By REGINALD KANYANE

A centenarian, Julia Mamorwadi Mocumi celebrated her 100^th birthday with style along with her circle of family and friends at her home in Magogoe Khoi-Khoi village, outside Mahikeng in North West on Saturday.

The elegant Julia was in a jovial mood as she danced with the aiding stick into her hand to keep balance. It seems Julia has a ‘special bond’ with almost everyone within the community because she was cheered up by the young and old.

“I am happy today that I am celebrating 100 years. This is actually 100 years of God’s grace and I will always appreciate it. However, I am too old now and I am ready to leave this world because I believe I have played my part.

“I want to send my gratitude to God and say thank you to my children, who made this possible. There is no special recipe to live longer and I just want to tell the young generation to stop indulging in alcohol and look after themselves,” she said.

Julia also encourages people to eat healthily and stop using a lot of spice in everything. She only has two biological children, but only left with one after the death of her firstborn.

“I was devastated when I lost my husband because of death, but I managed. If you have a good heart as a person, God will continue to bless and protect you. So, thank you to everyone who came through to celebrate this milestone with me,” said Julia.

Rekgonyane Mocumi (73), who is Julia’s only biological child alive said, he learned a lot from his mother. Rekgonyane said, they originate from the West of Johannesburg, Kagiso Township in Krugersdorp, but moved to Mahikeng during Soweto Uprising.  

“I am a responsible man because I was raised by this queen. She showed pedigree and is also loved by many,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sandra Mocumi (60), who is one of Julia’s grandchildren shared the same sentiments. Sandra said her granny is the humblest person she ever came across.

“My granny does not like going out in the streets. She is also still strong physically and does not have chronic diseases. Imagine at my age, I am using medication for chronic disease, but my granny does not.

“She can still bathe, takes herself to the toilet, which is outside, and makes tea for herself without any assistance. Indeed, we are truly blessed to have her as a granny. She also encouraged us not to drink alcohol and sometimes we will joke with her and gives her some alcohol, however, she will resist after finding out that indeed is alcohol,” Sandra said.

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Picture: Julia Mocumi celebrates 100 years/Mpho Bilwane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa bemoaned the spike in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and urged men to come out in support of initiatives aimed at fighting the scourge of violence.

Moiloa said it is worrisome and disturbing to note that 13 000 women were victims of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) between July and September 2022.

“More than 10 000 rape cases were opened in the same period by the police. This is according to the recent crime statistics and we make a clarion call to all stakeholders, including the religious sector, businesses, and every community member to play a role in protecting women and children.

“As the country marks 16 days of activism on no violence against women and children, we called for concerted efforts in curbing the scourge of GBV. Society must take part in mentoring and teaching young boys to always value and respect young girls and women,” she said.

Moiloa further said, they also need more men to stand up and make a difference. She added that, the voices and actions of men are crucial in the fight against violence and abuse.

“Changing behaviour and ingrained attitudes will not be easy, but men must take the lead in this drive. It is time for men to join the fight and become the vanguard of our common struggle to end violence and abuse.

“The 16 Days Activism Campaign continues to generate a heightened level of awareness amongst South Africans on the deleterious effect and impact of GBV and femicide in society,” said Moiloa.

She said over the past two decades, all partners especially the government, working with civil society, have been making concerted efforts in raising awareness about the 16 Days of Activism campaign within a broader approach of 365 days of action to address the scourge of GBV and femicide in the country.

Moiloa is also scheduled to lead a series of awareness campaigns on GBV across the province during the festive season.

Meanwhile, the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (MPWC) has welcomed the focus on economic emancipation in the government programs planned for the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children.

Committee Chairperson, Nkhensani Kate Bilankulu said, the MPWC was briefed by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services.

“We note that the campaign is a year-long, but that the 16 days between 25 November and 10 December is a period for focused reflection on violence and abuse experienced by women and girls in all their diversity.

“The committee heard that the campaign takes place annually from 25 November – International Day of No Violence against Women – until 10 December, which is International Human Rights Day,” Bilankulu said.

She said the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities said that, given the heightened levels of violence in South Africa against women, girls, children, people with disabilities, the elderly, the LGBTQIA+ community, women migrant workers, refugees, and asylum seekers and sex workers, the campaign has over the years evolved into a 365-days-a-year programme to fight GBV and Femicide (GBVF).

Bilankulu said the department told the committee that the proposed theme for this year is “Socio-economic Rights and Empowerment to build Women’s Resilience against Gender-based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract”.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A MURDER case against a man who allegedly killed a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke was postponed until 24 January 2023. Bongane Gregory Shebi (24) was arrested on 15 October 2022 after the body of Iris Mohokare was discovered with her throat slit open in her rented back room by her landlord on 13 October 2022.

The landlord subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigations. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the case was postponed pending the DNA test results. Mamothame further said Shebi abandoned his bail application and he will remain in custody until the matter is concluded.

“Shebi became a person of interest after he was spotted not far from the crime scene walking in bloodied clothes. Then the police started looking for him and he was ultimately arrested on 15 October 2022.

“Upon arrival at the police station, he informed the police that he wants to confess. Shebi was subsequently taken in so that the confession can be obtained and later took the police to the scene, where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing,” he said.

Mamothame added that, the accused alleged that he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession, that he and another person intended to rob the deceased. He said, Shebi further alleged that he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but the person whom he was with.

“However, the police have indicated that evidence that was obtained at the scene, indicates that only one person was at the crime scene at the time of the commission of the offense,” said Mamothame.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A FORTY-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly tampering with Essential Infrastructure. Felix Ndoti was arrested after allegedly breaking and gaining entrance into a Vodacom container and stealing batteries in September 2018 in Schweizer Reneke. 

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said, consequent to an intensive investigation by the Provincial Organised Crime, the accused was linked with the break-in through fingerprints. Botma said, Ndoti was further linked to the two incidents in Coligny, wherein he allegedly broke into a container and stole batteries.

“He was ultimately arrested on 21 November 2022 in Delareyville. Ndoti briefly appeared in the Schweizer Reneke District Court on a charge of tampering with Essential Infrastructure.

“The case was postponed until 29 November 2022 for a formal bail application. The accused will also appear on 28 November 2022 in the Coligny Magistrate’s Court on two counts of malicious damage to property and theft of tower batteries,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for Ndoti’s arrest and pointed out that this will serve as a warning to those who tamper or destroy essential infrastructure.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against a man from Extension 4, Kgakala Township in Leeudoringstad was postponed until 17 January 2023. Lazarus Chaka Hambone (38), who is a parolee was arrested after he allegedly killed a five-month-old boy with a spade.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the atrocity took place on 6 November 2022. Mamothame further said, a mother (16) to a five-month-old infant allegedly had an argument with Hambone on 5 November 2022, while carrying the baby on her back.

“Hambone, who is an uncle to the mother of the deceased, then went outside and came back with a spade, and tried to assault his niece, but ended up hitting the five-month-old baby boy.

“The baby was taken to a local clinic where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital, where he died, due to head injuries. The state successfully opposed bail through its statement, noting among other things that the accused is a parolee, on a murder case that occurred in 2011,” he said.

Mamothame added that, Hambone will remain detained in police custody until the matter is concluded.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The award-winning poet, Tshepo Constance Letebele said winning the Best Poetry Category in Baruta Ngwao Music and Traditional awards is a boost to her career. Letebele (25), who originates from Magogong village near Taung said this will strengthen her market including her support base.  

“I am over the moon because winning is a big step for me. It means I got a huge fan base now and that gives me a push because I see that people love what I do. I will keep writing, reading, and giving people what they love, but above all, I will add more to my writing skills.

“As an artist, one needs to be creative at all times, hence I add orchestration into my poetry. Now, I have to add something new for my fans and spread my wings to achieve more. Yes, I am working on a project called Kgato, which is so exciting because the aim of this project is to address socio-economic challenges facing our society, especially the youth such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, high rate of crime, alcohol and drug abuse,” she said.

Letebele further said, she has brought almost every local artist together on the project to share their ideas. She added that, they have already made inroads as some of the young girls, whom she is working with, have already been booked across.

“So, to my supporters, words are not enough to show how much I appreciate you. Thank you for your unwavering love and continuous support you always show. Ke le rata kesa ikhutse and may Almighty continue to bless you all.

“Even though poetry is the most underrated genre across, I believe that things might take a positive turn soon. I discovered my talent and passion during high school. I used to master essays, unprepared speeches, and oral presentations, then wrote my first ever poem, which I presented to one of my former teachers during a farewell ceremony,” said Letebele.

She said: “Since then, I became unstoppable and gave birth to numerous poems. Mostly, my poems are based on current situations because it is where I find content. We are faced with various challenges such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and I am also trying to bring awareness.”

The North West University (NWU) alumni and founder of Taung Yum Creamery said poetry belongs to the realm of emotions and imagination. She said art plays a primordial role in shaping the individual and transmits human values.

“People assume that to become a poet, you will only need a book and a pen. However, they have not realised that the world evolves and things change. Remember, the ancient ways one uses to write poems, the less support one will get.

“Unlike music, poetry is not taken into consideration, but I believe that things will take a positive turn soon. Atleast, we now have a poetry category in some awards. I would like to work with poets like Lebogang Mashile and Botlhale Boikanyo in the future,” said Letebele.

You can also follow her on social media platforms like Facebook: Tshepo Consty Letebele and Instagram: Tshepoconsty

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Taung Cultural Calabash event organiser is facing a criminal case. This comes after the organiser allegedly failed to follow the proper procedure to organise the whopping R4 million Taung Cultural Calabash that was held at Mmabana Centre in Taung on 19 November 2022.

The criminal case was laid by the Taung Police Station station commander, Colonel Tshupetso Mojahi.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The station commander opened a case of non-compliance on 19 November 2022 against the organiser of the Taung Cultural Calabash. This comes after the organiser was informed to follow the proper procedure to apply for the event and he failed to do so.

“A case of organising an event without obtaining a valid certificate contemplated in Section 8 of the Safety and Sports and Recreational Events Act was opened against him.”

However, Botma said there are no arrests thus far. 

The Taung Cultural Calabash event organiser, Molefi Setlatlaleng from Mega Works and Showtime Entertainment, which is a company that was awarded a tender, disputed the allegations and said it is news to him.

“I was not aware that you can open a docket after the event. I am hearing this for the first time from you,” Setlatlaleng said.

Meanwhile, some aggrieved local artists and business persons, who previously boycotted the event welcomed the move. One of the bidders, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos, Kenosi Kehiloe said this clearly shows that there was a discrepancy surrounding the whole fiasco.

“This will strengthen our case against the department and event organiser. We decided not to go and stop the event because it could have been bloodshed.

“We are still fighting for what is rightfully ours even though some artists created divisions amongst us. We allowed the event to continue because we did not want to be labelled as hooligans,” he said.

The TCC was established back in 1994 as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.

However, it was marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet to pull the plug.

One of the local business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, the event was supposed to encompass the culture and heritage of the community, instead it has lost its value. Nkonyana further said, the event was also supposed to create job opportunities for local people, but it does not serve that purpose anymore because it has been ‘hijacked’ by criminals.

“We have been trying in vain to have consultative engagements with the ASCR and Mmabana Foundation to iron out our grievances, however, our plea fell on deaf ears. There is a discrepancy in the awarding of the tender, so we called on Mmabana Foundation to conduct investigations, especially from the supply chain management (SCM).

“It cannot be correct that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events continue to be awarded to the same service provider over and over again. There are allegations that the local company, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos has been removed from the list even though it performed way better than the appointed service provider,” Nkonyana said.

Meanwhile, the Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kelebogile Modiselle failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages and calls.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baithuti ba kwa sekolong se segolwane sa kwa motse-setoropong wa Pudimoe gaufi le Taung, bane ba tsenetse tirelo ya matshidiso kwa holong ya baagi moletsatsing la maabane. 

Seno, se tla morago ga go tlhokafala ga baithuti bale bane mo kotsing ya sejanaga mo tseleng ya N18 kwa motseng wa Dryharts gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa sejanaga se seneng se kgweediwa ke mongwe wa baithuti bano, sene sa sa amega mo kotsing le go menoga.

Go begwa fa Oratile Mogorotsi, Orapeleng Madutla, Reaobaka Mocumi ga mmogo le Fafa Mosimanegape ba ne ba tlhokafala. Ba lelapa la ga Goitsemodimo ba mo kaile jaaka ngwana o o boikobo ebile a ne a reetsa.    

Mamogolwagwe Orapeleng, Kamogelo Modutla wa tlhalosa. “Orapeleng one a tsena ko sekolong se segolwane sa Pudimoe, mme ene one a feditse sekolo mo ngwageng o fetileng. Go tlhokafala ga gagwe go re utlwisitse botlhoko thata re le ba lelapa.

“Tota, rene re sa solofela gore go tla diragala tiragalo e entseng jaana. Gape, jaaka lelapa, re ne re setse re solofetse go le gontsi go tswa mo go ene, gonne one a setse a tsentse kopo ya tsweletso-dithuto kwa kholejeng ya selegae ya Vuselela,” Kamogelo wa tlhalosa.

Naomi Leeuw, ke sebueledi sa lelapa la ga moswi, Reaobaka Mocumi. Leeuw o kaile fa ba tswa kwa motsaneng wa Matlhako 2 gaufi le Pudimoe, mme ba amilwe ke tiragalo e.

“Reaobaka one a tsena kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Pudimoe, mme a dira mophato wa 11. Re ne re solofetse fa Reaobaka ka tsena sekolo le go tsweletsa dithuto tsa gagwe, mme are direle morago ga moo. Ene e sentse ele ngwana fela o kwa tlase ka dingwaga, mme ale boikobo,” Leeuw wa tlhalosa.

Letlhogonolo Mogorotsi are le ene o latlhegetswe ke setlogolo sa gagwe mo tiragalong e. Mogorotsi are, Oratile (21) ene ele setlogolo sa gagwe se se tonna, mme one a mo rata thata.

“Oratile one a rata go ka dira ka diatla, gonne rremogolo wa gagwe le ene one a rata go ka dira ka diatla. Jaanong, kene ke solofetse dilo dile dintsi thata go tswa mo go ene. Le fa rene re kgaogana ka Labotlhano kwa Motimalenyora, go ne go le monate, mme ene, o ne a le maitseo thata.

“Le fa a ne a dira dilo dingwe tse di tswileng mo tseleng, one o ka seka wa mo bona a di dira mo pele ga batho. Le fa rele koo, ene ere fa a ka mpona, one a itshuba,” Mogorotsi wa tlhalosa.

Moruti Lerato Lebona go tswa kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Botshelo one a neelana ka letswe la go ritibatsa maikutlo. Lebona are ngwana mongwe le mongwe o botlhokwa go ya ka tsela ya gagwe.

“Modimo ke lorato, gonne o ile a bopa motho mo setshwanong sa gagwe. Kotsi e e diragaletseng bana ba, ke kgwetlho fela mo matshelong a rona. Fela fa Modimo a le teng, ga a yo mathata.

“Re rapela gore baithuti ba marematlou ba amogele, ebile ba kgone go ka tswelela sentle ka ditlhatlhobo tsa bone go se sepe se se ba emang ko pele,” Lebona wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokhuduthamaga wa Tshireletso ya Baagai le Dipalangwa mo Bokone Bophirima, Sello Lehari are: “Re ikuela go bakgwetsi le badirisi ba ditsela go nna kelo-tlhoko, mme ba itlhokomele mo ditseleng tse di farologaneng tsa porofense segolo bogolo jang ka motsi wa dipula.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Grade 12 learners at Tamasikwa High School in Tamasikwa village, near Taung said they are demoralised and do not think they will perform well in their national final examinations.

The Grade 12 learners who were kept at the school during camp said, they were allegedly forced by a teacher, Reokopile Mothibuseng to go to the veld and fetch firewood every afternoon so that they can be able to cook and prepare hot water every morning. 

One of the learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “This is torture because we are expected to study afterward. At times, we are tired and we could not concentrate. We just wonder what happened to the budget allocated for gas.

“We will perform badly during this final national examination, simply because we were put through torture by our own teacher. She even told us to lie to the media when we are interviewed,” said a learner.

One of the concerned parents, Delilwe Tjali shared the same sentiments. Tjali further said she blames the North West Department of Education for all shenanigans taking place at the school.

“The department is undermining us including these teachers. We cannot be undermined simply because we come from a deeply rural area. When we raise our grievances, teachers become very defensive and rude towards us.

“Even one of the teachers, Reikupile Mothibuseng had the guts to call and insult me after raising concern about this matter. We know that they will try everything in their power to defend themselves. However, this is something that everyone is concerned about,” she said.

Tjali further said Grade 12 learners could have used this time to study, instead of fetching firewood. She added that it is flabbergasting to see the school forced to accommodate learners when they do not have the full capacity to do so.

Taung DailyNews also visited the school and Grade 11 and 10 learners that spoke to the newspaper confirmed that indeed, Grade 12s were forced to go to the veld to fetch firewood.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The school manager and the School Governing Body (SGB) do not agree with the allegations made. The school made an agreement with the parents on 7 August 2022 and 21 October 2022 that they must come to prepare food for learners during camps.

“There is an arrangement that one of the community members brings wood for cooking and preparing warm water to save gas during weekends and when there is load shedding.”

Malindi said for cooking, there is a teacher who is sleeping with the learners and she is the one who serves learners in the morning when the SGB is still coming. He said the parents of learners are not cooperating at all to help the learners.

“The issue of insulting learners is not true at all. The educators are taking these learners as their children and ended up buying them food from their pockets. They have evidence, that they bought two Grade 12 learners’ school uniforms.

“The staff donated money for these learners during camp and the entire school is shocked and frustrated by these allegations,” said Malindi.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The police officer, Sgt Oaratwa Kgomotso (35) briefly appeared at the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Kgomotso was charged with theft and defeating the ends of justice.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, Kgomotso who was working at Ganyesa Police Station, attended a burglary and theft crime scene on 3 February 2020. He said the accused recovered stolen goods from one of the suspects but failed to effect the arrest.

“Kgomotso allegedly registered some of the goods in the exhibit register and took others. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, police management tasked the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) to conduct an investigation and that led to the summoning of the accused to appear before the court. He is expected to re-appear before the same court on 15 December 2022,” Mokgwabone said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena firmly warned that police management will not hesitate to act against any employee who commits a crime.

“We express our disapproval of the police officer’s conduct. The arrest will serve as a warning to corrupt employees, who lack integrity and in the process tarnish the image of the South African Police Services (SAPS). That will indeed not be tolerated,” he said

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