Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng receiving a memorandum from Ipelegeng community/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the alleged rape of a girl (7), in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke, shows the extent of moral decay in societies. Morweng visited the family of the little girl today, where the family shared the harrowing experience.
He further said a case of rape was opened at Ipelegeng Police Station in December 2024, two suspects aged 56 and 58, were arrested and appeared in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court last week Friday. Morweng added that, the two were remanded in custody and they will appear again on 10 April 2025.
“I was informed of the other rape incidents, which the community says are still unresolved. I implore on the police to expedite cases and keep families of the victims informed,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during sod-turning/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today did a sod-turning for the construction project of a new primary school valued at R69 million. Motsumi said the school will be constructed in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer-Reneke.
She further said her department has officially handed over a significant project management responsibility for the construction.
Motsumi added that the new school project is slated to encompass essential facilities including 21 classrooms, an administrative block, a multi-purpose hall, a science lab, a kitchen, a sports field among other amenities, over a duration of 18 months.
“The initiative comes as a beacon of hope for the community, particularly addressing the pressing issue of overcrowded schools and the plight of learners who endure long distances to access education.
“The project’s inception traces back to 2014, initiated by the late business person and contractor, Wandile Bozwana. However, following Bozwana’s passing, the department sought legal opinion to finish the project,” she said.
Motsumi said the department’s intervention signifies a pivotal moment for the community, offering tangible relief to parents and learners burdened by lengthy commutes and overcrowded classes. She said the broader societal impact of the project, emphasizing its role in combating unemployment, particularly among the youth.
“It’s unacceptable that decades into democracy, we still grapple with youth unemployment and an uncertain future. This endeavour not only addresses immediate educational needs but also fosters economic empowerment and secures a brighter tomorrow for our youth.
“This initiative follows the recent handover of the Serachero Primary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to meeting the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and nurturing future generations,” said Motsumi.
A learner who allegedly assaulted a teacher at Obang Secondary School in Amalia, near Schweizer Reneke, was found guilty of contravening the school code of conduct of learners and the South African School Act. Katlego Keohitlhetse (20), his father, Ntwaetsile Frans Keohitlhetse (42), who works as a ground man at the school, including the School Governing Body (SBG) member, Tebogo William Seleke (46) allegedly assaulted a Mathematics teacher (58).
The North West Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the department is aware of the incident and Katlego was afforded a chance to appear before the Disciplinary Committee more than 10 times to highlight what led to the incident.
Molokwane further said, both the SGB member and the ground man also attended the disciplinary hearing to tell their side of the story and what transpired.
“They both denied that they assaulted the educator. Now, the matter is with Labour Relations and not yet concluded because of fewer officials. The matter remains pending and details cannot be divulged as this may jeopardize the case.
“The SGB at the school found the learner guilty of contravening the school Code of Conduct of learners and the South African School Act. The learner was charged with assault and his studies were suspended until 2 March 2023,” he said.
Molokwane added that, as the department, they can certify that the learner is receiving academic support and has returned to school to date. He said the department is committed to providing educators with the necessary training to combat bullying in schools, as well as methods for spreading preventative measures and support to learners.
“The educators are always prepared to offer assistance to both victims and perpetrators of bullying. There is a mechanism in place that permits every school to be linked to their local police station, allowing the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct searches and confiscate unlawful things within schools.
“Furthermore, SAPS can raise awareness about illegal activity and teach pupils how to prevent it on school premises,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “An assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) case has been opened against three suspects and the matter was postponed until 7 August 2023.”
The Guardian 