Picture: Vuyisile Daddy Godhlo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 47-year-old man who was arrested for attempted murder was granted a R1000 bail today. Vuyisile Daddy Gohlo subsequently appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court after he allegedly assaulted a stark-naked man at Lokaleng village near Taung on Saturday.

Godhlo was seen on a video that went viral on various social media platforms assaulting a man with sjambok and bricks. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Godhlo handed himself over to the police on Sunday.

“The accused appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s’ Court on today for attempted murder. He was granted a R1000 bail. At the time of the arrest, the accused was on warning and due to appear in court on 21 July 2020 after he allegedly assaulted another man last month in Lokaleng village the same way he assaulted the latest victim.

“The victim was allegedly accused of stock theft and he is currently admitted in hospital. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warns the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

Kwena expressed his disapproval of the incident and indicated that taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and cannot be tolerated. In addition, he urged the public to report criminal acts to the police and to work with relevant community structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime rather than taking the law into their own hands.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to soar in the North West province. The province has 2454 confirmed cases thus far with 291 recoveries and five deaths. The coronavirus has also affected teachers and learners alike as many schools continue to be closed due to the virus.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said eight more positive cases were confirmed in various schools. Matsemela said three Grade 7 learners, four teachers, and one office-based employee tested positive for COVID-19.

“All affected schools have been shut down. We would like to convey our words of encouragement to all affected learners and staff members. Sadly, we have registered a sum of twelve confirmed cases of Coronavirus in our department.

“I take this time to pray for everyone affected by the virus a full recovery together with their loved ones. I would also like to indicate that, as the department, we will continue to render them our full support,” said Matsemela.

She said those schools that are closed will only be re-opened once they have been decontaminated and disinfectant through the guidance of the health department.

However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati does not share the same sentiments. This comes after the closure of Vryburg High School recently due to a positive case concerning a learner.

The Vryburg High School principal, Barry Fuleni said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that a Grade 12 learner at our school has tested positive for coronavirus. The department has instructed that no learner, teacher and worker must come to school as of tomorrow.

“Everybody must self-isolate at their homes until further notice from the department of health. You will be duly informed when it is safe to come to school.”

EFF regional spokesperson, Oarabile Koepile said the loss of the academic year can be recovered, but the loss of life can never be covered.

“It has come to our attention as the EFF in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region that a Vryburg High School Grade 12 learner has tested positive for Covid-19. This comes as no surprise to us as we condemned the premature re-opening of schools from the onset due to the failure of adequate preparations and lack of infrastructure in place to combat Covid-19.

“The premature re-opening was and is not guided by any scientific evidence. We, therefore, call on the department of education to reconsider this tenderpreneur-driven decision of re-opening schools to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

“We furthermore call on the department to close all schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district to minimize the spread of Covid-19. We shall not allow a situation where school children are used as lab rats by the department for Covid-19 experiments,” he said.

Meanwhile, more Grades of learners could go back to school soon after the Department of Basic Education has issued a set of directions to further provide clarity and guidance on a variety of matters affecting the sector in the COVID-19 environment. The directions were signed by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshega and issued in the Government Gazette for implementation.

“The key issues addressed include the dates for the phased return of other grades back to school. The directions confirm the date of 6 July 2020 as the date for the following grades to go back to school. Pre-Grade R, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 11, Schools of Skill: Years 2 and 3.

“Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (“SID”): Grades R, 1, 2, 3 and final year (Occupational), Schools with Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities (“LSPID”): Years 1-3, and Schools with autistic learners, Junior Group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above),” Motshekga said.

She added that a notable addition in the directions is in regard to the deviation from the phased approach by schools that wish to bring back other grades to school. Motshekga said a school may be permitted to deviate from the phased return to school in respect of specific grades or dates, as contemplated in direction 5(1).

“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers, and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus. The department is working hard to make sure that all schools are COVID-19 compliant before it can receive learners.

“What is also important is to ensure that even during school hours and beyond we stick to the basic requirements of wearing the mask, sanitize, wash hands and keep physical distancing. We urge members of the community to desist from visiting schools as that also increased the risk,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against Elvis Malebogo (26) was postponed by the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court. Malebogo was arrested in connection of murder after he allegedly bludgeoned his girlfriend, Botshelo Mocumi (27) to death a week ago.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said Malebgo allegedly bludgeoned Mocumi with a panga after a commotion ensued between the two. He said the incident took place at the couple’shanty in Thagadiepelajang Informal Settlement near Hartswater.

“The couple was allegedly in a relationship and police arrested the suspect. The motive is unknown at this stage and investigation continues,” he said.

It was reported that the deceased had a protection order against the perpetrator before her demise. The case was postponed until 9 July 2020 for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls for the Department of Social Development to accelerate the interventions that will ensure all citizens understand the importance of protecting women and children in their communities, by either preventing or reporting situations that lead to gender-based violence.

The committee chairperson, Mondli Ngungubele said: “We condemn the rising scourge of gender-based violence and femicide that is plaguing the country. Every single day there are news reports of women who are found murdered, allegedly by their partners.

“Last week, the committee was briefed by the department on the progress made in implementing the gender-based violence and femicide emergency response plan. Amongst the key interventions stipulated by the department, is the changing of norms and behaviour through high-level prevention efforts.”

Gungubele added that the interventions also included access to justice for victims and survivors, as well as urgently responding to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. He said the committee calls on the department to speedily finalise the process of verifying 169 non-profit organisations providing direct services to victims of crime, gender-based violence and femicide so they can receive funding.

“It also calls for a strong collaboration between the department’s gender-based violence command centre and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that cases referred by the command centre are investigated AND perpetrators are arrested and convicted. The department has to make sure that the hotline of the command centre is known by every South African.

“The committee calls on men and young boys to be active in the fight against gender-based violence. It is important for men to be the drivers of this fight through mechanisms that will reach all parts of society. The committee understands that this fight cannot be carried by the government alone, it is also important for civil society, faith-based organisations and traditional authorities to work together with the government in ensuring that the fight against gender-based violence gains ground,” said Gungubele.

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Picture(Facebook): Vuyisile Daddy Gohlo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 47-year-old man was arrested by Taung police for attempted murder. This comes after Vuyisile Daddy Godhlo who is the suspect was seen assaulting a stark-naked man with sjambok and bricks on a video that went viral on social on Saturday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the incident occurred at Lokaleng village in Taung. Mokgwabone added that Godhlo handed himself over to the police on Sunday.

“The accused appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s’ Court on Tuesday for attempted murder. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday for formal bail application. At the time of the arrest, the accused was on warning and due to appear in court on 21 July 2020 after he allegedly assaulted another man last month in Lokaleng village the same way he assaulted the latest victim.

“The victim was allegedly accused of stock theft and he is currently admitted in hospital. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena warns the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

Kwena expressed his disapproval of the incident and indicated that taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and cannot be tolerated. In addition, he urged the public to report criminal acts to the police and to work with relevant community structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime rather than taking the law into their own hands.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Facebook: Lesego Sweetness Matshetshe who was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 30-year-old alleged serial rapist was arrested on Friday. This comes after the suspect allegedly lured his credulous victims on Facebook and subsequently raped them. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said a team made up of the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit investigators were assembled to hunt the “cyber rapist” who used the same modus operandi.

Myburgh said a woman (27) was allegedly befriended by the suspect via Facebook and they also had conversations on WhatsApp. She added that the complainant agreed to meet with the suspect in the evening at a grocery store in Klerksdorp on 30 May 2020.

“It is alleged that the suspect who pretended to be a pastor, met with the victim as agreed and ultimately took her to an open field behind the Technical High School where he allegedly threatened her with a knife, raped, and robbed of her personal belongings.

“In another unrelated incident, a 29-year-old victim also met the suspect via Facebook. They allegedly arranged to meet in the afternoon at Boikhutso Village on 7 November 2019. Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the victim to an open field where he threatened her with a knife and raped her. He also robbed the victim of her personal belongings,” said Myburgh.

She said investigations into the matter continue as the police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other cases. Myburgh said the police will work tirelessly in an effort to bring to book those who perpetrate acts of violence against women.

In another separate incident, Taung police arrested a suspect aged 31 at Tlapeng village for assault and intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) on 16 June 2020. It is alleged that Lesego Matshetshe’s boyfriend assaulted her after a commotion ensued between the two.

“We can confirm that Taung police are investigating cases of intimidation and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. This comes after the suspect allegedly assaulted his 27-year-old girlfriend in Tlapeng Village in Taung, and intimidated her and her family at their home.

“The suspect was arrested on Wednesday and appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The police are committed to ensuring the safety of all the citizens in the province. It should, however, be mentioned that crime committed inside a family circle/home is very difficult to police as the home or family should be a safe place where women are protected,” she said.

Myburgh said police would once more like to condemn the incidents and urge the communities to strengthen the hands of the police by ensuring the protection of the vulnerable, women, and children.

“The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the team for their diligence which resulted in the arrest. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when honouring initial appointments with potential friends, especially after meeting them through social media. Furthermore, he discouraged individuals not to meet strangers alone for the first time, but at public places where there are people who can protect one from harm,” said Myburgh.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50-year-old man appeared at Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on Friday for house robbery, attempted murder, and theft of a motor vehicle. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Joseph Bernard Kulelaphi was arrested by police after he allegedly committed a crime on a farm in Leeudoringstad a week ago.

Myburgh said a farmer (77) was allegedly overpowered at his residential area after two suspects forced entry through a locked door. She added that during the ordeal, the victim was hit with a panga on his head and tied-up.

“The suspects took six firearms from a safe as well as a cellular phone and fled the scene with the farmer’s Mercedes Benz. The victim managed to free himself and pressed the alarm that alerted the police and emergency services.

“The police and emergency services personnel rush to the scene and found a farmer with serious head injuries. The victim was ferried to the hospital for medical attention. The stolen vehicle was found abandoned on the Leeudoringstad and Orkney road few hours later,” she said.

Myburgh said following an intensive investigation, a suspect was identified and subsequently traced and apprehended at his house on a farm in the Leeudoringstad on Wednesday. She said all six stolen firearms were recovered and police also found a .38 special revolver with a serial number filed off.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the police for a job well done and recovering the stolen firearms, which he said was likely to be used to commit serious and violent crimes.

Meanwhile, Kulelaphi was remanded in custody until Tuesday for formal bail application.

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Picture: Manthe-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Obakeng Disability Centre 

By REGINALD KANYANE

A group of students from the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) has partnered with the Obakeng Disability Centre in Manthe village, Taung in quest of introducing it to the digital world. Seolebaleng Mashodi who is a postgraduate (Diploma in Management) student at the university and a group leader said it is important for organizations to have a digital footprint.

Mashodi said having an online identity makes the organization unique.

“We were tasked to do a group assignment for Information and Management Systems module which required us to identify a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and introduce it to available technologies that would best put them in a better position to be more efficient and effective.

“We therefore chose to collaborate with Obakeng Disability Organisation given their technological needs. So, we have created social media platforms including a website. It is still a work in progress though,” she said.

Mashodi added that they have also created a new logo and a brochure for advertising. She said they have also assisted the organization to apply for funding from various financial institutions.

“We approached institutions such as the Open for Society of South Africa and Telkom foundation. However, a response was received from the Open for Society of SA that applications have closed for the period. Feedback from Telkom foundation has not been received.

“The project will continue beyond this stage to ensure that the organisation is fully capacitated in terms of using technology for different operations, including access to funding. We worked with people like Joram Mongalea who is a software developer. Mongalea is currently a Cloud Support Engineer based in Cape Town.

“We were also assisted by Taung-based photographer, Kenny Diloke with photography for the website content. With the introduction of the tools that we have created and developed for the NGO, we believe they will increase its marketing footprint and raise more awareness about Obakeng Disability Centre,” said Mashodi.

She said with all mechanisms in place, they expect the NGO to attract more funders or sponsorships. Mashodi added that the tools will also aid Obakeng Disability Centre to improve its brand identity and networking opportunities.

Meanwhile, the founder of the Obakeng Disability Centre, Lasita Tong said: “The centre was established back in 2001 and caters for more than 30 beneficiaries across Taung. I came up with the idea because many disabled persons are treated differently especially by communities. It was difficult in the beginning to establish the centre, but I soldiered on.

“As the founder of the centre, I am very grateful to see our significant growth over the years. Now, the centre has 27 beneficiaries and 21 volunteers. The aim was to uplift our disabled persons within our community. We are also grateful to receive assistance from a group of students from the North West University.”

Those who want to access the Obakeng Disability Centre can go to www.obakengdisabilityorganization.co.za or check their Twitter handle at @obakengdisorg

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Picture (Supplied): Moja Chicken and Kemisetso Cleaning and Pest Control owner, Lehlogonolo “Tloks Lepara” Motseeng 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung-born entrepreneur, Lehlogonolo Motseeng (32) celebrated Father’s Day by lending the helping hand to the impoverished. Motseeng donated food parcels to ten families at his hometown, Magogong village near Taung on Friday.

“I am a compassionate person by nature and this initiative was part of my social responsibility. You will be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many livelihoods especially those who are from destitute backgrounds.

“I was assisted by the leadership of the community to identify those families and I hope this will lighten up their faces. Most people are struggling to make ends meet especially during this pandemic. We cannot always rely on the government for assistance,” he said.

Motseeng who is the founder and owner of a food outlet, Moja Chicken and Kemisetso Cleaning and Pest Control companies also encouraged other business persons to come on board. He added that even though the country is faced with treble challenges such as poverty, inequality and unemployment it is paramount to turn the deluge.

“I saw the magnitude of contributing as a responsible citizen. I know what it means to be subjected to poverty as I have experienced that a while back. So, this initiative will not be a once-off thing, but an ongoing project,” said Motseeng.

Tloks Lepara as Motseeng is affectionately known to the music fraternity also encouraged men to take a stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He said South Africa experienced a haemorrhage after shocking GBV statistics.

“South Africa has one of the world’s highest gender-based violence cases. It is heartbreaking to read about horrendous tales of young girls and women going missing, being raped and killed on a daily basis.

 “So, my message to both women and men is simple. Let’s respect each other as fellow human beings and I urge men not to use their masculinity to oppress women and children. May we rather protect and love them than killing them,” said Motseeng.

He called on men to stand together and fight the plague. Motseeng also said it is significant to teach young boys how to love and protect women and girls.

“May we teach them that women are not punching bags and they should be loved and be protected. As a father, it is imperative to take responsibilities because you are not only doing it for oneself, but for the whole society,” said Motseeng.

Meanwhile, the Sonke Gender Justice Communications and Strategic Information Unit Manager, Given Sigauqwe calls on neighbours to be under the constant watch of an abusive member of the household. Sigaugwe said making a phone call to get help is not always possible either.

“Unwatched and unchecked – women, children and other vulnerable groups are finding themselves at the mercy of their abusers. This is not the time to be quiet. We must be loud enough to make a difference to those who are impacted by domestic violence.

“There is no doubt that as a nation we are stronger together, so now we have another national call of solidarity. To greatly reduce the frequency and severity of domestic violence attacks in this period, we need to call on our neighbours to help protect each other.”

Sonke is calling on every woman and man next door – to #SPEAKOUT on social media and pledge their commitment to watch out for gender-based in their neighbourhood. Domestic violence can be reported to toll-free Gender-Based Violence Call Centre on 0800 428 428 or 1207867#.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 26-year-old man is expected to appear at Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly killing his girlfriend. It is alleged that Botshelo Mocumi was bludgeoned to death with a panga by her boyfriend. The incident took place at Thagadiepelajang Informal Settlement in Hartswater on Monday.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the Hartswater police are investigating a murder case. Kock said the incident allegedly happened at the victim’s shanty.

“The couple was allegedly in a relationship and police arrested the suspect. The motive is unknown at this stage and investigation continues,” Kock said.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls for the Department of Social Development to accelerate the interventions that will ensure all citizens understand the importance of protecting women and children in their communities, by either preventing or reporting situations that lead to gender-based violence.

The committee chairperson, Mondli Ngungubele said: “We condemn the rising scourge of gender-based violence and femicide that is plaguing the country. Every single day there are news reports of women who are found murdered, allegedly by their partners.

“Last week, the committee was briefed by the department on the progress made in implementing the gender-based violence and femicide emergency response plan. Amongst the key interventions stipulated by the department, is the changing of norms and behaviour through high-level prevention efforts.”

Gungubele added that the interventions also included access to justice for victims and survivors, as well as urgently responding to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. He said the committee calls on the department to speedily finalise the process of verifying 169 non-profit organisations providing direct services to victims of crime, gender-based violence and femicide so they can receive funding.

“It also calls for a strong collaboration between the department’s gender-based violence command centre and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that cases referred by the command centre are investigated AND perpetrators are arrested and convicted. The department has to make sure that the hotline of the command centre is known by every South African.

“The committee calls on men and young boys to be active in the fight against gender-based violence. It is important for men to be the drivers of this fight through mechanisms that will reach all parts of society. The committee understands that this fight cannot be carried by the government alone, it is also important for civil society, faith-based organisations and traditional authorities to work together with the government in ensuring that the fight against gender-based violence gains ground,” said Gungubele.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some residents in the North West province continue to be concerned regarding the re-opening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after three teachers from various schools in the province tested positive for COVID-19.

The North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela confirmed that three teachers within the province have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and they have been placed under 14 days of self-quarantine at home. Matsemela further said these three teachers are working in three different schools in the province and were confirmed positive for COVID-19 following not feeling well for some time.

“As the department, I wish to confirm that there are three teachers who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in our province. I, therefore, wish them to fight for recovery including all those people who might have come into contact with them.

“In the North West province, teachers reported back to school on 29 May 2020 and one of the teachers was already not feeling well. The teacher was in the process of applying for the comorbidities. I want to indicate that two of these teachers when learners returned to school they were already booked off by the doctors,” she said.

Matsemela added that they will continue to provide those affected with unwavering support whilst they receive medical attention at home. She said they are working very closely with the North West Department of Health to ensure that they adhere to the regulations.

“The three affected schools have been shut down by the Department of Health and the date of re-opening will be communicated once they have been disinfected and decontaminated,” she said.

Matsemela added that the department will continue to work with parents of the affected schools by sending them school work at home. However, some of residents said this does not hold water.

Kerapetse KR Mokonyane commented on Facebook: “Yet our parents who are teachers are forced to return to school while the water/sanitation issues as well as the PPEs still not acquired. All schools in the whole of North West can’t have been covered.

“Already on the fourth educator? Why these schools can’t be named as it directly affect our kids, teachers, and other learners. Gakitsi lo bereka jaang ke bona disaster fa fela.”

Another resident, Moamogwa Oweditswe Sheila said the government should stop the continuation of school. Moamogwa said the time the government stopped the learning and teaching, the country was experiencing less than 100 cases a day.

“Now the cases are over 2000 to 3000 a day and they want our kids to go to school. This really sucks,” she said.

Leburu Bonnie shared the same sentiments.

Leburu said: “The 2020 academic year can be forfeited. Our kids will finish off next year because this is not worth anyone risking their lives for. People’s lives come first and with all the challenges schools facing such as lack of provision of water, clean toilets, no sanitizers, and no masks and overcrowded classrooms. This is just the beginning of something worse.”

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