crime wave at Vaalwater P. 2
R1-20/FREE
2016
22 April
“Suspicious men” crash into resort wall
Two traffic officers checking the papers of the foreigners nabbed in a truck. Photo: TK Mashaba
Skid marks on the road where the Toyota had been going before it struck the wall. Photo supplied
78 foreign nationals nabbed for illegal immigration TK Mashaba
One of the walls at the Bela-Bela Forever Resort’s caravan park has been damaged after a high speed chase between an unknown driver and members of the Bela-Bela Crime Support unit. Photo supplied Justin Steyn A Jinnah Park resident faces charges of reckless driving after crashing his blue Toyota Condor into a wall at Bela-Bela Forever Resorts’ caravan area in the early morning hours of Friday, 15 April. The accident took place at around 02:00 in the morning. A case of reckless and negligent driving was opened against the driver of the vehicle, who has not yet been identified. The owner of the vehicle was identified as Lukas Modise. Modise was a passenger in the car at the time of the accident. According to a report by Forever Resorts’ medical officer Pieter Scheepers, Modise said that the driver of the vehicle had dropped off a friend after prayers at church. Arriving at their home in Jinnah Park, they were intercepted by two vehicles. The driver apparently told Modise that he was scared because he had been hijacked
three weeks ago in Pretoria, and decided to drive to the police station. According to the driver, the other vehicles followed him, shining bright lights at him, and he couldn’t see the wall. He drove straight into the wall at speed. He was taken to the Bela-Bela Local Hospital for a check-up. The other vehicles turned out to be members of the Bela-Bela Crime Support unit. The unit’s chairperson, Elri Arlow, said that the unit had made a drug-related arrest earlier that night and were on the lookout for suspicious activity. In this case, the vehicle was apparently “looking suspicious” and they decided to investigate. This resulted in the chase, which led to the accident. Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla of the BelaBela Police said that the matter is still under investigation. At the time of going to press no arrests have been made and the damage to the wall is estimated at approximately R4 000. The AA advises citizens who are
The badly damaged Toyota Condor that drove through the wall. Photo supplied uncomfortable stopping even for the police late at night to follow the following procedure if ordered to stop by a legitimate authority: *Slow down to 40km/h and turn your hazard lights on; *Place your right arm out the window and gesture for the vehicle to follow you; *Proceed to the nearest police or petrol station — a well-lit and safe area; *Call 10111 and try to get the registration number of the car following you; *Inform the operator that you are being flagged down by a police officer and are stopping at a safe place; *When you arrive at the police or petrol station, remain in the vehicle until instructed otherwise by an officer. These instructions are, according to the AA and First for Women, a compromise between the fact that it is illegal to disobey an order from a police or traffic officer, and the fact that stopping for anyone at all late at night may be considered dangerous.
A group of 78 illegal immigrants had their journey interrupted when Sello Maleka, a traffic officer at Bela-Bela, smelled a rat and stopped their truck on Wednesday, 13 April. According to Maleka, the truck had just crossed the railway line to divert around Bela-Bela’s town centre. It was on the R101 en route from Modimolle. “I followed the vehicle and stopped it. When I asked the driver he said he was carrying fridges and furniture, but I could hear noises in the back,” said Maleka. He opened the back of the truck and found 78 people, mostly Malawian, hiding in the back. He took them to the Traffic Department to check their documents. During an interview the truck driver, Bandah Hamza Manzie, said that he met the passengers at the border gate, and they asked him to transport them across the border and into South Africa. Continued on page 3
CRIME
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Vaalwater’s crime wave
22 April, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Man in court for housebreaking and theft Lizzy Bapela
PEP Stores in Vaalwater was burgled sometime during the weekend of 16 and 17 April. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
Marlene Vermaak Business robberies seem to be happening every weekend in Vaalwater, and criminals are getting to be braver and more confident in their attacks. At some point in the weekend of 16 and 17 March, PEP Stores was broken into by unknown parties. The staff found the evidence of the intrusion on Monday. “The suspects managed to disconnect the alarm system without any problems and came in through the roof of the building,” said Police Spokesperson Constable Simon Makhuvele from the Vaalwater Police Station. “This must have happened in the time since the shop closed on Saturday and possibly during the day or night of Sunday.” Makhuvele explained that the criminals broke open the safe, just as had happened in several similar incidents over the past few months. They made their escape with cell phones and stock to the value of R200 000. PEP Stores are the last in the line of other businesses in Vaalwater which have recently suffered the same fate. Vaalwater Irrigation, Obaro, Price Paradise, and a number of smaller café’s and spaza shops have all been robbed recently. “Unemployment in Vaalwater and
Leseding is very high and there are a lot of people that battle to make ends meet,” said Vaalwater police spokesperson Warrant Officer Petrus Lefoka. “One way businesses can help to alleviate this problem is by employing locals to become security guards at night. We have found that this is a very effective way to keep criminals at bay. One such business in Vaalwater has not had a single incident for two whole years, since they employed a permanent security guard.” “Home burglaries are also escalating and residents of farms in the area as well as residents in town need to be a lot more safety conscious. At a lot of properties where we do security visits, we find that doors and gates are not locked. And then people wonder how criminals get in so easily,” he said. He also mentioned that the number of cases of rape against underage girls have increased dramatically. “Girls, especially girls from Meetsetshehla Secondary School, must be very aware of their surroundings. They should not walk alone, through the bush, or at night, and should always walk to and from school in groups,” he said. “A 14-year old girl was raped last week and the case has been referred to the Sexual Crimes Unit in Modimolle. There are currently no suspects in the case.”
Crime round-up Lizzy Bapela Eight women were arrested for illegal gambling in Bela-Bela on Monday, 11 April. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that her colleagues, Constables Tshepo Thlako and Bafedile Nkwe, were patrolling in the township in the afternoon of the day in question when they came across the eight women playing cards at a house in Zuma View. The officers arrested all of the suspects and fined them with different amounts. Constable Maleto said that the police would like to warn members of the community against illegal activities such as gambling. *A man in Bela-Bela was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment when he appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 April. Shimane Piet Molekwa (24) was arrested in July 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Constable Glen Manamela of the local Crime Prevention Unit said that she saw a dark green Toyota Corolla which failed to stop at the stop sign in Mabusela Street during her patrol, and followed it. She said that she managed to stop the vehicle. As soon as the car’s door opened, she said, her suspicions that the driver was under the influence were confirmed. A case was opened and the suspect was arrested on the spot. Molekwa’s sentence was suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not found guilty of the same crime. * Thomas Mongwane (31) was sentenced to nine months in prison or a
fine of R3 000 when he appeared in court on Monday, 11 April on charges of drug possession. Reservist Constable Rabatho Peter Kgabo said that he was on duty when he arrested Mongwane in March 2016. He received a tip-off that a man was selling dagga from a house in Leseding. Kabo found a woman and two men when he arrived at the house. The police received permission to search the premises and found two plastic bags containing dagga in Mongwane’s wardrobe. He was arrested for the possession of dagga. * Tshepiso John Malete was sentenced to three months or a fine of R3 000 when he appeared in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 12 April. Malete was arrested for theft, after a security guard at Spar noticed 27 newspapers missing from a locked box. Malete was found with the help of CCTV footage which showed his face. He was arrested at the town clinic. Malete’s sentence was suspended for five years, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Bela-Bela Police arrested a 22-year old man and charged him with theft, housebreaking and intent to steal, and another count of theft in February 2016. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that the police received a complaint from a manager at the local Fruit ‘n Veg on the day in question. The complainant said that he was checking the invoices in the office when he noticed a man stealing from the shelves. He said that the suspect took a packet of cheese, put it in his pants, and covered it with his T-shirt.
The man then went to the milk counter, where he took milk, for which he paid at the cashiers before leaving. The suspect, Fannie Mokone, was stopped as he was leaving the store. Constable Maleto said that he tried to flee but was captured by security. They found two packets containing 24 wrapped cheddarflavoured full-cream processed cheese in his possession when they searched him. Mokone appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 April, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Half of his sentence was suspended for a period of five years, on the condition that he is not found guilty of theft during that time.
Bela-Bela man arrested after contravening protection order Lizzy Bapela A man in Bela-Bela was recently sentenced after contravening a protection order in October 2015. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that the complainant alleged that she was asleep at her home on the day in question when her ex-boyfriend, Frans Ngobeni (41), called out to her to wake up. The complainant told the police that she refused to open the door for him when he told her to, and he eventually left. She alleged that the suspect returned and knocked on the window of her bedroom, shouting insults and demanding that she open the door for him.
Her son went outside to ask Ngobeni what he wanted, and the suspect threw hot water at him and ran away. Constable Maleto said that Ngobeni contravened a protection order that had been granted against him. She said that a case was opened, and he was arrested at a later stage. Ngobeni was sentenced to six months in prison or a fine of R6 000 when he appeared in court on Thursday, 14 April. The Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court suspended his sentence for three years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar crime in that time. The police were not able to say whether the complainant’s son suffered injuries as a result of the ordeal.
Change for Bela-Bela launches soon TK Mashaba Change for Bela-Bela, a new NGO, will be launching on 7 May at Sunfa Stadium. The purpose of the event will be to inform the community about what Change for BelaBela is fighting for, and what is at stake should we fail to come together to fight back. “We will also make use of this occasion to get input and feedback from the community as to their most pressing concerns, update our soon-to-be-launched WhatsApp Group registries, and formulate a way forward in
order for real change to happen,” he said. “Change for Bela-Bela is an NGO and non-political movement which is more concerned about the future of the town,” said NJ Van Heerden, the organization’s coordinator. Van Heerden said that it was about time people became more involved in matters that affect them, and the Change for BelaBela group was the only platform to raise their concern. Van Heerden promised that the launch will be attended by well-known celebrities and will have entertainment for attendees.
Modimolle-based Non-Profit Organisation, New Age Organisation (NAO) recently hosted a career advice and guidance session named “Discover Your Career” with the main focus being on the Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners. NAO Managing Director Edward Sox Masingi indicated that the next programme will also accommodate Grade 9 and Grade 10 learners. The programme covers among others, career fields and interests, personality, where to study, subject choices and accredited institutions in SA. Masingi urged learners to participate in building their own future. The New Age Organisation is available on Facebook, or e-mail newageorg4@gmail.com(.) Masingi can also be contacted on 071 507 8123. Photo supplied
22 April, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
A long road from Malawi - TK Mashaba
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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Eureka…we have water!
Some of the group line up to be taken to the police station. Photo: TK Mashaba
The truck driver Bandah Hamza Manzie looked puzzled after he was told that he risked the passengers’ lives loading them in one truck. Photo: TK Mashaba Continued from page 1 “We have come a long way from Malawi and some of the traffic officers will take bribes to let us pass,” Manzie said. Manzie had a passport, but not a drivers’ license, and was detained with 29 others while the other 48 were released from the Bela-Bela Police Station on Friday, 15 April. They appeared briefly in court on Friday,
The fridges inside the truck that were put next to the door to hide the passengers. Photo: TK Mashaba and will appear again on 25 April on charges of being in the country illegally. David Raborolo from the Bela-Bela Municipality said that this has been one of the largest illegal immigrant busts in the town’s history, and commended Maleka for his excellent work. The Immigration Office for the Waterberg district refused to comment about the matter.
EFF complains about Mayor’s postponement of IDP meeting Municipal staff took to the streets to announce that the IDP meeting due to have taken place on 13 April was being cancelled. Photo: TK Mashaba
The Muslim community, with the help of sponsors, drilled three boreholes in Modimolle to relieve the water crisis. Photo: Ronél van Jaarsveld Ronél van Jaarsveld The water crisis at Modimolle has been mitigated slightly by the three boreholes drilled by the town’s Muslim community. The first borehole was drilled at Nylstroom Primary School, and found excellent water. The borehole was drilled by Crescent of Hope. The second borehole was drilled at Hector Peterson Primary School in Phagameng, and enabled the school to use their flush toilets normally for the first time in months. The third borehole was drilled at Phomolong in Phagameng and was sponsored by Operation Hydrate, which
Ward 2’s IDP Presentation almost gets out of hand The Mayor of BelaBela, Lucas Nhlapo, during his IDP presentation at the Bela-Bela community hall. Photo: TK Mashaba
EFF members who arrived to attend the IDP meeting at Spa Park Community Hall. Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members at Bela-Bela have complained about Bela-Bela Mayor, Lucas Nhlapo’s running of the municipality. This comes after an IDP meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday, 13 April, was postponed at the last minute. The meeting was postponed at such short notice that several people had already assembled at the community hall, including EFF members. Loudhailers spread the word that the meeting was postponed until further notice. The EFF members complained that Nhlapo is undermining the community by failing to arrive for the meeting. “How can a meeting be postponed at the last minute while people are here to listen
to the IDP?” demanded EFF Sub-Regional Chairperson Sello Mosoeu. “Nhlapo can’t always change the meetings to a time that suits him. After all, people took leave from their jobs to come here and listen to him, but he did not show up.” This is the second time in a row that Nhlapo did not attend an IDP meeting. On Monday, 11 April, he also did not make it to Ward 6’s IDP meeting. It was alleged at the time that he was afraid of the community. A Bela-Bela standby communications person, David Raborolo, who was announcing the postponement at Spa Park, said that the meeting was halted when Ward 9 Ward Councillor, Kobus van der Merwe, was unavailable, as he was at the Bela-Bela Hospital. “According to the rule of the Municipality every IDP Meeting should be attended by the Ward Councillor and the Mayor,” Raborolo said.
made the news earlier this year by handing out water to Modimolle’s residents. According to Muhammed Ravat, a local resident who was involved with Operation Hydrate, the boreholes cost around R60 000 each, and are equipped with a pump, a water tank, and two taps.He said that the boreholes have been handed over to the schools on whose premises they were drilled. “We have an agreement that they will provide water to all the inhabitants in the area if there are water shortages,” he said. The boreholes were drilled on the school premises to prevent equipment theft. “We identified where more boreholes are needed, but we are still looking for sponsors who can help pay for them,” he said.
Former DA councillor, Keenan Alberts, angry at mayor Nhlapo during inputs and question sessions. Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba The Ward 2 IDP Presentation presented by Bela-Bela Mayor Lucas Nhlapo on Thursday, 14 April at the Bela-Bela Community Hall came close to chaos when the audience were asked for their input. The conflict started when the Mayor was asked why he skipped several wards’ IDP meetings but attended Ward 2’s. Nhlapo looked quite calm as he told the audience that they need to understand where Bela-Bela is coming from and where
it is going. In his presentation, he highlighted that it was important that the community should add their input on the presentation so that when the financial year starts they may cover their needs, and that he will attend all the wards as per legislation. Some of the projects Nhlapo mentioned as plans for the 2016/2017 financial year include bulk water sewerage at Extension 9, upgrades to Sunfa Stadium, street upgrades at Spa Park, and pavement, access roads, and fences at the Bela-Bela cemetery.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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Let’s go 50/50- Modimolle Local Municipality Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has promised Modimolle residents that accounts will be analysed and feedback will be given in due course. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane As a part of a plan to enhance revenue collection in the area, the Modimolle Local Municipality has announced that a new system will be put in place to deal with outstanding accounts. The municipality has put up public notices in the area, informing residents that with effect from 18 April, accounts that are in arrears will be settled through prepaid electricity. It was stated in the notice that the municipality was in the process of implementing a variety of solutions to enhance revenue collection and improve service delivery. “From the 18th April 2016, outstanding arrears owed to the municipality may be collected via Prepaid Electricity purchases at a
ratio of 50% to outstanding debt and 50% to electricity. This is as per the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy of the municipality. We urge all municipal customers to ensure that their amounts owing to the municipality are up to date and settled in full,” the municipality stated in a public notice. In an almost similar attempt earlier this year, the municipality introduced a system whereby the meter numbers of account holders with unpaid debt were to be blocked. The arrangement was that account holders would be unable to purchase electricity until they have paid their outstanding water, refuse and sewerage accounts. Members of the community did not react well to the prior suggestion, with Modimolle later
being engulfed in service delivery protests relating to lack of water, weak electricity supply and accounts that are in arrears. Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha visited the area amidst the violent protests, and promised that the issue of account holders who were reportedly billed unduly will be investigated and that feedback will be given in due course. At the time Premier Mathabatha said that CoGHSTA and the local municipality will analyse all accounts, and later decide how to resolve the matter The BEAT contacted the Modimolle Local Municipality spokesperson Patrick Shika on Monday 18 April, who confirmed that the new system was indeed effected on that particular day (Monday 18 April).
Residents to dig deeper into their pockets Mzamane Ringane Residents in both Modimolle and Mabatlane will have to dig deeper into their pockets for basic services like water and electricity. This comes at a time when the Modimolle Local Municipality has recently introduced stringent methods of debt collection, as a result of nonpayment of accounts by many consumers. Speaking to the residents of Mabatlane, on Monday 18 April, Modimolle Mayor Kgaretja Lekalakala indicated that a 12% increase was proposed for domestic water, 9% increase for business and a further 9% increase for bulk water. There was a proposed 12% increase for electricity, and there was also a proposed hike in sanitation tariffs and refuse rates. Mayor Lekalakala also said that the local residents have pleaded with the municipality that they need among other services, electricity in every household, water, street-lights, water taps in every household and a primary school in Extension 4. A recurring plea for land was also mentioned as one of the needs that the residents have brought home to the municipality. Mayor Lekalakala also gave a detailed progress report on projects that the municipality has already started working on. She said a sewer reticulation project at extension 2, extension 4 and industrial area with a budget of
Modimolle Mayor Kgaretja Lekalakala and Municipal Manager Sam Bambo attended the IDP meeting in Mabatlane. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
R430 000 was currently at a planning stage. Another sewer reticulation project to a tune of R500 000 at Mabatlane’s Extension 3 was, according to the mayor, also at a planning stage. Mayor Lekalakala said another project for the paving of streets at Leseding extension 1 and extension 2, with a budget of R3 003 845,66 was at the tender phase, for phase 2 contractor. Although the turnout was not impressive at this meeting, the small audience that attended the meeting had a lot to say to the municipality’s representatives. Mabatlane resident Jack Seodisa pleaded with the municipality to give urgent attention to extension 5, as the area becomes waterlogged on rainy
days. He indicated that residents have already identified a portion of land that they requested the municipality to acquire, so that they can have a place to stay. Local pensioner Samuel Mafora questioned the way in which services are being rendered in the area. Mafora said he feels as if apartheid is being applied in reversal mode, charging that the municipality is neglecting residents who live in town. He complained about the state of roads in town, and also expressed grievous concern about a park that has been abandoned. Mafora pleaded with the municipality to create opportunities for young people, by giving them jobs to clean areas like the reportedly ignored park.
Press Release
Grade 9s: don’t leave subject choice decisions to the last minute Grade Nines preparing to enter their final phase of schooling next year will in coming months be expected to select the subjects that will see them through to matric. But that decision is too important to shelve away until the time comes, an expert says, and it should already be top of mind for learners who want to give themselves the best chance for success in Grade 12 and beyond. “Towards the end of the year, Grade 9-learners will be given the opportunity to select which subjects they will take in their last three years of school and be tested on during the National Senior Certificate Exams in 2019,” notes Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution. “It is an exceptionally hard choice to make, and many factors need to be taken into consideration,” says Payne, adding that these choices will have a profound impact on the qualifications to which learners will have access and, as a result, the careers they will be able to follow. “Choosing subjects should not be based on a gut feel or a kneejerk towards easier subjects. They must be chosen very carefully, and only after proper research about the implications of choosing certain subjects and not others. The best way to go about making subject choices later this year, is to immediately start considering one’s options constantly, and refining them in the coming months. “This is one of the first opportunities learners of this age will have to practice strategic decision-making that will have a major impact on their lives. It should be looked at as an exciting first step into their future as adults, and also a valuable learning tool.” Payne says the process can be made much less intimidating by sticking to the following guidelines: Already know what you want to study? Then study up on entrance requirements. If you are clear about what you want to do, check out the websites of both public and private higher education institutions to verify their requirements, and let that guide your subject choices. Very importantly, look at a range of different institutions and courses within your field to allow
yourself some choice and a Plan B after matric. Don’t know? Then leave as many options available as possible. Those who are not yet sure about their future direction should choose subject combinations that will leave them with options and room to manoeuvre later, including Maths and Science. Learners who struggle with precisely these subjects, should consider keeping only one of them to focus their efforts. And Maths Literacy should only be considered as a last resort, Payne says. Consider what makes you happy As you spend time at your desk every day, going from class to class, and completing your homework, be alert to which subjects make you come alive a little more than others. Determine which subjects mirror your interests and career dreams, and include them. And carefully research how your favourite subjects manifest in the working world, as you may potentially have more - and more interesting - options than you are currently aware of. Consider what you are good at Choose at least two subjects in which you can do really well. Admission to higher education is performance-based, so it makes sense to do very well in some subjects rather than badly in all of them because you chose only gateway subjects. Don’t sell yourself short You may think you won’t stand a chance of getting good sufficient grades to enter higher education post matric. But remember that the South African National Senior Certificate has four levels of pass. While one of them is the degree pass, you could also qualify for diploma or higher certificate study. These two qualifications, which are normally vocationally or careerfocused, could give you access straight to the world of work and even degree study if you wanted to do it later. There are also options in public and private FET Colleges, or you may even be entrepreneurial and want to start your own business. “The key to making the best subject choices for your future self is to ensure you do your research thoroughly, and at a comfortable pace so you don’t have to rush the decision. Don’t leave it until the end of the year, when you might be tempted to just tick the same boxes your friends are ticking, and in the process set yourself up for frustration and disappointment,” says Payne.
22 April, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Dogs protect home when you’re not there
PRIVATE BAG X340, MOOKGOPHONG 0560 TEL: (014) 743 6600 FAX: (014) 743 2434 VISION: We strive for the creation of an economic hub build on tourism, agriculture and mining. MISSION: We focus on delivering quality, equitable and sustainable services in transparent and accountable manner.
PUBLIC REGISTRATION OF INDIGENT FOR 2016/2017 FINANCIAL YEAR. All residents of Mookgophong Local Municipality are hereby invited to register as indigents household beneficiaries for the 2016/2017 financial year. Registration will be done from 09 May 2016. Please note that application forms for the registration for an indigents will be available at the Mookgophong Municipal Offices at Corner Nelson Mandela Street and Sixth Street and venues as mentioned here under. Total monthly income of all occupants of the household must not exceed R3000.00 to qualify. The reguired documents needed to be able to qualify as indigent are:
secure a crime scene but that it was not necessary to shoot the dog. “The police have a duty to protect the community and to protect crime scenes for inspection purposes. However, I feel it was unnecessary for the police to shoot the dog and there could have been ways to divert the dog’s attention,”Sekoaila further explained that every homeowner is responsible for the security of his own home and to prevent potentially dangerous dogs from being in reach of the outside. He said people keep dogs for the protection of their property and assets and that strangers enter the premises at own risk. When asked about the restrictions for the living area of a dog, Sekoaila said that residents should consult their own municipal bylaws but said that there is no limit to where a
dog can be kept on a property. “It would be unfair to expect that pet owners should keep their dogs on only certain areas of their premises. Where you keep your dog on your property is your choice. Owners need only ensure that dangerous dogs must be kept away from the public. For example you cannot keep a large aggressive dog behind a small wall and expect him not to eventually attack a passer-by,” he said. Roy Bregman of Bregman & Moodley attorneys in Johannesburg told The BEAT that it is the dog owners’ responsibility to ensure that all precautions are taken to ensure that dogs do not bite people. People who keep large, aggressive dogs must ensure that their animals are kept under control, he said.
EDITORIAL POLICY We at th
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MOOKGOPHONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Justin Steyn A rather disturbing video of an incident where two dogs appear to kill an alleged trespasser killed has circulated on the internet recently. The disturbing footage shows two pit-bulls attacking and killing an unknown man who came into their owner’s premises while he was not at home. The video, however, becomes more disturbing when one of the policemen at the scene shoots one of the dogs in order to save the man. The video was met with much disappointment all over the country when several people condemned the actions of the police. The majority feel that the man’s life could have been saved in a different way and that the dog’s life should be spared because he acted only out of protection for his master’s property. The BEAT asked Kwena Sekoaila, a Legalwise legal representative, in Polokwane on what you and your dog’s right are when you are not at home. Sekoaila said that if any person enters your premises without your consent or knowledge, it is immediately considered as unlawful trespassing. Sekoaila further explained that it is primarily the duty of the police to
EDITORIAL
• Certified identity document • Old age pension receipt of child support grant, or any applicable income • Municipal account • If Unemployed, a letter from Social worker or affidavit from SAPS Mookgophong Municipality will be registering and assisting residents to enable them to qualify for indigents support grant (free basic services) at the following venues:
For more information please contact Jones Mokwele at 014 743 6600 and Sarah Baloyi at 014 743 6600 during office hours. Municipal Manager OP Sebola
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
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April a significant month in SA’s history Kgomotso Betty Dhlamini of Modimolle believes that her vote will definitely play a major role in ensuring that the country’s legacy is restored. “My vote counts, and that is why I want to be among the voters during this year’s elections.” She said she would like to see a corruption-free South Africa and leaders who are serving communities relentlessly. Dhlamini believes that the young people are enjoying the fruits of freedom, but then again warned that the privilege should not be abused. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Rame / Framing of photo’s, certificates, paintings, pictures etc. For quality and quick service phone: Magda 071 882 3042
LEGALS NOTICE ERF 70 PHAGAMENG TOWNSHIP Notice in terms of Section 56 of Town Planning and Townships Ordinance 1986, (Ord 15 of 1986) Read together with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013 (Act 16 of 2013). I, PULE SELAMOLELA of the firm TownCon (Pty) Ltd, being the authorized agent of the owner of erf 70 Phagameng Township, hereby give notice in terms of Section 56 (1) (b) (i) of Town Planning and Townships Ordinance 1986, (15 of 1986) read together with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 2013 (Act 16 of 2013), that I have applied to the Modimolle Local Municipality for the amendment of the Modimolle Land Use Scheme 2004 by the rezoning of the property decribed above from “Residential 1” to Residential 2" subject to conditions. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, OR Tambo Civic Centre, Harry Gwala Street, Modimolle, for a period of 28 days from 22 April 2016. Objections to or representation in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to the above address or at Private Bag x1006, Modimolle, 0510, within a period of 30 days from the day of first publication. Address of agent: P M SELAMOLELA, Unit 12 Tuscanny Park, Allen Street, Modimolle, 0510.
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Mesiah Wizzie Sithole who will also be voting for the first time, said he believes that his vote will be significant in shaping his country’s well-being. He told The BEAT that he hopes that his vote will count in creating job opportunities for the youth. Sithole says he is enjoying the freedom of movement, without restrictions whenever he travels to any desired destination in the country. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane While young and old people recently registered with the IEC for the oncoming elections earlier this month, the entire country is also commemorating notable events that occurred several years ago during April. On 1 April 1995, the African National Congress (ANC) launched a boycott of Bantu Education, with both educators and pupils taking part in this initiative. Later in 1959 from 4 to 6 April, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) under the stewardship of Robert Sobukwe, was founded in Soweto. It was also during this month when citizens from across the country received the devastating news of the passing of South African Communist Party (SACP) leader
Chris Hani. According to the reports, Hani died after he was shot in the head by Janusz Walu?, as he stepped out of his car outside his home in Boksburg on 10 April 1993. The unforgettable event of all times was the dawn of freedom in 1994, after the first democratic general elections in the country. The general elections were held in South Africa on 27 April 1994, a day which has been marked as a public holiday and named Freedom Day Millions of South Africans took part in those elections. Twenty-two years since birth of democracy, young people will be among voters who will be queueing for the local government elections on 3 August this year. The BEAT spoke to two young people who will be voting for the first time, to hear their thoughts on elections and to also understand their definition of freedom.
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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KK United concedes 110 goals in 22 matches
KK United has already conceded 110 goals in the league. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane In what can be deemed as the Waterberg SAB Regional League lowlight of the season, KK United has conceded a massive 110 goals in 22 matches so far as the league race is drawing to a close. This team has only secured 2 wins, 2 draws and suffered 18 losses. They scored 33 goals in the process. KK United will need a miracle or very hard
work to survive relegation this season. This struggling is placed in the 13th place on the log standings, with only eight points in the bag. Two of their league matches were not played this weekend, resulting to a walkover in their favour. On top of the log, Qualitho FC and Modimolle Home Defenders are neck and neck with 55 points each. Qualitho FC is on top due to their highest goal difference, while Home Defenders are
District mayor hosts golf day gala dinner The Waterberg District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane encouraged young people to become actively involved in sport. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The Waterberg District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane encouraged young people to demonstrate civic pride and become actively involved in sport, as it is a universal language, something that is understood by all or most of the world’s population. The mayor said this during the Mayoral Golf Day gala dinner at Zebula Golf Estate on Friday, 8 April. Municipal spokesperson Pat Malete said that the Waterberg Mayoral Golf Day has become a premier golf event that aims to promote cooperation between the business community and government. He added that they are encouraged by the fact that the business community takes a far more positive and optimistic view of the Waterberg District‘s future and that of the citizens. They therefore believe this to be one of the most effective ways to build and achieve a caring, united and socially cohesive district. One of the eight strategic priority areas within the Integrated Development Plan is sports, arts and culture. The event afforded attendees a platform to network and build partnerships that will take the Mayoral Golf Day forward. It also
saw a pleasing attendance from the sponsors, stakeholders and businesspeople, whose participation in the event is said to demonstrate their striving towards creating a more caring society. During her address, the mayor said that they used to train learners in golf during school holidays in the past but could not continue with the programme due to limited resources. She added that they did that in the belief that golf training is a long process and it also gives children insight into this sport, which is not popular like other sporting codes amongst young people. “It also plays an important role in keeping our children off the streets and away from social challenges like drug and alcohol abuse, crime and teenage pregnancy. Therefore, as years go by and the children graduate from primary to high school, they grow with the sport, become passionate about it and continue to participate in it and adopt it as the one sport they play even as adults. I extend my appreciation to our sponsors, stakeholders and businesspeople who contributed to the success of the 2016 Mayoral Golf Day. I also acknowledge the strategic partnership we have forged and enjoy with UNISA which comes a long way,” she said. Both the district municipality and the university jointly embarked on the “Adopt a School Campaign” in 2013, which resulted in Seoketseng Secondary School in Lephalale benefiting from a donation of more than 12 000 books from UNISA. They also jointly hosted the Breakfast Session in 2015, where experts were invited to workshop councillors and SMMEs on tax matters.
sitting on the second spot. Qualitho FC lost 2-1 to NTK Happy Boys on Saturday 16 April, but then came in with a massive 3-0 win when they hosted Diesel n Dust on Sunday 17 April. Diesel n Dust failed to secure a single point last weekend, as they also lost 3-1 when they hosted Home Defenders. Third-placed Modimolle All Stars thrashed Bussel FC 4-2 on Sunday. Prior to that game, Bussel FC also suffered a 4-1 loss to Bela Bela Pirates on
Saturday. Flamingo FC on the other hand collected four points this past weekend after beating Celtic FC 4-2, and continued to share the spoils with Young Pirates in a 4-all stalemate on Sunday. Celtic FC suffered another huge 4-0 loss when they hosted Modimolle Troublemakers on Sunday. More league action was expected to take place this weekend in various parts of the Waterberg.
Winter school games resume Lizzy Bapela The 2016 winter games have begun, with BelaBela schools’ first leg of the games taking place at the local community hall and Moloto Stadium on Wednesday, 13 April. The games are now still at circuit level and include 10 sporting codes such as soccer, netball, volleyball, chess, coco, morabaraba, juskei, hockey, tennis and rugby. Under 13 boys and girls from 10 primary schools and six secondary schools from the Warmbaths Circuit participated in the games. The second leg of the games took place on Tuesday, 19 April, where a selection of teams to represent the cluster took part. Other games were expected to take place on Wednesday, 20 April. Schools from the Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), Nylstroom (Modimolle), Thabazimbi, Dwaalboom and Vaalwater circuits are expected to participate in the cluster games that are scheduled to take place on Friday, 13 and Saturday, 14 May. Meanwhile, schools from circuits including Mahwelereng, Warmbaths, Bakenburg and Lephalale are expected to participate in the district games that are scheduled for Sunday, 22 and Monday, 23 May. During the circuit level games, Hleketane
Primary School beat Mmamakwa 9-0 in morabaraba and they retaliated by beating Mampatile 8-0, while Hleketane and Mampatile drew 3-3. In morabaraba girls, Mmampatile beat Hleketane 5-3, with Mamakwa beating Mampatile 6-3 and losing to Hleketane by 7-3. Both Mmamakwa’s juskei boys’ and girls’ teams performed equally by beating Hleketane 12-6. Meanwhile, in netball, Hleketane beat Mmamakwa 6-1, with Mampatile beating Spa Park 6-3 and Hleketane 13-2. Soccer was the code that saw the most turn out amongst the games, with 12 schools participating. Spa Park beat Hleketane 1-0, while Jinnah Park played 3-0 against Mampatile and Mmamakwa 3-1 against Khabele. Jinnah Park beat Hleketane 2-0 and Spa Park did the same with Khabele. Mmamakwa gave Mampatile a whipping of 4 goals to 0 and 4 against Rhenusterkloof’s 2. Chairperson of the school league games at Mmamakwa Hendrick Kgwebane expressed concerns over lack of participation or interest in the games by a number of schools. The teacher urged the schools that were absent during the commencement of the games to allow their learners to join others in the games. He added that sport is beneficial to learners and it is another means of grooming and keeping them healthy.
McDonald’s Under-14 Schools League registration underway TK Mashaba On Wednesday, 6 April, McDonald’s South Africa launched a new McDonald’s Under 14 Schools League format for 2016 for the three-year sponsorship with the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) at the Nike Training Centre in Soweto. The new league format will see teams travelling from their province to play in another province. “We are happy with this new tournament, more schools have registered and we are
hoping the number increases further as we continue to develop dreams of young South Africans,” said SASFA’s Limpopo Coordinator Geoff Sechele. Registrations will remain open to all schools until 30 April 2016. The new soccer festival will take place in the following provinces: Kwa-Zulu Natal will host the Free State on 30 July, while Mpumalanga will be hosting Limpopo on 13 August. North West will host Gauteng on the 20th August while the Western Cape will be hosting Eastern Cape and Northern Cape on 10 September.
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SPORT
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Waterberg selects Under 19 regional squad
Waterberg Regional coach Jan Masoga speaking to players after the selections. Photo: Mzamane Ringane also give credit to the LFA’s who sent their Mzamane Ringane players. We really appreciate their participation. In terms of fitness, our The SA Football Association (SAFA) in the players are not fit enough to compete at the provincial level so far. We intend to host Waterberg has selected a 14-man squad camps and friendly matches to strengthen during the regional selections, on Sunday our squad. The good thing about today is 10 April at Modimolle’s Ephraim Mogale that we have managed to identify our Stadium. weaknesses, and we will be working on The selection process was conducted by those aspects to ensure that our team is Waterberg Regional coach Jan Masoga, ready to represent the region well,” Masoga with the support of other local coaches. said. Masoga indicated that the selected squad He said they are prepared as coaches, to may still change, as they are considering assist these players and ensure that they do hosting another selection day to strengthen well at the provincial level. the Waterberg team ahead of the provincial Masoga said building a formidable team event. will allow the Waterberg region better Players from other Local Football chances of having more players in the Associations (LFA) did not show up for the provincial squad. selections, and coach Masoga said these According to coach Masoga, the national youngsters will be given another chance. “The turnout was bad today, because some Under 19 championships will be held in of the LFA’s were not represented. We must Gauteng on 2 and 3 July.
Modopi Baloyi aims to play professional football Mzamane Ringane Modimolle Troublemakers shot-stopper Sello Modopi Baloyi’s dream is to play for Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Orlando Pirates in the near future. This 19-year-old goalkeeper is currently Troublemakers’ number 1, and has been with this team for two seasons now. “I have always admired Orlando Pirates’ fallen goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. Even though he is no more, his football memories still encourages me to work harder. My biggest dream is to play for Pirates. I want to play in the Soweto Derby in future,” he said. Baloyi has previously represented his school, Solomon Mahlangu in the regional level of Kay Motsepe Cup and also used to play for the Limpopo Football Development Academy FC. This young goalie told The BEAT that he used to watch Modimolle Troublemakers’ games when they were still arch-rivals of the now promoted A1 Terrors. “I used to watch Troublemakers when they were playing in the local derby and told myself that I want to play for this team one day. I respected Troublemakers because they were
Sello Modopi Baloyi usually wears black and white, the traditional colours of his side Troublemakers and Orlando Pirates. Photo: Mzamane Ringane one of the best teams around. I still love this team and my heart belongs here until such time that I will be moving to the highest level of SA football,” he said. Baloyi said he also likes watching international football and supports Spanish Primera Division log leaders Barcelona FC. The young goalkeeper says he is inspired by the team’s style of play, which is the main reason why he likes this Spanish side.
Take out your jogging shoes for Mayoral Marathon
Last year’s Executive Mayor’s Road Race was a rousing success. The Waterberg District Municipality is once again presenting the Waterberg Executive Mayor’s Road Race, a 10 km and 28 km race presented in cooperation with the Bela-Bela Marathon Club and Forever Resorts Bela-Bela. The race was held for the first time in 2012, and draws athletes from across the country. The race has grown considerably in the past two years, and is being used as a platform for young up-and-coming athletes and to raise awareness among Waterbergers of the possibilities of a healthier lifestyle. The organisers are expecting professional athletes from Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North-West to attend. The race will take place on Saturday, 7 May. Athletes taking part in the 28km race will be starting at 06:00 at Laerskool Nylstroom at Modimolle, following the R101 to Bela-Bela, where the finish line will be at Forever Resorts. The 10km runners will be starting at 06:00 and will be leaving from Forever
Resorts at Bela-Bela. Entry fees will be R100 for the 28km and R40 for the 10km, and entry forms are available at Essential Marketing in the Pick n Pay Centre at Bela-Bela, or online at www.entrytime.co.za(.) Pre-entries will close on Monday, 2 May. There will also be an opportunity to enter on Friday afternoon between 15:00 and 20:00 at Forever Resorts, and on Saturday morning between 04:00 and 05:30 at the starting points of the races. Athletes without licenses will need to pay an extra R30, but there will be prize money for all category winners. All participants will receive, aside from their medals, free entry to Forever Resorts for the day, and there will be a bus service available to transport athletes between Bela-Bela and Modimolle before and after the ace. The road rules of Athletics South Africa will be in force for both races. For more information readers are urged to contact Neels at 082 352 3518 or Adel at 082 391 2778.