A man who was arrested during a business robbery in Cokonyane village, near Taung on Saturday allegedly found dead in police custody at Taung Police Station. The deceased (40) from Schweizer Reneke was allegedly attacked by mob justice after he was apprehended by community members.
According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, three armed men allegedly stormed into a business owned by a man (26).
“They attacked and overpowered him. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and an electricity machine before fleeing the scene. The police were summoned to the scene and found one suspect being apprehended by community members, who assaulted him.
“The suspect was arrested and taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of business burglary was opened for further investigation and the suspect will face these charges at the Taung Magistrate’s Court as soon as he is released from hospital,” she said.
It is alleged that the suspect was released from the hospital on Monday. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, and van Rooyen have not responded to the Taung DailyNews media inquiry regarding the death of the suspects.
*The response will be incorporated in the article when received.
North West police urge community members to be wary of online advertisements, especially on various social media platforms. This comes after a man, who was planning to buy a Toyota Quantum after seeing it on Facebook, was robbed.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “On 15 April 2023, the victim saw an advertisement for a sale of Toyota Quantum on Facebook. He made contact with the seller, who purported to be the lawful owner.
“A meeting was arranged in Tswelelang Location, near Wolmaranstad where the prospective buyer took the vehicle for a test drive. An agreement was subsequently reached and the victim drove with the owner to collect necessary documents.”
Mokgwabone further said, in the process, they allegedly offered hitchhikers a lift. He added that, however, the said hitchhikers robbed the potential buyer of his cell phone and forced him out of the vehicle.
“The public is therefore urged to be vigilant of social media and online advertisements. Should they become suspicious, they are advised to contact the nearest police station.
“The prospective buyers are requested to buy from reputable and registered car dealers, not to carry large amounts of cash nor pay money in cash during transactions, but rather opt for an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT),” said Mokgwabone.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said vaccination has proven to be one of the life-saving methods. According to Sambatha, vaccination has saved millions of lives across the world by reducing the risk of getting diseases.
“The vaccination saves live by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.
This week from 24 until 28 April 2023, the department joins the world in observing African Vaccination Week (AVW).
“The day is commemorated annually to highlight the importance of immunisation. It also aims to encourage families to vaccinate against deadly diseases and promote the delivery of other high-impact lifesaving interventions,” he said.
Sambatha said, the AVW further coincides with World Immunization Week 2023, which aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. He added that under the theme “The Big Catch-Up”, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with strategic partners, is working to ensure that countries rapidly accelerate measures to ensure more people, particularly children, are protected from preventable diseases.
“WHO has identified 2023 as a global opportunity to catch up on lost progress in essential immunisation. The organisation has committed to reaching the millions of children who missed out on vaccines, strengthening primary health care to deliver immunization, and building lasting protection in communities and countries.
“The commemoration of the African Vaccination Week takes place against the backdrop of a growing Provincial Measles Vaccination Campaign as the North West province currently stands at 216 confirmed cases to date from the total of 960 cases confirmed nationwide,” said Sambatha.
He said this is according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Speaking on the vaccination program, Sambatha affirmed the efficacy of vaccines in the fight against diseases.
“NICD has also issued a provincial alert against the rising numbers of Mumps disease, especially in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District as we are currently standing at 155 confirmed cases.
“We encourage people to vaccinate against all communicable and non-communicable diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. The emergence of COVID-19 and its vaccination has proven that vaccination is and remains the vital protection against diseases and death,” he said.
Sambatha urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor children’s “Road to Health” cards to ensure that all necessary vaccines such as Polio, Measles, Mumps, and others are duly administered to children.
Picture: Community members from Modimong village picketing outside court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder trial against two men from Modimong village, near Taung has been postponed to 24 June 2023 by the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg. Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are facing a murder case after 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.
Picture: A BP Inn truck driver found dead in a truck/Morongwa Media
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West police in Vryburg said an investigation on the inquest case is still underway. This comes after a BP Truck Inn driver, Tebogo Leshole (51) found dead in a truck in Vryburg on 20 April 2023.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On Thursday morning, the owner of BP Truck Inn came to report that a truck driver was found to be unresponsive.
“Upon investigation at the scene, the truck was found to be locked and the door had to be forced open. The driver was found unresponsive and Emergency Medical Responsive Services (EMRS) personnel declared him dead.
“The driver was identified by another truck driver from the same company. An inquest was opened by the Vryburg police for further investigation and no foul play is suspected,” she said.
Picture: Community members from Modimong village picketing outside the court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A trial in a murder case against two men from Modimong village, near Taung has commenced at North West High Court in Vryburg today. Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are facing a murder case after 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.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West allegedly appointed a Provincial Task Team a few months ago to investigate the case from scratch after a ‘shoddy’ done by the previous investigation team.
A man (40) is under police guard at Taung District Hospital after being apprehended by community members in Cokonyane village, near Taung on Saturday for alleged armed robbery. According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, three armed men allegedly stormed into a business owned by a man (26).
“They attacked and overpowered him. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and an electricity machine before they fled. The police were summoned to the scene and found one suspect being apprehended by community members, who assaulted him.
“The suspect was arrested and taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of business burglary was opened for further investigation and the suspect will face these charges in the Taung Magistrate’s Court as soon as he is released from hospital,” she said.
Myburgh said in an unrelated incident, four men were arrested for being in possession of suspected illegal firearms. She further said, the police received information about a suspicious vehicle near Taung District Hospital and immediately operationalised it.
“On their arrival, the police found the vehicle with four male occupants, who gave them permission to search the vehicle. During the search, two firearms were found in
possession of the men and they were arrested.
“The suspects are aged 32,35,39,47 and the matter is still under investigation,” she said.
A woman from Manokwane village, near Taung said she is heading to the Small Claim Court to seek a recourse. This comes after the Director of Reitlamile Funeral Parlour, Nobantu Cresta Verby sent her from pillar to post.
According to Boikhutso Plaatjie, she took a funeral cover at Reitlamile Funeral Parlour for her uncle, Tebogo Robert Plaatjie (76) and paid the premium every month as instructed. However, the parlour refused to pay after the passing of her uncle.
“My uncle passed away in February 2023, so I launched a claim with Reitlamile Funeral Parlour. However, the funeral parlour could not keep its promises as its director, Verby, gave me the runaround. She said their underwriter has not paid them yet.
“Now, it has been two months and we had to come up with another plan to ensure that our uncle is buried with dignity at the time. The Reitlamile Funeral Parlour’s behaviour left us in a difficult situation. Even some family members accused me of receiving the money, yet failed to hand it over,” she said.
Plaatjie further said she tried her level best to engage with Verby, but she refused to come to the party. She added Verby deposited R10 000 after she sought assistance from Taung Dailynews.
“She promised to deposit the rest a week after, however, she did not. Verby only deposited R4000 and there is a R6000 balance. I took the matter to the small claim court in a quest to recoup my money from Reitlamile Funeral Parlour. I have now sent them a letter of demand and we will take it from there.
“This is my horrible experience with the Reitlamile Funeral Parlour. I think this must serve as a warning to their potential clients and current ones. This is a kind of attitude that Reitlamile Funeral Parlour will dish out to them during their time of need,” said Plaatjie.
A month ago, Verby told Taung DailyNews that they had a challenge with their underwriter, hence the delay. She promised to resolve the matter, however, according to Plaatjie, nothing has been resolved.
Meanwhile, the Senior Small Claims Court Commissioner at the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court, Henro Du Plessis said: “The Small Claims Court offers a quicker and easier way of resolving certain civil disputes that involve amounts up to R20 000. You do not need a lawyer to represent you at a Small Claims Court.
“All official languages may be used in a Small Claims Court. The court assists on the amount not exceeding R 20 000 (This amount is determined by the Minister from time to time in the Government Gazette, GG 42282, GoN 296, 05 Mar 2019, which comes into effect on 01 Apr 2019. If your claim exceeds R 20 000 in value), you can institute a claim for a lesser amount to pursue your case in the Small Claims Court.”
According to du Plessis, there are cautionary principles for persons using the Small Claim Courts. He said, if one intends to institute a claim in the Small Claims Court, one should ensure that the opposing party is able to compensate you should the judgment be in your favour.
“It is futile to institute a claim against another person, who is unemployed and who possesses no property. Contact the person with whom you have a dispute in person, in writing or telephonically and ask them to settle your claim.
“If the person owing your money has not paid the claim in 14 days, go to the small claims court with a copy of the letter of demand, any contract or agreement between you and the person, which proves the claim, a post slip or any other document that proves that the letter of demand was handed to the person,” said du Plessis.
He said, the clerk of the court will prepare a summons, which will force the person to come to court at the set date. Du Plessis said the summons will be delivered by you or the sheriff of the court.
“Please, always remember the date and time during which your case will be heard. On the day of the court hearing, you must bring proof that the summons was delivered to the person you are claiming from. The court procedure is informal and not complicated.
“You will be expected to tell your story and answer questions from the commissioner of the small claims court. If the person who owes you money refuses to pay, they should then be sent a letter of demand which indicates all the facts and the specific amount you are claiming,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visiting John Frylinck Secondary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Learners at John Frylinck Secondary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, believe that the intervention from the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi will assist in resolving gangsterism at their school. Motsumi visited the school on Monday after it was shut down due to gang-related matters.
One of the learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “Teachers and learners continue to be under siege due to gang-related matters. Gangsters are running amok at the school and everyone is afraid of them.
“Last week, the school was closed for two days due to gang-related matters. As learners were afraid to attend due to the violence that took place. Some learners came armed with knives and axes as weapons. However, we hope Motsumi’s visit will assist in resolving the matter.”
Another learner shared the same sentiments. She said, there is lawlessness at the school.
“We hardly concentrate on our school work. Now, we are afraid that we might fail because teaching and learning have been severely affected. Teachers are also afraid of the gangsters as they come to school with weapons.
“We urge the police to patrol our school often and ensure that they curb any wrongdoings. As female learners, we do not feel safe anymore because anything can happen to us,” she said.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “We have visited the school to nip the surge of gangsterism in the bud as allegations of gang violence swell. On Friday, the department received reports of school not running for two days due to learners carrying dangerous weapons to school with the intention to cause gang-related crimes.
“So, we strongly condemn this barbaric act. We will not be bullied by learners in schools. No teacher or learner should be frightened of coming to school because of certain learners, who want to carry their wayward behaviour toward others. The democracy we have is to be enjoyed by all and remember, no one is above the law.”
Motsumi further said she has adopted the school because it needs proper support to be at a level that is admirable. She added that they have roped in our external stakeholders like the South African Police Services (SAPS), ward councillors, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to adopt and frequent this school
“Random Search and seizure will be the order of the day and gang leaders using our children should be brought to book. We encourage cooperation among school management and avoid any division as it will impact teaching and learning,” said Motsumi.
According to www.sicelo.org.za website, youth gang violence (YGV) is on the rise in South Africa and the situation seems to have led to increased fears about safety and security in and around schools
“The increasing number of high school learners getting involved in gang activities raises a major concern regarding the impact of their involvement on their educational attainment and/or lives in general. The objectives of the study included exploring the participants’ schooling background, their motivation for joining the gangs, the benefits, if any, of gang membership; the regrets, if any, for involvement in gangs; their future intentions regarding their involvement in YGV; and the role of the community in relation to YGV.
“The article presents, firstly, the theoretical framework that underpinned the study, followed by a discussion on the literature review. This is followed by a summary of the methodology of the study and presentation of the participants’ profiles and a detailed discussion of the research data. The article is concluded with a summary of the key findings and the main recommendations of the study.”
It’s been almost 12 years since the North West Department of Health built an R130 million state-of-the-art community health centre (CHC) in Sekhing village, near Taung. However, the ‘abandoned’ building is slowly turning into a white elephant.
According to one of the residents, Modiegi Senye said, they have lost hope in having their own healthcare centre. Senye said, they have to travel more than 15km to access healthcare centres in Pampierstad or Kgomotso village.
“We are not sure anymore what is going on with that project. However, we really need a clinic in our area and we urge the North West Department of Health to ensure that the centre is working soon.
“Many elderly people are suffering because there is no coordination between primary healthcare centres in Pampierstad, which is in Northern Cape and the North West Department of Health. When we go there, they order us to go to primary healthcare centres in Kgomotso village because we come from North West province,” she said.
Another resident, Tshetse Lontshitse (65) shared the same sentiments. Lontshitse said, it is costly to reach primary healthcare facilities either in Kgomotso or Pampierstad.
“It is very difficult for us because to reach the nearby healthcare facilities is costly and burdensome. Sekhing is a remote rural area, where many people are living beyond the poverty line, but we have to pay R30 in return for a taxi fare because the healthcare facilities are too far,” she said.
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said: “As we speak now, Sekhing CHC is heading for the 12th year, but the progress on its infrastructure is around 90%. That means it is a facility that can be easily opened.
“Remember, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility was used as a vaccination site. When we used it, I wanted to show that we take it over. However, the problem is, contractors who were awarded the work kept changing plans.
“The real problem at Sekhing CHC is the non-availability and non-guarantee of water. We need to find water so that we can drill a borehole and ensure that the facility gets water. The expectation was, we were going to get water from the gravesite.”
Sambatha further said, however, that will be a bad manner. He added that they are now looking for a source of water to ensure that, there is provision of water at the facility before it opens its doors to the public.
Meanwhile, the Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Gavin Edwards, who is also the Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial spokesperson on Health said, it is depraved that the R130 million healthcare centre consists of an outpatient department, emergency medical rescue services, a pharmacy and staff accommodation has not provided a single patient with any medical care.
“This multi-million project is another clear indication that the ANC-run North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is not serious about quality healthcare to residents. In March 2019, Sambatha publicly announced that the facility was 90% complete and it would be handed over to the department at the end of March 2019.
“The fact that not a single construction worker is on-site again points to the fact that this centre will not be ready to provide much-needed medical services to the residents in the area any time soon,” Edwards said.
He called on Sambatha to institute an in-depth investigation to find the culprits that held up the project and heads must roll accordingly.
The Guardian 