BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 37 YEAR-OLD man was sanctioned to life imprisonment by De Aar Regional Court recently. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said Ricardo Arghillus Absalom was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping an eight year-old girl.

“The incident took place in November 2015. The accused was previously convicted and sentenced to eight year imprisonment back in 2008. The girl was playing with her friends and Absalom called her. He gave her money and asked her to go and buy a cigarette and a snoek salt fish for him at the tuck shop.

“The girl went to the shop, but Absalom grabbed and raped her on her return. He was immediately arrested after the girl reported the incident to her aunt. The police’s investigation into the girl’s rape case resumed. She led the Investigating Officer to the crime scene where the evidence was gathered,” Kock said.

He said the accused was linked to the crime through the DNA test. Kock said credible witness testimony of the girl and outstanding investigation done by the investigating officer secured the accused’s conviction.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Peter Risimati Shivuri commended the investigating officer, Sgt Tebogo Sehako for his outstanding work.

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The identity of the new Orlando Pirates coach has been revealed, with the Soweto giants having confirmed this morning that Kjell Jonevret is the man taking over from Augusto Palacios.

Pirates made the announcement on Monday morning that Jonevret is the club’s new coach. The 54-year-old coach comes from Sweden.

He has previously coached some of the top Swedish clubs, including Djurgardens IF and Viking. In his recent coaching stint, the Swedish mentor was with Viking.

He parted ways with the side at the end of last year, having been with the club since 2012. During his time coaching at Djurgardens between 2004 and 2006, Jonevret coached former Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, before the player’s return from overseas to join Pirates.

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about who the new coach for Bucs will be. While various names of coaches have been thrown into the mix, it was reported by the Siya crew that there could be a possibility of an unknown foreign coach getting the job.

The new Bucs mentor will be tasked with helping the team to improve its position on the Absa Premiership log. Following their 2-2 draw with Cape Town City on the weekend, the Buccaneers are 10^th on the log with 20 points from 17 games.

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

MEN Against Crime in Molelema village, near Taung said they are gatvol about spate of crimes taking place in their area. The civic organisation chairperson, Pule Mothupi said they gathered today to discuss strategic plans to fight crime.

“Recently two suspects entered a tuckshop and pointed a wife of the tuckshop owner, Christian Yao Fumey who is from Ghana with knives. They stole money and took a firearm belonging to Fumey who was not in the house during the robbery. We arrested the suspects after we chased after them.

“We also worried because Kokomeng Police Station has been shut down. The only Police Station that is available is in Taung which is over 35km away. We are also not happy about the response we receive from SAPS. However, we are working together with Community Policing Forum (CPF) in the area,” Mothupi said.

Another member, Simon Phakedi said: “Crime affect their livelihood because they lose assets. Last week, two vehicles were stolen in the area, older persons are being robbed their pension grants. We cannot allow criminals to turn our area into their criminal activities nest. We will ensure that those perpetrators are kept in custody and do not receive bail. We losing livestock because of criminals.”

One of pensioners, Elizabeth Leeuw shared the same sentiments. Leeuw said they are the most vulnerable group in the society as elders.

“Some of elderly are being raped and stabbed by criminals. We are not safe in our own homes and we hope SAPS and other stakeholders react swiftly,” Leeuw said.

Tuckshop owner, Refilwe Sebubi said: “I was asleep last week Friday at around 3am when I heard people in my house. Two people approached me and pointed me with a knife. One of the perpetrators put a knife in my mouth and demanded cash. They stole over R4000 from my tuckshop and fled.

“However, a swift reaction from Men Against Crime members came to my rescue after we screamed for help. They came to my house and I explained to them what happed. One of the community members saw those suspects while boarding a bus to town. The MAC organisation members chased the bus and the suspects were arrested in Mothanthanyaneng village.”

North West Police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Pelonomi Makau said the two suspects appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

“Three suspects were arrested in Molelema village and appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Phetogo Kodisang, Thabang Matsogo and Thato Motswakae were arrested and charged for business robbery. They were denied bail and their case was postponed until February 21 for formal bail application,” Makau said.

Meanwhile, MEC of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane in conjunction with Mahikeng SAPS, Mahikeng Local Municipality and Mahikeng community de-bushed one of the notorious crime hot spots in Mmabatho recently.

The campaign took place behind Mmabatho Stadium.

This crime hot spot is mainly used by cyclists and pedestrians from the community of Lokaleng village, students attending at Taletso TVET College and at the North West University.

These often fall victims of numerous crime incidences like rapes, muggings, hijacking, stalking, assaults and robberies.

Community members who were part of the clean-up campaign were happy about the efforts taken by government to fight the crime in the area.

“We are sick and tired of living in fear and it is time to work together towards the safety of the community,” said Lebogang Mokaleng of Montshioa Township.

Motlhabane was overwhelmed to see the local community showcasing their courage in fighting crime.

Community members were well-equipped with Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) which included amongst others; hand saws, rakes, grass slashes and petrol grass cutter in order to cut the trees and grass around the area.

“A double sided crime information board was also erected to warn the pedestrians, walkers and cyclists who pass through that road about the crimes that often happen around the area.

“I am impressed about the hard work and the passion to fight crime. It is very impressive to see the community come together to fight against crime in their area.,” Motlhabane said.

He said the communities need to fight for what was right. Motlhabane further said even though the area is cleared that alone does not mean residents are safe to pass through the area at any given time of the day more especially after hours.

“The community should remain vigilant at all times,” he said.-Newsnote

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A man was killed and two others were injured on Sunday morning when a bakkie t-boned a light motor vehicle on the N4 near the Kroonvaal turn-off in Rustenburg.

ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene to find the bakkie in the middle of the road while the light motor vehicle was found on the side of the road.

“Upon closer inspection, paramedics found the body of a man lying in the light motor vehicle showing no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the man and he was declared dead on the scene.

“The two occupants from the bakkie sustained moderate injuries. Paramedics treated the patients and thereafter transported them to a nearby hospital for further treatment,” Meiring said. 

The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations. 

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Mahikeng – The president of the regional court in North West, who has been reported to the Hawks by the Magistrate’s Commission for allegedly defrauding the state of thousands of rands, shouldn’t be suspended from her job because too many women are being suspended, an ANC MP said on Wednesday.

The Hawks in North West are investigating magistrate Seka Monaledi – one of the most powerful women in the justice system – after the Magistrate’s Commission reported her to the Hawks following a fraud investigation, the commission’s secretary, Vick Misser, told City Press’ sister newspaper, Rapport.

For more http://www.news24.com

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Picture: North West Premier,Supra Mahumapelo

Speaker Baleka Mbete read out the apology for an incident she claimed this week she’d never even heard.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo has written to Speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete, tendering an apology to DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen on Thursday.

Mbete read the letter before members of parliament – to which they clapped hands when she was done. In the letter, the premier apologised for having overreacted during an “altercation” with the DA’s chief whip. He said that his actions had been unjustifiable and he “unreservedly apologises”.

“We have received a letter from the Honourable S.O.R Mahumapelo, premier of the North West Province. The premier has apologised for not being able to attend today in this session. In the letter, the premier states the following, among others:

“On the occasion of Sona, there was an unfortunate off-the-record altercation between myself and and honourable Steenhuisen of the DA. I must say I regret for having overreacted to the honourable member concerned, and my actions were not justifiable and I profusely and unreservedly apologise.”

During the state of the nation address (Sona), Steenhuisen raised his view on how unfit President Jacob Zuma was and how he had allegedly “broken the country”. In response, Mahumapelo shouted the F-word, and also called the DA chief whip in parliament a racist.

Zuma is giving answers to the debate about the Sona that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. He had delivered his Sona on Thursday last week.

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

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NORTH West police said investigations regarding the death of NW 405 Local Municipal mayor’s son, Mike Khumalo are still underway. Maimane, 30 was the son of the Executive mayor of Ventersdorp/Tlokwe NW 405, Kgotso Khumalo.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lt Col Pelonomi Makau said: “The victim was allegedly stabbed to death at Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom on Saturday. The motive behind the killing is yet unknown and no one has been arrested. Police investigations are underway.”

Khumalo’ spokesperson, Victor Boqo said: “It is with deep sadness and sorrow to inform the public about the passing away of Mike Maimane due to unnatural causes. He was the eldest son, of Malebitso and Kgotso Khumalo. Cllr Kgotso Khumalo is the Executive Mayor of Ventersdorp/Tlokwe NW 405.

“His lifeless body was found by a passerby in Extension 11 in the early hours. At this stage of the investigation, the police suspect the cause of death to be stabbing with a sharp object. The police are investigating further and the motive for the attack at this stage is not yet known.”

Boqo said on behalf of Council and the Executive Mayor’s Office, they would like to express their deepest and sincere condolences to Khumalo’s family. 

“We encourage the police to do everything in its power to track down the perpetrator/s of this horrendous, criminal and selfish act. We call on anyone with information that can assist the police in finding the culprits responsible for this to please contact the Ikageng Police at (018) 295 1731.

“At the same time, we request calm and let’s give the family time to mourn in this difficult times. Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated at the later stage,” he said.- Newsnote

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Absa Premiership Report: Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 Chippa United, 19 February 2017

Absa Premiership

Teams: Bloemfontein Celtic v Chippa United

Date: 19 February 2017

Venue: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium 

Bloemfontein Celtic recorded a 2-0 victory against ten-men Chippa United in their Absa Premiership encounter at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium  on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors got off to a brighter start in the early exchanges and dominated possession stakes on the wet Molemela pitch. Celtic were granted the first opportunity of the game in the fifth minute when Deon Hotto was released through on goal by Lantshene Phalane but the winger’s effort hit the side-netting.

The Chilli Boys continued to look promising with their patient build-up, but create any clear-cut chances in the final third. Celtic were content on absorbing on the pressure and hitting the visitors on the counter-attack, with Dumisani Zuma’s pace causing Chippa all sorts of troubles.

Dan Malesela’s side were reduced to ten-men in the 25th minute when Rhulani Manzini was sent off for an off-the-ball headbutt on Alfred Ndengane. The visitors were forced to reshuffle their tactics, but they continued to see the majority of the ball although they posed little threat to the Celtic defence.

The home side emerged a better outfit in the second half but struggled to break down the Chippa defence. Paseka Mako should’ve given his side the lead in the 52nd minute, when he evaded the onrushing goalkeeper with a delicate touch before firing wide of target. 

Celtic slowly started to find their rhythm and were presented with a number of opportunities but goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi proved equal to the task to keep his side at bay. Lehlohonolo Seema’s side dominated proceedings, but were unable to make use of their opportunities.

Chippa were forced to play on the counter-attack due to Celtic’s dominance. The home side deservedly took the lead in the 77th minute, after a great team move resulted in Musa Nyatama slotting home.

The visitors almost equalised five minutes later when substitute Andile Mbenyane’s through ball was met by Bereng, but the midfielder’s attempted lob went wide of the target.

Kabelo Mahlasela was adjudged to have been brought down in the area late-on and Nyatama stepped up to net the penalty to hand Chippa their first defeat of 2017.

Celtic record their first league victory of 2017 and go five points clear of bottom-placed, Baroka.

Here is how they lined-up:

Celtic: 30. Tignyemb (C), 4. Nyatama, 5. Letlabika, 27. Ndengane, 19. Mxoyana, 3. Dube, 6. Maruping, 11. Hotto, 9. Nyondo, 8. Phalane, 10.Zuma.

Chippa: 1. Akpeyi, 24. Thopola, 35.Bergman, 13. Chabalala, 7. Mako, 23. Bereng, 33. Mdaki, 15. Zuke, 41. Masuku, 6. Sali, 19. Manzini R 

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

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
MOTLALEPULA Obusitse (75) who is partially blind said she lost hope of getting an RDP house. Obusitse who is from Modimong village, near Taung, seeks shelter from relatives after her two roomed mud house collapsed while she was inside. 

“My house collapsed recently because of torrential rains. I was forced to find shelter elsewhere along with my two grandchildren. No one is working and we rely on my pensioner’s grant. 

“I am also partially blind since 2012. I applied for an RDP house and back in 2014, the contractor who was supposed to build a house just constructed a foundation only and never came back,” she said.
Obusitse said all her children passed away except the first born (daughter) who went missing until now. 

Mita Ipeleng (65) who is a neighbour said: “We are worried about Motlalepula’s living condition. She is struggling daily and it seems government is doing nothing about it. She was promised an RDP house, however, they built a foundation and left.” 

Greater Taung Local Municipality spokesman, Ricky Olifant said: “We have started with the process of building temporary structures (shanties) for those who were affected by torrential rains. The municipality is also working with other stakeholders to bring stability. 

“We will also address their needs with Local Government and Human Settlements department.” 

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The COSAFA meeting last Saturday, 11
February 2017 endorsed candidates for the CAF and FIFA positions which will be determined at the forthcoming CAF Congress in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on 13 March.
 
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan will contest for the FIFA (Council) Executive seat in the Open Category which has three vacancies of which one has to be a female
candidate.
 
Other contenders in this category are Kabele Camara of Guinea and Chabur Goc of South Sudan. Lydia Nsekera of Burundi is vying for the female position.
 
Africa has 7 representatives on the FIFA Council with the President of CAF being an automatic Vice-President of the world governing football body.
 
There is a seat that is solely reserved for a female candidate and a representative each from the following language Groups; English, French and combined
Arab/Portuguese/Spanish.
 
The three remaining seats will come from the Open Category, one for the female spot and two for Open contest.  It is for one of these two Open contest posts that Dr
Jordaan will be vying for.
 
The duration of the incoming candidates run from 2017-2021.
 
Over the past weekend, COSAFA Council took a decision to support their candidates, but emphasised that they will only back sitting FA presidents; which give all aspirants
a jump start to their campaign. COSAFA has 14 members, meaning they carry 14 votes.
 
Meanwhile, the CAF Executive Committee will descend in South Africa this weekend for the Super Cup final to be played between Champions League title holders Mamelodi
Sundowns and Confederations Cup winners TP Mazembe of DR Congo. The match will take place at Loftus Versfeld on 18 February and kicks off at 19h00.
 
Two days later, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will lead a high level delegation to South Africa for a three-day FIFA Summit that is scheduled for Sandton Convention
Centre (to run from 21-23 February 2017) in Johannesburg.taungdailynews@gmail.com