By OBAKENG MAJE  

Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder by the North West High Court sitting in the Klerksdorp. Three men, Thabo Thakampana (29), Katleho Ramuthalane (33) and the third suspect who is still at large, kidnapped and shot dead David Mahlapa Sekhola on 14 April 2019 in Klerksdorp.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, three men were drinking at a local tavern in Kanana Township, however, they decided to go and drink in Klerksdorp CBD.

“So, they then requested David Mahlapa Sekhola, who was operating a public transport service in Kanana to go and drop them in town and agreed to pay R150. Sekhola was with two friends at the time, Mthakathi January Vicane and Fezile Kraai.

“Along the way, the three decided to disembark near Vaal Maseru Bus Depot. In his confession statement, Ramuthalane alleges that upon stopping the vehicle, Thakamphana shot Sekhola in the head and they started to rob him and his friends,” Mamothame said.

Ramutlhalane said they took the victims belonging including the deceased’s Kingdom of Lesotho driving licence, keys, wallet with cash, USB dongles and a cellphone. He further confessed that, he removed Sekhola from the vehicle and kidnapped his friends.

Mamothame said the convicts drove off to an unknown location and two kidnapped occupants, Vicane and Kraai managed to escape when the vehicle approached the railway section.

He said they then ran back to the crime scene where Sokhela was shot dead and found the police already there.

“They subsequently reported the incident and a search was conducted. The vehicle was traced through its tracking device and found at a house in Bophelong location in Vanderbilt Park. Thakampana was arrested while Ramuthalane and the third suspect managed to outrun the police.

“However, Ramuthalane was apprehended in Kanana Township the following day. Thakampana was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, fifteen years in each of the charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for kidnapping, seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and three years for possession of ammunition,” said Mamothame.

According to court, the sentences will run concurrently. Thakampana was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Ramuthalane pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping. He was sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for the offence and five years for kidnapping.

Mamothame said the court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

“The two sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The court also ordered that the one year eleven months he stayed in police custody while awaiting trial be factored into his jail term,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thakampana pleaded not guilty to all charges and his trial was separated. In aggravation of sentence, Adv Benny Kalakgosi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, equalling life imprisonment.

Judge Andre Pietersen indicated that the courts have a responsibility to promote respect for the law through appropriate sentencing. He described Thakampana as a remorseless individual, whose nefarious action brought enormous devastation to the family of the deceased, as well as the two surviving victims.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Kalakgosi and Warrant Officer, Menzile Sokhwemba for securing a favourable conviction on all charges.

“Serious and violent crimes need to be rooted out of our communities and we hope this conviction will demonstrate the seriousness in which the criminal justice system intends to deal with such offences,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

The wounded Banyana Banyana will try to redeem themselves when they face Australia in a friendly international match to be played in London next month. This will be historical as the two sides will be crossing swords for the very first time ever.

This encounter comes just days after the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana hosted eight-time Copa América Femenina winners Brazil in two friendly internationals played in Johannesburg and Durban.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said, this match is part of her team’s preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Ellis further said her players will get a chance to test themselves against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts in a potentially mouth-watering encounter in London on 8 October 2022.

“We are excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing Brazilians. Australia is the co-host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. So, this gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves.

“It is another opportunity for improved performance and for players to raise their hands. We want to thank South African Football Association (SAFA) and SASOL for getting us strong opponents in our preparations for the World Cup. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said: “We are happy that Banyana Banyana will be travelling to London to participate in another international friendly, where they will face the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, Australia.

“Australia is currently ranked 12^th in the world and we know they are a formidable team that will push our squad to dig deeper, even though is a friendly match. Banyana Banyana needs all the game time possible ahead of the World Cup – we know that coach Des and the technical team are working tirelessly to ensure the players are well prepared.”

Mbatha said they will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. She said Banyana Banyana will play their hearts out knowing that all South Africans are behind them.

Banyana Banyana had an eventful 2022 as they became WAFCON champions after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the continental tournament final in Rabat in July.

Ellis was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2022 CAF Awards also in July. It was the third consecutive time that she has won the award.

Andile Dlamini won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, while Banyana Banyana was named the National Women Team of the Year. To put the cherry on top, Ellis’ charges were also named the Fair Play Team.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two illegal immigrants were convicted by Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for unlawful possession of precious metals on 9 September 2022. Samuel Bandi (30) and Hardlife Makoto (28) were arrested by mine security guards outside the Rustenburg mine.

They were found to be in possession of platinum that they had stolen from the mining pipeline. The Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Hawks were roped into the investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Both accused made their first appearance at the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court, where they were remanded in custody owing to their illegal status in the country.

“They then made a series of court appearances until they were each sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment years for unlawful possession of precious metals, of which two years were suspended for five.”

Rikhotso said Makoto and Bandi were further sentenced to twelve months’ direct imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act. She said, therefore, convicts will each serve five years’ effective jail term.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 48-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Klerksdorp for killing his daughter (2). On 13 May 2021, Mokete Legodi went to his girlfriend’s home in Extension 20, Jouberton Township, in Klerksdorp and took their daughter without the mother’s consent, who was admitted to hospital at the time.

The family members who were taking care of the child assumed that Legodi would bring her back as he usually does, but later upon inquiry, he denied taking the child. The following day, the mother of the child was discharged from the hospital and embarked on a searching spree along with other family members, however, the results were futile.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the matter was reported to the police and a missing person case was opened. Furthermore, Mamothame said, the investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on 16 May 2021 and charged with kidnapping.

“This comes after he failed to tell the police about the child’s whereabouts. On 17 May 2021, the neighbours felt a bad smell coming out of Legodi’s house in Alabama Township, Klerksdorp. 

“Together with the child’s cousin, the neighbours investigated and searched the house. They discovered a lifeless body of a missing daughter concealed with a black plastic bag inside the ceiling,” Mamothame said. 

He added: “Subsequently, Legodi was charged with murder, but in his defence, he argued that he and the child fell while he was carrying her. Legodi said upon realising that his daughter had succumbed to the injuries from the fall, he panicked and was afraid to report the incident to the police,” Mmamothame said.

Legodi also told the court that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The murder charge was reversed to become a culpable homicide.

“Legodi was also sentenced to four years for defeating the ends of justice. The sentence should run concurrently with the three-year sentence, resulting in six years of direct imprisonment. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal the sentence was dismissed,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Riekie Krause argued that, Legodi could have reported the matter to the police and sought help from neighbours and emergency services, however, he opted for the worst.

Judge Andre Pietersen, agreed with the state and further indicated that the community scowls over such offences. Pietersen also highlighted that, such incidents leave undesired psychological and emotional consequences within the family of the deceased.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their collaboration.

“This sentence signifies the need for parents to be the first line of protection for their children. It further teaches us the importance of reporting the crimes to authorities, no matter how difficult it may seem,” she concluded.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa morago ga gore sejanaga sa modiro wa Toyota Tazz se thulane le kara ya ditonki kwa motseng wa Mokassa gaufi le Taung. Tiragalo e, e diragetse ka Lamatlhatso ka 20:30 mo bosigong.

Go ya ka dipego, go utlwala fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz yo eleng moagi wa kwa Maphoitsile, one a lemoga fa kgarebe ya gagwe e tsamaile le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Mokassa, mme a ba baya marowa.

Go begwa fa ene ya re go ba bona, one a thula ditonki ga mmogo le kara. Go ya ka sepodisi, bapalami ba le bararo ba ne ba bona dikgobalo, mme ba tabogisediwa kwa bookelong go ya go bona kalafi.  

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aafje Botma wa tlhalosa: “Re ka netefatsa fa sepodisi se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa, mme bopaki bo setse bo tshotswe ke  sepodisi mo mokgweetsing wa sejanaga sa Toyota Tazz.

“Mokgweetsi one a le mongwe mo sejanageng, fa bapalami ba kara ya ditonki ba ne bale bararo.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continue to produce poor results. These startling revelations sent shock waves during the North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela’s roadshow in Vryburg on 9 September 2022.

Thirty schools performed poorly and obtained less than 70% in their 2021 Final Matric Examinations. The Greater Taung Sub-district is leading the pack with 14 most underperforming schools, followed by Lekwa-Teeman Sub-district with 11, Kagisano Molopo Sub-district has 5.  

In efforts to improve the matric results in the province, Matsemela said school principals were given an opportunity to present and outline their challenges. She said a team of experts advised them on how to overcome the situation.

“I also highlighted that, the underperforming schools are placed in the spotlight of the department. These schools are given special attention to get out of the trap zone of 70% by zooming into their problematic areas.

“These strategies have worked miraculously in the past. We know that, when they go back to their schools, they will implement them (strategies). These sessions paid dividends in improving the position of the province nationally,” she said.

Matsemela said, this year, the North West province is targeting to be amongst the top 3 positions in the country. She added that, the session lasted for two days as they started with the Greater Taung and followed by Naledi Sub-district.  

“The underperforming schools were also coupled with the best performing school principals to share best practices. The interventions are held under the theme of “Ngwana Sejo Wa Tlhakanelwa” loosely translated as “It takes the whole village to raise a child.”

Matsemela’s next stop will be Bojanala District this week to meet with underperforming schools’ principals.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two suspects aged 23 and 34 respectively, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Utlwanang Township, near Christina on 8 September 2022. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said police from Vryburg K9 unit were on patrol when they noticed a suspicious-looking man standing at his gate.

“The police approached him, but he suddenly became nervous. They requested to search him and permission was granted. The police found 30 Methaqualone(Mandrax) tablets in his possession.

“Then the police proceeded to the house, where they found the owner of the house. They requested permission to search the house and it was granted. During the search, the police found a packet of Khat weighing 22grams,” van Rooyen said.

She said the drugs with a street value estimated at R9000 were confiscated. Van Rooyen said both suspects were arrested and charged with possession of drugs.  

“The two suspects are expected to appear in Christiana Magistrates’ Court on 13 September 2022.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

Four suspects nabbed for illegal mining in Stilfontein are set to appear in court. Kenneth Baloyi (31), John Khumba (23), Paulos Macuvele (44), and a boy (17) were arrested on 2 September 2022 by the Illicit Mining Task Team.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma alleged that police held an operation on Friday morning at around 11:50am and observed a group of men, who were busy with illegal mining activities. Botma said the group allegedly ran away after realising that the police are pouncing on them. 

“However, four men were apprehended and they appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 5 September 2022. They were remanded in custody until 12 September 2022 and boy, 17, was processed in accordance with the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act No. 75 of 2008),” she said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena pointed out that illegal mining is a national priority and the police are relentless to ensure that those involved are brought to book.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Underage drinking continues to be a challenge across South Africa as the country has the undesirable ranking of being the third-largest consumer of alcohol in Africa and 6^th in the world according to the WHO 2018 report.

The statistics revealed that young people in fact start to drink from as young as 10. Now the Northern Cape police in conjunction with the Northern Cape Department of Education embarked on a “Sobriety Is My Responsibility” program to warn young people about the danger of alcohol.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the police in Postmasburg together with the Northern Cape Department of Education engaged with Grade 8 and 9 learners from Blinklip, Ratang Thuto, Postmasburg High School, and Shiloa Academy through this campaign.

“This is an annual campaign, which seeks to address social ills such as substance and alcohol abuse amongst the youth. The campaign kicked started on 6 September 2022 with public speaking on topics of peer pressure in terms of substance abuse and moral regeneration. Learners were adjudicated on aspects of understanding the topics and good presentation skills.

“The campaign is a proactive collaboration of the Postmasburg SAPS, together with the local Community Police Forum (CPF), Anglo American Kolomela Mine, Assmang Beeshoek Mine, Sedibeng Mine, Rufco Engineering, Northern Cape Liquor Board, and Liquor Traders Forum, Postmasburg Neighborhood Watch, Rhino Security including NKS Security and Tsantsabane Local Municipality,” he said.

Tawana further said, the campaign was preceded with a multi-disciplinary static roadblock on R325 on 7 September 2022 to address crimes such as transportation of illicit goods, stock theft, illegal possession of firearms, human trafficking, undocumented persons, and motorists who are violating the road traffic act.

He added that, the roadblock was manned by Postmasburg Visible Policing members, Tsantsabane Local Municipality Traffic Officers, Home Affairs Immigration Officers, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit members including the municipal speaker, and Northern Cape Liquor Board officials.

The Northern Cape Police acting Deputy Commissioner, Brigadier Hennie van Rensburg addressed the police during a parade prior to executing their duties.

“Traffic fines to the value of R15 000 were issued to motorists and high police visibility yielded positive results. Three suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and violating the Immigration Act.

“The police also conducted compliance inspections at taverns and liquor outlets in Danielskuil, Lime Acres, and Postmasburg, with the focus on enforcing the Northern Cape Liquor Act. The campaign was wrapped up on 10 September 2022 with a five-kilometer fun run by learners from local schools in Postmasburg,” said Tawana.

Meanwhile, the Aware.org Underage Drinking Campaign ambassador, Kabelo Mabalane said: “I felt it was important to lend my voice to this important issue because of my own challenges with alcohol and my role as a parent of growing children. I realised the importance for us as a society to be extremely vigilant, especially caregivers.

“Over the years, I’ve been invited to several interventions and when I point out to parents that they are enabling their children’s behaviour, the realisation is shocking for them. With its new underage drinking awareness campaign informed by research and a comprehensive marketing campaign, aware.org is changing the underage drinking is tackled.”

Mabalane said the campaign is built on the insight that people’s first exposure to alcohol is usually at a young age and enabled by parents and other caregivers. He said it hinges on a hard-hitting television commercial supported by digital, above the line and public relations efforts, with the tagline ‘Underage drinking starts long before it begins.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Thirty suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from assault, theft out of motor vehicles, and housebreaking over the past weekend in the Northern Cape. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the police in Kimberley and Postmasburg conducted wanted suspect raiding over the past weekend.

“The police were out in full swing fighting crime throughout the province and putting perpetrators behind bars for various crimes they allegedly committed. In Kamieskroon, Namakwa district, three males were arrested for drugs worth approximately R5000 and confiscated Tik, dagga, and mandrax.

“In a separate incident in Britstown in the Pixely Ka-Seme district, one male was arrested with dagga and mandrax worth approximately R10 000. The Postmasburg and Hopetown police held intelligence-driven operations and seized mandrax, Tik, and dagga worth R24 000 and also confiscated cash suspected to be the proceeds of the sales of drug dealing,” he said.

In other liquor-focused operations, Kock said 1310 litres of home-brewed beer were seized at four different houses in Slangpark and Hillside, Hopetown. He further said, three suspects were issued fines and one was charged with dealing in an illegal concoction.

“Roadblocks were conducted on various roads in Douglas, Campbell, and several other station precincts during which persons and vehicles were stopped, searched, and issued with fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act.

“The police will continue unabatedly with similar disruptive operations and ensure that the inhabitants of the province feel and are safe at all times,” said Kock.

taungdailynews@gmail.com