Picture: A victim, Aobakwe Tau after being assaulted/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside three accused, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court for GBH assault.
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 in 2021.
Picture: ANC councillor, Judy Lebogang Mothibi who is accused of assaulting a man/Facebook
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 a 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 postponed until 10 February 2022. The accused are out on a warning.
Picture: Ex-convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A judgement on an attempted murder case against an ex-convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi (31) was postponed by Taung Regional Court to February 16 2022.
This comes after Motlhasi allegedly attacked the investigating officer, Masegoatsile Israel Tshipo unprovoked during recess.
Motlhasi who is on parole for killing his previous girlfriend, was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping, GBH assault and car hijacking in 2020. He allegedly stabbed his then girlfriend, Mamosa Senwedi (29) and her mother, Agatha Senwedi (52) during a commotion on 26 January 2020.
Mamosa’s brother, Letlhogonolo Senwedi (37) told Daily Sun at the time that Mamosa started dating the guy in September 2020 and wanted to end things between them after she found out that Motlhasi was on parole.
“After she realized that she was dating a parolee, she wanted to end the relationship. During that fateful day, Motlhasi, who was allegedly hiding in the garage, attacked my sister while she was getting out of her car.
“He stabbed her several times and my mum tried to intervene, and she was stabbed in her hands. The accused escaped with our bakkie that had my sister’s cellphone and handbag inside,” he said.
The bakkie was later found about 15km away after the tracker was activated. Letlhogonolo said his mother was scared to be in her own house while Motlhasi was on the run.
It is alleged that Agatha spent nights at her friends and relatives’ houses.
A man-hunt was launched and Motlhasi was only arrested hiding in Lehurutshe near Zeerust a few months after the incident. He also allegedly posted their sex videos with Mamosa on various social media platforms.
North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “After his appearance in court, it is alleged that he attacked the investigating officer in his case from behind. The victim sustained injuries during the attack and was taken to hospital to receive medical treatment.
“A case of assault with the purpose to inflict grievous bodily harm was opened against Motlhasi and the cause of the attack is unknown,” van Rooyen said.
Picture: Smashed windows at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 35-YEAR-OLD man, who was arrested for malicious damage to property, was granted a R500 bail by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the windows of the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty heard windows being smashed, and upon investigation, saw the suspect running away from the scene.
“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.
“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.
Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends not to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.
“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.
Dube’s next court appearance will be on 18 February 2022.
Picture: Accident that killed three people in Derby/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urged motorists to buckle-up on the roads across the province. This comes after four people died when two vehicles, a VW Polo Vivo and Toyota Tazz collided on the N18 road in Taung recently.
Lehari said it is alleged that a Toyota Tazz with five occupants was travelling from the direction of Maphoitsile to Mokassa 1 in Taung, while a VW Polo with two male occupants, was traveling from Taung to Hartswater.
“It is alleged that the Toyota Tazz driver did not stop before crossing over the N18 and the VW Polo Vivo, which had the right of way at the time, hit the Toyota Tazz on the driver’s side.
“Four of the five occupants in the Toyota Tazz were certified dead on the scene and the other one was ferried to hospital with serious injuries. Two occupants from the VW Polo Vivo only sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene,” he said.
Lehari said he is saddened by the tragic news.
“I am at a loss for words. The deceased met their untimely death at a very young age and in such a tragic manner. It is really unfortunate and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
“I would like to plead to all road users to be extra careful while on the road. It takes a split second for a person to lose his/her life. A culpable homicide case is currently under investigation,” said Lehari.
Victims will be laid to rest on Saturday in Maphoitsile village.
In another separate accident, three people were killed when a light motor vehicle and a truck collided head-on on the R509 20km outside Derby. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said: “The paramedics arrived on the scene at around 3pm and found the truck and the car smashed together.
“After the Provincial Fire Services extinguished the blaze, medics found the bodies of a man, woman and young girl inside the car. Unfortunately, all three patients had already succumbed to their injuries,” said Meiring.
He added that nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead. Meiring further said the driver of the truck, fortunately, escaped uninjured.
Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.
North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said they will continue to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that Oratile Mothibi (18) returns home safe. According to the North West police, Oratile was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man two weeks ago while walking in the bushes with her younger brother and a cousin aged 11 and 14 respectively.
Moiloa visited Oratile’s family on 1 February 2022.
“The mood was a sombre moment and the experience was extremely painful. This really pierced through my heart as I listened to Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and the family of Oratile narrating on how she was abducted.
“Our society is sick and needs deliverance from the Highest Power. We will however, as the department, join hands together with the police, Bogosi and the community to fight this battle. We will ensure that we bring Oratile back to her family. Truly, the war against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues,” she said.
Moiloa said a team of social workers were assigned to assist a traumatised family. She said their hearts are with the Mothibi’s family.
“I have asked that a team of social workers should continue to visit the family to provide them with the necessary psycho-social support in the form of debriefing and trauma counselling. We are with the family during this difficult time,” said Moiloa.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The police request community assistance in locating Oratile. According to information received, Oratile went with her brother and cousin to fetch food from a farm in Modutung village, near Taung on January 23 2022.
“Whilst walking back home in Magogong village, the trio was allegedly chased by an unknown man, who was armed with a knife. Furthermore, the man grabbed Oratile and threatened the children, who wanted to rescue her.”
Myburgh further said the boys then ran home and informed their parents about what had transpired. She said the police and community members searched the area without any success.
“Oratile was wearing a pair of blue denim jeans, a khaki long sleeved blouse as well as black school shoes. Anyone with information that can assist the police in finding Oratile can contact the investigating officer, Captain Joseph Montwedi on Cell: 082 496 0332.
“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” she said.
However, some community members believe that Oratile was kidnapped for ritual purposes.
Meanwhile, one of the traditional healers who are assisting the family alleged that there are plans to turn Oratile into a zombie.
The traditional healer who visited the cave along with some community members, alleged that Oratile spirit is kept in a cave at Taung Dam by witchdoctors, while her physical body is languishing elsewhere.
Community members embarked on a violent protest last week and allegedly burnt down huts and houses belonging to two elderly women they accuse of witchcraft.
close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.Picture: A knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari has condemned the brutal killing of Mmatiro Dithato (61) and her granddaughter (5) at the New Stands Section in Ganalaagte near Delareyville.
It is alleged that on 29 January 2022 at about 06:36, Dithato had a telephone conversation with her son (21). The deceased allegedly told her son not to come home anymore as they were supposed to go to town that morning.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said a few moments thereafter, the son allegedly received a text message from his mother’s phone informing him that he can come and collect money at about 9am.
“At around 9:22am, the son went to his mom’s house only to find that the sitting room’s window pane was broken. Upon entering the house, he allegedly found his mother’s lifeless body with multiple stab wounds and a rope around her neck lying in a pool of blood in the sitting room’s floor.
“Furthermore, the granddaughter’s body was found drowned head first in a big bucket full of water in the kitchen. The son called for help and the deceased were transported to a local clinic where they were both declared dead on arrival,” Tselanyane said.
He said the motive for this attack is currently unknown and no arrests have been made as yet.
Lehari said: “We are devastated by the atrocity and we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. This is tragic news and to the family, I am sorry that you had to lose your grandmother and granddaughter in this manner.
“I wish you strength in this tough time. Furthermore, I would like to plead with the members of the community to work with the police. I ask myself what has become of our society. We try day and night to fight the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), but yet, here we are.”
He further encouraged members of the community to assist the police with any information that will solve the matter and lead to the arrest of the perpetrator/s.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the gruesome incident. Kwena said the police in the province will not be deterred in the fight against GBV & Femicide.
“Investigation into the matter continues and police request anyone who may have information regarding this incident, to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Tebogo Galetlhobogwe on 078 161 7736 or 082 373 7619.
“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police during arrests/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 29-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for being in possession of mandrax. Mopeli Ramachakela was arrested by the Schweizer- Reneke police and Vryburg K9 members during a crime prevention operation on 26 January 2022.
North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the aim of the operation was to combat drug abuse. She said during the operation, police on patrol in Migdol, saw a suspicious looking male carrying a plastic bag and approached him.
“When he saw the police approaching him, he threw the bag down and started running. This suspect was caught and the police found substances suspected to be drugs in the bag during the search.
“The drugs that were found on the suspect are suspected to be 39 Mandrax tablets, tik, nyaope and dagga with an estimated street value of R3 654. The accused briefly appeared at the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 27 January 2022,” she said.
Van Rooyen said Ramachakela was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on February 1 2022 for a formal bail application.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, van Rooyen said two Nigerians were arrested during another K9 operation that was conducted in Christiana on 28 January 2022.
“More suspects were arrested during stop and search operations conducted. Two Nigerians aged 45 and 33 respectively, were stopped and searched.
“Upon searching them, the police found the first suspect in possession of 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine (crystalmeth) with an estimated street value of R24 000 and 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine (crystalmeth) with a street value of R 14 000 on the second suspect,” she said.
Van Rooyen said both suspects were arrested and will appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 1 February 2022 facing charges of possession of dependence producing substances(crystalmeth).
The acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng expressed his appreciation toward members of Vryburg K9 and Visible Policing who portray such commitment towards their duties and applauded them for their sterling work in ensuring that all communities within the region are being rid of the drugs that are destroying young lives.
Picture: The late City Press newspaper feature writer, Poloko Tau/Lucky Nxumalo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the seasoned City Press newspaper feature journalist, Poloko Tau. PK as Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity was described as inimitable, fearless and extraordinary.
PK passed away last week Friday afternoon at his residential area in Mmabatho near Mahikeng, North West.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said Tau was part of a team of South African journalists that covered the South African delegation at the United Nations Climate Change talks in Glasgow, Scotland in December 2021.
“Tau interacted extensively with our delegation and I am deeply saddened by the unexpected news of his sudden passing. I remember fondly our extensive conversations on climate change and the Just Transition to a low carbon economy and society.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family and colleagues in the media fraternity. Tau’s important contribution to the public information debate on matters such as climate change and sustainable development will be much missed by the government and the fourth estate,” said Creecy.
The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) co-ordinator in the North West, Hlomani Chauke shared the same sentiments. Chauke said Tau was an accomplished journalist, who used his pen to contribute to building better communities across the country and the world.
“Tau was an industrious journalist who fully comprehended the role of the fourth estate in ensuring that promises of our constitution are realised in the day-to-day life of our people. His illustrious career was characterised by selflessness and courage, which was displayed during his reporting on the death of mineworkers in Marikana.
“He was instrumental in blazoning their cause for decent pay. As we pay homage to this revered son of the North West, we call on his confrères in the media industry to emulate his deeds and acts, particularly in preserving the main tenets of our democracy,” Chauke said.
He further said the media industry has lost a man of great repute who carried himself with honour, respect and dignity. Chauke added that Tau held himself to consistent, moral and ethical standards.
“He will be remembered for his meticulous and balanced reporting even in instances when some of his work courted controversy. We convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
The Democratic Alliance MPL in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “We join the country in mourning this young man. Tau was a hard worker who understood his craft and never allowed politics of the day to dilute his work.
“His attention to detail and his deep understanding of his craft was part of his success when he covered stories in the North West. He broke a lot of stories and followed his stories to the end, as was evident when he was named Journalist of the Year in print media in 2013 for his coverage of the Marikana Massacre.”
Tau, who was described as a humble, yet fierce advocate of social justice will be buried at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022. He graduated in his junior Degree in Communications at the North West University (Mafikeng Campus) at the dawn of the millennium.
Tau cut his teeth in journalism in the early 2000s and his career spans close to two decades.
North West police warn the community not to take the law into their own hands. This comes after the community of Magogong near Taung went berserk on Wednesday during the intense search of Oratile Mothibi.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, Mothibi was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man on 23 January 2022 at about 9am. Myburgh said Oratile, her brother and cousin aged 11 and 14 years respectively, went to Modutung to fetch morogo (indegenious edibles) when accosted by the man.
“Whilst in the veld, an unknown man grabbed her and threatened the boys with a knife in their attempt to rescue Oratile. The boys ran home to inform the parents. Since this incident, various police units, including the Air Wing (helicopter) and community members have been searching for Oratile without success,” she said.
However, some community members accused the police of sabotaging their search. One of the community leaders who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said the police shot at them with rubber bullets after they allegedly discovered Oratile’s underwear full of blood.
“The traditional healers were consulted to assist in locating Oratile. They led us to traditional healers’ huts in Granspan village. As a community, we arrived there and one community member allegedly saw a man who kidnapped Oratile riding a horse and running away with her.
“The community members tried to chase him, but unfortunately, they lost track. The community members also found two men who were allegedly working with the perpetrator and confronted them. However, they were rescued by the police before they could tell the truth,” she said.
According to community members, the traditional healers who were consulted highlighted that Oratile has been kidnapped for ritual purposes.
“These traditional healers said her kidnappers are in the process of turning her into a zombie. Now, yesterday, we found two old women who were allegedly working with the perpetrators too. However, they were also rescued by the police.
“We believe that the police are sabotaging our search. According to these traditional healers, if seven days can pass by without finding Oratile, it will be too late for her to survive because she is in the process of being turned into a zombie,” said one of the community leaders.
Meanwhile, Myburgh, who was cagey about the details said: “The details of the case are sub judice and therefore, details will not be discussed in the media. The police are aware of the allegations made by the community after consultation with traditional healers.
“These people were already interviewed by police and we would like to urge the community once more not to take the law into their own hands. Vigilantism cannot be a justifiable act of punishment for anyone. Mob justice is not a solution and will not be tolerated.”
She said the community needs to work with the police and to report all criminal behaviour to law enforcement and stop acts of vigilantism. Myburgh further said anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Joseph Montwedi on cell: 082 496 0332.
A house belonging to one of the women was allegedly torched by angry community members.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said Sedibeng Water’s financial woes led to its demise. According to Mchunu, the water utility provider allegedly struggled to collect revenue from the municipalities for the past five years.
“Sedibeng Water experienced liquidity challenges and had to be bailed out twice in Feb 2021 and December 2021 in the total amount of R270 million. As a result, project implementation and operations were compromised.
“As at 30 September 2021, Sedibeng Water had a total debtor’s book amounting to R7 billion owed by municipalities for bulk water supply and other services. Most of the citizens in its current geographic footprint are indigent, which therefore does not allow for sustainable revenue,” he said.
Mchunu further said the biggest debtor’s book contributor is Matjhabeng Local Municipality, which owes more than R4.4 billion. He added that Sedibeng Water also owes his department more than R4.7 billion for raw water.
“Sedibeng Water is financially constrained to raise capital and based on its balance sheet, the entity is not sustainable. It has an average recovery rate of 41% in the period and its concern status is largely threatened by its financial and liquidity challenges.
“The result of these financial challenges is that, Sedibeng Water is not able to provide the required services, which affects service delivery in three provinces. The financial position of Sedibeng Water has deteriorated to a level where they are unable to continue with their daily operations as a business entity,” said Mchunu.
It is alleged that the Sedibeng Water requested the intervention and urged the department to consider providing R2bn soft loan, to provide cash injection of R395m as an immediate cash relief to settle the demanded payments and monthly operational costs.
“They also urged the department to write off its interest on the water account and the discontinuation of the interest charge. However, there is little prospect of Sedibeng Water’s financial sustainability improving in the foreseeable future and unless something is done it is likely to continue to require bailouts.
“The CEO, CFO and COO positions are vacant and Sedibeng Water is over staffed. It has a staff component of 759, which is excessive in terms of the area it services and when compared to other water boards. So, we approved the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water to be incorporated into Magalies and Bloem Water,” he said.
Mchunu said they will transfer the North West assets and liabilities to Magalies Water and transfer the Free State and Northern Cape assets and liabilities to Bloem Water. He said the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water will address the underlying problem of the poor billing and revenue collection and high water losses of the municipalities.
Meanwhile, Sedibeng Water acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Toto Molobye said in a letter: “This communique serves to notify you that the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo
Mchunu has approved the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water as an entity and have its constituent parts incorporated into Bloem Water and Magalies Water respectively.
“Staff, assets and liabilities in the Northern Cape and Free State provinces will be transferred
to Bloem Water, while staff, assets and liabilities in the North West will be transferred to Magalies Water.”
Molobye further said the ministry will in due course gazette the extension of the areas of operation of Bloem Water and Magalies Water. He added that a detailed roadmap of the disestablishment process will be provided as soon as it is available.
“Furthermore, briefing sessions where members of staff will be afforded an opportunity to raise their concerns and ask clarity-seeking questions will be arranged regionally in the next two to three weeks.
“In the meantime, all operations and/or activities will continue as usual so that services to customers both internal and external may not be impacted negatively. The board, management and department are committed to ensuring that the transition process is managed in a manner that is fair, objective, transparent and compliant to all applicable legislation,” said Molobye.
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