Picture: Three patients died, four injured in a car accident/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three patients died, while other four were left with serious injuries in a fatal car accident near Mahikeng on Friday. The patients were ferried by the Planned Patient Transport (PPT) vehicle when the atrocity occurred. According to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, the PPT vehicle was ferrying seven renal patients from Ditsobotla to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in the early morning of 3 November 2023.
“We are saddened by the news of an accident that claimed three lives of our patients this morning, leaving four with serious injuries including our officials, who suffered a dislocated shoulder. Injured patients have been transferred to the hospital for medical attention.
“According to the PPT vehicle driver, they encountered two stray donkeys in a moment of trying to avoid a collision. The vehicle veered off the road, onto the perimeter fence, and hit a pole. This caused it to roll several times,” he said.
Sambatha further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) members have attended the scene. He added that, the names of the deceased will be disclosed once their next of kin have been notified.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and relatives of the deceased. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured patients and our official. More details will be shared once the SAPS investigation has been concluded.
“As we head for the festive season, we urge our communities to keep their animals away from our roads as they are contributing to these unfortunate fatal accidents,” said Sambatha.
Picture: North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi as Thuntsa Lerole campaign hit Tlakgameng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole is currently underway in Tlakgameng, near Ganyesa. The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi spokesperson, Sello Tati said, the area is a hive of activity as the North West Provincial Government provides a variety of services to local residents.
Tatai said, this is in line with the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) – Thuntsha Lerole approach. He further said, that residents of Austrey, Ga-Manyayi, Ganyesa, Moshwanana, Morokweng and Tlakgameng villages are amongst those that will receive government services, which will be provided in a co-ordinated and integrated approach by various government departments, state-owned entities, as well as the district and local municipalities.
“The day’s service delivery programme, which will be led by Maloyi accompanied by Members of Executive Council (MECs) responsible for different provincial departments as well as the local traditional and Khoi-San leadership, will include amongst others, oversight visits to the construction of Tlakgameng Primary School and the renovation project at Monnaphang Primary School and blading of roads in Austrey, Ganyesa, Tosca and Tlakgameng.
“The Re A Dira Home Based Care in Tlakgameng, which provides support to individuals affected by HIV/Aids, will receive a cheque from the North West Social Development to assist it with its operating expenses,” said Tatai.
He added that, other government services to be provided on the day, include registration and updating of local business details on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), processing of invoices from suppliers, consumer education on RDP houses in Ganyesa and Tlakgameng villages, as well as provision of agricultural support services.
Tatai said phase 2 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole is currently being rolled out to local municipalities across the province, where intervention on service delivery challenges is prioritised.
“A community feedback session will be held in the afternoon, where Maloyi will be joined by MECs for different departments to address the community on various service delivery projects and programmes. The activity has started at 8am and will run until 4pm.
“On-site government services to communities will be held at Tlakgameng Astro Turf Sports Ground – next to Tlakgameng Community Library. From 9:30am until 1pm, there will be service delivery interventions and visits to project sites. From 1pm until 3pm, there will be a community feedback session at Tlakgameng Astro Turf Sports Ground,” he said.
Picture: The suspect arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man aged 47 has been arrested for being in possession of Tik to the value of R12 000. The suspect allegedly failed to stop during a roadblock on N10 road in Upington on Thursday. The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said, the police were conducting a Vehicle Checkpoint when one vehicle approaching the VCP, failed to stop.
Masegela said the driver allegedly sped off from the scene when the police attempted to stop him. He further said, the vehicle was chased by the ZFM Highway Patrollers, assisted by the Upington Border Police and Upington K9 unit.
“The police managed to stop the vehicle, whereby the suspect tried to flee on foot. The police pursued and caught up with him. He was subdued after which he was searched and Tik was found in his possession.
“An undisclosed amount of money and the vehicle used in the commission of crime were seized. The suspect was detained for dealing in drugs and other charges emanating from the incident. The suspect will appear at Upington Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgwacu District Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, applauds the teamwork and commitment of the police in changing the picture of crime in the district.
Setshwantsho: Dilwana tse di silweng ke nako dintshiwa mo mabentleng kwa motseng wa Kgomotso
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Molekgotlha wa kgorwana ya 20 kwa metseng e tshwana le Kgomotso, Losasaneng, Kameelpuit le metse e mabapi, Itumeleng Maribe are, ba tlile go tswelela ka go netefatsa fa mafelo a rekisang dilwana (tuck shops) a rekisa dilo tse di sa siwang ke nako.
Maribe are ka Labobedi, ba ne ba tswile letsholo le go netefatsa fa mafelo ao a ikamagana le melao le melawana ya go rekisa dijo tse di itekanetseng.
“Rene re tswile letsholo le go netefatsa fa mafelo ao a ikamagana le melao le melawana ya thekiso. Re ile ra tsena mo mafelong ao (tuck shops) ale 14, mme re ile ra tlosa dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha tsa boleng jwa R500 000.
“Kwa motseng wa Kgomotso, re tsene mo mafelong a go rekisa (tuck shops) dile supa, fa kwa Losasaneng re ile ra etela mafelo ao a le tharo. Kwa Ikageng gone, re etetse mafelo ao ale nne. Rene re tsamaya le ba Lefapha la Merero ya Selegae go ka netefatsa fa batswa-kwa ba ba dirang kgwebo mono ba na le ditlankana tse di maleba,” Maribe wa tlalosa.
Gape Maribe o kaile fa ba tlile go dira seno morago ga dikgwedi di le tharo. Are ba tlositse dilwana tse di silweng ke nako jaaka dinama, ditlhapi ga mmogo le dikuku.
Baagi ba kwa Tamasikwe le bone ba ikuetse go puso go ka netefatsa fa mafelo a rekisang dijo le dilwana tse dingwe a ikamagana le melao le melwana. Mongwe wa baagi, Gaolatlhwe Raito are, baagi ba ne ba ipelaetsa ka Labobedi morago ga gore mongwe wa bone a reke boroto jo bo silweng ke nako.
“Baagi ba Tamasikwa ba tlhotse ba ipelaetsa kgatlhanong le thekiso ya dilwana tse di fetilweng ke nako kwa mabentleleng a farologaneng,” Raito wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Lefapha la Tlhabololo ya Ikonomi, Botsweletse le Tlhago, le kaile fa le tlile go samagana le mabentlele a rekisang dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha. Sebueledi sa lefapha, Jerry Matebesi are ba tlile go tlhoma semmuso letsema la Latela Molao.
“Re ikuela go botlhe ba ba rekisang dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha go ka emisa go dira jalo. Botlhe ba ba tswelelang go dira jalo, ba tlile go lebagana le dipela di huduga, mme batla digamma ba sa ditlhapelwa. Ga nkitla re tshaba go ka tsenya molalwana wa Consumer Affairs Act mo tirisong.
“Molawana o, o netefatsa fa kgwebisano magareng ga modirisi le morekisi e nna le maikarabelo. Gape, o lebagane le go netefatsa fa badirisi ba sa gatelelwe. Jaaka lefapha, re ikuela go bareki botlhe go netefatsa fa ba ela tlhoko dilwana tse ba di rekang gore ga dia fetiwa ke nako,” Matebesi wa tlhaosa.
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) will today hold a special municipal council meeting at Seoding Community Hall at 10am to discuss various issues pertaining municipal manager position, progress report on the Director of Social Services, Director of Infrastructure and Technical Services, vacancy for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Human Settlement and Spatial Planning.
However, some councillors alleged that this kind of meeting is just a smokescreen and nothing positive will come out of it. One of the ANC councillors who refused to be known for fear of reprisal said, the municipality failed for almost a year to appoint the new municipal manager, despite numerous interviews and short-listing being conducted.
“The position became vacant on 9 November 2022 and the first advert to fill the post was closed on 23 September 2022. However, for reasons known by the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, nothing was done until the expiry of the advert in terms of the due dates for the process as captured in the regulations of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA).
“When asked the reasons for contravention, the mayor said, he had made a mistake by wrongfully counting the days since the advert closed. So, he was pardoned by the council and given a second chance to advertise, which cost the municipality thousands of rand and is equivalent to fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” he said.
Our source further said, the second advert went out and was closed on 27 January 2023. He added that the same thing happened, where the due dates for the process expired due to yet another delay by Gaoraelwe.
“This time around, the mayor even tried to hold a failed shortlisting of candidates in Klerksdorp, using Director of Cooperate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma, whom the council had clearly resolved that she should not be part of the process because of her pending investigation on issues of danger allowance.
“Again, the council lost thousands of rands for advertising and the mayor was never held accountable, but given a third chance to advertise yet again. On 14 June 2023 at a council meeting held at Depot Hall, the mayor was reprimanded by the council, especially the opposition parties and some of ANC councillors for failing to fill the post,” said a source.
He said in that meeting, Gaoraelwe was once again and for the third time granted to advertise the position with the conditions resolved that, he must report to the council on a monthly basis on the progress. He said Gaoraelwe was also instructed to use the Human Resource Manager as the scriber of the panel, which was to include a municipal manager from another municipality, a SALGA official, a COGTA Official, an MMC for HR and the mayor as chairperson.
“The advert was made to newspapers and closed on 11 July 2023. It is shocking to find out that, the mayor will only be presenting his first progress report to the council on 3 November 2023 at a council meeting. This makes it almost four months since the resolution was made on 14 June 2023 and the mayor has never reported to the council.
“This also makes it three months and three weeks since the advert closed and no progress report tabled to the council. This is in contravention of a council resolution by the mayor. The other contravention of the council resolution is that, at a council meeting on 4 September 2023, the former CFO who acted as municipal manager at that council meeting, was asked where Mokoma was, and confirmed that she was taking part in the interviews of the municipal manager position at the library,” he said.
He alleged that, the council made it clear that Mokoma was not supposed to form part, but she vehemently refused to excuse herself from those interviews, saying that the mayor had instructed her to be part.
“It is still questionable as to why the mayor replaced the HR Manager with Mokoma against the council resolution, and also what was her role in the process.
“This was not the only time the mayor contravened the law. On another turn of events, the three months of acting of Andrew Makuapane as municipal manager had expired by the time he chaired the interviews for filling posts of Director of Technical Services and Director of Community Services. The mayor illegally extended the acting of Makuapane without council resolution and allowed him to sign off payments and make appointments from 18 September 2023 to 5 October 2023, which is the date that council,” he said.
He alleged that, surprisingly, instead of holding the mayor accountable, the ANC caucus was instructed that, their mandate is to condone all irregular actions by the mayor, and that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi will be approached to give concurrence on the matter.
“To this date, no concurrence has been tabled to the council and the resolution to condone irregularities remains illegal. As we speak, we are being threatened by the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to write apology letters because we tried to oust the mayor or we will be reprimanded.
“The Code of Conduct for councillors and the MFMA clearly prevent councillors from making wrong decisions as taken above by the GTLM council. Clearly, the process of filling posts of municipal manager and Directors are irregular and in contravention of the regulations and council resolutions, but the determination to disrespect that by some influential ANC office bearers is strong and will happen on 3 November 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping did not respond to our questions sent to him before publishing this article. However, the response will be incorporated when received.
Picture: Seven suspects who were arrested for arson
By OBAKENG MAJE
An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung has been postponed to 29 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The state is expected to call the police officers who attended the crime scene to the stand to testify.
The trial on the matter commenced on 17 October 2023.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged with arson.
The police arrested the seven accused in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
Picture: The D201 road construction project/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Taung said the sluggishness of the D201 road construction project is disconcerting. This comes after the North West Department of Public Works and Roads announced that, the road construction project that was slated to be completed in November 2023, will be re-scheduled to February 2024.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said, indeed the project will not be completed on the scheduled time due to the delayed access to the borrow pit.
“Other reasons are disruptions during the selection and appointment of local SMMEs, in climate weather conditions, which lead to delays in construction works and delays in seal construction due to winter embargo,” he said.
However, DA’s Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sello Seitlholo said: “As the DA in Greater Taung, we have once again undertaken oversight at the D201 road construction project, which is 60km road running from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng village.
“It is absolutely shocking that the department will now miss its November 2023 deadline to complete the 24km road, which is phase 1 from Pampierstad to Mokassa. We have warned the department on a number of oversights that, it will fail to deliver on its mandate to build the sustainable road infrastructure.”
Seitlholo further said, now the residents from various villages have been affected negatively. He added the DA has no doubt that this deadline will also be missed, judging by the current state of affairs the project finds itself in.
“It seems there is no progress that was made from the previous oversight that we overtook last year,” said Seitlholo.
Picture: The police and other stakeholders pray against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Col Koliswa Otola said, community members should unite in the quest to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Otola said they will need everyone’s contribution to end the pandemic.
“We hosted the GBVF Inter-Faith/Moral Regeneration Prayer Service at the Galeshewe Traffic Circle on 2 November 2023 under the theme: “Let Jesus say something in the midst of your challenge.”. The event commenced with a motorcade and prayer walk led by male spiritual leaders from Galeshewe Police Station at 9am and proceeded to the Galeshewe Circle.
“The church service was opened with interfaith prayers by different religious leaders and the welcoming address delivered by Frances Baard District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johan Bean,” she said.
Otola further said the Provincial Chairperson for Spiritual Crime Prevention, Rev Shimane Morake shared the same sentiments. She added that Morake outlined the service was focused on GBVF and seen as a build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
“Messages of support were offered by the Moral Regeneration Movement from the Office of the Premier, GAMIFRA, the Rastafarian Community, and the Provincial Community Police Board. Policing GBVF remains one of her priorities in combating crime in the province.
“Efforts are reinforced in order to address all contact crimes. The actions will be more focused, intensified, and enhanced on GBVF during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Festive Season, and beyond by ensuring more boots on the ground,” said Otola.
She said they are working with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Crime Fighting Organisations, Community in Blue Patrollers, and all other relevant stakeholders. Otola said Operation Shanela actions will be enhanced and intensified throughout the province, specifically focusing on hotspot areas.
“The sermon of the day was directed by Presiding Elder Bernett Phoko. Intercessory prayers focusing on GBVF, police safety for the festive season, youth, and substance abuse were also offered by church leaders.
“The day was concluded with the vote of thanks by Major Gen Lekhele, who appreciated the Programme Director, the Provincial Pro-Active Crime Prevention representative, Abraham Tsoone, for spearheading the event in conjunction with all relevant role players, sponsors, and the community,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Banna ba le bararo ba go belaelwang ele ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, ba leletswe ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12 kwa motse-setoropong wa Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp mo letsatsi la gompieno. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi dile 29 tse go belaelwang fa ele tsa bogodu.
Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa dipudi tseo kwa motseng wa Manthe, mme ga fitlhelwa fa ele tsa monna mongwe wa morui, Thapelo “Raider” Katong. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba ne ba le mo tirong, ba ne ba bona sejanaga se se belaetsang, mme ba se sala morago.
“Bane ba se emisa, mme a kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba ne ba fitlhela dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba le bararo ba ne ba tshwarwa, mme ba tla tlhagelela kwa Kgotlha-Tshekelo ya Klerksdorp fa Ngwanatsele a tlhola matsatsi ale 6.
“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
The Roodepan police are investigating an inquiry following a hit-and-run incident. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the preliminary investigations indicate that, the victim Kagisho Bezuidenhout (22) was walking home with a friend along the Maitland Road to Roodepan when a speeding white VW Golf hit him and sped off.
Sam said the Kimberley Emergency Services (EMS) ferried Bezuidenhout to the hospital for medical attention. He further said the incident occurred on 29 October 2023 at approximately 14:15pm.
“Anyone who might have information that may assist the investigation in tracking down the mentioned vehicle’s driver, can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Moshupiemang Jimmy Bululu on 0735337146 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” added Sam.
The Guardian 