Taung Old Age Complex opens its doors to the public

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Picture: The Taung Old Age Complex

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said his department has commenced with the admission of elderly people at the Taung Old Age Complex. Mokgosi said eight elderly people aged 60 and above, have been admitted to the old age home since November last year.

He further said more elderly people are undergoing thorough assessment to ascertain their legibility to be accommodated in the old age complex. Mokgosi added that, the state home for the aged, which is situated in Pudumong, is the second state-run facility after Sonop.

“It has been established to cater for the needs of senior citizens across the province. The multi-million rand old age home has 64 beds for frail care unit, 30 independent rooms and 6 beds for assisted living services. We have made remarkable milestones in promoting the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons in line with the Older Persons Act.

“We have so far done a sterling work in promoting the rights of our senior citizens. The operationalisation of Taung Old Age Complex, underlines our commitment as government to improve the quality of life of older persons,” he said.

Mokgosi said they call on elderly people and their families to use the facility to their advantage. He said, his department is in the right stead to accommodate many more elderly people to ensure maximum utilisation of the state-run facility.

“Elderly people in need of 24-hour care who wants to live in an older persons’ residential facility, can apply at the nearest service point or older persons’ residential facility. If the applicant is too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, they can ask a family member or friend to apply on their behalf,” said Mokgosi.

He said a social worker from the department, will arrange a home visit to screen the applicant and assess their current living condition.

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SAFA mourns the passing of former Bafana defender, Siphiwe Mkhonza

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Picture: Former Bafana Bafana defender, Siphiwe Mkhonza/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has offered some words of comfort and sympathy to the family of Siphiwe Mkhonza (44) after his passing on Tuesday morning.

Siphiwe’s father, former Banyana Banyana coach, Joseph Mkhonza, confirmed to www.Safa.net that, his son, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic, among others, passed away at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on 5 March 2024 after illness. The former Bafana Bafana defender, was a soccer analyst at the SABC at the time of his passing.

“We are devastated as a family and we are in shock,” he said. “We were looking forward to so much from him and we thought he would recover. I am at a loss for words,” Mkhonza said.

Mkhonza said the family would meet later on Tuesday to discuss details of his memorial service and funeral. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and join in mourning the loss of Siphiwe Mkhonza.

Meanwhile, SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said the country had lost yet another giant, a versatile player during his time and an intelligent individual.

“He played for several teams, among them Kaizer Chiefs, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtics and also turned out for Bafana Bafana.

“After hanging up his boots he went into broadcasting and cut a niche for himself with his humour, incisive and thorough analysis. This is a sad day for South African football. May his soul Rest in Peace,” he said.

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Police: ‘Report a missing person immediately’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape said vital steps must be followed when reporting a missing person. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, there is no waiting period to report a missing person and the immediate response by the police can save a life.

She further said the public should report the missing person at the nearest police station immediately. Ehlers added that, if possible, provide a recent photograph of the missing person.

“Give an account of the missing person’s last whereabouts, as well as a detailed description of the clothes the person was last seen wearing. Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form as this safeguards the SAPS from false reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph of the missing person.

“Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and keep him/her informed of any additional information. If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately,” she said.

Ehlers said practicing personal safety may save your life. She said the public should be crime conscious and be aware of crime opportunities at all times.

“Never walk around alone and do not talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people. Walk in well lit, busy streets and in a group if possible. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone.

“Trust your instinct. Parents and caregivers must practice child safety at all times. If it is at all possible, children should play and walk with other children. Avoid situations, where strangers may approach children, such as unsupervised play areas or bushy areas,” said Ehlers.

She said the public must know where their children are at all times. Ehlers said individuals should never leave children unattended in a vehicle.

“Listen to your children and pay attention, if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. Notice when anyone shows your child a great deal of attention,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (24) has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for raping a woman (21) in Riemvasmaak, Kakamas on 30 September 2021. Joseph Lucas entered the victim’s home and raped her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Lucas was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Edwin Mokgalagadi, for the meticulous investigation of the case ensuring that justice was served for the victim.

Otola also invites all communities to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.

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A fight against illicit mining intensified

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Picture: The SANDF during parade/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A fight against illicit mining has been intensified in the Northern Cape. This come after South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape, has deployed a team that will focus on the intervention and stabilization of illicit mining under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi for a period of three months in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the province .

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the decision. Shemane said: “Otola said the members from the Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces, will also join forces to address illicit mining activities.

“Lieutenant General Otola, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the acting Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Jacques Raymond, led a parade to receive the new deployment of members from SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).”

He further said Otola outlined the complexity of illicit mining activities and associated crimes that require a fully integrated and coordinated response to prevent, mitigate attempts, disrupt, and stabilise incidents.

Shemane added that, in conclusion she urged members to execute their duties in a professional and safe manner,” he said.

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Two nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cable and theft

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Picture: The suspected stolen copper cable recovered at a scrap yard metal dealers/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A two men aged 56 and (39) were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property and for tampering with essential infrastructure respectively. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said a case of tampering with essential infrastructure was opened by an employee of Transnet, after the alleged theft of copper cable.

Gopane said a man (39) was arrested for tampering with essential infrastructure, and an employee (56) of a local scrap metal, was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

“The members of Kimberley Crime Prevention, received a tip-off and followed up on the information. They recovered the suspected stolen copper cable at the scrap metal dealer.

“The copper cables were positively identified as property of Transnet with a value of R27 257.47. The duo will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

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One suspect nabbed for murder, another still at large

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Picture: Community members allegedly pelted the Delareyville Police Station with stones/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A suspect (22) is expected to appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of a man (32). According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, it is alleged that on 2 March 2024, a fight ensued between two groups at a local tavern in Delareyville and one person was stabbed to death.

Funani further said the suspects allegedly fled the scene after the incident. She added that, however, the members of the community allegedly spotted one of the suspects on Monday, afternoon (4 March 2024).

“The community wanted to take the law into their own hands, but the police intervened and the alleged suspect was detained. Furthermore, angry community members went to the police station and demanded that, the police release the suspect.

“Moreover, they burnt tyres and pelted the police station with stones. Public Order Policing (POP) were mobilized and members of the community dispersed shortly after POP’s arrival,” said Funani.

She said the police are still searching for the second suspect, who fled the scene after the incident.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and urged members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Kwena said, the police must be given the opportunity to do their job in order to ultimately ensure successful prosecution. 

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urges parents and all stakeholders to take part in SGB elections

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is actively encouraging all parents and legal guardians to participate in the ongoing School Governing Body (SGB) elections, which began on 1 March 2024 and continue through until 31 March 2024. Motsumi said, while the department acknowledges the initial turnout, some schools have not reached their full potential.

However, she further said they remain optimistic that parents and guardians will actively engage in this crucial process.

“The SGB plays a vital role in school governance, managing finances, and implementing policies. Their involvement directly impacts the learning environment and student success. So, we encourage all parents and legal guardians to learn about the SGBs role and responsibilities.

“They should be well-informed about the candidates in their school, and exercise their voting rights on their chosen date before 31 March 2024. Every parent’s voice matters. Participating in the SGB elections demonstrates your commitment to your child’s education and ensures that, the school has the right leadership in place,” said Motsumi.

She added that, together, they can create the best possible learning environment for the children. Motsumi also encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the SGB elections and make a positive impact on the future of the schools.
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‘Tharabololo mo tlhokegong ya metsi e fitlheletswe’

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Baagi ba emetse go gelela metsi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Baagi ka kakretso go ralala Taung, ba kaile fa ba nesetsa pula tharabololo mo ntlheng ya tlhokego ya metsi. Baagi ba, ba ne ba tsenetse kopano kwa dikantorong tsa kgotlha ya Batlhaping Baga Phuduhutswana kwa motseng wa Chiefscourt mo letsatsing la maabane. 

Baagi ba ne ba bolotsa mogwanto mo bekeng e fitileng, ba ikuela gore ba neelwe metsi. Baagi ba, ba ne ba gwantela kwa dikantorong tsa setlamo se se neelanang ka metsi sa Magalies Water. Gone ga dumalanwa ka kopano mo letsatsing la Mosupologo, ele go tla ka toga-maano ya tharabololo ya bothata jo. 

Modulasetilo wa Komiti Ya Tlhokego Ya Metsi Concerned Group, e ene e eteletse mogwanto kwa pele, George Mmapalentwa are: “Kopano ya rona e tsamaile bontle thata. Ebile jaaka baagi, re itumeletse tharabololo e re e fitlheletseng ga mmogo le Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane 0le meyara kuduthamaga wa rona wa sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseothata Maje. 

“Go ya ka tshepiso ya Magalies Warer, ba kaile fa batla pompa metsi go tloga ka Mosupulogo le go fitlha ka Labotlhano gore baagi ba bone metsi. Go fitlha ga jaana, bontsi jwa metse e farologaneng e bona metsi go fitlha ga jaana.” 

Maje o kaile fa tharabololo mo e ba e fitlheletseng mo kopanong e, e tlile ka maungo a namatshang. 

“Go ya ka seemo se re fetileng mo go sone, ke tla re kopano ya rona e tsamaile sentle. Mme re fitlheletse tumalano le baagi gore re tlile go letlelela Magalies Water gore ba time metsi mo letsatsing la Labotlhano go tloga ka ura ya botlhano mo maitsiboeng, go fitlha ka letsatsi la Tshipi ka ura ya botlhano. 

“Seo se tlile go kgontsha Magalies Water go ka matlafatsa le go ntsifatsa metsi mo madutelong a rona. Go tloga ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo maitsiboeng, ba tla pompa metsi go tloga ka Mosupologo go fitlha ka Labotlhano,” Maje wa tlhalosa.

Maje are ba amogetse dipego tse di sa totobalang tsa gore, badiri ba Magalies Water ba na le seabe mo mathateng a ba itemogelang a tlhokego ya metsi. Fela, o kaile fa ba ese ba bone pegelo e e totobatsang seo. 

“Ga se re fitlhelele bonnete jwa kgang e. Fa go na le pegelo e e tshwanang le eo, re tla tsaya dikgato, gonne badiri ba Magalies Water ba thapetswe go neela baagi metsi, eseng sepe gape,” Maje wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagre, Kgotsi Tshepo Mankuroane are ba itumeletse go bona tharabololo mo kgannyeng e ya metsi. 

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A judgement on a murder case of NWU employees and socialite, Sam Mbatha set

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Picture: The NWU employee and socialite, Sam Mbatha, who passed away

By OBAKENG MAJE

The murder case against three accused persons, Arthur Khoza (19), Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) and Thato Mosetla (22), has been postponed by the North West High Court sitting in Ga-Rankuwa to 7 March 2024 for judgement. Khoza, Nkuna and Mosetla, are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, these charges are linked to the gruesome death of the North West University (NWU) employee and socialite, Sam Mbatha (24).

Mamothame further said the trio was arrested following an intensive investigation by the police, linking them to the murder of Mbatha. He added that, the police investigations led them to a house in Phutha Section, near Klipgat on 21 June 2021, where they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed, as well as on a carpet.

“Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime was found on top of the roof of the house. DNA samples positively identified Sam Mbatha as the deceased person, whose body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle, at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2021.

“Mosetla was denied bail on 7 July 2022, after he initially abandoned it after his arrest. Meanwhile, Khoza and Nkuna are out on R500 bail each,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state, through Adv Nangamso Goloda, closed its case after leading evidence through its witnesses, who testified on incidents leading to Mbatha’s death.

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