Picture: The school principal nabbed for corruption/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 February 2025- The school principal (57) from Matsheng village, near Taung, 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 will appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025,” said Mathebula.
Picture: The unroadworthy bus discovered at Jerry Mahura High School in Ntshwanahatshe village, near Taung/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it has made an alarming discovery over unroadworthy and non-compliant scholar transport buses. This comes after the committee conducted unannounced inspections at Jerry Mahura Secondary School in Ntswanahatse villahe, near Taung, this morning with Traffic Law Enforcement Officers on site.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said this was driven by alarming discoveries in previous oversight visits, where buses were found to be unroadworthy and non-compliant, despite repeated assurances from the department that monitoring was being conducted. Sonakile said the latest oversight, reinforced by traffic law enforcers, exposed yet another round of shocking violations.
“One bus was immediately discontinued due to severe safety risks, with multiple charges laid against it, including wornout tyres, no operating permit, no route permit and driver without a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
“We have taken a no-nonsense approach to scholar transport oversight. In a bold move, the further inspections uncovered even more infractions. Another bus, along with two Iveco vehicles operating at the school, saw their drivers slapped with fines for expired licenses, expired vehicle discs, and other regulatory breaches,” he said.
Sonakile further said among the most alarming discoveries was a bus carrying 90 learners, far exceeding capacity while transporting a 20-litre container filled with diesel. He added that, it was also found with broken seats, a clear hazard for young passengers.
“The committee commends the swift action taken by traffic law enforcers during this oversight. However, these findings underscore an undeniable truth. the department has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of scholar transport.
“Despite repeated warnings and ongoing concerns, there is still no sign of the promised audits. Some of the buses are registered in the Northern Cape with that province’s registration numbers,” said Sonakile.
He said the committee has resolved to convene a Scholar Transport Service Providers Public Hearing to hear their side of the story and gain insight into the challenges they face. Sonakile said this will be a crucial step in understanding where the system is breaking down and how to fix it.
“Once engagements with service providers are complete, the committee will table a resolution in the legislature proposing consequence management against those responsible for this ongoing crisis.
“Scholar transport safety is non-negotiable, and accountability must be enforced without exception,” he said.
30 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
23 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 30 January 2025, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing
them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
20 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 23 January 2025, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
16 January 2025- Four men who are accused of business robbery in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, will be back in court and apply for a formal bail application today. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokasa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
Picture: Some of houses destroyed by heavy rains in Kgomotso village
By REGIBALD KANYANE
14 January 2025- More than 10 houses in Kgomotso village, near Taung, were destroyed by disruptive rains on Monday afternoon. Heavy rains driven by a tropical low-pressure system hit the area and left a trails of destruction and some individuals were forced to seek refuge from relatives and good Samaritans.
The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsibly for Infrastructure, in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), councillor Itumeleng Mribe said the heavy rains caused significant damages.
“There was power outage due to the severity of heavy rains and more than ten houses were affected. However, the municipality has activated disaster management protocols and teams continue to monitor conditions in the wake of heavy rains.
“We advise residents to take precautionary measure. The roofs of those houses were blown away. Walls of others collapsed and we are busy doing assessment. We will also engage other stakeholders to ensure that those affected receive remedy to the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi said the North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC), working together with Municipal Disaster Centres said it remains on high alert for incidents of disaster across the province.
Molapisi said there is as disaster management teams are on the ground conducting needs and impact assessment following heavy rainfall that affected many parts of the province and damaged infrastructure, properties and possessions.
“North West province has experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days and the district municipalities that were largely affected included Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema.
“Both formal and informal houses were damaged by the heavy rains including municipal infrastructure such as culverts, roads and bridges. Kromkuil bridge in Moretele has collapsed, scores of houses in Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Ditsobotla, Ratlou and Mahikeng Local Municipalities were flooded,” he said.
Molapisi further said roofs of houses at Mokgola in Ramotshere Moiloa and Ledig in Moses Kotane were blown away. He added that mud houses at Moshwaneng in Ratlou Local Municipalities were affected and faced possibilities of collapsing.
“Public amenities such as hospitals, clinics and schools were also not spared. Lehurutshe Hospital, Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig and General Delarey in Lichtenburg are some of those which were affected. Bogosi Clinic and Primary School in Moretele was also water-logged.
“Mop-up operations are underway to bring all affected facilities back to full operation. We have directed coordination on the ground to assist affected residents and communities across the province. The provincial preparedness and response contingency plan have been developed and are being implemented,” he said.
Molapisi said various sector departments and municipalities have been briefed and activated in line with their roles and responsibilities, and they use their own resources to respond to emergencies/disasters incidents.
11 January 2025- Four men who are accused of business robbery in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, were arrested. This comes after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokasa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 December 2024- In her effort to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), North west MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, embarked on GBV roadshow in Myra village, near Taung, to raise awareness.
Dantjie urged members of the community to confront social stigmas and offer support to survivors of GBV. She also encouraged community members to stop abusing and discriminating against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and intersex (LGBTIQ+) community because of their sexual preference as it is also considered GBV.
“Since COVID-19, Gender-Based Violence has risen and became a second pandemic. Let us not judge our LGBTIQ+ community, but accept and love them because they are our children and deserve to be taken care of.
“We plead with women to stop using their children as an excuse to stay in abusive relationships. A loving mother will not allow her children to witness her being abused as it is emotionally damaging them,” said Dantjie.
She further said the public should use the services of their social workers to get out of that abusive relationship. Dantjie added that there are safe houses that the government has built to accommodate and give counselling to victims of GBV.
“During our roadshows, we also introduced our new flagship programme dubbed, Re Thuse Re go Thuse that encourages community members to report their challenges to the department in order for them to get help.
“We distributed 100 food parcels to families facing undue hardships. Food parcels do not end poverty, but they are a means to help our people so that they do not go to bed hungry,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West called for stronger partnerships against GBVF. Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, who is the Convenor of the MRM North West Interim said, the civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values.
“GBVF as a persistent pandemic that is insulated by male chauvinism, patriarchy, culture and religion. The limited involvement of civil society organisations, church and traditional leaders as well as Men and Youth organisations, undermines the objective of what is supposed to be an action driven mass campaign.
“The exclusion of civil society from implementation of government programmes contributes towards perpetuating atrocities and stereotypes that need to be overcome if respect for women’s rights and gender equality are to be entrenched,” he said.
Kgwele said the starting point should be narrowing the social distance and establishing genuine partnerships that will also assist to address the trust deficit that exists for meaningful and sustainable interventions. He appealed to the business sector to support initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing sound family and community values.
Picture: A RDP house belonging to the late traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 November 2024- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, has been postponed to 2 December 2024, by the Taung Magistrate’s Court.
Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.
The decision on bail application of Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe, is expected to be announced today. Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo were denied bail.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.
Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.
Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
The Guardian 