Picture: North West MEC for COGHTA, Gordon Kegakilwe who died of COVID-19 

By REGINALD KANYANE

African National Congress (ANC) in the North West mourns the death of MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHTA), Gordon Kegakilwe who succumbed to COVID-19 related disease on Monday.

ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson in the North West, Kenny Morolong said Kegakilwe passed away on Sunday at a medical facility in Klerksdorp due to COVID-19- related illness. He said Kegakilwe’s untimely death occurs at a time when he was at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic in the province.

“Cde LeGordy as he was affectionately known will be remembered as a committed public representative whose passion for matters related to local government resulted in his appointment to the position of MEC for COGHTA during the sixth administration.

“As the ANC, we dip a revolutionary flag in mourning one of our gallant sons. Kegakilwe was a committed servant of our people and served the organization in various capacities including as ANC Regional Chairperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Provincial Deputy Secretary of the ANC in the province,” he said.

Morolong added that at the time of Kegakilwe’s passing, he was appointed by the ANC National Executive Committee to serve in the IPC in the North West. He further said the death has robbed the ANC and the people of the North West a remarkable human being whose life was fundamentally committed to the service of his people.

“In his honour, the ANC will intensify the fight against COVID-19 and spare no effort in preserving human life. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones and the entire membership of the ANC,” he said.

The ANC’s Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Paul Sebegoe has also sent his heartfelt condolences. Sebegoe said he reacted with shock to the death of Kegakilwe.

“The ANC caucus is deeply saddened by the untimely death of an organic intellectual, revolutionary cadre and patriotic servant of our people who served them with dedication, humility, and loyalty.

“Kegakilwe was responsible for the overall provincial coordination of disaster management efforts as well as water and sanitation COVID-19 interventions roll-out to our communities. His experience in this regard and valuable contribution that he has made towards the betterment of the lives of our people including fighting the global pandemic that took his life will be sorely missed because his death is a monumental loss.”

Sebegoe said the ANC caucus as well as the executive council and the legislature will be poorer without Kegakilwe whose lifelong mission was to serve the ANC and uplift the downtrodden and historically marginalized. Kegakilwe died from COVID pneumonia after he was admitted to Vryburg Private Hospital on Sunday.

Kegakilwe was transported by ambulance to a medical facility in Klerksdorp after his health deteriorated. Meanwhile, MEC for Public Works and Roads in the province, Gaoage Molapisi has self-quarantined after he also contacted COVID-19 disease.

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Gordon Kegakilwe dies of COVID-19 related disease 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gordon Kegakilwe passed away due to COVID-19 related disease at Klerksdorp hospital on Monday.

Kegakilwe was admitted for COVID pneumonia at the Vryburg Private Hospital on Sunday afternoon and he was immediately put on oxygen. However, he was transferred to Klerksdorp hospital on Monday morning after his health deteriorated.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro said: “Kegakilwe was transported from Vryburg to Klerksdorp in an ambulance and upon arrival in Klerksdorp, he suffered a cardiac arrest and despite all the efforts by the medical personnel, he succumbed and lost his life.

“On behalf of the people of the North West and the Provincial Government, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Kegakilwe. He had distinguished himself as one of the finest to have come from the ranks of the governing African National Congress (ANC) and a tried and tested leader.”

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STAFF REPORTER

Two of South Africa’s most celebrated football figures have joined hands with Betway South Africa in a bid to plough back to their communities.

Recently, retired star Daine Klate alongside the evergreen Reneilwe Letsholonyane has partnered with the leading sports betting and entertainment company as part of the brand’s monthly #BetwayCares initiatives. The Betway said the initiative that seeks to aid the development of the sport across South African communities.

The exciting announcement was jointly made by the duo during a live interview conducted on the brand’s Facebook page, where the two stars engaged fans on various football topics drawn from their highly successful careers which comprise of 8 league titles and 15 cup competition victories.

Betway’s partnership with Klate and Letsholonyane comes at the back of a recent donation made by the brand in partnership with former Kaizer Chiefs star, Jabu Mahlangu towards the East Rand Excellence Soccer Academy in Daveyton.

Sharing the news on Friday, Klate said the donation would help his childhood club continue to nurture the talent that comes out of the Gelvandale community that raised him.

“Knowing the great amount of talent that is in Gelvandale, this partnership with Betway will most certainly encourage the club and community to continue nurturing the upcoming talent. A number of clubs from here are operated by generous community members who struggle at times to fund the basic needs of a club such as playing kit and equipment. Thanks to Betway, this is one aspect that they will not have to worry about” said Klate.

Also expressing his gratitude to Betway was Letsholonyane, who identified Ndofaya Lions Football Club as the club to receive the generous donation from Betway.

“With limited resources at their disposal, clubs in our townships continue to play a huge role in community development. Unlike professional clubs who have the ability to fund their reserve sides, township clubs rely on donations from esteemed organisations like Betway to assist in basic club necessities, such as playing kit and equipment. I would like to thank Betway for this generous gesture that will be of great benefit to this club and community,” said Letsholonyane.

The donation to both clubs is valued at R20 000 each and will be in the form of playing kit and training equipment which will be delivered by both players to their selected clubs, once its deemed safe for players to train and play their respective fixtures.

“With the gradual return of sport in the country, Betway is excited to continue to support local community clubs with essential needs required for them to perform at their best. We are also grateful to be partnering with legendary players such as Daine Klate and Reneilwe Letsholonyane in giving back and making a difference to their respective communities. The two are shining examples of community idols and resonate well to the community caring brand we are” said Betway SA Marketing Manager, David Rachidi.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Democratic Alliance calls for thorough scrutiny on various COVID-19 related projects at Naledi Local Municipality. This comes after allegations that the embattled municipality purchased 20 FFP1 dust masks at a cost of R23 500.

The DA councillor at the municipality, Hendriette van Huyssteen said the normal estimated retail price for the same goods cost around R189.75. She said the report was made available to account for emergency expenditure last week during a special council.

“A total of R154 902.78 of R268 000 relief grant has already been spent. We have requested that all related emergency expenditures under this relief grant be referred to the municipality’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for further investigation.

“We have also insisted that all future purchases be considered carefully to ensure that goods or services are procured at reasonable and fair prices. The DA will interrogate this expenditure and where necessary propose corrective action that may include disciplinary action against officials found to have facilitated transactions of goods or services at unreasonable and inflated prices,” she said.

The relief grant received was earmarked for additional funding to support the municipality’s response under the state of disaster specifically to support improved sanitation, decontamination of specific selected municipal spaces, and purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for officials, hygiene packs and waste management.

Huyssteen added that the DA rejects all forms of tender fraud and the theft of public money. She said any person who is suspected to be implicated in fraud and corruption should be investigated and if found guilty, should be prosecuted for the abuse of public funds which negatively affect service delivery to residents.

However, the Naledi Local Municipality acting municipal manager, Excinia Makgehlela refuted the allegations, Morongwa News stated. Makgehlela said: “The DA statement was misleading as the municipality procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from Midas Vryburg as per the quote received for R29.38 as opposed to the DA claim.

“Proper procurement process was followed in the acquisition of the PPEs equipment. The municipality continues to align itself to the set regulations by the National Treasury on the purchase of COVID-19 PPEs.”

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Picture: Vuyisile Daddy Godhlo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 47-year-old man who was arrested for attempted murder was granted a R1000 bail today. Vuyisile Daddy Gohlo subsequently appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court after he allegedly assaulted a stark-naked man at Lokaleng village near Taung on Saturday.

Godhlo was seen on a video that went viral on various social media platforms assaulting a man with sjambok and bricks. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Godhlo handed himself over to the police on Sunday.

“The accused appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s’ Court on today for attempted murder. He was granted a R1000 bail. At the time of the arrest, the accused was on warning and due to appear in court on 21 July 2020 after he allegedly assaulted another man last month in Lokaleng village the same way he assaulted the latest victim.

“The victim was allegedly accused of stock theft and he is currently admitted in hospital. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warns the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

Kwena expressed his disapproval of the incident and indicated that taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and cannot be tolerated. In addition, he urged the public to report criminal acts to the police and to work with relevant community structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime rather than taking the law into their own hands.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to soar in the North West province. The province has 2454 confirmed cases thus far with 291 recoveries and five deaths. The coronavirus has also affected teachers and learners alike as many schools continue to be closed due to the virus.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said eight more positive cases were confirmed in various schools. Matsemela said three Grade 7 learners, four teachers, and one office-based employee tested positive for COVID-19.

“All affected schools have been shut down. We would like to convey our words of encouragement to all affected learners and staff members. Sadly, we have registered a sum of twelve confirmed cases of Coronavirus in our department.

“I take this time to pray for everyone affected by the virus a full recovery together with their loved ones. I would also like to indicate that, as the department, we will continue to render them our full support,” said Matsemela.

She said those schools that are closed will only be re-opened once they have been decontaminated and disinfectant through the guidance of the health department.

However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati does not share the same sentiments. This comes after the closure of Vryburg High School recently due to a positive case concerning a learner.

The Vryburg High School principal, Barry Fuleni said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that a Grade 12 learner at our school has tested positive for coronavirus. The department has instructed that no learner, teacher and worker must come to school as of tomorrow.

“Everybody must self-isolate at their homes until further notice from the department of health. You will be duly informed when it is safe to come to school.”

EFF regional spokesperson, Oarabile Koepile said the loss of the academic year can be recovered, but the loss of life can never be covered.

“It has come to our attention as the EFF in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region that a Vryburg High School Grade 12 learner has tested positive for Covid-19. This comes as no surprise to us as we condemned the premature re-opening of schools from the onset due to the failure of adequate preparations and lack of infrastructure in place to combat Covid-19.

“The premature re-opening was and is not guided by any scientific evidence. We, therefore, call on the department of education to reconsider this tenderpreneur-driven decision of re-opening schools to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

“We furthermore call on the department to close all schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district to minimize the spread of Covid-19. We shall not allow a situation where school children are used as lab rats by the department for Covid-19 experiments,” he said.

Meanwhile, more Grades of learners could go back to school soon after the Department of Basic Education has issued a set of directions to further provide clarity and guidance on a variety of matters affecting the sector in the COVID-19 environment. The directions were signed by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshega and issued in the Government Gazette for implementation.

“The key issues addressed include the dates for the phased return of other grades back to school. The directions confirm the date of 6 July 2020 as the date for the following grades to go back to school. Pre-Grade R, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 11, Schools of Skill: Years 2 and 3.

“Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (“SID”): Grades R, 1, 2, 3 and final year (Occupational), Schools with Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities (“LSPID”): Years 1-3, and Schools with autistic learners, Junior Group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above),” Motshekga said.

She added that a notable addition in the directions is in regard to the deviation from the phased approach by schools that wish to bring back other grades to school. Motshekga said a school may be permitted to deviate from the phased return to school in respect of specific grades or dates, as contemplated in direction 5(1).

“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers, and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus. The department is working hard to make sure that all schools are COVID-19 compliant before it can receive learners.

“What is also important is to ensure that even during school hours and beyond we stick to the basic requirements of wearing the mask, sanitize, wash hands and keep physical distancing. We urge members of the community to desist from visiting schools as that also increased the risk,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against Elvis Malebogo (26) was postponed by the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court. Malebogo was arrested in connection of murder after he allegedly bludgeoned his girlfriend, Botshelo Mocumi (27) to death a week ago.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said Malebgo allegedly bludgeoned Mocumi with a panga after a commotion ensued between the two. He said the incident took place at the couple’shanty in Thagadiepelajang Informal Settlement near Hartswater.

“The couple was allegedly in a relationship and police arrested the suspect. The motive is unknown at this stage and investigation continues,” he said.

It was reported that the deceased had a protection order against the perpetrator before her demise. The case was postponed until 9 July 2020 for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls for the Department of Social Development to accelerate the interventions that will ensure all citizens understand the importance of protecting women and children in their communities, by either preventing or reporting situations that lead to gender-based violence.

The committee chairperson, Mondli Ngungubele said: “We condemn the rising scourge of gender-based violence and femicide that is plaguing the country. Every single day there are news reports of women who are found murdered, allegedly by their partners.

“Last week, the committee was briefed by the department on the progress made in implementing the gender-based violence and femicide emergency response plan. Amongst the key interventions stipulated by the department, is the changing of norms and behaviour through high-level prevention efforts.”

Gungubele added that the interventions also included access to justice for victims and survivors, as well as urgently responding to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. He said the committee calls on the department to speedily finalise the process of verifying 169 non-profit organisations providing direct services to victims of crime, gender-based violence and femicide so they can receive funding.

“It also calls for a strong collaboration between the department’s gender-based violence command centre and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that cases referred by the command centre are investigated AND perpetrators are arrested and convicted. The department has to make sure that the hotline of the command centre is known by every South African.

“The committee calls on men and young boys to be active in the fight against gender-based violence. It is important for men to be the drivers of this fight through mechanisms that will reach all parts of society. The committee understands that this fight cannot be carried by the government alone, it is also important for civil society, faith-based organisations and traditional authorities to work together with the government in ensuring that the fight against gender-based violence gains ground,” said Gungubele.

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Picture(Facebook): Vuyisile Daddy Gohlo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 47-year-old man was arrested by Taung police for attempted murder. This comes after Vuyisile Daddy Godhlo who is the suspect was seen assaulting a stark-naked man with sjambok and bricks on a video that went viral on social on Saturday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the incident occurred at Lokaleng village in Taung. Mokgwabone added that Godhlo handed himself over to the police on Sunday.

“The accused appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s’ Court on Tuesday for attempted murder. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday for formal bail application. At the time of the arrest, the accused was on warning and due to appear in court on 21 July 2020 after he allegedly assaulted another man last month in Lokaleng village the same way he assaulted the latest victim.

“The victim was allegedly accused of stock theft and he is currently admitted in hospital. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warns the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

Kwena expressed his disapproval of the incident and indicated that taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and cannot be tolerated. In addition, he urged the public to report criminal acts to the police and to work with relevant community structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime rather than taking the law into their own hands.

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Facebook: Lesego Sweetness Matshetshe who was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 30-year-old alleged serial rapist was arrested on Friday. This comes after the suspect allegedly lured his credulous victims on Facebook and subsequently raped them. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said a team made up of the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit investigators were assembled to hunt the “cyber rapist” who used the same modus operandi.

Myburgh said a woman (27) was allegedly befriended by the suspect via Facebook and they also had conversations on WhatsApp. She added that the complainant agreed to meet with the suspect in the evening at a grocery store in Klerksdorp on 30 May 2020.

“It is alleged that the suspect who pretended to be a pastor, met with the victim as agreed and ultimately took her to an open field behind the Technical High School where he allegedly threatened her with a knife, raped, and robbed of her personal belongings.

“In another unrelated incident, a 29-year-old victim also met the suspect via Facebook. They allegedly arranged to meet in the afternoon at Boikhutso Village on 7 November 2019. Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the victim to an open field where he threatened her with a knife and raped her. He also robbed the victim of her personal belongings,” said Myburgh.

She said investigations into the matter continue as the police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other cases. Myburgh said the police will work tirelessly in an effort to bring to book those who perpetrate acts of violence against women.

In another separate incident, Taung police arrested a suspect aged 31 at Tlapeng village for assault and intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) on 16 June 2020. It is alleged that Lesego Matshetshe’s boyfriend assaulted her after a commotion ensued between the two.

“We can confirm that Taung police are investigating cases of intimidation and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. This comes after the suspect allegedly assaulted his 27-year-old girlfriend in Tlapeng Village in Taung, and intimidated her and her family at their home.

“The suspect was arrested on Wednesday and appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The police are committed to ensuring the safety of all the citizens in the province. It should, however, be mentioned that crime committed inside a family circle/home is very difficult to police as the home or family should be a safe place where women are protected,” she said.

Myburgh said police would once more like to condemn the incidents and urge the communities to strengthen the hands of the police by ensuring the protection of the vulnerable, women, and children.

“The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the team for their diligence which resulted in the arrest. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when honouring initial appointments with potential friends, especially after meeting them through social media. Furthermore, he discouraged individuals not to meet strangers alone for the first time, but at public places where there are people who can protect one from harm,” said Myburgh.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50-year-old man appeared at Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on Friday for house robbery, attempted murder, and theft of a motor vehicle. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Joseph Bernard Kulelaphi was arrested by police after he allegedly committed a crime on a farm in Leeudoringstad a week ago.

Myburgh said a farmer (77) was allegedly overpowered at his residential area after two suspects forced entry through a locked door. She added that during the ordeal, the victim was hit with a panga on his head and tied-up.

“The suspects took six firearms from a safe as well as a cellular phone and fled the scene with the farmer’s Mercedes Benz. The victim managed to free himself and pressed the alarm that alerted the police and emergency services.

“The police and emergency services personnel rush to the scene and found a farmer with serious head injuries. The victim was ferried to the hospital for medical attention. The stolen vehicle was found abandoned on the Leeudoringstad and Orkney road few hours later,” she said.

Myburgh said following an intensive investigation, a suspect was identified and subsequently traced and apprehended at his house on a farm in the Leeudoringstad on Wednesday. She said all six stolen firearms were recovered and police also found a .38 special revolver with a serial number filed off.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the police for a job well done and recovering the stolen firearms, which he said was likely to be used to commit serious and violent crimes.

Meanwhile, Kulelaphi was remanded in custody until Tuesday for formal bail application.

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