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Stand up and claim your money, former Bophuthatswana employees told


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By Obakeng Maje
Taung-The United Communist Democratic Party in the North West called all former Bophuthatswana employees to come and claim their money.

UCDP Deputy president Phillip Moerane said their aim is not to campaign for elections ahead of national elections that will be held on the 07 May 2014.

“While we do not hanker for the lost independence of this area, it is unfortunate that the good that was ushered in by the Bophuthatswana Government is ignored, diluted or used to the advantage of those who caused the fall of the territory disadvantaging those who lived and still live in the area” Moerane said.

UCDP said way back on 19 February 1994 in the Mmabatho Convention Centre Kgosi L M Mangope spoke strongly against the appetite developed around incorporating the territory while people were eyeing the good in it for their benefit.

He allegedly spoke against the looting of the Sefalana Employee Benefits Organisation Fund which the (1994) stood at R3 700 million, taken in round figures it was R4 Billion at the time.

According to investigations, SEBO was going to pay out R15 million in benefits.

Cosatu showed immense interest in the fund and went on to say they were satisfied with SEBO’s transparency, its management and its Africa approach to African needs.

That was in 1994 and fast-forward in 2013, COSATU’s dirty hand was found in the SEBO (BOSELE) cookie jar.

Mathilda Phiricwana, 71 from Ditshilong village near Taung shared her unhappiness of not receiving her pension money.

“I worked for 39 years at Taung Hospital but the money I received was too way low. I would be so grateful if I could get all my money” she said.

Florah Bonnetswe,74 from Veertien also shared her sentiment: “I was working at Bophuthatswana National Development Corporation(BNDC) which was later changed to NWNDC. After 20 years of service, I only received little amount of money, I tried to fought this but I failed”.

Bonnetswe said some lawyers came and said they will help them, charge them R100 per head, but from there they disappeared in thin air.

UCDP said COSATU’s investment arm Kopano ke Matla plundered millions of rands from Bosele(successor of SEBO) employee provident fund.

“The Financial Services Board (FSB) the watchdog for pension funds refers to this as “unusual and suspicious transaction and payments”. We are suprised the authorities are quite. It is for the beneficiaries of BOSELE to stand up, speak out and make a change to their lives” said Moerane.

The vociferous Vavi as Secretaey General of Cosatu was alerted to this in 2010 but never raised a finger until he was suspended last year.

This affected 400 000 former Bophuthatswana employees whose funds are in Bosele Provident Fund the successor to SEBO.

Two names are mentioned in the systematic swindling of the fund.

A lawyer who was employed by Bosele as a consultant and the other was a consultant for the fund.

R123 million rand was allegedly paid from Bosele to Kopano Coompanies over a period of three years.

The Managing Director of Kopano Employee Nasieyah Basadien benefits or her husband received R56,3 million.

Vavi kept quite after being informed of the looting.

“In 2011 Bosele has assets to the value of R787, 8 million which was spun off from the BNPF (Bophuthatswana National Provident Fund) to which all private sector employees contributed” said Moerane.

According to Moerane, Bosele is a goose that laid golden eggs.

“Are people going to sit back and continue to wallow in poverty when those who laughed at the when they worked in Bophuthatswana live luxury on for having defrauded the former BOP employees?” Asked Moerane.

“As responsible leaders in this part of the country and having sweated blood ourselves we call on the former employees of BOP not to remain sheepish but to stand up and speak out to bring about change to their lives”.

Moerane said it is possible that luxurious Cosatu Head quaters in Braamfontein was built with your money?.

“Stand up and Speak out to change this country once and for all. These people must know that living in this part of the country does not qualify us to perpetual subjugation, domination and poverty” he said.

He said North West province is the only province without air transport yet 20 years ago had two functional airports with regular flights.

“That is better life for you in North West ala ANC” concludes Moerane.-TDN
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Motsweding FM DJ granted R5000 bail


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho-Motsweding FM Dj Papa Moalusi appeared before magistrate court and was granted a bail of R5000.

The embattled Dj was arrested after he plunged on two boys in the early hours of Sunday at Extension 38, near Mmabatho.

Mmabatho police have opened two counts of culpable-homicide, reckless and/or negligent driving, drunken driving, failure to ascertain injuries and failure to render assistance where the person(s) were killed.

“This was after two boys were hit by a vehicle at approximately 05:00 at extension 38” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

It is alleged Papa Moalusi,30 who was driving a silver Audi hit the boys aged 9 and the other estimated to be between 20-25 who were walking along the road with their mother on their way to church.  

“It is further alleged the silver Audi collided with a maroon Toyota corolla that was in front of it, hit a the rock and eventually stopped” Ngubane said.

Moalusi fled the scene on foot leaving behind the female passenger.

The police searched for the suspect at his residential place and also at work. The suspect then handed himself over to the police at about 11:00 with his legal representative.

He was arrested and detained.

He appeared before Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court and granted R5000 bail.

He will be back on 17 June 2014 and police investigations continue.-TDN
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Human Settlements MEC Maloyi elated with quality of houses


By Obakeng Maje
Klerksdorp-The North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison Nono Maloyi expressed his satisfaction about the quality of houses that are given to the beneficiaries.

Maloyi said this during the handing over of more than 700 houses in Jouberton, ext 20 where two blind beneficiaries became proud owners of dignified homes.

According to Maloyi, housing is one of the major challenges facing the government. However, he said that government has to ensure that houses handed over to beneficiaries are of great quality, despite the pressure caused by the ever increasing backlog country wide.

He said that government’s main objective is to build quality and dignified homes for generations to come.

Gogo Kentse Molelekeng 89, who lost her sight five years ago is one of the beneficiaries who are first time home owners. Despite the fact that she could not see the gift that government has given her, her facial expression projected the excitement and contentment of having a place called home.

“I have been living in the farms my entire life and am very happy to finally own a home even though it pains me that I cannot see its beauty. I can smell the freshness and the warmth thereof”, said granny Molelekeng.

MEC Maloyi congratulated Gogo and other beneficiaries and urged them to take care of their houses and make them homes. “providing  homes to the needy is a clear indication that the government has the best interest of the people at heart as alluded in the freedom charter that there shall be houses, comfort and security for all. Therefore, the government shall not rest until all deserving citizens have roof over their heads”, he concluded.

The handing over programme will continue until the end of March.

The MEC will among others will hand over low cost houses, rental stock, financially linked individual subsidy programme and Community residential units.-TDN
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N West ‘Hammer-man’ back in custody


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho-The North West police have re-arrested four of the seven suspects who escaped from the police cells onTuesday at about 01:00am.

Charles Pheta,28 is facing a charge of car hi-jacking and robbery and Mogomotsi Sebolane,26 who is also facing a charge of car hi-jacking and robbery were once again arrested on Thursday. 

“The two suspects have already appeared in court on Friday.  Solomon Moleko,34 who is commonly known as “Hammer- man” charged with Rape and Murder was also re-arrested on Saturday and he appeared in Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Monday” Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said.  

Gaothaelwe Lesole,24 facing a charge of House robbery, was re-arrested on Sunday, and is expected to appear before the court soon.

The police received a tip-off from members of the community about suspicious people who were hiding at a house in extension 39 in Mmabatho and police immediately arrested Phetha and Sebolaneng. 

“Moleko who is alleged to be the “hammer man” was set up by a community members who alerted the police where he was and the police arrested him in town.  Lesole was also arrested in extension 39” Ngubane said. 

Ngubane said: “It is a house that they used to hide in and also doing drugs”.

The suspects escaped by cutting  the mesh wire of the cell and of the ceiling and finally escaped.

The police are still looking for the other three escapees and are appealing to the community to assist in re-arresting the remaining three suspects.

“They are Boitumelo Moiloa charged with murder, Goitseone Mogodunyane charged with possession of suspected stolen property and Johnny Olebile Nkareng who is facing a charge of Robbery Aggravating” he concludes.

Anyone with the information is urged to call the Mmabatho Police Station on (018) 387 7500 or Crime Stop no. 08600 10111. The community is warned not to arrest the suspects in case they see them, but to report them to the nearest police station.   

The police would like to thank the community for their cooperation in making sure that the four escapees get re-arrested.-TDN
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NPA: We won’t comment on Oscar’s porn claims


Johannesburg – The National Prosecuting Authority would not comment on a Sunday report that murder-accused Paralympian Oscar Pistorius surfed porn websites in the hours before he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

“I can’t comment on that. By law [the] NPA [is] not allowed to comment on the merits and demerits of a case. That is sub judice,” spokesperson Nathi Mncube said.

The Sunday Times reported that through data retrieved from Pistorius’s cellphone, which was found on the scene, the State discovered the athlete was browsing pornography and used-car websites. This would form part of the State’s evidence, according to the report.

The newspaper reported that in a reply to the defence, the NPA said in court papers: “The accused’s website activities from the time they were at home is in direct contrast to that of a loving couple spending time together.”

On Friday, the NPA denied leaking documents on Pistorius’s murder trial to the media.

Eyewitness News reported that the State would rely on 13 facts to prove the blade runner was guilty of killing Steenkamp at his Pretoria East home last year. Pistorius said he thought she was an intruder.

Broadcaster eNCA reported that Pistorius was most likely on his stumps when he fired the shots, and this undermined the State’s case that her killing was a premeditated murder.

SAPA

Gauteng govt opening to affect traffic


Johannesburg – Traffic will be affected during the opening of the Gauteng legislature, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department said on Sunday.

“Traffic will be diverted in Johannesburg CBD tomorrow (Monday) for the opening of the Gauteng legislature,” spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said.

“Albertina Sisulu road and President street will be blocked off between Sauer street and the left lane on Rissik street.”

A parade will start at the intersection of Albertina Sisulu road and Sauer street before proceeding to the legislature on Rissik street.

“Roads will be blocked from 10:00 and will be reopened at 14:00,” said Minnaar.

SAPA

A Taung man in court for murder


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- A 35 year-old man set to appear before Taung Magistrate Court after he allegedly bludgeoned a 27 year-old man to death.

The atrocity took place at Kokomeng village, near Taung on Saturday night around 20:00.

“Two men were allegedly involved in a fight after an argument and a 35 year-old man took out a knife and stabbed a 27 year-old man to death” sergeant Kealeboga Molale said.

He was rushed to a local clinic, but was confirmed death on arrival.

Police were summoned to the scene and arrested a suspect, police investigations continue.-TDN
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A Top Sabc Dj set to appear in court


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho-A 30 year-old man is set to appear before Mmabatho Magistrate Court after he allegedly killed two people in an accident.

The police have opened two counts of culpable homicide, reckless and/or negligent driving, drunken driving, failure to ascertain injuries and failure to render assistance where the person(s) were killed.

“This was after two boys were hit by a vehicle on Sunday at approximately 05:00am at extension 38” Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said.

Police said the alleged driver,30, who was driving a silver Audi hit the boys aged 9 and the other estimated to be between 20-25 who were walking along the road with their mother on their way to church.  

“It is further alleged the silver Audi went on to collide with a maroon Toyota corolla that was in front of it, hit a rock and eventually stopped” he said.

The Motsweding FM Top Dj allegedly fled the scene on foot leaving behind the female passenger and victims strewn across the road.

The police searched for the suspect at his residential place and also at work, but to no avails. 

“The suspect handed himself over to the police at about 11:00am with his legal representative. He was arrested and detained” he outlines.

The suspect who is a radio personality at Motsweding FM was so shocked like confused dinosaurs fleeing Juriseen park amidst the atrocity.

The monstrouss event took place after the station celebrated its new look-up at Mmabatho stadium. 

The Top Dj will appear before Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Monday.-TDN
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Mugabe shows no ill-health at party


Marondera – President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, having spent more than a third of his life as leader of Zimbabwe, lauded as a liberation hero by some and condemned as a human rights abuser by others.

At a birthday party-cum-political rally in a football stadium, Mugabe, showed no signs of ill health after returning from Singapore for what aides said was a cataract operation.

“I am made to feel youthful and as energetic as a boy of nine,” a smiling Mugabe told thousands of supporters at the party, held a few days after his birthday due to the Singapore trip.

Zimbabwe’s sole ruler since the former Rhodesia gained independence from Britain in 1980, Mugabe is under Western sanctions. He denies human rights abuses and election fraud and blames former colonial power Britain for smearing his name.

“The British, we don’t hate you, we only love our country better,” he told the crowd, saying he had received many birthday greetings from compatriots and from foreign leaders including those of China and Russia.

Mugabe’s age and concerns about his health have fuelled a succession battle inside his Zanu-PF party. Vice President Joice Mujuru leads the field but faces a challenge from Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, a powerful former defence and security minister known as “the Crocodile”.

In an apparent response to questions over his health, Mugabe said his abstinence from alcohol and tobacco kept him fit, but he gave no indication of when he planned to retire. His aides have denied speculation he has been treated for prostate cancer.

“God, I can’t thank you enough for that gift of life,” Mugabe said during the event where he spoke for over an hour and walked around the stadium in the small farming town of Marondera, 100km east of Harare.

He told the crowd he intended to crack down on officials, including cabinet ministers, implicated in corruption and fraud in state companies.

Reuters

ANCYL: Election festival success


Johannesburg – The African National Congress Youth League on Sunday labelled its election festival in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg as a success.

“It is worth noting that the election festival… defied and disappointed doomsayers who predicted a poor turnout and a confrontation with rival political parties,” Gauteng ANCYL Provincial Convener Alex Mashilo said in a statement.

“ANCYL members and supporters as always exercised maximum discipline.”
The festival was held just a kilometre away from the Mehlareng stadium where expelled African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema’s party, Economic Freedom Fighters launched its election manifesto on Saturday.

National Task Team Convener Mzwandile Masina said as the task team entrusted with rebuilding the ANCYL, they could not take for granted the commitment demonstrated by millions of young South Africans to be part of a renewed ANCYL.

“The success of the ANCYL programme yesterday is a clear demonstration that we are well on our way to building an ANCYL that is radical and militant, yet not anarchic and disrespect,” he said.

Masina added that they were well on their way towards building a character of the ANCYL different from the one they had inherited, which was morally and financially bankrupt.

“We are happy the ANCYL of Nelson Mandela has been rescued from foreign elements of greed, anarchy and hooliganism,” he said.

– SAPA