A murder case against Lazarus Chaka Hambone (38) from Extension 4 in Kgakala Township, near Leeudoringstad, was postponed until 16 November 2022 for a formal bail application. Hambone who was on parole for murder was arrested on 6 November 2022 for allegedly killing his niece’s infant with a spade.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, on 5 November 2022, a commotion ensued between Hambone and his niece (16) who was carrying her baby on her back.
“The accused then went outside, came back with a spade, and tried to assault his niece. Unfortunately, he 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.
“This led to the arrest of Hambone and he will remain in custody until the next court appearance. Hambone has appointed a Legal Aid attorney to represent him. The state will oppose bail as the accused is a parolee on a murder case that occurred in 2011,” Mamothame said.
A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping an elderly woman, Naomi Motlhwareng (73). Daniel Kediemetse Sehemo (53) from Sekhing village near Taung, was apprehended on 3 February 2022 after he broke into the home of Motlhwareng, who was his neighbour with the intent to commit rape.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Sehemo subsequently strangled and raped Motlhwareng before fleeing the scene.
“He knew the victim very well and also had privileged information that she stayed alone. Sehemo was also aware that the victim had previously suffered from a stroke. The victim reported the matter to the police and Sehemo was subsequently arrested.
“He was denied bail and in the mitigation of the sentence, his defense read a statement wherein he pleaded guilty as an illustration to express remorse for his action. The victim also took a stand and referred to her ordeal as a painful one, as it was committed by a person she trusted, referring to him as “my son” while giving her evidence,” he said.
The state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, arguing that elderly people are vulnerable and must be protected from the likes of Sehemo.
In a passing sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and lamented that society is outraged by rape as it makes them feel unsafe. Zulu further alluded to the responsibility the court has in imposing sentences that will restore the faith of the public in the criminal justice system.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and the investigating officer from the SAPS for a collaboration that yielded a positive outcome.
“Our fight against protecting the most vulnerable members of society will be demonstrated through such convictions”, she added.
The ANC in the North West said cabinet reshuffling is imminent and that will take place within seven days. This comes after the swearing-in of its provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West on Tuesday afternoon after the resignation of MPL, Kim Medupe.
The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said they are also in talks with other ANC MPLs to vacate their seats in order to make way for other provincial leaders such as Jostinah Mothibe, Wendy Nelson, and Lazarus Mokgosi amongst others.
“The ANC in the province took a decision to replenish the list. So, we wanted the legislature to actually reflect the ANC provincial leadership that has just been elected. Also, we want to make sure that we strengthen the legislature and have stability.
“Those who will resign will not be thrown out in the cold, but they will be redeployed somewhere strategic to sustain what they are doing. We have not encountered any formal resistance from them and we hope to reach an agreement before the end of this week,” he said.
On reshuffling, Diremelo further said, either the legislature or cabinet in the province should reflect the newly-elected provincial leadership. He added that, they will not use a yardstick to measure performance and evaluate their cabinet members when removing them.
“I will not point out which portfolios are going to be affected. So, reshuffling will be done after our consultative engagements with ANC officials. Just to clear the air, Medupe was not forced to resign and she did that voluntarily.
“She is going to be re-deployed somewhere strategic either in the government or private. Our alliance partners were highly briefed about these developments during our Alliance Council Meeting (ACM). Fortunately, we have found each other and again, there will be a series of meetings afterward,” he said.
Maloyi said he is more than ready to ascend to any position ANC deploys him to.
Meanwhile, NWPL speaker, Sussana Dantjie said: “I have received the resignation letter from ANC MPL, Kim Medupe who was serving as a full-time member of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
“I have also received a letter from the ANC in terms of the Electoral Act 73 of 1990 A Schedule 1 Section 93 (1), which states that in the event of a vacancy in the legislature to which this schedule applies, the party which the vacating member represented must fill the vacancy by nominating a person who is the next qualified and available person on the list.”
She added: “I’ve also checked with the revised list of the ANC as gazetted by the party on gazette number 8425. I am satisfied that, Dumile Patrick Nono Maloyi is the next in line of the party list as submitted by the ANC Provincial Secretary, Louis Diremelo.”
Dantjie further said, the swearing-in is needed in terms of Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of a Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the Legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the Constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”
Picture: The Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
ANC chairperson in North West, Nono Maloyi is allegedly expected to be sworn in as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) today at 5pm.
The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) speaker, Sussana Dantjie will preside over the swearing-in. Dantjie declared a vacancy after the resignation of ANC MPL, Kim Medupe.
Dantjie said: “The member will be sworn in, in accordance with Section 107 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”
The swearing-in will be conducted at the NWPL Speaker’s Boardroom at 5pm.
Meanwhile, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “We cannot confirm that the ANC provincial chairperson will be sworn-in, but we will communicate should such developments ensue.”
Setshwantsho: Matshidiso Mojaki o go begwang a tlhabile le go bolawa ka sekere ke monna wa gagwe/Facebook
Ka BAKANG MOKOTO
Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Kolong gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung. Go begwa fa Thapelo Mojaki (40) a ne a tsatsanka mosadi wa gagwe, Matshidiso Mojaki (36) yo a ne a sa tlhole a dula le ene ka sekere le go mo lobela dintshi.
Tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Diphalane e tlhola matsatsi ale 9 mono ngwaga. Go ya ka se sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Thapelo, gape one a tsatsanka ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana ka sekere pele a lebotsa phokoje.
“Re ka netefatsa fa mapodisi a kwa Taung ba batlisisa kgetsi ya polao, ga mmogo le ya go keteka ka maikaelelo a go tsenya dikgobalo. Seno se tla morago ga tiragalo e go begiwang fa Matshidiso a ile a tlhabiwa ka sekere, moo ebileng a feleletsa a latlhegetswe ke botshelo.
“Go begwa fa moswi a tlhabilwe ke monna wa gagwe, Thapelo ka sekere. Go ya ka dipego, Matshidiso yo o neng a tsamaya le bana ba gagwe ba le bararo eleng basetsanyana ba babedi ga mmogo le mosimanyana go ya tirong fa a ne a tlhaselwa,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Go ya ka Mokgwabone, Thapelo Mojaki one a ikgorotsa mo tseleng le go kopana le moswi. Go kaiwa fa molatofadiwa ane a batla karata ya banka mo go Matshidiso, mme moswi one a mo kaela fa a sa e tsaya.
“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ntsha sekere le go tlhaba moswi, mme one a tlhaba gape ngwana wa gagwe wa mosetsanyana pele ga a ka lebotsa phokoje.
“Tiragalo eno, ene ya begwa kwa sepodising, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa mo letsatsing le le latelang. One a tlhageletse ka boripana fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, mme kgetsi ene ya busediwa morago,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e tlhola matsatsi ale supa, fa Thapelo a ka nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile.
Kgabagare, mokwaledi wa lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Amogelang Matuane are: “Jaaka mokgatlho wa rona wa sepolotiki wa EFF, re netefaditse gore go nna le lephata le le thusang ka dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya bong mo mokgatlhong wa rona.
“Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a lephata leno, ke go samagana le dikgwetlho ga mmogo le dikgetsi tsa tshotlhakako ya basadi le bana. O ka ela tlhoko gore dikgetsi tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana digola letsatsi le letsatsi mo sedikeng sa rona.”
Matuane are, jaanong ha go ntse jalo, ba bone go le botlhokwa gore dikgetsi tseo di bewe leitlho. Are ke ka moo ba ne ba ile kgotlha-tshekelo ka maitlhomo le maikaelelo a go supa kemo-nokeng mo batswa-setlhabelong.
“Ha re bua ka tshotlakako ya bong, ga e diragale fela ko motho yo o sa mo itseng, mme le mogare ga malapa a mantsi tiragalo eo e tsaya karolo. Jaanong, re tlile go ema ba lelapa nokeng gore tshiamiso e diragadiwe kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.
“Jaaka EFF, re tlile go baya kgetsi eno leitlho go fitlhelela tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaaka mokgatlho, rena le bagokaganyi go ralala sedika, mme re ikuela go botlhe ba ba itemogelang tshotlakako ya bong go ka golagana le bone,” Matuane watlhalosa.
O kaile gape fa seo se tlile go thusa thata, gonne ba tlile go buisana le mafapha a farologaneng a puso jaaka lefapha la katlatlelo-loago le go netefatsa fa batswa-setlhabelo ba bona thuso.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayoral luxury BMW X3 will allegedly cost taxpayers R200 000 to fix. This comes after the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe who crashed the official SUV worth over R700 000 allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.
According to reports, now the municipality allegedly wants to use R200 000 budget allocated for service delivery to fix the vehicle, however, this has caused an outcry within the council. Gaoraelwe, who was on leave and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road in October 2022.
Even though he alleged that he was with his ex-wife and two children, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that, he was with the ‘unknown’ passenger aged 31 in the luxury SUV during the accident.
Now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion of no confidence against him. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office. Nape further said, Gaoraelwe allegedly submitted a contrary affidavit.
“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against the GTLM mayor to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I move on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.
“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.
Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.
“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.
“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the
municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.
However, Gaoraelwe squashed these allegations and said this begins to raise a serious concern about the journalist conducting the inquiry, which is a matter which ought to be looked into and exposed if found to be fiddling to sponsor a certain negative narrative about him.
“I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.
“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting,” he said.
He said as things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery. Gaoraelwe said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council.
“The speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings are not driven by motions or emotions. The issue of the municipality having submitted the accident report or not may be verified with the administrative arm of the municipality,” he said.
Moipolai failed to respond to our calls and WhatsApp messages before printing this article.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the information at their disposal confirmed that Gaoraelwe was with his ex-wife and children during the accident, however, he failed to explain why the AR suggests that he was only with one passenger.
Four suspects aged between 37 and 61 who are suspected members of a syndicate are set to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday for theft and fraud. The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they tried to defraud a local man.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspects allegedly approached unsuspecting contractors and promised them tenders.
“The victims would then be asked to deposit a certain amount of cash into an account in exchange for a tender. Reports suggest that on 2 November 2022, the suspects who pretended to be North West Provincial Government (NWPG) employees, approached a victim (53) and promised to award him an R58 million tender on condition that he gives them R40 000.
“Consequently, the victim deposited R20 000 00 and committed to paying the remaining money later. He then informed the police and the suspects were ultimately apprehended by the National Organised Crime Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives after trying to meet up with the suspect,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the units involved for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest. Kwena also urged members of the community to be vigilant of scams such as this one.
A 38 YEAR-OLD MAN arrested for allegedly killing a five months-old boy with a spade. According to the North West police, a commotion ensued between the mother (16) of the baby and her uncle at Extension 4, Kgakala Township in Leeudoringstad on Saturday.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the uncle then went outside, came back with a spade and tried to assault the niece. Funani said, however, the uncle ended up hitting the baby boy whom her mother was carrying on her back.
“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 suspect is expected to appear in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for murder,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and applauded the police for their swift reaction that led to the arrest.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari along with one of the beneficiaries/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari for donating 20 animal-drawn carts worth R780 000 to Dibono and Manawa villages outside Mahikeng just in the face of poverty.
Last week, Lehari donated donkey carts to some residents and said these villagers use this mode of transport to clinics, shops, and learners who are traveling about 20km to school in Masutlhe village.
“Our government remains committed to touching the lives of citizens and focus on the rural areas of the province. This mode of transport has been used for years back.
“It is a very reliable mode of transport when you take good care of these donkeys. Please, feed them and maintain the carts too. These 20 animal-drawn carts were locally manufactured and created a number of jobs for the local communities,” he said.
Lehari further said, the appointed service provider, LKT Business Enterprises has transferred skills to two local residents, who will maintain and repair the carts for three years with the expense of being paid by the department, through the service provider.
The 2 seaters cost the department R32 500 each, while the 4 seater is R45 500 each.
The DA’s spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in North West, Freddy Sonakile said they are appalled by this decision.
“Instead of developing roads and transport infrastructure, building clinics and schools within reach of the community, the provincial government donates donkey carts.
“Lehari unashamedly arrived at the villages with his convoy of blue light German luxury vehicles to donate donkey carts to beneficiaries within the community to use as a mode of transport to clinics, shops, and a school, which is 20 kilometres away in a neighbouring village,” Sonakile said.
He added that this is an indictment on the government. Sonakile said learners of Dibono and Manawana are expected to travel in donkey carts over a gruelling distance of 20 kilometres twice a day, sometimes in adverse weather conditions, yet this department is also responsible for managing the scholar transport system in the province.
“Lehari has demonstrated yet again that the provincial government does not have a plan to address socio-economic injustices rural communities continue to endure, but would much rather keep rural villages primitive.
“We will submit questions to Lehari to explain the total number of carts to be procured over three years, the total financial cost of the contract, whether a feasibility study was conducted, and how the beneficiaries were identified and selected,” said Sonakile.
He said they will also ask the department what it will do to ensure adequate scholar transport for the learners of both Dibono and Manawana villages.
Picture: Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung, allegedly refuses to honour the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)’s verdict.
This comes after the school ‘unduly’ terminated the contracts of four individuals, who were working as Education Assistants (EA). According to one of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) beneficiaries, Karabo Morwe (23), her contract was terminated because she was pregnant.
“I applied for the programme hoping to get meaningful experience. However, I was so devastated my contract was terminated disruptively simply because I was pregnant.
“I was working as Educator Assistant and the principal said I was not fit to work. She also said she was more concerned about the health of the pupils and my safety. Even though I explained to her that being pregnant does not necessarily mean I am disabled,” Morwe said.
She said they took their matter to CCMA to seek recourse because they feel that the decision to terminate their contracts was unfair. Morwe said, now the CCMA has ruled the matter in their favour and the school must refuse to pay.
“The school owes me R20 200 and I would be happy if the principal pays up. I really need that money because I have a baby to take care of now. So, that money will come in handy,” she said.
Another Teacher Assistant whose contract was terminated because of sharing a surname with an SGB member, Ontlametse Makgwe (26) shared the same sentiments.
“My contract was terminated in April 2022 because I shared the surname with one of the SGB members. The principal said there was a circular that is out and it said those who are related to any staff member, SGB or teachers should recuse themselves from the programmes.
“Unfortunately, I was sharing a surname with one of the SGB members even though we do not know each other. According to my understanding, the woman in question is married to the Makgwe family,” Makgwe said.
The North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the department has received the outcome of the CCMA and they have referred the matter to their labour unit for advice.
“So, if we challenge the ruling, it will depend on the assessment from the labour unit. However, for now, we can just indicate that the matter has been referred to our labour unit. The decision will be taken after that process has taken place,” Malindi said.
Meanwhile, the CCMA Director, Advocate Cameron Morojane said: “The award in this matter was issued on 25 September 2022 ordering the payment by the respondent by no later than 30 September 2022. The applicants may approach the CCMA’s Vryburg office for further assistance in this regard.
“The enforcement of the arbitration in accordance with Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), provides an effective and accessible way to enforce an arbitration award, where the award has not been complied with.”
Morojane further said, the award can be enforced as if, it was an order of the Magistrate’s Court scale. He added that, Section 143 (1) of the LRA says, an arbitration award issued by the commissioner is final and binding.
“It may be enforced as if, it was an order of the Labour Court in respect of which a writ has been issued. There is no longer a need for employees, who have had awards issued in their favour to approach the Labour Court for a writ of execution in the event of the employer’s non-compliance with the award.
“An arbitration award that orders the payment of a sum of money, (e.g: compensation, must be enforced or executed as if it is an order of the Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
