Picture: The Taung Magistrate’s Court 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for rape. Kgorotlhe Thomas Kgatlhane (31) was arrested after a spate of incidents, where terrorised women in Magogong and Maphoitsile villages, near Taung through his violent acts between 2011 and 2016.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Kgatlhane who in most cases operated alone, but often with two accomplices, would attack women walking at night, rob them and take turns to rape them. Mamothame said he was later arrested on 30 June 2017 and remained in police custody until the completion of the trial.

“He was linked to the rapes through DNA specimens but pleaded not guilty to all charges. The police are still searching for his accomplices. Kgatlhane was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of rape.

“He was also sentenced to 10 years on each of the two counts of rape and 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and further ordered for his name to be entered in the register of sexual offenses,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Zoleka Majikijela, urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial and compelling circumstances. Majikijela further led the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims described the emotional and physical trauma they live with daily as a result of their ordeal.

Magistrate Thataetsile Matolong agreed with the state and added that the court has the responsibility in sending a strong message against perpetrators of such violent acts.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the collaboration between the prosecutor, Captain Obakeng Phirichwane, and the Court Preparation Officer in ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.

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Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go begwang fa ele tsa bogodu/Setshwantsho-papiso

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung ba ba ne ba tshwarwa le go latofatswa ka go utswa dipudi dile 29 kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba tlhotse ba shadikantse matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelong ya Klerksdorp mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Koronovea Modise le Keboikile Scotch Molefe, ba ne ba lelelwa ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12, kwa motse-setoropong wa Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp ka di 2 Ngwanatsele 2023. Go begwa fa Modise le Molefe, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi di le 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, eleng 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 ba kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba fitlhetse dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa.

“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sepueledi sa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Henry Mamothame are, Molefe le Modise ba neetswe beile ya R700 mongwe le mongwe, mme kgetsi ya bone e buseditswe morago go fitlha 12 Sedimonthole 2023 fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Six people who were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Koketso Ntsimane (37) were sentenced to jail by the North West High Court sitting in Mogwase on 7 November 2023. On 27 October 2021, Ntsimane went missing in Mapaputle village, outside Mogwase.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Aafje Botma said, that although Ntsimane’s motor vehicle was also stolen, it was later recovered. Botma said, the subsequent investigation into the matter, led to the arrest of Ali Banda (55), Thabang Masiane (28), Tshepiso Mqoma (29), Kagiso Morutlwa (28), Solomon Lambane (57), and Thabang Mokoka (31).

“The suspects were arrested on 7 and 8 December 2021. Further investigation into the matter, led the police to the discovery of Ntsimane’s badly decomposed body in the bushes in Mapaputle village. 

“The accused’s bail applications were successfully opposed. Thus, they have been in custody since their arrest. Banda, Masiane, and Mqoma were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. They were further sentenced to 15 years for robbery aggravating, 5 for defeating the ends of justice, and another 5 years imprisonment for kidnapping,” she said.

Botma further said, that Morutlwa, Lambane, and Mokoka, were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating, and kidnapping.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, applauded the investigation team led by Captain Lefty Motswadi of Mogwase Detectives, as well as advocate Baitsi Chulu and advocate Dibuseng Ntsala from prosecution for their collaboration that resulted in the conviction.

They further pointed out that the sentence, which was secured through collective efforts by the entities, will definitely send a clear message that, those who commit crimes will not be tolerated.

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Picture: Three children died in a shack fire/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three children died after their shack was ravaged by fire in Richmond Plakkerskamp on 6 November 2023. The North Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, that on Monday at approximately 11pm, the mother and her four children were asleep when a fire broke out in their shack.

“The mother managed to escape with a boy (2). Unfortunately, two girls aged 4 and 10 and a boy aged 6 died on the scene. The exact cause of the fire is unknown.

“The police are investigating an inquest following the tragic deaths. Anyone with information can call D/Const, Rodney Julies on 0823020371. The investigation continues,” said Kock.

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Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape taking his shoes off

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape is expected to resume his duties after a long lay-off. In June 2023, Maape took ill following a minor orthopedic surgery.

He was subsequently advised by his medical team to take a rest while receiving medical attention. The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said, Maape has since been medically advised that he has sufficiently recovered to resume his duties as Premier with effect from 13 November 2023.

“Maape’s programme and engagement with stakeholders will be communicated in due course. As the North West acting Premier, I would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues in the North West Executive Council and all stakeholders for their support and well wishes during Maape’s recovery,” he said.

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Picture: Umalusi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engaged in a consultative meeting/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi had a consultative engagement with Umalusi to clarify misconceptions regarding quality assurance and maintenance of standards of yearly external question papers and school-based assessment (SBA) tasks.

Umalusi CEO, Mafu Rakometsi said, the aim of the meeting was to dispel several misconceptions, including alleged disparities between the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and Department of Basic Education (DBE) matric certification, finalisation of marks, and manipulation of marks.

“As an institution, we want to clarify that there is only one National Senior Certificate (NSC) in the country, which is assessed by the DBE, IEB, and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

“Umalusi relies on consistently applied standardization principles. Umalusi is currently conducting road shows across the country to clarify any misconceptions regarding its validity and to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about its role in maintaining high standards of education in South Africa,” said Rakometsi.

Motsumi said she is satisfied with the engagement, particularly given its timing just before the completion of examinations, marking and evaluation of qualifications.

“I am grateful for the clarity provided by Umalusi as they are reliable moderators for fair and valid qualifications. This awareness instills confidence in assessment bodies and all involved stakeholders in the results that appear on a learner’s certificate of educational achievement.

“This is a true partnership that seeks to maintain quality education,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The factional battle continues to rear its ugly head within the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West, much to the chagrin of many within the structure. The rehabilitation of the civic movement that once occupied a strategic position within the society, is now ‘far-fetched’ as the factional contestation continues.

At the latest turn of events, SANCO has suspended its provincial convenor, Paul Sebego and Packett Seaketso after accusing them of running parallel structures. In a letter, SANCO’s National Head of Communication, James Gadinabokao said they re-iterate the suspensions executed by SANCO’s National Coordinator, Mike Soko.

“We wish to acknowledge and officially announce that, as SANCO in the North West, we reaffirm the suspension of Sebego from his position as the convenor. This suspension stems from his conduct, which undermined the out-of-court settlement agreement that had been reached between the two SANCO factions.

“Sebego’s involvement in the establishment of a parallel structure has led to contentious decisions and confusion within the province. So, SANCO NW PICC hereby accepts the decisions made by the National Working Committee (NWC) and distances itself from any ill-discipline behaviour displayed by Sebego, in relation to the allegations presented before him.

“In light of these serious allegations Sebego, the NWC will initiate proceedings in accordance with the SANCO Constitution, specifically Rule 81(b), adhering to a fair disciplinary procedure as outlined in the Code of Conduct, Rule 78(i), and Rule 81(c) and (d),” he said.

Gadinabokao further said, they want to make it unequivocally clear that SANCO strongly condemns ill-discipline within the organisation and they hold it in the utmost disdain. He added that, no individual is above the organisation and all members are expected to adhere to the policies and the constitution.

“Our project of unity is paramount, ensuring the cohesiveness of SANCO within the province and across the nation. At all material times, SANCO will remain committed to its mission of Rebuilding, Renewing, and Uniting all her members,” said Gadinabokao.

However, Seaketso accused Soko of being a dictator. He alleged that, Soko visited the province on 29 August 2023 to engage with the SANCO’s provincial interim structure, but it appeared that, he expected a meeting to be a session, where he issued instructions that must not be questioned.

“In a shocking twist of events, Soko was questioned on a number of issues he raised in the meeting and this seemingly rubbed him the wrong way. When the meeting ended, he informed the current provincial convenor that, unilaterally, he was removing him, the Deputy Convenor, and the provincial spokesperson from the provincial structure and he would like them to serve in the national structure.

“It is clear that the provincial convenor is being targeted to be silenced and marginalised. Part of the strategy employed to marginalise him was to serve him with an ill-fated suspension letter, which is not recognised as it is a political ploy meant to destabilise SANCO,” he said.

Seaketso said the same SANCO leadership at the national, allowed an anomaly in the organisation, where in the province, they appointed a provincial coordinator who is also a provincial secretary of PSA, a trade union that has gained a reputation for bashing the ANC.

He said, the disturbing tendency of the national leadership of SANCO to be embroiled in the factional battles of the ANC, will not be left unchallenged as it is this divisive tendency that continues to injure the reputation of SANCO.

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Picture: Ntswanahatshe-born athlete, Ikageng Gaorekwe, who trades his mark in USA/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Ntswanahatshe-born athlete, Ikageng Gaorekwe (26) who is now based in the United States of America (USA) said, it takes discipline, dedication, and determination to break through the ranks. A young talented Gaorekwe said, he has put a rigorous training from a tender age, while he was still a learner at Motlhamare Primary School.

“I grew up in the dusty streets of Ntswanahatshe village in Taung and always found joy in athletics. One of my friends, who is also an athlete played a pivotal role in becoming the athlete that I am today. He invited me to their training group in 2007, but I was unenthusiastic during that year.

“That led to my expulsion after missing a lot of training sessions. So, I started to take my career seriously in 2008 when I was in Grade 5. I think that was the same year, where South African athlete, Caster Semenya rose to prominence,” he said.

 Gaorekwe further said he was inspired by Semenya, and his coach, Ephraim Ruele, who was also a comrade marathon runner, saw an abundance of talent in him. He added that, since then, he never looked back.

“I have participated in several marathon competitions throughout my career. However, my international break was in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 March 2016, where we were competing against more than 15 countries across Africa. I was grateful that I managed to occupy position 12.

“I was at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) when I realised that, I must get out of my comfort zone and see the world. So, I started emailing my portfolio to coaches in various schools in the USA. I must say, I was so humbled to see a lot of them showing interest,” said Gaorekwe.

At that time, Gaorekwe was a multi-national champion in South Africa from track and field to cross country. He said he decided to enroll at Central Arizona College in Arizona, USA in 2017.

“I am currently majoring in Sports Science because I feel like it’s a field that I still need to develop in. As an athlete, you come across a lot of challenges, especially when you are far away from home. Sometimes one becomes homesick and misses friends and family. Another issue is being injury-prone, but all you have to do is focus and keep your head up.

“You need to remind yourself why you still doing what you are doing as an athlete. I would like to see myself holding my Degree and being part of the Cape Town Marathon will be the cherry on top,” he said.

However, Gaorekwe urges upcoming athletes not to put themselves under unnecessary pressure. He said they need to take one step at a time and not put their bodies under strenuous pressure.

“Most important is to be patient. Eventually, everything you wished for will come true. It takes everything to become the best athlete and this sport is an individual sport. So, running is all about you and you only.

“You have to do everything perfectly- take care of your body as an athlete and you will get the results you are looking for,” concluded Gaorekwe.

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Picture: The award-winning athlete, Innocentia Msikinya, is ready for the big day 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Special Olympic Gold Medallist and a former learner at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung, Innocentia Msikinya said, she is very excited after being nominated for the North West Sports Awards. Msikinya, who is a nail technician by profession, has been nominated for Sportswoman of the Year with Disability category.

She is expected to compete against North West Basketball player, Linda Bosele and Christiana School for the Blind learner, Mpho Machete.

“I am super excited to be nominated and this means a lot to me. I hope to come out victorious because it feels awesome. It is also such an honour to be nominated alongside such an incredible selection of sportswomen.

“I’m excited that I am going to meet lots of other like-minded people. It is always interesting to go to events to meet others, who have the same interests, hobbies and passions. This will assist us to connect and winning would mean so much to me,” she said.

The MM Sebitloane Special School principal, Boipelo Mmokwa said they welcome the nomination. Mmokwa further said, that the school has been nominated for the awards including individuals.

“This really shows that the school is doing great in sports and vocational. The nominations will also change the narrative of the people at large about our school. I am really proud and I’m so looking forward to being part of the North West Sports Awards event.

“You will remember that, our learners performed exceptionally well at the Special Olympic Summer World Cup held in Berlin, Germany recently. So, the nominations come as an honour for their hard work, discipline and sterling performance they put out there,” she said.

The event is scheduled at Mmabatho Convention Centre on 18 November 2023 at 5pm.

Here are some of nominees:

Nominees for Rural School Team of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Khumosejo Secondary School

2. Ramadile Primary School

3. Tirisano High School Sports Team

Nominees for School Team of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Are Fenyeng High School

2. Meerhof Special School

3. MM Sebitloane Special School

Nominees for Journalist of the Year (Print) – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Mohanoe Khiba – Daily Sun

2. Teboho Letselela – Mafikeng Mail

3. Wouter Pienaar – Potchefstroom Herald

Nominees Journalist of the Year (Electronic) – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Sello Mokonopi – Mahikeng FM

2. Mosela Mokgosi – Motsweding FM

3. Masego Riet – Mahikeng FM

Nominees for Community Based Sports and Recreation Body of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Fitness Crew

2. Lehurutshe Soccer Ritz

3. Saving Lives

Nominees for Provincial Federation of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Ngaka Modiri Molema Open Boxing Organisation

2. North West Cricket Federation

3. NW Handball Federation

Nominees for Indigenous Game of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Letlapa Kgati Group

2. Matlosane Recreation Club

3. North West Kgati

Nominees for Sports Volunteer of the Year – North West Sports Awards 2023

1. Azwindini Makananise – M.M Sebitloane Special School

2. Mpho Seate – North West Gymnastics

3. Tshepo Seponkane – Community Sports

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