Pastor’s murder trial date set

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The province’s women’s league welcomed the new date set for a Taung double murder case.

Provincial Secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe said the league condemned the senseless killings of women and children.

The North West High Court in Mahikeng set December 11 to 13 for trial. Popular pastor Sabata Mannie (30) has been charged with two counts of murder after he alleged killed his girlfriend, Katlego Zethi (28) and their two-year-old daughter, Qawekazi in October last year in Extension 6, Taung.

“We urge our people to declare an end to the senseless killings of defenceless women and children. The ANCWL in North West has hope in our justice system and we want to see justice prevails. We also urge men to take the stand and fight against these barbaric actions.

“This is a very sad chapter in our history as a nation. We cannot stand when such barbarism rises to take over our lives. We call on all people across the province to stand together and declare an end to these senseless killings against women and children. ANCWL will firmly stand by all the victims’ families to help them deal with their tragic losses,” Mogakwe said.

The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) regional spokesperson, Frank Lesenyego said: “The North West High Court presiding officer, Judge Monica Leeuw sat the trial date for 11 until 13 December 2017. The trial will sit at North West High Court in Vryburg as discussed during the pre-trial held at North West High Court in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

“We believe that we have a strong case against the accused and we are ready for the trial date. The double murder case was transferred to North West High Court by Taung Magistrate Court because of its merits.”
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Illegal miners want De Beers’ ‘abandoned diamonds’

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THE KIMBERLEY Artisanal Mineworkers (KAMW) has welcomed Petra Diamonds’ sustainability reports, with the chairperson of the KAMW, Lucky Seekoei, stating that the mining giant’s announcement vindicates hundreds of illegal miners of wrongdoing on sites that had been assessed and declared fully rehabilitated.

This comes after Petra last week announced that while illegal mining activities continued to damage rehabilitated areas, certain sites had been fully restored to the conditions stipulated prior to the commencement of operations.

In response to an article published in the DFA last week, Seekoei said that the “scavenging” of diamonds that have been “wasted” by De Beers should not be used to justify the non-compliance of mining companies.

“The article in last Tuesday’s DFA vindicated the argument that it has always been the culture of De Beers to abandon kimberlite residues,” said Seekoei. “Therefore, is it a crime to find use for any type of abandoned substance? We, the KAMW, are of the firm belief that the Petra Diamonds sustainability report vindicates our case.”

Seekoei stated that, for the better part of two decades, the informal miners had reported the “wastage of mineral resources” to no avail, with sites being either rehabilitated or earmarked for development while there is still enough unprocessed kimberlite, containing enough rough diamonds to make it economically feasible for mining to continue.

“We can’t help, nor ignore, the so-called rehabilitated areas which contain the floor (residues) of kimberlite,” he said.

“We have reported incidents where houses, recreational facilities, cemeteries and farms were built on top of the minerals residues or floors.

“People were retrenched in the mining sector for absolutely no given reason but it was alleged that these retrenchments were due to a lack of production.”

The KAMW called on government to issue permits for the remaining diamonds to be excavated to ensure that no minerals go to waste.

“The greedy monopoly is channelling all minerals resources to Britain and America, costing our country dearly. They took the whole big cake and refused to share.

“They excluded blacks to participate in the mainstream economy and today we are even refused to scavenge for leftovers.”

Petra’s operations in Kimberley consist of Kimberley Ekapa Mining JV, which employs a total of
1 709 employees, as well as 451 contractors. The mine has a planned life of 18 years.

Its other Northern Cape mine is Finsch, where the total workforce is 1 158, while there are more than 2 000 contractors. The mine plan is 13 years.

Although not in the Northern Cape, the nearby Koffiefontein Mine employs 613 workers, and 248 contractors. The mine plan is eight years.

Source: http://www.dfa.co.za

‘Is it time to ban old SA flag?’ asks Mandela Foundation

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Cape Town – The Nelson Mandela Foundation has asked whether it is time to ban the old South African flag after the furore it created around the Black Monday marches on October 30.

“Is it time to criminalise displays of the old flag?” asked the foundation set up in the late former President Nelson Mandela’s name, on Sunday.

“Is there a connection between the hubris of the Black Monday protests and the deep well of rage which underlies individual cases of murder on white-owned farms?

“How do we foster a collective revulsion at the murder of any South African, regardless of categorisation? Can we turn our country from one defined by violence into one inspired by Madiba’s dream of freedom?”

The Black Monday protests were arranged as a response to the murders of farmers in SA. However, it also created a debate over whether the protesters would have been as sympathetic if victims were black.

Critics also questioned whether the police would have allowed black protesters to block national highways as the Black Monday protesters did.

The foundation said that it was “deeply concerned” about the “us and them” tone of the Black Monday protests which it felt had a dividing effect.

“There is no doubt that the Black Monday protests have deepened divides in South Africa.

“The Nelson Mandela Foundation has spent a week reflecting and consulting with stakeholders. We welcome, for instance, AgriSA’s assurance to us that it supports the Constitution’s provision for national symbols and distances itself from displays of the old flag like we saw a week ago.”

Source: http://www.news24.com

Pastor’s double murder case transferred

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Mpho Zethi and Daughter

Picture: (Deceased, Katlego Zethi and her daughter during happier times)

By REGINALD KANYANE

A DOUBLE Murder case against Taung pastor, Sabata Mannie was transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng. Mannie (30) was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Katlego Zethi (28) and her two year-old daughter.

The atrocity took place last year in October at Taung Ext 6. According to police, the suspect handed himself over at Taung Police Station. He allegedly informed the police about the incident and later took them to the crime scene. The police said they found the victims lying dead inside the house next to the toilet.

It is alleged that the suspect strangled the victims to death. Katlego Zethi was a daughter to the former speaker of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Deliwe Zethi.

  The North West panel of judges are expected to discuss the merit of the case on November 8. They will also set the date for trial after intensive discussions. The suspect is still in custody after he was denied bail during his previous court appearance.

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Batlhaping High School female learners receive sanitary pads  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Nelson Mandela Foundation donated sanitary towels to Batlhaping High School in Taung recently. The Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sello Hatang said many female learners miss school days because of lack of sanitary towels.

“The foundation aims to create, establish, protect and preserve a centre of memory about the late Dr Nelson Mandela. We also aim to convene dialogue around critical social issues, including particular issues regarding human rights and democracy, in order to contribute to a just society.

“The foundation saw the need for young female people particularly in rural areas to have access to sanitary towels. Lack of sanitary towels makes it impossible for young girls to go to school. We also understand that girl children are the most disadvantaged group.

“We took it upon ourselves to ensure that we donate sanitary towels to them. The aim of the foundation is to assist 2 million school girls by 2020. We donated sanitary towels to 480 girls here at Batlhaping High School today and we hope the donation will last them for a year. As the foundation, we also urge other stakeholders to play a fundamental role in assisting those who are destitute,” Hatang said.

He further said it is imperious for the society to contribute to avoid girl learners missing school. Hatang added that if that happens, the country is running a risk of developing illiterate society. 

“We cannot have young people with no future hence we call all stakeholders to play their part. The late Dr Nelson Mandela was clear on his mission of what he was willing to die for back in 1962. However, it hurts to walk around today and see young people with nothing to die for. It is not government’s role alone to provide for the needy. Mandela believed that education is at the hub of developing any community and the future lies right there.

“We have partnered with the Department of Education across the country. The foundation also has schools that are working with in Klerksdorp, Rustenburg and Taung. We visited Mahikeng recently and donated sanitary towels too. The project is reaching each and every corner in South Africa,” Hatang said.

Batlhaping High School Teacher Liaison Officer, Isak Bessie welcomed the donation. Bessie commended the foundation and said the sanitary towels will ensure that girl children stay at school while having their menstruation.

“We are grateful that the foundation assisted our deprived girl children. On behalf of the school management, School Governing Body (SGB) and learners, we want to express our gratitude to them. According to research, almost 50 days of schooling is lost every year because of lack of sanitary towels.

“Mr Hatang also shared motivational talks with learners and urged them to face challenges head-on,” he said.

One of beneficiaries, Boipelo Moshweu, 18, from Mokassa 2 in Taung said: “We welcome the donation because some of us come from deprived backgrounds. Our parents could not afford to buy sanitary towels for us and we end up using cloths and tissues. That affects one’s confidence and we cannot concentrate in class.”

Grade 12 learner, Modisang Mangwegape, 20, said: “I stay with my grandparent and siblings. Life is hard because no one is working at home. We heavily rely on our granny’s pension money. However, the money is not enough to support all of us. Having sanitary towels will assist me to concentrate on my school work without necessary worrying about menstruation periods. I think the packets I received will last me for three months.”

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MEC Motlhabane opens Taung Vehicle Testing Station 

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For the past 23 years the people of Greater Taung Municipality have been struggling to get their vehicles tested for roadworthiness. The Taung Vehicle Testing Station which has since been closed in 1994, was recently renovated, refurbished and upgraded. Thus readied for being officially opened by the Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane.

In the last 23 years motorists in Taung had to travel over 70km to Vryburg to access a vehicle testing services or had to travel about 40km to Hartswater, which is in the neighbouring Northern Cape Province.

Speaking during the official opening of this long awaited Taung Vehicle Testing Station, MEC Motlhabane said the department has noted serious concerns that; the non functioning of this station has not only frustrated the motor vehicle owners, but also the law enforcement officers who could not have suspected un-roadworthy vehicles tested locally, here in Taung.

“Today we are not only shortening your journeys to Vryburg and Hartswater but we are cancelling these unnecessary trips. Let us use this testing station effectively in order to ensure that our vehicles are compliant and fit for the road.

Remember that whenever a vehicle is tested outside the province, Hartswater which is in Northern Cape in this regard, it becomes a loss of revenue to Bokone Bophirima, which is what we are safeguarding. The province needs the skills, infrastructure and personnel to operate this vehicle station, and we do have, by the way.” said Motlhabane.

According to the systems report, recently there are about 430 unlicensed motor vehicles around Taung, of which; 180 are light-loading vehicles, 05 heavy-loading vehicles, 17 mini buses as well as 205 light passenger vehicles carrying less than 12 persons.

“These 430 unlicensed vehicles are on our roads on daily basis and as a result, they increase potential accidents and road safety risks. We therefore humbly request owners of these vehicles to come to this station and test their vehicles,” concluded Motlhabane who further appealed to officials employed at the station to be vigilant against individuals who would attempt to bribe them.

In his response to the opening of the station, the Chief of Batlhaping Ba-Ga Phuduhutswana, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane expressed his gratitude and appreciation. “The opening of this station brings us a great sigh of relief because we have been frustrated for the past years having to cope with the long distances to access these services. We are grateful and we are committing to taking a good care of the facility,” he said.

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ANC to brief media on Legalatladi’s conviction

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
African National Congress in Bokone Bophirima will have a press briefing that will give the party’s position on the guilty verdict and five year imprisonment sentence imposed on former Mahikeng Local Municipality councillor, Gaasite
Legalatladi.

ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said Legalatladi is a member of the ANC in the province.

“Legalatladi was found guilty on charges of conspiracy to kill
ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo and then
Mahikeng Local Municipality Mayor, Gosiame Seatlholo.

“The media briefing will be held at Getrude Mphekwa House in Mahikeng at 2pm. A 44 year-old politician was found guilty of conspiracy to murder Mahumapelo by Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court in Lehurutshe, near Zeerust on Monday,” Legoete said.

The court heard that Legalatladi was arrested at Mmasebudule village on the 1st of December 2014 by the Hawks after she seeked assistance from a traditional healer to kill Mahumapelo.

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the accused allegedly also intended to kill the then, Executive Mayor of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, Gosiame Seahlolo.

“The accused appeared at the Mmabatho Regional on 28 January 2015 where she was released on R3000.00 bail and made a series of court appearances until ultimately being found guilty,” Rikhotso said.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Linda Mbana welcomed the conviction and applauded the investigation team for ensuring that the law prevails.
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Department of Safety Traffic Officer Learnership

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City of Mbombela, a Category 7 Municipality with its seat in Mbombela hereby invites interested individuals to apply as LEARNER TRAFFIC OFFICERS for a period of 12 months.

LEARNER TRAFFIC OFFICER

REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES:

  • Grade 12 Certificate.
  • A valid driving license.
  • Must be younger than 35 years of age.
  • No criminal record or pending record.
  • Compulsory name clearance.
  • Must be physical fit.
  • Must undergo physical training.
  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Permanent residents of the City of Mbombela(state ward number).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The training will be done according to the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996.

STIPEND:

  • The Municipality shall pay a stipend of R 3 500 during the training period.
  • No other benefits and/or allowances are payable during the period.

COURSE DURATION: 12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)

Civic Centre
1 Nel Street
Mbombela 1201
Republic of South Africa
P O Box 45
Mbombela 1200

Republic of South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 13 759-9111

Fax: +27 (0) 13 759-207

HOW TO APPLY

No application forms required. Please send your application letter in conjunction with your comprehensive curriculum vitae, as well as certified copies of certificates to the Senior Manager:

Human Resources, City of Mbombela, P.O. Box 45, Mbombela,1200 /or hand delivered to 1 Nel Street, Civic Centre, Mbombela, Glass Office 1, 3rd Floor.

NB: Faxed applications will not be considered.

Should you not have been contacted for an interview within 30 days after the closing date you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

THE CITY OF MBOMBELA SUBSCRIBES TO THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND IN THIS VAIN, SUITABLY QUALIFIED WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Closing Date: 31 October 2017 @ 16h00

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Former councillor found guilty of conspiracy to murder Mahumapelo

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By REGINALD KANYANE
FORMER Mahikeng councillor, Gasitwe Eunice Legalatladi, 44 was found guilty of conspiracy to murder North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo.

Legalatladi was sentenced to five years in prison by the Lehurutshe Regional Court on Monday.

The court heard that she was arrested at Mmasebudule village on the 1st of December 2014 by the Hawks after she seeked assistance from a traditional healer to kill Mahumapelo.

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the accused allegedly also intended to kill the then, Executive Mayor of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, Gosiame Seahlolo.

“The accused appeared at the Mmabatho Regional on 28 January 2015 where she was released on R3000.00 bail and made a series of court appearances until ultimately being found guilty,” Rikhotso said.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Linda Mbana welcomed the conviction and applauded the investigation team for ensuring that the law prevails.

The defence legal team intend to appeal against the sentencing.
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Card-skimming case postponed until Tuesday

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A Fraud case against three suspects from Free State province was postponed until Tuesday by Taung Magistrate’s Court.

Mojalefa Springkan (30), Kgosana Tladi (49) and David Mokonyane (52) were arrested three weeks ago in Taung by South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence in partnership with Taung Police Station cluster for card-skimming.

Magistrate Olaotswe Bojosinyana heard how suspects allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims their hard-earned cash at the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across Dr Ruth Mompati district. The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Kagiso Phemelo was cross-examined and explained how the suspects were eventually arrested. Phemelo said the suspects were followed by crime intelligence police from Vryburg to Taung after a tip-off.

“The suspects allegedly robbed another woman her sassa card at Pudimoe complex in Pudimoe Location, near Taung. Police followed the suspects until Taung Mall where they were allegedly stopped and searched. The police found loads of various bank cards in their possession.

“The suspects were arrested and police confiscated the vehicle that was used during the commission of crime. Two of the suspects who took the stand previously committed various accounts of fraud cases,” he said.

Phemelo also told the court that first accused in this case, Mokonyane has six cases against him such as malicious damage to property, common assault and fraud. He added that the suspect has also lied to court after he alleged that his passport has expired.

“I have obtained the details of Mr Mokonyane’s passport and it expires in 2018. The suspect is a former police officer and he is unemployed. He is a flight risk because he once visited his family in Lesotho. It will be perilous to grant him bail because the society will also lose hope in the justice system.

“I still need more time to obtain statements from the people who their cards were found in possession of the suspects. Some of them do not stay around Taung and it will be difficult to trace the suspect if he is granted bail. Two of the suspects have a pending fraud case against them at Ficksburg in Free State province. They were supposed to be in court on the 4th of October 2017, however, they were arrested a day before their court date in Taung for fraud,” he said.

Phemelo also told the court that there were other cases opened against the suspects for card-skimming after some of victims came forward and positively identified them as perpetrators.

Bojosinyana postponed the matter until Tuesday because of time constraints.

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe said: “We have increased police visibility in Taung CBD. We urged bank users to be wary of criminals because we have realised that card-skimming operators ascend to our areas ahead of festive season.

“We are working together with other law enforcement agencies to curb this criminal activities. There are many fraud cases being reported thus far and we will work tirelessly in arresting the perpetrators. The majority of card-skimming incidents in South Africa are recorded around ATMs and, to a lesser extent, at retail merchants when bank cards are presented for payments.”

He further said card users should never give their card to someone at an ATM for any reason. Thebe added that the card users should never let anyone assist them at an ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel.

“Beware of people standing close to you when you are concluding transactions at an ATM. Ensure you hide your pin when keying it into an ATM and never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged. Card users must always use an ATM in a well-lit area or use an ATM that is monitored by a CCTV camera if possible,” Thebe said.-Newsote