By OBAKENG MAJE

The Bloemhof Regional Court has found three men who were accused of murder guilty. On 10 September 2018, Shanton Moabi (25), Thapelo Frank Geco (22), and Lucas Malepe (20) were arrested after they brutally murdered a man (20) with sharp objects in Extension 5 in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The Bloemhof Regional Court found Geco, Malepe, and Moabi guilty of murder and sentenced them to direct imprisonment.

“Moabi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, Geco was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment, while Malepe was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The accused were remanded in custody until the finalization of the matter.”

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Picture: ANC flag/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati said, political education is essential in ‘shaping’ future leaders within its ranks. This comes after ANCYL held its Regional General Council (RGC) at Depot Hall on Saturday.

The ANCYL regional chairperson, Sello Mokwatsi said, they have recently experienced wayward behaviour from some of the ANCYL members, and that needs to be addressed. According to Mokwatsi, ANC continues to be the ‘Agents of Change’ and political education will assist them in building the ideological, intellectual, and organisational capacity going forward.  

“This was an opportunity to engage on critical issues facing our people and the movement. Our RGC went very well and I am saying this because the event came on very short notice. We had logistics problems, but we are happy that the event was a success.

“What is important is to disseminate the message to the branches. So, as the host, we are happy regarding the outcome of the event. The message was inculcated to the branches,” he said.

Mokwatsi further said, with regard to disciplinary, as ANCYL, they have encountered inward-looking characters within the party, and that increased loss of credibility and loss of trust. However, he added that they cannot disown them, but educate them on how a cadre should conduct themselves.

“We will continue to educate them to take themselves seriously so that ANC will take them seriously too. We will also continue with our political education in order to teach our members how they should conduct themselves.

“Until we do that, it is our responsibility to ensure that the behaviour of our members is proper. Another issue that contributed to the low attendance is load shedding that continues to affect the network,” said Mokwatsi.

He said they could not get hold of some of their members who reside in deep rural areas due to poor network connection. Mokwatsi said these ANCYL members could not receive the information timeously.

“So, we will inculcate the message to them and ensure that it reaches everyone. We need to ensure that the guidelines are executed and adhered to the latter,” said Mokwatsi.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two men who appeared at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for possession and dealing with drugs were remanded in custody. Papiki Piet Mofokeng (42) and Ifegbu Chinedu (32) were arrested during disruptive operations on Thursday by the North West Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Drugs Task Team and Stilfontein K9 unit. 

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, in the first arrest, the police were executing search warrants in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein when they arrested Mofokeng after being found in possession of 10 mandrax, 51 packets of crystal meth, and nine half tablets of mandrax and dagga estimated at the street value of R50 000.

“The police were still at the scene when a blue Chevrolet Spark with two occupants arrived. One of the occupants, Ifegbu Chinedu who was allegedly delivering drugs, was arrested after being found in possession of 50 mandrax tablets, and a packet of crystal meth; all with an estimated street value of R40 000.

“Chinedu, who is a Nigerian national, is also facing an additional charge of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002),” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for arresting the suspects as part of ridding communities of drugs.

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs will be conducting public hearings on the Division of Revenue Bill (B2 – 2023) at Mabule Community Hall in Mabule, Boskuil Community Hall in Boskuil, Tosca Community Hall in Tosca and Mabeskraal Tribal Hall in Mabeskraal at 10am.  

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Aaron Motswana said, they will be conducting public hearings on the Division of Revenue Bill (B2 – 2023) bill seeks to provide for the equitable division of revenue raised nationally among the national, provincial and local spheres of government for the 2023/24 financial year.

“The determination of each province’s equitable share, allocations to provinces, local government and municipalities from national government’s equitable share, the responsibilities of all three spheres pursuant to such division and allocations and to provide for matters connected therewith.

“Relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live in the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook and other social media platforms such as YouTube Channel,” Motswana said.

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Picture: The police retrieve the decomposed body from the Taung Dam walls/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A DECOMPOSED body was discovered at Taung Dam on Wednesday. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “A man who was cruising with his boat at Taung Dam, allegedly spotted a body lying on the dam wall.

“He reported the matter to the police and at this stage, the identity of the body is unknown. The body was found in a reasonably decomposed state and we cannot determine how long it was there.”

Botma further said, the police have opened an inquest docket for investigation, which is underway.

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Setshwantsho: Mokwadi wa dibuka, Kgotlhaetsile Mokabeng

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

Mokwadi wa dibuka, Kgotlaetsile Mokabeng o rotloetsa bontsi jwa batho, segolo bogolo thata basha go ka buisa. Mokabeng (35), yo eleng morebuludi-mmogo wa Taung Imatlafatse Book Club, kaile fa a itemogetse fa bontsi jwa basha ba sa tlhole ba buisa dibuka, mme seo se tswelela go ama ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng.

“Bontsi jwa basha ba dirisa nako e ntsi ya bone mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso jaaka Facebook, Instagram, Twitter ga mmogo le tse dingwe. Fela, ke itemogetse fa ba dirisa mafaratlhatlha ao botlhatswa. Jaanong, ke tlhola ke etse tlhoko ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng, mme ke ile ka utlwa botlhoko thata go gaisa.  

“Ka mokgwa o ba kwalang ka teng, go bontsha fa ba beile thata mo metlaeng, mme fa bangwe ba bone ba ka tsaya bokwadi tsia, e ka nna bakwadi ba mmakgonte. Jaaka bakwadi, re batla go bona puo ya rona ya Setswana e gola, mme e feleletse e itsiwe lefatshe ka bophara,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.        

Are, o tshimolotse go nna mokwadi ka ngwaga wa 2006 fa a ne a tlhagisa buka ya kgankgutswe e e bidiwang, Botshelo Jo. Go ya ka Mokabeng, o ile a ntsha gape buka ya bobedi e e bidiwang Bana Ba Mpa ka 2019.

“Lerato laka la bokwadi le rotloeditswe ke mokwadi wa buka ya Maru, Bessie Head. Go bo tlhokwa jaaka mokwadi go ka buisa dibuka tsa bakwadi ba bagwe, gonne o tla ithuta gore bakwadi ba bangwe ba kwala jang.

“Kana fa o ka lebelela, buka ya Maru e bua ka Batswana bagaetsho ga mmogo le morafe wa Masarwa go tswa kwa nageng ya boagisani ya Botswana. Ke itumeletse ka mokgwa o mokwadi wa bua eo, a e tlhagisitseng ka teng,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.

Go ya Mokabeng, mokwadi wa buka ya Maru, o nere mmuisi mo lefelong la tiragalo. Mokabeng are ke ka moo a reng mokwadi o e kwadile ka bokgabane le matsetseleko.

Mokabeng, yo ga jaana a tsweletsang dithuto tsa gagwe kwa unibesiting ya UNISA, koo a ithutelang dithutego tsa Archives and Records Management, are konoseditse dithuto tsa gagwe tsa marematlou kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Kgosietsile Lethola.

Mokabeng are, ene ya re morago ga marematlou, one a leba kwa kholejeng ya ikatiso ya Vuselela kwa Pudimoe ko a neng a ithutela tsa kgwebo teng.

“Fela, ga ke aka ka kgona go konosetsa dithuto tsame teng. Jaaka morebuludi-mmogo wa Taung Imatlafatse Book Club, rena le dingwaga di le tharo re ntse re tsweletse ka go rulaganya di kopano tse di farologaneng le go rotloetsa bana go ka buisa.

“Re kopana gangwe mo kotareng, mme seo se re thusa thata. Gape mo dikopanong tseo, re mema moitsanape wa bokwadi mo dibukeng tsa bana go tla go ba buisetsa le go ba tlhaba matlhale mo go kwaleng. Kana dikgang di monate ditla ka mong wa tsone, jaanong re rotloetsa thata bana go ka kwala,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa.

Jaanong, ga jaana, Mokabeng o mekamekane le diporojeke tse di farologaneng mo di porofenseng dile pedi eleng ya Bokone Bophirima ga mmogo le Kapa Bokone. Are, se se botlhokwa ha o le motho ke go ka dira ka natla gore o bone maungo a namatshang.

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Picture: Sewer spillage overflows into a house in Pampierstad/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the residents at Korea Section in Pampierstad said, the sewer spillage in his yard is hazardous to his health and children. Wesley Kgadubane (37) said, he has reported the sewer to the Phokwane Local Municipality, but nothing has been done to fix the mess.

“I have tried all avenues to report this mess, but the municipal workers will come and fix the sewer only for it to burst again after two days. So, our health is at risk because sewage contains harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

“What is more worrisome is that, the sewer overflows down the street and sometimes, children play in the dirt. We urge the municipality to do something about this before we lose lives,” Kgadubane said.

He further said, now he has to stay indoors because of the bad odour that comes outside. Kgadubane added that, the spillage might be caused by poor maintenance. He urged the municipality to properly maintain the sewer system to enable it to get rid of the sewage safely.

The Phokwane Local Municipality spokesperson, Kgalaelo Letshabo said: “Sewer spillage remains a huge challenge at Phokwane. Every day of the week, our water and sanitation team works on blocked manholes, sewer pipe leaks and spillages.

“This is due to ageing infrastructure in the sewer network. Foreign objects flushed down the toilet are also a contributing factor in the sewer network.”

Letshabo said, the municipality has made contact with the complainant after seeing the pictures on social media, even though they had already attended to the problem previously. She said that given the reasons mentioned above, this causes a backwash in that yard.

“Our team has been onsite addressing the problem,” said Letshabo.

Meanwhile, the https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au website said: “Sewage overflows can be caused by damaged or blocked plumbing, sewerage system backflow, septic tank damage and flood water. If your home has an overflow, protecting yourself and your family should be your top priority.

“Avoid direct contact with sewage and any contaminated surfaces. Thoroughly disinfect every surface touched by sewage. Make sure you wear protective clothing when cleaning and disinfecting, including rubber gloves, boots and eye protection.”

It said, affected people should use an uncontaminated water supply when cleaning. The website said, people should not use their own water supply, if you they are unsure of its quality.

“If a sewage disposal system is not properly maintained it will not be able to get rid of the sewage safely. Proper maintenance of a sewerage system means all faulty (blocked, damaged, broken or worn-out) parts must be repaired as soon as possible after they stop working correctly.

“Practise good hygiene and wash your hands frequently, especially after touching contaminated surfaces and before preparing food. Clean and disinfect all contaminated areas. Keep children and pets away from contaminated objects and areas until they have been disinfected.

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Picture: The deceased persons, Ontuetse and Mosalashuping Mokhasi who died at Modisa Lodge in Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Mokhasi family in Cokonyane village, near Taung, said, the deaths of Ontuetse (34) and Mosalashuping (39) left them dejected. The duo drowned, while trying to swim at the notorious Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung last week Saturday.

It is alleged that, there was a function at the lodge and Mosalashuping jumped into the swimming pool in a quest to swim, however, drowned. According to an eyewitness, the drowning man allegedly raised his hand calling for help.

It is alleged that Mosalashuping’s nephew, Ontuetse jumped into the pool to try and rescued him, but he also drowned. The Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) was called to the scene.

It is alleged that Mosalashuping was ferried to Taung District Hospital for medical attention, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival, while Ontuetse was certified dead on the scene.

The family spokesperson, Victor Mokhasi said: “We are devastated, but we have to put everything in the hands of God. The owner of the lodge paid homage to the bereaved family and wanted to understand what really happened from the perspective of those who eye witnessed the tragedy.

“So, we have accepted the situation, and funeral preparations for the deceased persons are underway. They will be buried on Saturday at Cokonyane village cemetery and we also appreciate all heartfelt condolences from friends and the community of Taung at large,” Mokhasi said.  

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We have registered and investigating an inquest docket. The deceased persons were booked at the lodge for the Easter weekend and they were swimming when they drowned. No foul play suspected,” Funani said.

She further said drowning is an ever-present risk when people go on outings to rivers, beaches, dams, and swimming pools. Funani added that, people should always exercise water safety tips at all times.

“Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim.

“Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and must avoid places, where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents, or a danger of being washed onto the rocks,” she said.

Funani said, people should also check the weather and the tides before they leave home – if the sea is too rough, they could be swept away. She urges people to only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.

“If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea, or at least do not go in deep. Never swim while you are intoxicated because alcohol impairs judgment and unnecessary risks are taken.

“An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning. Kindly check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea or swimming pools,” said Funani.

She said people should swim only in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. Funani also said, people should avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps.

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Picture: A Porsche Cayenne allegedly belonging to Bester’s girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana seized/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A MAN (28) was taken in for questioning by police after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a white Porsche Cayenne vehicle believed to belong to Thabo Bester’s girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana.

The National police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said, the vehicle was seized by the Gauteng SAPS Tracking Team in Lichtenburg, North West.

Still on Bester’s saga, a man (44) is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court this morning following his arrest on Tuesday.  

Mathe said, the suspect who is an employee contracted to a company that installs and maintains cameras at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, faces a charge of aiding and abetting a convicted prisoner to escape from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice as well as violation of a dead body.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said, the police are closing the net on those responsible for aiding Bester to escape from lawful custody.

“Anyone who knows that they are involved in this case are warned to hand themselves over to authorities. Either they hand themselves in or we fetch them ourselves,” said Masemola.

Bester and his co-accused, Dr Nandipha were brought back to South Africa this morning.

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Picture: The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe donating soccer kits/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said he is delighted to donate kits to various teams across the district. Molefe said, they want to see players develop, improve and reach their fullest potential and he is confident that, this partnership will enable them to do that.

Last week, Molefe donated 15 soccer kits to community-based soccer teams in the district. He said, although there is a North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation that is faced solely with assisting and facilitating sports in the communities, they cannot just stand by and not help where necessary.

“As the district municipality, we have partnered with a local company to make sure this gesture materialised. We are planting a seed here and there are no business people, who will do business without ploughing back to the communities.

“Whether they are consultants or contractors, they should leave something for the community and we will not retreat on this agenda. So, the district is pleased with the donations from companies that do business with the municipality,” he said.

Molefe said the municipality will continue to support its communities.

Meanwhile, the Golden Ladies FC, Okraal, Benfica FC, and Sannieshof FC, were a few of the beneficiaries who were at the council chamber to receive their kits. Molefe further emphasised that the municipality could not do this alone.

The Marauding FC representative, Tebogo Sega shared the same sentiments. Sega said they were grateful to receive a new kit.

“The team is excited and it has lifted their morale. I am certain that we will do well in our upcoming games,” said Sega.

The chairperson of district sports federation, Ntswaki Marase Vangele said: “We are thankful for what Molefe has done. He is the first mayor in the district to do such an act. We struggle a lot and we are overlooked, but everything happens at the right time.”

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