Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management

Morweng concerned about kidnapping and ransom cases

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has welcomed the arrest of suspects who allegedly have been involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Hasani Daniel Maluleke (62), in Wilkoppies in Klerksdorp.

Morweng said according to the police, the group arrest followed the activation of multi-disciplinary units that were activated after the former girlfriend of the deceased was unable to reach him on his cell phone on 11 April 2025.

“Preliminary investigations established that Maluleka’s Mercedes Benz and Toyota Hilux vehicles were missing and that the house had been ransacked. Following police investigations, it came to light that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn from Maluleka’s bank account.

“The team’s efforts led to the arrest of Julia Kolobi at Extension 10, Jouberton Township, on 13 April 2025. The other four suspects were arrested in Sebokeng Township, in Gauteng Province and Kanana Township, near Orkney between 19 and 20 April 2025,” he said.

Morweng further said upon effecting the arrests, the team confiscated Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes. He added that the team recovered Maluleka vehicles’ keys, a laptop and unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.

“In addition, the team recovered the victim’s Mercedes Benz in Evaton Township. I am worried by the cases that are linked to the recent one, where people are being kidnapped for ransom and forced to transfer monies from their bank applications linked on the phones,” said Morweng.

He said as the MEC for the department, he is worried about these types of cases as more often than not victims get injured or killed, if they do not comply.

“However, I want to assure the community that our police are on top of their game and we will crack the syndicate.

“My advice to our people is that they should always be on the alert, observe some suspicious movement and report to one of the family members or police more so when doing transactions and avoid secluded ATMs,” he said.

Morweng said following the arrest, the suspects have now been charged with murder. He said Julia Kolobi (47), Mcdonald Tsolo (39), Bongani Rampai (43), Thabo Motlatsi (50) and Kagiso Wageng (37), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of kidnapping, house robbery and murder.

“They will remain in custody until their next appearance on 30 April 2025, for legal representation and a bail application. The body of Maluleka was retrieved by police divers from Schoonspruit River, near Orkney on Monday morning, 21 April 2025.

“Investigations into the matter continue. I would like to reiterate the call for communities to work with police to be able to win the battle against crime and lawlessness within our communities,” he said.

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Stock theft a challenge in Mareetsane area

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 April2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said stock theft appears to be a huge challenge in the areas of Mareetsane, Mooifontein, neighbouring villages and farms. Morweng said this came during the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded held in Weltevrede village, outside Mahikeng.  

He further said, he was made aware of this challenge during his unannounced visit to the Mareetsane and Mooifontein Police Stations, as part of oversight monitoring. Morweng added that, at Mareetsane Police Station, he found about 200 stock theft dockets that are under investigation and it serves five villages as well as over 40 farms with variation in size.

“The Mooifontein Police Station serves eight villages and neighbouring farms. The station has a serious challenge of stock theft cases reported from time to time, but the community doesn’t get feedback on any progress.

“An extraordinary approach is needed to clamp down on the concerning rate of stock theft. I have received a detailed account of the challenges experienced by both police stations,” said Morweng.

He said they have an obligation as a government to protect the communities and their properties, so they need to have a solution. Morweng said they need to urgently re-strategise and find innovative ways to root it out.

“We definitely need to demolish the syndicate if there is one around here. Following a number of complaints that we received from communities, we called on station managers to constantly provide feedback to communities on cases that are being reported and under investigation.

“Police station managers are obliged to attend community meetings within the jurisdiction of their stations. It is important to give feedback on cases reported,” he said.

Morweng said the police are doing a good job, but failing to give feedback to the concerned regarding their cases. He encouraged communities to improve their security and measures of taking care of their livestock through brand marking.

“Recently, the Mooifontein Police Station assisted communities to apply for brand marks as part of measures to deal with stock theft. With regard to other challenges raised by both police stations such as personnel and resources, we will engage with the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng.

“In order to provide them with the support they require, I will engage Asaneng to see how we can increase the station’s capacity and ensure that they service the community adequately,” said Morweng.

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Morweng visits the family of slain policeman in Ganyesa

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

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has visited the family of the late Constable Eric Tekolo (41), in Ganyesa. Tekolo was allegedly stabbed last week Friday evening, while walking in the streets towards his sister’s house in Phohung Section in Ganyesa.

Three accused, Karabo Kunene Karabo (25), Taolo Sebolai (23) and Boikanyo Setlhabetsi (19), were arrested and charged with robbery. Their case was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 16 April 2025, for formal bail application.

“We send our heartfelt messages of condolences to the family and commended the police for the arrest of three suspects who appeared at Ganyesa Magistrate Court, after their arrest on Saturday.

“The off-duty police Constable was attacked on his way home after knocking off. He was taken to the local clinic after being found with stab wounds on the street at Phohung Section, Ganyesa village, outside Vryburg on Friday evening, 4 April 2025,” he said.

Morweng further said Tekolo later succumbed to his injuries.

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Morweng calls on police to expedite rape cases

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng receiving a memorandum from Ipelegeng community/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the alleged rape of a girl (7), in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke, shows the extent of moral decay in societies. Morweng visited the family of the little girl today, where the family shared the harrowing experience.

He further said a case of rape was opened at Ipelegeng Police Station in December 2024, two suspects aged 56 and 58, were arrested and appeared in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court last week Friday. Morweng added that, the two were remanded in custody and they will appear again on 10 April 2025.

“I was informed of the other rape incidents, which the community says are still unresolved. I implore on the police to expedite cases and keep families of the victims informed,” he said.

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Morweng welcomes the removal of BRP at NTI

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 March 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he has noted and welcomed the ruling of Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria on the removal of the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) at the NTI. Morweng said following financial difficulties and collapse of governance the NTI experienced, the shareholder resolved to put the entity under voluntary business rescue process in July 2022.

He further said Thomas Hendrick Samons was thereafter appointed as the Business Rescue Practitioner. Morweng added that Samons’ key mandate was to turn the entity around to make it more sustainable and generate income to pay creditors.

“To do this, the BRP was supposed to have developed a plan within 25 days of his appointment as stipulated by the Companies Act. However, the BRP has since failed to do all that including accounting for the money the Government has paid to the entity.

“The department has written numerous letters to the BRP asking for accountability and all the letters went un-replied. Following this failure of the BRP to submit progress reports and account to the department, the matter of removing him was pursued through the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria,” he said.

Morweng said after successfully removing him, the BRP then applied for a leave to appeal the High Court ruling. He said the department then lodged a Section 18 of the Superior Court Act application seeking an implementation of the initial order for the removal of the BRP.

“The purpose of this Section 18 move is to ensure that the court ruling is enforced in spite of the BRP application for a leave to appeal. The judgement, which was handed down electronically on 27 March 2025, enforced the initial ruling that removed the BRP from NTI.

“In handing down the judgement, Judge Hendrick Kooverjie said that the BRP failed to appreciate that he was statutorily obliged to compile the financial records expeditiously. Kooverjie also said that the business rescue process is not intended to continue indefinitely.

“Samons who has been removed as a business rescue practitioner by this court, cannot cling to his position, particularly for personal reasons. The judgement also said that the department as well as the NTI have shown on balance of probabilities that it will suffer irreparable harm, if the orders are not immediately executable,” said Morweng.

He said with the judgement handed down, the NTI must now focus on restoring best management practices. Morweng said the department will now guide NTI management to restore credibility of the entity.

“The NTI provides crucial transportation services and given its history, this entity can surely be better. Following strings of governance failures by the BRP, the we have guided in November 2024, that the department intervene directly at the entity.

“The Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana then seconded Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, who is the Chief Director for Corporate Services at the Department, to be the Acting CEO at NTI,” he said.

He said as accounting officer, Dikobe will then ensure that creditors, primarily of whom are employees, are paid on time and that services are running full steam.

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North West recorded a general decrease in crime    

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management/Wessels Morweng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

5 March 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the province has a general decrease in crime. Morweng, who released 2024/2025 Third Quarter Crime Statistics in Stilfontein on Wednesday, said the province has recorded a total of 26 999 cases, which are over 1100 cases less than for the corresponding period the previous year.

He further said this translates into a 3.9% decrease. Morweng added that, in total, the province had contributed 6.6% to the national crime total.

“Despite the reduction in crime generally, certain crime patterns were more prevalent in some areas. There are areas where we need to intensify our operations. Not surprisingly, one of these is in the area of illegal mining.

“As had been emphasised before, illegal mining is costing the economy of the country well over R70 billion annually in gold mining alone. Added to this, illegal mining has other causal ramifications with sinkholes the common immediate detriment,” he said.

According to Morweng, they are grateful for the successful operation in Stilfontein where though the problem is not completely over, it has been significantly stemmed. He said just as they were heaving a collective sigh of relief on the back of the Stilfontein operation success, another similar challenge reared its ugly head elsewhere in the province.

“The Vala Umgodi operation had recently arraigned 22 illegal mining suspects in the Bojanala District. Of particular interest is that the nationalities of the arrested are no longer just from Africa, but from Asia as well. Of those arrested previously, nationalities varied from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

“Now added to those nationalities, we have some from Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Pakistan. For the reporting period, we had a 2.5% decrease on the contact crimes, 10.5% decrease on property related crimes and a 2.2% on other serious crimes category.

“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. Bojanala continued to lead particularly with serious and violent crimes with Rustenburg appearing in the top 12 stations in the country. Dr Kenneth Kaunda District is a provincial hotspot for illegal mining, sexual offences and all assaults.

“The district has both operational and non-operational gold mines, which contributes to the problem of illegal mining and associated crimes. This district also has a challenge of gangs, which are often involved in crimes such as rape, robberies, murder, assaults and drugs particularly in the Klerksdorp,” said Morweng.

“This is the similar pattern in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, who also recorded sexual offences. For the total figure 26 999 cases reported in the province, 11 958 were in Bojanala, 6 580 in Dr KK, 5530 in Ngaka Modiri Molema and 2931 in Dr RSM District.

He said Ikageng Township, in Potchefstroom continuously reports assault cases and appears in the National top 30 stations for this crime. Morweng said reported crimes in Ngaka Modiri Molema, include assault and murder and stock theft.

“Although murder cases went down by 48,14% compared to the previous year, it is worth noting that Boitekong in Rustenburg, Mmabatho in Mahikeng and Kanana in Orkney had reported more cases. There had been ten multiple murder cases resulting in 24 deaths,” he said.

He said the Ngaka Modiri Molema recorded an increase in the number of murder cases. Morweng said the province has recorded 146 rape cases less than the previous reporting period, which is a decrease of 14.3%.

“Despite this decrease, Mmabatho has recorded more rape cases than the previous year for the same period. Dr Kenneth Kaunda, however, still remains the provincial hotspot for rape cases. There had been 679 cases less in property related crimes which decreased 10.5%.

“The stock theft remains a problem in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District with most reported in Taung, Pudumong and Ganyesa. In majority of the cases, livestock stolen in the province is sold in Gauteng. As we have indicated before, we are intentional in fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences,” he said.

Morweng said they are all well aware that crime fighting though primarily is the mandate of the police, however, successful crime fighting requires all to work together.

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Road users urged to be vigilant amid rainy weather

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Picture: Some of the roads flooded

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng urged motorists, pedestrians and all other road users to be cautious as they navigate the roads. This comes after the province experiences extreme rainfall.

Morweng said according to weather reports, the North West is among the provinces that are anticipated to experience persistent wet weather conditions in variations throughout the week.

“We call for road users to navigate roads carefully and adhere to road safety protocols in order to deal with unexpected occurrences and avoid accidents.

“Road crashes have been proven to be susceptible to harsh weather conditions, it is for this reason that we encourage road users in general to be careful as they navigate expected downpours,” he said.

Morweng further said motorists must significantly reduce their speed and increase their following distance, ensuring that headlights are on to increase visibility. He added that they should also ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, as well as to remain alert while driving and pay attention to surroundings at all times.

“We also encourage pedestrians to ensure that they wear visible and bright clothing, walk on the right side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, avoid jaywalking and cross roads only at designated crossing points.

“Furthermore, law enforcement officers will be on high alert during this time to deal with any eventualities,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said: “There is a return of heavy showers across parts of South Africa from 16 until 20 February 2025. Heavy on-and-off showers are expected at times this Sunday across the North West and Gauteng provinces.

“This includes the northern region of Free State, Highveld areas of Mpumalanga and south-

western Limpopo. The resulting localised floods are expected to affect susceptible areas, bridges and roads.”

Segalwe said SAWS once again advises the communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa. He said motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious, where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected.

“These conditions with cloudy to overcast skies are expected across South Africa along with subregions of ordinary showers and thundershowers. The rainfall accumulation is expected to be in the region of 20 to 50 millimetres (mm).

“Daytime temperatures in these regions are also expected to be cool. The transport of moist tropical air from continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” said Segalwe.

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More than 20 000 suspects arrested during Safer Festive Season Operations in North West

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have arrested 20 470 suspects for a variety of offences during the annual Safer Festive Season Operations. Morweng said this included 1258 undocumented foreign nationals and 129 suspects for murder.

He further said since November 2024, they have been absorbed by the resurfacing of illegal miners in Stilfontein. Morweng added that, as had been reported in several media engagements, 1916 illegal miners have been arrested after resurfacing at Margaret and Buffelsfontein Gold Mine at Shafts Number 10 and 11 between August 2024 and January 2025.

“We have activated the annual Safer Festive Operations at the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng on 17 October 2024. The operation itself had begun two weeks earlier on 1 October 2024.

“The Operation which was led by the South African Police Services (SAPS), is a multi-disciplinary PROVJOINTS coordinated operation composed of the different pillars or identified threats and executed in pre-determined phases,” he said.

Morweng said during the provincial activation, the different law enforcement and security agencies were deployed to execute their line function operational mandates as encompassed in the different Operational Focus Pillars or areas. He said the operation had been highly successful in that law enforcement officers were able to among others foil planned Cash-in-Transit and ATM bombings.

“The operation was intended to focus but not limited to prevention of crimes against vulnerable groups, the elderly, women and children, as well as people with disability. Combatting aggravated robberies including vehicle hijackings, robberies at residential premises and business robberies.

“Enhancing border security and preventing stolen property from crossing the borders. Combating drugs and human trafficking and tracing of wanted suspects enforcement of legislation in respect of firearms, liquor and second-hand goods,” said Morweng.

He said they also ensured that there is compliance with Safety of the Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA). Morweng said they enforced by-laws targeting hijacked buildings, unlawful sale and use of fire crackers.

“Joint law enforcement operations to ensure compliance with road safety and other road regulations. Combatting drunken driving, speeding and all moving violations. Inspection of vehicles for roadworthiness. The operation will also be on the lookout for cloned vehicles and cloned licence plates.  

“Relentless multi-disciplinary operations, had also confiscated contrabands ranging from counterfeit goods, expired foods, as well as suspected stolen and robbed goods,” he said.

Morweng said it is as a result of these targeted intelligence led-operations, that the province had a relatively quieter festive period. He said there were festivities across the province, including Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival, the annual Makapanstad Trooper Festival and the Potchefstroom Dam Music Festival.

“We also had tourists visiting Sun City and Hartbeespoort Dam, but all those went with no incident thanks to this Safer Festive Operations. We did experience some uneasiness at some point, especially in December 2024, when there were unusually long queues of trucks at three of the province’s commercial ports of entry with Botswana at Kopfontein, Ramatlabama and Swartkopfontein.

“This followed the new regulations at the border on the Botswana side which resulted in gridlock. This posed health, security and economic threats and needed an urgent intervention,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson the PROVJOINTS and acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “I immediately engaged the Botswana authorities and within two days the traffic congestion and logjam were eased allowing free unobstructed movement of goods and people between the two countries.

“Furthermore, our operations included visitations to licensed liquor dispensing premises and second-hand good dealers to ensure they comply with the law. We closed down 481 unlicensed liquor premises as they contravened regulations.”

Asaneng said application of the law and compliance enforcement was not only confined to ordinary members of the community. He said they had also recently arrested four police officers in connection with the escape of one of the resurfaced illegal miners, Neo ‘Tiger’ Tshoaeli.

“A week ago, they arrested two suspects who had crossed the border and were found to be in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of over R30 million in Zeerust.

“Two weeks ago, we also arrested three suspects in Hartbeespoort Dam with hijacked goods worth more than R2 million Rand. The highlights of some of the successes of these operations by law enforcement are highlighted by the five life terms that were imposed on the accused who was found guilty of aggravated robberies and five counts rape,” said Asaneng.

He said other is triple life sentences imposed on a rape accused, who was found guilty of three counts of rape committed between May 2010 and September 2023. Asaneng said sadly, this criminality which knows no bounds claimed the life of Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45), who was gunned down on 14 January 2025, in Klerksdorp as she was on her way to work.

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MRM calls for a probe after nine NTI buses torched 

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Picture: Nine NTI buses torched/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has called for in-depth investigations into the cause of a fire that broke out at the North West Transport Investment (NTI). The fire, which was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning at a sleeping ground in Moretele village, destroyed nine buses at a go.

Morweng said NTI management have opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and further investigations will determine the circumstances around the cause of the fire as well as the extent of the damage. He also expressed dismay at the unfortunate turn of events at the entity.

“We have recently turned a new leaf with our intervention at the entity by addressing the leadership instability experienced for some time now. We have also ensured that employees received their salaries as promised. 

“Therefore, we believe that we have made great effort to assist the entity in realising its full potential. This, however, is a set back and overall unfortunate incident,” said Morweng. 

He added that, at this point it is unclear whether this was an accident or an act of sabotage, and therefore they make a call to the authorities to deal with the matter decisively. Morweng said the NTI Acting Group CEO, Dr Dikobe and management at the entity has plans in place to limit the impact of services rendered to commuters in and around the Moretele. 

“At the same time, the department as a shareholder in the company, will continue to play a supportive role in order to ensure that service delivery is not compromised and that commuters are not left stranded,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in North West, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “The MRM expressed concern regarding the blaze. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values (CoPV), suggested that the incident that took place could be an atrocious and despicable act of economic sabotage.

“It cannot be a coincidence that we are losing valuable assets and infrastructure across the province to fires. We therefore call on law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible are behind bars.” 

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Nine NTI buses set on fire

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Picture: Nine NTI buses set on fire/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has called for in depth investigations into the cause of a fire that broke out at the North West Transport Investment (NTI). The fire which was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning at a sleeping ground in Moretele village, destroyed nine buses at a go.

Morweng said NTI management, have opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and further investigations will determine the circumstances around the cause of the fire as well as the extent of the damage. He also expressed dismay at the unfortunate turn of events at the entity.

“We have recently turned a new leaf with our intervention at the entity by addressing the leadership instability experienced for some time now. We have also ensured that employees received their salaries as promised. Therefore, we believe that we have made great effort to assist the entity in realising its full potential.

“This however is a set back and overall unfortunate incident. At this point it is unclear whether this was an accident or an act of sabotage, and therefore we make a call to the authorities to deal with the matter decisively,” said Morweng.

He further said the NTI Acting Group CEO, Dr Dikobe and management at the entity has plans in place to limit the impact of services rendered to commuters in and around the Moretele. Morweng said at the meantime, the department as a shareholder in the company, will continue to play a supportive role in order to ensure that service delivery is not compromised and that commuters are not left stranded.

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