compensation,” said Lehari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 15 years for raping his neighbour

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 November 2024- A man (20) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for rape. On 22 December 2022, a girl (12), went to her neighbour at Dubai Section in Lethabong Gardens, near Rustenburg to ask for food because her mother was not home at the time.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the neighbour dragged her inside his house and raped her. Myburgh said thereafter, he gave her a plate of food to eat. 

“The child reported the ordeal to her mother when she returned home. A case was reported to the police and the suspect was arrested a few days later. He made his first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2022.

“He was denied bail and remained in detention until his sentencing on 30 October 2024. The convict was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Furthermore, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sergeant Irene Ngwato of Mogwase FCS Unit for her diligence to ensure that the convict is put behind bars.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Uncle sentenced to 26 years for raping his niece

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 November 2024– A man (58) was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for rape. On 19 September 2019, an aunt found a note between the school books of her niece (10), highlighting that her uncle raped her at the age of 7, during school holidays.

The letter suggested that the incident took place in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said her uncle was 50 years at that time. Myburgh said after finding the note, the aunt informed the child’s mother.

“Subsequently, the mother spoke to her child who admitted that what she wrote in the note was true. The police were as a result, informed and the child was taken for medical treatment that confirmed the rape.

“The suspect was traced and arrested two days later. He appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for the first time on 23 September 2019, and was found guilty on 30 October 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sergeant Mmathapelo Sebogodi of Tlhabane FCS Unit for her diligence to ensure that the convict is put behind bars.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Former CFO at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality nabbed for fraud

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former CFO at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 November 2024- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on Monday for alleged fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The suspect was arrested in Heidelberg following allegations of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act in the procurement of motor vehicle rental service for the mayor.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said from April to May 2022, the suspect procured motor vehicle rental service for the mayor without following proper supply chain processes. Mathebula said the investigation revealed that the suspect procured these services without the approval of the Municipal Manager.

“As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of over R167 000. The suspect is due to appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 5 November 2024, to face three counts of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DEDECT partner with NWU to find the root cause of violence surrounding Hartbeespoort Dam

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 November 2024- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they are in collaboration with the North West University (NWU) in an effort to find a permanent solution on the impasse at Hartbeespoort Dam. Initially, the NWU was commissioned to scientifically investigate the root cause of the violence that affects communities residing around the Hartbeespoort Dam.

Lenkopane further said they have now expanded the scope for the scientific inquiry to research possible economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West province equally. She added that the outbreak of violence in September 2024, in Hartbeespoort Dam has been characterized as racial tension, while in some quarters the altercations were labelled as a scramble for economic opportunities and participation.

“We since intervened, calling for peace and tolerance. We want to find a permanent solution to the problem at Hartbeespoort Dam and we do not want to be seen jumping the gun by arriving at assumption based conclusions on what could be the root cause of the violence.

“What we are condemning outright as a department, are acts of violence, criminality and destruction of property. That is why we have partnered with the NWU under the leadership of Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe to bring about a proper scientific inquiry into this matter,” said Lenkopane.

She said her department has already collected some data and several business people around Hartbeespoort Dam have been interviewed. Lenkopane said the preliminary investigations would not be released until the NWU concludes its report.

“We would then release the report for public consumption and engagement. The commission of the scientific report would end all forms of speculation around the problems of violence at Hartbeespoort Dam and will also identify economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West Province.

“We are working around the clock with all relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problems affecting communities around the Hartebeespoort Dam,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than 1000 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

4 November 2024 – More than 1000 suspects were nabbed during Operation Shanela between 28 October 3 November 2024.  The suspects who include 42 suspected undocumented persons, were arrested for various crimes ranging from rape, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol. 

“Of the 1 487 arrests, 462 were apprehended as circulated and wanted during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. As part of the operations, 150 premises, 2864 persons and 1 308 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, the operations led to the confiscation of alcohol, six firearms, 75 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, 21,6kg of copper, six vehicles and a variety of drugs and tobacco products,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North west Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, indicated that police will continue working together with other law enforcement agencies across the province, to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. Kwena said they welcome the successes and motivated all law enforcement officers and role players to continue with their efforts in a bid to ensure that members of the community are and feel safe.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mdluli’s lawyer withdraws from slush fund case

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former SAPS Intelligence Boss, Richard Mdluli 

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 November 2024- The Pretoria High Court dismissed Richard Mdluli’s application for a postponement of the trial to await the outcome of his leave to appeal. Mduli’s application for leave to appeal is as a result of the South African Police Service (SAPS) refusing to pay for his legal fees.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said his appeal to the SAPS decision was also dismissed by the court. Mamothame further said Mdluli’s attorney subsequently withdrew on record, citing lack of funds by the client.

“The IDAC prosecutor also argued strongly against the postponement. Mdluli, together with the former South African Police Service (SAPS), Supply Chain Manager Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Solomon Lazarus, are facing charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the police’s secret slush fund from the time they were employed by the SAPS in the Crime Intelligence Services, between 2008 and 2012,” he added.  

In dismissing Mdluli’s application, Judge Makamu agreed with IDAC and highlighted that this matter has been on the court roll for a long time and that it prejudices the other two accused, who placed it on record that they are ready to proceed with trial. Makamu indicated that, Mdluli’s leave to appeal has a lot of uncertainties which may require him to approach the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and the Constitutional Court, should the ruling be not in his favour.

Meanwhile, the matter was postponed until 5 November 2024, for Mdluli to approach Legal Aid South Africa to ascertain if he qualifies for legal assistance.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘All children must be allowed a caring, nurturing childhood’

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 November 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday, the country observed National Children’s Day when they take stock of the progress they have made in advancing the rights of South Africa’s children. Ramaphosa said they celebrate this day on the first Saturday of November, which is the month in which the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations in 1989.

He further said the Convention was the first international treaty ratified by our newly democratic government in 1994 in recognition of the centrality of children’s rights to our national development. Ramphosa added that the Convention requires all countries to advance the social, economic, political and cultural rights of children.

“The Convention asserts that every child has a right to survival, development, protection, participation, identity, health, education, non-discrimination, privacy and freedom of expression. These rights are also aimed at creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children, allowing them to grow and thrive.

“The adoption of the Convention by the democratic South Africa was a critical step towards addressing the legacy of our past. Colonialism and apartheid ruined the prospects of millions of black children, who were the youngest victims of deprivation, discrimination and exclusion,” he said.

Ramaphosa said by the end of apartheid, the mortality rate for black children was six times higher than that of white children. He said these disparities reflected everywhere else, from living conditions and access to basic services, to access to social care and services, to education.

“Since 1994, we have registered considerable gains in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention, which are mirrored in our constitution. Successive democratic administrations have established laws and policies to develop the potential of South Africa’s children.

“To ensure children’s right to survival, we have implemented free primary health care for children under six, free basic services to poor families and child support grants. The school nutrition programme has made a significant difference in improving the educational and health outcomes for millions of children from indigent families,” said Ramaphosa.

He said to advance the right of children to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation, they have passed laws outlawing child labour, corporal punishment and child marriages. Ramaphosa said they also have a prescribed minimum sentencing regime for cases involving the sexual abuse of children.

“During the sixth democratic administration, we strengthened the legal regime to expand the definition of sexual offences against children, improve our capacity to combat child trafficking, and introduce more stringent conditions for the registration of sex offenders.

“One of the areas in which we have made the most progress in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is in the right to education. As the UN Children’s Fund has noted: “Since 1994 South Africa has made great strides in realising the right to education, rapidly building an efficient, accessible and quality education system for children and adolescents,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Concern over taxi patrollers’ behaviour

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Taxi patrollers blocking a motorist/Twitter

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 November 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, has called on taxi associations to be vigilant against the conduct of some of their patrollers, who often flood social media platforms. Selamolela said the committee will soon arrange a meeting with the industry on its programme to, among other things, understand this matter.

“There has been too much negativity about operations of the taxi industry nationwide, and with the invention of social media, one can never tell if the videos and voice notes are regurgitated. However, associations should prevail on their members and have a decent and enforceable code of conduct.

“We must all work to improve the taxi industry, where it becomes transport of choice rather than convenience. Some of the transgressions the drivers commit is wholly unnecessary and can frustrate any improvisation in the industry,” he said.

Selamolela further said, this week, a video of an alleged vehicle blocking a private vehicle that allegedly picked up a hitchhiker surfaced. He added that the South African National Taxi Association Council (SANTACO) representative came out to support the patrollers’ conduct and sought to suggest that minibus taxi operators had an exclusive right to pick up people.

“The Department of Transport informed the committee on Tuesday that, it is looking to pilot an electronic payment system in association with the industry. But not only that, the department is looking to review and improve the amount paid to the taxi recapitalisation programme.

“This kind of behaviour, especially if the video on social media is not a dated video, frustrates the work of government and compromises the industry in the eyes of the public. The committee is excited that our government is looking to aid the industry, and therefore, the committee expects the industry to introspect and avoid the proverbial scoring of own goals.

“Public transport practitioners should focus on professionalism, safety and responsible driving. The committee welcomed the successful observation of National Transport Month, which ended on Friday, and called for vigilance amongst all drivers as we head for the festive season,” said Selamolela.

taungdailynews@gmail.com