By REGINALD KANYANE

TWELVE learners from disadvantaged backgrounds at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village near Taung said they were thrilled to receive a new pair of school shoes. This comes after a philanthropist, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi from Tlapeng 1 in Taung donated shoes to them.

One of the learners said she comes from a poor background and no one is working at home. She said receiving a new pair of shoes will enhance her to work hard and gain confidence among other learners.

“I am grateful because no one is working at home. So, receiving a pair of shoes will boost my confidence in class. You know some learners tease us for wearing worn-out shoes and that indirectly affects my school work because of lack of concentration.

“We need people like Mr Phakedi in our society who have the interests of our learners at heart. I’ll pray to God that he must give him strength and protection to continue with his initiative,” she said.     

Phakedi, who celebrated his birthday in style, said education continues to be a universal right to every child across the globe. He said, however, many children especially in deep rural areas continue to experience many challenges that hinder their full participation at school.

“It is heart-breaking to see some learners going to school with worn-out school uniforms, while others attend barefoot. I believe that learners need to be empowered through education, but that cannot be achievable if there are some obstacles along the way that will hinder the process,” he said.

Phakedi further said, in most cases, learners from rural areas are deeply affected by socio-economic challenges because of their backgrounds.

“I grew up from a poor background, so I know how that affects a pupil’s confidence. So, it has been five years since I embarked on this initiative. I have previously donated sanitary pads to female learners at various schools such as Walter Letsie High School, Keretetse Middle School and others.

“Even though I am doing this from my own pocket, soon I will register the Non-Profit Organisation (NGO), Kesokile Phakedi Foundation. The aim is to find a way to give back, not only to an underserved and important cause, but to a cause that resonated with the society,” said Phakedi.

He said the foundation will serve as a vehicle for change. Phakedi also encourages others to either come on board or do the same in their respective areas.

“To me, education has always felt personal. Remember, it always looks impossible until it is done as the late Dr Nelson Mandela said. So, we need to forge forward and promote education. In fact, we need to make it fashionable and create a prodigious society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seabo High School’s Departmental Head, Kaelo Tlholagae said: “We are so grateful to have individuals like Mr Phakedi who have the interest of the pupils at heart. Many learners experience hardships and getting donations like this is heart-warming.

“Most of them come from poor backgrounds and they need to be empowered. We worked together with Mr Phakedi and his wife to identify 12 learners who deserve the donations. So, as the school we are thrilled.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

George Moresetlhare (68) from Cokonyane village near Taung said he had lost hope in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). Galeboe who stays in a mud four roomed house had since applied for a RDP house back in 2012 without any success.

Even though Section 26 of the Constitution stipulates that ‘everyone has the right to adequate housing, this is not any case regarding Galeboe’s matter. He said the disparity he continues to receive from the municipality resulted in frustration and dismay.

“I applied for a RDP house back in 2012, but the municipality continues to be incompetent. The officials there cannot explain what happened to my application. Instead, they continue to send me from pillar to post.

“I am living in dire conditions especially when it is rainy. The walls are collapsing and I had to use wires to hold them together. I really need shelter and anyone who can assist, please come forward,” he said.

The dejected Galeboe said he is a pensioner and even though he has children, they are also unemployed.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Daddy Gaoraelwe said he is aware of Galeboe’s challenges. Gaoraelwe confirmed that indeed Galeboe had applied for a RDP and he had personally checked it.  

“I have personally logged into the housing subsidy portal and indeed, the system shows that the application is validated, but on hold. However, the system cannot show when the application was received.

“In addition, there are a number of reasons why the application could be validated, but on hold. Some reasons might be that the applicant qualifies, but the attachments of beneficiaries are not in order,” he said.

Gaoraelwe further said another reason might be that the applicant may have applied for a RDP house elsewhere. However, he highlighted that the municipality will launch further investigations on the matter.

“When the application appears on the HHSS online, the applicant must be on the municipal database because the first step of application is the municipality’s Housing Demand Database of RDPs.

“But, appearing on the municipality database does not warrant a RDP provision because the municipality only deals with creating a database of needs. The municipality created the RDP House Demand Database (HDD) and submitted it to the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) department,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the provision of the RDP houses is a competency of GOGHSTA. Gaoraelwe said will also engage with the department and check the status quo of Galeboe’s application.

“It is so unfortunate that we are having a very disconcerting backlog on the provision of RDP houses. However, if the need arises, we will have no choice but to prioritise the applicant.

“As the caring municipality, we have what we call the municipality’s temporary shack list for those who are waiting for a RDP or disaster house. I will go and evaluate the house and if it is in a disastrous condition, we will convert his application into a RDP house disaster application,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the municipality is waiting for accreditation and that will enable it to have powers in providing RDP houses without any challenges. Gaoraelwe said even though the process takes time, he is adamant that the municipality will be accredited.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside three accused, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court for GBH assault.

It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung in 2021.

It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries.

He was taken to a local clinic and transferred to Taung District Hospital.

According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to injuries sustained. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded, alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau while lying down after the beatings.

Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”

At the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”.  The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is a office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.

The case was transferred to Taung Regional Court and postponed until 10 February 2022. The accused are out on a warning.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A judgement on an attempted murder case against an ex-convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi (31) was postponed by Taung Regional Court to February 16 2022. 

This comes after Motlhasi allegedly attacked the investigating officer, Masegoatsile Israel Tshipo unprovoked during recess.

Motlhasi who is on parole for killing his previous girlfriend, was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping, GBH assault and car hijacking in 2020. He allegedly stabbed his then girlfriend, Mamosa Senwedi (29) and her mother, Agatha Senwedi (52) during a commotion on 26 January 2020.

Mamosa’s brother, Letlhogonolo Senwedi (37) told Daily Sun at the time that Mamosa started dating the guy in September 2020 and wanted to end things between them after she found out that Motlhasi was on parole.

“After she realized that she was dating a parolee, she wanted to end the relationship. During that fateful day, Motlhasi, who was allegedly hiding in the garage, attacked my sister while she was getting out of her car.

“He stabbed her several times and my mum tried to intervene, and she was stabbed in her hands. The accused escaped with our bakkie that had my sister’s cellphone and handbag inside,” he said.

The bakkie was later found about 15km away after the tracker was activated. Letlhogonolo said his mother was scared to be in her own house while Motlhasi was on the run. 

It is alleged that Agatha spent nights at her friends and relatives’ houses. 

A man-hunt was launched and Motlhasi was only arrested hiding in Lehurutshe near Zeerust a few months after the incident. He also allegedly posted their sex videos with Mamosa on various social media platforms.

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “After his appearance in court, it is alleged that he attacked the investigating officer in his case from behind. The victim sustained injuries during the attack and was taken to hospital to receive medical treatment.

“A case of assault with the purpose to inflict grievous bodily harm was opened against Motlhasi and the cause of the attack is unknown,” van Rooyen said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLD man, who was arrested for malicious damage to property, was granted a R500 bail by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the windows of the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty heard windows being smashed, and upon investigation, saw the suspect running away from the scene.

“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.

Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends not to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.

“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.

Dube’s next court appearance will be on 18 February 2022.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urged motorists to buckle-up on the roads across the province. This comes after four people died when two vehicles, a VW Polo Vivo and Toyota Tazz collided on the N18 road in Taung recently.

Lehari said it is alleged that a Toyota Tazz with five occupants was travelling from the direction of Maphoitsile to Mokassa 1 in Taung, while a VW Polo with two male occupants, was traveling from Taung to Hartswater.

“It is alleged that the Toyota Tazz driver did not stop before crossing over the N18 and the VW Polo Vivo, which had the right of way at the time, hit the Toyota Tazz on the driver’s side.

“Four of the five occupants in the Toyota Tazz were certified dead on the scene and the other one was ferried to hospital with serious injuries. Two occupants from the VW Polo Vivo only sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene,” he said.

Lehari said he is saddened by the tragic news.

“I am at a loss for words. The deceased met their untimely death at a very young age and in such a tragic manner. It is really unfortunate and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

“I would like to plead to all road users to be extra careful while on the road. It takes a split second for a person to lose his/her life. A culpable homicide case is currently under investigation,” said Lehari.

Victims will be laid to rest on Saturday in Maphoitsile village.

In another separate accident, three people were killed when a light motor vehicle and a truck collided head-on on the R509 20km outside Derby. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said: “The paramedics arrived on the scene at around 3pm and found the truck and the car smashed together.

“After the Provincial Fire Services extinguished the blaze, medics found the bodies of a man, woman and young girl inside the car. Unfortunately, all three patients had already succumbed to their injuries,” said Meiring.

He added that nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead. Meiring further said the driver of the truck, fortunately, escaped uninjured.

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said they will continue to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that Oratile Mothibi (18) returns home safe. According to the North West police, Oratile was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man two weeks ago while walking in the bushes with her younger brother and a cousin aged 11 and 14 respectively.

Moiloa visited Oratile’s family on 1 February 2022.

“The mood was a sombre moment and the experience was extremely painful. This really pierced through my heart as I listened to Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and the family of Oratile narrating on how she was abducted.

“Our society is sick and needs deliverance from the Highest Power. We will however, as the department, join hands together with the police, Bogosi and the community to fight this battle. We will ensure that we bring Oratile back to her family. Truly, the war against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues,” she said.  

Moiloa said a team of social workers were assigned to assist a traumatised family. She said their hearts are with the Mothibi’s family.

“I have asked that a team of social workers should continue to visit the family to provide them with the necessary psycho-social support in the form of debriefing and trauma counselling. We are with the family during this difficult time,” said Moiloa.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The police request community assistance in locating Oratile. According to information received, Oratile went with her brother and cousin to fetch food from a farm in Modutung village, near Taung on January 23 2022.

“Whilst walking back home in Magogong village, the trio was allegedly chased by an unknown man, who was armed with a knife. Furthermore, the man grabbed Oratile and threatened the children, who wanted to rescue her.”

Myburgh further said the boys then ran home and informed their parents about what had transpired. She said the police and community members searched the area without any success.

“Oratile was wearing a pair of blue denim jeans, a khaki long sleeved blouse as well as black school shoes. Anyone with information that can assist the police in finding Oratile can contact the investigating officer, Captain Joseph Montwedi on Cell: 082 ‪496 0332.

“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on ‪08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” she said.

However, some community members believe that Oratile was kidnapped for ritual purposes. 

Meanwhile, one of the traditional healers who are assisting the family alleged that there are plans to turn Oratile into a zombie. 

The traditional healer who visited the cave along with some community members, alleged that Oratile spirit is kept in a cave at Taung Dam by witchdoctors, while her physical body is languishing elsewhere.  

Community members embarked on a violent protest last week and allegedly burnt down huts and houses belonging to two elderly women they accuse of witchcraft.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari has condemned the brutal killing of Mmatiro Dithato (61) and her granddaughter (5) at the New Stands Section in Ganalaagte near Delareyville.

It is alleged that on 29 January 2022 at about 06:36, Dithato had a telephone conversation with her son (21). The deceased allegedly told her son not to come home anymore as they were supposed to go to town that morning.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said a few moments thereafter, the son allegedly received a text message from his mother’s phone informing him that he can come and collect money at about 9am.

“At around 9:22am, the son went to his mom’s house only to find that the sitting room’s window pane was broken. Upon entering the house, he allegedly found his mother’s lifeless body with multiple stab wounds and a rope around her neck lying in a pool of blood in the sitting room’s floor.

“Furthermore, the granddaughter’s body was found drowned head first in a big bucket full of water in the kitchen. The son called for help and the deceased were transported to a local clinic where they were both declared dead on arrival,” Tselanyane said.

He said the motive for this attack is currently unknown and no arrests have been made as yet.

Lehari said: “We are devastated by the atrocity and we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. This is tragic news and to the family, I am sorry that you had to lose your grandmother and granddaughter in this manner.

“I wish you strength in this tough time. Furthermore, I would like to plead with the members of the community to work with the police. I ask myself what has become of our society. We try day and night to fight the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), but yet, here we are.”  

He further encouraged members of the community to assist the police with any information that will solve the matter and lead to the arrest of the perpetrator/s.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the gruesome incident. Kwena said the police in the province will not be deterred in the fight against GBV & Femicide.

“Investigation into the matter continues and police request anyone who may have information regarding this incident, to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Tebogo Galetlhobogwe on 078 161 7736 or 082 373 7619.

“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for being in possession of mandrax. Mopeli Ramachakela was arrested by the Schweizer- Reneke police and Vryburg K9 members during a crime prevention operation on 26 January 2022.

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the aim of the operation was to combat drug abuse. She said during the operation, police on patrol in Migdol, saw a suspicious looking male carrying a plastic bag and approached him.

“When he saw the police approaching him, he threw the bag down and started running. This suspect was caught and the police found substances suspected to be drugs in the bag during the search.

“The drugs that were found on the suspect are suspected to be 39 Mandrax tablets, tik, nyaope and dagga with an estimated street value of R3 654. The accused briefly appeared at the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 27 January 2022,” she said.

Van Rooyen said Ramachakela was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on February 1 2022 for a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, van Rooyen said two Nigerians were arrested during another K9 operation that was conducted in Christiana on 28 January 2022. 

“More suspects were arrested during stop and search operations conducted.  Two Nigerians aged 45 and 33 respectively, were stopped and searched.

“Upon searching them, the police found the first suspect in possession of 100 grams of suspected  methamphetamine (crystalmeth) with an estimated street value of R24 000 and 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine (crystalmeth) with a street value of R 14 000 on the second suspect,” she said.

Van Rooyen said both suspects were arrested and will appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 1 February 2022 facing charges of possession of dependence producing substances(crystalmeth). 

The acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng expressed his appreciation toward members of Vryburg K9 and Visible Policing who portray such commitment towards their duties and applauded them for their sterling work in ensuring that all communities within the region are being rid of the drugs that are destroying young lives.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the seasoned City Press newspaper feature journalist, Poloko Tau. PK as Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity was described as inimitable, fearless and extraordinary.

PK passed away last week Friday afternoon at his residential area in Mmabatho near Mahikeng, North West.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said Tau was part of a team of South African journalists that covered the South African delegation at the United Nations Climate Change talks in Glasgow, Scotland in December 2021.

“Tau interacted extensively with our delegation and I am deeply saddened by the unexpected news of his sudden passing. I remember fondly our extensive conversations on climate change and the Just Transition to a low carbon economy and society.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family and colleagues in the media fraternity. Tau’s important contribution to the public information debate on matters such as climate change and sustainable development will be much missed by the government and the fourth estate,” said Creecy.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) co-ordinator in the North West, Hlomani Chauke shared the same sentiments. Chauke said Tau was an accomplished journalist, who used his pen to contribute to building better communities across the country and the world.

“Tau was an industrious journalist who fully comprehended the role of the fourth estate in ensuring that promises of our constitution are realised in the day-to-day life of our people. His illustrious career was characterised by selflessness and courage, which was displayed during his reporting on the death of mineworkers in Marikana.

“He was instrumental in blazoning their cause for decent pay. As we pay homage to this revered son of the North West, we call on his confrères in the media industry to emulate his deeds and acts, particularly in preserving the main tenets of our democracy,” Chauke said.

He further said the media industry has lost a man of great repute who carried himself with honour, respect and dignity. Chauke added that Tau held himself to consistent, moral and ethical standards.

“He will be remembered for his meticulous and balanced reporting even in instances when some of his work courted controversy. We convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The Democratic Alliance MPL in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “We join the country in mourning this young man. Tau was a hard worker who understood his craft and never allowed politics of the day to dilute his work. 

“His attention to detail and his deep understanding of his craft was part of his success when he covered stories in the North West. He broke a lot of stories and followed his stories to the end, as was evident when he was named Journalist of the Year in print media in 2013 for his coverage of the Marikana Massacre.”

Tau, who was described as a humble, yet fierce advocate of social justice will be buried at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022. He graduated in his junior Degree in Communications at the North West University (Mafikeng Campus) at the dawn of the millennium.

Tau cut his teeth in journalism in the early 2000s and his career spans close to two decades.

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