Tag Archives: near Taung

Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara ‘placed’ on precautionary suspension for ‘assaulting’ a learner

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Picture: Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 August 2025- A Grade 10 learner, Koketso Manyeke (16) from Reivilo High School, near Taung, who was allegedly assaulted by the school principal, Motsamai Mokgara, was left dejected. In a letter, Koketso reminisce her ordeal and said the whole incident was sparked by a commotion that ensued between her and other three learners, Gorataone Jonas, Oratile Ntaolang and Kamogelo Keakwa, after they threw leaves of the tree mixed with sand into her face.

Picture: Koketso Manyeke after being assaulted

“This happened a few minutes before I was about to write my examination. After my examination, I came across one of the learners who threw sand into my face near the library, and then I confronted her.

“I asked her why she threw the sand into my face, and then she said because she wanted to. That made me upset and we fought. However, the principal passed by driving his vehicle and he stopped,” she said.

Koketso further said that Mokgara then took a belt from one of the AAs, and assaulted her. She added that she tried to explain the situation, but Mokgara did not want to listen.  

The wretched mother of the affected learner, Galaletsang Manyeke, said she is disappointed by the behaviour of Mokgara. Galaletsang said: “As a parent, I was called by my daughter saying that the principal assaulted her with a belt because she was in a fight with a fellow learner.

“It is disheartening because the principal only assaulted my daughter. I just wonder what discretion he used to find my daughter at fault alone.”

Manyeke said according to information, Mokgara took a belt from one of the AAs and assaulted her daughter.

“Koketso said she was shocked to see how the principal beat her and she was just standing there crying. She said no one intervened, while she was being assaulted with a belt,” said Manyeke.

She said she wondered why Mokgara decided to assault her daughter without summoning her parents to the school or temporarily suspend her, instead of disciplining her in a form of corporal punishment.

The North West Department of Education, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware that allegations of corporal punishment have been made against the Reivilo High School principal. Molokwane said these allegations have been backed up by written reports.

“These serious claims are currently under disciplinary review and investigation. To protect sensitive information and ensure fairness, all details remain confidential. The principal was placed on precautionary suspension during the inquiry, a step taken to allow the investigation to proceed, not as punishment.

“Once the investigation is complete, the suspension will be lifted, following legal rules to ensure due process and transparency,” he said.

However, one of our reliable sources said Mokgara is still at the school and he is not suspended as the North West Department of Education alleges.   

Meanwhile, the statistics show that corporal punishment has a negative impact and can cause both physical and psychological harm and hinder learners’ academic and social development. The report said corporal punishment can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even increased aggression, while also disrupting the learning environment and potentially causing learners to drop out.

According to the Statistics SA report in 2023, corporal punishment still is being practiced in schools despite the ban. The Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act, No. 33 of 1997 banned the use of corporal punishment in schools.

“Despite the ban, corporal punishment is still used as a form of discipline more than 20 years later. Of those that reported experiencing violence at school, the most common form of violence experienced was corporal punishment by teachers.

“This is according to a recently released report by Statistics South Africa called Children Series Volume I Children exposed to maltreatment, 2021. In 2019, just over 1 million out of 13 million school-going children aged 5 – 17 years reported that they had experienced some form of violence.”

The report said of those who experienced violence at school, close to 84% experienced corporal punishment by teachers, followed by verbal abuse by teachers (13,7%) and physical violence by teachers (10,6%). Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of children who experienced verbal abuse by other learners increased by six percentage points from 18,1% in 2009 to 24,1% in 2019.

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District beekeeping engagements will expand economic opportunities 

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Picture: Beekeeper, Nkululeko Kula

By OBAKENG MAJE 

8 July 2025- A beekeeper from Letlhapong village, near Taung, Nkululeko Kula (34), said even though he has not found his niche in the beekeeping industry, he is glad that his business is slowly becoming a commercial venture. Kula, who has employed three people thus far on a temporary basis, said his business involves managing beehives to produce and sell bee-related products like honey, pollen and beeswax. 

He further said, he also offers cross-fertilisation services. Kula said success in beekeeping requires knowledge, dedication and careful management of the bees and their environment. Kula added that he is fortunate because he had acquired all that through his journey.  

“I have knowledge and skills to encompass my business. I am also grateful for the unwavering support that I continue to receive from local people. So far, I do not have the market to supply my product to. However, I think things will soon change for the better. 

“I was working for a beekeeping company in Kimberley and that is where I gained mentorship and hands-on practice. This is not an easy business because you need to understand bee biology, hive management, pest control, and honey harvesting techniques,” said Kula.

He said he is in need of a honey extractor, which is a mechanical device used in the extraction of honey from honeycombs. Kula said he sometimes struggles to extract honey as he does not have the right equipment. 

“A 500g bottle of honey is available at R130. Those who need to buy honey can come to our village or contact me to purchase. I am still developing a marketing strategy to sell my products using online platforms, as I am only using local markets or direct sales to customers. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said: “We will embark on district beekeeping engagements across the province. The engagements will expand economic opportunities through apiculture.

“The department is pleased to announce that it will embark on district beekeeping engagements during the month of July 2025. The engagements will take place across all four districts of the province to support sustainable agricultural development, while promoting and expanding economic opportunities through apiculture (beekeeping).”

Setlhako said the objectives of these engagements is to raise awareness about the economic and ecological value of beekeeping, identifying the challenges faced by local beekeepers and cooperatives and further promoting knowledge sharing, skills transfer and training opportunities. She said the engagement will also assist in introducing support programs and funding avenues available through the department and to strengthen stakeholder collaboration for the growth of the beekeeping sector.

“The department encourages all interested individuals and beekeeping stakeholders to attend the sessions in their respective districts to share insights and contribute to shaping the future of apiculture in the North West,” said Setlhako.

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Breaking News: Commuters allegedly robbed off their belongings during hijack in Taung

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Picture: Minibus taxi allegedly hijacked dumped in Leshobo village

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 June 2025- It is alleged that a minibus taxi with commuters inside from Khudutlou village, near Taung, was hijacked. Even though the details of the event are still sketchy at the moment, it is alleged that the victims were robbed off their belongings and dumped off at Leshobo village.

The police are still at the scene and no one has been arrested thus far.

*This is a developing story and more details will follow.

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Makgethe Middle School principal back in court

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Picture: Makgethe Middle School principal, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2025- The principal of Makgethe Middle School in Matsheng village, near Taung, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo (57), expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court, facing six counts of corruption. Tlhabanelo was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team last month for alleged corruption.

It is alleged that during the period between January 2022 and November 2024, the suspect was an acting school principal when she offered the complainant a contractual post of Head of Department (HoD) at the same school.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports allegedly indicate that the complainant contract was duly renewed in 2022 and 2023.

Mathebula said, however, in 2024, it was not renewed as another candidate was considered for the same post.

“The suspect reportedly informed the complainant that she would recommend to the department that he be given the acting principal post. Furthermore, the suspect allegedly informed the complainant that she would expect a payment of R4500 in monthly instalments for her acting allowance, which she would have forfeited.

“The complainant was subsequently hired as an acting school principal and allegedly started paying the suspect in February 2024, an amount ranging from R4500 to R5200,” he said.

Mathebula further said investigation revealed that the suspect was paid R30 500 in total. He added that, following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with corruption.

“She was granted a R3000 bail and her matter was postponed for further investigation,” said Mathebula.

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Job for pals’ scandal rock MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

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Picture: MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 March 2025- The MM Sebitloane Special School in Lokaleng village, near Taung, has been rocked by an alleged job-for-pals scandal involving the school principal, Boipelo Gloria Mmokwa. This was after community members embarked on a protest at the school on Monday and demanded to be appointed.  

According to some community members, Mmokwa appointed her cronies on various posts without even advertising. They alleged that those who were appointed come as far as Zeerust, Hartswater and Limpopo, while they are not being considered.

One of the community members who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have seen those posts a few months ago, but they were cancelled. However, we only realised now that there were people who were subsequently appointed.

“Those posts were not advertised. So, we demand fair treatment as a community of Lokaleng. We all meet the necessary criteria for those posts. So, we are not going to allow Mmokwa to run this school to the ground and undermine us,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “According to the information provided by MM Sebitloane, the School Governing Body (SGB) advertised positions for sports-related roles in response to a decline in sports participation. The SGB aimed to recruit individuals who could engage learners in various sports activities after school hours.

“Members of the community were given the opportunity to apply for these positions. All appointed individuals reside in Taung, a village in close proximity to the school.”

Molokwane said Mmokwa also refuted allegations that individuals were recruited from Hartswater, Zeerust areas and Limpopo Province. He said the SGB, as a legal entity, possesses the authority to appoint personnel and utilise their fundraising efforts to compensate for the services they require.

“Typically, SGBs provide stipends rather than salaries, as their budget does not permit such expenditures. In hostel schools, positions are created based on household needs, implying that the roles are defined according to the specific requirements of the hostel.

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Learners forced to evacuate faulty scholar transport bus

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Picture: Learners evacuating scholar transport bus/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2025- As the scholar transport crisis continues to paint a grim picture, concerned parents in Mokgareng village, near Taung, call on the North West Departments of Education and Community Safety and Transport Management, to address scholar transport challenges.

This comes after learners from Thapang Secondary School in Matlapaneng village were forced to evacuate the scholar transport that emitted a cloud of smoke last week. According to one of the parents, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the scholar transport bus was ferrying learners from Mokgareng to Matlapaneng when this happened.

“It is worrisome to see this happening. We cannot have challenges of unroadworthy buses year in, year out without any action. So, we express our deepest concern over the situation, and I hope both departments will react timeously.

“Also, it is most probable that other learners across the province are affected by the same crisis across all rural provinces. Either are being left stranded due to the failure of scholar transport services or they are given unroadworthy buses,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department is aware of the incident that occurred. The bus experienced a mechanical failure due to a substance that was deliberately introduced into the diesel tank by unknown individuals, as reported by both the driver and the service provider.

“This act resulted in engine complications, which is the reason for the considerable smoke emitted from the exhaust. There was no emergency evacuation and all the learners were safe.”

Molokwane further said they went to their respective school without any reported injuries. He added that the situation was managed effectively, prioritising the well-being of the learners.

“The service provider dispatched an intervention bus. Thereafter, the officials from the learner transport department convened with the service provider today to address the situation.

“The Department of Education will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the smoke, as we cannot solely depend on the driver’s account,” said Molokwane.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said the Lethina Trading Enterprises is appointed to provide scholar transport services to learners attending school in Thapama Secondary School situated in Matlapaneng village. Matlou said the operator informed the department about the incident on 17 March 2025.

“The department conducts ad hoc monitoring of scholar transport and the recent one was on 11 March 2025. The bus in question was in good condition according to the monitoring tool utilised by the monitors.

“It must be noted that the monitoring tool of the department does not cover the engine related aspects due to the assumption that once the vehicle has a certificate of fitness it is in good condition,” he said.

Matlou said in total, the department spends R450 000 000 on scholar transport every year.

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‘Magogong turned into gangster paradise’

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Picture: Community members embarked on peaceful march/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 March 2025- It seems the infamous Magogong village, near Taung, has a significant problem with crime, particularly violent crime, with a high rate of murder, robbery and assault. Recently, the community members were prompted by the situation to embark on a peaceful march and submitted a memorandum of demand to the Taung Police Station.

One of community leaders, Mosetsanagape Blom said, their village has turned into a notorious gangster paradise and they do not feel safe anymore in their homes. Blom alleged that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has failed in executing their constitutional obligation. 

“Many incidents have been reported to the police with no responses. You will remember the famous case of Oratile Mothibi, who went missing back in 2022, after being abducted.

“As we speak, the case has gone cold. We demand that the case be reopened and assigned to a properly trained detective. The case falls under Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related crimes,” she said. 

Blom further said, there was another case involving a minor, Rethabile Molapo (13). She added that Molapo was kidnapped, killed and partially burned before being thrown into a pit toilet. 

“Also, the investigations yield no positive results. We demand that the investigating officer in the matter be removed as he lacks compassion, dedication, professionalism and respect. He consistently fails to report to the deceased’s parents regarding the progress of the investigation,” said Blom. 

She said they are disgruntled after the police arrested seven community members, who were accused of burning the traditional healer to death. Blom said the crime was committed by community members in retaliation. 

“So, it is injustice to keep those arrested in detention for crimes committed by the community. Therefore, we demand that they be released immediately from detention as their release is in the best interest of the community,” she said. 

Recently, a man was arrested for allegedly killing his mother with a spade, while a woman was nabbed for allegedly killing a man, whom they accused of stealing a Jojo tank. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Even though there was a general decrease in crime, contact related crimes increased by 2.3%. Malicious damage to property contributed most cases which are 1969 cases. 

“This is 48 more cases compared to the previous year, which is a 2.5% increase.”

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ANCYL branch leader, Katlego Khunou apologises to TDN editor amid derogatory comments

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Picture: ANCYL leader in Taung, Katlego Khunou/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE 

25 February 2025- ANCYL leader at Kgantlapane Branch in Taung, Katlego Khunou has unequivocally apologized to the award-winning journalist, Obakeng Maje. On 6 January 2025, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of a community newspaper, Taung DailyNews, published an online article regarding learners who were allegedly caught having sex in a classroom at Kebinelang High School in Manthe village, near Taung.  

Khunou who calls herself Phil Mello on Facebook, alleged that Maje is a rapist journalist and he also impregnated another woman outside the wedlock.  

Maje said he viewed Khunou comments as calumniatory. He further denied ever impregnating any woman outside his marriage. 

“Ms Khunou’s comments were unfounded and defamatory. I do respect her, but it is unfortunate that some leaders within our society will go to social media with libelous comments without thinking of the outcome of their actions. 

“Remember, the internet reaches out to millions of people instantaneously. So, her comments were defamatory and posed a significant risk to my reputation and integrity. Section 16 of the Constitution provides everyone with the right freedom of expression. However, this right is not an absolute right and there are limitations on what one is allowed to say,” he said. 

Maje added that, even though he accepts Khunou’s apology, he would like to warn people to be cautious about what they post on social media. He said the defamatory statement is a misrepresentation of facts and individuals such as former TV presenter, Katlego Maboe, Thato Sikwane, who is popularly known as Dj Fresh, a musician, Sjava, just to mention a few, have suffered reputational damages due to defamatory statements made against them in the past by some individuals.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Khunou said: “I wish to publicly address and retract the statements I made in January 2025, on my Facebook page regarding Mr Obakeng Maje. Upon reflection, I understand that my comments- including calling Mr Maje a “rapist journalist” and making allegations about his personal life – were not only unfounded and untested, but also deeply hurtful and damaging to his reputation and dignity. 

“I acknowledge that these statements were made without verifying facts and have caused harm to Mr Maje as well as his standing in the community. I sincerely apologize for the pain and distress my words have caused.”

She said: “Effective immediately, I have deleted all posts containing these derogatory remarks. I am committed to learning that my future communications are thoughtful, respectful and based on verified information. I extend my heartfelt apology to Mr Obakeng Maje, his family, and everyone affected by my words.” 

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Manokwane man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his uncle

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 February 2025- A man (22) from Manokwane village, near Taung, was sentences to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for killing his uncle, Morongwa Victor Kepi (68). On 28 January 2024, Victor along with his two friends, went to the deceased’s house In Maphoitsile village.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Victor had told his friends that his uncle had agreed to lend him a car and he intended to collect it. Gunya said upon arrival, one of the friends remained outside, waiting at the gate, while the accused and the other friend entered the house.

“Inside, the deceased was in the bedroom while his son sat in the lounge. The accused confronted his uncle in the bedroom and demanded the car keys. When the deceased refused, a scuffle ensued. The accused then took out an okapi knife and stabbed the deceased four times in front of his friend and his uncle’s son.

“The court heard details of the brutal attack, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim. Following the stabbing, the accused fled the scene. His friend and the deceased’s son, in shock, ran to seek help, leaving the victim’s lifeless body covered in blood,” he said.

Gunya further said a case of murder was opened, leading to the accused’s arrest on 9 February 2024. He added that, Victor remained in custody since his arrest.

“During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, his friends testified as state witnesses, stating that they were unaware of his true intentions and had believed his claim that the deceased had agreed to lend him the car.

“During sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaone Makgopa, urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, emphasising the elderly victim’s vulnerability and the gravity of the crime. She pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions,” said Gunya.

The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, and Magistrate Buti Zulu, sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecutorial teams. Makhari said this sentence sends a strong message that justice will prevail, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.

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Makgethe Middle School principal who was nabbed for corruption granted a R3000 bail

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Picture: The school principal, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo nabbed for corruption/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 February 2025- The principal of Makgethe Middle School in Matsheng village, near Taung, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo (57), briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court, facing six counts of corruption. Tlhabanelo was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team on Monday, for alleged corruption.

It is alleged that during the period between January 2022 and November 2024, the suspect was an acting school principal when she offered the complainant a contractual post of Head of Department (HoD) at the same school.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports allegedly indicate that the complainant contract was duly renewed in 2022 and 2023.

Mathebula said, however, in 2024, it was not renewed as another candidate was considered for the same post.

“The suspect reportedly informed the complainant that she would recommend to the department that he be given the acting principal post. Furthermore, the suspect allegedly informed the complainant that she would expect a payment of R4500 in monthly instalments for her acting allowance, which she would have forfeited.

“The complainant was subsequently hired as an acting school principal and allegedly started paying the suspect in February 2024, an amount ranging from R4500 to R5200,” he said.

Mathebula further said investigation revealed that the suspect was paid R30 500 in total. He added that, following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with corruption.

“She was granted a R3000 bail and her matter was postponed to 8 April 2025, for further investigation,” said Mathebula.

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