Taung Magistrate’s Court has postponed a murder case against four men from Manthe village in Taung until 15 February 2023. The alleged drug lord and businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested a few months ago in connection with the brutal murder of the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
The case has been postponed for a possible pre-trial date. The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) is also expected to engage with various state witnesses.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022. Four individuals linked to the arson and looting cases were arrested.
Picture: The accused, Xolani “MacGyver” Sotshantsha/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
A murder case against a man from Mokgareng village, near Taung is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. Xolani “MacGyver” Sotshantsha was arrested a few months ago after he allegedly shot and killed a driver of Ramos Supermarket during an armed robbery.
According to information, Sotshantsha allegedly robbed the driver of an undisclosed amount of money. The incident took place along the Reivilo road that passes through Mokgareng village. Sotshantsha allegedly had information about the driver, who just collected money from a supermarket in Reivilo and was supposed to deliver it to his employers at Ramos Supermarket in Taung Central Business District (CBD).
He allegedly stopped the vehicle, shot and killed the deceased who failed to cooperate during the armed robbery. Sotshantsha is expected to do a formal bail application.
A murder case against four men from Manthe village in Taung is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The alleged drug lord Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested a few months ago in connection with the brutal murder of the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).
It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
The deceased’ sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said: “It is difficult to see my brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. Even though Thabiso was not perfect, he was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.
“So, what happened to him is inhumane. We call on the justice system to deal harshly with the perpetrators. It is not only Thabiso’s life that has been lost because of drugs but so many lives of young people are being destroyed on a daily basis.”
She alleged that the perpetrators used her brother and killed him afterward.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
Picture: The Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng village, near Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 10 female learners at Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng village, near Taung are up in arms after the school principal, Lerato Lamola, and her deputy, Maria Mocumi ordered them to ‘undo’ their hairstyles or leave the school premises.
The incident over hairstyles took place last week Thursday. One of the aggrieved learners, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We feel wrongly excluded over our hair. We were ordered to remove hairstyles like retro-chic looks, twin buns, and natural hair braids without using hairpieces, top knots, and boho braids.
“The principal and her deputy alleged that these kinds of hairdos are not allowed in the school. We think the school system has a problem with afro-textured hair. However, we are going to stand up against this wrongfully misplaced mentality. We now fear that this could be used against us at the end of the year.”
Another learner said, the hairstyles they have done are more effective and safe time, so teachers should stop stigmatising their hair. She further said those hairstyles are a necessary protective method for the maintenance and upkeep of afro hair.
“We continue to be penalised, often in the harshest possible ways for having afro hair. However, we say enough is enough against this discrimination. Even though we know that, this could be used against us at the end of the year, we will never be gagged for speaking the truth,” she said.
It is alleged that, a few weeks ago, a Grade 12 learner was deeply embarrassed in front of other learners by the same principal and her deputy simply because of her afro hair. The learners said an embarrassed learner was forced to straighten up her hair simply because teachers deem afro hair as deviant.
“Teachers should understand that, we are black and they should stop with their draconian policies against afro hairstyles in schools. They are doing this to appease their gamut of 19th century, which is racist ideologies,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The principal does not know of any new incident at the school. The only incident she recalls happened a while ago and it involves a Grade 12 learner.
“She came to school with a “Maphondo” hairstyle using brown pantyhose. The learner was requested to comb out the hair as it was not acceptable according to the school policy. She duly complied and the class was normalised.”
Malindi said the policy of the school allows only hairstyles using normal own natural hair and learners are continuously reminded about the school policy.
The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the brutal killing of a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. Iris Mohokare, 47, who was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found murdered at her rented place on Thursday last week with her throat slit open.
The North West MEC for Department of Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the atrocity and said Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role.
“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. We condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. We also appeal to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged killer to contact the police.
“It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals, who prey on women and young girls,” he said.
Sambatha sent his heartfelt condolences messages to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.
“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”
A 39-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery and kidnapping by Vryburg Regional Court. On August 2021, William Mustafa was arrested after he followed a business owner (38), who just closed his business in Vryburg Central Business District (CBD) until he reached his home in Kismet Park, Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The business owner, who was accompanied by his brother, realised that they are being followed. They were about to enter their yard when they were approached by three unknown men, who pointed them with a firearm.
“They instructed them to get out of their vehicle. The accused tied them up, then forced the victims into their vehicle and drove off with them to the direction of Stella along the N18 road. A vehicle was stopped after approximately 5 kilometres and the victims were instructed to get out before being robbed of their cell phones.”
Van Rooyen further said the victim’s brother was left with one of the suspects to guard him. She added that the business owner was taken back to his residence in Kismet Park, where he was robbed of R28 000.
“The victim managed to report the incident to the police the same evening. During the investigation, the accused was positively linked to the incident through fingerprints and ultimately arrested at a business robbery scene.
“The business owner’s cell phone was also found in his possession. He was arrested for business robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods including kidnapping. Mustafa, who has been in detention since his arrest was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.
Mustafa was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Eric Jacobs of Vryburg Detectives and prosecution for their collaborative efforts that led to the sentence, which he said will serve as a deterrent.
Picture: Some of the livestock affected by runaway fires/North West Times
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Over 80 000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fire in Ganyesa and other parts of Northern Cape. The hectares of agriculture were destroyed following runaway veld fires that started last week.
The chairperson of Tsa Bophirima Farming Corporation, Tebogo Mokgejane said, farmers have lost most of their grazing camps and livestock due to the uncontrollable veld fires.
“Some of Tsa Bophirima farmers are affected and it is a great loss to us as well. The effect of these fires will have a significant bearing on our livestock production program. We sympathise with all affected farmers and we would like to call upon our government to assist them.
“We also urge the government to assist with firefighting equipment and prevention programs. We would like to send our sincere appreciation to everyone who assisted in extinguishing these fires since Thursday and all support provided,” he said.
Mokgejane further said, they saw people as far as Wolmaranstad, Taung, Vryburg, and Kuruman flocking into the affected areas around Ganyesa and offering assistance. He added that farmers will overcome this turbulence like many other farming challenges they faced.
“Let us not be demoralised as we have a great responsibility for food production and security. As difficult as it is, let’s soldiers on and we also appeal to the public to help us prevent these fires by avoiding deliberate fire setting, children playing with matches, improper household ashes disposal, smoking, and throwing cigarettes on and near the dry veld,” said Mokgejane.
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said as part of ongoing efforts by his government to contain fires ravaging various parts of the province, they have deployed three helicopters and one spotter to battle the runaway fires. Maape said this was done in collaboration with Working on Fire.
“The team arrived on 13 October 2022 and six fire teams Working on Fire from Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces are also part of that. The government is monitoring the situation and will on a continuous basis, provide updates to affected areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development is set to meet with the North West chairperson, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “We have learned with sadness about the devastating veld fire that has burnt down over 80 000 hectares of grazing land in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality areas and other parts of the Northern Cape.
“Fence lines, poles, kraals, and six water sources such as pipes and water tanks were damaged by the fire. We appeal to the NWPG to move with speed in containing veld fires as this will result in an increased loss of agricultural produce, reduced availability of food for both humans and animals, a reduced growth rate of vegetation, and threatening livelihoods.
“Most importantly, the committee pleads with the government and civil society to assist farmers with food for livestock. Most farmers use grass to feed their livestock, which has been affected by the fire.”
Picture: A nurse, Iris Mohokare found murdered in Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A nurse was found murdered in her rented room in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. The lifeless body of Iris Mohokare, 47, who was a Facility Manager at Charon Clinic, was found on Thursday with her throat slit.
According to information, the gruesome event was discovered by the deceased’s landlord in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police are investigating a case of murder. The deceased was allegedly killed between 12 and 13 October 2022.
“It is alleged that the victim’s body was found on the floor in her rented room at about 06:30 am and the motive of the incident is unknown. No one has been arrested at this stage and an investigation into the matter is underway.”
Picture: The deceased, Reotshepile Medichane/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The family of Reotshepile Medichane said her death left them crestfallen. Medichane was allegedly severely assaulted and left to die. The incident took place at Manokwane village, near Taung on 8 October 2022.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the police were called after a case of assault was reported on Sunday.
“On 9 October 2022, the police of Taung were requested to attend to an assault after a victim of the assault was rushed to the Taung District Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, they found a victim, who was severely assaulted and suffered head injuries.
“According to information provided, the victim was found at her place of residence in Manokwane village by her mother who ensured that she was taken to hospital,” van Rooyen said.
She said, Medichane passed away on Wednesday and her death was linked to the assault that she suffered. Van Rooyen further said a case of murder was opened and is currently under investigation.
She added: “No suspect has been arrested and investigation into the murder continues. Anyone who can assist the police with information can contact the Taung Detectives on 053 994 9255.”
Picture: The murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some aggrieved community members in Manthe village, near Taung, threatened to march to the Taung Police Station. This comes after the murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong (31) was seen walking ‘freely’ with three detectives at Taung Mall last week Saturday.
It is alleged that, Katong had challenges with his bank card and he was escorted to the bank to fix it.
However, this did not sit well with some community members. One of the dazed residents said the ‘incident’ confirms their suspicions that Katong is receiving ‘special’ treatment at Taung Police Station.
“Firstly, we are not happy at all regarding the special treatment these alleged murderers continue to endure. Our police are so incompetent and we cannot let anything pass them by.
“We were so startled to see Katong walking around with police instead of being incarcerated. Secondly, why the accused are kept at Taung Police Station holding cells, instead of being at the correctional services facilities?”
Katong was arrested along with his brother, Phenyo, Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) after they allegedly killed Thabiso “W” Mothibedi (35).
It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him to Manthe village.
Upon arrival, they allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by the accused for medical attention.
However, the deceased was certified dead and a murder case was opened.
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 18 October 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the accused was booked out. The station management is currently trying to establish what necessitated the action. We will therefore respond fully soon after establishing the facts.”
