Tag Archives: near Taung

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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A school principal from Matsheng in court for corruption

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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.

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Scholar transport buses ferrying Jerry Mahura High School learners in Ntswanahatshe unroadworthy

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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.

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Mokassa business robbery case back in court

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By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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Mokassa 1 business robbery case postponed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokassa 1 business robbery case postponed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four men arrested for business robbery in Mokassa to apply for bail

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By REGINALD KANYANE

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than 10 houses destroyed by heavy rains in Kgomotso village

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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.

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