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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The African National Congress in the North West has called for thorough investigations after the house of the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga was gutted by fire at Makhubung village near Mahikeng on Wednesday night.

According to the Mahikeng Fire Station station commander, Michael Matlawe, people who were in the house at the time allegedly said the fire started in the part of the house where their bedrooms are situated.

“The family noticed a huge flame while they were watching television in the lounge, but they were fortunate enough to exit the house in time without suffering any injuries. The Mahikeng Fire Services was alerted by the incident at around 8:18pm.

“They immediately dispatched to the scene with their fire engine and managed to contain the fire. However, some parts of the house were completely destroyed, while the main structure also had some fire damage,” Matlawe said.

ANC IPC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said: “We have learnt with utter shock an incident of a fire that broke out at the private residence of Miga. The ANC wishes members of her family, who were inside the house a speedy recovery after they were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a speedy and rigorous investigation into this incident.”

North West Premier, Bushy Maape also shared the same sentiments. Maape said he is pleased that despite this unfortunate incident, no life was lost and there were no injuries sustained by any of the occupants when the house caught fire.

Meanwhile, Miga spokesperson, Tsholofelo Mathibedi said Miga has been shattered by the incident.

“You will remember that a few years ago, Miga’s car was torched and now is the house. However, even though she is devastated, she still believes that justice will prevail. She was also grateful that no one has sustained injuries and her family members evacuated the house unharmed,” said Mathibela.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 22-YEAR-OLD boy is expected to appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). This follows a boy seen on a video that went viral on various social media platforms, kicking a girl (16) impenitently.  

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place at Huhudi Township near Vryburg on 22 November 2021 at around 6:45pm. 

She said a case of Assault GBH was opened at the Huhudi Police station.

“It is alleged that the 16-year -old victim was at her parental home when she went outside to close the gate. The victim was met at the gate by the suspect who started to assault her.

“The suspect ended up kicking her whilst his friends were looking on. The victim managed to run into her home when the suspect was distracted. The suspect was arrested on 24 November 2021 and is due to appear in court soon,” said van Rooyen.

She said an investigation is underway to determine what the cause of the despicable actions was.

Meanwhile, the Young Communist League of South Africa YCLSA in Naledi Sub-District condemned the incident. The YCLSA Naledi Sub-District coordinator, Vuyani Mayedwa said: “We are saddened by the recent on-going circulating video of a young boy brutally assaulting a teenage girl.

“As the YCLSA, we would like to assure the community of Naledi that we’ll not rest until the victimised girl finds justice because it cannot be correct that in the mist of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves dealing with the arousal of another pandemic which is GBV.”

He further said the YCLSA challenges and condemns the barbaric behaviour of perpetrators of GBV as the country approaches 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the North West MEC of Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa will join hands with Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Swartklip.

North West MEC for Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said the event forms part of Minister Zulu’s 16 Days of Activism Programme, which is commemorated from 25 November to 10 December 2021 under the national theme: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke-Moving from awareness to accountability”.

“The recent quarterly crime statistics released by the Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele show once again the unacceptably high levels of crime against women and children, with almost 10 000 people brutalised and sexually violated within a period of three months.

“Of major concern is that these violent crimes are perpetrated by people that survivors and victims know and trust, and happen in their own homes. The formal programme will be preceded by a walk against GBVF organised by Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine and ACT Now, a Non-Profit Organisation established by concerned men to fight the scourge of GBVF in South Africa,” he said.

Siko added that after the formal programme, Zulu and Moiloa will visit the bereaved family of the latest victim of GBV in Mabodisa Section, Moruleng Village. The victim’s mutilated body was recently found in a refrigerator in Soweto, Gauteng.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The inauguration of the municipal council for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will take place on Friday. This comes after the municipal council inauguration meeting was adjourned indefinitely on 23 November 2021 due to failure of the Mamusa Local Municipality council to send its representatives.  

Mamusa Local Municipality council meeting was marred with disruptions after some of ANC councillors voted with opposition parties and elected the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Olebeng Mogorotsi as the municipal speaker.

However, the council meeting was finally convened during the late night on 23 November 2021 and ANC councillor, Seitebaleng Chelechele was elected as the new mayor.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality acting municipal manager, Collen Colane who chaired the meeting said: “We will adjourn the council meeting because the Mamusa Local Municipality has not sent its representatives to the district. So, we will adjourn to allow them the process to convene their council meeting.

“This is in line with the Municipal Structures Act. Remember, the district council has 14 days to convene after the last of the local councils has appointed its representatives to the district council,” Colane said.   

Former ANC regional secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo is expected to be elected as the executive mayor, while Kgalalelo Sereko is expected to ascend to the municipal speaker position. 

The former executive mayor, Elvis Tladinyane is expected to resume his municipal duties as the Chief Whip.   

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape applauded all municipalities after convening its councils without hindrance. Maape said municipalities have this week been hard at work to set up new councils following the 2021 Local Government Elections.

“This process has unfolded smoothly in the province and I want to congratulate all the elected public representatives in this important sphere of government. The councils have now elected the mayors, speakers and whips and the most important task of service delivery to the communities should commence immediately.

“We want to assure all councils the support of the provincial government in their efforts to roll out services to citizens. To this end, we will next week convene the Premier’s Coordinating Council which is attended by all mayors in the province,” he said.

Maape further said the Premier’s Coordinating Council is expected to focus squarely on service delivery issues in municipalities across the province. When he was elected as the Premier of the North West in September 2021, Maape committed to prioritising service delivery and job creation.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A-36-YEAR-OLD policeman has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with a R12 000 fine for negligent loss of a firearm by the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court near Rustenburg.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Constable Fortune Godwin Moemise’s conviction emanated from an incident in which he forgot his service pistol at his girlfriend’s place on 20 August 2020.

Mokgwabone further said a friend of Moemise’s girlfriend took the firearm, allegedly used it to commit attempted armed robbery and attempted murder.

“The friend was arrested and separately charged for attempted armed robbery and attempted murder as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Moemise from Rustenburg Detectives, was fined R12 000 or sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

“However, the half of which is suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of contravention of provision of Section 120 (s) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has welcomed the sentencing of Moemise. Kwena also warned members to ensure that their equipment is kept safe and in accordance with the prescripts.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-elected mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang ‘Daddy’ Gaoraelwe (40) said he is meticulously prepared to ‘steer’ the municipality to the right direction. Gaoraelwe was sworn-in as the new mayor during the municipal council inauguration meeting at Sebitlwane Special School in Lokaleng village near Taung on Monday.

“I am grateful to be elected as the new mayor. It is our aim as the new cohort to play a crucial role in ensuring that we implement laws and policies that can greatly impact on how the municipality is run.

“So, as a political head, I believe this position can be both challenging and rewarding but requires an individual who is vigorously prepared for all what a political life entails. I believe I was born with the zeal of activism in me,” he said.

Buoyed Gaoraelwe who joined politics 16 years ago, said he equally grasped his enthusiasm to become a politician from his late brother, Goitseone Christopher “Jukie” Gaoraelwe who was a member of ANC MK (ANC military wing).

Jukie Gaoraelwe went to exile in 1989 and trained in Tanzania until he lost his life in 1995 back in South Africa.

“So, ordinarily, someone in the family had to take the baton. I started participating in politics during the time of “The downfall of Bophuthatswana ” era. I was only doing standard 6 at Olihile Mancwe Middle School in Pampierstad Township, which falls under the Northern Cape Province now.

“Due to the political milieu of the time, there was a student revolt and we were roped-in by older students to join the Congress of South African Student (COSAS),” said Gaoraelwe.

He further said they were given the understanding that all sectors of the community including political youth formations have to play part in the political transition, which was the national agenda at the time.   

A political activist, an academic, a creative artist at heart and a father of four said, he is a proud member of the ruling party and dedicated his life to fight for the cause.

“I am the 10^th child and last born in the family. I am the proud son of Kelebilemang Iris Gaoraelwe (Mankuroane-Maiden Surname) and Kgomotso Albert Gaoraelwe. I have occupied various leadership positions within the ANC and outside.

“It gives me a great pleasure and privilege to have been chosen among many by my organisation to lead the municipality. However, as I ascend to this position, I am deployed by the ruling party to ensure that we unite all people of South Africa, Africans in particular, for the complete liberation of the country,” said Gaoraelwe.

He said under his stewardship, he will ensure that people are in charge of their developmental aspirations. Gaoraelwe said the ‘plan of action’ for any municipality is the five year strategic document called the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) that is informed by the Community Based Planning (CBP), which is the communities consolidated priorities in regard to development.

Gaoraelwe’s Academic Qualifications

Honours Degree in Public Administration (Mancosa 2021)

B.A Degree in Conservation Tourism and Sustainable Development (2010 NWU)

Higher Certificate in Local Government (2018)

Matric (Batlhaping High School-Taung 1998)

Political career

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

It may be tough to be the next Floyd Mayweather or Canelo Alvarez. However, 25 young boxers who will be representing the North West province under the auspices of the South African National Amateur Boxing Organisation (SANABO) say they got what it takes.

Young boxers aged between 12 and 18, will be performing at Gqeberha in the Easten Cape during December 2021.

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said she believes that these younger boxers will put out a ‘stellar performance’ and put the North West on the map.

“These boys and girls will be competing in the cadets (12 – 14 years) and juniors (15 and 16 years) from 14 to 18 December 2021. In the last encounter back in 2019, the North West scooped overall second place in cadets and third in juniors.

“They also romped home with the Boxer of the Tournament Award, through Olona Kolo. 

The North West boxers were chosen from a provincial tournament that took place last Saturday in Rustenburg, where all four districts were represented,” Tlhapi said.

According to the department, the event comprised 28 bouts among young boys and girls, vying for a ticket to the coastal city. Tlhapi further said the tournament in Rustenburg and the provincial selections mark important milestones in their quest to bring boxing back to life in the province.

“Rustenburg was the second in a four destination series of tournaments to revive boxing in the province. The first one was in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Beyond the national event, we are setting our eyes on the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts.

“We wish our boys and girls well in their quest for glory in the Eastern Cape. Given the size of our province, one could safely say they punch above their weight. We all hope they will keep or even improve on the high standards they set in Limpopo two years ago,” she said.

Tlhapi added that through them, they hope to produce boxers in the calibre of the late Norman ‘’Pangaman’’ Sekgapane.

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