By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Ntombi in Manokwane village near Taung wants justice after the death of their loved one. Thataone Ntombi (26) was allegedly killed by three men at Nhole village in Taung on Saturday night during a confrontation.

According to Thataone’s mother, Mogomotsi Ntombi, a fight ensued between Thataone’s uncle and the suspects. Ntombi said Thataone  tried to mediate but he was allegedly attacked instead.

“I received a call on Sunday at around 6pm informing me that my son is missing. I searched for him at Taung District Hospital and various mortuaries around with no success. I also went to Nhole village where he was residing.

“On my arrival, I met with his grandmother and went to confront those individuals who are suspected to know something about his disappearance. We confronted one of the suspects and he was too arrogant to us,” she said.

Ntombi further said one of the suspects confessed that he allegedly hit Thataone with a spade on his head. She said she decided to go to Taung Police Station and open a missing person’s case.

“When I arrived at the police station, the police requested me to go and fetch an identification document (ID). I went back to fetch the ID and went back to the police station. 

“The police wrote a statement and went to the suspects. But on our way, one of the police officers received a call informing him about a lifeless body of a person floating in the river near Manokwane village,” Ntombi said.

She added that the police decided that they would go to the scene and check if the deceased was not Thataone. Ntombi said indeed the lifeless body was positively identified as Thataone. 

“Then police said they will open a murder case and erase a missing person case,” she said. 

However, Bontsheng Mampane, who is also a family member said: “I am not happy with how the police are handling this matter. There is shrewd evidence that Thataone was killed. His lifeless body was still bleeding from injuries.

“So, we urge the police to go and arrest these suspects before they flee. It cannot just be normal while we lost a loved one through immoral deeds. We call for justice and the police must do their work properly.”     

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “I can confirm a murder case is being investigated. A person that was reported missing was found at a river in Manokwane village.

“The rescue team retrieved his lifeless body that was floating in the river. The deceased was identified as Thataone Ntombi and his body had a wound on the back of his head and a broken leg.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Former Vaaltar FM presenter and socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) has been kidnapped. It is alleged that Seelo was walking in the streets with his girlfriend in Modimong village near Taung on Sunday when his ‘attackers’ accosted him. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma, Seelo’s girlfriend ran away and allegedly saw these people abducting Seelo and shoved him in a white bakkie. She confirmed that a kidnapping and human trafficking case has been opened at Taung Police Station.

“It is alleged that the duo was attacked by two persons. Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away to seek help. On her return, they could not find Seelo at the scene of crime. She confirmed that she saw a white bakkie that she suspects might have been used to kidnap him.

“However, as the police, we could not confirm that and investigations are underway,” she said.

The family spokesperson, Keobakile Mothupi said, the incident has affected them as a family. Mothupi also urged anyone with information to contact them or the police. 

“We are worried as a family because in most cases, incidents like these do not end well. We want to urge anyone who could assist the police to contact them or the family. As the family, we need to find Seelo whether dead or alive.

“We hope he is safe and sound wherever he is. The police found bloodstains at the crime scene and we also understand that two suspects have handed themselves over to the police today,” he said.   

According to the disrupthumantrafficking.com, human trafficking industry generates $150 billion a year for criminal organizations across the globe. The website says this can no longer go uninterrupted.

“Our mission is to identify and expose human trafficking rings internationally while working with law enforcement agencies to hunt down, disrupt, and dismantle the practice of human trafficking.

“We do so by implementing intelligence gathering techniques currently used by the intelligence community and planning extraction operations. There are more humans being sold today in the world than at any other point in human history.”

It further urges people to join the fight to identify these trafficking networks, cut their financial lines and help to recover the trafficking victims.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Some political parties in Taung have rendered the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE) not free and fair. This comes after allegations that one of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials in Matsheng village near Taung interfered with voting processes.

It is alleged that the presiding officer, Lebogang Senokwane (35) at Makgethe Middle School voting station in Matsheng village near Taung opened a sealed ballot box in the absence of the political party agents on 31 October 2021.

Azania Independent Community Movement (AICM) representative, Khunou Sebitso said: “What happened yesterday, the voting station closed at 12pm as the presiding officer said he wanted to prepare for 1 November 2021. All party agents left after ballot boxes were sealed. However, at around 2pm, we received a call informing us that the voting station had been re-opened and there were people voting. 

“We rushed to the voting station immediately and indeed it was opened. We then asked the presiding officer why he opened the voting station without party agents’ knowledge. He alleged that he had received a call that there were 12 people who wanted to vote, but they found the voting station closed.”

Sebitso further said they asked Senokwane who gave him a directive to open the voting station and unsealed the ballot box? He said they have not received any answers from him thus far.   

“We went to the Taung Police to file a criminal case against him. However, the police advised us to write a report instead. The police said we should return to the voting station and compare the ballots and check if they correspond on 1 November 2021.

“However, that has not happened and we are worried. We also visited a voting station in Tlapeng village and found ANC volunteer canvassing inside the polling station. We informed the presiding officer there about the incident, but she did absolutely nothing,” said Sebitso.  

EFF party agent, Dorah Mokwai also shared the same sentiments. Mokwai said they demand answers from the IEC.  Meanwhile, the embattled IEC presiding officer, Lebogang Senokwane said he received a directive from the IEC manager to re-open the voting station.

“As the IEC employee, I received a call from the Area Manager telling me that apparently there was a complaint that the station has been closed, while voters are standing outside stranded. So, he gave me the instruction to come back and re-open the voting station.

“Indeed, I came back and met with some party agents along the way. The Area Manager arrived a few minutes afterwards and gave me the VMD to open the station. One voter arrived immediately after I had opened and indeed the ballot box was sealed.

“So, I went back to the Area Manager to request a nylon bag to use as a ballot box. However, he said using a nylon bag will be a bit dangerous because it will create many uncertainties,” he said.

Senokwane said he spoke to the IEC Manager in Taung, Gerry Mpotla who gave him a go ahead to unseal the ballot box. He said according to IEC regulations, a voter cannot be denied an opportunity to vote simply because there are no party agents.

The Electoral Commission said it has received the report and investigations are underway. The IEC also reported that as at 10h30 this morning, 27 per cent of the 64 502 results expected had been finalized. 

The IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela said this status is in line with expected result capturing process.

“It is estimated that 905 of the results would be finalized by evening. The balance of 10% would take another 24 hours to complete. The Northern Cape has completed 74% of its results, followed by Western Cape at 46%.

“In third position comes Free State at 26%, while the rest of the provinces’ completion rate ranges between 15 and 37%. The result capturing involves a number of processes including the verification of the result slips, the capturing, scanning and the auditing of the results,” she said.

Bapela added that the IEC would like to call upon all leaders of political parties to act and speak responsibly as the result collation process unfolds. She said the commission had anticipated the prospect of a lower voter turnout already in July and approached the Constitutional Court.

“Nonetheless, the commission implemented an extensive education and communication campaign to ensure that voters turnout to out. This included educational programmes that assured voters that it would be safe to be at a voting station.

Furthermore, it is important to realize that voter turnout is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by different factors. Some of the elements that motivate voters to go relate to factors outside of the purview of the Commission such as disruptions to services, levels of trust in political institutions,” said Bapela.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A suspect (31) arrested for allegedly raping a disabled woman has been remanded in custody by the Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. It is alleged that a woman (30) with disability and utilising a wheelchair, was visiting friends and later went to a tavern on 22 October 2021 in Bodibe village near Itsoseng.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The woman was about to leave the tavern at around 7pm when Otsile Juell Boinamo volunteered to take her home. However, on their way, the accused instead took her to his place in Zone 1, where he allegedly raped her.

“On 23 October 2021, the victim allegedly managed to escape by crawling out of the house into the streets, where she was assisted by a passer-by. The police were contacted and as a result, a case of rape was opened for investigation.”   

Myburgh said Boinamo was arrested after he handed himself over to the Itsoseng police on 25 October 2021. He subsequently appeared before the Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on a charge of rape.

“The accused will make a second court appearance on 4 November 2021, for a formal bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and described it as appalling. Furthermore, Kwena urged women to be wary of strangers, but rather move in groups of well-known friends, especially at night.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

It is all systems go as more than 42 000 learners commenced with their final basic education examinations on Wednesday. North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela who visited Pinagare High School in Taung, said her department has prepared 439 centres that have been audited for compliance in terms of facility, staff capacity security for storage of question papers as well as full adherence for Covid-19 protocols.

“Of these centres, 417 are public centres, 20 are independent and 2 designated centres for those improving their matric. Printing and packaging is done under very secure conditions with surveillance cameras and physical security at all strategic points.

“Security point for question papers is intensified with strong rooms, double locking systems, 24-hour Security guards, storage managers, alarm system, CCTV monitoring. Training for monitors, chief invigilators and invigilators was rigorous and this contributes to the successful administration of the examinations,” Matsemela said.

She further said two to three officials per school are trained to ensure smooth running of the examinations in the centre. Matsemela added that the training includes protocol for writing of the examination, process of conduct of examination, reporting on the conduct of the examination, and process to be followed at the distribution point.

“Markers have been selected and are awaiting appointment. We want to assure that all measures were considered to prepare the 2021 cohort. Covid-19 has been a disruptor in the administration of year end examinations in 2020.

“The class of 2021 found us ready and we equipped learners with much needed assistance to sit for their examinations. We have a set of committed teachers, and subject advisors that played a huge role in equipping our learners and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Matsemela.

Last week, she had an engagement with learners as they signed the pledge of commitment to a cheat-free examination. Matsemela said learners were eager and ready as the eighth cohort to be exposed to the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

“Learners are also the beneficiaries of the educational transformation that heralded the move towards a technologically enhanced curriculum. We were monitoring the first day of examinations at Pinagare Secondary School in Taung,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said: “I would like to wish all candidates the best of luck with their final examinations. I urge them to continue working hard and to keep their focus.

“I know it has been a challenging few years since your schooling was disrupted due to Covid-19 in 2020, but I am sure you have the support of the whole country. It has truly been a catch-up year for this cohort.”

She said it was a very strenuous academic year and called on parents, family, friends, educators, officials and the community at large to help create the best conditions and environment for these learners to study.

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West shared the same sentiments.

SANCO Provincial Chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said they wish all matriculants well in their exams and appealed for support.

“We also call for no disruption of the examination programme. As the civic movement, we express concern about Eskom load-shedding, which it characterised as a disruptive and very suspect programme.

 “However, we wish all learners who will be sitting for their examinations the very best and urge them to stay focused and not to be distracted from the task at hand. The sacrifices and extra effort they have had to put to prepare for the exams throughout the year under very trying Covid-19 conditions must be jealously guarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Banyana Banyana showed pedigree when they walloped Mozambique 13-0 during the second leg of the African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier at FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Even though Banyana Banyana displayed enterprising football, their coach, Desiree Ellis believes ‘there is still room for improvement’ for her side despite the victory.

Ellis said: “I don’t think we executed the plan well. I think we played much better in Mozambique than here. Our movement of the ball today was very static and in that way, we ended up playing long balls which did not work for us.

“Again we created a lot of chances but we were not clinical enough in front of goal. The match also saw rising goalkeeper, Regirl Ngobeni get her senior debut. It is always good to give someone a debut.”  

Ellis further said it was a good debut for Ngobeni as she got a clean sheet and that can only give her a lot of confidence going forward. She added that Ngobeni can only go forward and build from this cap.

“We were motivated not only by the 7-0 victory that we got in the first leg, but I guess our players were also motivated by the stadium that they played at as well as family members who were in attendance,” said Ellis.

Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana’s goal came as early as the 10^th minute through defender Bambanani Mbane who slotted past Mozambique goalkeeper, Eva Jose Costa. Mbane’s goal opened the floodgate as Linda Motlhaloto who played her 50^th game for Banyana Banyana banged in a brace.

A maestro player, Hildah Magaia also added her name to the score-sheet with a brace. A rising star, Sibulele Holweni’s 85^th minute goal was enough to seal a victory for Banyana Banyana to end a year on a high. The win also brought them a few steps closer to Morocco 2022.

Ellis’ side will get some rest from national team duty after back-to-back camps since the Buhari Cup in September 2021. The team will return to action in February 2022 to prepare for the second round of AWCON qualifiers.

Ellis wished her players well as they returned to their respective clubs and encouraged them to stay fit and work hard especially with the fast approaching festive season.

South Africa ……(3) 6 (Bambanani Mbane 9’, Linda Motlhalo 32’, 65’, Hildah Magaia 40’, 50’, Sibulele Holweni 85’)

Mozambique…..(0) 0

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the tar road that links Gopane and Lobatleng villages near Zeerust will stimulate socio-economic development. Maape along with North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi handed over a 12.3km tar road to the community on Wednesday.

“The road has been given a face lift and we have already completed phase 1 of the project, which includes a low level bridge. This project will stimulate socio-economic development in the area.

“Apart from stimulating local economic development, in the longer term, the upgrading project will provide 50 job opportunities in the area. The 30% of the total value of the project will benefit small businesses and sub-contractors,” he said.  

Maape further said the second phase of the project, which stretches from Gopane to Motswedi will link thirteen villages. He added that this will enable residents to access public facilities such as schools, health facilities and other critical social amenities.

“We are now commencing with Phase 2, which is the upgrading of a 12 kilometre, which will include roadside fencing and road signs markings. The project is expected to be completed over a period of twelve months.

“Government has thus far completed twenty four road construction projects in the province linking many rural communities with the commercial hubs of the province,” said Maape.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Bakwena Ba Metsi A Pula Football Club coach, Mosimanegape Phutiyagae was over the moon after his team won R8000 in a Top 8 finals in Manthe village, near Taung on Sunday. The Amalia-based football club walloped the organisers, Queenspark Rangers 2-1 in a thriller.

Phutiyage said they fought like warriors after trailing 1-0 before half-time, but came back strongly and eventually scored a winning goal.

“We are happy to win this tournament and this shows that without discipline, dedication and determination we could not achieve this victory. Our players showed pedigree and the hunger to win.

“We wanted it more than anyone, that is why we fought like wounded lions even though our backs were against the wall in the first half. I also want to applaud all teams that participated in this tournament because they brought their A-game,” he said.

Phutiyagae further said he did not panic even though they were trailing before half-time, but capitalised on Queenspark Rangers FC mistakes. He added that the host had ‘no strategy’ especially in the second stanza as they played aerial balls.  

“We came back strongly after half-time and turned the game into our favour. We played with confidence and knocked the ball around. I realised that we can win the game after getting an equaliser.

“After scoring an equaliser, we took the game to them and matched them pound for pound. Queenspark Rangers FC is a great team, but they lacked concentration. However, I would like to applaud their coach after showing a good recital,” said Phutiyagae.

Meanwhile, the Queenspark Rangers FC coach, Obakeng ‘Prosto’ Mogabale said: “This is part of football and our players did not show any hunger during the second half. We showed lack of concentration and we lost the game. Our players relapsed during the most crucial time and gave the ball away easily.

“However, we will go back to the drawing board and try to rectify our mistakes and prepare for our next game. Our goalkeeper, Katlego ‘Makgasa’ Tikane was also not on top of his game during the finals. He was awkward at times and applied delaying tactics.”

Mogabale said Tikane’s lacklustre performance assisted their opponents to come back into the game.

“They came back strongly and managed to equalise before scoring a winning goal from a free kick. I personally spoke to our goalkeeper, but he let his emotions shadow his judgement. He is a great goalie, but what happened was unfortunate.

“We are now looking forward to our next game this coming weekend. I also want to applaud everyone who took part in this tournament because grassroots football always encourages players to improve their football skills whilst having fun,” said Mogabale.

He further said these kinds of tournaments help players to develop their talents and confidence. Mogabale said their aim is to see their players competing with the best in the elite leagues regardless of where they come from.

Bakwena Ba Metsi A Pula FC player, Lebogang ‘Maestro’ Phutiyagae (21) who scored a winning goal said: “I am very grateful for winning this tournament because we came all the way from Amalia to participate in this tournament.

“It was encouraging to see our players showing a pedigree and playing with confidence even though chips were down. I am over the moon and I wish my dream can come true as I would like to see myself playing in the elite league one day.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A local author and social activist, Nana Shuping encouraged women to go and test for breast cancer. Shuping, who organised the Breast Cancer and Mental Awareness Fun Walk, said the disease is more prevalent.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk commenced from Taung Depot to Mmabana Taung on 23 October 2021.

“I came up with this initiative in 2019, but unfortunately we could not continue with it because of COVID-19 pandemic. I met with Tumisang Keokame from Nature’s Lab and we organised this event just to bring awareness.

“Many households are affected by cancer and I have also lost loved ones due to cancer. I have also realised that many people do not undergo testing and sometimes they find out while it is already late that they are diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

Shuping further said the early detection reduces cancer fatalities.

“I have a friend who unfortunately had her breast removed due to cancer. She always encourages us to undergo testing and not to take it lightly. There are so many challenges women go through including abuse.

“I have also written a book titled: Misunderstood as I was also raped by a friend’s uncle at the age of 10. I experienced abuse during my marriage, so women go through a lot. My book will be launched on 11 December 2021,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Breast Health Foundation navigator, Ouma Mamatela shared the same sentiments. Mamatela calls on the government to work together with NGOs as many women especially from rural areas could not access medical attention on time.

“I’ll say we are doing our best, but mainly the patients who are doing radiation were battling for three months because the machine sets at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg were broken.

“I think the government should be in negotiations with NGOs because if you are speaking to the NGOs, you are speaking to the patients themselves. The NGOs will be able to provide information on how patients are struggling to get the treatment,” she said.

Mamatela further said there is no definite symptom which means that you definitely have breast cancer. She added that most of the symptoms which are related to breast cancer are also present with non-cancer problems, so it is important not to panic if you develop a problem but to ensure you get it checked out.

“Most Breast Cancer presents as a lump in the breast. Often women are surprised by the unexpected appearance of a lump and are unsure whether to get it investigated. No matter how sudden or how the lump feels, it is very important to see your doctor.

“Cancer lumps often feel hard and craggy and grow steadily in the breast. Eventually the cancer will spread to the lymph glands causing hard lumps to be felt under the arm too. Approximately 10% of breast cancers present without a lump, and in fact when you do feel a lump in your breast, around 80-85% of those are benign,” said Mamatela.

She said most lumps felt in the breast are not cancers but might be cysts or masses known as fibroadenomas. Mamatela said no matter how sudden or how the lump feels, it is very important to see your doctor.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A female learner from Batlhaping High School in Taung who was seen in a video confronting a fellow learner and proudly declaring that she is sexually active is in ‘hot water.’ According to our source, the female learner who could not be named because of her age, is ‘facing a disciplinary hearing’ for allegedly putting the school into disrepute.   

However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi who tried to downplay the incident could not shed more light on whether the alleged learner has been suspended or not.

Malindi said there are measures to deal with sexuality matters at the school.

“Our Life Orientation teachers do have sessions in which they integrate these issues within their lessons. Girl learners have sessions with female teachers once a term where at the assembly they are advised on how to handle peer pressure and deal with adolescent behavior and social challenges.                      

“Once a semester, health officials visit the school to speak with girls on issues of peer pressure and how to handle themselves during poverty stages. The school collaborates with health and social development in addressing learners on the issues of sexuality,” he said.       

He further said the psycho-social support officials like Zolile Walter Sikhosana visits the school more often to assist to activate the efficacy of the SBST.

North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said they are working hand-in-hand with the Department of Education to address health and sexual education in schools across the province.

“The department’s approach to sexual education is championed by the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Framework Strategy 2014-2019 and the Integrated School Health Policy.

“The School Health Policy by itself allows the department access to schools for health education on various issues including sexual health. The issue of curriculum needs to be addressed specifically with the Department of Education,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said the Department of Health teaches learners about the risk of being infected by sexual-related diseases like STDs, HIV and teenage pregnancy. He said this is championed through the Schools Health Programme.

Meanwhile, it was reported that 82 000 learners between the ages of 14 and 19 have fallen pregnant in 2017 alone across the country.

Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga said South Africa is pinning its hopes on a social and behaviour change campaign to curb early and unplanned teen pregnancies.

“The campaign is driven by multiple factors which include poverty, lack of information and access to reproductive health services, cultural norms, peer pressure, sexual coercion and abuse.

“Teen pregnancy impacts negatively on educational opportunities and the achievement of adolescents – a situation South Africa can ill afford, given the tough economic climate domestically and abroad,” Motshekga said.

She said in South Africa, it is reported that up to one-third of young girls who fall pregnant drop out of school. Motshekga further said teens that become pregnant are at a greater risk for health complications and face a host of challenges to remaining in school and achieving educational milestones.  

“Unfortunately, this scourge disproportionately affects girls from lower socio-economic communities, thus adding on their burden. The factors that influence teen birth rates are dynamic and hotly debated, as is the appropriate response by the education sector to educating teens who become pregnant and teen mothers.

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