By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Premier, Bushy Maape who wished South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa well after he tested positive for COVID-19, calls on all people to support government programmes to receive vaccination, follow existing non-pharmaceutical protocols during this festive season.

Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele said in a statement on 12 December 2021 that Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive for the viral infection.

“The President started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier today. The President is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force.

“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week. On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 in all countries,” Gungubele said.

He also urged people who have had contact with Ramaphosa to watch for symptoms or to have them tested.

Meanwhile, Maape said: “As we wish President Ramaphosa a speedy recovery, we also wish to thank him for his leadership in choosing to make public his positive test and lead from the front of the country’s effort to respond to the new variant Omicron.

“President Ramaphosa’s role in the frontline response to COVID 19 has been recognized in our country, continent and globally since the pandemic in 2020. We welcome the news that Ramaphosa has presented with very mild symptoms, which is a clear indication that vaccines do work.” 

He further said they believe that vaccination offers the only viable option out of the pandemic towards a manageable health response, which will allow South Africa to restore most of our normal lives and return most of our economic and social activities to near normalcy.

Maape added that as Ramphosa takes time off to recover in order to return to full service of our nation, they should not allow this festive season to delay their recovery any further.

“We pledge our support to the Deputy President, David Mabuza as he leads the following days of our response to COVID-19, together with the collective of the National Coronavirus Command Council, and all Provincial and District Command Councils across the Country.

“Let’s vaccinate, before we vibe this festive season,” he concluded.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy was killed by a train at Dryharts village near Taung on Monday. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Serg Tryphosa van Rooyen, Kabo Mogapi who suffered from a hearing impairment was walking along the train tracks when the atrocity took place.

“The train that was approaching him from behind rang the warning horn, but due to his hearing impairment he could not respond. The driver of the train tried to apply his brakes but it was too late and the boy was hit by the train,” van Rooyen said.

She said a case of culpable homicide was opened at Pudimoe Police Station, while investigation continues.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) continues to be prevalent in South Africa and according to the statistics, more cases have been reported since lockdown. Pudimoe Police Station along with other stakeholders organised a GBV&F awareness campaign at Pudimoe Library on Friday to educate children about this pandemic.

Pudimoe Police Station Captain, Michael Leboiho said: “We get more influx of GBV cases especially that involve children. We have realised that some parents neglect their children and they end up being victims of GBV.

“Another challenge is young girls being involved in romantic relationships with older guys. In most cases, these young girls get involved with outcast men, especially those who would come to the villages as contractors.”

Leboiho said some of these young girls will run from their homes and stay with these ‘foreigners’ and end up being pregnant. He said their parents would then try to go and open cases with the police, however, perpetrators would ‘run’ away.   

“We would like to encourage our people, especially parents, to come forward and report these cases before it is too late. They need to know that sexual offences are defined in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007).

“Sexual offences include rape, which can be committed by a male or a female while the victim may be a male or a female. This also include sexual assault, compelling or causing persons of 18 years or older to witness sexual offenses, sexual acts or self-masturbation,” he said.

Leboihi further said he believed that this initiative had given more exposure to children and anyone experiencing GBV. He added that mostly, the GBV cases are taking place behind closed doors and urge victims to break the silence.

Meanwhile, the Pudimoe Gender –Based Violence and Femicide Organisation activist, Oratile Phulane shared the same sentiments. Phulane said GBV&F is another pandemic apart from COVID-19.

“We have established this organisation in quest to combat GBV&F within our area. In most cases, parents do not know the impact of this pandemic. Some households refuse to work together with us, but we always encourage them to report this scourge.

“Even though GBV&F knows no boundaries, it is more prevalent among underprivileged households. Maybe this had to do with gender inequality in South Africa, which is exacerbated by the country’s torrid history of exclusion and separate development, its sharply divided socio-economic character and a pervasive male-dominated culture in various industries,” she said.

Joseph Tanyane from Matlhako 2 Tribal Authority Office said: “We urge men to stand up against GBV. So, women and children should report these horrendous acts to the police.  Let us work together with the police and other stakeholders.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community of Taung is whirling with shock after a body of a woman found floating in a furrow at Khibitswane village near Taung on Thursday. North West police spokesperson in the Dr ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police were called after the discovery of a body by a passer-by.

“The deceased was identified as Motlalepule Gaeaya by her family. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. The police have opened a case of inquest,” Van Rooyen said.

A month ago, the body of the former Vaaltar FM presenter and socialite, Tshepang Seelo was also found dumped on the same spot.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most shoppers said they cannot continue to bear the brunt after the Taung Mall management charges them R5 for the usage of the ablution toilets. They said the cost of living is too high and Taung has a high rate of unemployment.

One of the shoppers said, she has an autoimmune disease and she needs to use the ablution facilities more often.

“We would like to request the mall management to reconsider their decision because R5 is too much. I am a diabetic person and need to use the toilet more often. Now, imagine if I come here for more than two hours. How much will I spend?

“If, one is coming to the mall with children, each person is expected to cough R5? This was the bad decision and we urge the mall management atleast to charge us R2. Remember, most of us here are unemployed and Taung is a rural area,” she said.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Eddie Mogorwe shared the same sentiments. Mogorwe said it does not make any ‘business’ sense because the users of those toilets are customers.

“I personally confronted the mall manager who in turn referred me to the Eris Property Group Manager, Carina Roux. I explained to her that most of our people come to the mall to collect their social grants and it is senseless for them to pay exorbitant fees to use the ablution facilities at the mall.

“I was so surprised when Ms Roux said they charge this amount of the money because they provide customers with clean toilets. It is surprising because it is their responsibility to provide our people with clean toilets,” he said.

Mogorwe further said the Eris Property Group should know that the water they use belongs to the community of Taung and it is a crime to charge customers this exorbitant amount. 

He also alleged that the mall manager said the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority was ‘aware’ of the matter and allegedly gave them a ‘go-ahead’ to charge customers R5.

Meanwhile, Eris Property Group manager, Carina Roux said that charging customers is in line with all other privately-owned properties in the area. She said it is unfortunate and unsustainable for the landlord to keep on maintaining the only free ablution facilities for the entire community.

“We benchmarked with other retail properties in the area and also considered that we offer a higher grade of ablution facilities than any other party in the area. The money is banked into the landlord’s account which is audited. 

“The funds are used to facilitate the purchasing of toilet papers, maintaining the facilities and purchasing water for the facilities when Sedibeng cannot deliver a service.  To date, the landlord has purchased water to the amount of R116. 550 since July 2021 in order to ensure there is water supply when Sedibeng has failed,” she said. 

According to Roux, they have only commenced charging for the facilities since 22 November 2021. She added that her company has spent R240 000 towards COVID-19 Food Parcel relief in Taung as part of their social responsibility.

“We have also spent R65 340 00 towards supply of COVID-19 face masks and R52 163 00 towards fleece blankets for pensioners.  Further roll-out to Home for the Aged was disrupted due to COVID-19 regulations.

“However, plans to support girl child scholars in early 2022 with feminine hygiene products are being finalised. These initiatives were facilitated through the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices,” she said.  

Roux added that the mall also pays monthly rental towards the Taung Community Trust. She said the mall opening motivated the upgrade of a formal Taxi Rank and Long Distance bus terminus.

“Essential services such as electricity, water and sewerage in the area were upgraded and new retail offering afforded community members to save on transport to larger, further located towns to facilitate better shopping options.

“The development brought much needed more and safer local banking facility options to the community. Also, stores created 364 direct new full time job opportunities and the centre auxiliary service staff created 18 further full time jobs,” said Roux. 

She said a number of temporary positions also become available during festive trading periods. Roux said the mall also offers a free area for vaccination and monthly onsite UIF facilities for community members.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

A family of Thabang Chupane (26) from Cokonyane village near Taung said they were shocked by her untimely death. This comes after Chupane was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend (34) on Wednesday evening.   

Chupane’s aunt, Kgomotso Lekaowa said she received a call from one of the neighbours informing her that Chupane has been stabbed.

“Immediately, I came running to the house and on my arrival, I found Thabang lying in a pool of blood outside the yard. According to Thabang’s children, their father arrived and found them sitting outside.

“He allegedly lured Thabang into the house and that’s where the commotion started. The children said they were shocked to hear Thabang screaming in agony, while blood was dripping out of her chest and stomach,” Lekaowa said.

She further said the children ‘ran’ to the neighbours to ask for help.

“As a family, we really do not know what had transpired between the two. However, this is not the first time the couple experienced challenges. In 2017, the suspect allegedly beat Thabang to the pulp, but she decided not to lay a criminal case against him,” said Lekaowa.

She added that they hope justice will prevail and Thabang’ soul finds peace. It is alleged that the suspect was also attacked by mob justice and has been hospitalised.    

The North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The duo was having an argument at the deceased’s residential area and a fight broke out.

“During the fight, the woman was stabbed with an unknown sharp object. She was taken to a local clinic for medical attention and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries at the clinic. The suspect was arrested and will appear in court after he received medical attention,”

Meanwhile, the Sonke Gender Justice Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager, Given Sigauqwe urged men to stand up against Gender-Based Violent (GBV). He said in a statement that, through #MenEngage Africa initiative, they will continue to advocate for and promote fundamental human and women’s rights.

“This will include engaging community leaders, faith leaders, traditional and government officials to challenge and address harmful practices, calling for an end to sexual and gender-based violence.

“We will be also working with decision-makers to advocate for better policies that affect women’s well-being, and collaborating with other organisations whose mandate addresses women’s rights,” Sigauqwe.

He further said the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated GBV against women and girls in Africa. Sigauqwe said the pandemic has shed a light on existing gender inequalities and has also seen a sharp increase in violence against women and girls especially domestic abuse.

“Women, particularly those who lost their jobs and earnings as a result of the pandemic and became completely dependent on their husbands or partners, and girls who were confined in their homes with no access to protection and treatment services faced increased levels of sexual and physical domestic violence,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Newly-elected Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Oratile Segosapelo along with Re Aga Taung Civic organisation (RATCO) chairperson, Modisaotsile Lebitse were found guilty of common assault by Taung Regional Court on Wednesday.

Segosapelo and Lebitse were given a R4000 fine or sentenced to six months imprisonment. Magistrate Buti Zulu said the sentence will be suspended for five years in condition that any of the accused is not found guilty of the same offence.

They were also prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm.  Segosapelo and Lebitse were arrested back in 2018 after they assaulted the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane during a peaceful march.

They led a peaceful march where they submitted a memorandum to the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices demanding that Mankuroane be dethroned from his chieftaincy position.  

Segosapelo and Lebitse in memorandum alleged that Mankuroane’s administration was marred with corruption, fraud and maladministration. Lebitse said then that there were so many challenges such as divergence in land allocation, selling of land to foreign nationals, businesses operating in Taung without following legislation measures and projects stoppage.

He also said the Taung Cultural Calabash event continues to benefit the few only. Lebitse further said the overlapping responsibilities especially on the land have resulted in conflicts between the two authorities, local and traditional.

However, there was a tumult and the police were called where Segosapelo and Lebitse were arrested.

The defence attorney, Isang Nakale said he will appeal the case.

“Truly, we will be appealing the matter because in our submission, we believe that the conviction is neither premised nor factual on legal sound reasons. You will realise that the court did not even give reasons why the accused are found guilty of common assault.  

“Over and above, there are inherent contradictions from state witnesses, their statements and evidence placed before court. Also the medical evidence submitted meditates against the findings which the court has arrived at.”

Meanwhile, Segosapelo and Lebitse still maintain their innocence and said they had never raised a finger against Mankuroane.

“I still maintain that what was presented in court is nothing but far-fetched. I have realised that our justice system is not trustworthy because what has happened is not the true reflection of the matter.

“This matter is politically motivated because they know that I have been sworn-in as EFF councillor. Now, there is a witch-hunt propagated against me.  I always stand for the truth and I have represented our community of Taung well as an activist,” Segosapelo said.

Lebitse also shared the same sentiments. He said they are steadfast in their mission and want to see Taung being under good leadership and administration.

“What I remember is that, on that day, I didn’t even see Mankuroane. So, I am gobsmacked that I am accused of common assault. It is so heart-breaking to see our justice system doing this especially to poor people.

“In my view, the justice system only favours the elite. However, I will continue to fight for the rights of our people and Taung will be free from the corrupt. I also want to appeal to our courts to be wary of being used by the elites to violate poor people’s rights,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said more farmers will benefit from a basic Hatchery Management Training Course at Kgora Farmer Training Centre in Mahikeng.

The centre now offers basic hatchery management training to a list of skills development courses offered at this centre for beginners and experienced farmers to improve their results.

“This mini hatchery can produce up to two thousand chicks per week. It was established with the aim of training farmers who want to own hatcheries. 

“Aspiring farmers who attend this training will learn practical aspects of hatchery management that includes the biology of fertile egg production, fertile egg handling, setter and hatcher environment, processing day-old chicks and hatchery biosecurity,” she said.

Mohono further said with the range of excellent facilities, the centre is able to offer on-farm practical work for participants during training. She said another project that has been recently completed at this centre is installation of 180 tons storage bins. 

According to Mohono, the silos are fitted with an electronic conveyor for ease of loading and dispatch. She further said this type of storage provides optimum storage conditions for the grain, by controlling the temperature, insects, mould, birds etc.

“The silos will also be used for storage of grains produced by Kgora itself and to store feed and maize brought in bulk for future total mixed ration (TMR) for Kgora livestock. We had a dream about this centre and I am glad today to say that dream is slowly, but surely becoming a reality.

“This milestone represents yet another step of ensuring that this state owned farmer training centre is equipped with the modern infrastructure to train and develop local farmers. What makes me happier is the fact that farmers will be the biggest beneficiaries of these developments taking place here,” said Mohono.

She added that the main goal is to ensure that farmers constantly learn new and old practices and adapt to changes in the sector. Mohono said she is confident that with this mini-hatchery, more hatchers would receive top-class training.

“The centre can only accept up to a certain number of participants at a time and it is operated on a first come first serve basis. Members of the public are urged to enquire with the local agricultural offices on skills development courses offered at Kgora.

“With regard to the centre’s contribution to the food security programme, Kgora often donates chickens to farmers for rearing and seedlings to different applicable projects across the province,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By THEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

North West Premier, Bushy together with MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi and MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi will launch the Keep Mahikeng Clean Campaign and Infrastructure Renewal Programme.

According to Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai, the primary purpose of the campaign is to mobilize communities and various stakeholders to support and participate in the cleaning and greening of Mahikeng town, industrial area and its surrounding areas.

“The intention is to eradicate all waste dumping hotspots, picking of waste in the main corridors of the towns including entrance and exit routes, improving environment awareness, resealing of roads and patching of potholes.

“Through the initiative, the province seeks to have one integrated plan for the cleaning, greening and renewal of Mahikeng and its surrounding areas. During the launch, Premier Maape will also be accompanied by other Members of the Executive Council, the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng, Tshepiso Mphehlo and the Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe,” Tatai said.

The campaign launch will take place as follows:

Date:       Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Venue:    Open area behind Unit 9 Stadium – Mahikeng,

Time:      07h00

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

FOUR suspects were re-arrested at Myra Village near Pudimoe on Thursday. Thabo Pita (24), Thabo Edward Bankies (31) Thabo Aaron Mokwena (46) and Lekhoa Methola (44) were part of nine escapees who escaped from the Amalia Police Station cells three weeks ago.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested through the assistance of the community members. Mokgwabone said it is alleged that the escapees were re-arrested after law abiding citizens alerted the police about their presence in their village.

“The police reacted to the information and re-arrested them. Three of the re-arrested escapees are Lesotho nationals, while one is a South African. At the time of the escape, Thabo Pita and Lekhoa Methola were held as undocumented persons and awaiting deportation, while Thabo Mokwena and Thabo Edward Bankies were facing charges of robbery aggravating and attempted murder respectively.

“They are all expected to appear in the Schweizer- Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 29 November 2021. Meanwhile, the police are still working hard to trace and re-arrest the remaining five escapees, Refuoe Zwakala (30), Lebogang Makume (31), Isaac Polanka Ramotsapi (35), Lebajwa Raphael Sewete (29), and Thabiso Bereng (34),” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said Lebogang Makume was facing a charge of robbery aggravating at the time of the escape, while the other four were in detention as undocumented persons and also awaiting deportation. 

He added that the suspects allegedly escaped from lawful custody after they overpowered police officials.

“Investigation into the matter including circumstances that led to the escape continues. The police request anyone with information that can assist in the re-arrest of the remaining five escapees, to contact the nearest police station or the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Zwelinzima Ngwenya on 082 373 7194,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended members of the community for their information which led to the re-arrest of the four escapees.

taungdailynews@gmail.com