Tag Archives: near Taung on Sunday.

Democratic Alliance condemns armed robbery incident at Lokgabeng Disability Centre

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Picture: The elderly persons at Lokgabeng Disability Centre/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

26 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it condemned the armed robbery that took place at Lokgabeng Disability Centre in Lokgabeng village, near Taung on Sunday, with a strong possible term. The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they have noted the incident with concern. 

It is alleged that ten armed men, wearing police uniform, stormed into the centre and threatened the security guards and staff before stealing laptops, USBs and cell phones. 

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, the police are aware of the matter. The unknown men were allegedly wearing balaclavas and forced entrance into the centre. 

“They tied up all the employees and security guards, before proceeding to take office equipment, cell phones and other valuables. There are no arrests thus far and no one was injured in the process.” 

Sonakile further said the public should note that the centre houses vulnerable members of society, including the elders and persons with disabilities and operates solely on donations without holding any significant sums of money. He added that they acknowledge the distress and fear caused by this crime among residents and caregivers, despite no physical injuries being reported. 

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this heinous act, particularly as it occurred just days after South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day. A time meant to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to human dignity and security. 

“We commend the North West Department of Social Development for its swift response, including engaging Project Manager and deploying social workers to support affected individuals,” said Sonakile. 

He said they call upon South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite their investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. Sonakile said they also encourage any members of public with relevant information to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts. 

“We reaffirm this house’s commitment to the protection of vulnerable communities and the eradication of crime in all forms,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said they have already liaised with the Project Manager and have agreed to send social workers from Taung Service Point to provide counselling to all the staff and the occupants. 

“It is unfortunate that our vulnerable people are being attacked and robbed just a few days after we have celebrated human rights. We call for speedy arrests of those who have committed this crime,” said Siko.

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Indomitable Lions FC crowned Champions

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Picture: The Indomitable Lions FC crowned as champions of Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The coach of Indomitable Lions FC, Archie Seothaeng said even though they encountered some difficulties in the mouth-watering final against Lovely Movers FC during the Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament in Modimong village, near Taung on Sunday, they were grateful to be crowned champions.

The Indomitable Lions FC took home a whopping R35 000, kits, medals and trophy after winning 4-2 through penalties, while Lovely Movers FC received R15 000, kits and medals.  

Seothaeng said his side’s win will be a morale-booster for their encounter in the ABC Motsepe League, where they ply their trade.

“We have a virtuous squad and a lot of very good players. We felt that we were strong enough to be able to win the game, but time was not on our side. We had to immediately go straight to the penalties shoot-out after the half time interval.  

“So, I reminded our players that we had to make sure that we are at our best. Not just in a tactical perspective, but also emotionally and psychologically fit,” he said.

Seothaeng further said the Boemma Lovely Movers Soccer Tournament was of a high magnitude and he is happy with the quality of football that was on display.

The coach of Lovely Movers FC, Jacob Tshilo said even though they lost in the final, his players showed discipline, dedication and determination through-out the tournament. Tshilo said his side showed pedigree and they were unlucky to miss from the penalty spot.

“It was not easy because we were playing the most formidable side, which is plying its trade in the ABC Motsepe League. So, we will go back to the drawing board and rectify our mistakes,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the organiser of Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament, Omphemetse Meto Manganeng said: “Indeed, soccer is a beautiful game. We would like to thank all those who came out in numbers to come and show unwavering support.

 “Even though the weather was unfavourable, people came out in numbers. Due to time constraints, we had to go to a penalty shoot-out, immediately after the half time interval,” he said.

Manganeng said the aim of the tournament was to give players exposure. He said they always encourage them to work hard because they will never know who is watching.

“We are working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders, such as NWU Soccer Institute. So, this tournament gives the necessary exposure to players, hence we always encourage them to also concentrate on their education. 

“If a player is scouted by the NWU Soccer Institute, he will be rewarded with a scholarship,” added Manganeng.

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Mogopela Wonderous FC sanitized COVID-19 FC in Top 8 final  

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Picture: The Mogopela Wonderous FC playing against COVID-19 FC during Thobela Top 8 Tournament 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Mogopela Wonderous FC continues to show its pedigree against all odds. This was witnessed during the Thobela Top 8 Tournament final, which was held in Kgatlheng village, near Taung on Sunday.

Mogopela Wonderous FC was playing against underdogs, COVID-19 FC in the final and won 1-0 to secure a R10 000 prize money. During the game, Mogopela Wonderous FC players frequently visited the 18-yards of buoyed COVID-19 FC without any success. 

However, Mogopela Wonderous FC players built confidence and self-esteem, as the game went by. This resulted in them getting the much-needed goal. Mogopela FC coach, Kagisonyana Kgokane said, he is happy with his team’s overall performance. 

“It was not easy at all, but our players’ morale was high. They were also physically fit and showed resilience. What I like about them is that they showed inclusivity and diversity.  

“I would like to take my hat off for them, taking into consideration that, we managed to play four games in two days and win all of them. This includes the league game,” he said. 

`Kgokane further said, there were many challenges prior to this tournament, but that is now water under the bridge. He added that they have players who reside in various areas and it was difficult for them to attend training sessions all at once. 

“But, at least for the past two weeks, we managed to ensure that they are all part of training sessions. So, we are happy with the progress we see in our team,” said Kgokane.  

The COVID 19 FC coach, Reaobaka Maselo said even though he did not manage to win the game, he gave Mogopela Wonderous FC a ‘run for their money.’ Maselo said he pushed all barriers and there were crucial moments, where they put Mogopela Wonderous FC under pressure. 

“Honestly, I am happy with the performance of our players, considering the fact that we were duped as underdogs. Obviously, we will work on some grey areas and improve. Our aim is to work towards achieving our goal by becoming one of the best performing teams in Taung,” he said. 

Meanwhile, one of the organisers of Thobela Top 8 Tournament, Papi Dire Mabote praised the players who took part in the tournament. Mabote said Taung has an abundance of talent that need to be nourished. 

“I am actually lost for words. What I saw today, overshadowed my expectations. The tournament went so well, and also football lovers came out in numbers. This really shows that grassroots football is alive. 

“We just need the correct strategy to market these players and ensure that we lure scouts to our tournaments. It is really demoralising seeing these players displaying beautiful football like this without any scouts watching. 

“We tried to engage local business persons to give us a financial backing in order for us to bring scouts. However, our plea fell in deaf ears, but I would like to encourage these players not to lose hope,” he said. 

Mabote said it is difficult to keep tournaments like this afloat as they run them on a shoe-string budget. He said they will decide if this will be an annual tournament or not. 

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