Picture: The winner of Comrade Marathon 2023 edition, Tete Dijana/SABC

By KABELO SELEBOGO

North West athletes were on top of their game at the recent Comrades Ultra Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban – clinching the top six in the men’s race, with one runner-up in the women’s contest. Elite runner, Tete Dijana from Signal Hill in Mahikeng, successfully defended his Comrades Ultra Marathon title – setting a new record on 11 June 2023.

Dijana won the 2023 down run race edition by clocking 05:13:58, smashing David Gatebe’s 05:18:19 record set in 2016. Dijana’s homeboy, teammate, and 2019 Comrades Marathon champ, Edward “Slender” Mothibi came in third position in a time of 05:17:34.

Four top runners from Taung secured the top ten places. Gordon Lesetedi came fourth, Johannes Makgetla six, the 2015 champ, Gift Kehele occupied ninth position, while Joseph Manyedi finished tenth.

The Potchefstroom’s finest and North West University (NWU) staff member, Adele Broodryk crossed the finishing line to end as a runner-up in the women’s race. In her debut in the Comrades Marathon competition in 2022, Broodryk came in third place.

Dijana’s exceptional performance earned him total prize money of R1.2m. The R500 000 is for bagging position one, another R500 000 for setting a new record, and an additional R200 000 for finishing the event as the leading South African on the day.

The Head of Department at North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Itumeleng Mogorotsi said, as part of ensuring that North West runners competed fairly at the global event, the department has sponsored 147 runners from the province with accommodation, transport, meals and other logistics to participate at the Comrades Marathon.

Mogorotsi further said, the runners gave their best performance by finishing before 12 hour-mark and reaching their personal best.

“The 87.7km down run, which attracted more than 18 000 runners from across the globe, kept cheering spectators on the side of the road. The television audiences were also glued to their screens. This year’s edition was regarded as more high-paced compared to the ones preceding it.

“As the department, we are pleased with the outcomes. We are thrilled with the superb performance displayed by the North West top runners and Dijana for defending his title with a new record. North West consistent dominance in this event showcases that, we have good athletes who should pass the baton from old to the new generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dijana who is expected to receive a heroic welcome today said: “When I was looking at the time towards the end of the marathon, I knew that I have accomplished my goal of breaking the record. The reason why I kept looking back at my runner-up, Piet Wiersma was to maintain an open distance so that he does not catch up.

“I also reversed the energy to end the marathon with a high pace. Prior to the marathon, my coach advised me that I should not break the record with a high margin so that I can break my own record again in the future.”

The 2022 pace-setter, Onalenna Khonkhobe managed to finish this year’s edition in 37th place. The youngster from Maphoitsile village in Taung, is one of the South African top athletes. Earlier this year, he earned second place in the Nedbank Runified.

A young female runner who hails from Rustenburg, Galaletsang Mekgoe paced her way to position 11 in the women’s category.

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Picture: The Hawks vehicle/Google   

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four people briefly appeared before the Springbok Magistrate’s Court for illegal dealing in drugs and corruption. Gherswin Van Wyk (35), Jasper Pretorius (40), Mothusi Molale (45), and Michael September (43) were arrested by the Upinton-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in a takedown operation in the early hours of Monday at Bergsig Township, near Springbok. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the investigation on the activities of the accused persons commenced in December 2019. Thebe further said the investigation was full-fledged after the police officials were fingered to be involved.

“The investigation team allegedly observed the suspects moving drugs such as dagga, methamphetamine (tik), and mandrax worth approximately R13 000 over the observation period. Two of the accused persons, Mothusi Molale and Kelvin Brown were police officials at the time of the commission of a crime, the duo later resigned.

“The 5^th accused person, Kelvin Brown (44) is currently in custody awaiting trial on an unrelated matter at a local Correctional Services Facility. The investigation team visited the facility to charge him with three counts of corruption,” he said.

Thebe added that, all accused persons were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 20 June 2023 for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Steve Mabuela lauded the investigation team on the sterling job achieved thus far.

“The law enforcement agencies cannot harbour criminals, when they are identified, we will flush them out,” concluded Mabuela.

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Pictures: The three of four accused persons, Phenyo Katong, Katlego Mosimege and Bakang Katong/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against four accused persons is ready for trial. The alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.

Meanwhile, the court also heard that, there is a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature.

It is alleged that, the state is set to call seven witnesses, while the accused persons will call four witnesses. There were also allegations that, the accused persons intended to plead guilty. However, it is yet unknown if that is still their intention.  

The case was postponed to 26 July 2023 for trial.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West province has recorded the country’s highest unemployment figures in the First Quarter of 2023. This comes after the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Stats SA recently. The province recorded the highest year-on-year increase of 7.9% in unemployment numbers and the youth are the most affected group.

However, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said his government has created 6406 jobs, as well as empowered 792 Small and Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and 484 Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in the past financial year.

According to Maape, 2060 permanent jobs were created, while 4346 were realised through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

“Recruitment of 3293 EPWP beneficiaries and 540 posts were still advertised across all departments, while 1063 employment opportunities were created through projects allocated to 37 contractors.

“At least 1070 permanent jobs were created in the education sector through EPWP infrastructure posts, ECD, HIV/Aids support workers, graduates and contract posts,” he said.  

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Lazzy Mokgosi calls for the Youth Enterprise Development (YED) Programme to be upscaled to support young people, who are entrepreneurs in order to unleash their innovation and creativity.

Mokgosi expressed concern about the high level of unemployment particularly among the youth.

“We applaud the recent effort to reach youth in our townships and rural communities through the SA Youth Opportunities Roadshow. This is a brainchild of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator that was hosted recently in Setlagole in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, National Youth Development Agency, Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa and the Office of the Premier.

“We welcome the rollout of the accelerated service delivery programme aimed at delivering quality public infrastructure while mitigating the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We call on the provincial government to intensify partnership with the business sector in order to maximise job creation and defuse the ticking time bomb of youth unemployment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial leader and Member of Parliament (MP), Leon Basson said: “Decades of ANC failed governance, corruption, fraud, policy uncertainty, cadre deployment and load shedding has collapsed North West, where basic service delivery is erratic at best.

“This sustained programme of destruction by the ANC has now yielded the fruits of their nefarious labours – mass unemployment of 54% as per the expanded definition, the highest in South Africa.”

Basson further said more people in North West are unemployed than those who have a job. He added that, more than a million persons in North West are now left unemployed, desperate and destitute.

“Only 877 000 individuals have the dignity that comes with having a job, earning a salary, and taking care of their families. This is a socio-economic humanitarian crisis that requires urgent intervention to restore governance, deliver basic services, and attract investment that will result in economic development, growth, and job creation.

“The only hope for those who want to work but can’t find a job is to vote DA in next year’s election. A DA-led government in North West will restore governance, will deliver services, will attract investment that will grow the economy that will create jobs,” said Basson.

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Picture: Monnapula Jan “Mabelebele” Williams/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 35-YEAR-OLD man affectionately known as Mabelebele, was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a former teacher, Jaqueline Motabogi (67) in Shaleng village, near Taung. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, in the early hours of the morning on 6 February 2022, Monnapula Jan Williams forcibly gained entry into the house of the deceased.

Van Rooyen further said, Williams forced the kitchen door open and stole a metallic Ford Fortuner and 2 cell phones. She added that Motabogi woke up and went to investigate after she heard a vehicle door opening.

“However, she was shot dead by Williams and the atrocity was reported to the police at Kgomotso Police Station. The accused was traced and arrested on the same day at Laudium. He was not granted bail and remained in custody until he was sentenced on 5 June 2023.

“The case was transferred to the Taung Regional Court. Williams was sentenced to five years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, 15 years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery, and life imprisonment for murder,” she said.

Van Rooyen said counts 1 and 2 will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the excellent investigation work done by Warrant Officer Akanyang Pitsonyane.

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Picture: Former teacher, the late Jaqueline Motabogi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 35-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a former teacher, Jaqueline Motabogi (67) in Shaleng village, near Pampierstad. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, in the early hours of the morning on 6 February 2022, Monnapula Jan Williams forcibly gained entry into the house of the deceased.

Van Rooyen further said, William forced the kitchen door open and stole a metallic Ford Fortuner and 2 cell phones. She added that Motabogi woke up and went to investigate after she heard a vehicle door opening.

“However, she was shot dead by William and the atrocity was reported to the police at Kgomotso Police Station. The accused was traced and arrested on the same day at Laudium. He was not granted bail and remained in custody until he was sentenced on 5 June 2023.

“The case was transferred to the Taung Regional Court. William was sentenced to five years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, 15 years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery, and life imprisonment for murder,” she said.

Van Rooyen said counts 1 and 2 will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the excellent investigation work done by Warrant Officer Akanyang Pitsonyane.

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Setshwantsho: Motshameki wa maloba wa setlhopha sa Mighty Boys FC, Bakang Katong/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Motshamekapele wa maloba o diphatsa wa setlhopha sa selegae sa Mighty Boys FC, Bakang Katong kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, o tla itse ka bokamoso jwa gagwe ka di 13 Phokwi 2023. Seno setla morago ga gore mosekisi mo kgetsing e Katong a lebaneng le yone ya petelelo, a kaele le kgotlha fa a tshwanetswe ke go neelwa dingwaga dile lesome kwa kgolegelong.

Go begwa fa Katong (32), yo jaanong eleng rakgwebo, ebile a latofadiwa ka go gweba ka diritibatsi, a ne a betelela lekgarebe lengwe la kwa Buxton ka ngwaga wa 2017. Go begwa fa Katong, yo oneng a tswa kwa Johannesburg ka nako eo, a ne a neelwa lekgarebe leo ke mongwe wa bakgweetsi ba ditekesi kwa Schweizer Reneke gore a mo gorotshe ka pabalasego kwa lapeng.

Fela, go kaiwa fa Katong a ne a tsena-tsena ka lekgarebe leno, mme a feleletsa a ipagololetse mogodu. Gape, lekgarebe le, lene la kaya fa le nyeleletswe ke madi a kanang ka R2000 mo tiragalong eo.

Kgotlha-tshekelo e utlwile fa lekgarebe le, lene la fitlha la lotlegela mmagwe ka se se mo diragaletseng. Kgetsi ene ya bulwa, mme ene ya re Katong go utlwa seno, one a letsetsa lekgarebe le, le go kopana le lone kwa Taung Mall mo letsatsing le le latelang.

Katong one a fitlha a mo kopa go mo neela madi a kanang ka R2000 a go begwang a nyeletse le go mo neela R500 eleng pipa-molomo gore a ye go tsholola kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le ene.

Fela lekgarebe le, le ne la gana go tsaya madi ao. Kgotlha-tshekelo e utlwile gape fa mmagwe lekgarebe leno, yo eneng ele paki ya mmuso, a ne a tlhokafala fa kgetsi e sentse e tsweletse ka tsheko. Mmueledi wa ga Katong, one a tlhalosetsa lekgotlha fa bopaki jwa motlhekefadiwa bo sa ikanyege, gonne gona le phapang mo tshedimosetsong e a e neetseng sepodisi le e a e boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo.

Fela magistrata Buti Zulu, ga ka a ganana le kgang eo, mme a tlhalosa fa ese pateletso gore bopaki jo bo neetsweng sepodisi bo ka botsolotswa, fela se se botlhokwa ke se motlhekefadiwa a se boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo. Gape, se se ileng sa makatsa lekgotlha ke gore, Katong o ile a kaela beng ba mokgatlho wa ditekesi fa a iphantse ka thobalano le motlhefediwa, mme fela o ile a kaya fa seo se diragetse ka tumalano.

Fela Katong, one a kaela mmueledi wa gagwe fa a sa iphanya ka thobalano le motlhekefadiwa. Seo, sene sa baya Katong mo mosing, mme le kgotlha la mo bona jaaka motho o o sa ikanyegeng. Zulu one a tlhalosetsa Katong fa go sena sepe se se supang fa motlhekefadiwa a ka batla go mo bopela kgomo ya mmopa, gonne ba sa itsane.

Zulu, one a bona Katong molato mo kgetsing ya petelelo.

Kgabagare, lekgotlha lene la kaela Katong fa e se sa ntlha a thulana le molao, gonne ka ngwaga wa 2006 one a tshwarwa mme a bonwa molato mo kgetsing ya go itaya ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo tse di masisi. Gape, go begwa fa ka 2013 le 2015, Katong a ne a tshwarelwa go gweba ka diritibatsi, mme a duela kotlhao mo dikgetsing dile pedi.

Katong gape o lebane le kgetsi ya polao e e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Manthe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The police officer arrested for theft was granted a R500 bail by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that Captain Baile Mokgoro was arrested after he allegedly went to a petrol filling station in the Central Business District (CBD) in Vryburg and filled up a state motor vehicle.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Mokgoro allegedly filled up the state motor vehicle with 40.14 litres of petrol amounting to R926.43. Mokgwabone further said, he also reportedly filled up his private generator with 25 litres worth R577.

“The total amount paid by the state was R1503.45. Subsequent to reporting the incident, the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) launched an investigation.

“Mokgoro was arrested and briefly appeared at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. His case was postponed until 4 August 2023,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the ACIU members for their swift reaction, which led to the arrest of the police officer for theft. Kwena added that, the dishonest employees have no space in the South African Police Services (SAPS) and will be dealt with effectively to sound a warning that improper conduct cannot be tolerated.

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Setshwantsho: Motshameki wa maloba o diphatsa wa setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Mighty Boys FC, Bakang Katong/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Katlholo mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motshameka-pele wa maloba o diphatsa wa setlhopha sa kgwele ya dinao sa selegae sa Mighty Boys FC, Bakang Katong kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e solofetse go tswelela mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Katlholo mo kgetsi eno, ene ya busediwa morago gonne mmueledi wa ga Katong (32) yo o bonweng molato mo kgetsing eno, a se iponatse kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya sedika ya Taung mo letsatsing la di 6 Seetebosigo 2023.

Go begwa fa Katong, yo jaanong eleng rakgwebo, mme gape a latofadiwa ka go gweba ka diritibatsi, one a betelela lekgarebe lengwe la kwa Buxton ka ngwaga wa 2017. Go begwa fa Katong, yo one a tswa Johannesburg ka nako eo, a ne a neelwa lekgarebe leo ke mongwe wa tekesi kwa Schweizer Reneke gore a mo gorotshe ka pabalasego kwa lapeng.

Fela, go kaiwa fa Katong a ne a tsena-tsena ka lekgarebe leno, mme a feleletsa a iphantse ka thobalano le lone kwa ntle ga tumalano. Go kaiwa fa lekgarebe le, lene la kaya fa le nyeleletswe ke madi a kanang ka R2000 mo tiragalong eo.

Kgotlha-tshekelo e utlwile fa lekgarebe le, lene la fitlha la lotlegela mmagwe ka se se mo diragaletseng. Kgetsi ene ya bulwa, mme ene ya re Katong go utlwa seno, one a letsetsa lekgarebe le, le go kopana le lone kwa Taung Mall mo letsatsing le le latelang.

Katong one a fitlha a mo kopa go mo neela madi a kanang ka R2000 a go begwang a nyeletse le go mo neela R500 eleng pipamolomo gore a ye go tsholola kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le ene.

Fela lekgarebe le, le ne la gana go tsaya madi ao. Kgotlha-tshekelo e utlwile gape fa mmagwe lekgarebe leno, yo eneng ele paki ya mmuso, a ne a tlhokafala fa kgetsi e sentse e tsweletse ka tsheko. Mmueledi wa ga Katong, one a tlhalosetsa lekgotlha fa bopaki jwa motlhekefadiwa bo sa ikanyege, gonne gona le phapang mo tshedimosetsong e a e neetseng sepodisi le e a e boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo.

Fela magistrata Buti Zulu, ga ka a ganana le kgang eo, mme a tlhalosa fa ese pateletso gore bopaki jo bo neetsweng sepodisi bo ka botsolotswa, fela se se botlhokwa ke se motlhekefadiwa a se boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo. Gape, se se ileng sa makatsa lekgotlha ke gore, Katong o ile a kaela beng ba mokgatlho wa ditekesi fa a iphantse ka thobalano le motlhefediwa, mme fela o ile a kaya fa seo se diragetse ka tumalano.

Fela Katong, one a kaela mmueledi wa gagwe fa a sa iphanya ka thobalano le motlhekefadiwa. Seo, sene sa baya Katong mo mosing, mme le kgotlha la mo bona jaaka motho o o sa ikanyegeng. Zulu one a tlhalosetsa Katong fa go sena sepe se se supang fa motlhekefadiwa a ka batla go mo bopela kgomo ya mmopa, gonne ba sa itsane.

Zulu, one a bona Katong molato, mme a mo kaela fa ka letsatsi la di 6 Seetebosigo 2023, a tlile go ntsha katlholo. Fela, seo gas a direga, mme kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka letsatsi la di 12 Seetebosigo 2023.

Lekgotlha lene la kaela Katong fa e se sa ntlha a thulana le molao, gonne ka ngwaga wa 2006 one a tshwarwa mme a bonwa molato mo kgetsing ya go itaya ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo tse di masisi. Gape, go begwa fa ka 2013 le 2015, Katong a ne a tshwarelwa go gweba ka diritibatsi, mme a duela kotlhao mo dikgetsing dile pedi.

Kgabagare, Katong gape o lebane le kgetsi ya polao e e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Manthe.

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Picture: Baga Mothibi LGBTQI+ members during an awareness campaign 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The LGBTQI+ members in Taung said people should stop their coercion to try and change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. They said these kinds of attempts lead to emotional, physical, and mental damage.

One of the LGBTQI+ members, Kegomoditswe Phillips from Magogong village, near Taung said, for the longest time, they have encountered challenges about conversion attempts from people over their sexuality.

“In most cases, people will try to shame or ill-treat us. Some people will attempt to put pressure on us to change our sexuality, gender identity or gender expression. Most of our LGBTQI+ members have also been excluded from their communities.

“Our mission as Baga Mothibi LGBTQI+ community is to fight for the rights of the vulnerable and marginalised within the queer community. We also conceptualize to be in a free and safe environment as a queer community,” she said.

Phillips further said, their organisation is founded by strong-willed members, who wanted freedom and inclusion in society as a whole without being judged about their sexual orientation or having to explain themselves to the public.

She added that their organisation also fights the crime and injustices committed against queer people.

“So, the aim of this initiative was to clear the myth because a lack of knowledge is a disease. Many people misunderstood the LGBTQI+ community. They need to understand that, being a lesbian or gay is not a sickness, but that’s who we are.

“However, we are grateful that the message is slowly disseminated, even though there are challenges with the dressing quote, especially when we attend funerals. They expect us as lesbians to wear dresses, while gays are expected to wear jackets,” said Phillips.

Another LGBTQI+ member, Mpho Sekharume (39) shared the same sentiments. Sekharume said, they are concerned because some of the LGBTQI+ community are being killed for who they are.

“We have received complaints from some of our members from different schools that they are being forced to wear skirts even though they are comfortable wearing trousers. People should accept us the way we are and stop calling us derogatory names like twin plugs.

“We would also like to urge the traditional authorities to stop ill-treating us because we have never created ourselves the way we are. I think this awareness campaign will assist us in disseminating the message, especially to the traditional authorities as they still living in dark ages,” she said.    

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