A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his ex-girlfriend 

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (52) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp for killing his former girlfriend (29). The accused, John Marumoagae who worked as security officer, left his post in the evening on 18 February 2023, and went to a tavern in Tigane Township, near Hartbeesfontein where he found his former girlfriend, Duduetsang Mokgethi. 

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said an argument ensued between Marumoagae and Mokgethi, after he accused her of having an affair with another man. Mokgwabone further said the pair left the tavern together, but were still arguing. 

“However, the former girlfriend’s body was discovered the following day in an open field by a passer-by. The police were summoned and a case of murder was registered leading to the arrest of Marumoagae, but due to insufficient evidence, the case was not enrolled. The Anti-Gang Unit took over the investigation, which revealed that Marumoagae insured Mokgethi without her knowledge, although he did not manage to get payment from the insurance.

“A warrant of arrest was applied for and the Marumoagage was arrested on 20 June 2023, and bail was successfully opposed. The matter was transferred to the North West High Court and Marumoagae was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life and further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence. They also thanked the state prosecutor, Advocate Dibuseng Ntsala and the Investigating Officer, Detective Sgt Buti Matlhoko for their diligence to secure the conviction and ensure that justice is served.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokgweetsi wa Toyota Tazz o latlhegetswe ke botshelo mo kotsing ya sejanaga  

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Mokgweetsi wa Toyota Tazz o latlhegetswe ke botshelo mo kotsing ya sejanaga/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa modiro wa Toyota Tazz o tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga mo letsatsing la Labotlhano. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa dingwaga di le 48, a ile a thulana le tekesi ya modiro wa Toyota Quantum, e eneng e pegile bapagami. 

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, kotsi e e diragetse gaufi le Taung Agricultural College mo tseleng e e tswang kwa Taung District Hospital, mme e lebile kwa toropong ya Taung. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz, ane a sega dijanaga tse dingwe tsebe, mme a latlhegelwa ke taolo. 

“Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz, o ile a thulana le tekesi ya Toyota Quantum, mme a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la kotsi. Go begwa fa bapagami ba le babedi ba tekesi, ba ile ba tswa dikgobalo, mme ba ile ba rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. 

“Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo, mme ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

Mayor question the legitimacy of committee probing his car accidents  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The embattled GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has established an ad hoc committee to probe the embattled municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoralwe’s conduct. This comes after Gaoraelwe’s involvement in accidents, while driving the luxury R700 000 BMW X3 belonging to the municipality. 

Gaoraelwe was allegedly involved in an accident on 30 June 2024. He crashed the vehicle after allegedly being followed and shot at by unknown assailants. 

However, there are allegations that Gaoraelwe crashed the municipal vehicle during the day while drunk and later on, staged the attempted hijacking as a cover-up. 

Now, municipal speaker Grace Moipolai said they have established an ad hoc committee to probe Gaoraelwe’s vehicle accidents. 

“In terms of the powers invested in me, I have decided to call for a special council meeting that will look into the vehicle accident involving the mayor. On 30 June 2024, Gaoraelwe was reportedly involved in an ugly accident, while driving the official vehicle. 

“In any event, the accident is a personal and sensitive matter that has to be treated with care and respect as it involves the dignity and the inherent rights of those involved and need to be protected at all cost,” she said. 

Moipolai further said, it is in the interest of the public, the municipal council to investigate the matter thoroughly and in the end furnish the public a clear report on what has transpired as Gaoralwe was using the state property. She added Gaoraelwe was involved in accidents twice using the municipal vehicle and this has precipitated the public interest. 

“We have established an ad hoc committee in terms of Schedule 1, Code of Conduct for councillors, paragraph 14 of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). The ad hoc committee will investigate the previous accidents that Gaoraelwe was involved in, as well as the recent incident that allegedly happened on 30 June 2024. 

“It is in the interest of the public that such a move is undertaken and the community of the Greater Taung be favoured with a report of this investigation, including the MEC for COGTA and the Auditor General (AG),” said Moipolai. 

The committee is expected to table a report before the council within 21 days.          

Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe has written a letter to Moipolai questioning the legitimacy of the committee. He said the letter from Moipolai was purely and merely a formal requisition of the accident. 

“In premise, motor vehicle accidents while using municipal/state vehicles are not recorded as a breach of code of conduct, which in essence rendered the investigation by the ad hoc committee baseless and unfounded,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for raping his own daughter

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A father (40) was sentenced to 25 years by the Upington Regional Court for raping his own daughter (15). On 1 January 2024, at approximately 3am, the victim was sitting with her friend outside their home when her father called her in and sent her friend away. 

He started touching his daughter inappropriately and threatened her with a knife when she resisted, then raped her. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphime Masegela said the accused also threatened to kill the victim, if she told anyone about the incident.

“The incident was reported to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested on 2 January 2024. He was found guilty of rape and was convicted in the Upington Regional Court.

“The management of the SAPS welcomed the conviction and commended the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Josef Van Wky attached to Upington Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit,” Masegela said. 

She further said Detectives in the Northern Cape remain committed in ensuring justice is served for the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) crimes. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The mine accused of disregarding obligations 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Sentimental Diamond in Sekhing village, Taung   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The residents of Sekhing village, near Taung who are living at the doorstep of the Sentimental Diamond Mine, alleged that the mine is not benefiting them. This week, the residents embarked on a peaceful march and submitted their Memorandum of Demand (MoD) to the mine. 

According to one of the community leaders, Lesedi Molane, the mine has junked them and also not adhering to social and labour plans, including not employing enough residents. The mine was further accused of encroaching on the grazing area without proper consultations. 

“We call on the mine to prioritise locals when giving out business opportunities. We have had a good relationship with mine at first, but now the relationship is unpleasant. They do not give reports to the community at all, instead they allege that they only report to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).

“The mine must listen to us as land occupiers and beneficiaries. We want a Committee of Representatives to be on site with them. Their threats of taking us to court are noted and will be taken forward,” he said.

Molane added that the Sentimental Diamond Mine is not transparent and honest. He alleged that the company has employed more than 10 people from outside and only two unskilled locals as security guards. 

“They alleged that they are still prospecting but it has been long. We need to sit down with them or we are going to shut down the mine. We want a proper company that will work well with our community without any hindrances. 

“It came to our knowledge that the Director is a lawyer by profession, but we are not going to be threatened or intimidated by him. We need a clear relationship and transparency. The minerals in our land must benefit us in terms of development and boosting our economy,” said Molane.

He alleged that the Sentimental Diamond Mine promised to create job opportunities, but nothing is coming forth. Molane alleged that the company that was prospecting in the same area, left without any rehabilitation. 

“We really have no problem working with them, only if they put the interest of the community at heart. We also call on the government in terms of Section 152 (1)(a) to conduct an investigation on this matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director at Sentimental Diamond Mine, Rebaone Matsietsa, who accepted the memorandum said, they will respond within stipulated time. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

One person died, another injured in a car accident 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The car collided with a freight truck on N12 road, near Klerksdorp/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

One person has died and another injured in a car accident on N12 road, near Klerksdorp. This comes after a freight truck rolled over on the N12, outside Klerksdorp towards Wolmaranstad in the early hours of today (3 August 2024).

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said according to the preliminary report, the truck collided with a vehicle coming the opposite direction when it allegedly turned in front of the truck causing the collision. Morweng said the national roads need special attention as lately, there are reports of lawlessness, but also motorists not adhering to traffic laws. 

“We plead with motorists, especially those travelling at night to be cautious and adhere to road rules. We need our motorists to be vigilant at all times and more particularly those travelling at night. 

“Should we observe road rules, at some point, we will have an incident free weekend and that will immensely contribute to reducing the number of crashes and deaths on our roads,” he said. 

Morweng further conveyed a message of condolences to the family of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to those who survived with injuries. He added that they appreciate the Road Incident Management System (RIMS) members on the N12 for their quick response on the scene. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police probe a murder and attempted murder case

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crime unit said is probing a murder and attempted murder case. This comes after fatal shooting of a man (28) in Newpark, Kimberley. The preliminary investigations indicate that on Wednesday evening, 31 July 2024 at around 9pm, the deceased was fatally shot in his white Toyota Hilux bakkie.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the victim and his spouse (27), were at the gate entering into their townhouse complex when an unknown man allegedly approached and fired several shots into the vehicle.

Kock said the unknown suspect fatally wounded the deceased. He said the police have not affected any arrests as yet.

“All relevant role players and specialised SAPS units are working together on a 24 hour basis to apprehend the perpetrator/s.

“All information can be forwarded to the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Thabang Kamolane on 082 302 0407 or during office hours on 053 838 4344. All information will be treated confidentially and the police investigation continues,” said Kock.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for damaging essential infrastructure 

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (50) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for damaging of essential infrastructure. On 19 February 2024, an incident was reported to the police in Brandvlei regarding the burning of copper cables. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon further investigation, the acused, James Klein was found in possession of copper cable that he was burning. 

“He was subsequently arrested and it was established that the cables were the property of Telkom. Detective Sergeant Lwazi Ngindana was assigned to investigate the case and he successfully managed to oppose bail. 

“Klein was remained in custody until his sentencing. On 29 July 2024, the Calvinia Regional Court convicted and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for the damaging of essential infrastructure of which 4 years was suspended for 5 years,” said Shemane. 

He further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Shemane added that Detective Sergeant Ngindana was commended for the meticulous investigation that led to the sentencing of the perpetrator.

“The safeguarding and securing of essential infrastructure remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape, thus the sentencing of Klein was embraced by the management,” said Shemane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi says media play a significant role in keeping communities abreast  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the media plays a significant role in keeping the communities abreast of key government programmes that are primarily aimed at changing the lives of the people for the better. Mokgosi, who held a Provincial Media Day at Protea Hotel in Mahikeng on 2 August 2024 said, they have invited the media as part of their ongoing efforts to cement the relations with members of the media.

He further said as Members of Executive Council (MECs) in the North West, they met with the media after he delivered a speech on the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), to highlight and put emphasis on the priorities of the 7th administration. Mokgosi added that they affirm and fully support the independence of the media to hold the government accountable as enshrined in the constitution.

“This Media Day that we are launching today will be held annually after the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) to communicate developmental initiatives of this administration, as well as interventions on various socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and income inequalities afflicting our communities.

“We will also hold quarterly media sessions with yourselves to report progress registered in attending to a number of challenges, remedial action plans and achievements.

We are not ignorant to challenges confronting our province and we are hard at work to speedily resolve them,” he said.

Mokgosi said in the past two weeks, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), have been tabling their Budget Votes and Policy Speeches that are aligned to their Annual Performance Plans (APPs) to ensure that they create economic opportunities for their people, whilst attending to their concerns on service delivery. He said the period from now until 31 March 2025, the 7thadministration will be completing the work of the 6th administration to ensure a seamless transition between the two administrations.

“The full account and report back of the 2024 SOPA will therefore be in February 2025, which will also include a full resourced Programme of Action of the 7th administration. The provincial government has subsequently developed a Programme of Action for the 2024 SOPA for implementation.

“Today, we have invited you to highlight what the priority areas of the 7thadministration are. We have appointed the Economic & Investment Advisory Council, consisting of Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Economists, Industry Experts, Organised Agriculture, Labour, Tourism Sector, Mining and Independent Experts,” said Mokgosi. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The Basic Education Portfolio Committee saddened by the death of learners 

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said she has noted with great sadness the loss of five young lives in a horrific crash between a bus and a train earlier this week in Mpumalanga. Maimela said it is indeed a great loss. 

“We note more and more accidents on our roads that take the lives of innocent young learners. The youth are the future of our country. These learners will now never reach their full potential to contribute to the growth of South Africa. 

“According to reports, the five learners died when a bus they were traveling in and a train collided on the R104 Road, near Mafube village between Wonderfontein and Arnot on Wednesday. A further 11 learners were reported to be injured in the crash,” she said.

Maimela further said this is indeed a great loss. She added that they mourn with the parents, families, school community and all those affected by this accident and they wish the injured a speedy and complete recovery. 

“We appeal to the providers of scholar transport and public transport owners to screen drivers before hiring them to ensure they are fit to be trusted with transporting passengers,” said Maimela.

taungdailynews@gmail.com