Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Regional Court, where some of accused persons are expected to take the stand. 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 and charged for arson.
The seven accused 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) 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.
Picture: Some of learners affected by lack of scholar transport
By OBAKENG MAJE
Lack of scholar transport continues to have a negative impact in rural areas across the North West. Learners from Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, said it has been two months without scholar transport and they are now forced to walk long distances to go to school.
Recently, the affected learners marched to the North West Department of Education (Taung Sub-District office), demanding scholar transport. They alleged that lack of scholar transport leads to missed classes and potential educational setbacks.
A Grade 12 learner from Batlhaping High School, Reaobaka Goshupelwang (18), said they do not feel safe as they walk through the bushes to get to school.
“The situation is so grim and no one is willing to listen to our plea. We are now forced to bear the brunt and put our lives at risk in the process. Some of the learners are females and we are afraid that they might be raped one day.
“In most cases, we arrive late at school and some teachers will bar us from attending their classes due to coming late. This has a huge impact in our teaching and learning,” he said.
Another Grade 11 learner from Mankuroane Technical School, Tshepng Sesinyi, shared the same sentiments. Sesinyi said they have written a few letters to the principals, complaining about the same issue, but their plea fell in deaf ears.
“No one is taking us seriously and willing to listen to our plea. We urge the department to come up with a lasting solution in addressing this challenge because this is our future that we are talking about,” he said.
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware that some parents and a few learners arrived at the Greater Taung Local Education Department offices in taxis to voice their displeasure. Molokwane further said the parents were granted a hearing by the appropriate authorities, who oversee learner transport matters through the North West Community Safety and Transport Management.
“To address the concerns highlighted, the department promptly sent the learners a scholar bus. We may emphasise that service providers failing to uphold their end of the bargain, they are letting the Departments of Education and COSATMA down.
“Since learners’ transportation fails, we have asked principals not to lock gates for them. Punishing learners for tardiness when it is not intentional would be unfair. Again, we will speak with the principals,” he said. Plans for recuperation are implemented to account for the time lost in teaching and learning,” he said.
Molokwane added that the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has received their entreaties to terminate the contracts of non-compliant service providers.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said: “The department is aware of the matter through our monitoring process. There has been inconsistent provision of service on the route in question.
“The department has been in constant communication with the service provider. As an interim measure, we have requested one of the service providers with extra capacity to transport learners’ whilst a permanent solution is found.”
Matlou said the department regretted the inconvenience caused by this and urged the parents, as well as school principals to be proactive and make them aware of any challenges as early as they can. He said this will assist the learners not lose more hours of learning.
Picture: The Queenspark Rangers FC players in celebratory mood
By OBAKENG MAJE
The high-flying Queenspark Rangers FC was crowned as the new Champions of inaugural Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament held at Mighty Boys grounds in Manthe village, near Taung, on 9 and 10 August 2024. Rangers walloped Dikgwamolelo FC 3-1 in a mouth-watering final on Saturday.
The award-winning coach of Queenspark Rangers FC, Mmoloki Batlang said his players showed courage and tenacity even though they conceded in the early minutes of the game. Batlang said they played so well and he was happy when they finally found their niche and got an equaliser.
“Even though we conceded in the early minutes of the game, we did not panic. Our players showed composure and confidence, even though we were under pressure. I must say, Dikgwamolelo FC was a very formidable team and tried to keep us on the back foot.
“I am impressed by the quality of football that was displayed during the final. We assembled a virtuous team that matched them pound-for-pound and we were grateful after we were rewarded with three goals,” he said.
Batlang further said they started to assemble this team back in March 2024, in preparation for this tournament.
Dikgwamolelo FC coach, Odirile Mogadi said even though they strived and fought hard for the top place, it was not meant to be as Rangers was resilient. Mogadi added that his team failed to keep itself in tip-top shape for winning.
“If you do not have an appreciation for adversity than when faced with a difficult task the team will struggle to perform at their best. So, I must admit that the quality of players that Rangers had was out of this world.
“Our players tried, but nothing came together. So, we will go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes. Our opponents realised that we were lacking on the right back and capitalised on that by stretching us,” he said.
Mogadi said they ended up losing possession and this resulted in Rangers scoring. He said fatigue might also have taken a toll on his players.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament organiser, Charlie Ramonnye said: “Indeed, we had a successful tournament and I would like to thank all stakeholders who contributed in organising the tournament of this magnitude.
“This project would not have been possible without their contribution, including all teams that participated. This was in quest of commemorating Women’s Day and saying thank you to all women across the globe. Their contribution in building a better society is unmatched.”
Ramonnye said they call on all sponsors to come on board and ensure this annual Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament continues to be a success as it it. He said the crop of players who participated in the tournament was crème de la crème.
The winner received R20 000 prize money, including new kits and medals, while the second winner received R10 000 and a new kit.
Picture: Residents in Mothanthanyaneng village draw water from a quarry
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Mothanthanyaneng village, near Taung, call on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to converge at a meeting to devise a strategy on how best to provide permanent water solutions to them. These residents said they are now forced to draw water from a quarry.
One of the irked residents, Olebogeng Sehako accused their ward councillor, Tefo Moraladi of ignoring their plea. Sehako alleged that what Moraladi does best is to buy alcohol for the community.
“We either get water from a quarry, where animals also drink or from a neighbouring village, Granspan. The provincial government has implemented a strategy to identify water and sanitation challenges across the province since 2021, but nothing is happening.
“We call for necessary plans for immediate interventions. We were told that all communities with critical water shortages will be prioritised. However, that is not the case,” he said.
Another resident, Ranolang Moleme (58) shared the same sentiments. Moleme alleged that they do not even know who their ward councillor is because no community meetings are convened on a monthly basis.
“There are no developments in our area. What we always get are empty promises. The government fails to deliver basic services such as provision of water, accessible roads and others. We urge our government to take us seriously.
“Why should we walk long distances to access clean and drinkable water? It has been a while since we urged our government to ensure there is provision of water, but all our pleas fall in deaf ears,” he said.
Meanwhile, even though ward councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tefo Moraladi admitted that there are some challenges in the area, he refuted allegations that what he does best is only to buy alcohol.
“We understand that there is a concern regarding lack of service delivery in some areas. However, it all depends on what the communities have prioritised during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). As the municipality, we have a mandate to ensure that we instil high mast lights, build community halls and internal roads.
“The construction of clinics and provision of water are the responsibilities of other departments. If there is a need, we liaise with them and ensure that they fulfil their mandate. So, I am in the process of ensuring that all communities receive service delivery,” he said.
Moraladi further said the municipality heavily relies on conditional grants, so they cannot cover everything at once. He added that every financial year, they make sure that all areas get services.
Picture: Seven accused persons on Manthe arson case
By OBAKENG MAJE
The trial on Manthe arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been completed. The case has been postponed to 29 August 2024, for heads of argument before judgement.
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) 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.
Picture: The seven accused persons who are accused of murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed until Thursday. This comes after two accused, Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang and Mothusi Motimeng, took the stand today.
Other two accused, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane and Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane, are expected to take the stand tomorrow.
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. This came after they accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) 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.
Picture: The seven accused persons who are accused of murder/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, who are accused of arson are expected to appear in Taung Regional Court today. 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. This came after they accused the alleged drug lord and rapist, Bakang Katong (33) 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.
Picture: The missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A childhood friend, Vincent Motlogelwa is offering a R20 000 reward for information that leads to missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), being found. Seipone, who resides in Kolong village, near Taung, went missing on 25 June 2024.
According to the police in Taung, Seipone was last seen by his mother on 25 June 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the search was conducted around the area and its surroundings 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. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Tebogo Mochwa on 082 469 0332, alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,”she added.
Meanwhile, Motlogelwa said: “The family is devastated after Seipone went missing. So, we urge anyone with information that might lead to the whereabouts of Seipone to call us on 0765138602. We have also tabled an offer of R20 000 for any information that could be useful in finding my brother.”
Arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Regional Court, where some of accused persons are expected to take the stand. 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 and charged for arson.
The seven accused 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) 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.
The police in Taung are investigating a case of business robbery. This comes after three suspects allegedly entered a local tuck shop in Molelema village, near Taung, and robbed a tuck shop owner undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes at gunpoint.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place on 12 June 2024.
“It is alleged that two of the three suspects were dressed in police uniform. They allegedly robbed the complainant of an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.
“The suspects fled the scene afterwards and no one has been arrested thus far. Investigations are underway,” she said.
The Guardian 