Picture: The Kgomotso Community Centre in Kgomotso village, near Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some security guards at Kgomotso Community Centre, near Taung, which is under the North West Department of Social Development said, even though they continue to work very hard and are exposed to the worst working conditions, they feel short-changed by the Fusion Tactical Group.

The Fusion Tactical Group, which is allegedly owned by the ANC member and a prominent businessman, Sulieman Carrim, is contracted to the North West Department of Social Development to protect the centre.  

According to the aggrieved security guards, the Fusion Tactical Group is ‘the law unto itself’ and does not subscribe to the PSIRA rules and regulations.

One of the aggrieved security guards, Kealeboga Maribe said: “As security guards from Kgomotso and Sekhing villages, we would like to request Taung DailyNews’ intervention regarding challenges that we are facing here.

“We have tried in abortive to engage the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa regarding this matter. We understand that, her department has paid the Fusion Tactical Group for two months and 10 days, but there was a shortfall on our salaries.”  

Maribe further said, according to PSIRA, a security guard rates R23.19 per hour, which is not the case with Fusion Tactical Group. He added that, they have received R3000 in their first month and R3800 in their second month respectively.

“We were also surprised to receive R2000 for the 10 days that we worked. Our exercise to have a consultative engagement with the company to get to the bottom of this was futile,” he said.

The North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said, the department has paid Fusion Tactical Group for one month and there was a delay regarding the second month’s payment due to a lack of timesheets.

“However, on 27 March 2023, the department contacted the company regarding this matter. The company confirmed to have processed the salary payment of the guards and they are fully paid according to the company.

“The matter of security guards’ salaries is regarded as a matter between the employer and employee, therefore the department is not involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, on 30 March 2023, Carrim’s Personal Assistant, Bedelia Sulieman promised to respond to the Taung DailyNews media inquiry, however, she failed. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The North West School for the Deaf logo/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

It seems the situation has not improved at the North West School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmarastad if allegations raised by the parents are anything to go by. Speaking to Newsnote News Agency, some parents alleged that, there are still no sign language teachers and study material at the school.

The 28 learners, who failed matric in 2022 are expected to sit for their matric supplementary examinations soon after the school achieved 0% results during matric examinations in 2022.

One of the parents, Clara Moeti (26) said: “Our children do not have books, they write on a shared piece of paper. The school management tells us that we will have to look for interpreters for our children because they still do not have qualified sign language teachers, this is breaking my heart,” she said.

However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi refuted the allegations.

“The allegations are not true as the department has provided the school with one sign language teacher and the school also hired two sign language teachers to help learners.

“There are 29 learners who have registered for supplementary examinations that will commence in May/June examinations depending on the timetable,” he said.

Malindi further said, these learners are not full-time learners of the North West School for the Deaf, but they were in the Class of 2022. He added that this year, the school has 9 Grade 12 learners who are registered as the Class of 2023.

“Therefore, the school has gone the extra mile to assist the last year’s class by accommodating them back into the school hostels, even though they are not full-time learners.

“As part of the intervention, teachers are assisting these learners as they are at school and the department has arranged with the school to assist them with stationery,” said Malindi.

Meanwhile, last year, the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) in North West, visited the school and said, they were shocked to find out that teachers at the school did not know sign language.

PANSALB provincial chairperson, Goitsemodimo Seleka said: “What is happening there undermines the rights of these learners that are enshrined in the constitution. When these learners go to school, they expect to be taught in the language that they understand.

“It is difficult if teachers who were supposed to use sign language as the medium of communication at the school do not know the language.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (28) is expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) – entering or remaining in the Republic of South Africa illegally.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspect was arrested together with six other undocumented persons in the Safer Easter Operation roadblock that was conducted on the N12 road next to Matlosana Mall on Friday.

“The reports suggest that, a Chevrolet bakkie carrying seven suspected undocumented persons who are believed to be zama-zamas, was stopped near the Matlosana Mall.

“The suspect (28) allegedly tried to flee the scene but was caught and searched. Consequently, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were discovered inside his bag and all suspects were arrested,” she said.

The District Police Commissioner of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Major General Suzette Pretorius applauded the Klerksdorp Visible Policing members and all other role players for their vigilance that led to the arrest.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: A firearm allegedly used during the commission of the crime/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A suspect (23) who was arrested for armed robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspect was apprehended on 5 April 2023 after he and his accomplices allegedly robbed a motorist of his personal belongings on the N4 road near Brits Toll Plaza. Funani further alleged that the motorist stopped his vehicle in order to take his medication, which was in the boot.

“He was opening the boot when approached by two armed men, who demanded money. The duo robbed the victim of an undisclosed amount of cash, two cell phones, and clothes. The men then fired a gunshot toward the victim and fled the scene.

“The suspects who are undocumented Mozambique nationals, fled to the nearby bushes and the victim drove his vehicle to the toll gate, where he found Brits Rural Safety Unit. The latter unit together with the police responded quickly and went into the bushes and searched for the suspects,” she said. 

Picture: Cell phones allegedly stolen from the victim recovered/Supplied

Funani added that, although the suspects ran away when they saw the police, one of them was subsequently arrested. She said during the arrest, two cell phones, a firearm, and ammunition were found in his possession.

“The suspects are believed to be part of the gang that has been placing spikes on the N4 road to cause punctures, thus, compelling motorists to stop. They would then rob unsuspecting motorists,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the Brits police, Brits Rural Safety Unit, and all other role players for their swift response that led to the arrest of the suspect.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: A missing man,Khokothi Michael Matlala found dead in the bushes/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A decomposed body of an elderly man who was reported missing was found in the bushes in Selepe village, near Cyferskuil in Makapanstad on Sunday. Khokothi Michael Matlala (78), who stayed alone, went missing on 20 March 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The body of Matlala was found by members of the community who were passing by and alerted the police.

“The victim was wearing a blue T-shirt and navy blue trousers and black boots. The cause of death is still unknown and an inquest docket has been opened.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 300 people across North West for various crimes during Easter Holiday. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the arrests were executed during the ongoing Integrated Safer Easter Holidays.

“The high-density operations aimed to safeguard communities and ensure safety along main routes during this period. Our law enforcement police continue to achieve significant success. 

“This comes after 349 suspects were arrested in the province between 6 and 10 April 2023. The offenses included assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), murder, house robbery, rape, possession and dealing in drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal possession of firearms,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said, subsequently, a total number of 6547 vehicles were stopped and searched. Mokgwabone added that, 14 998 individuals were also searched and a total number of 6411 road traffic fines were issued to motorists.

“139 fines were issued for liquor-related act contraventions, drugs such as mandrax tablets and powder, tik, crystal meth, various liquor and as well as copper cables were seized.

“On Sunday during an integrated roadblock along the N4 road, near Bapong Weigh Bridge in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 (Brits), two vehicles were impounded as they were not roadworthy, while one was confiscated for further investigation due to apparent tampering with the chassis number,” said Mokgwabone.

He said, moreover, two motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Mokgwabone said, in addition, eight suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena reiterated that, the police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders will continue to apply a zero-tolerance approach during the operations to ensure compliance and general safety.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: ANC volunteers embarking on Letsema Cleaning campaign in Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some hawkers in the Taung Central Business District (CBD) said a clean environment will ensure that they attract more customers. This comes after the ANC in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District embarked on the Letsema Cleaning campaign in the area on Easter Monday.

 One of the hawkers, Mario Kasongo who is a hairdresser from the Democratic Republic of Congo said: “We want to applaud the ANC for embarking on this initiative. I think shoppers littered the area and it was not clean and conducive to our businesses.

“Even though the littering and dirtiness were inevitable, proper management from the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) is key. I think is high time the municipality implements policies, which concern the cleanliness in town because that will also contribute to the rapid growth of the economy.”

Another hawker, Macdonald Maudi who sells sweets, peanuts, and other items shared the same sentiments. Maudi said he wishes the campaign could be implemented every after two weeks.

“Eish my bra, our town was dirty and I think that has a negative impact on our economy. I would also like to urge those who come to town, to make sure that they make use of dustbins strategically placed around town.

“I highly appreciate what the ANC has done. However, as locals, we also have a pivotal role to play to ensure that this initiative pays off. If we do not, our town will remain undeveloped throughout because of our attitude. Look at it now, it is much cleaner and I think it will be free of rodents too,” he said.

ANC regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Motseokae Maje said, this is a national program and will continue to take place across all ANC branches. Maje further said the initiative aims to create a clean and safer environment for the people.

“This is the program that takes place throughout the country. In some instances, you will see the ANC president leading it. So, as the ANC in the region, we have identified Taung CBD because this is where most business activities take place.

“We saw how the place was and decided to sacrifice our Easter Monday to embark on a cleaning spree. Remember, if we have to attract investors to Taung, the first area of concentration will be our CBD. So, it cannot be possible to attract investors in an environment that is unhygienic with no basic services like electricity and water,” he said.

Maje added that, they had other stakeholders on board such as taxi associations and their alliance partners, mainly the South African Communist Party (SACP). He said, they will also support Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and schools across various wards.

“We will also clean gravesites and the essence of this initiative is to ensure that we lead from the front as the ANC. As the governing party, we understand that, our revolution started when the ANC was established and it has not been completed.

“So, we will continue to lead all activities that bring the betterment to the lives of our people. We will not be deterred by those detractors who say we are just doing this simply because there are elections coming,” said Maje.

Meanwhile, SACP’s District Working Committee member, Tshepo Nkwe said: “The Letsema Cleaning campaign will be a continuous program and as the alliance partner of the ANC, we will continue to renew our social contract with the society as well as encourage them to take charge of their environment to be clean.   

“The aim of initiatives like these is to bring government to the people as enshrined in the South African constitution. So, we highly appreciate the work done by the ruling party and we will continue to work together in bringing changes to the lives of the masses.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A DRIVER has died on Manokwane and Maphoitsile road, near Taung on Saturday. The North West police said, the driver (68) was driving from Manokwane village to Maphoitsile when the accident happened.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “It is alleged that the driver was trying to overtake when his vehicle overturned. He passed away on the scene and a culpable homicide case is under investigation.”

Meanwhile, five more lives have been lost on the North West roads bringing a total to twelve since the first of April 2023. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, a pedestrian was hit by a car in Klerksdorp and a motorist died instantly in an accident in Lichtenburg.

“Three other people died in a head-on collision between two light motor vehicles in Mogwase near Sun City. The driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers are hospitalised with serious injuries. However, for the Easter period, four fatalities have been recorded on Thursday and three in Mogwase on Saturday.

“A boy (12) was hit by a car on Thursday evening at 20:45 in Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom. The enraged community members became aggressive towards the driver and the passenger, but they were rescued by law enforcement officers. Their vehicle was thereafter torched by the community,” he said.

Lehari further said, eight fatalities were recorded earlier in the week, one in Mogopela village in Taung, two in Koster, three in Ledig near Mogwase, and two in Lichtenburg. He added that there is also a growing trend of pedestrians who are hit by vehicles, and most of them seemingly come from hostelries.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We also appeal to pedestrians to be extra careful when crossing roads, especially at night.

“We urge to road users to be patient and comply with all traffic regulations. What we have realised is that, most drivers are reckless and pedestrians’ accidents are also on the rise,” said Lehari.

He said they are pleading with everyone on the road to exercise extreme caution at all times. Lehari said, the joint law enforcement operations that have been leading since the beginning of April 2023, stopped almost three thousand vehicles.

“Fifteen undocumented people were arrested and handed over to the Immigration officials. Law enforcement operations will continue on all major arterial and local routes,” he concluded.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two people drowned at Modisa Lodge in Extension 6, near Taung on Saturday. It is alleged that, there was a function at the lodge and a man (38) jumped into the swimming pool in a quest to swim, however, drowned.

According to an eyewitness, the drowning man allegedly raised his hand calling for help. His nephew allegedly jumped into to the pool to try and rescued him, but he also drowned.

The Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) was called to the scene. It is alleged that, the deceased (38) was ferried to Taung District Hospital for medical attention, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival, while his nephew (34) was certified dead on the scene.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We have registered and investigating an inquest docket. The deceased persons were booked at the lodge for the Easter weekend and they were swimming when they drowned. No foul play suspected,” Funani said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul donated R500 000 to Sol Plaatjie University/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE  

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zmani Saul said his province aims to have a soccer team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in the near future. Saul, who donated R500 000 to the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) football teams said, this remarkable contribution will propel the development and revitalisation of football at the university, paving the way for a bright future in the sport.

“It is the provincial government’s vision to establish a Premier Soccer League team in the province, with SPU’s football teams playing a crucial role as feeder teams for more established clubs,” he said.

SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch expressed gratitude for the donation and affirmed that, this partnership will bolster future collaborations and initiatives, benefiting not only the university but also the wider province. Crouch further said, the recent launch of the SPU Sports Precinct, coupled with Saul’s substantial donation, heralds a new era of enhanced access, inclusion, and support for football.

Captains of the men’s and women’s first football teams, Raymond Bott and Motlatso Matabane conveyed their heartfelt appreciation for the financial boost.

Bott said: “With this financial support, we can evolve into an outstanding team, fostering social cohesion within the community and elevating sport and academic excellence to new heights.”

Matabane shared the same sentiments and reflected on the team’s journey.

“When I joined the team in 2021, we faced numerous challenges, including practice fields and equipment. However, we persevered. With the recently launched Sports Precinct, we now have a home venue where we can play and practice. We are truly grateful and humbled by this donation. On behalf of the team, we thank you for making these funds available,” she said.

Dean of Student Affairs, Nicole Morris confirmed the impact of the donation. Morris said, with the recently launched sports precinct and this generous donation from Saul, they can finally put the wheels in motion, igniting change and introducing new initiatives towards heightening access, inclusion, and support in football.

“I would like to thank once more the Premier, his delegation, and the Northern Cape Provincial Government for their commitment to ensuring the success of our soccer sporting code at the University,” said Morris.

taungdailynews@gmail.com