A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Vryburg on Wednesday. Orapeleng Patrick Ratilodi who resides in Cokonyane village in Taung shot and killed the driver of Sasko bakery, Onalenna Moreothata during an armed robbery back in 2018.
It was reported that, on 10 September 2018, Ratilodi and his accused, Obakeng Vaaltyn who is from Magogong village in Taung visited a local supermarket in Mogopela B where they bought a cool drink. According to information, the duo was sitting outside the supermarket when one of them inquired about the arrival time of the bakery from the owner of the supermarket who is of a foreign nation.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “Moreothata and his assistant were busy preparing the order for the shop when Ratilodi and Vaaltyn suddenly pointed them with a firearm. The accused shot and killed Moreothata during the confrontation.
“The court heard that the accused searched the truck and robbed an undisclosed amount of money. Furthermore, the accused fled the scene in a red BMW. After a thorough investigation and information received from witnesses, the suspects were arrested and the red BMW was seized.”
Botma said Vaaltyn was later acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence against him. However, she said Ratilodi was found guilty on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“The accused was sentenced to 20 years for murder, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years’ imprisonment for pointing of a firearm. The court also ordered that the five years imposed on count two should run concurrent with count one, therefore, Ratilodi was effectively sentenced to 25 years imprisonment,” said Botma.
Meanwhile, acting North West police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe welcomed the sentence handed down to Ratilodi. Molefe applauded the investigating officer, Sergeant Phemelo Seothaeng of Pudimoe Detectives and all other roles players including prosecution for their diligence in ensuring that the accused gets maximum sentence.
“This will serve as a warning to those who commit crime, including murder, that they will do the time in jail,” said Molefe.
As we approach the regional and provincial conferences, a concept: “Reading of the balance of forces” is misused to mean numerical strength of a faction as opposed to its organizational use and applications.
Since the adoption of the strategy and tactics this concept, “balance of forces” has been used by the ANC to read both the subjective and objective conditions and the contending forces in the society. In order to assess it strength and weakness as it prosecute its National Democratic Revolution (NDR) for the attainment of its strategic objectives of building a national democratic society.
This assessment of the balance of forces in the struggle is necessary for the application of the specific and concrete tactics to navigate through the path against the forces that oppose the ANC and its creation of the ideal society.
In our conferences, some would be carrying scientific calculators as oppose to conference discussion documents, because to some the conference is merely about the election of their preferred candidates.
The culture of objective engagement, honest discussion and correct decisions at the commissions are abandoned, precisely because we are not honest about the capacity of the people we elect in the positions of responsibilities.
When we say a comrade is equal to the task, it means he or she is equal to serve the interests of a faction, not the task of being a midwife of social transformation.
*Orapeleng Moatshidiso is a social activist, ANC member and working for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality as Media Liaison Officer. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Taung DailyNews.
Picture: Former Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West High Court in Mahikeng will be listening to the former Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane’s application where he is challenging his removal as the mayor.
Motlhabane want the court to declare the motion of no confidence against him as null and void. On 31 March 2021, Motlhabane was ousted as the mayor of the municipality through a motion of no confidence tabled by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“On 31 March 2021, a council meeting was held. In the afore-stated meeting, I was asked about allegations of under-performance of the members of the executive council of the municipality.
“I answered the afore-stated question posed to me by responding that I could not immediately confirm or deny such allegations and that I will investigate the allegations of under-performance and will present a report to the council after the allegations have been investigated and my report on the matter had been compiled,” he said.
According to Motlhabane’s court papers, it would have been irresponsible and untoward to have answered such question in relation to the integrity of three of the members of the executive council of the municipality without firstly investigating such allegations.
He said, unfortunately, certain members of the council were not content with the way in which he responded to the afore-stated allegations in the council meeting of the 31 March 2021 and subsequently gave notice of the motion is of no confidence against him.
“The afore-stated motions of no confidence suggested that I had misled the council in as far as my answer to the allegations of underperformance of certain members of the executive committee were concerned.
“On 1 April 2021, a motion of no confidence was submitted to the Speaker, Ebusang Tladi by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). On 4 April 2021, another motion of confidence similar to the motion of no confidence was tabled by Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD),” said Motlhabane.
A special council meeting was called by Tladi for the 13 April 2021 which sitting was to be held a virtual meeting. Included in the agenda for the afore-stated special council sitting were the motions of no confidence submitted to the Speaker by the EFF and F4SD.
However, Motlhabane alleged that Tladi introduced the motion and councillor Crespo Menyatso raised an objection against the introduction of the motion. He said Tladi did not allow objections to the motions.
“Tladi was of the attitude that objections had to be directed to him in writing-which was not done. Astonishingly, Tladi then proceeded to treat the motions of no confidence as unopposed motions and allowed them to be tabled.
“The meeting adopted the motions and resolved that I be removed as mayor of the municipality. Surprisingly, although the council resolved to remove me as mayor, I was not removed as a member of the executive committee. I am still a member of the executive committee,” he said.
Motlhabane further said the executive committee consists of 10 members and the newly-appointed mayor, Oageng Seleke was not a member of the executive committee when he was elected and appointed as mayor. He added that it is a common cause that the mayor is appointed from the executive committee and not from the municipal council according to Section 48 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998.
“Bearing in mind that the council consists of 48 members and the executive committee members consist of 11 instead of 10 according to the provisions of Section 43 of the Municipality Structures Act.
“Bearing in mind that the special council was held on 13 April 2021, the last day for the submission of the notice of motion to lawfully serves before a council meeting on 13 April 2021 would have been 26 March 2021. Applying the provisions of the Standing Orders to both of the motions of no confidence, it is clear that both motions of no confidence were submitted late,” said Motlhabane.
According to Motlhabane, the act has been trampled upon publicly and brazenly by Tladi and this leads him to draw the conclusion that the Tladi is acting with sinister motives. He alleged that it is the well-published fact that local politics have lately been clouded by factionalism and specially factionalism within the ANC.
“It is no secret that Tladi and Seleke is sympathetic to a divergent faction within the ANC and has been supportive of this faction’s agenda for some time. I have no doubt that this faction will stop at nothing to reach their sinister objectives and I have no doubt that this process of ridding the Municipal Council of anyone that stands in the way of reaching the faction’s motives has now commenced.
“It is the prerogative of the Speaker in terms of Rule 9 of the Standing Orders, to ensure the council meetings are conducted in accordance with the rules. So, by allowing two motions of no confidence against me to find their way into the agenda of the special council meeting of 13 April 2021, the Speaker had acted in clear contravention of the Standing Orders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tladi refused to be drawn into the matter and said it is sub judice.
Picture: Aobakwe Modise who was killed in a hit and run accident
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man was killed in a ‘hit and run’ accident in Mankowane village near Taung. According to information, Aobakwe Modise was walking along Manokwane Bridge when he was hit by a white minibus taxi on Tuesday afternoon.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said the driver allegedly fled the scene afterward. Botma said a hit and run case has been opened at Taung Police Station and investigations are underway.
“A case was opened for failing to stop after an accident. I can confirm that the incident happened yesterday at Manokwane road, and allegedly the driver hit a man and never stopped.
“Nobody has been arrested yet. The victim was taken by the EMS to Taung Hospital with serious injuries to his head and right thigh. His age is unknown at this stage,” she said.
Picture: A man injured in a head-on collision in Lichtenburg
By REGINALD KANYANE
A 30-YEAR-OLD man was seriously injured on Tuesday when a tractor and a light motor vehicle collided on the R503 outside of Lichtenburg. According to the ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said paramedics and the provincial fire arrived on the scene shortly after 3pm to find the tractor and car on the side of the road.
“A man was found lying trapped inside the light motor vehicle. The Fire services had to use specialised equipment to free the man from the vehicle. Once released, medics treated the man for his serious injuries and transported him to a nearby hospital for further care,” Meiring said.
A 22-YEAR-OLD man has appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday for rape. Rebaone Seele was arrested by the Taung police for allegedly raping a woman (35) at the Long Street Lifestyle Pub in Ext 7 on 2 May 2021.
According to information, the alleged victim was with her boyfriend at the Pub when she decided to go to the bathroom. While she was still in the bathroom, Seele allegedly entered the bathroom and raped her.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “The suspect was granted a R2000 bail, but he has not paid it yet. The case was postponed to 21 June 2021 for further investigations.”
Meanwhile, the Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said they are concerned about GBV cases taking place in Taung. He said despite the efforts by various formations in Taung, including Taung Men against Gender Based Violence and Femicide Forum to condemn and call to an abrupt halt of all barbaric acts of sexual violence, such cases continue unabated.
“Women will not be pushed to live in fear because some men have turned themselves into sex pests, preying on young and older women. The forum will not get tired of condemning these acts, assist victims and make the necessary follow ups on all cases until justice is serviced to all victims.
“May it be known that the forum will treat all cases equally without fear or favor, no matter who is involved. The forum will continue to give the victim the necessary support, like we normally do to all other victims known to us,” said Mokgejane.
Picture: NWU’s new deputy vice chancellor, Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West University has appointed the new deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Maphahlaganye Jeffrey Mphahlele. NWU vice chancellor and principal, Prof Dan Kgwadi said he is delighted to have Mphahlele on board.
“I am looking forward to welcoming Prof Mphahlele to the university. I am confident that he will make a huge contribution in our research and innovation portfolio and the university as a whole.
“Mphahlele will join the NWU family in the position of deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation. His appointment was confirmed by the NWU Council recently. Prof Mphahlele holds a doctoral degree in Medical Virology (1999), a master’s degree in virology (1995) and a BSc honours degree (1993) and degree in microbiology (1992),” said Kgwadi.
He further said Mphahlele’s résumé is a shining testimony to his excellent work in the field of research and his contributions specifically in the scientific medical field. He added that this has led to him serving on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 vaccines in the Ministry of Health since 2020.
“Mphahlele has also published in various research publications on crucial topics such as strengthening immunisation services and policies and the vaccination control of infectious diseases.
“Prof Mphahlele also co-founded the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre in 2005, and he was the head of the organisation from 2005 until 2014. He always investing in the future of young scientists and trained, supervised, and mentored many Post-Doctoral, Doctoral and Master students,” said Kgwadi.
Council chairperson, Dr Bismark Tyobeka said: “The council has full confidence in Prof Mphahlele’s ability to take research and innovation at the NWU to greater heights. His verve, commitment to research excellence and renowned expertise will make him a welcome – and integral – part of the NWU.
“Prof Mphahlele will head a formidable team of researchers, innovators and academics who have, through their consistent high-quality outputs, placed the NWU among the cream of the crop of South African universities.”
Toybeka said this can be seen in the latest Times Higher Education ranking for emerging economies universities in 2021, in which the university is ranked 97th out of 606 participating universities.
Prof Mphahlele is duped as an active and expert member in the scientific community and serves as vice president for Research at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) since October 2014.
He has also been elected as member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSA) and has been acknowledged as C1 NRF-rated researcher since 2017. Mphahele’s career highlights also include being scientific advisor, lecturer, scientist and research fellow, are among others being academic head and chair at the Department of Virology at the University of Limpopo and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHL)’s Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa) Campus (August 2005 to September 2014).
“He was also co-director at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research unit at the World Health Organisation Rotavirus Regional Reference Laboratory for Africa at the Sefako Makgatho Health Services University and National Health Laboratory Service (February 2007 to March 2018).
Prof Mphahlele serves on a number of governance and advisory structures. He is the vice chairperson of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Association Board (May 2019 to May 2021), South African Deputy Representative in the General Assembly of EDCTP (June 2015 to present), vice-chairperson of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) coordinated by the European Commission (2015 to present), member of the oversight committee of the Network for Education and Support in Immunisation at the University of Antwerp in Belgium (2014 to October 2019).
Vice chairperson of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Board (June 2020 to present), board member of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA – New Regulator of Medicines, Medical Devices and IVDs) (Oct 2017 to present) and serving on the board of directors of the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation NPC (Apr 2018 to present).
It’s all systems go for the Banyana Banyana in their preparation for the African Women Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco in 2022. The Council of the Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) champions have been pitted against neighbours, Mozambique in the first round of the tournament.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said she was excited about the draw and was ready to get going.
“We are very excited that the draw has finally taken place. It has been a frustrating year for women football because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mozambique match will be a tough encounter and we are glad that we have played them in the COSAFA tournament before. Therefore, we know their strengths and weaknesses.
“We will not take them lightly as we know that Women’s football on the continent is growing,” said Ellis.
The first match of the two-legged encounter will be played during the week of 7 – 15 June 2021, while the second leg is scheduled for a week later. Mozambique will be at home in the first leg while Banyana Banyana will host the second leg.
The winner of the Mozambique/South Africa match will meet the winner of Algeria v Sudan match in the second round to decide on who qualifies for the AWCON tournament in Morocco scheduled for July next year. The second round matches are scheduled for October.
Four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup scheduled for Australia and New Zealand in 2023 while the two other spots will be involved in playoffs.
Meanwhile, the South African U-17 National Women’s Team (Bantwana) will only play in the third round of African qualifiers against the winners of Equatorial Guinea and Kenya. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in India in 2022.
Basetsana who are the South African Women’s U-20 National Team will play winners of DR Congo and Sao Tome in the second round of Africa qualifiers for a shot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled for Costa Rica.
A 49-YEAR-OLD woman is expected to appear at the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Monday for murder. According to North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the suspect was apprehended by Ipelegeng police on Friday for the alleged murder of her boyfriend (37).
“The police were called to the couple’s place in Charon Informal Settlement, where the victim was found inside the house with a stabbing wound in his chest. The man was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics.
“It is alleged that an argument ensued between the victim and his girlfriend leading to the fatal stabbing. The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe condemned the incident and said that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that those who perpetrate crime including Gender-Based Violence (GBV) are brought to book,” said Myburgh.
Molefe once more urged members of the community to resolve their differences in an amicable manner rather than resorting to violence.
In anticipation of the third wave, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it will continue to implement the COVID-19 resurgence prevention plans. North West Provincial Command Council chairperson, Prof Job Mokgoro said people should strengthen the adherence to COVID-19 regulations and ensure that they avoid closed spaces, crowds, and close contact with people.
Mokgoro said this is an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in anticipation of the third wave.
“The North West Provincial Command Council (NWPCC) hosted its monthly briefings to receive progress and interventions on the Integrated COVID-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy made by different institutions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the province.
“The briefing focused mainly on the intervention strategies on the Integrated Institutional arrangement per district and efforts in flattening the COVID-19 curve, enforcement of the lockdown regulations, managing infections, recoveries and fatalities, effective provisioning of hospital beds, quarantine/isolation facilities, medicine, personnel, and equipment as well as social behaviour in general,” he said.
As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 69167 with 63687 recoveries, which translates into a 92.1% recovery rate and 1725 deaths. The province now has 3755 active cases, of which 181 cases were identified in the last 24 hours.
The number of healthcare workers vaccinated through the Sisonke Protocol is 21 662. Mokgoro further said the vaccination will now be rolled out to a group of elderly people who are 60 years and over.
“Registration has already started. The province has 370 000 elderly people who must be vaccinated. We will deliver relevant messages to communities through different media platforms and outreach programmes.
“The Department of Health will continue with the current strong focus on contact tracing, strengthen implementation of ward-based interventions, ensure continued support from Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism as well as Department of Public Works and Roads with to quarantine facilities,” said Mokgoro.
He added they will also ensure that the staff is well-trained on treatment protocols, provide PPE’s for staff, to ensure bed, equipment, and medicine availability as well as providing health education to patients and family members.
Mokgoro said there are 24 quarantine sites in the province which amongst others includes Potch Dam, Christiana All Season Resort, and Bakgatla Resort.
“All facilities have over 2400 beds. The command council has also heard that the rapid rise of infections in the province is fuelled by the super spreader events including, family and social gatherings, religious activities since Easter weekend as well as music and cultural events.
“There is an increase in daily positive cases observed since last week in the province. Weekly numbers increased between weeks 13 to 15. In the past week, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi (0.8 cases per 100 000 persons, 7.0% increase) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda (3.6 cases per 100 000 persons, 13.4% increase) districts reported an increase in weekly incidence risk, compared to the previous week,” he said.
Mokgoro also indicated that the fatigue which is visible in the public has the potential to bring devastating consequences. He cautioned the public against getting fatigued, saying the country is still in the middle of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West expressed concern about relaxation on travel bans and protocols of arrivals from international countries.
SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “This puts the country at risk of exposure to fierce COVID-19 variants. Recent incidents such as the detection of the COVID-19 variant first detected in India among four people living in South Africa and the testing of a further 11 positive for the coronavirus strain first detected in the UK require an urgent review before we are swallowed into the eye of an encroaching devastating wave.”
The Guardian 