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Water supply to be restored by Friday, Govt entourage assures Mothotlung residents


Everything is being done to ensure that water supply to Mothotlung, Damonsville and part of Mmakau is restored by Friday, the government delegation of Ministers and North West Premier Thandi Modise assured community leader in Mothotlung on Tuesday.

Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa said that the required water pump part is on order overseas and would be delivered according to schedule for water supply to be restored.

In conveying condolences to the bereaved families, the entourage pledged support to the families of the fatally shot during a protest march on Monday and to investigate the suspected sabotage that might have led to packing up of three water pumps that supply water to the areas.

Tankering of water during water interruptions which the community was vehemently opposed to the extend that they organised a march to the municipal offices in Brits was alleged to be part of the corrupt practices that they requested thorough investigation including withdrawal of deployees for the Section 154  interventions in Madibeng

.Premier Thandi Modise’s assurance that no stone will be left unturned in the investigations was warmly received by the families that lost their loved ones in the tragic confrontation with police and community leaders.

Modise appealed to the community to give the investigations a chance and to work towards restoration of order in the area while issues they have raised are receiving attention.

Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa who was accompanied by Deputy Minister Maggy Sotyu,National Commissioner General Riyah Phiyega and Provincial Commissioner  Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo appealed to those who had witnessed the confrontation that led to the shooting to avail themselves for the investigation by the independent police investigative directorate.

The Premier’s entourage included MEC’s, the Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Councillor Louis Diremelo, the Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Poppy Magongwa, Members of the Mayoral Committee and local councillors.-TDN
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We are confident we can beat Mali – Vilakazi


Bafana Bafana midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi believes they have what it takes to do well against Mali in the second match of the 2014 CHAN tournament currently underway in three cities – Cape Town, Mangaung and Polokwane.

 

South Africa faces Mali on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Kickoff is at 17h00.

 

Both Mali and Bafana Bafana won their opening matches – 2-1 and 3-1 respectively and are joint top of Group A with South Africa ahead on a better goal difference.

 

“We are well aware of what lies ahead of us. We have been studying their videos and I am convinced we will get the better of them because we know what to expect. They are physically strong but I am certain we will compete,” Vilakazi.

 

“If they go unchecked they could be a serious threat. We know it is going to be a tough one but we will go there very much prepared because we have had two good training sessions since our match against Mozambique. From what we saw in their clash against Nigeria, Mali is, without doubt, a good team but they can be beaten.”

 

South Africa’s victory over Mozambique has certainly boosted the mood in the camp ahead of the important clash with Mali.

 

“It was important for us to get a good start and we want to build on to that. It was never a simple game. It’s never easy in a tournament like this as everyone wants to win. We are motivated to win,” added Vilakazi.

 

Fellow midfielder, Matthew Pattison is also upbeat after Bafana Bafana’s performance on Saturday, 11 January 2014.

 

“First of all it’s good to be back in the national team fold, it is great to see one’s hard work rewarded. We have a new coach and new faces, so it’s nice to see a bit of variety in the team,” said Pattison, who earned his third cap against Mozambique.

 

“We want to get to the knockout stages and the dressing room is upbeat but we know we can do better. We are aware that the Mali players are a bit physical but I enjoy that side of the game so I should be able to compete,” concluded Pattison.-TDN
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A win against Mali is crucial – Igesund


Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has emphasised that the team needs nothing but a win against Mali to increase their chances of qualifying for the next round of the 2014 CHAN tournament.

 

South Africa takes on Mali on Wednesday, 15 January at the Cape Town Stadium. Kick-off is at 17h00.

 

“It is very important for us to go to the match with Nigeria in a very comfortable position. There is a strong possibility that three teams could end on six points each and we don’t want that situation.  We cannot worry about what other teams are doing, but can only worry about what we can control. The players know, and I made it very clear that we have to beat Mali and we will see what happens in the other game – if they end up in a draw the better for us,” said Igesund.

 

“But we don’t want to go that far ahead (into the Nigeria match). We take each game as it comes and after Mali we will think of Nigeria – but tomorrow we will be ready for the game. It should be a tough one but I am quite confident because even though we started slowly I believe we will get stronger and stronger.”

 

Much has been made of the physical nature of Mali’s game, but the Bafana Bafana mentor has a plan.

 

“We are playing against a very good and physical team so we have been working hard on keeping the ball, making quick passes because we don’t want to get into a tussle with them as we will come off second best. We need to be clever and use the ball well and need to be more penetrative than we were in the first match (against Mozambique). So the mission is very clear – we have to get a result in this game so we know where we are,” added Igesund.

 

“Our tactics will change from our clash with Mozambique. We cannot allow Mali free play in the middle of the park because they are a very good side and if they can get a chance they will finish us off. I was quite surprised how impressive Mali was against Nigeria, which indicates we have our work cut out for us. I am contemplating making changes to the playing personnel because this is a totally different game. I want to have a bit more pace going forward but those changes will be completely tactical.”

 

Igesund has also thanked the supporters for coming in numbers to back Bafana Bafana.

 

“I would like to thank the people of Cape Town and we all know the support here has always been wonderful. It is lovely when you walk onto the pitch and you see so many fans in the stands, it is nice to be appreciated and we owe it to them to keep on performing. I just hope our performance against Mozambique will encourage them to come back tomorrow against Mali. I also thank those who supported the team even those from outside Cape Town, we are really grateful,” concluded Igesund.

 

Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations for the game against Mali. The squad has a clean bill of health.

 

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Mozambique later in another Group A at the same venue, kick-off at 20h00.-TDN
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Premier Modise and Minister Molewa to visit families of shot protestors


North West Premier Thandi Modise and Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa are to later this afternoon visit families of the protestors who were fatally shot during a service delivery protest near Damonsville outside Brits.

Premier Modise had earlier appealed for calm and expressed condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Modise had also appealed to those with information surrounding the clash between the protestors and the police and the shooting to assist the independent police investigative directorate in their investigation.

 “Our hard won democracy guarantees people the right to peaceful protest. While we sympathise with the need for our communities to voice their frustrations and dissatisfaction with service delivery, we wish to appeal that such protests be in accordance with the public gatherings act to avoid unnecessary confrontations and loss of lives,” Premier Modise had underscored.-TDN
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We are confident we can beat Mali – Vilakazi


Bafana Bafana midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi believes they have what it takes to do well against Mali in the second match of the 2014 CHAN tournament currently underway in three cities – Cape Town, Mangaung and Polokwane.

 

South Africa faces Mali on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Kickoff is at 17h00.

 

Both Mali and Bafana Bafana won their opening matches – 2-1 and 3-1 respectively and are joint top of Group A with South Africa ahead on a better goal difference.

 

“We are well aware of what lies ahead of us. We have been studying their videos and I am convinced we will get the better of them because we know what to expect. They are physically strong but I am certain we will compete,” Vilakazi.

 

“If they go unchecked they could be a serious threat. We know it is going to be a tough one but we will go there very much prepared because we have had two good training sessions since our match against Mozambique. From what we saw in their clash against Nigeria, Mali is, without doubt, a good team but they can be beaten.”

 

South Africa’s victory over Mozambique has certainly boosted the mood in the camp ahead of the important clash with Mali.

 

“It was important for us to get a good start and we want to build on to that. It was never a simple game. It’s never easy in a tournament like this as everyone wants to win. We are motivated to win,” added Vilakazi.

 

Fellow midfielder, Matthew Pattison is also upbeat after Bafana Bafana’s performance on Saturday, 11 January 2014.

 

“First of all it’s good to be back in the national team fold, it is great to see one’s hard work rewarded. We have a new coach and new faces, so it’s nice to see a bit of variety in the team,” said Pattison, who earned his third cap against Mozambique.

 

“We want to get to the knockout stages and the dressing room is upbeat but we know we can do better. We are aware that the Mali players are a bit physical but I enjoy that side of the game so I should be able to compete,” concluded Pattison.-TDN
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Seven in court for murder


By Obakeng Maje
Sun City-The seven suspects who appeared in Mogwase Magistrates’ Court yesterday for the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man remains in custody till 21 January 2014 for their next court appearance, says colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.

Thabo Phillimon Magomeng,24, Lucy Mahlangu,39, Kelebogile Molapisi,29, Maggie Yvonne Qhayi,34, George Niki Mahlangu,21, Siphiwe Mahlangu,33, Lucky Deon Sito,42 and Neo Ngaledzani,26 are accused.  

The incident occurred on Saturday, 11 January 2014, at approximately 00:30 at Letlhabile section, Ledig village near Sun City. 

“It is alleged that the victim was with his friend when the accused assaulted them, amongst others with sjamboks for allegedly suspecting that they stole a cellular phone” said colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.

According to the report, one of the victims managed to break free and ran away while the other was taken to Moses Kotane hospital by an ambulance after a severe assault.  

The police were later called and informed that the victim died.

The police launched a manhunt for the suspects and that led to their apprehension through assistance and pointing by the other victim.-TDN
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Seven accused remanded in custody


By Obakeng Maje
Sun City-The seven suspects who appeared in Mogwase Magistrates’ Court yesterday for the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man remains in custody till 21 January 2014 for their next court appearance, says colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.

Thabo Phillimon Magomeng,24, Lucy Mahlangu,39, Kelebogile Molapisi,29, Maggie Yvonne Qhayi,34, George Niki Mahlangu,21, Siphiwe Mahlangu,33, Lucky Deon Sito,42 and Neo Ngaledzani,26 are accused.  

The incident occurred on Saturday, 11 January 2014, at approximately 00:30 at Letlhabile section, Ledig village near Sun City. 

“It is alleged that the victim was with his friend when the accused assaulted them, amongst others with sjamboks for allegedly suspecting that they stole a cellular phone” said colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.

According to the report, one of the victims managed to break free and ran away while the other was taken to Moses Kotane hospital by an ambulance after a severe assault.  

The police were later called and informed that the victim died.

The police launched a manhunt for the suspects and that led to their apprehension through assistance and pointing by the other victim.-TDN
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Premier Modise appeals for calm following fatal shooting of protesters


North West Premier Thandi Modise has appealed for calm and constructive engagement following the alleged fatal shooting of two protestors during a service delivery protest near Damonsville outside Brits on Monday.

“We are saddened by the loss of lives which unconfirmed reports suggest might have risen to four and wish to convey our condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and also wish those injured a speedy recovery. We appeal to those with information surrounding the clash between the protestors and the police and the shooting to assist the independent police investigative directorate in their investigation,” said Premier Modise.
Spokesperson for IPID, Moses Dlamini confirmed that a murder docket has been opened and that an investigation was underway.Dlamini said that a post mortem examination of the two bodies would be conducted on Tuesday
 

Police had earlier said that two protesters were shot dead and two were wounded during a service delivery protest.Colonel Sabata Mokgobone said that police were called to monitor protesters after they barricaded a road with burning tyres.

Residents of Mothotlung, Damonville and part of Mmakau had been without water for a week due to a busted pipe.

Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality Councillor Poppy Magongwa who visited the injured in hospital while members of her mayoral committee visited the bereaved families said that residents were unhappy with tankering and were on route marching to the municipal offices in Brits when the confrontation with police occurred.

Magongwa is confident that water supply to the affected areas will be restored within the next few days as the ordered part still has to be manufactured as it is not readily available.    

“Our hard won democracy guarantees people the right to peaceful protest. While we sympathise with the need for our communities to voice their frustrations and dissatisfaction with service delivery, we wish to appeal that such protests be in accordance with the public gatherings act to avoid unnecessary confrontations and loss of lives,” underscored Premier Modise.

The Premier said it was unfortunate that the shooting occurred on the eve of a crucial meeting between herself and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, MEC’s, Mayors, Councillors and Municipal Managers to be held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre to explore solutions to challenges of water provision, water losses, water resource management and beneficial use of water which has been worsened by the drought that hit most parts of the province.

The meeting is primarily aimed at ensuring that everyone has access to water and that growth and development targets are met.-TDN
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Premier Modise welcomes no bail for six rape and robbery suspects


Modikwe-North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed a no bail verdict for six suspects alleged to have raped a 25 year old woman in Modikwe village and called for a stiff sentence possible should they be found guilty. 

“Harsher sentences should serve as a deterrent to dissuade perpetrators of sexual violence which remain a traumatic experience with long term psychological effects on women and an abominable scourge against which society needs to unite in action to eradicate,” said Premier Modise.

The Premier said that the arrests should bring much relief to the community as the suspects had been terrorising members of the community.
 
The woman was reportedly sleeping when the suspects wearing balaclavas broke into her home on Christmas eve.

According to a media report, while the gangsters ransacked the house one of them took her to another room where he forcefully removed her clothes and raped her.

The six suspects were remanded in custody when they appeared in court.-TDN
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Two protesters killed in Brits


Brits – Two protesters were shot dead and two were wounded during a service delivery protest in Brits on Monday, North West police said.

Police were called to monitor protesters after they barricaded a road with burning tyres, said Colonel Sabata Mokgobone.

Residents started protesting on Sunday afternoon about a water shortage in Brits.

Details of the shooting were not clear, Mokgobone said. – Sapa