A case of a man arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime unit, the Hawks, for dealing in uncut diamonds in Mahikeng, has been postponed to 2 March 2022 for formal bail application.
Piet Vissagie (40) was arrested on Wednesday and briefly appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Investigation team followed up on information and the suspect was arrested in a sting operation during an alleged sale transaction of 13 uncut diamonds, which he was selling for R3.5 million.
“The diamonds were found in his possession and they were subsequently seized for further investigation. Meanwhile the suspect will face a charge of dealing in uncut diamonds,” Rikhotso said.
Picture: Newsroom Afrika reporter, Bafedile Moerane/Supplied
By LESEDI SETLHODI-PAUL
People embark on various careers for myriad reasons, while others are driven by remuneration. However, mostly, they do it mainly out of passion and to make a positive impact.
Taung DailyNews(TDN) caught up with Newzroom Afrika reporter, the sensational Bafedile Moerane (30) who finds glee that, almost every story that she trails, aid will be brought forth. Moerane’s job as a journalist requires objectivity at all times.
Speaking to TDN, Moerane highlighted, that there’s no other job that she’d rather be doing. However, if it came to a push, she would probably be a school teacher who dresses just as dapper as she does as a field reporter.
“I started my career at Radio Mafisa in Rustenburg and I was fortunate enough to get a spot at SABC right after that. Though I had at some point considered being a news anchor, looking back now I don’t think I would have survived being office bound.
“I prefer to be out and about in quest of finding the truth. I strive in helping communities that may not have a reach to those in authority with challenges they may be faced with,” she said.
Moerane, who hails from Lesetlheng village in Moruleng near Rustenburg, said she did not find the transition from radio to television challenging. As much as the public is exposed to chaotic scenes, when the story is captured, she denies that being her technique.
“We were given ample opportunities to be in sight of the camera while I was still at SABC, hence I found it easy when I joined Newzroom Afrika.
I also beg to differ, because for me, content is crucial. You do not necessarily have to show people crying and all that in order to have a good story. You have to show some respect,” said Moerane.
As far as working on a story that may not be up Moerane’s alley, she said she has not come across one.
“In my career as a journalist, come what may be, you have to produce work at the end of the day. Fortunately, I haven’t been in a position whereby I’ve rejected a story,” she concluded.
Picture: The late City Press journalist, Poloko Tau
By OBAKENG MAJE
The late City Press journalist, Poloko Tau (41) was described as a critical thinker, curious and always had a hunger for news. Tau, who passed away on 21 January 2022, was buried on his birthday at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022.
Even though details surrounding his death are sketchy, many ‘believe’ that Tau might have been strangled to death. It is alleged that the window at Tau’s house was broken and there were dribbles of blood where his body was found.
The executive mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said they have organised a memorial lecture to remember Tau as he was an “epitome of principled journalism”.
“We want to say to the sons and daughters of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District that, we see you, we hear you. You are part of us and let us partner. In fact, I encourage all of them to come home and approach us so that together, we craft a partnership on behalf of our people.
“We are humbled by the good citizenry work that they do. So, we have resolved to start with those who are in the media space as they are our mouthpiece and of the community at large.
Molefe said they do not see journalists as enemies, but as part of them. He said journalists help them to disseminate messages to the public.
“The agenda is not corruption as it is a side issue. The agenda is to communicate the message of hope through qualitative service delivery to our people.
“So, we really see the media as part of us. As the new leadership, we want to embrace them and that is how we are going to move forward henceforth,” Molefe said.
The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta shared the same sentiments. Jafta said even though they mourn the death of “PK” as Poloko Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity, they also gathered here to celebrate his life.
“You must take note that there are few corrupt individuals who breathe ‘sigh of relief’ after hearing about Tau’s demise. The intolerant, narrow-minded, scathed and defensive individuals watched us laid to rest the man who never left them alone and exposed the malfeasance affecting service delivery.
“Those are haters of freedom of speech. Tau fearlessly investigated a multi-million contract of the Gupta linked company, Mediosa. He told stories that were most mattered with bravery and in the most inordinate way,” he said.
Jafta said the City Press newspaper is at its strongest because of Tau. He further said, Tau must not only be remembered as an impeccable and brave journalist, but also as a determined Community Development Practitioner.
The City Press news editor, Timothy Molobi said: “Today, I want to talk about Tau the professional. We have worked with him and he was at the forefront during the Marikana Massacre.
“I had mixed feelings when I heard that the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality had organised a memorial lecture for him. I asked myself if it is the same municipality when Tau asked for interviews did they regard him as an enemy?
“Last story he proposed to do was to interview the current speaker of the municipality, who was at the forefront, while people illegally occupied Bop flats in Mahikeng before she became a speaker,” said Molobi.
He said Tau wanted to ‘paint a picture’ of whether she will still be at the forefront and ensure that people are getting accommodation because she has now been elected as the municipal speaker.
“Unfortunately, the interviews never materialised because the speaker kept on dilly-dialling. As the members of the media, we are seen as enemies because we dig deeper and unearth corruption that is happening.
“People should regard us as part of problem-solving. You know, sometimes, I do not blame communication officers because they are told what to say and what not to say,” he said.
Molobi said even though they do not know what happened to Tau, they will leave no stone unturned.
“The Tau family, we promise that we will dig deeper and leave no stone unturned. This is an honour for what the municipality has done. However, we honour people, while they pass away.
“Poloko was one of the best journalists the province has ever produced. Also, people need to understand that the media is the watchdog, so they should not see us as enemies,” said Molobi.
Tau’s former colleague and a friend, Tiro Ramatlhatse said he was honoured to have worked with Tau. Ramatlhatse left people in stitches as he reminisced his working experiences with Tau especially, while covering the news during the Marikana Massacre in Rustenburg in 2012.
North West Media Awards founder and the North West Press Club coordinator, Ananius Ndlovu, said they will declare 17 February as Poloko Tau Day.
A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Molelema village in Taung, Matlhomola Mokwatsi was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for rape.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said, on 4 March 2018, Mokwatsi met a woman (18) who was on her way to print a Curriculum Vitae (CV) at a friend’s house.
Mamothame said he then convinced a victim and offered to assist her at his place.
“Upon arrival, he then took her to his bedroom, threatened her with a spade, and strangled her before raping her twice. After this heinous act, the complaint requested water from Mokwatsi and managed to escape while he was attending to her request.
“The accused was arrested on 5 March 2018, but the trial was delayed by the withdrawal of the first attorney that represented the accused. A Legal Aid attorney was subsequently appointed to represent him,” he said.
Mamothame further said, part of the evidence the state produced in court, was the medical report that confirmed the injuries sustained by the complainant during her ordeal.
He added that the court dismissed his submission that he and the complainant were lovers and that the sex was consensual. Mamothame said the victim in her evidence, indicated that she grew up around the perpetrator and considered him to be her elder.
In aggravation of sentence, Adv Sandile Mbokazi urged the court to consider the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide that is on a rise, and not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
However, Magistrate Buti Zulu sentenced Mokwatsi to 18 years imprisonment, but agreed with the state on the need to strengthen the advocacy on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo lauded the state prosecutor and the police to put the perpetrator behind bars.
Picture: The iconic Mmabatho Palms Hotel and Casino in Mahikeng ablaze/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West said it is concerned over allegations that Peermont, which owns the iconic Mmabatho Palms in Mahikeng, intends to relocate the casino licence to Rustenburg.
Mmabatho Palms Hotel and Casino was reduced to ashes last year during the North West Premier, Bushy Maape’s inauguration celebration. It is alleged that the fire that engulfed the hotel started in one of Maape’s rooms, where he hosted a party.
COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said the removal of the casino license will kill the economy of Mahikeng.
“We view this as an intention to kill the economy of Mahikeng and render it a ghost town. Mahikeng economy relies mostly on government service and other service-related sectors. There are no industries in that area, so the closure and the removal of the casino will leave many workers without jobs.
“The hotel has a rich history and it has been a tourist attraction for many before it burnt down. It is a known fact that tourism on its own is a creator of jobs and if this licence is moved, there will be little if no tourist activities in Mahikeng,” he said.
Konopi further said as COSATU, they also view the move of the casino to Rustenburg as duplication as there is a Mega casino situated about 40km from the town.
He calls on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to convene the provincial economic summit urgently.
“The summit must include all stakeholders in the province. The summit must develop an inclusive approach towards the transformation of the economy of the province, whereby the economic development will be spread across all four districts of the province and not to be centred in one area.
“COSATU calls on the government to reject the request by Peermont to move the license to Rustenburg but rather come up with a mechanism to rebuild the hotel as it was burnt down last year,” said Konopi.
He said if Peermont wants to move out of Mahikeng, they should do so, but leave the gambling license in Mahikeng so that it can be allocated to another operator.
The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo shared the same sentiments. Mphehlo said they are against the closure of Mmabatho Palms Hotel and Casino.
“The planned move by Peermont to close the casino is not properly considered. Mmabatho Palms forms an integral part of the economy of Mahikeng.
“Guests from far and locally, use facilities of the hotel when visiting the city. We are currently engaged in extensive work to turnaround the poor state of service delivery in the city. This includes the engagement of stakeholders to forge relations that will deliver quality basic services to residents,” Mphehlo said.
He also calls on residents and all stakeholders to lodge objections to the closing of the casino with the North West Gambling Board.
Meanwhile, the Peermont Group, Marketing Operations Manager, Nikki Evans said: “Yes, Peermont has officially submitted an application to the North West Gambling Board for the relocation of the Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino and Convention Resort gambling licence to the Waterfall Mall, in Rustenburg.
“There are a set of documents lodged with the board which are available for public view. Regarding the staffing, the document states that the staff employed at Mmabatho Palms, will have the first right of refusal to positions available at the Waterfall Hotel & Casino.
“The staff members employed at Mmabatho Palms who do not wish to relocate to Rustenburg will be accommodated at the remaining operations at Mmabatho Palms as much as possible.”
Evans further said the majority of the additional vacant positions will first be recruited from within Peermont, Rustenburg and surrounding areas and will be aligned with transformation targets.
She added that Peermont has committed to continue the conference, food and beverage operations at Mmabatho Palms should the relocation be approved.
Peermont also owns and operates Rio Casino in Klerksdorp, which its licence was relocated from Taung Sun Hotel and Casino in Taung to Klerksdorp a few years ago.
The issue of water shortages continues to be a challenge to many villages across Taung. The residents from Tamasikwa, Manokwane, Manthe, Maphoitsile and other surrounding villages in Taung said they have over six months without receiving proper drinkable water.
A social activist, Eddie Mogorwe from Manokwane village said, residents had to resort to alternative sources such as wells and furrows to get water. He said it is heart-breaking to find people still being subjected to this kind of abuse even after 27 years of democracy.
“Our taps run dry and not even a single drop of water comes out. Now, our reliability of water is from wells and furrows which are of poor quality. We urge our government to do away with the decentralization of water management as monitoring of both water supply and water use are essential measures.
“As we speak, we have Taung Dam but we still continue struggling with provision of water. I believe that there must be a tailor-made approach to each municipality for provision of safe and drinkable water in each village,” he said.
Another resident from Tamasikwa village who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We will highly-appreciate it, if we have access to basic drinkable water. We are now forced to share water with animals from the nearby river.
“Why is it so difficult for the government to do monitoring and evaluation of the water? Now, we are not sure who to talk to because our plea just falls in deaf ears. It seems our government officials forgot that water has now become a key element since we have COVID-19 in our midst.”
Meanwhile, the North West Premier Bushy Maape who addressed the Exco Planning Lekgotla held at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in Taung on Tuesday said the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan is in full swing.
“Well, on Friday, we will be speaking about our plans for this year. What it is that we are going to do. Generally, we will take the cue from the Cabinet Lekgotlha and State of the National Address (SONA).
“I think the State of the Province Address (SOPA) will address and indicate what we are going to deal with. The address will cover many service delivery issues and remember, the North West is a water scarce province,” he said.
Maape further said an inter-departmental committee on water challenges has been set up and continues to meet regularly. He added that the provincial government recently held a three-day session with the Department of Water and Sanitation and this is aimed at finding solutions to challenges of water provision in the province.
A GBH assault case against the ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) has been struck off the roll pending investigations.
Mothibi alongside with other three accused, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) allegedly assaulted Aobakwe Tau during a commotion at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung back in 2021.
It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries.
He was taken to a local clinic and transferred to Taung District Hospital.
According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to injuries sustained. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau, while lying down after the beatings.
Now, the court struck the case off its roll and ordered the investigating officer to go and take additional statements from eyewitnesses and incorporate them as evidence before the case can be continued.
Meanwhile, at the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”. The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.
However, the ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola, said he was not aware of the matter, but he will inform the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in North West about the case. However, Mabogola did not respond to Taung DailyNews inquiry regarding any developments before going to print.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said epilepsy is the fourth common neurological disorder and it affects people of all ages. Sambatha who commemorated International Epilepsy Day, said it is pivotal to promote awareness.
“Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.
“The International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 130 countries each year. Every year on the second Monday of February, people join together to acknowledge and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers,” he said.
Sambatha highlighted that during a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. He further said there are few symptoms between seizures.
“Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes. There are estimated 65 million people around the world who are living with epilepsy.
“Epilepsy affects 1 in every 100 people in South Africa. It is approximately half a million of South Africans based on a total estimated population of 59.31 (2020) million. The following simple facts may assist to combat stigma and prejudice against people living with the epileptic condition and raise awareness,” said Sambatha.
He encouraged people to never force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. Sambatha added that forcing something into the mouth of someone having a seizure is a good way to chip teeth, cut gums, or even break someone’s jaw.
“The national epilepsy awareness week starts from 8–14 February with an intention to raise awareness and educate our society about this neurological problem affecting a sizeable chunk of our population.
“Therefore, it is important to learn to assist and live with people suffering from epileptic conditions beyond this period and arm ourselves with necessary information to understand and deal with it,” he concluded.
Picture: North West Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair, Aaron Motswana/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region alleged that the ANC continues to protect corruption taking place at the beleaguered Mamusa Local Municipality.
This comes after a confrontation between the EFF councillor who is the municipal speaker, Olebeng Mogorosi and the chairperson of the North West Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair, Aaron Motswana recently.
Mamusa Local Municipality was called to appear before the committee to respond to the allegations that the municipality has two acting municipal managers and one was allegedly appointed by Mogorosi.
EFF regional spokesperson, Lebogang Koboekae said they have noted with disgust the on-going onslaught of the municipal speaker by the ANC. Koboekae said it is a fact that the ANC is ‘at the brink of collapsing’ the Mamusa Local Municipality by protecting corruption it has been benefitting from over the years.
“There is a responsibility to ensure that there is accountability within the municipality and sound administration. Therefore, that rests on the EFF councillor who was elected as the speaker of council within the municipality.
“On 6 February 2022, Motswana sent an invitation to Mogorosi that clearly outlined the purpose of the meeting and equally listed the officials who were to form part of the meeting such as the mayor, MPAC chairperson and the municipal manager,” he said.
Koboekae said, surprisingly, upon Mogorosi’s arrival at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPG) where the meeting was held, he was told that a certain community member, NPO and suspended CFO will be forming part of the meeting.
“Mogorosi outlined to Motswana that the guests could not form part of the meeting since they are not municipal officials or employees. However, Motswana arrogantly told the speaker to leave the meeting if he deemed fit to do so, which Mogorosi eventually did.
“Motswana intentionally undermined the decisions and resolutions of the council by inviting the CFO and former acting municipal manager, who was suspended by the very same council due to allegations of gross financial misconduct as well as his friend who was convicted in a court of law for burning the municipal building to the meeting,” he said.
However, Motswana who came out guns blazing said the EFF statement is bizarre and rejected with the contempt it deserves. He said the committee views the statement as a malicious attempt to defocus the attention of the public and the media on the responsibility of the speaker as the custodian of council resolutions to account and clear the allegations of existence of two accounting officers in a municipality where he is presiding.
“The statement issued by the EFF is unfortunate and seeks to undermine the work of the committee, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Standing Rules of the Legislature.
“The speaker was treated like any other invitee in terms of Standing Rules of the North West Provincial Legislature (Rule 114) and Section 115 of the Constitution of the Republic. The Constitution does not allow him to dictate to the portfolio committee of the Legislature on how to conduct or who to invite to its meetings,” he said.
Motswana further said he will not be allowed to apply tactics to escape scrutiny and accountability no matter attempts of interference by political parties. He added that once the speaker is elected, s/he should be neutral, non-partisan and act as a guardian to the Constitution, rule of law and enforcer of same.
“The speaker must be reminded that the office he occupied requires him to serve the people of Mamusa and the public not to be political. Outside government, he can submit to his political party views but the position he occupies requires him to be exemplary.
“The Portfolio Committee will not degenerate into unnecessary mudslinging and deliberate attempts to mislead and undermine the stature of the committee. The committee will continue to perform its functions without fear or favour,” said Motswana.
He added that it is against this background that the committee has resolved to summon the speaker to come and account. Motswana said they will also instruct the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga to go to court and interdict the municipality’s bank account until the council resolves allegations marred the municipality.
Picture: Suspected stolen goats found in possession of three suspects in Lichtenburg/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Three suspects who were found to be in possession of suspected stolen stock will be remanded in custody until 21 February 2022 for formal bail application. Zamile Mandye (38), Lawrence Moleleki (44) and Kgobokano Moleleki (44) were arrested in Lichtenburg by the Lehurutshe Stock Theft Unit police for being in possession of 21 suspected stolen goats worth R40 000.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The police made a follow up after receiving a call from Botswana police about 21 goats, which were allegedly stolen in the early hours of Friday morning.
“The accused were initially traced at Madutle Village where Mandye lives, but neither the accused nor the goats were found. Further investigation led the police to Slurry Auctions, but the accused could not be found.
“They were finally arrested at Meyer Auctions in Lichtenburg where they were found in possession of 21 suspected stolen goats worth R40 000. They subsequently appeared at the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court and remanded in custody,” Botma said.
She said investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police for their team work that resulted in the arrest and the recovery of suspected stolen livestock.
The Guardian 