THE angry community of Majakaneng in North West this morning blockaded the N4 Freeway and the R104 Hartebeespoortdam roads.

The community accuse the cops of protecting a murder suspect.

Community leader Thabang Dibaba alleges that a white farmer living nearby shot and killed a 24-year-old man who went to fetch firewood in his farm, on 2 August.

They further claim that the farmer buried the body on his farm. They accuse the cops of failing to arrest the farmer and hiding him.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAD CONFRONTATIONS WITH THE COPS THIS MORNING AND THE COPS FIRED RUBBER BULLETS AND TEARGAS TO DISPERSE THEM.

A MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER, LIEUTENANT GENERAL BAILE MOTSWENYANE, CONFIRMED THAT A MISSING PERSON’S CASE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AT THE MOOINOOI COP SHOP. HOWEVER, THE MISSING 24-YEAR-OLD WAS APPARENTLY INJURED BY THE FARMER, NOT KILLED. HE AND ANOTHER MAN WERE ALLEGEDLY FOUND STEALING.

COPS ARE WARNING THE COMMUNITY TO STOP DAMAGING PROPERTY AND THROWING STONES AT PASSING VEHICLES.

THEY ASK ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO CONTACT THE INVESTIGATION TEAM ON 082 416 0767.

Source: http://www.dailysun.co.za 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) will hold a meeting with the Matlosana Local Municipality over the mayor’s vehicle accident on Wednesday.
The accident allegedly occurred on 8 November 2016. 

The SCOPA will also engage the municipality regarding newspaper articles concerning North West Parks Board’s alleged defence on irregular spending. 

SCOPA provincial Chairperson Mahlakeng Mahlakeng said they have been inundated with calls from the media and the public about the matter and therefore has called both municipalities to clarify and seek an amicable solution to the matter.

“The meeting will be attended by Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and management of both the municipality and provincial entity,” Mahlakeng said.

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Picture: Deceased (Baitshepi Monchwe) 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MURDER Case against a man from Manthe village in Taung was postponed until August 22. Lucky Aiseng (29) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Baitshepi Monchwe (28) on Sunday.

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe said the atrocity was caused by a domestic dispute.

“The suspect and the victim are both from Manthe village, near Taung and they were in a relationship. Post-mortem will guide investigation in terms of the type of weapon used,” Thebe said.

It is alleged that Aiseng bludgeoned Monchwe at his residential area. The deceased’s auntie, Kgomotso Monchwe said the incident left them dejected.

“I saw my sister (Baitshepi’s mother crying on Sunday morning and I went to check on her. She was crying uncontrollably and could not say a word.

“We went to Malaza’s bedroom (as Luckyboy Aiseng is affectionately known in the area) and found Baitshepi’s body in pool of blood. She was bleeding from her mouth and with a fatal wound under her right armpit,” Kgomotso Monchwe said.

The suspect and the victim have two children together.

Taung Community against Crime representative, Bakang Mankuroane said: “We want to condemn what happened in Manthe village. We also want to emphasise that women should speak out against any form of abuse.

“As the organisation, we believe that the fight against women and children abuse is a societal issue. We urge men to take a stand and ensure that women are protected.”

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe shared the same sentiments. Mogakwe said justice should take its course.

“We believe that perpetrator must face the law. Killing women must be condemned in all forms. We urge all community members to fight against domestic violence, femicide and women and children abuse,” she said.

Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma delivered a keynote address during Women’s Day celebration at Galeshewe Stadium, in Kimberly on Wednesday (August 9). The celebration was held under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.

Zuma said recent incidents of violence against women have caused enormous pain and distress in the country.

“Those crimes are physical, sexual, economic, psychological and emotional. They all represent a violation of human rights and dignity. The crimes that women suffer from include sexual offences, human trafficking, domestic violence and the criminal victimisation of elderly women who are accused of witchcraft.

“The police indicate that the biggest problem with the policing of these crimes is that they usually happen behind closed doors and in secluded areas where it is very difficult to police. Another challenge is that victims have been known to withdraw cases in domestic violence and sexual offences where the offender is known to the victim,” Zuma said.

He further said in such cases, families may intervene and reach an agreement among them to maintain a conspiracy of silence in exchange for money or some other financial benefit. Zuma added that this conduct is unacceptable as it further perpetuates violence against women and turns such crimes into a matter that can be resolved through cash transactions benefitting families.

“In other cases, the survivors prefer to keep quiet rather than speak out, due to the stigma attached to sexual abuse,” said President Zuma.

Other families, he said, have to confront the tragedy of human trafficking which is a painful and despicable crime that was tantamount to modern day slavery. Zuma said young women and girls were being promised jobs or visits abroad and end up being forced into prostitution in hijacked buildings or brothels locally or in foreign countries.

“We urge parents to take a keen interest on the activities of their children on social media and provide on-going advice and support so that they can be protected. Government is playing its part in fighting these crimes against women. South Africa must be safe for women and children in every corner. The South African Police Service has been directed to treat crimes against women and children as an apex priority.”

“Nobody is above the law when it comes to crimes against women. All persons, regardless of their position in society must face the full might of the law when they attack women and children,” he said.

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Picture: ANCYL PEC member, Sebang Motlhabi who is suspended

AFRICAN National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in North West has suspended its two members and charged them with misconduct.

The youth league announced that during media briefing that was held at ANC provincial office, Mpekwa House in Mahikeng on Thursday.

ANCYL provincial secretary, Sipho Dial said: “The Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) wants to put it on public record that after lengthy disciplinary hearing process, the organisation is hereby officially communicating its decision to suspend a member of the ANCYL PEC, Sebang Motlhabi and ANCYL regional secretary in Ngaka Modiri Molema district, Wessel Morweng.

“The two suspended members were charged for identical misconducts. This includes putting the organisation into disrepute. Motlhabi’s membership has been suspended for the period of two years, while Morweng was suspended for two years and half respectively.”

Dial said the decision has been formally communicated to the two cadres and they have subsequently been made aware of their right to appeal to the higher structure if they deemed it necessary.

The league said the two cadres failed to appear before Disciplinary Committee (DC) after numerous attempts. Dial added that the law allows them to suspend the members in absentia.

“Effectively, the two cadres, Sebang Motlhabi and Wessel Morweng are no longer in provincial leadership structure of the ANCYL.

“Nthabiseng Shuping is now an acting regional secretary of the ANCYL in Ngaka Modiri Molema district until the region fills the vacancy,” he said.

However, Morweng and Motlhabi refused to comment, but highlighted that they have already launched an appeal regarding their suspensions.

“I have already launched an appeal to the matter and I cannot comment until formal processes take place,” Morweng said. – Newsnote

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that their winger, George Lebese, has been sold to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Lebese’s move has been on the cards for a while now, and the Siya crew reported earlier this week that the two clubs were in negotiations regarding a move for the 28-year-old.

The Amakhosi then later explained that they were indeed in talks over the player’s transfer, with the crew also reporting that he had been sent away from first team training at the club and asked to train with the youth team.

Now, however, it appears that the move has been finalised as ‘Geeza’ heads home to Mamelodi, and he will be wearing the Brazilians colours in 2017/18.

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

Picture: A body of Phemelo Modirwa carried after being retrieved from a quarry

It is alleged that Phemelo was visiting his friend, but failed to return home. His body was found floating in the quarry by a passer-by. Modirwa’s family said their son’s death left them hopeless. 

Molelema residents held a memorial service for Phemelo on Wednesday at a local community hall and described him as a good child.

Phemelo’s uncle, Joseph Modirwa, had this to say:  “We are very touched by my nephew’s death. We hoped that Phemelo would come home alive but now this. We however believe that police investigations will reveal if there is any foul play in his death.”

Molelema Men Against Crime chairperson, Ofentse Senokwane, said Phemelo’s death is a surprise because they have been frequently searching the quarry where he was found without finding anything.

“We have been visiting the area in search of Phemelo, but his body was found floating in the water. However, we will wait for forensic investigations to understand what exactly killed him. He had no visible marks and that is a little bit surprising because it doesn’t tell whether he drowned or not,” Senokwane said. 

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe, said: “We have opened an inquest case and at this stage investigations are underway. We are expecting post-mortem results during the course of this week. The outcome will reveal exactly what happened to Phemelo.”

SANCO regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, Mika Moeti, urged parents to monitor their children’s movements.

“We urge parents to ensure that they keep their children safe at all times. Children always like to experiment and cannot afford to be left unmonitored. We are losing our future leaders through untimely deaths and that is unacceptable,” Moeti said.

One of the residents, Mothibi Makoro, said the community is in mourning. “As we mourn the tragic death of young boy Phemelo, I cannot help but put this out. I personally feel we have failed him and his family. I believe that we have failed the innocent soul as the community of Molelema.

“I am saying this because Phemelo is the third person to go missing in the past two years and the second person to be found dead,” Makoro said. 

He said the first person who went missing was a man in his late 30s or mid-40s and his body was found decomposed on a farm along the Hartswater route.

 “The second person who went missing was a mentally-ill cousin of mine. Fortunately, they were found weeks after they went missing. There were however no searches conducted in both cases. As a community, we need to do a thorough introspection.

“Many young children visit taverns frequently, but we hardly do anything about that. So many things could happen to those kids and what are we going to do? I am sorry if I am being insensitive, but this attitude is nauseating. I am not excluded as I am part to this ignorance,” he said.

Phemelo Modirwa will be laid to rest on Saturday.- Newsnote 

BY REGINALD KANYANE
RUSTENBURG- TWENTY One people are expected to appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested for public violence on Tuesday. 
One person was shot dead by a stray bullet in the process.
Tlhabane Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi said the incident took place after community members embarked on protest.
“They will appear at Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The police also opened a case of murder after Letlhogonolo Mathews was shot dead during protest.
 “However, we cannot confirm nor deny that whether Mathews was shot dead by security guard or not. Investigations are underway and will reveal how many shots were fired,” Mokgadi said. 

He further said they call for tranquillity and urge community members to allow police to do their duty without any inteference.
Rustenburg Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Khunou said he was shocked by the death of Letlhogonolo Mathews who was shot dead on Tuesday. 
Khunou said the incident took place at Tlhabane Mall construction site.
“We have learnt with shock and disappointment of the fatal shooting of the late Letlhogonolo Mathews. He was shot dead during the uproar caused by some of community members. 
“They were protesting against the alleged irregular and unfair hiring of casual workers and Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) development at the Tlhabane Mall which is under construction,” Khunou said.
The protest was allegedly executed after the Project Manager failed to table a fair report to the community regarding hiring and SMME development. 
It is alleged that the deceased was killed by a stray bullet after a security guard at the construction site pulled a trigger. 
“We support peaceful protest, however, we condemn violence,” he said.
Khunou further said he believe that the law will take its course and deal with perpetrators. He added that some of community members were arrested in the process.
“We also want to send our heartfelt condolences to Mathews family and friends. As Rustenburg Local Municipality leadership and management, we are working together with police in an endeavour to find an amicable solution towards the matter. This will assist us to avert further unrests in the community. 
“We have already visited the family of the deceased and we will assist where possible. We strongly condemn this unfortunate use of live ammunition that led to the death of Mathews. The Municipality will work together with the police to ensure that justice is done and perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
South African National Civic Organisation also condemned the use of live ammunition during protest. Sanco provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso said police must swiftly arrest all perpetrators. 

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LOCAL Scouts will benefit from the ‘exchange’ programme from their counterparts in the United Kingdom. The International Scouts Expedition Program is currently underway at Polokwane, in Limpopo province. 

North West Scouts Development Officer and Project Coordinator, Tshimane Mogotsi said the initiative commenced on July 28 in Mahikeng.

Mogotsi said they are currently in Polokwane until August 19.  

“Mahikeng resemble the birth home of the scouting idea and concept. We have international scouts who visited our shores. There have always been some particular frequent expeditions by both national and international scouts.

“So, it was imperative to pay homage and some kind of pilgrimage to the historical heritage home of scouting in Mahikeng. Thus, the community of Mahikeng in general should take pride in such rich history. The area tend to be our still actively existing heritage and need to be kept alive, relevant and mobilising patriotism within today’s youth in particular,” Mogotsi said. 

He further said they have hosted a contingent number of 120 United Kingdom Explorer and Network Scouts. Mogotsi said scouts from Suffolk County visited Mahikeng together with their leaders.

“This is part of the MahikengScouts City International Scouts Expedition Camp. This program comes after a long time established friendship between these organisations (Mahikeng and Suffolks). We had previous expeditions back in 2009 in Lesotho and Swaziland in 2011.

“The expedition camp was hosted by North West University Rovers Scouts in 2014. The expedition is informed by the formal partnership of Suffolk and Mahikeng scouts, which is part of the greater plan for Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Mahikeng as “Scouts City,” he said.

Mogotsi added that the expedition program was sectioned according to local scouting experience which consists of camps and socialising with local scouts. He said they also explored local cultural and historical experience by visiting heritage sites, game reserves, art centres.

“We also visited few schools through our outreach programmes. The organisation embarked on community empowerment and skill development projects. The main aim was to bring the spirit of togetherness within communities. Our scouts painted some of Early Childhood Centres.

“We also have most effective ECD programmes that provide direct learning experiences to children and families. Our programmes target toward younger and disadvantaged children. The programmes are of longer duration, high quality, high intensity and are integrated with family support, health, nutrition or educational systems and services,” he said.

Mogotsi added that despite convincing evidence, programme coverage is low. He further said to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty and ensuring primary school completion for both girls and boys, governments and civil society should consider expanding high quality, cost-effective early child development programmes.

Mogotsi said local scouts will visit United Kingdom in exchange programme. Some of scouts said the initiative was educational. Lesego Selone, 26, from Ganyesa said: “The programmes ensure that there is a spirit of selflessness within our society. We are always encouraged to assist others who are less-fortunate. Our communities continue to live in abject poverty.

“The youth is faced with various socio-economic challenges like crime, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, unemployment and HIV and AIDS pandemic. We also educate them on exercising and live a healthy lifestyle at all times.”

Another scout, Ntsikelelo Ncanci from Klerksdorp shared the same sentiments. Ncanci said the programmes in place contribute in child development, character shaping process and promote teamwork.

“I am currently unemployed, but that does not deter my ambitions. I am a disciplined, dedicated and determined cadre because of the training I received. The programmes educate us to be ready and face trials and tribulations head-on.

“I have also learnt that there is no short-cuts to success. We need to start investing in our future and encourage the current generation to work hard. There are also skill development programmes where entrepreneurship is been promoted,” he said. –Newsnote   

Picture: Gupta brothers

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

FUTURE SA organisation said the campaign against ‘state capture’ must continue irrespective of the result of the motion of no confidence against South African President, Jacob Zuma. The organisation said it lauds MPs who put the country first, particularly ANC MPs who voted against President Jacob Zuma despite massive pressure from within the party.

“We also acknowledge the role of civil society, labour, business and religious organisations, as well as opposition parties who demonstrated in favour of the motion of no confidence leading up to and on 8 August, and who participated in the lunchtime shutdown today.

“To those who continue to support state capture, an increasingly corrupt government, and the narrow interests of a few, we say: history will judge you accordingly. You have betrayed the hopes of South Africans. You have tied the fortunes of the ANC to Zuma’s corrupt moral code,” Future SA said in a statement.

The organisation said while today’s motion against Zuma may not have succeeded, the fact that a number of ANC MPs have either voted in favour of the motion or abstained is an indication that Zuma no longer enjoys the full support of a significant number of members of his own party. It said that this is an indication that while he retains power for now, his base is certainly weakening.

“What was also clear leading up to today’s motion, is that ordinary South Africans have absolutely no confidence in the president. The protest marches, pickets and rallies in various parts of the country, which have increased in scale and geographical spread, are an indication that South Africans are no longer prepared to accept a captured state.

“Following today’s vote, we believe that efforts against state capture on all fronts must be intensified, as must be our campaigns to reclaim South Africa. Eradicating corruption is long term work. This will involve work in the legal sphere and in parliament, supporting public servants who want to expose corruption, mass mobilisation, awareness drives, the continued promotion of free speech and other Constitutional ideals, and rebuilding a vibrant civil society.”

Future SA said it will also require consistent pressure by society on government, demanding accountability and leadership in the interest of the people. The organisation said it will require pressure on political parties to elect representatives who are honest, and who are capable of the duties entrusted to them to take South Africa forward.

“FutureSA will keep the public informed of its ongoing public programmes and actions aimed at ending state capture and reclaiming South Africa.”

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Picture: President, Jacob Zuma 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

SOUTH African President, Jacob Zuma stays in power after motion of #NoConfidence against him was defeated for the 8^th time in parliament. The African National Congress (ANC) provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said they salute the steadfastness and principled stance of ANC Members of Parliament (MPs) who stood
by their movement and defended the people’s revolution by defeating the
motion of no confidence brought forward by opposition parties.

“The ANC has been down this road before and we will continue defending the right of South African voters to elect their preferred leader as they did with President Jacob Zuma. As the ANC in Bokone Bophirima, we are acutely aware of what the opposition parties will say after they’re once again defeated.

“Because they will not want to admit defeat, we know that they will either say one or more of the following. They will say they made a mark, showed courage, the ANC is panicking, and the ANC MPs are cowards. They will further say ANC puts corruption first and South Africa second,” Legoete said.

He further said opposition parties will again say they will punish the ANC in 2019 or
ANC MPs were intimidated. Legoete added that it is clear that the anti-Zuma coalition campaign has failed dramatically and will never rise again.

“The task of the ANC is to continue intensifying its radical socio-economic transformation and a non-racial order in this country. We urge opposition parties to unite behind the programme of building non-racialism, unity and deepen democracy.

“The ANC will continue to humble itself and intensify its historical, unbreakable bond with the people of South Africa,” Legoete concludes.

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