By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 5000 RDP houses to be built in the North West province. This was announced by the North West Human Settlements Department’s acting head, James Mashigo recently. Mashigo said the project will prioritise women, youth, people with disabilities, child headed households and elderly people.

“The construction of low cost houses was halted for the past three years due to external and internal administrative challenges. However, following the adoption of new tactics and strategies, the department declared that in the next few months, the province will be turned into a construction site.

“Our sole purpose is to build habitable homes for legible beneficiaries as well as prioritising vulnerable groups. Thus far, eight contractors have been officially appointed and further anticipate that 24 more will be appointed in the next few weeks,” he said.

Mashigo further said the department hopes that as soon as every serviced site has been identified and a contractor appointed, work will begin. He added that he believes that over five thousand houses would have been delivered by March next year.

“I also want to appeal to all municipalities, especially municipal managers to work closely with appointed developers to ensure that delivery is fast tracked. We want to see electorates receiving houses promised by the government.

“Government has taken a resolution that it will build houses on serviced land with water, sewer and other basic amenities. We do this mainly to ensure that after we hand over a house to a beneficiary, all services are available,” Mashigo said. 

He also urges all municipalities to do their part and work with them. Mashigo said the work will commence as soon as they are done appointing every contractor in all identified projects.  

“The department further calls on local councillors and beneficiaries to be part of these projects, mainly to ensure that issues such as illegal occupation, shoddy workmanship and other challenges are evaded.

“We are grateful that municipalities welcomed the appointments and agreed that 30% of the local labour force will be from the local communities,” said Mashigo.  

Meanwhile, one of the contractors appointed to build 200 units in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, Palesa Pitso from Kgantso Trading Enterprise, promised to work together with the community of Devondale outside Vryburg.

“I promise to work together with them and to deliver those houses on time. I am now part of this community and we will work closely with them to ensure that we deliver quality houses on time as the department expected,” she said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A girl (17) from Gamokake village near Taung is missing. Philadelphia Fila Motato who was attending school at Kebinelang High School in Manthe village, was last seen on 11 January 2022 after fetching stationery from school.

Tsholofelo Motato, who is Fila’s sister, said her sister’s phone was traced to Kimberley but police could not locate the exact location. She urged anyone who knows her sister’s whereabouts to contact her on 0631871733 or 0719562065.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police in Taung have opened a missing person’s report after it was reported Motato went missing.

“She was wearing blue jeans, a pink t-shirt and black and white Elles tekkies. A search was conducted with no success. The search is continuing and the police request anyone who can assist the police with information on her whereabouts to contact Captain Montwedi on 082 469 0332,” van Rooyen said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West police request community assistance in locating Lerato Tshiamiso Bendile (19) from Itsoseng village near Lichtenburg. According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, Bendile was reported missing after she was allegedly being picked up by a white Opel Corsa vehicle on Sunday around 21:35.

“Bendile never returned home and she was reported missing. She is dark in complexion, tall built with long brown hair. Bendile was last seen wearing a blue jean and brown top with green sandals.

“Anyone with information that can assist police in finding her, can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Seeco on cellphone: 082 416 0763. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

Botma further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 42-YEAR-OLD man sentenced to five life terms imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court on 8 February 2022. Michael Motsamai Segale who is from Lethabong village near Rustenburg, was arrest through an intensive investigations after he committed numerous of cases of rape in 2013.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “These cases of rape were committed between April and June 2013 in Boitekong and Lethabong villages outside Rustenburg.

“Segale targeted young girls aged between 5 and 15 respectively. As part of his method of committing these crimes, the accused would ask the girls to show him certain places and upon directing him, he would cunningly persuade the victims to accompany him.”  

She said Segale would instruct unsuspecting girls to undress and threaten them with a knife before raping them. Botma further said the long arm of the law caught up with the accused on 19 July 2013.

“It was established during the arrest that the accused was on parole after being sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for rape on 30 January 2003. Subsequently to the arrest, the accused was linked with all the rape cases through the DNA.

“Segale was ultimately sentenced to five life terms on four counts of rape,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence and applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Obakeng Rasego and other investigating officers who worked on the cases before as well as prosecution for their cooperation that culminated in the conviction.  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A-55-YEAR-OLD man from Granspan village near Taung who went missing more than a month ago, was found unharmed in Pokeng near Rustenburg. Monnanyana Johannes Mahusi, who left home to go back to work in Luka village near Rustenburg allegedly never reached his destination.

The North West police spokesperson, Adele Myburgh said: “Mahusi allegedly spoke with his wife telephonically on 6 January 2022. During the conversation, Mahusi indicated that he was at Lichtenburg Garage buying food,” Myburgh said.

She said a case of a missing person was opened after Mahusi never reached his destination and could not be located.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside with other three accused are set to appear at Taung Regional Court facing a GBH assault case today.

It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung after a commotion 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.

Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”

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.

The case was transferred to Taung Regional Court and the accused are out on a warning.

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By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

A 41-YEAR-OLD serial rapist was sentenced to three life imprisonment by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Wednesday. Pontsho Mosinki was arrested after he raped an elderly woman (70) and other two women aged 19 and 20 in Ganyesa near Vryburg.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Mosinki was charged on four counts of rape and four of housebreaking with intent to rape. The court sentenced him to three life terms on three counts of rape, ten years on another count of rape and five years on each count of housebreaking.”

Judge Andre Peterson ordered for the sentence to run concurrently.

Police reports revealed that Mosinki committed these offences between 2017 and 2018 before he was apprehended in June 2019. He was in police custody during the entire duration of the trial as his bail was denied.

According to Mamothame, the accused broke into the homes of the victims at night, while they were asleep. He said Mosinki threatened to kill them if they did not abide by his instructions.

“The 70-year-old disabled woman was raped twice in 2017 and 2018 respectively. She sadly passed away in 2021, after having testified in court in 2020. The Judge who was presiding on the case also passed on in the same year and the matter had to be restarted again.

“Following the appointment of Judge Peterson, the deceased statements on the two rape charges were admitted as evidence in court. The trial was further delayed by Mosinki firing his Legal Aid Attorney and he was subsequently allocated a new one who had to be granted time for consultation,” he said. 

Mosinki also repeatedly raped women aged 19 and 20 respectively. He said in all these cases, he was linked through DNA specimens in the commissioning of these offences.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Florence Rasakanya urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and argued that the accused be sentenced to life imprisonment. She further argued that the accused was a remorseless individual who was not even a candidate for rehabilitation.

Judge Andre Petersen agreed with the state and described Mosinki as a sexual predator that attacked and raped innocent women for no reason. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari- Sekhaolelo lauded the SAPS and Advocate Rasakanya on a successful conviction.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) who allegedly killed the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Mbatha, was postponed by the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court to April 8 2022.

The accused were linked to Mbatha’s gruesome death after intensive investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on 21 June 2021. The house was searched and the police found the bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet.

Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house. The DNA samples positively identified Mbatha who was burnt beyond recognition as the deceased person.

His body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2022.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said the state is waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to transfer the case to the North West High Court.

“The state will await the DPP’s authorisation of transferring the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, owing to the serious nature of the offence committed. The DPP’s office has acknowledged receipt of the application and requested a postponement to finalise the application.

“The four accused were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police. Meanwhile, Modise is still at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued and bail revoked. Masetlha abandoned his bail application, while Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each,” Mamothame said.

He further said the bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. Mamothame added that the accused are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 34-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear before the Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for murder of a former teacher. The suspect allegedly shot and killed Galotlwaele Jaqueline Motabogi (67) who is a former teacher at Mothelesi Secondary School in Shaleng village near Pampierstad on Sunday.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the suspect allegedly forcefully gained entry into the house of Motabogi through the kitchen door.

“The suspect allegedly stole the keys of her Toyota Fortuner. The victim allegedly heard her vehicle’s engine running and went to investigate. When the suspect saw the victim, he shot her. The Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene and declared her dead.

“Furthermore, the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s car. The suspect fled the scene and police launched a manhunt. Through the Gauteng police, the suspect was traced to Pretoria where he was found hiding,” she said.

Funani said police seized the Toyota Fortuner, five cellular phones as well as a hunting rifle. She said the suspect is facing charges of murder, being in possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, being in possession of suspected stolen property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.        

The suspect was transferred back to North West.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the Gauteng police for their cooperation in arresting the suspect. Kwena also condemned the incident and instructed the detectives to make sure that they oppose bail when the suspect appears in court.

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By BONOLO MOHLOKOANA

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the economy in the North West as it contributes 2.9 % to the GDP in the provincial economy. The province is also the third largest producer of maize and this translates into 17% of maize produced in South Africa.

While the province is leading the pack in terms of poultry production as well as vegetable produce such as beetroot and onions, it is trailing behind in terms of agro-processing. 

However, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape said this needs to change.

“We need to build partnerships with established and emerging farmers, but critically, we need to prioritise investments on agricultural infrastructure and facilities. Moreover, we need to put more emphasis on mentorship and training for emerging farmers.

“This will go a long way in accelerating transformation in the sector through expanding our production but most vitally prioritizing access to markets. Government is looking at capitalising on the provincial and district corridors to lure investments into the province,” Maape said. 

He said among others, this will be carried out through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan (ASDP) to respond to challenges such as water provision and road infrastructure. Maape further said the plan is to assist them in creating a tangible environment for business to thrive in the province.

“We are busy patching potholes and resurfacing our roads, so that our produce can move with ease from one point to the other. This model is being implemented across the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said: “A turn-around strategy has been developed to enhance performance of the agricultural sector in the province. One of the pillars is aggregation which is a market access model where investment is made on infrastructure and facilities to accelerate sustainable access to markets for emerging farmers.

“This includes the investments on priority value chains which are able to enhance performance of multiple producers within a specific geographic location. The meeting with farmers forms part of on-going efforts by the government to resuscitate and grow the sector, while creating opportunities for new entrants to participate actively in the provincial economy.”

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(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)