By OBAKENG MAJE

Although it is possible to start a TV channel, sometimes it is a bit challenging. But if you are up for it, it can be a rewarding project. So, this is exactly what Taung Community TV (TCTV) is doing.

This Saturday, all roads will be leading to the Taung Sports Ground for a mouth-watering fund-raising event. The social mogul, Kagiso Kai who is TCTV founder and CEO said, the event is all about raising funds.

“This event will assist us in many ways, so we urge all community members to come in numbers and show their support. We need to raise funds so that we can be able to buy some equipment needed for the TV and for the renovation of the house that was donated by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to the channel.

“We understand that, when one requests assistance, it takes time for institutions to respond. So, we came up with this initiative in order for us to have funds that will assist us to be operational. This will be an annual event as we also welcome the spring season,” he said.

According to Kai, the gates will open at 10am. He further said all systems are in place as they have roped in award-winning artists to perform.

“There will be high police visibility and the EMS will be on standby in case of any emergency. We expect the people of Taung and its surroundings to come in numbers in support of this event.

“Those who support this initiative will be contributing enormously to this good cause. We would also like to thank the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Paper City Tent Hire, Kebonekatlo, and MMA security services for their contributions,” he said.

Kai also lauded other contributors such as Lesego Plaatjie, Daylight Delight, Boema Purified Water, and many others who came on board. He added that the Taung Community TV project will benefit the people of Taung at large including the whole Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region.

“TCTV will be giving our local artists an opportunity to showcase their talents through our platform. So, we are requesting those who will be attending to contribute towards the sanitary towel campaign too.

“These sanitary pads will be distributed accordingly to various schools after the event. The aim of this campaign is to keep a girl child in school in confidence. Our performing artists are locals, who will be volunteering their services as part of their contribution towards this great initiative,” said Kai.

The tickets for the event are available at the gates and will only cost R50 for adults and R30 for children. Kai said adults are urged to bring along a packet of sanitary pads or R30 as a top-up.  

“We submitted our application documents to ICASA on 30 June 2022 for licensing and we are waiting for the outcomes. However, there is a call on Digital Terrestrial Television that is coming.

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Picture: The Taung Community fund-raising event 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Poiho Modise (30) who was kidnapped almost a year ago in Loselong village, near Taung said, they are dejected. According to a family member, Kehilwe Modise, Poiho was abducted by a mob justice that called themselves Mapogo on 20 September 2021 and he never returned home. 

“I have a complaint against the mob justice members, who call themselves Mapogo in Loseng. They abducted our brother after accusing him of stock theft. We do not even know whether he is still alive or not wherever he is.

“We went to the Pudimoe Police Station to report the matter, but we have not received any joy. What triggered this is because the same group allegedly kidnapped a boy (19) a few months ago and killed him,” Modise said.

She further said, those who kidnapped her brother, were supposed to hand him over to the police if he committed any criminal activities. Now, Modise urged the police to intensify their search for the kidnapped Poiho and also call on anyone who can help to track him to come forward.

“What is hard-breaking is that those who kidnapped him are roaming the streets freely without any accountability. So, we also feel unsafe as a family because we do not know who will be next.  

“We only want to know whether he is still alive or not, so that we can have closure. This has affected us all as family and we could not take it anymore. Anyone who has information regarding our brother’s whereabouts, please come forward,” said Modise.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A case of kidnapping was opened on 22 September 2021 after it was reported to the police in Taung that, Poiho Modise had been kidnapped by a group of men at Leshobo village.

“The investigations were conducted and the victim has not been found yet. The case docket was taken to the Taung Magistrate’s Court for a decision on 4 August 2022 and we are still waiting for the outcome.”

Van Rooyen added that, the investigating officer indicated that he has been updating the family member on a regular basis. She said, if the family is still not satisfied, they can go and see the Detective Commander of Taung so that the progress in the case can be explained.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 850 000 job opportunities have been created through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). The Minister for Department Basic Education (DBE), Angie Motshekga said this initiative has done more than providing a chance for young people to gain meaningful work experience.

Many Teaching and General Assistants across the country bid farewell after the PYEI concluded on 31 August 2022.

“The initiative was designed to assist young people’s livelihoods and acts as a means of addressing South Africa’s high rates of youth unemployment. The youth had numerous opportunities to gain more skills through training opportunities offered by partners such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), NEMISA, Digify Africa, and 2Enable.

“Schools across the country have enjoyed hosting a group of enthusiastic and dedicated young South Africans, whose contribution to teaching and learning have been immense,” she said.

Motshekga further said the end of Phase III of the PYEI-BEEI does not mark the end of the road for the youth. She added that the initiative has created a platform for many to chart a path towards better prospects in the labour market.

“The skills and experiences gained will impact positively on future career prospects of the youth. The department wants to encourage all youth to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available on the SAYouth.mobi platform.

“Through this platform, youth can access earning, learning, and entrepreneurial opportunities that are provided by private partners. The youth can also access other beneficial information such as CV writing and interview tips on the eCubed WhatsApp called Teacher Connect, through this number; 060 060 3333,” said Motshekga.

She added: “The youth can also access scholarship and bursary opportunities that are made available through the eCubed WhatsApp Bot. The youth and their employers have made contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) throughout their tenure as School Assistants in the PYEE-BEEI.

“The UIF is an essential safety net to which employees and employers contribute, and from which employees who become unemployed are entitled to benefits, and in so doing, alleviate the harmful economic and social effects of unemployment.”

Motshekga said applications for unemployment benefits must be made in the prescribed form at an employment office. She said the application must be made within six months of the termination of the contract of employment.

“The UIF payment can only be claimed if a person was previously employed but is currently unemployed. The department thanked all the youth that participated in the PYEI-BEEI for availing their services to schools.

“The department further wishes everyone who was part of PYEI success with their future endeavours. In the main, all provinces have paid stipends for August 2022, however, there are a few cases of outstanding stipends, which Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) are working tirelessly to resolve,” said Motshekga.

She said where the unpaid stipends are identified, the delays are due to the finalization of the validation and verification (V&V) processes to ensure that there is no under or over-allocation of funds to schools.

Motshekga said through the V&V process, the PEDs are working with districts to verify the funds previously sent to schools against the reported number of stipends.

“Schools are required to provide certain documents to provide assurance to the PEDs that all funds transferred to schools for the payment of stipends are in line with the number of youth appointed,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A man was sentenced to four life terms imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for rape, house-breaking, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and theft. Lebogang Nyoka (34) was sentenced to a further five years for assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH) and three years for theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the police reports revealed that on 15 September 2014, Nyoka broke into a house and found a woman (40) asleep.

“He then assaulted her with a knobkerrie all over her body and subsequently raped her. Following this heinous crime, Nyoka then stole the victim’s television set and fled the scene.

“In a separate incident, Nyoka applied the same modus operandi by breaking into a house in Pampierstad on 24 September 2014. He found a woman (64) and her granddaughter (9) asleep. Nyoka then threatened them with a knife before raping both of them,” he said.

Following his action, he stole a laptop and fled the scene. The woman (64) has since passed on, while the matter was still in court. Nyoka was later arrested for an unrelated incident of house-breaking and police managed to link him to the other two rape incidents through DNA specimen, however, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He was remanded in custody until the completion of the cases. In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor, Sandile Mbokazi urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence as he described Nyoka as a remorseless individual, who had no regard for women and children.

Magistrate Thataetsile Matolong agreed with the state and alluded to the responsibility that the court holds in dealing with cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide(GBV&F).

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo said: “We want to applaud the state prosecutor and the investigating officer for a successful conviction. This conviction should send a stern warning that the criminal justice system will deal harshly with those who continue to engage in such odious acts of crime against women and children.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A business robbery case against three men that took place at a Shoprite store in Taung was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 22 September 2022 for further investigation.

It is alleged that, on 1 August 2022, three accused, Belcarid Salvadon Malate (39), who is a Mozambican and illegal in South Africa, Mosimanegape John Sebolao (49), and Monnapula Tshabadira (32) entered the store, while it was about to close and held staff captive.

They allegedly robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of money and some belongings. However, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the police in Taung quickly reacted after receiving a call about a business robbery in progress at the store.

“The Community Service Centre and Crime Prevention Unit members were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival at the scene of the crime, the police found three suspects who were about to exit the store.

“The suspects were immediately arrested and the stolen property was confiscated and a case of business robbery was opened,” van Rooyen said.

According to information presented before a court, the accused have other pending cases of business and armed robberies committed in Klerksdorp and Vesselsbron in Free State respectively. 

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the police for their swift response, which led to the arrests of these suspects.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022 for a formal bail application. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022. He is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.

Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation. The case is still on trial.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Department of Education said teaching and learning will not be affected at Tshwaraganelo Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. This comes after the fire gutted the school on Saturday.   

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The school classroom caught fire and furniture including books burnt were burnt to ashes. However, teaching and learning will not be affected as learners will be combined, while planning to procure another mobile to replace the burnt one.

“The district’s Learner Teaching Supply Material (LTSM) official and Circuit Manager, will verify the shortages and address the needs. Also, top-up orders will be done urgently. Assessment is recorded in South Africa’s School Administration and Management System (SAMS), where necessary re-assessment will be written.”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, who is a foreign national, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine worth R2.2 million in South Africa. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, the multi-disciplinary team was conducting a cross-border operation on 28 August 2022.

“Resultantly, the suspect was arrested after a taxi travelling from Botswana to South Africa was searched and three bags of cocaine were allegedly found hidden in false compartments of his two backpacks.

“The Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng and officials of the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry arrested him. He will make his first appearance before the Lehurutse Magistrate’s Court on 30 August 2022, where he will be facing charges of Contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992,” she said.

Rikhotso said, the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the excellent work by the police.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents of Huhudi Township near Vryburg welcomed the Community In Blue patrollers in their areas. This comes after the alleged high rate of crime being experienced in the area recently.

One of the community leaders, Samma Sibi said, they are grateful to launch this initiative as it aims at achieving more effective crime control, reducing fears of crime, improved police services through proactive partnerships and programs with the police. 

Sibi further said, they are working in partnership with the Huhudi Police Station in a quest to solve safety problems.

“The initiative is supported by the South African Police Services (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995 that mandates all station commissioners to establish these forums at the station level. So, we are happy that the Huhudi Police Station has launched this initiative for the very first time.

“The safety of our community is our concern, so we started at Huhudi stadium and we will be here until tomorrow morning. There is an ongoing North West Traditional Doctors conference currently taking place here too,” Sibi said.

He urged people to support this initiative to make their township a free crime zone. Sibi further said, those who have questions or need any clarity can call the Huhudi Police Station at (053) 928-4066.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said in order for this community policing to be achievable, South Africa has in its Constitution Act 108 of 1996 entrenched the establishment of Community Police Forums (CPFs).

“The Community in Blue Patrollers program was formulated and is in line with the community policing approach and national development plan. The aim of the program is to motivate communities to play an active role in community safety by reporting criminal activities such as suspicious behaviours and actively joining the police in preventing crime through visibility.

“So, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Huhudi Township managed to launch their Community In Blue patrollers and commenced with their patrolling duties under the supervision of the Huhudi Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mbotho,” she said.

Van Rooyen added that, the program was not specifically started because there is a high rate of crime in the area, but this is a national program, that must be rolled out at all police stations throughout South Africa.

She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) needs the community to come on board in ensuring safer communities for all and this program will help to achieve that goal.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A fraud case against a former bookkeeper at RK Henderson & Associates, Lazarus William Meas (48) has been transferred to the Kimberley Specialized Commercial Crime Court.

Meas, was served with the summons to appear in court after he allegedly unlawfully and with the intent to defraud, misrepresented to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner, and submitted a nil income tax return.

However, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said, the accused allegedly knew that he received an amount of R2 294 699, and SARS suffered actual prejudice amounting to R856 609.  

“It is further alleged that, during 2013, the accused did unlawfully and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to the SARS commissioner, and submitted an income tax return of R914 650.

“Meas allegedly knew that, he received an amount of R2 212 934 and an amount of R914 650.00. The SARS commissioner suffered actual prejudice amounting to R810 506.74.,” Thebe said.

The accused appeared before Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 29 August 2022 and the case was postponed to 2 November 2022.

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