By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend (33) in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect and the victim, who are both residing at Lotlhakaneng village had an argument on 30 October 2022.

Funani said the argument ensued after the girlfriend refused to accompany him to Kimberley in the Northern Cape. She further said, the boyfriend allegedly visited the girlfriend at her home on Wednesday and stabbed her in her upper body.

“He then fled the scene and went to his employer’s house in Matlhonyane village. Consequent to being told about the incident, the employer called the police, who arrested and transported the suspect to a local hospital after he told them that he drank poison after stabbing his girlfriend.

“The suspect is currently under police guard at the hospital and is expected to appear in court as soon as he is released,” said Funani.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident. Kwena congratulated Lomanyaneng Detectives for acting fast in arresting the suspect to ensure that he faces the full might of the law.

Meanwhile, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We agreed to develop a National Strategic Plan (NSP) to guide our national response, to coordinate the various sectors involved in the fight against GBV, to strengthen the state’s response, and to align the efforts of government, the private sector, and civil society.

“We decided to embark on a number of interventions to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in our country. The first step was the development of a GBVF Emergency Response Action Plan in 2019.”

Ramphosa added that, he requested Parliament’s presiding officers to call a special joint sitting of both houses of Parliament to announce the action plan. He said the plan was embraced by members of Parliament representing all political parties.

“This was a significant moment in that GBVF was seen as a non-partisan matter on which all political parties demonstrated their preparedness to act together to address this scourge.

“This was followed by the release in April 2020 of the National Strategic Plan, which had been carefully drawn up together with civil society. Yet, despite our efforts, violence against women and children continues unabated in our country,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

SIX men were sentenced to handed hefty sentences by the Vryburg Regional Court following a foiled armed robbery. Kagiso Jeremiah Mothibe (33), Benny Mooketsi (37), Khulekile Brian Maphati (38), Thabo Mokone (39), and Tshepo Charles Modise (49) were arrested on 26 July 2018 by Vryburg Public Order Policing (POP) after a tip-off regarding a planned armed robbery.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The accused were all found inside a BMW with a false registration number. The vehicle was parked opposite Capitec and Absa banks in Vryburg. Following a search of their vehicle, ammunition and firearms with obliterated serial numbers consisting of a Remington 9mm pistol, an Arcus pistol, a Glock pistol, a CZ 75 pistol, and an LR rifle were found.

“The firearms and the vehicle were seized for further investigation. The Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng took over the investigation.”

Rikhotso said further probing into the incident revealed that the vehicle that the accused persons were driving had been reported stolen in Mondeo in June 2018. She said one of the accused was allegedly also linked to another incident of hijacking.

“During the first appearance, the bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody until they were ultimately convicted. Maphati was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice.

“Other four accused were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the police for arresting the accused. Mbotho said this sentence will surely send a strong message to criminals.

The sentences will run concurrently.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 52-YEAR-OLD man from Kolong village, near Taung, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping a girl. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the evidence presented in court revealed that Ratiki Radebe raped the victim several times between December 2020 and March 2021. 

“Radebe is said to have worked at a cattle post near the victim’s home, and he would on various occasions request to charge his cell phone there. He would occasionally also give them milk at times.

“The victim’s ordeal was discovered when she spent a night at the accused place. She was later found next to a nearby river by a villager. The victim then reported her entire ordeal to her mother and a rape case was reported,” he said.

In mitigation, Mamothame said the accused said living with the knowledge that he took the virginity of the victim is punishment. He further said, Radebe told the court that, the victim approached him and requested to be his second wife.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She argued that the accused took advantage of the trust the family had in him including of the helpless minor.

Magistrate Bhuti Zulu agreed with the state as he found no compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from imposing life imprisonment on Radebe.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and Detective Sergeant Tolamo Ketlhoilwe for their collaboration in achieving a successful conviction.

“The protection of children against such heinous offenses is critical, hence a united front is necessary to root out perpetrators and place them in jail where they belong”, she concluded.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The chief of Barolong Boo Rapulana in Lotlhakane village, near Mahikeng, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). Seatlholo, who was the deputy chairperson of the NHTL for seven years prior to his appointment as the chairperson, succeeds her Majesty, Nkosikazi Dorothy Mhla.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated him. Maape said Seatlholo is well deserving of this appointment as he has demonstrated dedication and commitment to issues of traditional leadership, culture, and the development of rural communities.

“We are delighted at Seatlholo’s appointment as this is a great achievement for the province and the nation at large. We must remember that traditional leaders are custodians of our cultures and traditions.

“They are very important to us as a government, particularly in ensuring that we address a number of service delivery challenges in our communities. As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Seatlholo has our full support and we wish him well in his new role,” he said.

Maape further said that Seatlholo will execute his new role diligently as he continues to relentlessly serve the people of this country. He added, the North West Provincial Government is proud of Seatlholo’s installation in this position.

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

Mokgweetsi wa bese ya setlamo sa Pumatra e e amegileng mo kotsing ya tsela magareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 ga mmogo le Lokgabeng gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, are o kokotlegela sentle. 

Tsietsi Segosapelo are, o bone dikgobalo tse di botlhotshwana fela, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong ga mmogo le bapagami ba ba farologaneng.

Tiragalo e, ke ya mo mosong wa Labobedi. 

Go ya ka dipego, mokgweetsi wa bese yo o ne a tswa Pampierstad, mme a tsamaya ka tsela e e fetang ka motse wa Mocweding, o ne a kgweetsa mo tseleng ma gareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 le Lokgabeng fa a ne a kopana le tekesi e eme mo gare ga tsela.

Go kaiwa fa Segosapelo a ne a leka o e efoga tekesi eo, mme a latlhegelwa ke taolo ya bese.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta, Tryphosa van Rooyen are, bese eo, ene e pagamisitse bapalami ba ka nna 40.

“Go ya ka dipego, bese eo ene ya phetoga morago ga gore mokgweetsi a latlhegelwe ke taolo. Babagami bagwe ba bone dikgobalo tse di masisi fa ba bangwe ba iponetse fela tse dibotlhotshwana.

“Bapagami bao, ba ne ba rwalelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae. Kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatswa le go ikgatholosa meloa ya tsela e butswe, mme dipatlisiso di tsweleletse,” van Tryphosa wa tlhalosa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A dark cloud continues to be hovering over the Head of Department (HoD) of North West Social Development, Relebophile Mafokane. This comes after allegations that Mafokane, who is earning R1.5 million per annum does not have relevant qualifications for the position.

According to the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Mafokane’s appointment was allegedly rubber-stamped by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, despite Mafokane possessing no apparent qualification beyond a matric certificate.

According to the Mail & Guardian, they have established through an internal note from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), that Mafokane only had a matric certificate when he began his five-year term in May last year.

Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development refused to process an Annual Performance Plan (APP) signed off by Mafokane.

The chairperson of the committee, Gavin Edwards said: “We are disappointed that the outstanding matters relating to the questionable appointment of Mafokane have yet to be addressed.

“We had several interactions with the department trying to resolve the matter. So, we decided to return the department without processing the 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan.

“The decision was taken based on the uneasiness of members of the Portfolio Committee to hear and deliberate on a report signed off by a HOD whose appointment is currently still in question,” Edwards said.

He further said, there is a written communication between the committee, North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, and North West Premier, Bushy Maape which last received attention in June 2022.

“It has become clear that this matter has been outstanding as far back as June 2022. The matter of the legality of the HOD’s appointment has been raised by the committee during previous committee meetings and more recently in media reports.  

“The lack of progress on the matter poses serious possible financial risks to taxpayers’ funds, therefore, we will not continue to deal with the HOD until the matter is resolved,” said Edwards.

He added that, the committee resolved to hand over this matter to the relevant Portfolio Committee overseeing the Office of the Premier, in ensuring that the legislature carries out its mandate of oversight over the department. Edwards said the committee further invited the Mafokane to provide his version of events before it.  

“We hope that the truth will finally come to the fore and if proven to be correct. All those involved from the accused to those who appointed him and those involved in this matter and failed to do due diligence, will be dealt with appropriately,” said Edwards.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 46-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly killing two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday, is a free man. This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Taung Magistrate’s Court struck the case off the roll on Monday. It is alleged that a commotion ensued between Tebogo Morokgweng and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35), and Joseph Loeto (48) over R20.

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “According to the docket, the deceased’s girlfriend, who is the only witness was owed R20 by Morokgweng.

“On that day, at around 7pm, the deceased saw the accused and approached him demanding R20 that is owed to his girlfriend by the accused and an argument ensued,” Mamothame said.

He further said, the deceased and the accused engaged in a fight and this happened in the presence of the witness and her son (5). Mamothame added, the witness allegedly reprimanded the deceased to leave the accused alone.

“She allegedly told the deceased that, she will get her R20 after the social grants and took the child to the house. While in the house, she heard the deceased saying, he has been stabbed.

“Then the second deceased, who was in the house went outside and said his brother cannot be stabbed like. The witness went outside the house as well and saw her boyfriend lying next to the gate,” said Mamothame.

He said the witness also saw the second deceased lying on the ground a few metres from the house. He said, however, the deceased’s girlfriend did not witness the stabbing of both deceased persons.

“The police were called to the crime scene and observed the two deceased persons. Next to the first deceased, there was a knife, while there were a bottleneck, a broken knobkerrie, and a knife in the possession of the second deceased.

“According to the arrest statement, the accused had multiple head injuries. Morokgweng went to Taung Police Station to open a case of Assault GBH. So, in the absence of an eyewitness, it is not clear what transpired at the crime scene,” he said.

Mamothame said at this stage, it appears that there is a ground of justification, so the docket was referred back to the police for further investigations.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than two hundred households were displaced due to torrential rains and windstorms that ravaged the Rekgaratlhile Township in Stella near Vryburg during the weekend.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape visited the affected area and sounded the alarm over the dire conditions. Maape said those who were most affected were provided with refuge, blankets, and food parcels.

“As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), we have brought in assistance to the area. I was also informed that many people managed to rebuild their shacks, while others decided to stay with their families.

“So, the situation has been managed and people received assistance in a form of food parcels, and blankets including a temporary shelter. Now, we are looking at the incomplete RDP houses to see, if we cannot accommodate them there,” he said.   

However, most of those affected have since abandoned the shelter after alleging that, their belongings were stolen.  

One of the residents who were affected, Akanyang Mongale,35 said she stays in a three-roomed shack with her children, but part of it was blown away by a windstorm.  

“My shack was flooded and my furniture including the TV set was damaged. I’m struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The government officials refused to assist me and said I should rebuild my shack on my own because there is no money.  

“The government cannot just provide us with food parcels. We actually need corrugated irons/sheets to rebuild our shack. We also need RDP house. Unfortunately, we sleep on top of those food parcels,” Mongale said.

Another resident, Ishmael Moalusi, 34, shared the same sentiments. Moalusi said, his shack was blown away and he does not know where he will find money to buy new corrugated irons to rebuild it.  

“I do not know where to find money to buy corrugated irons. I am currently homeless and unemployed without any family to stay with. I have two children and they are still young, so I need help,” Moalusi said.

The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Jackie Rikhotso said: “The municipalities provided 200 blankets and 62 food parcels as well as cooked meals to those affected. The municipalities are also providing water as well as restoring power supply as some electric supply poles were uprooted, which also poses the risk of electrocution.

“By 30 October 2022 around 3pm, some areas were switched on. It is envisaged that the power supply will be restored in the next few days. Again the municipalities provided security to the community hall, where females and males were separated and to ensure the safety of women and children.”

Rikhotso said, the North West Social Development and SASSA have also profiled 137 families for the SRD vouchers of R1900 and by 3pm, 104 families were confirmed that they will be receiving their vouchers by 1 November 2022.

He further said the department will also provide 102 blankets and 63 food parcels by 31 October 2022.

“The department also provided meals this afternoon and this will continue during the next few days and the situation will be monitored. The elderly and child-headed families will also be identified and profiled.

“Psychosocial support will be provided where needed. The COGHSTA department has verified the damages caused by the windstorms to both shacks and formal structures. We are also verifying affected families against the list of RDP houses for possible occupation as some are rearing completion,” he said.  

According to Rikhotso, the full assessment and verification reports will be presented to the committee on 31 October 2022 with recommendations for the way forward.        

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Batlhaping High School teacher, who allegedly sexually assaulted a Grade 12 learner (18) was arrested on Monday. Lebogang Mooka was arrested by Taung police after an outcry from a Grade 12 learner, *Naledi Kenosi (not her real name) who alleged that Mooka sexually assaulted her on 15 October 2022.

According to the aggrieved learner, Mooka started to make sexual advances to her back in 2020, but the school management allegedly swept the matter under the carpet even though it was reported.

In 2020, Kenosi, who was doing Grade 10 at the time, was the admin of a Physical Science subject WhatsApp Group where Mooka was also part of as the subject teacher.

“It was on Friday night around 11pm back in 2020, when I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. So, I asked who the sender of the message is. But the person said, he is the school administrator and asked if I’m still a virgin.

“So, I told the sender that, yes indeed I am still a virgin. However, he insisted that I am lying. He then sent a message making sexual advances towards me,” she said.

Kenosi said, the message she received from Mooka said, kea go galela, (which is loosely translated as, I sexually fantasise you). Kenosi said, she responded to the message by saying, “I wonder what will the principal say about this inappropriate message.” she said.

Naledi said, she was surprised to immediately received a call from Mooka after she responded to the alleged administrator.

“So, he confessed that actually, it was him who sent me the inappropriate WhatsApp message using his other number. Then he begged me not to report him to the school management because he might lose his job.

“However, I told a family friend, who in turn reported the matter to my mother. My parents went to the school and a meeting was arranged between Mr Mooka, school management and me,” Naledi said.

She further alleged that Mooka confessed and apologised for his behaviour in front of the school management and her parents. 

“On 15 October 2022, I got level 1 in Physical Science subject. So during the break, I went to Mr Mooka to ask him why did I get level 1. He said I should come and see him after the break when everyone has settled down.

“Immediately after the break, I went to him and found him in a computer room. There is another hidden room next to it. He stood up and went into that secluded room and I followed him,” she said.

Naledi added that Mooka allegedly grabbed her with her buttocks and dragged her closer to him and demanded a kiss from her.

“I was so terrified and I did not even know what to do. Mooka said he would not let me go until I kissed him. So, promised to kiss him immediately after my final examinations.

“Unfortunately, he needed assurance, but I told him that, the only thing that he could do is to trust me. He let me go and request me not to tell anyone,” said Naledi.

She said, now her life is upside down because of this ordeal. Naledi said she could not even attend either the incubation program or the Physical Science period because she is afraid of Mooka. 

“I cannot even concentrate anymore and I do not think I will pass my matric. I become so emotional when I see him and I feel like my rights were violated yet the school does not care.

“I think he was supposed to be suspended with immediate effect pending investigations. I mean, this is not the first time happening and I do not know want he will do next,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said, they have despatched the investigating team from their labour unit.

“With regards to the concerning Batlhaping High School, the department has dispatched a team of investigators from the labour unit to go and investigate these allegations. So, we will be able to report properly after the labour unit has dealt with the matter,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafja Botma confirmed that, a criminal case has been opened against Mooka.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after he allegedly killed two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday. According to the police, a commotion ensued between the accused, Tebogo Morokgweng, and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35) and Joseph Loeto (48).

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, one of the victims allegedly owed Morokgweng money and he demanded it.

“The victim informed him that he was unable to give him the money and an argument ensued between the two. The accused allegedly stabbed the victim and the second victim tried to intervene, but he was also stabbed to death in the process.

“The police were called to attend to a crime scene and on arrival, they found two male persons with stabbing wounds. The Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene. However, Sima and Loeto were declared dead on the scene,” van Rooyen said.

She further said, two murder cases were opened and are under investigation. Van Rooyen added that Morokgweng briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

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