7 November 2014 R1-20/FREE
Sand diggers arrested after death of youth
Load shedding to affect Ext. 6
Page 3 EFF Chair reelected
Page 4 The suspects Sello Mothokoa and Jan Ngobeni had to dig the body of young Tshepo Lehobye out of the sand piled on top of him. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
SAB Season starts 8 November
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BEAT
Bela-Bela liquor outlets a target for crime
7 November, 2014
Liquor outlet operators responded well to a meeting by the Bela-Bela police. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Many liquor outlets in Bela-Bela are reported to be targeted for criminal activities such as assault, according to an announcement by the Bela-Bela police during a meeting with tavern owners and managers on Thursday, 30 October at the station’s lecture hall. Police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that the meeting was aimed at addressing the problem, charting a way forward and ensuring community safety. She added that the suspects use weapons such as knives, bricks and other sharp instruments when committing the crimes and the police will continue monitoring the outlets to help combat the crimes. During discussions, some owners complained about the police breaking the informer/police confidentiality by telling the perpetrators who informed them. This, they say, puts informers in danger. Warrant Officer Sello Mangana of the Cluster Task Team said that informers should stick to one officer and create strong relationships with them. He said that an informer has a right to inform the station if an officer spilled the beans about who informed him and he will be dealt with accordingly. Warrant Officer Mangana further encouraged the owners to be their eyes and ears on the ground, as they are in the areas where these crimes take place. He also raised concerns about
the new mall, saying that no request to tighten security was brought forward and there are concerns about criminals opening small businesses next to major ones in order to use the area as a spot for criminal activities. On the issue of extending operating areas, owners were advised to stick to licensed areas and notify the Liquor Board of any changes they wish to make to avoid fines. The owners were also advised to control their customers to avoid unnecessary fines; also to comply with the Liquor Act to avoid losing their licenses. The owners requested that the Liquor Board install surveillance cameras in the taverns for added security. Constable Manamela indicated that the police sometimes get tip-offs about crimes taking place at certain outlets and have to act quickly, so they require the operators to cooperate on the police’s arrival. She added that criminals often drop their stolen items when the police come to search in order to avoid being charged with possession of suspected stolen goods. The police will arrest the person closest to the items. Both the police and the operators reached an agreement of continue working together to fight crime in the area. Some taverns were deemed to be dangerous and stand to lose their licenses. The police said that they will be keeping a close eye on businesses to monitor compliance and customer safety at all outlets.
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Businessman in court for buying stolen phone Lizzy Bapela A well-known foreign businessman was released on R1000 bail when he appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 3 November. The suspect was arrested after being found in possession of a suspected stolen cellphone on Thursday, 30 October. Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla of the Bela-Bela Police detectives said that a man in Johannesburg lost his phone recently and managed to trace it through a tracker installed on the phone. The complainant told the police that the tracker led him to the exact place where the phone was and he confronted the buyer, calling the police to intervene. The suspect owns a cellphone shop situated on Chris Hani Drive in BelaBela and the cellphone, a Samsung Galaxy, is valued at R9 000. The suspect, Shafi Olla told The BEAT that he did not know that the cellphone was stolen when he bought it. He is expected back in court shortly. The incident follows several warnings by the police to members of the public against buying stolen property. “As the police we are still requesting members of the community to stop buying stolen property. They must remember that
Investigating Officer Detective Constable Gladwin Rankapole (left) arrested Shafi Olla (middle) and handed over the phone back to its owner (right). Photo: Lizzy Bapela the police will arrest whoever is found in possession of the items. People should buy new goods because they will be charged and still lose their money for buying the stolen items and paying the fines,” said the Bela-Bela police spokesperson Constable Manamela.
Fake cops nabbed for attempted truck hijacking
The suspects’ getaway vehicle which has been confiscated by police. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela police made a breakthrough in the case of an attempted truck hijacking. Bela-Bela Police spokesperson, Constable Glen Manamela, said that the driver and his crew were northbound on the N1 Settlers Bridge when they were attacked by eight men on Tuesday, 28 October. Constable Manamela said that after investigations a 23-year old suspect was arrested in Bela-Bela on Thursday, 30 October, while another two were nabbed in Tembisa later. She said that seven of the suspects were wearing police uniform, and one of them was wearing a police reflector jacket. They were driving a black BMW and a white Vito. According to the police the suspects,
who were armed, forced the complainants into the nearby bushes and abandoned them, unharmed. They were robbed of their cellphones, wallets, safety boots, drivers’ licenses, R1 915 in cash, and the keys to the truck. Constable Manamela said that the victims were able to return to the truck, which they found abandoned nearby. The truck was delivering sweets and chocolates from Kempton Park, Gauteng, to Makhado in Venda when the crime took place. The police are still looking for five of the suspects, while those who have already been captured are expected to appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court soon. The suspects’ white Vito was confiscated and is being held at the police station.
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BEAT
7 November, 2014
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Culprits sa y the y could not slee pa say they sleep att night
Tshepo Lehobye was found buried in the sand pits. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Two sand diggers were arrested in Bela-Bela this week after confessing that they had left their neighbour, a boy of 13, to die under a pile of sand. The men, 23-year old Sello Mothokoa and 22-year old Jan Ngobeni, were allegedly fetching sand from the open fields with 13year old Tshepo Johannes Lehobye on Wednesday, 15 October. According to information received, a pile of sand they were excavating fell on the youth. Mothokoa and Ngobeni then allegedly abandoned him, as they felt that they could not report
The area where residents dig out sand to sell it to builders. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
the matter to the police. Mothokoa and Ngobeni, who were close friends with the deceased’s family, apparently went about their lives normally, even visiting Lehobye’s family, having meals with them, and helping them to search for him once it became clear that he was missing. Bela-Bela Police Spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that the family had not filed a missing persons report for Lehobye. One of the suspects, apparently unable to live with what they had done, confessed all to Lehobye’s uncle, Hosea Molekwa, saying that he could not sleep at night. Molekwa
Baloyi maintains her innocence Denise van Bergen Tsakani Violet Baloyi (44), who stands accused of the kidnapping of baby Dineo Mongatane when she was only four months old in April of this year, appeared in the Regional Court on Friday, 31 October. Her seventeen-year-old mother, Jacobeth Mongatane from Cyferskuil in Bela-Bela, met the 41- year old accused, Tsakani Violet Baloyi for the first time on the day before the kidnapping, in Bela-Bela. According to Mongatane, Baloyi offered her a job as babysitter at her house in Phagameng, offering to allow Mongatane to take her baby along to work. They agreed to meet on the following day, 23 April, in Bela-Bela, and go from there to Baloyi’s house in Modimolle so that Mongatane could start work immediately. Upon their arrival in Modimolle they went to the Modi Mall, where Baloyi told Mongatane that she needed to make a new key. She offered to take Dineo inside with her while Mongatane rested outside, but never returned. Mongatane waited at a restaurant near the mall’s entrance until 20:00, when she contacted the police and opened a case of kidnapping. Baloyi was seen on the mall’s CCTV leaving the centre at around 16:10 in the afternoon with the baby on her back, walking quickly through the centre and leaving via Entrance 3. The police investigated the matter, but Baloyi was nowhere to be found. Four months later, on 18 August, Mongatani saw Baloyi in Bela-Bela with a baby who, Mongatani
Dineo, now ten months old, who made headlines in April of this year when she was kidnapped from the Modi Mall. She was found four months later, on 18 August. Tsakani Violet Baloyi stands accused of the crime, but maintains that Baby Dineo is hers. Photo supplied suspected, was her own Dineo. She informed the police immediately. Warrant Officer Bobby Nel from the Child Protection Unit and his team started an investigation and Baloyi was arrested the same day. Baloyi apparently denies having been to the Modi Mall with Mongatane, and says that she did not kidnap Dineo. She allegedly maintained throughout that the child was hers, but DNA evidence proved that she was not the child’s biological mother. Baloyi, who lives in Vhembe, allegedly told her husband, who lives in BelaBela, that she was pregnant and had given birth in April to their child. Dineo was returned to her biological parents on 29 September. The case was postponed until 7 November. The Baloyis’ lawyer will apparently request new DNA tests.
The police had to chase gawkers away from the scene to complete their job. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
immediately reported the matter to the police, accompanied by witnesses. The police followed up on the matter and community members pointed out Mothokoa and Ngobeni as having accompanied Lehobye to the sand fields. The police interviewed them, and they confessed to the police that when the pile of sand collapsed on Lehobye while they were digging, they kept quiet about it. Molekwa accompanied the police to the site to excavate Lehobye. He said in an interview with The BEAT that he could not believe how heartless the suspects had acted. Lehobye’s grandmother Lettah
Lehobye identified her grandson at the morgue. Local councilors John Sesane and Jeremiah Ngobeni also attended the scene and sent their condolences to the family. The councillors promised that they would ensure that the area receives the necessary attention, as the municipal fences installed previously had apparently been stolen. The police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the case. The suspects were charged for not reporting the matter to the police and appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 3 November.
Gi ve us po wer ve us w ater! Giv pow er;; gi giv wa Andries van der Heyde Load shedding has hit the nation in the wake of the collapse of a coal silo in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 1 November. Eskom said in a statement that they would be applying load shedding from Sunday, 2 November in several areas, including some towns in the Waterberg district. On Monday, 3 November, Eskom released another statement saying that they would no longer be applying load shedding in certain areas. According to Eskom’s load shedding website extension 6 of the township and certain parts of town would be without power from 10:00 until12:30 on Saterday 18 November . The problem at the Majuba power station Is being addressed, but there is concern that the water supply may have been exhausted. Eskom has asked the nation to save power, especially between 18:00 and 20:00, when the demand is at its peak. In the meantime, Bela-Bela residents have been experiencing water problems. Kobus van der Merwe, the local DAcouncillor, told the media that although the town’s dam is full, the reservoirs cannot keep up with the demand at this point and are emptying very quickly. This, he says, was what caused the water shortage. Van der Merwe stated that rumours that the municipal Eskom account is in arears are false, and that the power and water shortages are not due to this. * Bela-Bela’s license office at the municipality is open to the public again, with limited services. This office recently had to close its doors because its entire staff had been suspended pending an internal investigation. Van der Merwe said that the license office is handling renewals, but no drivers’ license tests will be done at the office for the forseeable future. The municipality suspended several staff members at the traffic department due to
The collapsed coal storage silo at Majuba. Photo supplied alleged violations. The union Imatu has already entered the fray on behalf of some of the sacked employees. According to a spokesperson for Imatu they are waiting for the expiry of the suspension period (three months) before they take the matter further. The new traffic department offices in Van der Merwe Street in Bela-Bela have been completed but municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele told The BEAT that they are waiting for furniture before opening their doors to the public. * Visit the website www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za to find out which areas would be affected by loadshedding.
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BEAT
ANC suppor ters abandon ship
7 November, 2014
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Monageng in for another term as EFF chair
Members of the EFF chanted for the return of their leaders to their positions. Photo: Lizzy Bapela. Lizzy Bapela
A group of ANC supporters from the Bela-Bela Township officially went over to the DA because of dissatisfaction with ANC policies. Also in the picture is DA councillors Kobus van der Merwe and Thinus Ras. Photo: Andries van der Heyde Andries van der Heyde A group of ANC supporters from Bela-Bela were officially welcomed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a ceremony on Monday, 3 November, after apparently becoming fed up with the ANC. According to Frans Mafrazo Mothokwa, the former ANC representative for Ward 3 in the township and one of those who went over to the DA, the ANC’s lack of concern for issues such as the high unemployment figures in the area is the reason for his decision. “The ruling party is not ready for change, even though they have been leading the country for 20 years,” Mothokwa told The BEAT. “Our research has shown that DA policies have a better chance of relieving poverty.” He added that the ANC is wellknown for empty promises, and pointed out that service delivery is still on the decline. Kobus van der Merwe, the DA
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councillor for the town, told The BEAt that more and more ANC supporters are coming over to the opposition. “People are fed up with the way the government is handling these issues,” he said. “It is clear that the ANC’s support base is diminishing and we will not turn away those who wish to become DA members.” He added that supporters are leaving the ANC because they do not agree with the party’s policies, in addition to a lack of trust in ANC councillors’ promises. “The people want change, but nothing is happening,” he said. Salamina Mabokela, also from Ward 3, said that when new ward councillors are chosen, the residents are not given the opportunity to make their own choices, but their councillors are chosen for them by the ANC. “We are tired of that,” she said. The new members are planning to move through their wards to ascertain the needs of the people, said Mothokwa.
Lebogang Monageng of Thabazimbi has retained his position as the Waterberg’s regional chairman of the EFF. Monageng was re-elected without contest during a conference held in Vaalwater on Sunday, 26 October. In his acceptance speech, Monageng called for unity and solidarity among party members and warned them against the dangers of factionalism, which he said tarnishes organizations. He also warned them against following the example of the ANC who, according to Monageng, is ‘engaging in corrupt activities and working for their own pockets.’ Monageng alleged that the proof of the ANC’s alleged corruption may be seen in incidents in Mogalakwena, where infighting and corruption have ‘brought shame to the local municipality.’ The EFF has high hopes of taking the Mogalakwena Municipality in the bielections scheduled for 26 November. The election was convened after the sacking of 21 ANC councillors, including the mayor. The party said that the
political situation in the area would definitely work to their advantage, and added that this was an opportunity for the EFF to show the people of Mogalakwena that they are capable of bringing change to the region. Assisting Monageng is Mosonya Semenya of Lephalale, with Winnie Mphahlele from Mokopane as the Secretary and Martha Mabusela as her deputy. Celeste Motsepe from BelaBela was appointed the party Treasurer. The majority of the voting delegates seemed to be excited for the return of the committee and indeed assured their return with their votes. Mookgophong’s Sub-Region sadly once again does not have a representative on the committee, despite the urging of the party’s Provincial Executive Committee ahead of the elections. Additional members include Seshika Kobe and Salome Mashiane of Modimolle, Edward Monama, Linky Moetlo, Queen Leso, Solly Lelaka, and Rassie Maepa of Mogalakwena, Hilda Ramphele from Lephalale, Seitebatso Ratlhogo from Thabazimbi and Victor Maloko of Bela-Bela.
Educa tion MEC g oes to jail Education goes Lizzy Bapela The walls of the Modimolle Correctional Centre rang with song when the Limpopo MEC for Education, Thembi Nwendamutswu, visited the centre on Thursday, 23 October. The centre’s youth choir showed off their talents during the welcome for the MEC and the members of the Portfolio Committee on Education. Zandile Mabunda, a representative of the centre, said that the MEC and her entourage’s visit was aimed at motivating the more than 107 registered students under correctional supervision, who are studying under the auspices of the Lephalale FET course. Nine students are doing a Management Assistance course, 22 are training to be diesel mechanics, and the others are
Youths in the Modimolle Correctional Centre showed off their talent during the MEC’s visit. Photo: Lizzy Bapela on various levels of the Adult Education and Training ladder. “We are encouraging offenders from across the province to acquire skills that will help them to reintegrate into their communities after serving their time. Their communities are waiting for them and we need them to contribute effectively in building a better South Africa,” said Nwendamutswu. The area commissioner for the Department of Correctional Services, Kenneth Mthombeni, said that he was pleased with the achievements of the youth at the centre. He said that his Department intends to partner with the Department of Education in making sure that they produce skilled citizens in their centres, saying that this is to make sure that these youths contribute in building safer communities in the future.
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BEAT
7 November, 2014
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Photo of the week Na tional National Childr en Children en’’s Day This past Saturday, 1 November, was National Children’s Day in South Africa. It seems appropriate, somehow, to have a national day in honour of children so close to the start of the matric exams, when a year’s crop of students will be taking the last steps out of childhood and into the adult world. At times like these, one has to wonder how well we have prepared these children to move in the adult world. Do they have the skills and knowledge they need to function as productive members of society? Is a passing matric, in fact, worth anything today? According to many universities, the answer is no. Several universities in South Africa require students to pass exams and take remedial courses before they are admitted, because they do not trust their grades. A child who passes Matric English may still be functionally illiterate — they can read and write well enough to pass the exams, but no more. And most university courses require advanced reading skills from their students. A professor teaching Physics or Ancient History does not have time to hold up the class while explaining to those who simply do not have the language skills to cope with the coursework. Is this the fault of the children? Of course not. It is the fault of the system that allows children to be passed who understand only the bare minimum of the syllabus, which already includes only the bare minimum necessary. It is the fault of a system which prioritizes children’s egos — not nearly as delicate a plant as some appear to believe — over effective learning. Many children are passed in lower grades who should have been held back, and then are passed again and again, compounding a mistake. If a learner does not master the skills of Grade 1, that learner cannot be passed on to Grade 2 until they do. To hold them back a year may impact them severely at the time, but children are resilient, and is it not much better to solve the problems as early as possible, instead of waiting until these problems have been compounded with eleven more years’ worth of work that the child is not equipped to assimilate?
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Na tion Nation mour ns the mourns passing of spor ts sports her oes heroes TK Mashaba
Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, who was shot and killed this past weekend. Photo supplied
Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.
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This week, South Africa is a nation in mourning. In the space of three days, we have lost three great athletes — track and field star Mbulaheni Mulaudzi, boxing queen Phindile Mwelase and Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa. The impact of the three on the lives of ordinary South Africans cannot be overstated. Last week the nation gathered at the Standard Bank Arena in Gauteng to share the memories of the sports heroes who were taken from us while still far too young, and though they have passed on their mark remains on those who are left behind. It is different, somehow, when a now-retired player passes on. We are able to look back on what he gave us and take comfort in what he had accomplished. When someone who is still active, someone who is a prominent figure in the national sports scene, passes away, it is a different matter. Senzo Meyiwa had not yet accomplished all that he could in life. His recent performance, in fact, was building on what came before and reaching ever higher. He had so much more to give to us, and to his family. But no more. Senzo Meyiwa did not die in an accident. He did not die of an illness. Senzo Meyiwa was brutally murdered by a criminal. Senzo Meyiwa was casually gunned down by someone who was quite possibly even a fan of his, because that’s how things go in South Africa. Murder is so commonplace that it is hardly even newsworthy, unless the victim is a celebrity or a child. South Africa lost a great sportsman in Meyiwa, and that is squarely on us. It is because we have failed as a society to curb crime, to stop criminals before they can become murderous. We have allowed a morality of convenience to infect the young so that they think that because it is easy, it must be right, and that the simplest option is always the good one. The criminal who killed Meyiwa will face the full fury of the law, because he was a celebrity. How many other victims will go unavenged, because nobody cares about them? Where is the national outcry for the thousands of voiceless victims of crime in South Africa? Why is there no justice for the hundreds of men and women who are killed and robbed and raped in our country daily? It’s no use trying to blame the situation on the police. The situation has grown beyond the police and we have come to the point where we must decide whether we are merely going to accept that we are on a slow slide to chaos.
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7 November, 2014
BEAT
Taxi industry role players to receive training Lizzy Bapela In an effort to revitalize the taxi industry by 2020, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) recently announced that all role players in the industry would be receiving formal training when they join the taxi industry. Oupa Tsholo, TETA spokesperson, said that their aim is to empower role players, help them acquire the relevant skills, and create an environment where taxi operators and passengers can relate to each other. The authority offers support to industry role players via grants, and informs communities about jobs in the sector other than driving. TETA and the Department of Labour’s UIF Unit recently held a workshop in Modimolle’s Peter Nchabaleng Community Hall for the Waterberg District operators which was attended by various taxi associations from the district. The workshop was aimed at discussing challenges facing operators and producing solutions in order to create a healthy working environment. Attendees were also trained on matters relating to SARS in order to understand how SARS’ services work and what contribution they can make. TETA holds taxi industry workshops while the Department conducts inspections on a regular basis to ensure that all role players comply with the law. They also offer formal education and training to role players who may not have been able to attend formal schooling. Operators were advised to register their employees for UIF and taxes.
Oupa Tsholo of TETA addressed taxi operators during a workshop in Modimolle. Photo: Lizzy Bapela They were also warned off of fake SARS officers who scam unsuspecting victims out of their money, who appear to be targeting the taxi industry specifically at the moment. During a Q&A, taxi operators requested that the Traffic Department speed up the renewal process for operating licenses. Taxi operators cannot legally operate without their operating licenses, leading to hardship for their families while they wait for their license renewal. The operators asked for more workshops and skills training programmes so that they could be more informed on important matters such as tax, income generation, labour issues, customer care and others. Another workshop is planned in the near future.
Man accused of m ur der mur urder becomes victim of mob violence Lizzy Bapela A 40-year old man from Thabazimbi is recovering from home after he was assaulted by a mob on Sunday, 28 September. Thabazimbi Police Spokesperson Constable Moshira Modise said that members of the community attacked the man after learning that he had allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death on the day in question. It is alleged that the suspect, Jacob Ntlokwe, sustained serious injuries following the attack. Constable
LEGALS ESTATE NOTICE In the Estate of the late: RAMADUMETJA SALMINAH PHIHLELA Identity No: 730130 0511 081 Estate No: 9000/2013 Last address: 19 Peet Van Der Schyff Street, Modimolle Date of death: 2013/04/08 All persons having claims against the above Estate are hereby called upon to file their claims with the undersigned within 30 days from date of publication hereof. Dated at Polokwane on this the 24th day of October 2014. P.M.K. TLADI & ASSOCIATES 20 Schoeman Street Justice Palace P.O. Box 849 Polokwane, 0700
Docex 42 Tel: (015) 295 2030 Fax: (015) 295 3478 REF: T/6444/14/RBT/mm NOTICE OF SALE IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA CASE NO: 34840/2014 In the matter between: NEDBANK LIMITED Plaintiff and MARIA GERTRUIDA WILHELMINA VAN HEERDEN Defendant Take notice that on the instructions of VAN HEERDENS INCORPORATED (Ref: gn1413), Tel: 012 430 6600 - Portion 173 (Portion of portion 148) of the farm Buffelspoort 421, Registration Division K.R.; Province of Limpopo, measuring 1,0027 (one comma zero zero two seven) hectare situate at portion 173 (Portion of portion 148) of
Modise says that the suspect had to be rushed to the local hospital for medical attention. The deceased, 39-year old Dina Malwetse had several stab-wounds when she was found. Police say that the reason for the incident is still unknown. Ntlokwe was denied bail when he appeared in court on Tuesday, 28 October, but was granted bail after a brief appearance on the 30th of October. Constable Modise said that a case of murder has been opened and that investigations are ongoing. the farm Buffelsspoort 421, Registration Division K.R.; Limpopo Province Improvements - vacant land - zoning: FARM (particulars are not guaranteed) will be sold in Execution to the highest bidder on 18 November 2014 at 11H00 by the Sheriff of Modimolle Nylstroom - Waterberg at 108 Hagen Street, Modimolle. Conditions of sale may be inspected at the Sheriff Modimolle Nylstroom - Waterberg at 108 Hagen Street, Modimolle. F J GROENEWALD VAN HEERDEN’S INC. SALE OF BUSINESS NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 34 OF THE INSOVENCY ACT, NO. 24 OF 1936 Notice is hereby given in terms of section 34(1) of the Insolvency Act No. 24 of 1936, as amended, to interested parties and
creditors, that GORGEOUS PROPERTIES (PTY) LIMITED (Registration No. 2000/ 001497/07). (“the Seller”) sold to LEOBO PRIVATE RESERVE (PTY) LIMITED (Registration No. 2014/ 129574/07) (“the Purchaser”) the Business being the guest accommodation and leisure activity enterprise cunducted under the name Leobo Private Reserve conducted by the Seller at Leobo Private Reserve. Transfer of the Business is intended to take place on 1 December 2014 being a date not less than 30 (Thirty) days nor more than 60 (Sixty) days after the date of the last publication of this notice. (7&14/11)
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Hefty sentences ffor or rra apists Lizzy Bapela Two convicted rapists were given life sentences when they appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court recently. The accused were arrested on 12 December 2012 and charged with rape, kidnapping, robbery and the possession of an unlicensed firearm. Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla of the Bela-Bela Police Department said that the accused attacked and raped a women in the Roodepoort Farms area on the day of their arrest. The two apparently waited until the victim’s husband had left for work before they committed the crime. In another case, a man in Thabazimbi was sentenced to 18 years after he was arrested and charged with rape in 2010. The
accused, 29-year old Ezekiel Kgotlang, appeared before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 December. Thabazimbi police spokesperson Constable Moshira Modise said that the victim was 14 years old at the time of the assault. She was apparently on her way home accompanied by her boyfriend in the early hours of 10 December 2010. The suspect forced them into a nearby church at gunpoint and then raped the victim in front of her boyfriend. The investigating officer in the case Detective Warrant Officer Simon Temane and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Commander Warrant Officer Corrie Myburgh said that they welcomed the sentence as it sends a strong message to those who still commit such crimes.
WATA joins in on road safety campaign
Members of the Warmbaths Taxi Association (WATA). Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Warmbaths Taxi Association (WATA) participated in a Road Safety campaign held at the Maubane Bridge on Friday, 24 October. The event was conducted in conjunction with the Department of Transport and taxi associations from national, Limpopo, North-West and Gauteng provinces. WATA spokesperson Israel Molusi said that the event was aimed at checking the roadworthiness of cars and drivers’ compliance with the Road Traffic Act among others. Stakeholders interacted with passengers in a mission to strengthen the relationship between the two parties. The passengers were taken off the vehicles for inspection of the vehicles and asked how the drivers are treating them. Passengers were also given cold drinks during the operation, courtesy of the national government.
Meanwhile, in order to keep strong relations with the passengers, Bela-Bela rank manager Sunday Modike encouraged the drivers to practice respect and show kindness to each other, and then show it to the passengers. Modike further encouraged the drivers to be kind to the passengers and ensure that they keep the taxis and the rank clean at all the times. “It is said that a person is judged according to how they look and our drivers must be and look clean at all times, regardless of which day. The tie day on Mondays is just a request from the Department and as WATA we urge the drivers and operators to dress respectable during all days of the week, as long as they are on duty. It is up to the association’s management team to lead by example in the cleanliness campaign and spread the message through to the drivers and the support staff,” said Modike.
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7 November, 2014
Bursary disappointment hits student hard TK Mashaba Precious Tshabalala, a Modimolle resident, says that her dream of being an office admin is fading as her bursary has allegedly let her down. The 22-year old is a student at Modimolle’s FET Campus and applied for a bursary from Lephalale College, which is responsible for the Modimolle Campus. “They approved the bursary and paid for a year. I did well and in 2013 applied for another bursary, as I did not have money,” said Tshabalala. She says that education is the only thing that can help her struggling family, as nobody in the family is
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Minister Motshekg a of y Motshekga offficiall icially opens ne w sc hool kitc hens new school kitchens Pupils from Daagbreek Primary School in Modimolle sang for Minister Angie Motshekga during her visit at their school. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
employed. Tshabalala was again awarded a bursary in 2014, but was recently told that she would not be receiving her marks at the end of the year because her fees had not been paid. “I am very disappointed and frustrated,” she told The BEAT. “I thought bursaries and NEFSAS were meant to help students who do well. My heart is broken.” The BEAT called Lephalale College for clarification and Jack Modiba, Head of Department at Lephalale Campus, said that he would have to look into the matter further. He promised to update Tshabalala when he had more information.
Mookg ophong DJ rreleases eleases Mookgophong a ne w sing le new single
The sleeve cover of DJ /Producer Eurey Mabotha debut single . Photo supplied TK Mashaba Mookgophong local DJ Eurey “Key Snow” Mabotha, recently announced that he was releasing a new single under his Ubersoul Records label. “Can’t Say Goodbye”, which features the vocal talents of Alexander Games, Morzaaq DefVillage and Rooted Soul, will be available to download from such online storefronts as traxsource, iTunes, Juno and Beatport from 17 November. Mabotha’s jazzy style (he has played piano since he was a child) earned
him props from the likes of Black Coffee, Quentin Harris and C-Pen. “Having played piano as a child at church, I adopted numerous styles such as jazz, fusion and contemporary as I grew up,” he said. He was immediately attracted to the deep, soulful afro sounds of house music, and found his niche in dance houses such as House 22 and Capello. Mabotha has released four singles which have earned him kudos from international names such as Black Coffee, Martin Eats and others.
Dads in the Picture celebrate National Children’s Day
Dads in the Picture national chairperson Mesh Kekana. Photo supplied TK Mashaba Dads in the Picture national chairperson Mesh Kekana said in a recent statement that great effort has been made and that resources have been made available both from government and business in order to improve the lot of children in South Africa. “We as an organization continue to support men and parenting partners in addition to looking at other challenges
faced daily by children,” he said. He said that these challenges include rape, abuse and neglect, both from within the family unit and from society at large. Kekana added that the organization would like to make a plea to all their members, friends and associates to ‘create a culture of caring for our children in line with our 2014 theme’ of “Sireletsa Bana” — creating a caring nation.
Education Minister Angie Motshekga shared a cake after officially opening the schools’ kitchens. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Tiger Brands and political principals officially opened the new kitchens at three primary schools in Modimolle. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela
millionth breakfast meal and calls for more than a celebration because it covers more than just the breakfast meals to include school kitchens, eating utensils and cooking equipment,” the minister said. The Foundation supplements the Volunteer Food Handlers’ stipend in all the schools implementing the Breakfast Programme. The Foundation’s in-school breakfast pilot programme was initiated in six schools in Gauteng in July 2011 and expanded to six more provinces including Limpopo over the years. The programme currently covers 62 schools in seven provinces at the cost of R56 million since 2011.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga officially opened new kitchens at Dagbreek, Modimolle and Maokeng Primary Schools in Modimolle on Thursday, 16 October. The minister addressed the public during the Tiger Brands 20 Millionth Breakfast Celebrations held at Maokeng Primary School. Present during the event were officials and management from the Tiger Brands Foundation, the Department of Education, local and district municipalities, SGBs and parents. The goal of the event was to celebrate a partnership between the Department and the Foundation and the 20 Millionth Breakfast Celebrations. “Since the dawn of democracy, we have been grappling with how to support students whose learning capacity was at risk of being affected by low levels of vital micronutrients, fatigue due to walking long distances to get to school, and other povertyrelated issues. Some learners do not or are not able to eat breakfast, which led to the introduction of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) which conceptualized by our late leader Nelson Mandela,” said Minister Motshekga. The government has successfully addressed hunger by incrementally improving the school feeding programmes through the NSNP launch. It started with a nutrientloaded biscuit, then bread and now a nutritious cooked meal daily. The meal plan was expanded from Quintile 1 primary schools only, to Quintile 1, 2 and 3 primary and secondary schools. “The NSNP covers about 9 million pupils in 20 927 Quintile 1, 2 and 3 primary and secondary schools across the country. This accounts for 87% of all public ordinary schools as per the School Realities Report published in 2013. The challenge we are facing now is to improve and maintain the quality of meals served to the pupils and the dignity with which the meals are prepared and served. I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the 20 millionth breakfast and officially handover the kitchens in partnership with the foundation. Our partnership achieved a milestone of the 20
Jim Seema and Joyce Sithole recently got married in a white wedding ceremony in Bela-Bela. The two met 21 years ago in Seabe, Mpumalanga while Seema was visiting his relatives.
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7 November, 2014
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SAB League to kick off soon
A keeper in action in one of last season’s games. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The SAB League is expected to kick off any day now, and fans of the league are expecting the usual heart-stopping action. The league, which has added a new steam to the three that had made up the players in previous
Zwakala Mokoma who is now the new coach of Diesel n Dust. Photo: TK Mashaba
seasons, will be starting this weekend. Among the players are long-time stalwarts Bela-Bela Pirates, Total Surrender, Mokopane’s Barcelona and Sea Robbers, as well as Simple Yellows from Mokopane and Mookgophong All Stars, who were not able to reach the play-offs last season.
Spa Park soccer team wins Under 13 Build It soccer tournament
Simon ‘Ytjukutja’ Thobane, who has moved to Spa Park United in the LFA. Photo: TK Mashaba
New teams include Bela-Bela’s Happy Hearts, returning after a dismal showing in their first season, and Mookgophong’s Siwelele, who made a good effort for a rookie team. The League bade farewell to Modimolle’s Terrors who, after winning the national playoffs, have moved up into the ABC Motsepe League.
Grannies bring home the gold TK Mashaba Seventeen senior ladies from the Waterberg who attended the annual Golden Games in Mbombela in Nelspruit have returned home with gold medals. Their coordinator, Thabo Molokomme, said that there was not much competition on this leg. From Bela-Bela, Eva Molebatsi, Dorah
Spa Park’s soccer team was victorious in the Build It 2014 Under 13 tournament. Photo supplied TK Mashaba This year’s Build It tournament in Bela-Bela was won by Spa Park, who beat Mmamakwa Primary 2-0, in a game played on Saturday, 25 October, at Sunfa Stadium. According to Dalene Snyman from Build it, the tournament is growing every year. “We had some really good matches this year, and we can see that the quality of the teams is improving,” she said. The game between Spa Park and
Mmamakwa was close throughout, with Spa Park’s winning goals coming from James Ndlovu. The Player of the Tournament award went to Jan Ledwaba from Mmamakwa Primary School, who displayed excellent skills on the field. “We as Build it Bela-Bela want to thank everybody who was involved and participated in this tournament,” said Snyman. “We are thankful to be part of this and to be able to contribute to a good cause.” The winners were given a trophy and a full set of soccer kit.
Some surprise moves have also occurred on the player level, with Simon ‘Ytjukutja’ Thobane from Total Surrender joining Spa Park United in the LFA League. The SAFA Regional Office was expected to finalize team registration this week, ahead of the League’s 8 November kick-off.
Matlou, Johanna Makgwane, Elisabeth Molefe and Mary Sebola took part. From Modimolle only Stephine Lekala attended, while Joseph Mbue and ten others from Mogalakwena took part. Lekala and Mbue took part in Ring Stick games, while the ladies from Mogalakwena played Ball Relay. “It was such a great gesture to see them so happy meeting with grannies from other regions,” said Molokomme.