ANC Interim Provincial Committee in the North West is expected to announce the former struggle stalwart, Bushy Maape as the new North West Premier on Monday.
This comes after the ANC IPC confirmed that it has submitted three names to the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) recommended to fill the premiership position.
ANC IPC coordinator, Hlomani Chauke said the IPC has submitted the names of North West Provincial Legislature speaker, Susanna Dantjie, North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho and the ANC veteran, Bushy Maape to be scrutinized.
According to our source, the former Robben Island political prisoner, Bushy Maape was recommended as the suitable candidate to take over from the current Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro who is expected to render his resignation on Sunday.
“We are the ones who submitted those names to the ANC NEC. But we cannot comment further on the matter as it is now the prerogative of the ANC NEC to see who is better suited for the position.
“So, let’s await for the process to unfold, then we can comment afterwards,” Chauke said.
The ANC IPC allegedly recommended that Mokgoro who is believed to be the ally of the former ANC provincial chairperson and North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo be removed from the premiership position because ‘he does as he pleases’ and continue to ignore the structure’s instructions.
Few months ago, the ANC IPC temporarily suspended Mokgoro’s ANC membership card after accusing him of defying the structure’s instructions and allegedly voted with the opposition parties at the North West Provincial Legislature during the elections of Legislature’s Chair of Chairs position.
Also Mokgoro allegedly defied the ANC IPC instructions by appointing Mmoloki Cwaile as the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), instead of Lenah Miga who was recommended by the IPC.
close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 57-YEAR-OLD man from Mokassa 1 village near Taung was killed in a ‘love triangle’ saga. According to the North West police, this comes after the suspect (41) allegedly found the deceased, Onkemetse Jeremia Morwaeng sleeping with his girlfriend on Thursday around 7am.
It is alleged that the woman was dating both the suspect and the deceased at the same time. North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the suspect was arrested after he allegedly stabbed Morwaeng to death with a knife.
“According to the information, the suspect allegedly entered the room where he found Morwaeng sleeping with his girlfriend (41). It is alleged that the woman in question was also Morwaeng’s girlfriend too.
“Upon finding the two, the suspect allegedly drew a knife and stabbed the victim once on the left of his upper body. The victim managed to flee to the other room where he collapsed.
After the incident, the suspect left together with the girlfriend to Mokasa 2 village,” Tselanyane said.
He said the police were informed about the atrocity and summoned to the scene. Tselanyane further said the members of the community in Mokasa 2, allegedly apprehended the suspect and took him back to the scene, where he was handed over to the police.
“As a result, a case of murder was registered and the suspect is expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 16 August 2021. Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Picture: D206 road links Matsheng and Molelema villages
By OBAKENG MAJE
The community of Molelema near Taung said it has lost hope in getting a tarred road in their village. This comes after a R65 million road construction project was brought to a ‘grinding halt’ by a contractor over non-payment.
InvesTong Construction was appointed by the North West Public Works and Roads department to construct a 10km road linking Matsheng and Molelema villages. Some of community members, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal alleged that the contractor has ‘undercharged’ the department and he has since requested a top-up.
“We know that the contractor has undercharged the department and he had since requested for an increase. He owns a DIY franchise here, and probably he used all the money on it. However, we demand the road as community or else….”
However, Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project, Mothibi Makoro refuted these allegations. Makoro said the contractor down tools because of non-payment from the department.
“The department failed to honour its payments to the InvesTong Construction owner, Daddy Tong for three months (June, July, and August 2020). I can confirm that, we were not paid our salaries due to non-payment by the department.
“The contractor tried in numerous times to engage with the department so that it can process the payments, but his attempts fell on deaf ears. As workers, we even met with the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, and informed him about our challenges,” he said.
Makoro further said Tong even arranged a consultative meeting with all stakeholders including the community at the local tribal authority’s offices, but the department failed to honour the meeting.
He said it is heart-breaking to see the department disregarding its own agreement, but instead tried to sow some divisions among community members. Makoro said, there were people among the community who peddle lies that Tong has spent all the monies and he is left with nothing to continue with the project.
The department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe failed to respond to our media inquiry even though it was sent two months ago. Mfoloe said he had not received answers from his principals.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Greater Taung has launched a petition calling for an investigation into the abrupt stop to the construction of the road.
DA Constituency Head: Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo said: “We will drive the petition across the Ba-Ga Maidi villages. During a meeting held by the DA with community leaders on 20 June 2021, we heard various allegations ranging from failure by the department to pay the contractor on time, the contractor being paid without any work done, and alleged tender fraud in respect of the bid amount for the project.”
Seitlholo further said, they were also informed by community members that the department told them that the project stopped when the contractor requested more money to complete the construction. He added that this was after the department had already allegedly paid R19 million in total.
“The department also alleged that the contractor had indicated that he can only complete 7 kilometres of the total 10 kilometres that were budgeted for, if he did not get the requested amount.
“If this is true, then the department has misled the community when they indicated that they paid the contractor R19 million without having any work done. Makoro indicated that during the months of non-payment to the contractor, Tong had to do the work and pay salaries from his own pocket,” he said.
Seitlholo said they will, through the party spokesperson on Public Work and Roads, Freddy Sonakile MPL, write to the Molapisi to request that he immediately begin a process to address the community of Ba-Ga Maidi together with the contractor.
“If indeed the department paid money for work not done, the MEC should also demand that a case be opened against the contractor to recoup the money paid. The reality, however, for the villages of Ba-Ga Maidi is that they have been waiting for a tarred road for 27 years and cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Seitlholo.
Picture: The bag with money inside found in possession of the suspects
By STAFF REPORTER
Two suspects were arrested at Elias village village, near Ganyesa for armed robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the security company officials were busy with pension pay-outs in the Elias Community Hall outside Ganyesa when four male suspects pounced on them.
“The suspects allegedly pointed them with firearms and ordered everyone to lie down. Consequently, the suspects robbed security officials of their firearms and ultimately took two cash containers before fleeing the scene.
“They were driving a white Toyota Double Cab bakkie vehicle affixed with Northern Cape registration number. Following the incident, an intelligence-driven operation by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of detectives, K9, Air Wing and Visible Policing resulted in the arrest of two suspects, aged 39 and 40 respectively,” Mokgwabone said.
He said the arrests stemmed after two suspects were allegedly spotted storming out of a certain house in Kgokgojane village carrying what appeared to be cash bags. Mokgwabone added that the police followed them up and found two cash containers.
“The suspects who allegedly fired shots at the police, were finally arrested in the nearby bushes. During the arrest, R35 000 was found in possession of one of the suspects. In addition, a 9mm pistol and a bag containing cash were also found concealed in a hole,” he said.
Mokgwabone said the search for other suspects is still underway.
Picture: Former JB Marks mayor, Kgotso Khumalo arrested by The Hawks
By STAFF REPORTER A fraud and theft pre-trial case against the former JB Marks Local Municipality mayor, Kgotso Khumalo and two other employees is set for 20 August 2021. Khumalo together with Cecil Henry and Mohau Shuping are charged with defrauding R5 million meant for the municipality.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, the funds were allegedly expected to be used for municipal specific project.
“Khumalo together with Henry and Shuping, are facing eight charges of theft and fraud from the municipality funds. It is alleged that the North West University (NWU) and the Programme for Community Development paid about R5 million into a trust account of an attorney for the use of specific projects by the municipality.
“The attorney was then given instructions to effect various payments, which includes a R208 000 mayoral committee contribution towards the funeral of the former North West MEC for Agriculture, the late Duma Ndleleni who passed away on 23 November 2018,” Mamothame said.
He further said it was however, discovered that R200 000 was paid directly into the account of one of the accused. Mamothame added that R64 218 was paid to an institution where Khumalo’s relative was a student.
“It is alleged that false invoices were generated to effect more fictitious payments. Further to this act of criminality, Khumalo allegedly instructed the attorney to make payment to an NGO which did not exist.
“The Potchefstroom Regional Court has set a pre-trial date court president has also appointed the magistrate who will preside over this case. So, the state is ready to proceed with trial and hopes it would be concluded within a reasonable period,” said Mamothame.
He said the trio will remain out on a warning and are prohibited from contacting state witnesses. taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: Former Mahikeng Local Municipal Manager, Thabo Mokwena/DailySun
By OBAKENG MAJE Former Mahikeng Local Municipal Manager, Thabo Mokwena briefly appeared at Mmabatho Regional Court on 11 August 2021 facing charges of contravention of the MFMA, Prevention and combatting of Corrupt Activities Act. Mokwena was arrested by The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on Tuesday in Klerksdorp for allegedly invested R92million of taxpayers’ money into the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
He was granted R50 000 bail and the case was postponed to 16 November 2021.
The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said the arrest of Mokwena (59) is part of their ongoing fight against corruption and maladministration.
“The suspect is reported to have taken part in the looting of VBS Mutual Bank through investing of the Mahikeng Local Municipality funds. Investigation revealed that R92 million of the taxpayers was invested into VBS in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
“The suspect alleged to have received gratification in the form of credit facilities for purchases of two high-powered vehicles and a property in Klerksdorp amounting to over R1.7 million between 2017 and 2018,” Mogale said.
Mahikeng Local Municipality is one of the 20 municipalities that had invested municipal funds into VBS. According to information, out of R92million that was unduly invested into the VBS Mutual Bank, only R7million was paid back to the municipality.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said: “As indicated previously, all those who participated in that illegal scheme which resulted in the loss of taxpayers’ monies into VBS matters will be held to account.
Meanwhile, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile welcomed the arrest of a Mokwena.
Cwaile said although they welcome the arrest of the first suspect in the VBS saga in the province, he hopes that many others who failed their fiduciary duty would be asked by courts to explain themselves and account for their deeds.
“This is necessary as municipal councils are failing to hold managers accountable including those who fail to honour statutory obligations like payments to SARS and pensions of workers.
“I warned against reckless usage and abuse of state resources and all those who ignored faculty of the regulatory framework in public service should be dealt with,” he said.
Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial spokesperson on COGHSTA, Freddy Sonakile said: “The DA will be waiting with much anticipation to see the third set of arrests that the Hawks had promised to be of high-profile political leaders behind the VBS saga.
“We will closely monitor developments to ensure that even those North West municipal officials suspected of involvement, who resigned and took up positions in other provinces, will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Sonakile further said the VBS scandal proves that the ANC has no qualms about the abuse of public funds and even went as far as participating in a scheme that stole from the poor. He said the North West municipalities have completely collapsed under the ANC government. taungdailynews@gmail.com
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari sends his heartfelt condolences messages to the families of six people who perished in a fatal car accident near Marikana Toll gate in Rustenburg on Saturday.
It is alleged that six people died instantaneously in a head collision on N4 in Rustenburg and one woman who sustained serious injuries in the same accident were rushed to the hospital.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and hope they find strength during this difficult period. The investigation is underway to establish the cause of the accident and we are once more appealing to our people to adhere to the regulations as most accidents happen way past curfew time,” he said.
Lehari also urged motorists to work with law enforcement personnel to ensure they arrive alive. He said the police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
A man (30) is expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court for murder on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect allegedly killed his girlfriend (24) during a squabble.
“According to information received, the couple that stayed together in the RDP house at Bakola Section in Ganyesa, had an argument on the evening of 4 August 2021. This comes after the suspect allegedly saw his girlfriend drinking and talking to another man at a tavern in Vryburg.
“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly assaulted the deceased with a spade leading to her sustaining multiple and grievous bodily injuries. According to information at our disposal, upon realising that the girlfriend is dead, the suspect covered the deceased’s body with a blanket and pushed it beneath the bed,” she said.
Funani said then the suspect allegedly fled to his brother’s place in Kuruman, Northern Cape on 5 August 2021. However, she said the suspect allegedly informed his brother about the incident and the matter was eventually reported to the police in Kuruman.
“The suspect was then arrested and taken back to Ganyesa, where he was charged with murder after the gruesome discovery of the body,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the brutal murder of the woman, who was killed during Women’s Month by someone who was supposed to protect her.
Kwena congratulated the police in Kuruman and Ganyesa for their teamwork, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Picture: Some of street survivors with Miss Heritage Top 10 Finalist, Akanyang Kalamore
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Amogelang Insurance Brokers embarked on a charitable work on Thursday by feeding more than 20 street survivors in Vryburg. This was in partnership with Miss Heritage Top 10 finalist, Akanyang Kalamore.
Amogelang Insurance Brokers Marketing and Creative Manager, Nompumelelo Kala said the company pride itself not only to make money, but also to give back to the community.
“We are grateful to be part of this initiative as it is one of our principles to have the interest of our communities at heart. We came here to feed street survivors as part of our social responsibility. Most of them are subjected to abject poverty and they do not know where their next meal will come from.
“Remember, the hand that gives is the most blessed and that’s what we strive on as the company. Amogelang Insurance Brokers is not all about money-making scheme, but creating a lasting solution, while building a good relationship with our clients and communities,” she said.
Kala further said this was not for the first time the company embarked on a partnership for charitable work. She added that 90% of their staff are women and that says a lot about the company.
“We have sponsored sports activities, artists, and theater events in the past. Our recent initiative that stands out was when we partnered with a young woman in her initiative called Geleza Mtwana.
“The young woman approached us for support where she replaced broken windows and renovate dilapidated buildings of needy schools in the area. So, we always ensure that there are great fulfilments in our call,” said Kala.
Kalamore said: “I was given a task as a Top 10 finalist to do charity work. I was so grateful after Amogelang Insurance Brokers came on board without any hesitations. I hope many companies could take a leaf out of Amogelang Insurance Brokers’ book and execute this kind of partnership.
“I thought of going to schools and give out sanitary pads to needy female learners, however, I knew that almost every contestant will think of that. So, I came up with a different approach by initiating this. Many street survivors are going through a lot, but it seems no one care.”
One of the street survivors, Godfrey Olyl (23) said: “We are super excited to receive food from Amogelang Insurance Brokers. I stay at Monotomosetlha Informal Settlement with my girlfriend and my child. I do not want to lie to you, life is grim because I must wake up as early as around 4am to come to the dumping site and get plastic bottles for recycling.
“Atleast, I can make around R70 to R200 a day if the lady luck smiles at me. So, I will highly appreciate it if we can get any kind of support because we are living beyond the poverty line. I lost both my parents and things are not getting any better.”
Olyl said what he is doing is better than embarking on crime. He said there is a high rate of unemployment and the government is not trying enough to change the situation, hence the high rate of crime.
Meanwhile, according to the https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govwebsite, there are more than 250 000 children and adolescents reported to be living on the street in South Africa. The report showed that most majority of homeless youth are black and male.
It also highlighted that mostly, they have experiences of parental neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and extreme poverty is common drivers to life on the street.
Mighty Boys Football Club continues to show its pedigree in local football in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. This comes after they won Olehile Annual Football Tournament in style at Manokwane village, Taung on Sunday.
Manthe-based club took home a whopping R20 000 including a trophy and gold medals after walloping a buoyed Taung Mega Stars FC 1-0 in a mouthwatering final.
The Mighty Boys FC coach, Charlie Rabannye could not hide his excitement and dedicated this win to all supporters of their team.
“We are so excited to be crowned the winners of this tournament. We are also happy to see our boys doing great as this is their opportunity to showcase their talents. I always say that Taung has an abundance of talents and tournaments like these open doors for younger players.
“We have worked so hard to be where we are. I would also like to congratulate the organisers, all our supporters from Manthe village who came out in numbers and everyone who took part in making sure that we win this tournament. Our players also raised the bar and having players like Thabang “Mahommed” Katong in the field, played a crucial role in encouraging our youngsters to develop skills,” Ramonnye said.
Mighty Boys FC utility player, Tumelo “My Boy” Maritshi was crowned as the player of the tournament. Maritshi said he was over the moon for his achievements.
“I am so grateful to be crowned the man of the tournament. This really shows that with discipline, dedication, and determination, one can go far. I pray to God that one day I reach I’m dream of playing professional football.
“I am working hard to ensure that I achieve my dream and I’ll also encourage other players to soldier on and make sure that they achieve their dreams. I will continue to work hard and hope that eventually, the light at the end of the tunnel will be of the coming train.”
Meanwhile, Taung Mega Stars FC coach, Keaobaka Makoloi said they used the tournament as preparation for a pre-season. He said they have roped in new nine players in his team and they performed beyond expectations.
“I am not disappointed at all after losing in the finals. This tournament was a good start for us as you know we are plying our trade in the ABC Motsepe League. We have introduced new players to our team and so far, so good.
“Even though we would have like to win the finals, this is not a train smash as we have seen improvements in our players especially beyond technical skills,” he said.
Taung Mega Stars FC received R10 000 price and silver medals.
One of the tournament organisers, Tlotlego Mokgalagadi said football was the winner at the end of the day. Mokgalagadi congratulated Mighty Boys FC for winning the tournament.
“Tournaments like these encourage the growth of grassroots football. The aim of this tournament was to keep grassroots football alive. Remember, to keep grassroots football alive, one needs funding and we encourage local business people to contribute.
“The tournament helps players to improve their football skills and we always encourage clubs to bring in their U-19 players. We have rewarded teams by giving them trophies and also awarding players who have had the best effort. This also gives scouts the opportunity to identify players they are looking for,” he said.
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