By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against four alleged drug lords was postponed to 5 and 6 December 2022 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. A local businessman and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo Katong (34), and Katlego Mosimege (31) were arrested in April 2022 for allegedly brutally killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35), who was one of their loyal customers.

They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house at Manthe village, near Taung in North West. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.

“The accused were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder,” Tselanyane said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in armed and allegedly torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The murder case against the accused was initially postponed to 15 February 2022, but they made an urgent bail application for 22 November 2022 and was granted.

However, magistrate Edwin Letsapa postponed the matter until 5-6 December 2022. Letsapa said this was to give enough time to both defence and state to prepare for their ‘heads of arguments’ for bail application.  

Meanwhile, community members packed the court to the rafters. They also submitted a petition calling for no bail against the accused.

Thabiso’s aunt, Kehilwe Modisakoma said: “We were not even informed as family about this urgent bail application launched by the accused. So, we just wonder why it made secret. However, we do not want to see these criminals getting bail because they selling nyaope to the youth. 

“They turned Thabiso into their slave and killed him afterwards. Nyaope is killing the future of many young people and we hope that justice system will take that into consideration. We call for no bail against the accused and because we not sure what will happen if they are granted it.”

One of community leaders, Rapampiri Motshitshi shared the same sentiments. Motshitshi said they do not want to see the accused among their community because of their criminal activities they executing within the community.

“Our youth to do not have future because they are destroyed by nyaope. The only thing that we want is to see a clean community that is free from drugs. These young boys come to our houses and steal just to feed their cravings,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West police have launched a manhunt after an armed robbery at a local tavern in Wolmaranstad. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the armed robbery allegedly took place in the early hours of Monday.

“During the incident, three men were shot at and two of them aged between 30 and 35 passed away on the scene. A third victim, who is the owner,50, who is the owner of the business was hospitalised with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

“Five suspects were playing pool in the tavern and just after midnight proceeded to close the premise’ main gate. They robbed the tavern owner after shooting him and took his firearm and an undisclosed amount of money,” Myburgh said.

She further said, the wife of the owner was hit with a bottle during the ordeal and was released from the hospital shortly after being admitted.

“Two more victims were allegedly assaulted by bystanders after the suspects fled the scene on foot as they were suspected to be part of the robbers. They were assaulted by the angry mob and their vehicle parked outside the tavern, was also damaged.

“Both victims were admitted to a local hospital and discharged after receiving treatment. The police request anybody who may have information that can assist in the investigation to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Captain Sello Mochwaiwa at 082 ‪416 3608. Alternatively, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop can be called at ‪08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App,” said Myburgh.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape reshuffled his cabinet on Monday. Maape appointed the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi as the new MEC for the Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) and Keneetswe Mosenogi as the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR).

He said the ‘tide of change’ to his cabinet follows extensive consultation with the leadership of the ANC in the province as well as its alliance partners.

“The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism will be under the stewardship of Virginia Tlhapi. These changes are aimed at strengthening the work of the government in expediting service delivery and addressing a number of challenges confronting the province.

“Since assuming office, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has been stable and where there have been challenges, there have been appropriate actions to respond to such matters,” said Maape.

He added that, these appointments call on all of them to champion the interests of the poor and marginalised, but critically to promote good governance, which includes ethical leadership. 

Maape also congratulated the new MECs and wish them well in their new responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the ANC in North West welcomed the changes effected in the NWPG’s Executive Council (Exco) by Maape. The ruling party has also thanked North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela, and Lenah Miga who was heading the department of COGHSTA. 

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said they wish to thank Matsemela and Miga for their sterling contributions as EXCO members.

“The following outstanding cadres have been appointed in the Provincial Government in the following portfolios. The Department of Local Government and Human Settlement: MEC Nono Maloyi, Department of Education: MEC Viola Motsumi – to be sworn in on 7 December 2022.

“The Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, MEC Keneetswe Mosenogi and Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, MEC Virginia Tlhape.”

Maruping said, the ANC further congratulates new members of the PEC and wishes them well. He said the newly re-configured executive council is a product of thorough consultations and engagements with all structures, alliance partners and represents the best amongst ANC members of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).

“The province is confronted with many challenges and the immediate task of the new EXCO is to make sure that, the ANC manifesto is implemented to the latter, acceleration of service delivery becomes a priority, and most importantly stabilize our municipalities.

“The re-configured executive council represents continuity, strengthening other departments and infusion of new ideas,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A grim picture of corruption and funds misappropriation continues to show its ugly head at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). This comes after allegations that the municipality has been doing business with the Motheo Guesthouse, which is allegedly owned by one of its employees, Dikagiso Mokoma.

The controversial Mokoma was suspended a few months ago for allegedly misleading the municipal council over danger allowance. Now, it is alleged that, the municipality has spent millions of rands on the facility.

According to our sources, this was allegedly done through the traveling agency appointed by the municipality.  

“We know that the municipality has allegedly booked the Motheo Guesthouse on numerous occasions to host meetings and book accommodation. Even though this was done through the travelling agency, it was still wrong because the guesthouse is allegedly by owned Mokoma.

“These individuals are now committing corruption with impunity because they know that they are highly protected. It cannot be correct that individuals do business with the municipality, while they are listed as employees,” our source said.

The municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Mokoma failed to respond to our telephone calls and WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.   

In March 2022, the Public Service Commission (PSC) highlighted that, most government employees in North West are either doing business with the state or sit on various bid committees to award tenders to their cronies.

The PSC Commissioner in the North West, Dr Moeletsi Leballo: “Every government employee is expected to fill the financial disclosure form to be scrutinized. As the PSC, we have realised that there are many government employees, who are doing business with the government or sit in bid committees that award tenders.

“If they do so, this constitutes a conflict of interest. This has led many government entities or departments to have incurred irregular, unauthorized, wasteful, and fruitless expenditure in consecutive years.”

Leballo further said, more than R76 million (R76 629 940.07) has been frivolously spent during the 2020/21 financial year. He added that R1 957 615.20 was squandered during the 2017/2018 financial year and has not been recovered yet.

“It is a concerning factor to see departments under-reporting financial misconduct cases in the province. So, we are of the view that the accounting officers responsible should be held accountable for non-compliance,” he said.

The Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Jacqueline Theologo said: “We will write a letter to the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to submit a report to the committee to reply to all financial misconduct cases.

“This will assist us to get a complete reflection of what is actually happening. There is a discrepancy in the process because not everything is forwarded to the PSC and recommendations are not fully implemented.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Papiki Babuile said, corruption is dire in the province and all those who are in power are not there to serve the people but to execute their own interests.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he had set up a forensic unit that will assist his government to fight malfeasance, corruption, and fraud.

“The anti-corruption strategy will include various components such as lifestyle audits on MECs, MPLs, and senior managers including council members,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Two suspects aged 18 and 25 to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 21 November 2022 for stock theft. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said, on 15 November 2022, the owner of Buffelsboch Farm discovered that his Simbra bull was stolen from the grazing camp, where it was left the previous day.

“The complainant contacted Piet Plessis Police and a stock theft case was opened. On 17 November 2022, the police received information about possible stock-theft suspects.

“The information was immediately operationalized by the Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and two suspects were arrested in Logageng village, near Mahikeng,” van Rooyen said.

She further said, the meat was recovered from three different houses in Logageng village and positively identified as being that of the stolen bull.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing person, Petrus Job (40) who was last seen near Bo-Plaas farm about 60km outside Upington on Olifanthshoek road on 11 November 2022.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela, Job was last seen wearing a green shirt, blue overall pants, and brown boots. Masegela further said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Job can contact the investigating officer Captain Elsie Benade on 076 021 8440.

“Remember there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against a man (38), who allegedly killed a five-month-old boy was postponed by the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court until 22 November 2022 for consultation. A Legal Aid attorney representing Lazarus Chaka Hambone, who is the accused, requested a further postponement to consult with him in preparation for bail application and the court granted it.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The state will oppose bail, as the accused is a parolee on a murder case that occurred in 2011. Police reports revealed that Hambone was apprehended on 6 November 2022 for the alleged murder of a five-month-old baby boy at Extension 4 in Kgakala Township near Leeudoringstad.

“According to the police reports, a 16-year-old mother to a five-month-old infant had an argument with Hambone on 5 November 2022, while carrying the baby on her back. Hambone 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.”

Mamothame said, 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. Hambone will remain detained in police custody until the next court appearance for a formal bail application.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Five bodies have been recovered from various dams across the North West province since the start of torrential rains. The North West police said they are concerned after provincial police divers attended to five alleged drowning incidents recently.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, on 11 November 2022, the police divers recovered a body of an unknown female at Klipkop in the Crocodile River at about 5pm after she allegedly fell into the river and drowned.

Myburgh said in a second unrelated incident, the body of a boy (15) was recovered in a dam next to a school at around 2:20pm in Koster on 12 November 2022.

“The third incident was reported in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on the same day, but the police divers only found the body of a female two days later. It is alleged that, the lady was swept away by flood water in the Jagerspruit when she tried to cross the stream. 

“The fourth recovery of an unknown body, which was in a state of decomposition was made on 14 November 2022 in Boitekong at Sunrise Park at the Hex River in the afternoon. The last unidentified body of a male was recovered in Brits on 17 November 2022 in the Crocodile River,” she said.

Myburgh further said, it took the divers who were assisted by the Air Wing three days to retrieve the body, which was spotted through utilisation of a drone due to crocodiles that were visible in the water close to the body. She said the public is advised to take heed and apply the safety tips.

“When swimming, please never swim alone and do not duck and push others into or around water. Please ensure that, the water depths are appropriate for swimming and diving. Never dive into muddy or unclear water and do not swim during electrical storms.

“Do not enter the water unless you are a strong swimmer and when swimming in dams, check the edge of the dam for soft mud. Move slowly to the water, if the ground retreat. Weeds may occur in all environments and should be avoided whenever possible,” said Myburgh.

She added that, if caught in a weed or kelp, swimmers should remain calm, keep all movement to a minimum and remove the weed or kelp before swimming out. Myburgh said swimmers should also be careful of currents and undertows in fast-flowing rivers.

“Extreme care should be taken when entering the rivers due to changing conditions. Before entering the water, please check the strength of the current and when caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first, this will absorb the head and body from serious injury.

“When you fall into the water, unable to stand and reach the side quickly, you should stay calm. You should keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time. Also, try not to swallow water and when you swim in open water, it is much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool,” she said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 47-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of rape by the Mogwase Regional Court. Oupa Herman Mabalane raped a woman (27) at Ga-Phiri village, near Mogwase 25 April 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mabalane was arrested the following day after the matter was reported to the police. Mamothame said his bail application was rejected and he pleaded guilty to the charges.

“The evidence led in court revealed that Mabalane, together with the victim, her sister, and her sister’s boyfriend were from a tavern and went to the residence of his uncle. His sister and her boyfriend went into another bedroom. They then went out when they heard the victim screaming and she indicated that the accused was assaulting her.

“They reprimanded him before going back into their bedroom. The accused subsequently dragged the victim into another bedroom, which was dark, and raped her more than once,” he said.

Mamothame further said the victim sustained injuries on her right knee after she was stabbed with a screwdriver. He added Mabalane had no other reason to assault her, except to force her to have sexual intercourse with him as they had no relationship.

Mabalane was also found to have previous convictions, although not relevant to the crime he was convicted of.

“Among the 13 convictions he had, were possession of ammunition, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and he was previously declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mamothame.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The world-renowned hip hop artist, Refiloe “Cassper Nyovest” Phoolo squashed the allegations that the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng, North West is on the brink of collapse. Nyovest is preparing to host the much-anticipated #FillUp Mmabatho stadium event on 3 December 2022 since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

Nyovest said they have appointed two structural engineers and the report said the stadium is useable, but not to its full capacity.

“Every #FillUp is created according to the audience. The fact that this is a homecoming, we need to look at culture and heritage among others. Artists like Motlapele “Mo Molemi” Morule and other local artists will benefit from this.  

“We also have a campaign that we are running to check, which local artists people love and support. Eighteen upcoming artists will benefit from this event too. We will have superstars like Makhadzi and a surprise act,” he said.

Nyovest said safety measure is one of his priorities and they will use only 30% of the stand. He further encouraged those, who have not bought tickets to do so to avoid disappointment.

“We are going to have a great show even though this might be the hardest #FillUp to organise. People here know every song of mine, but I won’t play all of them. Even though there are many politics surrounding this event, we are most definitely sure that it will be a success,” said Nyovest.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Virginia Tlhapi said: “The department wishes to distance itself from the narrative that alleges that, Mmabatho Stadium is not safe for usage. We gladly wish to invite anyone who has a structural engineering report that declares Mmabatho Stadium unsafe to bring such information forth.

“In December 2018, the department successfully held the annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival at the stadium. Despite the vandalism such as cable theft, and electrical and plumbing systems, there is nothing that warrants the prevention of the usage of the Mmabatho stadium.”

Tlhapi further said, the department has long started with the upkeep of the stadium as she pronounced during the 2022/23 departmental budget speech. She added that, due to financial constraints, the department has not planned to construct any new infrastructure facilities, but will continue with the maintenance of the existing infrastructure of stadia and recreation centres with a special focus on Mmabatho, Lehurutshe, and Itsoseng stadia.

“The department has already done work on the surface of the pitch, which is now in good shape. The VIP section is also in proper condition and can also be used safely. So, it is all systems go for #FillUp Mmabatho stadium. The department has confirmed that it is one of the supporters of the major event, which is one of a series that has taken place in such areas as Johannesburg, Durban, and Rustenburg,” she said.

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