Picture: The community members of Extension 7 outside the court

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community of Extension 7 in Taung, calls for the release of Kelebogile (41) and her disabled son, Tlotliso Segwabe (21). Kelebogile and Tlotliso were arrested last week Thursday and charged with murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property after a Zimbabwean man (26) was allegedly killed during a mob justice.

It is alleged that, on Wednesday night, Tlotliso arrived at his house from a local tavern. He was allegedly attacked by the deceased person with a spade while trying to open the door. According to allegations, Tlotliso ran and screamed for help.

Some community members allegedly woke up and came to his rescue. It is alleged that, the deceased person was chased and knocked at one of the houses, but the occupants refused to open for him. The community members allegedly woke early morning and embarked on a witch-hunt.

They allegedly found the deceased person and severely assaulted him with a sjambok. He was ferried to the Taung District Hospital for medical attention but allegedly succumbed to his injuries. 

North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the deceased victim was at the suspect’s home, where he was in an altercation with the son of the accused. He was overpowered and chased by a group of people and assaulted. The two accused persons were charged with kidnapping, murder, and malicious damage to property.”

The case against the accused persons was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application. Kelebogile was ferried to Taung District Hospital after she collapsed while taken to police custody.

One of the family members, Telekelo Mahura, said they are worrisome with how the police have handled the matter. Mahura alleged that, there is a disparity in the case because the accused persons only had their day in court on Monday after being arrested last week Thursday.

“We call on the police to do their job diligently the way we expected. I am saying this because the two accused persons were arrested last week Thursday and only appeared in court on Monday. Now, the case has been postponed because the police said, they still have to go and arrest other suspects.

“However, it is not Kelebogile and Tlotliso’s responsibilities to ensure that is done. The police were supposed to arrest other suspects timeously and stop using that as an excuse. What if they have not arrested other suspects come Thursday? Kelebogile and Tlotliso will be denied bail again?” said Mahura.  

He further said, what they know is that the deceased person was allegedly attacked and killed by mob justice. Mahura added that they do not understand why would the police only arrest Kelebogile and Tlotliso. 

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the social activist, Oratile Segosapelo, who also resides at Extension 7 said: “I am so disappointed that the police arrested the mother and her son, Tlotliso who is disabled. We do not know the motive behind the arrest, but we call on the police to be competent enough. Kelebogile’s health has deteriorated, while Tlotliso is disabled.

“Yes, justice must be served, but at least if the accused persons were given a free bail due to their conditions. So, as the community members of Extension 7, we will submit a petition to the court calling for the release of the accused persons pending investigations.”

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Picture: The Engen Garage in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Taung have launched a manhunt after six armed men allegedly robbed the Engen Petrol Filling Station in Taung. It is alleged that six suspects allegedly ambushed two security guards who were on duty at the time.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Two security guards who were on duty at the Engen Garage in Taung, were ambushed by two suspects, who another four suspects later joined.

“They tried to gain access to the safe but failed. The suspects managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes. The business robbery case was opened and investigations are underway.”

Meanwhile, one of the owners of the Engen Garage, Lekwene Mahura said, the suspects allegedly tried to break down the wall to gain access, but their move was futile. Mahura further stated, however, the suspects managed to gain access to the office, where the safe is through the roof.

“I know that these suspects tried to open the safe, but failed. So, they stole cigarettes before they fled the scene. If they managed to take any cash, it was not enough. Normally, we close at around 10pm, so it is alleged that, these suspects ambushed the security guards at around 00:00am and held them hostage until around 4am.

“Firstly, they tried to break the wall, but couldn’t and used a grinder to gain access into the office, where the safe is. They tried to open the safe using grinder, but they could cut open some layers on the safe. We received a call at around 5am regarding the incident and rushed to the scene,” he said.

He added that, the suspects damaged the server of the CCTV cameras in the process. Mahura said they would like to assure their customers that, the situation has returned to normalcy and they have opened for business.

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Picture: Over 40 initiates rescued from bogus initiation school in Tsetse village, near Mahikeng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged 24 and 30 were arrested for kidnapping and contravention of the Custom Initiation Act, (2021 Act No 2 of 2021) in Mahikeng and Lehurutshe on Thursday. The suspects allegedly mobilised unsuspecting young boys from villages around Mahikeng and Lehurutshe to join the initiation school.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, after recruiting these young boys, the suspects would allegedly call the parents and demand money for the safety of the victims. Funani further said the suspects were arrested after parents reported missing children at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe Police Stations.

“The investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school near or between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages, outside Mahikeng. Consequently, about 40 initiates between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued. The illegal school was closed, and the boys were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated.    

“Bongani Moatlhodi (24), who was arrested at Lonely Park by the Lehurutshe police, briefly appeared at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court in connection with the kidnapping of a boy (16). The other two suspects aged 26 and 30 are expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on Monday,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for acting swiftly to rescue the boys and arrest the suspects.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Omolemo Funerals financial service provider, Hlomelang Manare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for fraud. Manare (32) acted as a financial services provider without having a license and lured members of the public, particularly the elderly to take insurance policies from his company, Omolemo Funerals, whilst he knowing that his company is not registered.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Between 2019 and 2020, Manare registered five complainants on cashback policies in his company, Omolemo Funerals. He promised to pay his unsuspecting clients after the death of the insured, whereas he knew his company was not underwritten by any insurance company.

“Manare was convicted on one count of the Contravention of Section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory Intermediary Act 37 of 2002 and five of fraud. On count one, he was sentenced to 10 months or R20 000 and on the five counts of fraud, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.”

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that Manare preyed on vulnerable people, who lived off social grants. Mokgopa said the unsuspecting clients relied on the services of the accused in the unfortunate event of death. Magistrate Kwena Letsapa agreed with the state and remarked on the loss suffered by their complainants, as they had to borrow money to bury their loved ones, incurring debts in the process.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded Mokgopa, Captain Bantseke Partition from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all other role players, who ensured that Manare is convicted. Makhari further urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and do due diligence when dealing with financial advisors and institutions.

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Picture: The LGBTQI+ members embark on a peaceful march

By OBAKENG MAJE

The LGBTQI+ members in Taung embarked on a peaceful march to create awareness. The LGBTQI+ chairperson in Taung, Segametsi Dichomi said, they established the organisation to raise their voices against any form of discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.

“We came together as LGBTQI+ activists to galvanise one another to form one nation. The aim was to fight discrimination and stigma against LGBTQI+ members within our society. So, we encourage our members to come forward as we promise to improve capacity building.

“We hope to achieve the sustainable results from this activity. On the other hand, our organisation realised that there is a prevailing negligence amongst some members of our society, which is a matter of concern. Our mission is to build a society, where every LGBTQI+ individual attains a social well-being, resulting in a high-quality life,” Dichomi said.

She further said, their goal was to deliver high-impact, cost-effective, culturally competent, and capacity-building programs for the LGBTQI+ community, in particular to the youth. Dichomi added that, they also aim to empower LGBTQI+ individuals by sensitising information against HIV/AIDS.

“We assist to improve self-esteem within the LGBTQI+ members and help the youth to engage in self-empowerment and poverty alleviation programs. We encourage and help where possible with skills and academic development,” she said.         

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Special Programs Coordinator, Tebogo Morweng said, as the municipality, they support the LGBTQI+ community. Morweng encouraged LGBTQI+ members to come forward and ensure that they are well-represented. 

“What the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe did after ascending to the office, was to establish the LGBTQI+ forum amongst other things. So, we take this initiative very seriously and there is no way we can neglect the LGBTQI+ community. We want to send a clear message to the community at large to take the LGBTQI+ community seriously without any form of resistance.

“Each and everyone is important in front of God. We encourage LGBTQI+ members across Taung to find one another and spread love. We always encourage people not to work in silos, so that we can achieve the ultimate goal. We are expecting a program of action from the LGBTQI+ community and they must be seen. The Office of the Mayor is their point of entry if they experience any challenges,” he said.

The Health Promoter from the North West Department of Health in Greater Taung Sub-district, Keitumetse Landu said they are here to encourage LGBTQI+ members and the community at large to practice safer sex. Landu said they also educated the LGBTQI+ and community members on how to use condoms.

“As we know, the LGBTQI+ community is not supported enough, so we are here to educate them about different kinds of diseases such as STDs, HIV, and AIDS. We also provided them with lubricants. You’ll understand that dry sex can be risky during sexual intercourse as it exposes participants to diseases due to cuts that might be experienced.   

Meanwhile, Sergeant Kgalalelo Ntlolokwane from Social Crime Prevention unit at Taung Police Station said: “As the South African Police Service (SAPS), we perpetuate any form of discrimination against LGBTQI+ members. We have a great working relationship with the LGBTQI+ community and promote social cohesion.

“Any form of violence against them is condemned. We have not received any complaints or hate crimes against LGBTQI+ members thus far, and we courage our community to continue to create a safer environment for them. We also encourage members from the LGBTQI+ community to report any homophobic sentiment they endure within the community.”

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Picture: EFF ward councillor, the late Tsietsi Mohulatsi/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man from Lesotho has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) ward councillor, Tsietsi Mohulatsi. The Lesotho national, Makintane Kabelo Machete (29) was arrested by the Bojanala Trio Task Team at Bekkersdal in Gauteng Province on 26 June 2023, following an intensive investigation.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the preliminary investigation revealed that Mohulatsi was robbed during the incident and his bank card was used to buy clothes at shops in Rustenburg and Pretoria. Mokgwabone further said, as a result, Machete is also facing additional charges of kidnapping, robbery, fraud and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act 2002, (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“At the time of the incident, Mohulatsi was a ward councillor in the Rustenburg Local Municipality. The victim’s lifeless body was found inside his white Nissan Navara bakkie at Freedom Park Informal Settlement between Extension 4 and 5, outside Phokeng Township in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 4 October 2022.

“The victim’s body was spotted by passers-by, who reported the incident to the police. Machete briefly appeared at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 28 June 2023. He will remain in custody and his case postponed until 24 August 2023,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of Machete. Kwena applauded the police for following all the leads and worked tirelessly to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to book to face the full might of the law.  

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By MABONI KGABI

Five crafters from the province took part in this year’s Decorex Cape Town to showcase their handmade crafts and explore the international market from 22 to 26 June hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

A Re Bopeng Ceramics, Ba Devine, Ketso’Koi Creations, Take No Time Upholstery and Hearfelt participated at the show with support from the North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation after being nominated by the Bokone Bophirima Craft and Design Institute (BBCDI) in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development.

Decorex is a leading design and décor exhibition, which has been in existence for 29 years. The show accords young and old crafters from all spheres of life an opportunity to exhibit their products. It also provides the amateurs in the industry to test the market for the viability of their crafts.

BBCDI Programme Manager for Market Access, Ephraim Dikobe said, through their programmes, which include product development, enterprise development as well as market access, they are able to reach out to as many crafters as possible in the province. Dikobe further said, as the institute, they still need to cover a vast majority particularly who are unable to access information on how to penetrate the market with their crafts.

“Decorex was not the only platform that crafters were afforded an opportunity to showcase their products. South African Retail Chemist Druggists Association (SARCDA) Christmas show, Aardklop and other international shows are some of the shows, where market access remains one key factor for the exhibitors.

“As the institution, our partnership with key stakeholders such as the Department of Small Business Development, Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation and the Department of Economic Development in the province, would enable the organisation to achieve the intended purpose of ensuring that we cater for our target audience broadly,” he said.

Dikobe added: “We hope to increase the number of participants at such shows to enable them to gain as much knowledge and understanding as possible, but that is dependent on the work they produce to be able to compete with their counterparts in the industry.”

A crafter, Koketso Sedumedi of Ketso‘Koi Creations from Masutlhe village, outside Mahikeng said, it was her first time at Decorex and though the sales were not impressive, she was grateful for the opportunity. Sedumedi said after engaging and sharing information with some of the crafters at the show, she sees herself in a better position as there is a lot of potential for her products.

“We specialise in calabash making using dried peels. I am now going to focus on developing more products as we have more orders to follow up on from the show. My wish is for the department to assist us grow our business even bigger as there is a need for sustainability.

“The relations we have made will go a long way to assist us to remain in the business for generations to come. I definitely see potential in my product and that motivates me to do more. Collaboration with other prominent crafters is one factor that I would consider,” she said.

Sharlene Mphuloane of Heartfelt, who hails from Moretele village in Bojanala District said she was excited that she was able to make more sales compared to last year’s show. Sharlene said she even got an order of supplying one client with 250 Giraffe key rings.

“I am looking at collaborating with one company, which produces children’s toys and I am hopeful that the partnership would help a great deal. The platforms such as the one provided by SARCDA have opened our minds, in terms of what products to produce and for which market.

“I am thankful for the opportunity now that our product has hit the market. The response we received was overwhelming. My wish is to be afforded an opportunity to gain access into the international market and interact with international producers and suppliers with the know-how,” said Mphuloane.

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Picture: The residents at Blydeville worried about poor service delivery in their area/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi said they will upgrade the YizoYizo Informal Settlement in Rustenburg. Maloyi had a consultative engagement with the residents of Yizo Yizo Informal Settlements at Tlhabane Stadium (Open Space Parking) on 27 June 2023 to map the way forward.

“It is estimated that there might be over a thousand families living in the informal settlement that is located next to the industrial area in Tlhabane Township. The informal settlement was established more than 20 years ago. The department previously relocated over 600 residents to Seralemeng. However, a number of families continued to settle in Yizo Yizo.

“The department is going to resolve the Yizo Yizo situation with the necessary speed it requires due to the living conditions in the area. It’s been years since the people of Yizo Yizo have been living in such dire situations. I will personally monitor progress in the upgrading of this informal settlement,” he said.

Maloyi further said they need to build houses as soon as possible and restore the dignity of these residents because it is a constitutional mandate. He added that the North West Public Works and Roads and Rustenburg Local Municipality have availed land for human settlements development.

“The process must start immediately and young people should be employed to assist with verification of households and beneficiary administration. It is hogwash and absurd that intervention at Yizo Yizo is motivated by electioneering.

“I have been in government not more than a year and part of my key priorities when he assumed duty as the MEC was to ensure that services are delivered in local government. We have also prioritised the unblocking of blocked projects and ensuring that, legible beneficiaries receive habitable homes and the creation of sustainable Human Settlements in the province,” said Maloyi.       

One of the residents, Anna Ditsebe said: “As residents, we have been asking the municipality to intervene and remedy the living conditions in the informal settlement, but to no fruition. So, today’s message was music to our ears and we are more hopeful now that the government is here.

“We will see much improvement in the areas and services will be rendered. We have been staying here for more than 20 years and we are optimistic that we will finally get houses and basic services rendered. It’s been a serious struggle, but now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

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