Express QQ 10 April 2013

EASTERN FREE STATE

TEL: 058 ­ SFISO NCWANE

3035411

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

Gospel

FREE REBECCA MALOPE

Festival

Aim is to revive people } Tladi Moloi ALL roads will lead to the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday for what is promising to be an action-packed Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Gospel Festival.

The festival, which will feature well-known artists like Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sfiso Ncwane, Teboho Moloi, Rebecca Malope and Solly Mhlangu, is set to start at 09:00.

According to Tseko Mothamaha, the local economic development director, the festival was the executive mayor’s moral regeneration initiative.

He said the event was aimed at raising bursary funds for the community of the MAP. “We also want to revive our people after what we have been experiencing in our municipality. We hope after the gospel festival people will stop raping and killing our people,” he said.

Tseko said they expected people to come in numbers and added that the event would benefit the economy of Qwaqwa.

Tickets cost R100 and are available at all the municipal offices, BP, Sasol, Caltex and the Katlehong Bottle Store.

HLENGIWE MHLABA

TEBOHO MOLOI

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

Qwaqwa no safe place } Tladi Moloi TODAY learners in primary school have something to argue about and prove wrong when reading the Sotho book Ntataise when it says “Ha ele tsotsi ha eyo Qwaqwa�, which translates into there are no criminals in Qwaqwa.

Criminals have now given Qwaqwa a bad name, with murders occurring almost every week.

Qwaqwa used to be well-known for its mountain chain that has in the past attracted international tourists.

A sad thing is that the same Qwaqwa has experienced six murders in a week during the Easter holidays in which three suspects have been arrested and others are still at large. The incidents occurred in different areas within Qwaqwa. Two were from Makwane village, three from Tsheseng village and one from Phuthaditjhaba.

A man found in a septic tank was identified.

An elderly man was found murdered.

A four- and eight-year-old died of suspected poisoning. A man was slashed with a bottle and died on the scene.

A man killed his brother, another burst into a tavern and stabbed some of the patrons and later died after a group of people attacked him. ) Read more on p 4.

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

NEWS

Dedication is key } Tladi Moloi

SGT MMAKO MOPHIRING, the communications officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Phuthaditjhaba, has earned the respect of many in the Free State with the excellent job he has done the past few years.

Mophiring, who joined the SAPS in 1998, has not only earned respect, but has also scooped many awards as reward for his good work. Express Eastern Free State had a chat with him.

What college did you attend?

I received training at the Pretoria West College.

Did you always want to work for the SAPS? Yes. I wanted to be in the police as a spokesperson because of my love of working within the media fraternity. I projected my goals early and by the mercy of God I got into the system whilst in Gauteng.

What position do you hold?

I am a sergeant communications officer based at the Phuthaditjhaba Cluster.

What does your position entail?

It mostly deal with liaison with media and internal stake holders on various issues that affect them and the public.

What challenges have you encountered in your job?

Some police officers regard me as a journalist and feel hesitant to disclose information to me that is

of public interest. Another thing is having to ensure the image of the organisation stays intact while some members go out of their way to drag it through the mud within seconds of hard work with a don’t care attitude which at the end costs them their jobs.

Members of the police should align their conduct with the constitution and apply lots of discipline while moving away from being ensnared by fraud and corruption.

And the good things?

A good thing about my work is building good relations between members and management, the police and the community. I have good relations with various media houses that assist in educating and informing the masses about crime and also sharing people’s stories.

You are still studying at your age. Why, where and what are you studying?

In the media world one has to be aware of development in one’s surroundings. Technology has taken over, especially social media, and that is the reason why I need to continue studying. The field of public relations changes regularly and studying with Unisa is teaching me that learning knows no limits.

You recently scooped an award. What was it for?

It was the Provincial Commissioner’s Excellence Award. I was awarded the title of Best Support Service Employee.

How many trophies have you collected?

I have three trophies now and that shows that I am on the right way and I believe I would not have obtained them if it was not because of hard work.

What is your fiveyear goal?

In the next five years, with the mercy of God, I want to see myself serving both the police and the community with dignity and respect and that my position have been adjusted to another level.

Some may think police officials are not people to make friends with because they always have arrest on their minds. What is your take on this?

Police officers are members of the community and not angels. But they have to execute their duties as required and still have friends at the same time.

Who is Mmako Mophiring?

I am the last born in my family of four. Two boys and girls.

Are you married?

I am married to the wonderful God fearing and supportive Patri-

cia Mophiring. She is a daughter of the loving family of Mr and Mrs Kumalo who hails from the Namahadi Village in Qwaqwa.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and bred at the Sunnyside Guest Farm in Clarens and schooled in Bohlokong at the Motsepuwa Primary School and went to high school at Tiisetsang. I completed matric at Tsebo Secondary.

What kind of a learner were you during your school days?

I was a good leaner with lots of respect for my teachers and peers, also as a soccer player.

How do you unwind?

I spend time with my partner, watch the news, listen to radio and read most of the local newspapers.

SGT MMAKO MOPHIRING, the communications officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Phuthaditjhaba Cluster in Qwaqwa.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Where were you in 1994 when Nelson Mandela became the president?

I casted my first ever democratic vote at Joubert Park whilst in Johannesburg.

I remember a lot about the day, which was filled with joy, enthusiasm and hope on the faces of our people who stood in long queues lining up towards the voting station with their minds already made up who they wanted as the new president of the country.

What is you motto?

Never give up in life and persist to do what is right. Do not aim to please others, but obey your God and His instructions. I wouldn’t know my destiny except for obeying God Almighty.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

NEWS

Crime on the rise

LAPPIES LABUSCHAGNE was the winner of the wheelbarrow in a competition which was sponsored by TFS Hardware. He is pictured with Chantelle Cotty, the Express Eastern Free State sales consultant.

PETRUS MOTLOUNG from Bethlehem was the winner of the Super Savers voucher. Here he is with Chantelle Cotty, the Express Eastern Free State sales consultant.

Won hamper in competition PIERRE HAMMOND was the winner of the Autozone hamper.

He is pictured receiving his price from Charmaine Smit, the branch manager.

CHANTELLE COTTY (middle), the Express Eastern Free State sales consultant, with Palesa Moetlo (left), winner of the Qwaqwa Market voucher, and Margaret Mlaba, who won a Qwaqwa Spar voucher.

Mabe release gospel album } Tladi Moloi LUNDISO MABE (19) from Chris Hani Park in Qwaqwa has released his first gospel album.

The album titled Ngizwile Ukukhla, which translates to I heard enough of crying, was released in January. The young and talented Mabe said the message of the title was he heard God’s people crying and now he is praying for them while they are alive.

However, the album has not yet been launched and according to him they are looking forward to launch it before the end of April.

“I fell in love with gospel music when I was still in primary school. When I was in gr.6 at the Qwaqwa Secondary School, we started a gospel group with some of the home boys,” he said.

Mabe said he had been signing at the church while other people would invite him to sing at their weddings. “Some people loved my voice during my performances and they encouraged me to consider recording an album. I looked into that for some time and later I realised that dream,” he said.

Mabe said he was influenced by both Lundi and Rebecca Malope. It is his wish to meet the duo.

“I want to thank my parents who support me. They bought me a music instrument and gave me money to record the CD,” he said.

LUNDISO MABE poses with his new gospel album.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Entries open for music competition THE prestigious Samro Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition is inviting entries from music students at junior level. Now in its third year, the project builds on the strong foundation laid by the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) 25 years ago when fledgling musicians competed for the first time on a national basis.

A special incentive created four years ago for developmental groups from disadvantaged communities enable these candidates to compete on equal terms with participants from other communities. The closing date for this year’s competition is Friday, 19 April. Auditions in all the main centres will commence at the beginning of June.

About 60 candidates will eventually be selected to compete over four rounds at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow, Cape Town, from 16 to 20 September. Medals, prizemoney totalling more than R80 000 and other attractive prizes are at stake.

Candidates will compete in four categories: Piano, Strings, Woodwind & Brass Instruments and Other Instruments (percussion, recorder, classical guitar and harp), with a subcategory for developmental groups. The only condition is that candidates must still be 13 (14 for developmental groups) at the time of the competition. Call Kathleen du Plessis (between 10:00 and 18:00) on 021-939-9105 or Hilda Boonzaaier (20:00 to 21:00) on 021-945-3861.

THE following occurred over the Easter holiday as reported on p 2.

Makwane: Nthabeleng Ernest Moloi (40) was found in a septic tank a fortnight ago.

He sustained head and chest injuries. He was reported missing almost a month ago.

Sgt Mmako Mophiring, the police spokesperson, said: “We cannot explain how he died yet, but the investigation into his murder continues. No arrests have been made yet.”

Makwane: On 1 April the brothers Motlalepula Mokoena (33) and Motanki Mokoena (36) got into a quarrel at the Comet village which. The one then stabbed and killed the other.

It is alleged that they fought whereby Motlalepula stabbed his elder brother in the face and thigh. He bled profusely and died on the scene. Motlalepula fled and hid at another relative where Makwane Crime Prevention members arrested him after a manhunt. He recently appeared before the Makwane Magistrate’s Court facing a murder charge.

Tseseng: A man’s neck was slit with a bottle after a quarrel in one of the taverns at the Moeding village. It is alleged that the victim was trying to stop a friend from attacking other people outside the tavern with a broken bottle. As he was closest, he turned and the bottle slit a vein. He bled profusely and died on the scene. The suspect was arrested and allegedly admitted to the incident because the deceased was his friend. The suspect, Nkosinathi Mabizela (24), appeared before the Makwane Magistrate’s Court on 2 April.

Tseseng: Nkoko Tsotetsi (29) was badly hurt and killed by a group of people at a tavern where he allegedly stabbed some of them with a knife. One suspect has been arrested so far. It is alleged that on 31 March he arrived at the tavern and picked a fight with some of the patrons. He allegedly stabbed some people with a knife, but they turned on him and stoned him. He died on the scene instantly. Four suspects were arrested, Dikotsi Mzizi (24), Juda Mokoena (20), Phakela Motloung (22) and Sam Sepalo (21) who appeared in the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court on 2 April.

Mophiring says a case of murder is being investigated. “We urge the victims of the stabbing to report the matter to the police and assist with the investigation for justice to be served.”

Tseseng: Two children aged 4 and 8 were playing in the yard with friends when they started vomiting. They were both rushed to a nearby doctor at the Makeneng Shopping Complex, but the surgery was closed.

The children were taken back home instead of taking them to nearest hospital.

When seeing that their symptoms persisted they were taken to the Elisabeth District Hospital. They were later transferred to the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, one of them, Tana Mphuthi (8), died but his younger sister is still in a critical condition. It is suspected that the two could have eaten poison.

An inquest that was registered has been changed. A case of murder is being investigated.

Phuthaditjhaba: An elderly man, Mokomo Rampheng (59) ,was found badly hurt near a carwash at Mandela Park section. His nose and head were bleeding and both eyes swollen. It is alleged that he was attacked when he left his house to go to Mandela Park Mall to queue for his pension money. Mophiring said is was suspected that he had been confronted by suspect(s) who robbed him of his trousers, ID document, pension card, jacket, shoes and hood.

“He was left helpless and noticed by community members who then informed the police. Later his jacket, hood and pension pay debit card were recovered on the other side of the road. A paramedic tried her best to assist with first aid but he died on the scene.

No suspect has been arrested yet. Any person with information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect can call the Phuthaditjhaba Police on 058-718-0895.

“A case of murder and robbery are being investigated,” he said.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

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Shufu impressed by local operations Juke receives styling upgrades MIDNIGHT RIDER: The popular Nissan Juke has received a number of styling upgrades to create the Juke Midnight Edition.

THE Chinese industrialist and Geely chairman, Li Shufu, spent a “very pleasing” trip in South Africa, outlying the automakers local model plans after attending the 2013 Brics conference in Durban.

Shufu encouraged talks between Geely and Volvo South Africa, which the company acquired in October 2010, for local collaboration in the short term and the investigation of

further benefits such as local assembly.

Shufu said he would push the right-hand drive version of the GX7 SUV and continue with a new bakkie project for South Africa.

Geely South Africa MD, Henri Meistre, said: “As always, it was an honour to meet him and spend some valuable time with him. I think he was suitably impressed with local operations.

More importantly he was particularly interested in South Africans’ love affair with SUV’s and bakkies.

“We’ll be travelling to the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show later in April where we’ll be involved in an important pick-up workshop.

“We’ll also be exposed to a host of exciting new concepts, engines, prototypes and production-ready models.” – Wheels24

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

NEWS

Unknown man found

AN UNKNOWN male patient who is estimated to be 34 years of age was found unconscious on the streets of Bloemfontein. He was then brought to hospital by EMS personnel and admitted in the Internal Medicine Ward (M3) of the Pelonomi Hospital since from 22 March to date.

The patient has gained some consciousness, but he is still disorientated.

He talks inappropriately when interviewed.

He doesn’t know his name or his family’s whereabouts.

MASESI MATLABE, Ntutu Mofokeng, Patrick Mofokeng, Boiketlong branch secretary Paulina Mofokeng and Alina Mofokeng.

Photo: Supplied

Branch calls for re-election } Tladi Moloi

HELP: An unknown man in the Pelonomi Hospital.

THE ANC Boiketlong branch in Bethlehem and the ANC Women’s League call for the disbanded ANC provincial committee to be re-elected.

According to them, the disbanded provincial top five are Ace Magashule, the chairperson, Thabo Manyoni, deputy chairperson, William Bulwane, secretary, Mamiki Qabathe, deputy secretary, and

Msebenzi Zwane, treasurer.

Patrick Mofokeng, the branch secretary, said they had nominated delegates that would represent them at the provincial conference which was expected to take place before the end of the month. The date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

He said they had instructed the delegates to re-elect the committee and added Tjeheta Mofokeng, the brother to

Tjhetane Mofokeng, the executive mayor of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, to the committee.

“Our delegates are Mantoa Buthelezi, Tjeheta and Tjhetane Mofokeng,” he said.

He said the branch successfully hosted the branch general meeting (BGM) by forming the expected quarum after they had failed twice on 12 and 17 March.

The event was attended by Manyoni and Prince Shabangu.

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

NEWS

Boxers rewarded for hard work } Tladi Moloi THE Smiling Tiger Boxing Club scooped up awards at the Free State Boxing Organisation’s awards ceremony which was held on Saturday in the Bethlehem Town Hall. Joseph “Smiling Tiger” Mofokeng, a founder and coach, led the team when he shared a coach of the year award with Esaia Hlasoa. He was followed

by Plaatjie Mokoena, who scooped up the official of the year award.

Ete Khumalo walked home with the prospect of the year award with Nozi Dube completing the fourth trophy for the Bethlehem Club when she marched to the stage to collect woman boxer of the year.

Other winners were Lerato Dlamini, boxer of the year, James Tsoaeli, lifetime achievement award, and the Thabong Boxing Club of Welkom won team of the year.

Fusi Hlasoa, the president of the Free State Boxing Association, said the aim was to honour the boxers and officials who had worked hard during the year. He said it was also the right time to award those who had represented them nationally

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WINNERS: Joseph “Smiling Tiger” Mofokeng, Ete Khumalo, Nozi Dube and Plaatjie Mokoena with the trophies they had won during the Free State Boxing Organisation’s awards ceremony. Photo: Tladi Moloi and internationally.

“We have given them trophies and medals. We wish we could have given them money, but that could not happen because we are a poor association,” he said. Hlasoa said he was a happy with the level of boxing in the Free State. He said boxing had become a dying sport, but that they had managed to save it.

“We are working hard to take it back to where it was a decade ago.

Remember, the Free State used to be a boxing province,” he said.

He said they had about 30 teams in the province. He said it was not easy to select the winners, but they

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had to look at the achievements of the boxers.

Khumalo said: “I am happy about the reward. Things happened fast, and I never expected the award to come this early. I only had two fights. My first fight was in 2009 and a year after that I trained for the whole year,” he said. In 2011 he came very strong and won a bronze in one of the competitions. He said the bronze won the hearts of the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) committee who elected him to represent them in Zambia and he was knocked out in the quarterfinals.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 2013

EASTERN FREE STATE

PSL condemns hooliganism THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has strongly condemned acts of hooliganism at domestic matches following an incident on Saturday afternoon during the Absa Premiership game between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows.

Referee Lwandile Mfiki was attacked when a fan invaded the pitch during the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“This is completely unacceptable in football,” PSL acting CEO Cambridge Mokanyane said.

“It does not do us, nor the image of football any good when we have fans invading the pitch and others throwing objects.

“We condemn this incident in the strongest

ON THE BALL: Players of the schools that took part in the 2012 Danone Nations Cup tournament.

Matswathaka ready

} Tladi Moloi BUTI MOTSOENENG, the sports organiser of the Matswathaka Primary School in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, is adamant that the school’s u.12 soccer team will reach the provincial final of the 2013 Danone Nations Cup tournament which will take place on Saturday at the Clive Solomon Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Matswathaka, a school that will represent the Thabo Mofutsanyana region, will be gunning to win the provincial finals and go to the national finals which will be staged in Johannesburg on 22 June.

They will contest against the likes of Monamodi Primary School from the Lejweleputswa region, Selogile Primary School representing the Fezile Dabi region, Luckhoff Combined School from the Xhariep region, Emang Primary School from the Motheo region and Tlong- Kganyeng Primary School from the Masilonyana region.

The three times provincial

winners and reigning Free State champions, Mofulatshepe Primary School, could not qualify for the provincial finals after they were knocked out at the cluster level this year.

“The boys are more than ready for the tournament. They have never played in the provincial finals before and surely playing at that level is a motivation in its own. They know what is expected of them. The boys are disciplined and dedicated,” Motsoeneng explained.

He said they would love to reach the final of the tournament with their first appearance. He said they had played against strong teams at the regional level and pointed out that they would use the experience gained on Saturday.

“Anything is possible in a cup competition and we might win the cup, should we reach the final stage,” he said.

A winner in the Free State provincial final tournament will join the Rietrivier Primary School from the Northern Cape and Siphumele Primary School of

KwaZulu-Natal who have booked their place in the national finals.

The Selogiloe Primary School from Parys only started participating in the Danone Nations Cup last year. Their coach, Moses Phumo, is very happy to have made it this far.

“This is a big achievement for us considering we only started participating in the tournament last year. Making it to the provincials two times in a row shows that our effort and hard work was not in vain,” he said.

He said they stood a chance of winning the provincial title this time, because of a much stronger and more confident team. Phumo said five of the players from last year’s team were back.

He said they had the experience now and were able to motivate new players.

The next Danone Nations Cup provincial finals will be in Limpopo on 20 April.

The Danone Nations Cup is an u.12 competition involving thousands of boys and girls from around the world.

possible terms.

“We’ll wait for a full report from both the match commissioner and the referee which will be forwarded to the league prosecutor.”

Mokanyane also commended the South African Police Service for acting swiftly against the supporter who invaded the pitch on Saturday.

On Wednesday night a small section of supporters threw objects onto the field after the match between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates at the same stadium.

The PSL will not make any further comment on this matter until the prosecutor’s decision.

– KickOff.com