BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE Hawks in Northern Cape are appealing to public to assist in locating Donivan Keith Davids. The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase said they believe that Davids could assist in unlocking the investigation on various fraud cases.

“Numerous home owners deposited money to a law firm company called DD Legal Services. They needed assistance with property transfer service. None of the services were rendered and all clients never received their money back,” he said.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Donivan Keith Davids should contact constable Morakabi on 053-838 5551 or 0710481 3393.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 27-YEAR-OLD woman appeared in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The suspect was working at Royal Bafokeng Holdings as a financial clerk.

She allegedly defrauded the company R394 000.

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the suspect was granted R10 000 bail.

“It is alleged that the suspect changed the banking details of Royal Bafokeng Holdings. She replaced them with her personal banking details. Payments intended for the company were unknowingly being transferred directly into her bank account.

“The suspect’s fraudulent activities were allegedly discovered following an enquiry by Magalies Water regarding their suspended account. Upon investigation, it was allegedly discovered that the payments made by Magalies Water, were made to an account belonging to the suspect,” Rikhotso said.

He added that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday. Rikhotso said the suspect was charged with fraud.

The case was remanded to July 20.

The Hawks North West Provincial head, Major General Linda Mbana warned the community not to succumb to temptations. He said the consequences of fraud will be dire.

“We encourage the community to come forward with any information regarding fraud and corruption. The Hawks will uproot the scourge of fraud in the North West without fear or favour” Mbana said.

-TDN

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Shakes Mashaba, Coach of South Africa during the South African Football Association Team Announcement at Cape Town Civic Centre, Cape Town on 22 August 2014 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The semi-final clash between Bafana Bafana and Swaziland in the COSAFA Castle Cup will be a battle between master and student.
South Africa’s head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba will come up against his protégé Harris Bulunga who leads iSihlangu.
The clash takes place this afternoon at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Namibia.

Kickoff is at 18h00 South African time (17h00 in Namibia).

This is the second match of the tournament for Bafana Bafana and Mashaba has retained the majority of the squad that beat Lesotho 4-2 on penalties at the weekend to book their place in the last four.

The Bafana Bafana mentor says Swaziland cannot be taken lightly as they reached the semi-finals reached the semi-finals after beating Zambia 4-2 on penalties on Sunday.

“The first match of a tournament is always the hardest. Players are sometimes too eager to play and therefore rush things, and at times the combinations are not perfect. We went past our first and biggest hurdle with the victory over Lesotho, and we believe that the boys will play the football we know against Swaziland.

“We know that iSihlangu will come at us and we are expecting it, but we have set ourselves a target so we need to ensure that we reach it,” said Mashaba.

Meanwhile the Bafana Bafana mentor has made three changes to the squad that played against Lesotho.

Reyaad Pieterse retains his place in goals.

Tercious Malepe will earn his first Bafana Bafana when he partners captain Rivaldo Coetzee in the heart of the defence – Malepe takes the place of Tshepo Rikhotso. The rest of the rearguard will be filled in by Thembele Sikhakhane at right back and Tebogo Moerane at leftback.

In the middle of the park Deolin Mekoa, who replaces Thembinkosi Lorch, gets a start and will play alongside Abbubaker Mobara, Aubrey Modiba and Lebogang Phiri.

Striker Gift Motupa will not feature in the match because he is serving a suspension – his place will be taken by Thabiso Kutumela. Judas Moseamedi will be the other striker.

South Africa starting XI:
Reyaad Pietere (GK), Tebogo Moerane, Thembele Sikhakhane; Rivaldo Coetzee (c), Tercious Malepe, Abbubaker Mobara, Deolin Mekoa; Lebogang Phiri; Aubrey Modiba, Judas Moseomedi, Thabiso Kutumela

Subs:
Jody February (GK), Nkosingiphile Gumede (GK), Tshepo Rikhotso; Siphesihle Stuurman, Menzi Masuku, Thembinkosi Lorch
-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

COMMUNITIES in North West have been warned to be vigilant when using fire to void injuries or loss of life this winter.

  ER24 spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing said people need to remember safety first when trying to stay warm this winter.

  “It is not exceptional for emergency personnel to get called out to residential fires especially during winter. Paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries frequently during this season.

  “The communities need to be aware of overloading of plugs, makeshift fires left unattended and the incorrect or negligent use of heaters are some of the contributing factors to fires,” Bodasing said.

  Those using heat sources like heaters need to make sure that they are in good working condition before use.

   “Please check up the cords and other components are not damaged. If you use a gas heater, inspect it to ensure there are no leaks. If valves, pipes or other components of the heater are damaged, either replace the parts that can be replaced or buy a new heater.

  “Leaking gas is extremely dangerous and may result in an explosion. Also ensure that there is proper ventilation when using gas heaters. People also tend to use electric blankets during winter. Please ensure plugs are not overloaded or damaged. Before using an electrical blanket, ensure that it is not torn. Also if you have a fireplace, ensure you maintain it. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned,” Bosading added.

  The ER24 spokesperson pointed out that people also need to ensure that they make the small fire enough to be able to control. 

  “It is also important to install smoke detectors and to test them regularly to ensure that they work. Keep a fire extinguisher at home. Check your windows and ensure that they open easily. You may need to use a window as an escape should there be a fire.

  “Keeping a ladder at home is advised especially if you live in a multi-storey house. Have an escape plan and ensure all members of the family know what to do and where to go in case of a fire at home. Also ensure all emergency exits are clear,” she said.

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo also shared the same sentiments. He urged community members to be alert.

“We urge people to be careful with fire during this winter season. This will assist in preventing winter-related home fires. We urge our people to invest in a fire extinguisher.

“This will help to quickly put out fire before it causes more damage. Children must not be left unattended around fires. People must also be cautious when using candles and paraffin,” Mahumapelo said.

 -TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A TAUNG-born writer jetted out of the country on a visit to London, England for a research programme.

Sabata Mpho Mokae left the country last week.

Speaking to The New Age newspaper from the UK, Mokae said: “I am here at Queen Mary University in London. The research is part of my PhD degree that I am doing at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape in South Africa. It is based on race and reconciliation in post-apartheid Setswana novels.

“I’m using the five novels of Kabelo Duncan Kgatea as the primary source. I have also just finished a third Setswana novel titled Mojo wa Manong. I expect to launch it in October this year. But while I am here in England, I’m spending some time with historian Dr Brian Willan,” he said.

Mokae added that they are also co-editing a book on Sol Plaatjie’s letters and that the research will assist him in various ways.

“Firstly, it will expose the wealth in post-apartheid Setswana novels to the wider readership. And will also benefit the academic community. It is also part of the celebration of one of the most prolific Setswana authors of our time, Salomon Tshekisho Plaatjie.

“This can only assist South African writers in opening more doors internationally. I always promote first-language writing whenever I go abroad. I also do part of my public readings in Setswana language,” he said.

Mokae writes in English and Setswana. He is also the author of a biography called The Story of Sol T Plaatje.

  He also wrote a youth novella called Dikeledi and a poetry collection Escaping Trauma.

“My debut novel, Ga Ke Modisa won the M-Net Literary Award for Best Novel in Setswana as well as the M-Net Film Award in 2013. I have also won the South African Literary Award in 2011. The same novel, Ga Ke Modisa, was subsequently prescribed at the North West University and the Central University of Technology as study material.

“My short story, Down Sol Plaatje Drive was performed on theatre stage during the Global Express in Iowa City, USA in 2014. I have also launched my latest offering book called Kanakotsame: In My Times which is a collection of English short stories last year,” Mokae said.

The rising author has also been to Iowa City, in United States of America where he represented South Africa at prestigious Iowa Writing Program with other writers like Nic Mhlongo, Kgebetli Moele, Pieter-Dirk Uy, and James Matthews.

The award-winning author was part of 28 writers from around the world in the 2014 program.

Mokae said even though he originally from Taung, he is now based in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

SABC’s Setswana radio station, Motsweding FM, donated school uniforms, school bags and other school materials to disadvantaged pupils across North West.

Motsweding FM marketing manager, Sibusiso Gumbi said the initiative was part of the station’s birthday celebration.

“We are celebrating our 54^th year in broadcasting. And we could not do it better than this way. The initiative was a two months long project that we embarked on. Motsweding FM Winter School Drive aims at improving the quality of life.

“We want to develop disadvantaged communities. We also promote education. The winter campaign consists of uniforms and school shoes. The station distributes them to vulnerable primary school pupils to warm them during the cold winter months,” Gumbi said.

He said they working in partnership other stakeholders.

Gumbi added that they identified schools through the station’s footprint from disadvantaged communities in villages.

“The station is using partnerships to purchase or raise money for uniforms. We have donated uniform to six schools so far. However we still have one more school to donate uniform to.

“We have visited schools like Bertz Bricks, Vyfhoek and Lesego Primary Schools in Potchefstroom. Tsitsiboga Primary School in Carletonville, Bosworth Primary School Klerksdorp and Methusele II Primary School in Mahikeng also benefited from the project,” he said.

Gumbi indicated that lack of relevant stakeholders’ involvement in the project resulted in the station failing to reach the desired number of schools.

He urged other stakeholders or businesspersons to play a major role in assisting especially in education system.

Motsweding FM will be celebrating its birthday on the weekend at Sun City resort.

Education and sport development department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said it is very imperative for all stakeholders to play integral part in school developments.

He said they welcome any donations from various stakeholders.

“Stakeholders engagement is considered vital to the success and improvement of a school. The involvement of the broader community of the schools with can improve communication and public understanding and allows for the incorporation of the perspectives, experiences and expertise of participating community members to improve reform proposals, strategies, or processes,” Malindi said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for local government and human settlements, Fenny Gaolaolwe said she will continue to change the lives of ordinary residents in the impoverished remote rural areas. Gaolaolwe said most people have benefited from rural housing project in Kagisano-Molopo local municipality.

“The department has spent just over R26 million in a rural and emergency housing project. This translates to 200 housing units spread across 25 villages. Such villages include Khudunkgwane, Tlaakgameng, Ganyesa, Tseoge, and Morokweng

“A further 1000 units have also been allocated for 2016/2017 in a number of villages in Kagisano-Molopo local municipality.  We recently inspected the completed houses last week,” she said.

Gaolaolwe further added that they are on course to make sure the elderly and disabled residents get first preference.

She further said RDP houses will restore dignity. Gaolaolwe added that government will continue to change the lives of impoverished through housing development programme.

One of the beneficiaries in the project is Rinah Molehe, 64 from Khudunkgwane village near Ganyesa said she highly-appreciate the work done by the department.

Molehe stays with 17 family members in a two roomed dilapidated house.

“I am very excited now because I have a house now. I never thought this day I will come. I have a decent house and we will now sleep in a dignified manner,” she said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTHERN Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Sergio Kock urges community members to come forward and support their provinces. The South African Police Services embarked on a tournament at AR Abass stadium in Kimberley.

“We are engaged in a national tug-of-war championship. The tournament was kicked-off on Monday. Our head office and other eight provinces across South Africa are participating. This is a exhilarating competition of strength, skill and endurance.

“The participants are competing in the 500kg and 540kg weight division for ladies. We also have 640kg and 700kg for men. The 600kg is for mixed teams. The tournament will commence until Friday,” Kock said.

He said they invite everyone to come and support their favourite team at this nail biting and exciting occasion.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

The Greater Taung local municipality said they will continue to support small micro medium economy (SMMEs) through local economic development (LED).

Municipality spokesperson, Ricky Olifant said they have partnered with corporate social investment facilitation.

“We have engaged with other key stakeholders. We have also undertaken activities like Impala Platinum Mine and Anglo Gold Ashanti. The municipality have awarded 13 bursaries and given 25 unemployed youth learnership opportunities. We have also hosted a successful sanitary charity fundraising event.

“Underprivileged pupils from far-flung areas have benefited from the project.  We are targeting the last week of June 2016 for distribution. The municipality also hosted the Enterprise Development Conference. This was in collaboration with SEDA and FEED,” he said.

Olifant said the aim was to empower the Greater Taung small business and entrepreneurs through knowledge and information. He added that they continuously encouraging pupils to take education serious.

“Learning is the key elements in strengthening small business growth and sustainability. The launch of the flea market in partnership with finance, economy, and enterprise development department (FEED) assisted.

“The project will empower SMME’s/Cooperatives to gain access to the market. We will ensure sustainability and growth in their business. The cooperatives and SMMEs will help to create and maintain the jobs in the sector,” he said.

The spokesperson added that the development of the economy in the province will create a viable business to be marketable and competitive.

He pointed out that the official opening of the enterprise development centre in partnership with the North West Development Cooperation will bring services such as business support and economic to the citizens of Greater Taung.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo also encouraged youth to have SMMEs and cooperatives.  He said they have formed a task team to profile village, town and small dorpies across the province.

He said that they will continue to engage them through Setsokotsane approach.

“SMMEs form the integral part of our economy. So SMMEs will receive significant attention and investment. This will range from establishment of state-initiated projects. We will provide necessary skills to village business owners. We have already implemented village developmental programme,” Mahumapelo said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

The executive mayor at Bojanala Platinum district municipality, Louis Diremelo shared his grief over the death of Thabo Moroa who was shot and killed at the weekend.

Moroa was employed as a secretary to member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Rural Development at the municipality. He was shot and killed by unknown gunmen on Sunday morning at his house in Maboloka village, near Brits.

In his condolence message to the family, Diremelo said news od the tragic death had shocked everyone at the district municipality.

“The news shocked the entire staff members and colleagues of Thabo Moroa at the municipality.  We are deeply shocked about this act of criminality on this young and a determined character.  Moroa was known to his colleagues as a person who loved his work and his country,” Diremelo said.

Municipal manager, Innocent Sirovha, said he has confidence in the country’s law enforcement authorities who are currently working around the clock to apprehend the perpetrators.

“For now, as the municipality, we so wish that the family of Thabo Moroa be given a space to lay him to rest with dignity he deserves,” he said.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the police in Letlhabile are investigating a case of house robbery with intent to commit murder and attempted murder.

Mokgwabone said two unknown men allegedly gained entry into the house through the window. He said the victims were asleep in a house at Doornkop section, in Maboloka village near Brits at around 2am.

“The suspects allegedly shot Moroa who died on the scene. His companion, 17, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The motive of the incident is unknown and investigations are underway,” Mokgwabone said.

Moroa was also serving as a shop steward for COSATU in Bojanala district municipality.

COSATU regional representative, Madito Molebalwa said Moroa’s killing was premeditated. He said Moroa was assassinated because he was outspoken.

“We do not believe that the killing was a house robbery. On Friday, we had a regional meeting and Moroa stood up and raised corruption and fraud issues against Madibeng local and Bojanala district municipalities.

“He was slaughtered because he fought against corruption. We now also fear for our lives. We are not sure who is next. He was killed in the same manner as Moses Phakoe,” Molebalwa said.

The memorial service for Moroa will be held at Maboloka Tribal Authority offices on Thursday.

-TDN

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