Picture: The embattled mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality/Tumisang Gaoraelwe  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The winners of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) 2023 Mayoral Cup competition have not received even a cent almost three months down the line. The GTLM Mayoral Cup competition that took place at Taung Agricultural College sports ground in June 2023, was organised by the embattled mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe.

One of the recipients who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are so disappointed by how the municipality is treating us. We had high hopes that the money would assist us financially in the long run.

“Now, what we are getting from the Office of the Mayor are excuses and empty promises. We have been trying to be civil with this matter and avoid involving the media in it, but nothing positive came out of those talks.”

The Dikgwamolelo FC won the soccer tournament after beating Mogopela Wonderous FC 1-0 in the final. The Ditshilong-based team was rewarded with a whopping R50 000.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “It is true that there has been a delay in payments for the mayoral cup. We understand that, 89 soccer teams and 22 netball teams participated in the competition and 8 soccer teams and 4 netball teams were eligible to receive prize money.

“In soccer, the winner was eligible to receive R50 000, the runners-up were supposed to get R25 000, 3^rd and 4^th were supposed to get R20 000 each. The 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th positions were supposed to get R5000 each. In netball, the winner was supposed to get R25 000, while the runners-up were supposed to get R15 000. The 3^rd position was supposed to get R10 000, while the 4^th position was supposed to get R5000.”

Oliphant further said the administrative process, which includes the submission of required documents and the approval process caused the delay. He added that, a total of R435 000 has been spent over two years in this competition.

“The mayoral competition assists in keeping young people off the streets for a while and gives them an opportunity to work towards realization of their dreams. It also exposes local talent to scouts and opportunities for informal trading are some of the benefits for the municipal area,” said Oliphant.

Meanwhile, one of the scouts at the cup competition, the Sekhukhune United FC Technical Director, Themba Sithole said during the interviews with Taung DailyNews that, the municipality should help the players by improving facilities. He said, if they want to see good football, the players should be given good surfaces to play on.

“It is important to have one or two surfaces, which are good so that these kinds of tournaments can be played in. When I was with Free State Stars FC, they signed a defender from this area. So, that is why when I was invited I said, let me come and see.

“However, on Saturday when I arrived, I thought it was a waste of time until the last game was played. So, today, the semi-finals and finals were quite good even though the majority of the teams were a little bit defensive,” Sithole said.

He said he was happy that they saw what they wanted to see. Sithole said they were going to take either eight or ten players for further assessment in Johannesburg.

“We will continue to keep in contact with local coaches. We have also selected two players, who are still doing Grade 12 and they will join us in December,” he said.

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Picture: The fire engulfed Cabanas Hotel in Sun City Resort/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

The sporadic fires targeting critical infrastructure within the North West continue to grow. This comes after the fire gutted Sun City’s Cabanas Hotel and Manyane Resort near Rustenburg on 16 September 2023.

According to the Sun City General Manager, Brett Hoppe the fire broke out in the kitchen at around 2:30pm.

“A fire broke out in the Cabanas Hotel kitchen at about 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon. The staff noticed a small fire which they extinguished, but it had already spread through the extraction ventilation to the reception area,” he said.

In a separate incident, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said Manyane Resort also suffered the same fate of the fire outbreak.

“There were no injuries reported in the two incidents and DEDECT as a custodian of tourism in the province, is working closely with the management of Cabanas Hotel and Manyane Resort to establish the root cause of the fire outbreak. 

“These unfortunate incidents happened during the Tourism Month when the North West province is preparing itself to host the World Tourism Day from 26-27th of September 2023. It is equally important to indicate that, the fire outbreak in Sun City happened immediately after the North West Government held a successful Premiers Investor Dinner,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the importance of the tourism sector in the economy of the province cannot be overemphasised as such. She added that they are working hand in glove with the management of Sun City and Manyane Resort to try and normalize the situation.

“The Manyane Resort is currently closed until further notice. However, the Park Mahala Week Programme, which started from 10-17 September 2023 is continuing in other parks of the province,” said Tlhapi.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and kidnapping. This comes after a high-density, intelligence-driven operation in Breipal, near Douglas

conducted by the Douglas police, assisted by De Aar Public Order Police, Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, and Douglas Neighborhood Watch.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they received a tip-off that led to the arrest of three suspects aged 22, 23, and 37 respectively for dealing in drugs and kidnapping.

“The crystal meth and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were also confiscated. The three suspects will appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

“The police will continue with their collaborative efforts in the fight against crime and encourage community members to report any criminal activities to the police. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who is linked to six cases of burglaries and robberies in Vryburg is expected to appear in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today. Deflin Julies Visser (21) was arrested during a Crime Intelligence driven operation on 11 September 2023.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police conducted the operation after receiving a tip-off about Visser’s whereabouts. Funani said although the Visser ran away upon spotting the police vehicle, he was eventually arrested next to the railway line in Huhudi Township, in Vryburg.

“The preliminary investigation linked Visser to six other cases through forensic leads such as the DNA and fingerprints. The cases include business robberies and residential burglary, which were reported at Vryburg Police Station between November 2020 and August 2023.

“He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and investigations into the matter, including the tracking of Visser’s accomplices are underway,” she said.

Funani further said Visser abandoned bail during his second court appearance at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, who were involved in the operation for a job well done.

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Picture: The late socialite and former Vaaltar FM presenter, Tshepang Seelo/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Modimong murder case is expected to resume today at North West High sitting in Vryburg. Two men from Modimong village, near Taung, Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are on trial facing a murder case for allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021.

Malekanyo and Tlonkwe are allegedly charged with premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.

“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.

“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” Mamothame said.

He said the two accused partners were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.

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Picture: The usage of drugs rife in Pudimoe/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Pudimoe Township, near Taung, alleged that drug addicts are terrorising them. One of the residents, Botsile Moleboge said the usage of drug substances in Pudimoe is prevalent. He said what is disheartening is that the drug lord who continues to sell drugs to young addicts is well-known to the community.   

“There is a serious challenge of drug abuse in our area. We tried in vain to report the matter to the police, however, what we have realised is that some of the police officers connive with him.  

“Young people persistently abuse substances and break into our homes afterwards. If you go to Pudimoe railway station now, you will find these young addicts there smoking nyaope,” he said.

Moleboge further said they have come up with strategic measures as community members to combat drug abuse. He added that, those who are mostly affected by the actions of these addicts are students from Vuselela TVET College.

“We have decided to form a group that could be combative of drugs. What is bad is that, when these addicts need money to satisfy their cravings, they stop at nothing. They break into homes and those who are mostly affected are students from Vuselela TVET College, who are renting rooms.

“So, we need to be cautious as community members because these young addicts also rob children of their money when they are sent to the shops. We also urge the North West Social Development to assist in addressing this challenge,” said Moleboge.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said there is an undeniable link between substance abuse and delinquency. Funani said even though Taung and Vryburg are leading with the highest drug problems in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, there is also a challenge in Pudimoe.

“We are doing everything in our power to fight drugs in Pudumoe. The police are managing the problem and last month, a person who was selling drugs was arrested. Last week, a drug dealer (41) and a minor (17) were also arrested for dealing in drugs.

“The suspect (41) is out on bail and we can attest that drug abuse does contribute to crime. But, like I said, we are fighting the problem and so far, a total number of four have been arrested.  We are not aware of police officers, who are working with drug lords, but if the community know those police officials, they can always report this to 08600 10111 or the district office,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said: “Drug abuse is really killing our nation and my heart bled when I realise that, the majority of them are graduates from tertiary institutions, who have decided to indulge in various substances because of unemployment and other personal problems. 

“It is time we develop a programme to keep these young people busy by providing appropriate opportunities for them. As the department, we have budgeted an amount of R4.2 million to enable NPOs to provide substance abuse prevention services and aftercare to persons with substance use disorders,” he said.

Mokgosi said they will establish Local Drug Action Committees in all local municipalities by October 2023. He said that, this is indeed their plan for this year, which will see these local committees coordinating and intensifying substance abuse prevention programmes, which include Siyalulama Community Outreach Programme, Festive Season Campaign, and Debates on Substance Abuse in some schools.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshwara poo go tlhometswe kwa motseng wa Veertien, gaufi le Taung. Seno se tla morago ga gore, go begwe fa banna ba ba neng ba tlhometse go utlwala, ba itelekele kwa ntlung nngwe fa masigo asa ka 16 Lwetsi 2023.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, banna ba, ba ile ba tsena kwa ntlung nngwe, mme ba fitlha ba tshwara mosadi mongwe kananyo.

“Go butswe kgetsi kwa sepodising, mme go begwa fa mosadi wa dingwaga dile 67 a ne a robetse fa a utlwa modumo kwa ntle. One a tsoga le go ya go batlisisa gore se se tlholang modumo ke eng. Go begwa fa banna ba ba sa itsiweng ba le bane, ba ne ba itelekela mo ntlung.

“Go begwa fa ba utswitse tebeleishene ga mmogo le mogala wa letheka, mme ba tshaba. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng mo kgetsing e go fitlha ga jaana, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” va Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: Members of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The founder of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Kabelo Seetelo (42) said his organisation addresses several very important lessons through a range of activities such as health and wellness, socialization and education.  

He said after realising that there are many socio-economic challenges affecting the youth, he decided to form his organisation.

“Mamusa Karate Dojo NPO, is a division of world karate organisation, Shinkyokushinkai. The club is based in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke and is a community-based Karate Club. We are the officially registered South African branch of the Shinkyokushinkai.

“Mamusa Karate Dojo is the largest group of karate practitioners in the province. Our grades are recognised internationally and in Japan. Our senseis trained at the infamous Honbu in Tokyo as often as possible to ensure that standards remain at the highest level,” said Seetelo.

He further said they have over 30 members who have joined the organisation to benefit from self-defence and life skills lessons offered by his organisation. Seetelo added that, as a former Black Belt student of Shinkyokushinkai in Japan, this is a safe and secure way in which students can learn and train in the martial arts known as karate.

“Our members range from 4 to 36 years and we offer professional instruction by qualified and reliable practising karateka (students of the art.) We are internationally recognised offer black belt grades and are registered with the Department of Education in Japan.

“There is a chance for all karateka to earn provincial and national colours as well as World Karate Organisation (WKO) due to our various affiliations. We offer an exciting form of exercise as well as self-defence, which in today’s day and age is essential,” said Seetelo.

As a South African-based Karate Artist and a qualified Sensei, Seetelo started his career in 1999 where he trained under Sensei Lebina at Mmathari Creche in Ipelegeng Township. He obtained all colours from the HME grounds and training style as Kiokoshin.

“I went to Johannesburg and travelled across South Africa competing with other athletes from various provinces. In the late 90’s, I started travelling and competing internationally. My technical was Kioskoshin, then to JKA then transformed to Shinkyokoshinshinkai, which is currently my 3^rd Dan, Black Belt.

“We have won over 36 trophies as an organisation and continue to compete across the country. Recently, we went to Mokopane village in Limpopo Province to compete there and we won trophies. Even though it is challenging to run an organisation like this, I like the discipline, dedication and determination I receive from my students,” said Seetselo.

Meanwhile, one of Seetelo’s students, Ouma Chabaesele (23) said: “I am passionate about karate as a sport because I learn different skills. karate training keeps us away from the streets. We learn various skills that help us to develop confidence.

“As a woman, I think all females need to learn these kinds of techniques for self-defence. It is not safe anymore and if one is equipped with various techniques, they can survive against all odds. The training has had a tremendous effect on my life and I am grateful for Seetelo’s teachings.”

Chabaesele said, that nowadays, young people get distracted and indulge in drug and alcohol abuse, which contributes to various socio-economic challenges. She said they need to be wiser to be better leaders of tomorrow.  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who is linked to six cases of burglaries and robberies in Vryburg abandoned bail. Deflin Julies Visser (21) was arrested during a Crime Intelligence driven operation on 11 September 2023.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police conducted the operation after receiving a tip-off about Visser’s whereabouts. Funani said although the Visser ran away upon spotting the police vehicle, he was eventually arrested next to the railway line in Huhudi Township, in Vryburg.

“The preliminary investigation linked Visser to six other cases through forensic leads such as the DNA and fingerprints. The cases include business robberies and residential burglary, which were reported at Vryburg Police Station between November 2020 and August 2023.

“He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and investigations into the matter, including the tracking of Visser’s accomplices are underway,” she said.

Funani further said Visser abandoned bail during his second court appearance at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. She said Visser’s case has been postponed to Monday. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, who were involved in the operation for a job well done.

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Picture: The firearm allegedly used in robbery/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two men who allegedly hijacked a truck were arrested in Kolong river towards Manthe village, near Taung. It is alleged that, the hijacked truck, a 5-ton Isuzu Truck belonging to a company in Lenasia in Johannesburg South, was traveling on the N12 en route to Kimberley transporting a consignment of cigarettes valued at approximately R4 million rand.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien said it is believed that, a grey Toyota Corolla Quest intercepted the truck near Warrenton and five armed men alighted from the vehicle. Gamieldien further said the armed men allegedly assaulted the driver, his crew, and two other passengers.

“After allegedly assaulting the victims and demanding information about the tracking devices, the suspects drove off with the truck and its cargo in the direction of Taung, where they offloaded the consignment of cigarettes in the veld.

“They then locked the driver and his passengers in the back of the truck, where it was hidden in the bushes near the Kolong river area in the vicinity of Manthe village,” she said.

Gamieldien added that, an intelligence-driven operation was launched and the truck was located with the assistance of Hartswater Police, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, and Hartswater K9.

“A lookout was posted for the grey Toyota Corolla Quest, spotted by the Taung police, who stopped and searched the vehicle. Cash and other valuables were found inside the car.

“Other police units and stations who were also involved in the tracking and apprehension of two of the five suspects, were Kimberley SAPS, Kimberley Flying Squad, Kimberley POPS, Crime Intelligence, Frances Baard District, Dr RS Mompati District CI and Visible Policing,” she said.

Gamieldien said the police are still searching for the three other suspects, who fled as well as the consignment of cigarettes. She said further information indicates that, the remaining three suspects are armed and deemed dangerous and should not be approached.

“The suspects will soon appear in court on charges of truck jacking and kidnapping and additional charges may be added,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the cross-provincial teams for collaborating their efforts, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects, the recovery of the stolen truck, and the driver and passengers being rescued.

Otola said the partnership clearly indicates that the police will leave no stone unturned despite borders being crossed.

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