Lekawana le le latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, le tla boela kgotlhatshekelo mo letsatsing la gompieno go dira kopo ya beile. Seno se tla morago ga gore kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Simon Molale (22), e busetswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo bekeng e e fetileng, fa a ne a dira kopo ya beile.
Go begwa fa Medichane a bolailwe ke mokapelo wa gagwe, mme sebakwa sa tiro e, se sa itsiwe. Go ya ka mongwe o boneng ka matlho, lekawana le, lene la tlhabakaka lekgarebe le, mme one a tshaba mo lefelong la tiragalo fa a bona batho.
Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.
“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Kgetsi katlhanong le Molale e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 26 Phatwe 2024, mo a solofetsweng go dira kopo ya beile.
A murder case against alleged murderer and convicted rapist, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), will resume at Taung Regional Court today. The accused persons were nabbed two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Meanwhile, the court heard that there was a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature, however, that was not entertained.
It is alleged that the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) in collaboration with North West Parks and Tourism (NWP&TB), is excited to announce the launch of Tourism Month 2024. The department held a special event revealing the province’s plans and initiatives for this year’s celebration, embarking on a month-long journey to highlight the significance of tourism in the platinum province.
The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said Tourism Month, celebrated annually in September, plays a crucial role in showcasing the importance of the tourism sector to the South African economy and its contribution to job creation. Lenkopane said this year, the theme for Tourism Month is: “Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People, Places, and Culture.”
“The theme reflects the enduring impact of tourism in fostering connections and understanding across diverse communities over the past three decades. Attendees at the launch event had the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore how the province is poised to enhance its tourism offerings to both local and international visitors.
“This month is not just a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of the richness that lies in our diverse landscapes, our vibrant wildlife, biodiversity, cultures and our warm, welcoming people. From the golden savannas of the Pilanesberg to the beautiful Magaliesberg, and the tranquil waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam, from the historical significance of the Taung World Heritage Site, to the vibrant rhythm of our local communities, to the hunting area of the province. North West is a province that tells a story like no other,” she said.
Lenkopane further said the public should join them as they have the power of tourism to bring people together and promote peace through shared experiences. She added that they are looking forward to their participation in making Tourism Month 2024, a resounding success.
“As we launch this month of celebration, I urge everyone of us to become ambassadors of this beautiful province. Let us share the stories of our unique destinations, promote our local businesses, and invite the world to experience the magic of the North West province.
“Tourism is more than just visiting places, but it’s about connecting with people. It’s reflected in the laughter of children playing in the village, the wisdom shared by our elders, the creativity of our artisans and the warm greetings from our local guides,” said Lenkopane.
She said these are the moments where visitors truly experience the unique essence of the North West as a destination. Lenkopane said South Africa, like most other countries, is currently navigating a period marked by significant challenges and opportunities.
“As the global community recovers and rebuilds from the effects of recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has shown signs of gradual recovery.
“From 2021 to 2023, international arrivals increased from 415 million in 2021 to 917 million in 2022, and 1.286 billion in 2023. Despite this upward trend, the overall growth from 2019 to 2023, still reflects a 12% decline, indicating that the industry has not yet fully returned to its pre-pandemic levels,” she said.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Monna o tlhabilwe ka thipa mo mokokotlong wa gagwe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Lekgarebe la kwa motseng wa Donkerhoek, gaufi le Magogong mono Taung, le tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya mokapelo wa lone (40). Tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka Lamatlhatso ka 1:30am mo mesong.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba fitlhela setopo sa monna se rapaletse mo fatshe, ka ntho ya gago tlhabiwa mo sehubeng sa gagwe.”
2 September 2024- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo will on Monday, attend two meetings in Vryburg, North West and in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape, to bring intervention in water supply challenges in those areas. Seitlholo will first interact with Phokwane Local Municipality (PLM) in Northern Cape and North West’s Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District (DRSMDM), regarding that provides water services between the two provinces.
The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson in North West, Katlego Bolokang said the meeting will also deliberate on debt and billing systems of the two municipalities, infrastructure maintenance and institutional arrangements in terms of providing water services provision within these areas.
“The following meeting by the Deputy Minister will be an introductory meeting with the Vaalharts Water Users Association, which oversees one Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, one of the biggest irrigation projects that lies between Northern Cape and North West.
“Seitlholo’s Transboundary Water Supply Scheme Meetings will commence at 34 Market Street, Vryburg from 9am until 12pm. He will then meeting members of Vaalhaarts Water Users Association at Vaalharts Water Offices in Jan Kempdorp from 1pm until 3pm,” he said.
Picture: Some of ANC Provincial Executive Committee members during media conference in Rustenburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
Even though ANC in the North West insists that it does not have a leadership crisis, it has requested over seven councillors to resign from their positions in various municipalities across the province.
According to the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi, this was done after their Local Government Assessment Report that was conducted in 2022. Maloyi said they have met with all councillors in Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Klerksdorp, to present to them, a Local Government Barometer document, which seeks to monitor performance of municipalities and individual councillors.
“We wish to put this on record because there were some people who wanted to accuse the leadership of the ANC of targeting certain individuals in municipalities. This mid-term assessment of municipalities and councillors, is part of our program of action, which was adopted long ago.
“At the helm of our intention is to stabilise our councils and enable them to deliver basic services to our people. The issue of non-performance cannot be tolerated ever again in the ANC,” he said.
Maloyi further said the ANC visited all 22 municipalities in the province during the assessment, accompanied by the Regional Executive Committees (RECs). He added that the assessment focused on a number of issues.
“Amongst others was the functionality of the ANC caucuses, putting the people first, delivering basic services, good governance, building capable government, and local economic development. The assessment also focused on performance of our councillors, particularly the Troika (Mayors, Speakers and Whips).
“Inclusive of other key performance indicators, which are contained in the ANC Local Government Barometer document. Emanating from the thorough assessment, amongst other decisions, the ANC has taken a decision to re-deploy the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, mayor, Tshireletso Marabutse and the executive mayor of the City of Matlosana, James Ntsolela, who has already been replaced by Fikile Mahlophe,” said Maloyi.
He said this includes the removal of Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Cliffton Groep. Maloyi said this decision was taken in a spirit of strengthening and adding capacity in various municipalities, but also redeploying some to areas where their skills and expertise are needed most.
“The assessment was also concerned about the functionality of our political caucuses in municipalities. On that score, the ANC resolved to re-deploy the Chief Whip of the City of Matlosana, Khaya Ndincede, the Chief Whip of Naledi Local Municipality, Letshwene Ramothibedi, the Chief Whip of Kgetleng Local Municipality, Amogelang Selaledi and the replacement of the Chief Whip of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Loiusa Mabe.
“The ANC reiterates its commitment to make sure that North West municipalities provide services to our people without fail. The leadership of the ANC will continue to supervise these municipalities,” he said.
30 August 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has resolved to defer the Children’s Amendment Bill to the Department of Social Department to allow it to redraft the 126 clauses the previous committee did not process. This comes after the previous committee passed only 12 foster care-related clauses so that Parliament and the department could meet a North Gauteng High Court deadline.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Bridget Masango said the department will redraft these clauses, taking into consideration the substantive submissions and proposals made by stakeholders and the public during the committee’s public participation process on the bill.
Masango further said the previous committee had resolved that the bill be introduced as a committee bill by the 7th Parliament committee. She added that, however, after receiving legal advice from the Constitutional and Legal Services Office on the development, drafting and legislative processes of committee bills, as well as the implications of the Constitutional Court’s judgement on Section 40 of the Children’s Act, the committee resolved that the department is best placed to redraft the bill due to Parliament’s capacity constraints to develop policies that will substantiate the bill.
“The submissions received contained new proposals that require extensive policy development on issues that include the safe abandonment of children (baby savers), corporal punishment, new proposals in relation to the rights of unmarried fathers (a traditional perspective) and children’s right to privacy on digital platforms.
“The department’s legal advisor informed the committee that since the time the previous committee took a decision not to process the bill, many new issues have emerged in the space of intercountry adoptions, baby savers and the rights and responsibilities of unmarried fathers, which require the department to rethink its position on provisions it made previously on the bill,” said Masango.
She said even if Parliament had passed the Bill, the department would have to amend it again. Masango said the committee agreed that the timeline of the processing of this Bill would receive priority oversight.
30 August 2024- Three suspects aged 33, 36 and 45, were arrested for allegedly being in possession of a Pangolin valued at approximately R250 000. The suspects were arrested by a team consisting of John Taolo Gaetsewe Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Kuruman Public Order Police during an intelligence-driven operation in Kuruman.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Volkswagen Polo believed to be used in the commission of the crime, was also seized. Ehlers said the investigation continues and the suspects will appear in court soon.
“The police in the Northern Cape are relentless in their efforts to protect endangered species and will ensure that perpetrators feel the full wrath of the law,” she said.
30 August 2024- The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has called upon universities to apply greater scrutiny when appointing vice chancellors and council members. The committee said they should also ensure that the appointees have a high regard for ethics.
The chairperson of committee, Tebogo Letsie said they were briefed on progress made by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), in dealing with various administrative challenges. Letsie said the briefing concerning the state of affairs at Vaal University of Technology now that it is no longer under administration, while the Mangosuthu University of Technology is still under administration.
“We welcome the progress made by VUT in appointing a vice chancellor and chancellor. However, it remains concerned about the continued high number of vacant positions at senior management level, especially the post of registrar.
“The committee expressed concerns about the state of affairs in student residences, which has forced many students to opt for private accommodation. This is causing the university to lose out on much-needed revenue,” he said.
According to Letsie, the committee further called upon VUT to report contractors, who do not finish infrastructure development projects to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), so that these contractors are blacklisted from any further involvement in projects in the post-school education sector. He added that the committee further resolved that the university should consider using the services of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for their Student Representative Council elections and that these elections should be held manually.
“Meanwhile at the Mangosuthu University of Technology, we welcome the appointment of Professor Nokuthula Sibiya as the first female vice chancellor in the university’s 45-year history.
“The committee further welcomed assurances that the remaining senior posts at MUT will be filled by the end of September. The DHET told the committee that recent suspensions at MUT indicate a culture of victimisation, however the administrator seems to be on course in turning the institution around,” said Letsie.
He said they need to move away from a period of independent assessors and it can’t be that predominantly black-run institutions are the ones that always fall under administration. Letsie said the committee plans to have a meeting with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with a focus on student accommodation challenges to find solutions to improve the services offered to students.
30 August 2024- A Zimbabwean national (34) has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for murder. The accused, Norest Singage was also sentenced to 27 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that these sentences run concurrently. Mahanjana said Singage’s accomplice, fellow Zimbabwean national, Rodwin Maphinde (34), was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“Additionally, both offenders have been declared unfit to possess firearms. The court heard that on 26 August 2020, the first victim was accosted by a group of men, while praying on the R80 Mabopane highway.
“He was robbed of his cellphone and bank cards. Subsequently, on 12 September 2020, the second victim, along with his wife and children, stopped at the same highway and was approached by the same group. They were taken to a nearby mountain, where tragedy struck,” she said.
Mahanjana further said Singage, while forcefully taking the wife deeper into the mountain, shot and killed her. She added that miraculously, the husband managed to escape and promptly reported the incident to the police.
“Following a thorough investigation, the two suspects were apprehended on 24 October 2020 in Marabastad, where Singage was employed as a vendor. Throughout the trial, Singage and Maphinde pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them, denying all involvement. The NPA welcomes the sentencing.
“We reiterate our commitment to holding offenders accountable and enhancing public safety in South African communities. This case serves as a reminder that the NPA will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes and advocate for justice for victims and their families,” said Mahanjana.
However, the state prosecutor, Lebogang Mokome, successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. During the sentencing proceedings, the accused, through their legal representative, sought leniency, citing their responsibilities to their minor children and requesting consideration of the time they had spent in custody since their arrest.
In response, Mokome argued against leniency, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crimes, as the accused had deliberately targeted unsuspecting victims.
“The deceased brutally lost her life, and the husband lost his wife while the children lost their mother. The violent crime in this country is prevalent, so urge the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentences without deviation,” she said.
When handing down the sentence, Magistrate Thapelo Motiang noted that the two showed no remorse for their actions.
“There was no need for the deceased to lose her life as both were cooperating with the instructions they gave during the incident. We re-affirm the community’s growing frustration with violent crimes and it is up to the courts to protect the community against such offences.”
“While I see grounds to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence for the first count of robbery due to the complainant sustaining no injuries, I found no compelling circumstances to do so for the murder charge and the second count of robbery,” he said.
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