Tag Archives: near Taung

A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, arson and malicious damage to property case postponed

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Picture: A house of a traditional healer torched

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, has been postponed to 11 November 2024.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.

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.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

Nine people arrested for murder, attempted murder, arson, kidnapping and malicious damage to property are back in court

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By OBAKENG MAJE

7 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today. This comes after a court recording device malfunctioned on Monday and the magistrate decided to postpone the matter.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.

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.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: A house of a traditional healer torched  

A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and arson case to resume in court

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Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today. This comes after a court recording device malfunctioned yesterday and the magistrate decided to postpone the matter.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.

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.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Nine people accused of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and arson to apply for bail

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Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 November 2024- Nine suspects who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, for various crimes such as kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, arson and malicious damage to property will apply for bail today. Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.

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.    

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Former ANC councillor apologises to community members after calling them ‘illiterate and empty-minded’

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Picture: The former ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Morweng/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 October 2024- Former ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Morweng, has apologised to the people of Magogong village, near Taung, after allegedly calling them illiterate and empty-minded. This comes after a voicenote that depict Morweng’s voice leaked to the public.

Morweng’s remarks were made after community members allegedly embarked on protest and burned a traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu to death, torched her RDP house and looted tuckshops on 20 October 2024. Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing a girl, Rethabile Molapo (11), for ritual purposes.

Molapo’s charred body was discovered in a pit latrine at an abandoned house.  

One of irked community members, Kamogelo Ledwaba wrote on Facebook displaying annoyance and disenchantment towards Morweng’s utterances. Ledwaba said she does not wish bad on Morweng, but she hopes that what is happening in Modutung, will not happen to him.

“Tebogo Morweng o ntshwabisitse ele ruri….I don’t know you closely my guy, even so I had so much respect for you from a distance but I came across a recording of you calling batho ba Modutung illiterate.

“I don’t wish bad on u sir mara I just hope gore se se diragalang ka bana ko motsing wa Modutung ga se go diragalele ka gore le wena as far as I know, o Motsadi. Infact all of us are parents. And this can happen to any of us as parents.” Sic.

However, Morweng said the utterances were blown out of proportion. He said he had a private conversation with one of his friends, who in turn, leaked the voicenote.

“I find it unfortunate that there is a narrative put out there in efforts to tarnish my reputation. I had a conversation with Lorato Moselane like any other conversation we normally have.

“The words that were highlighted such as illiterate and empty-minded, were not directed to the level of education of the people, but it was rather a concern that, we as people are not careful or conscious of how the law works,” said Morweng.

He further said the context of illiteracy was not used to degrade anyone, but to raise an issue of ignorance to how the law works systematically. Morweng added that he was shocked that Moselane went extreme and shared the only portion of the whole conversation, where she was not implicated.

“This is the same person, who was in agreement with the views we engaged on that people cannot be killed regardless of age, gender or any other reason. So, it is sad and disappointing to see that this narrative has given opportunity to people to attack me and my family.

“The Morweng’s family was not part of the conversation between I and Moselane. This is the same family that previously managed to offer their support and their resources (vehicles) to the community after Oratile Mothibi went missing,” he said.

Morweng said he personally does not condone the kidnapping or killing of children in their area. He said he has been visible in supporting and mobilising the community during Mothibi’s case.

“Many can attest that I am in support of the community. However, I condemn the killings and urge the community members to allow the law to take its course. We should also make efforts to assist the police and ensure that justice prevails.

“I will never distance myself from the people of Magogong. I have donated schools and been vocal about various challenges affecting the community such as calling for the re-opening of Magogong Satellite Police Station and clinic to operation in 24 hour basis ,” said Morweng.

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Nine people accused of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and arson from Modutung remanded in custody

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Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 October 2024- Nine suspects who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, for various crimes such as kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, arson and malicious damage to property remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for formal bail application.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the 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,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said 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. He added that goods were looted 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,” said Mokgwabone.

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.     

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to lead Crime Prevention Imbizo in Magogong  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and his delegation/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 October 2024- The mother of a child, Rethabile Molapo (11) who was found murdered in Modutung village, near Taung, said she has a low trust in the police. Keneseilwe Jackson said the police showed incompetence and misconduct, while handling the case of Molapo.

Molapo went missing on 13 October 2024, after she was sent to go and fetch a church uniform at their house. However, she was kidnapped by unknown individuals and her charred body was found in a pit toilet at an abandoned house a few days later.

Jackson said there are many contributing factors, including miscommunication, brutality, violations of civil rights and a lack of training.

“The police did not respond timeously to the matter after we reported my child as missing. After the charred body of Rethabile was found in a pit toilet, they took away the shepherd who saw it.

“According to the shepherd, he will not continue to give evidence because the police suffocated him with plastic and used excessive force during questioning. He now fears for his life because he has been assaulted and being treated as a suspect,” she said.

Jackson further said the police also sent her from pillar to post when she was supposed to fetch her daughter’s body after post-mortem. She added that all these have contributed to her distress.

The community of Modutung went berserk and embarked on protest. They killed and torched a woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu (40), and her house after accusing her of kidnapping Rethabile for ritual purposes.  

They also burned her son, Kopano Legodu (22), who is in critical condition in hospital.

However, the Dr Ruth Segopomotsi Mompati District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng said they will launch investigations against all the police officers, who were involved in misconduct.    

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, who visited both bereaved families said he will lead a Crime Prevention Imbizo in the area as a form of intervention. Morweng said he is saddened by the unfortunate turn of events.

“As government, we have a great interest in the case because of the nature of how the events unfolded. We have resolved to embark on an Imbizo to bring peace, stability and work together with our community in the creation of a safer environment.

“The police are thoroughly handling investigations into the matter to bring justice to the families and the community at large. I continue to urge everyone to remain calm and allow the police to do their work,” said Morweng.

He said he believes that the police will do justice to the case, the district is working together with the province and all hands are on deck. Morweng said investigations are underway, arrests will be made and perpetrators will be brought to book.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Speaker of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Grace Moipolai said: “We welcome the resolution of an Imbizo and the awareness campaign will provide much needed insight on the dangers of crime and how the law works.

“There is a recurring trend in the community of Magogong of missing children and subsequently found dead. Last year, we experienced a similar incident. We now find ourselves here again.”

Moipolai said they believe the Imbizo will educate the people on how to go about in dealing with conflict and to desist from lawlessness. She said the Imbizo will be conducted by way of the District Development Model (DDM), to coordinate all spheres of government and ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A woman dependent on power-operated oxygen tank to breathe need your help

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Picture: Kedisaletse Elizabeth Letebele dependable on oxygen machine

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 October 2024- A woman (51) from Dipitsing Section in Magogong village, near Taung, who suffers from interstitial lung disease caused by two autoimmune conditions, calls for help. Kedisaletse Elizabeth Letebele said she is in need of a mobile oxygen machine.

Letebele said she cannot do anything because an electricity-operated oxygen concentrator she is using to help her breathe, requires her to be sitting in the house for 24 hours a day. Letebele, who stays in a three-roomed house with her five children and her mother, also said the roofing of her bedroom is leaking.

“I am afraid that my oxygen tank might be damaged by rain. I am in need of a rechargeable oxygen concentrator. So, if there is any good Samaritan out there who could help, kindly come on board.

“I also in need of anyone who could assist in repairing my roofing. The situation becomes disastrous, especially during the rainy season. No one is working in the house and we all depend on social grants,” she said.

Letebele further said she is currently getting a disability social grant, but it is only temporary. She added that she buys electricity with most of the money she is getting to keep the oxygen concentrator on.

“I also need an accessible ablution facility. I cannot go to the toilet outside because I am attached to the oxygen tank, which is heavy. So, I have no choice but to help myself in the bedroom, which is hazardous.

“I stay with children and I am afraid that this might affect their health in the long run. I do have gas bottles to use during load-shedding, however, the difficult part is that these gas bottles are only being filled in by people from Kimberley, when they are empty,” said Letebele.

According to Letebele, she tried to communicate with Taung District Hospital, requesting them to re-fill her gas bottles when they are empty, but she was told that only people who gave her those gas bottles can refill them.

Picture: Tshepo Constance Letebele/Supplied

Meanwhile, a local artist, Tshepo Consty Letebele (26), who is the daughter to the ailing Elizabeth said: “I will be grateful, if my mom could get help. I have a BCom Degree in Logistics, but it has been four years since sitting at home due to the high rate of unemployment.

“I am helpless, but as our government always says, we should stand up and do it ourselves, I would like to get any job opportunity so that I can take care of my mum.”

Tshepo Consty said she would welcome any job opportunity, as long as she can put food on the table. She said even though she gets gigs as an artist, the money is not enough to take care of the entire family.

“I am also fortunate enough because God has given me a talent. So, I am a professional poet and sometimes I’m called for gigs. We use that money to take care of my mother even though it is little.

“If they do not depend on the social grants, they depend on me and I’m not earning much. So, any job will be an ideal,” said Tshepo Consty.

NB: Anyone who would like to assist can call Tshepo Constance Letebele on 0833315290 (WhatsApp) or 0665726280 (Call).

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Breaking News: Missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone allegedly found dead with head injuries

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Picture: The missing Collen Seipone found dead

By OBAKENG MAJE

The lifeless body of a missing man, Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), was allegedly found near the road between Graspan and Magogong villages, near Taung, on 18 September 2024. It is alleged that Seipone was assaulted and had two wounds of an axe on his head.

His body was identified by one of his family members. Seipone, who was residing at Kolong village in Taung, was last seen by his mother on 25 June 2024.

At the time, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the search was conducted around the township and surrounding areas of Taung without any success. Funani further said at the time of his disappearance, Seipone was wearing blue pants and black and white tekkies.

“He is dark in complexion, 1.6 height, with a slender body and short hair,” she added.

(This is a follow-up story)

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Judgement on Manthe arson case postponed  

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Picture: The seven accused persons on an arson case

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 September 2024- The judgement on an arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed until 3 October 2024. This comes after the defence lawyer’s no show due to some other commitment.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (42), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (47) Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (37), Ali Sakiele (51), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (39) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (33), were arrested by the police in July 2022, during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) and his co-accused of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong

(35), Thabang Lenyai (24) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (32), were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder. The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung.

Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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