A man (30) is expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court for murder on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect allegedly killed his girlfriend (24) during a squabble.
“According to information received, the couple that stayed together in the RDP house at Bakola Section in Ganyesa, had an argument on the evening of 4 August 2021. This comes after the suspect allegedly saw his girlfriend drinking and talking to another man at a tavern in Vryburg.
“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly assaulted the deceased with a spade leading to her sustaining multiple and grievous bodily injuries. According to information at our disposal, upon realising that the girlfriend is dead, the suspect covered the deceased’s body with a blanket and pushed it beneath the bed,” she said.
Funani said then the suspect allegedly fled to his brother’s place in Kuruman, Northern Cape on 5 August 2021. However, she said the suspect allegedly informed his brother about the incident and the matter was eventually reported to the police in Kuruman.
“The suspect was then arrested and taken back to Ganyesa, where he was charged with murder after the gruesome discovery of the body,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the brutal murder of the woman, who was killed during Women’s Month by someone who was supposed to protect her.
Kwena congratulated the police in Kuruman and Ganyesa for their teamwork, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Picture: Some of street survivors with Miss Heritage Top 10 Finalist, Akanyang Kalamore
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Amogelang Insurance Brokers embarked on a charitable work on Thursday by feeding more than 20 street survivors in Vryburg. This was in partnership with Miss Heritage Top 10 finalist, Akanyang Kalamore.
Amogelang Insurance Brokers Marketing and Creative Manager, Nompumelelo Kala said the company pride itself not only to make money, but also to give back to the community.
“We are grateful to be part of this initiative as it is one of our principles to have the interest of our communities at heart. We came here to feed street survivors as part of our social responsibility. Most of them are subjected to abject poverty and they do not know where their next meal will come from.
“Remember, the hand that gives is the most blessed and that’s what we strive on as the company. Amogelang Insurance Brokers is not all about money-making scheme, but creating a lasting solution, while building a good relationship with our clients and communities,” she said.
Kala further said this was not for the first time the company embarked on a partnership for charitable work. She added that 90% of their staff are women and that says a lot about the company.
“We have sponsored sports activities, artists, and theater events in the past. Our recent initiative that stands out was when we partnered with a young woman in her initiative called Geleza Mtwana.
“The young woman approached us for support where she replaced broken windows and renovate dilapidated buildings of needy schools in the area. So, we always ensure that there are great fulfilments in our call,” said Kala.
Kalamore said: “I was given a task as a Top 10 finalist to do charity work. I was so grateful after Amogelang Insurance Brokers came on board without any hesitations. I hope many companies could take a leaf out of Amogelang Insurance Brokers’ book and execute this kind of partnership.
“I thought of going to schools and give out sanitary pads to needy female learners, however, I knew that almost every contestant will think of that. So, I came up with a different approach by initiating this. Many street survivors are going through a lot, but it seems no one care.”
One of the street survivors, Godfrey Olyl (23) said: “We are super excited to receive food from Amogelang Insurance Brokers. I stay at Monotomosetlha Informal Settlement with my girlfriend and my child. I do not want to lie to you, life is grim because I must wake up as early as around 4am to come to the dumping site and get plastic bottles for recycling.
“Atleast, I can make around R70 to R200 a day if the lady luck smiles at me. So, I will highly appreciate it if we can get any kind of support because we are living beyond the poverty line. I lost both my parents and things are not getting any better.”
Olyl said what he is doing is better than embarking on crime. He said there is a high rate of unemployment and the government is not trying enough to change the situation, hence the high rate of crime.
Meanwhile, according to the https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govwebsite, there are more than 250 000 children and adolescents reported to be living on the street in South Africa. The report showed that most majority of homeless youth are black and male.
It also highlighted that mostly, they have experiences of parental neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and extreme poverty is common drivers to life on the street.
Mighty Boys Football Club continues to show its pedigree in local football in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. This comes after they won Olehile Annual Football Tournament in style at Manokwane village, Taung on Sunday.
Manthe-based club took home a whopping R20 000 including a trophy and gold medals after walloping a buoyed Taung Mega Stars FC 1-0 in a mouthwatering final.
The Mighty Boys FC coach, Charlie Rabannye could not hide his excitement and dedicated this win to all supporters of their team.
“We are so excited to be crowned the winners of this tournament. We are also happy to see our boys doing great as this is their opportunity to showcase their talents. I always say that Taung has an abundance of talents and tournaments like these open doors for younger players.
“We have worked so hard to be where we are. I would also like to congratulate the organisers, all our supporters from Manthe village who came out in numbers and everyone who took part in making sure that we win this tournament. Our players also raised the bar and having players like Thabang “Mahommed” Katong in the field, played a crucial role in encouraging our youngsters to develop skills,” Ramonnye said.
Mighty Boys FC utility player, Tumelo “My Boy” Maritshi was crowned as the player of the tournament. Maritshi said he was over the moon for his achievements.
“I am so grateful to be crowned the man of the tournament. This really shows that with discipline, dedication, and determination, one can go far. I pray to God that one day I reach I’m dream of playing professional football.
“I am working hard to ensure that I achieve my dream and I’ll also encourage other players to soldier on and make sure that they achieve their dreams. I will continue to work hard and hope that eventually, the light at the end of the tunnel will be of the coming train.”
Meanwhile, Taung Mega Stars FC coach, Keaobaka Makoloi said they used the tournament as preparation for a pre-season. He said they have roped in new nine players in his team and they performed beyond expectations.
“I am not disappointed at all after losing in the finals. This tournament was a good start for us as you know we are plying our trade in the ABC Motsepe League. We have introduced new players to our team and so far, so good.
“Even though we would have like to win the finals, this is not a train smash as we have seen improvements in our players especially beyond technical skills,” he said.
Taung Mega Stars FC received R10 000 price and silver medals.
One of the tournament organisers, Tlotlego Mokgalagadi said football was the winner at the end of the day. Mokgalagadi congratulated Mighty Boys FC for winning the tournament.
“Tournaments like these encourage the growth of grassroots football. The aim of this tournament was to keep grassroots football alive. Remember, to keep grassroots football alive, one needs funding and we encourage local business people to contribute.
“The tournament helps players to improve their football skills and we always encourage clubs to bring in their U-19 players. We have rewarded teams by giving them trophies and also awarding players who have had the best effort. This also gives scouts the opportunity to identify players they are looking for,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Mmoloki Cwaile
By OBAKENG MAJE
Embattled North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro announced that he has placed the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile on a special leave. In a short statement, Mokgoro did not mention the reasons for his decision, but said he has temporarily appointed the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono to run Cwaile’s portfolio.
“In accordance with powers bestowed upon me by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have placed Cwaile on special leave with effect from 5 August 2021. During the period of Cwaile’s special leave, Mohono has temporarily been assigned with the functions and powers for the portfolio of COGHSTA,” he said.
It is alleged that there is a ‘fallout’ between Mokgoro and Cwaile because of political difference. According to allegations, Cwaile was informed through sms about this decision.
Cwaile was appointed as the new MEC for COGHSTA nine months ago to replace the late Gordon Kegakilwe who succumbed to COVID-19 complications in July 2020. However, Cwaile’s appointment was not a smooth ride as his appointment was received with mixed reactions especially by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee in the province.
Before his appointment, he served as Chair of Chairs in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) and the Chair of Standing Committee for Legislative Review and Implementations of House Resolutions since after the 2019 General Elections.
Cwaile was recently accused of tender irregularities worth R1, 476,321.74. This came after his department allegedly appointed a private company, Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process on its behalf.
The whistle-blower within the department who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal alleged that the contract was irregular and he was ignored even though he tried to warn Cwaile about the imminent danger of approving it.
“There are upheavals and misappropriations taking place at this department. However, when we highlight that, we are regarded as disruptive and receive hostile treatment. The department appointed Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process for 35 vacant and funded positions with the department.
“This was approved by Cwaile after raising concern regarding the snail pace at which the department is performing regarding the filling of those positions. The appointed company was expected to advertise vacant and funded positions, which include full-service handling, advertise vacant positions, response handling from screening to placement,” he said.
However, Cwaile refuted these allegations as absurd and said even though Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was not appointed by him, he decided to bring the contract to a grinding halt.
“This is just a lame attempt from my detractors who want to discredit me because I have uncovered malfeasance at the department. I can tell you now, most employees at the department were hired on nepotism basis.
“In most cases, you will find that all employees at the department are related. The senior managers call their friends, colleagues, and relatives to fill the vacancies regardless of their knowledge, skill, and experience,” Cwaile said.
He further said Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD contract was not irregular because there was an allocation of budget and all the time, the company has been doing business with the department including the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and national government.
Cwaile added that the company had engaged in a transversal contract and it has been appointed by the National Treasury.
“All government departments in the province advertise their tenders through this company. All tenders advertised by departments in the province are written Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD at the bottom. So, there is no single department that advertises posts on its own because that job is done by this company.
“Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was appointed to advertise, but in terms of their contract, they can shortlist. However, after performing these duties, they will hand over that work to government departments to conduct interviews,” said Cwaile.
He said the reason why they wanted to delegate the recruitment process to Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD is because there is a scenario where some of employees who process vacant posts from the Human Resources Management, only serve themselves.
“Sometimes these employees withhold other requirements when advertising to the public to ensure that these posts favour them. But the important part about appointing Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was that Directors and Head of Department (HOD) cannot go and sit in a panel of level 5, while there are assistant directors.
“Firstly, when you look at the Human Settlements Department has a shortage of staff. However, we will see all senior managers fighting to be in the panel of level 5, while they were supposed to be doing something fruitful with their time,” he said.
Picture: Future Shuttle and Tours founder, Thato “Notorious_Dj” Koolatotse
By OBAKENG MAJE
There are many multifaceted situations that could contribute to unforeseen events especially when you planning to maneuverer around. Imagine getting lost or missing a very important meeting because of not well-planned transportation?
However, the most reliable solution is using an acknowledged shuttle service. Now, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to ease your anxieties. North West popular Dj, Thato Koolatotse, better known as Notorious_DJ in the entertainment industry said, he came up with this idea to assist commuters to reach their destinations without any difficulties.
“Future Shuttle and Tours makes things easier for our clients to get somewhere when only have to worry about themselves. We are based in Vryburg and provide services to individuals, groups, or goods.
“I have realised that transportation is a vital factor to every city and town. There is always something or someone that needs to be ferried. So, Future Shuttle and Tours caters for family shuttles, private gateways and is available for 24 hours and seven days a week,” Koolatotse said.
He further said their services are most affordable and reliable. Koolatotse added that travelling using their shuttle service also provides various advantages like safety, professionalism, worry-free, and getting kind of services that is not granted anywhere.
“Transportation plays a huge role in the local economy especially in Small Dorpies and Urban areas. If you look at Vryburg, it is not that big but there is a need for a shuttle here. I mean, there is no transport to both public and private hospitals to just name a few. We have people going there on a daily basis.
“We also have elderly people who cannot easily reach for public transport such as taxis. Vryburg is a growing town and we also have revellers going to nightclubs and pubs at night. So, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to make sure that everybody reaches their destination safely,” he said.
Another advantage of the shuttle is privacy, unlike public transport, says Koolatotse. He said they ensure that they take care of some obstacles that can be annoying to their clients.
“I came up with this idea also to create job opportunities and leave a legacy. It is very important to have multiple sources of income as a person as you know I am also a Dj. I consider myself very innovative and the most hard-working person I know,” he said.
Taung-born Dj (33) said, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to start a business while employed. However, he said the most important thing in life is to have financial security.
“I do not have challenges in juggling all these together. I also create time to be a businessman, a father, a partner and Dj. There are so many challenges that we are faced with, especially during this time of COVID-19.
“However, we need to soldier on and win the battle. The transport industry is faced with challenges. Roads are associated with being the arteries of a city because they serve as the primary avenues through, which people can move from point A and point B,” said Koolatotse.
He added: “The state of local roads in areas that we operate on have a negative impact and affect our target including the growth of the business. We also operate in areas where people are living beyond the poverty line.
“As much as we want to expand and better our services, we want to create our own platform that will enable our clients to connect with our drivers conveniently without any hassle. It is very important to mention that we have established EFT to better our services.”
Koolatotse said he is planning to expand his business to areas like Taung in the future. He said they have adjusted their operating hours from 4am until 9:30pm from Monday to Sunday due to COVID-19 regulations.
North West Department of Education said investigations against the Maphoitsile Primary School principal, William Maboitshege are being ‘delayed’ after he took time off due to sickness.
Maboitshege was removed from the school after he was accused of sexually assaulting a Grade 6 female learner a few months ago. It is alleged that Maboitshege sexually violated a learner by touching her breasts and private parts without her consent.
North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The matter is being investigated by our labour unit. However, the investigations are still on even though the principal is on sick leave. He was temporarily removed from the school pending investigations.”
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and community members embarked on a march that led to Maboitshege’s removal. SANCO branch organizer, Lucky Tidikwe said they have engaged in a consultative meeting with the department and they are happy that Maboitshege was finally removed.
“The learner reported this matter to her grandmother who is her guardian. However, nothing was done to address this matter even though the parent went to school to report it. What Maboitshege did was wrong and surprisingly, more than five female learners also came forward with the same allegations.
“Imagine, the same teacher taught us many years ago, so he was supposed to regard these children as his granddaughters. So, it is clear that our learners are not living in a safer environment here. We have also advised the parent of the learner to go and open a criminal case with the police,” Tidikwe said.
According to http://www.legalwise.org.za website: “Sexual abuse is where a person has sexual relations with another person without his or her consent, such as rape or sexual violation. The rights of a child must be protected at all costs and every child has the right to dignity, such as not to be humiliated, freedom and security, such as not to be subjected to any form of violence and not to have his/her body touched in an inappropriate way, which would include sexual abuse.
“Bring criminal charges against any person who has committed an offence against him/her, such as that a child who has been sexually abused by his/her teacher has a right to report this to the South African Police Service (SAPS).”
The website said a child can report an offence without the assistance of his/her parents or legal guardians, however, it is advisable that a child consult with them for assistance, report any incident, such as sexual abuse by a teacher, to another teacher at his/her school, and bring a civil claim in court (such as a claim for damages) against a teacher who sexually abused him/her.
It reported that the child will need the assistance of his/her parent or legal guardian to bring a civil claim in court. A website said a teacher is required to place the interests of a child first.
“While a child is at school, a teacher has a duty of care over such a child. This means that a teacher must look after the child and act as the child’s parents, especially where there may be a threat to the safety of the child.
“A teacher also has a duty to report any knowledge that s/he may have that a child is being sexually abused. Except for the teacher, there is a general duty on every person who has knowledge of a child being sexually abused to report that knowledge.”
Picture: Dejected patient, Kegomoditswe Tankie (21) giving birth on the floor at Taung District Hospital
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
One of the nurses at the Taung District Hospital accuses the management of favouritism. This comes three nurses who were suspended for malpractice are back at work.
The nurses were suspended over misconduct and negligence allegations after a patient, Kegomoditswe Tankie (21) from Diretsang village near Taung was seen on a video circulated on social media allegedly giving birth on the floor at the ‘disgraced’ hospital without any assistance.
Now, the nurse who wants to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal said: “I am so surprised to see them back at work. There was no communication from the management regarding the investigations and I just wonder if we will pretend that everything is back to normal just like that.
“The management does not take responsibility for what happened. These nurses will continue to do as they please if not held accountable. They neglected their duties for heaven sake, but no actions were taken against them because they are the management’s favourites.”
Dejected Tankie then said, she always heard many people complaining about the abuse of patients by healthcare staff in maternity settings in the hospital, but never thought one day she will be the victim herself.
According to her, she went to the hospital for labour and was put in the maternity ward with other pregnant women.
“The nurses who were on duty were in the other room and informed us to go to them if we experience any labour pains. Indeed, I experienced some pains and I went to seek help from them. They assessed and monitored the baby’s condition and ordered me to go back to where I was.
“They said I must come back at around 11:30, however, I experienced some labour contractions after reaching the room. When I arrived at the ward, I put a towel on the floor next to my bed to rest on it as I was unable to climb the bed,” she said.
Tankie further said she was also thirsty and requested water from one of the women in the ward. She added that then she went to the nurses after feeling some excruciating pains, but one of the officials in the corridors ordered her to go back saying nurses were still busy.
“I was in severe pain, but I managed to go back to the room again. I stand next to my bed and my legs were cramped. I was feeling nauseated and my water broke. The doctor was called and said I will be ready for labour at 00:20.
“However, I gave birth on the floor without any healthcare staff assistance. Now, I mull taking legal actions for medical negligence,” she said.
Belinda Lungile who was also in the maternity ward at the time of the incident alleged that nurses were rude and have arbitrary acts of unkindness toward pregnant patients.
“The abuse towards patients in that ward is well-documented. Since I was at the hospital, I saw the verbal abuse and psychological abuse many patients were subjected to. On 16 February 2021 before this initial incident, I saw nurses abusing some helpless patients and I confronted them.
“However, they also tried to bully me but I stand my ground. They even said I think I am somebody of importance and advocating for those patients will not take me anywhere. It is so ridiculous to find many women shouted at, sometimes beaten and neglected in that maternity care facility,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Health Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said even though these nurses are back at work, the investigation continues.
“A preliminary report had revealed that the said patient was admitted on the 13 February 2021 and she was seen once daily, but there is no clear plan. The assessment was done on the 16 February 2021 at 7:30pm and not reviewed until a patient delivers at 11pm.
“However, there is no indication of self-delivery, according to the record as a patient was assisted during the third stage of labour. Generally speaking, these are rare cases where a patient delivers earlier than anticipated time and because of shortage of nursing staff where midwives have to juggle around more than one patient,” Lekgethwane said.
He said in future, the department will improve monitoring and surveillance of all pregnant women due to delivery after a shred of impeccable evidence on a video, where the patient was seen struggling to get terms of giving birth, while a newborn was on the floor.
Many patients at the hospital, especially at maternity ward continue to complain about the poor service and abuse they are subjected to by the nurses. However, Lekgethwane said: “All alleged incidents are reported to the Adverse Events Committee. The committee continually reviews these cases with a view to close gaps and improve on management.
“This will be coupled with management review of the number of staff allocated to the ward-based on the ward capacity and patient ratio.”
Picture: Bodies of deceased found in the back of burnt police bakkie/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Five suspects who were arrested for the double murder of policemen are expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the suspects were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday in Logageng village near Mahikeng by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Detective service, Tactical Response Team and members of the Local Criminal Records, for the alleged murders of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42), who were stationed at Mareetsane Police Station.
“It is alleged that on 26 July 2021 around 9pm, the two police officers were on patrol duties with a state vehicle when they came across a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen goats.
“The police officers reported the incident to the commander and mentioned that they would be bringing the suspect’s vehicle to the police station soon. About an hour later, the police reported that they were not far from the police station,” Rikhotso said.
She said, however, Molete and Ntsekeletsa never arrived at the police station and they could not be reached on both their cellphones and the police radio. Rikhotso further said a manhunt for the police officers was immediately launched.
“On 27 July 2021, the police were alerted by community members of bloodstains on the road leading to the police station. When the scene was visited, a knife and a police badge belonging to one of the deceased were found and the second badge was found near Mareetsane road.
“Further investigations led the team to a burnt state vehicle in Mosita village near Ganyesa, wherein the bodies of the deceased police officers were discovered. The team followed all the leads and worked tirelessly until they traced and arrested the five suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol, which was taken from the slain police officers,” she said.
According to Rikhotso, a hammer, clothing with suspected blood stains and a vehicle has been seized for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya condemned the acts of the perpetrators and applauded the joint team for the swift arrest and recovery of the police firearm.
Lebeya: “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families. We certainly hope that the families of our fallen police officers would find comfort in the arrest of suspects and look forward to the successful prosecution of these criminal acts.
“An attack on the police is an attack on the state and this is why we will leave no stone unturned. We will utilise all resources at our disposal to ensure those who commit such heinous acts against our officers in blue are found and face the full might of the law.”
The suspects were charged with two counts of murder, malicious damage to property, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Factionalism continues to be a dreadful phenomenon within the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) council, especially in the ANC caucus. This comes after the municipal council elected Grace Totong as the new municipal mayor on Tuesday.
Some of ANC councillors defied their party’s mandate and opted to elect Totong as the new mayor instead of re-instating Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane as instructed.
Motlhabane was ousted few months ago through a motion of no confidence sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Now, in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, the police were summoned to Totong’s residential area in Ditshilong village, Taung after the shootings. It is alleged that unknown men entered Totong’s yard and fired two bullets at her bedroom through the window.
Totong alleged that the ‘shooting’ was politically motivated.
“It is now common knowledge that there was some shooting at my residential area in Ditshilong village in Taung at around 3am in the morning. I was from the bathroom when the shooting took place. Fortunately, no one suffered injuries.
“I would like to assure citizens of Taung that I am in good hands. I am healthy and sound as nothing has happened to me by the grace of God. Anyway, the police are handling the matter and to that extent, I’m not able to comment further because I might prejudice the investigations,” she said.
Video: The Greater Taung Local Municipal mayor, Grace Totong addressing the media
Now, Totong has confirmed that the municipality has hired a bodyguard for her to ensure that she is safe. However, she refused to divulge more details on how much of the taxpayers’ money was used.
“In terms of my safety, measures have been put in place by the municipality to ensure that my family and I are safe. I wish to thank the municipal leadership for acting promptly in this regard.
“I believe that the shooting was prompted by my election as the new mayor. This manifestation was seen rearing havoc immediately after the special council meeting where I was elected as the new mayor,” said Totong.
The newly-elected mayor confirmed that there are factions within the ANC. She also confirmed that she belongs to a faction, but refused to shed more details on which faction is she serving for fear of reprisal.
“Yes, I can confirm that there are factions within the ANC and I also belong to a faction. However, I would not divulge which faction I belong to because of my safety. So, it is personal and I believe that might create conflicts, splits, and instability corollaries within the community of Taung.
“I am ready to execute my duties without being factional. So, my aim is to ensure there is service delivery to our community of Taung and there is no misappropriation of funds within the municipality,” she said.
Totong said she was requested by the municipal council to step in and assist as the mayor, but not by the ANC even though she is deployed by it. She further said there are factions within the ANC that oppose her.
“It is true that the ANC Interim Regional Committee requested us to re-instate Motlhabane as the new mayor. However, I’ll say the municipality is guided by the legislation. So, if someone from outside comes and instructed us to do something that is not guided by the Municipal System Act, we would not adhere to that.
“The municipal council did what was supposed to be done. We did not refuse to re-instate Motlhabane, but the ANC must ensure that what they request us to do must be guided by the legislation,” said Totong.
When asked if she will defy the ANC’s instruction, if requested to resign, Totong said she will only comply if the ruling party brings valid reasons for her to resign.
Meanwhile, the ANC is expected to request Totong to resign as the IRC coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Walter Mabogola told Vaaltar FM that the party does not recognise her as the new mayor.
Journalists work outside St Thomas’ Hospital in central London as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened in London, Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital in central London on Sunday after his coronavirus symptoms persisted for 10 days. Having been in hospital for tests and observation, his doctors advised that he be admitted to intensive care on Monday evening. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
By OBAKENG MAJE
Situation continues to be volatile in Eswatini as some residents were shot and killed by security forces during protests. According to www.swazilandnews.co.za, King Mswati issued a decree banning protests and delivery of petitions after citizens organised series of protests in demand for democratic reforms.
The news site said, protestors subsequently defied the King who later unleashed the army to shoot and kill dozens of civilians.
Now, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) came out guns blazing after it was reported that some journalists were assaulted, tortured and detained in the country.
SANEF Secretary-General, Mahlatshe Mahlase said: “The South African National Editors’ Forum calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his regional counterparts to urgently demand that the government of Eswatini adhere to SADC media Freedom protocols.
“SANEF is extremely concerned that on 4 July 2021, two New Frame journalists, Magnificent Mndebele and Cebelihle Mbuyisa, who were on assignment in Eswatini were detained, assaulted, and tortured by security forces. Mndebele and Mbuyisa were in Eswatini to report on the pro-democracy protests with a specific focus on the alleged state murders of citizens.”
She said while in the country, they were stopped at roadblocks on several occasions, threatened and forced to delete material from their phones and camera. Mahlase said they condemn the detention, assault and torture of both journalists in the strongest terms and calls for international solidarity with all journalists and activists facing repression in Eswatini.
“We call for the immediate restoration of democratic freedoms in that country, including the right to a free press. For decades, Eswatini’s security forces have been notorious for their brutality against journalists, trade unionists, students and other pro-democracy activists.
“The attempts to silence journalists and activists are aimed, among other things, at trying to prevent the scale of the suffering of the people of Eswatini from being conveyed to people outside the country,” said Mahlase.
She further said as SANEF, they have also noted the blackout of the internet, which they equally condemn as a stringent measure meant to silence the voices of the citizenry, and inconvenience all. Mahlase further said SANEF is concerned about the safety of journalists and media workers which continues to be a huge challenge with increasing reports of attacks such as arbitrary arrest and detention, jailing, physical assault, which are used as weapons to silence critical journalism covering unrests in Eswatini.
“We believe that SADC governments should show a stronger political will to protect journalists and independent journalism to put a stop to the deterioration of media freedom in the region.
“Media freedom is an essential pillar of our democracies in the region which is too often taken for granted. Respect for freedom of the media in Eswatini has disappeared overnight due to the lack of the government conscience to defend human rights,” she said.
Mahlase added that in the last years, they have witnessed an increase in the number of cases of violence and intimidation against journalists. She said SANEF wishes to remind the government of Eswatini of its commitment to media-friendly policies based on the August 1995 SADC declaration on Information and Communication.
“Eswatini undertook to remove systems and procedures that restrict the free movement of journalists, the exchange of news and information and the circulation of media products within the countries and across national boundaries of the countries of the SADC Community.
“It also recognises accreditation documents issued by any SADC Member State to media personnel to cover events and news in the other Member States, of the Community,” she said.
Mahlase said they call on SADC leaders to embrace the principles of free access to information. She said SANEF points the leaders to the letter they co-signed with key media partners including the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), calling for media freedom to be upheld and journalists to be protected.
Meanwhile, key South African news organisations including the public broadcaster (SABC), as well as Newzroom Afrika have had to pull their journalists out of the country due to the ongoing attacks and intimidation on their journalists.
According to www.swazilandnews.co.za, the Senator Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade has told Channel Africa that protesters who were looting from businesses were armed with guns and government had to shut down the internet to control foreign insurgents who were leading the protests for democratic reforms.
