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‘My grandchild is a criminal’ Two women live in fear because of outofcontrol boys
} Tladi Moloi “I WANT to kill myself before my wild grandchild rapes me. He is now behaving like my husband. He has beaten me several times and the police said they could not arrest him because he was under age,” said the heartbroken Emily Motloung who hails from Extention 8 in Bohlokong, Bethlehem. Motloung talked to Express Eastern Free State during an exclusive interview after the Ward 19 community meeting which was held at the sports grounds near the new Bohlokong Hall. The meeting was aimed at discussing crime in that area and other matters that involved the community. It is every guardian or parent’s wish to see their children living a good life, but it is a dif-
ferent story with Motloung and Ntswaki Mphuthi (33) of Phase 7 who want Bongane Maseko (17) and Geelbooi Moloi (17) in jail. They both said Bongane and Geelbooi, who are friends in crime, have made them hate life because they are dangerous criminals. According to the women the duo recently stole a car engine and when they told them to take it back they wanted to stab them. Motloung said Maseko’s mother died a few years ago and he was now living with her. “He has beaten me several times and I don’t know what to do now. I suspect that he is using drugs. When I talk to him he shouts at me and one time he wanted to stab me because I told him not to steal,” she said. Motloung said Mase-
NTSWAKI MPHUTHI says her cousin’s child is a wild criminal.
ko used something to cover his face with and she did not know why he did that. Mphuthi is also a woman who lives in fear, because her cousin’s child is a criminal. “He smokes dagga and glue. I have tried on several occasions to talk to him, but he said I should stay away from him before he kills me. I just need help, nothing else,” she said. Mphuthi said the father of the child had also tried to intervene, but he had also been beaten by his own flesh and blood. Mafube Mofokeng, the ward councillor, said the meeting was aimed at talking about crime in the location. He said the premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, has urged them to work with the community to make sure that they reduced the level
of crime in the province. “You were part of the meeting and you saw some young people confessing that they had been in crime for a long time. However, we are happy that they have apologised to the community and they have also promised to work with us to reduce the level of crime,” he said. Sgt Mmako Mophiring, communication spokesperson, said the Child Justice Act stated that under-aged children should not be detained in police cells. He, however, said in such a situation the Department of Justice would normally guide them on what should happen.
EMILY MOTLOUNG says her grandchild is making her life a living hell.
Photos: Tladi Moloi
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
NEWS
H AP P Y birthday, Madiba NELSON MANDELA, the former South African president, is turning 95 tomorrow and Express Eastern Free State visited different schools to find out if these youngsters knew Madiba.
‘I know Ntate Mandela. I saw him on television one day. He was in hospital when they showed him because he is sick now. I wish him a happy birthday,’ – Puseletso Mofokeng
PUSELETSO MOFOKENG (6) of the ABC Day-Care Centre: “I know Ntate Mandela. I saw him on television one day. He was in hospital when they showed him because he is ill. I wish him a happy birthday.”
NICO MANGANGI (6) of the ABC Day-Care Centre: “I know Ntate Mandela. I saw him in South Africa. It was a long time ago. He was walking with other people.”
TLHALEFO MABASO (6) of the Leseding Pre-School and Crèche: “My mother taught me about Grandfather Mandela. I have never seen him and I want to see him.”
HLOHONOLOFATSO MOSEA (5) of the Leseding Pre-School and Crèche: “I know him. I saw him on television. He was reading a paper. I know it is his birthday tomorrow and he is turning six.”
KARABO MOFOKENG (7) of the Thabang Primary School: “I saw Ntate Mandela on television. He was talking on the news. I want to see him because I love him. I know it is his birthday tomorrow, but I can’t remember his age.”
MAMELLO MOKOENA (6) of the ABC Day-Care Centre: “I know him. I saw him on television. He is ill at the moment. He has lung problems, my mother told me. I wish him a happy birthday.”
TLOTLISO TAMASANE (5) of the Little Soldier Day-Care Centre: “I saw Ntate Mandela on television.”
TLOTLO TAMASANE (8) of the Graanveld Primary School: “I know he is turning 95 tomorrow and I wish him a happy birthday. I saw him once on TV when he was in hospital. He was ill, but I do not know what the problem was.”
NTLAFATSO NOE (8) of the Bohlokong Primary School: “I saw Ntate Mandela when he spoke on television. I saw him on Saturday. I don’t know how old he is.”
SANELE NGCUBUKA (5) of the Leseding Pre-School and Crèche: “I know Ntate Mandela. I saw him on television when he was walking with other people.”
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NEWS
Earn when you learn
Department makes funds available for matrics who get 100% } Tladi Moloi TATE MAKGOE, the Free State MEC for Education, said a whopping R100 000 would be made available from his department as a reward for black gr. 12 leaners who obtained 100% in Mathematics. Makgoe said the price still stood and it would be shared by those who managed to reach the targeted percentage. “If it is obtained by one learner only he or she will win the prize,” he said. Makgoe said he had wanted to achieve 75% in Mathematics and added that that was possible through hard work. He pointed out cash would not form part of the bursary, but would be a reward. “I am going to fundraise that amount. That is achievable and learners from anywhere in the Free State, including Qwaqwa, can claim the prize,” he said. The MEC spoke at the recent Investec Qwaqwa Promaths Awards Ceremony which was held at the Beacon High School in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa. He said last year the Thabo Mofutsanyana District had been the best region in Accounting and Mathematics and he was adamant they could defend that. “In 2009 our performance in Mathematics was in the 40% and last year we moved to 64%. I have checked the Western Cape and they are at 71% and if we can work harder, we’ll achieve good results,” he said. With the gr. 12 final examination coming up in four months, the optimistic MEC made it clear that he wanted his province to top the other provinces with the 2013 matric results. The MEC said the class of 2012 was the best class ever in the Free State and he believed that this year they would produce good results that would push them to number one. “We are going to beat the Western Cape and Gauteng. I want to beat the Western Cape in particular. Black teachers, we are depending on you. Stop feeling sorry for yourselves and
TATE MAKGOE, the Free State MEC for Education. start taking charge so that we can make a difference.” Makgoe said for the first time in the history of education they had 12 black schools that
had received a 100% past rate last year. He said when he had become the MEC there had been a school that had obtained 20%. He said last year that same school had celebrated
Photo: Tladi Moloi
their first 100% “Our extra classes are focusing on Mathematics, Science and Accounting and learners are reaping the rewards,” he said.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
NEWS
Park celebrates 50 years with discount ON 13 September 1963, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) was officially proclaimed by the government as a national park and 2013 marks 50 years since that proclamation. The park was named GGHNP after the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag Buttress, keeping vigil over the main rest camp, and is situated close to the small, yet famous town of the Free State, Clarens (about 20 km). Since its proclamation the GGHNP has seen many phenomenal changes that make it what it is today. The park boasts amongst others the Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets, Glen Reenen, Basotho Cultural Village and the magnificent Highlands Mountain Retreat which is situated 2 200 m above sea level. To celebrate this gigantic milestone, South African National Parks (SANParks) is offering a whopping 50% discount to all its customers on all new accommodation bookings in the GGHNP. The special, which runs from 1 July to 30 September, is an opportunity not to be missed as it offers tourists an opportunity to spend time in what is known as the jewel of the Free State at an incredible low
price. The following terms and conditions apply: 50% discount on all accommodation and camping at the Basotho Cultural Village, Glen Reenen, Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets and Highlands Mountain Retreat. New reservations public only (not travel trade). Available through all public channels (web, reservation offices and at reception desks in Golden Gate). Period of stay: Monday, 1 July, to Monday, 30 September. Period for bookings to be made: Monday, 1 July, to Monday, 30 September. Excludes 9 and 10 August (Women’s Day long weekend) and 20-23 September (Heritage Day long weekend). No discounts on conservation fees, wild card purchases, activities or meals excluded from accommodation rates, 1% community levy will apply on discounted reservation cost. Subject to standard deposit, modification and cancellation policies applicable to the booking channel used. For more information call the central reservation on 012-428-9111 or Golden Gate on 058-255-1000.
Police looking for suspects THE police in Bloemfontein are looking for two men who have been on the run for years. The first one is a 52-year-old man who is wanted in connection with fraud that was reported at various police stations around South Africa. Sabata James Ramalitse from Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, is linked to about 15 cases of fraud amounting to R500 000. He was last seen in Bethlehem and is believed to be somewhere in Gauteng at the moment. The second one is Eugene Ngezi (31) from Bloemfontein. He is wanted in connection with an armed robbery incident at the casino in Bloemfontein in November 2010. He might be in Port Elizabeth, East London or Gauteng at the moment. Anyone who might have information about their whereabouts is asked to call Capt. Phumelelo Mke on 082-979-8620 or 076-778-6440 or WO Medupi Monareng on 071-481-2513. Both are stationed at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation at the provincial office in Bloemfontein.
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NEWS
EXPRESS’S Spontaan finalist, Riette van der Watt (left), poses with Charlize Berg, Spontaan finals master of ceremonies at the Vryfestival’s Blêrkas on Saturday. Photo: Jens Friis
Winners of Spontaan competition CHRISTIAAN VAN ZYL (middle), a Vrystaat and Maluti finalist, walked away with the crown of the 2013 Spontaan winner after beating off tough competition from seven other finalists. The competition, which is presented by Volksblad’s local newspapers across South Africa’s central region, also saw Vista finalist Eben von Gericke (left) and Bloemnuus finalist Chris Pretorius (right) achieve third and second place respectively. Photo: Marguerite Vermeulen
Let’s meet to talk about growing the Free State economy
If you have the entrepreneurial spirit and a viable industrial project that can contribute to growing industrial capacity and creating jobs in your region, then talk to your IDC Regional Representative to find out how the IDC can help you with development funding of R1 million or more. Meet your IDC Free State Regional Representative at the following SEDA office to discuss funding:
JULY 2013 24 July
Contact the Free State Regional Office on 051 411 1450/1 to make an appointment.
Telephone: 086 069 3888 Email: callcentre@idc.co.za To apply online for funding of R1 million or more go to www.idc.co.za
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013 7
NEWS
Waste not, want not
PLAATJIE MOKOENA pictured in a boxing ring during one of the games that he officiated. Photo: Tladi Moloi
Mokoena is living his dream } Tladi Moloi PLAATJIE MOKOENA has a passion for boxing and he is living his dream. He has recently qualified as a national referee in boxing and he said he was eyeing the international badge. This hard-working and dedicated man has been elected as an additional member in the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) Referees and Judges Commission. He told Express Eastern Free State that he was delighted to be part of the commission and added that it would open his door in the boxing fraternity. Mokoena, who is also the president of the Thabo Mofutsanyana Boxing Association, said: “Boxing is one of the best sports and I would love to see more youngsters joining it”. The man who hails from Bohlokong near Bethlehem, joined boxing in 1982 when he was 11 years old. Since then he
has never looked back. He hung up his gloves in 1998 before he considered attending referee and judging courses. “It was not easy to make that decision, but in life there is a time for everything. I am happy that today I am one of the three referees that we have in the Free State and that shows we still need other people to join,” he said. When asked why only three referees, Mokoena said many people dropped out along the way because it was a process to get to that stage. It takes commitment and passion for one to get there because you don’t even get paid. Mokoena has won District Official of the Year for four years consecutively since 2009. In 2011 he scooped the Best Official Award at the National Championship before his recent award of 2012, the Provincial Referee and Judge of the Year.
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IT was in 1993 that I fell in love with soccer. It was when I watched Qwaqwa Stars against Kaizer Chiefs in the Charles Mopeli Stadium – and since then football has became my wife. Very funny, my marriage came at the age of nine. Since then, I have started familiarising myself with many things in the football fraternity. I realised then that competitions such as the World Cup, African Cup of Nations, Confederations Cup and other cup tournaments were important. But, when coming to the promotional leagues, play-offs are very important as well because they are the final examinations going through to the next class. So, a place where a competition of that magnitude should be organised. I was very disappointed with the way things were organised at the Mantsopa Local Municipality during the local Football Association play-offs. The games took place at the so-called Arthur Pitso Stadium which looked like an open piece of ground. It was only the grand stand that gave it a stadium feel. Who is Arthur Pitso? He would not like to know that the stadium has been named after him if he can see it now. The grass is gone, there are no dressing rooms and toilets. The facilities are there, but have been vandalised. It shows that the municipality does not maintain the stadium. I think the lesser said about the maintenance the better because I don’t even think they still remember that there is a stadium there. I wonder if the chairperson of the LFA had a chance to visit the stadium before the games. Were they happy about it? Was there no alternative stadium? I am hoping to get answers. It is time that we take soccer at grass roots level very seriously. If you go to countries like Brazil, China, Germany and others you will never see football players playing on a barren piece
THE dressing rooms at the stadium are a disgrace. Photo: Tladi Moloi of ground. They play in stadiums with grass. I know we might not have that privilege, but let’s take better care of the little we have. My humble plea to the municipalities is this: Could you please get people to water the grass and look after the stadium? Let us maintain them now. We know that maybe you are worried that if you do some comrades would not get tenders to give them a kick-start, but please help us. For now that is all I can say because of space, but if you need more advice, my office is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
EASTERN FREE STATE
“I want to thank the management of the team, my technical staff and the players for the good work. The boys have played like soldiers and team effort was key to our success.” – Zoa Moloi
HERO: Tshepo “Nzama” Khabane was instrumental in guiding Rhino to the SAB League. He scored three goals in the first game when they beat Dynamos 4-1. Photo: Tladi Moloi
Teams graduate } Tladi Moloi
RHINO FC and United Wanderers have graduated to the SAB Regional League. The two teams from Bethlehem and Petrus Steyn registered their name in the Thabo Mofutsanyana Regional League after they had qualified through the play-offs that took place on Saturday. Rhino played in the play-offs after they had become the champions of the Dihlabeng Mayoral League while Wanderers were the champions representing the Nketoane Local Football Association. The play-offs, which had two streams A and B, took place at the Mamafubedu Sports Grounds in Petrus Steyn and the Arthur Pitso Stadium in Ladybrand. The teams in stream A were United Wandereres FC from Nketoane, United Brothers from Phumelela and Zebras FC representing Maluti-a-Phofung while Rhino FC, Dynamos FC, Setsoto and Royal Knights FC representing Mantsopa were in stream B.
The two teams graduated to the next league after they had both finished top in their streams respectively. United Wanderers topped the A stream with six points after they had defeated both teams. They hammered Brothers 7-1 before they narrowly beat Zebras 2-1. Zebras finished second with 3 points while the hosts Brothers finished last after they had conceded 15 goals in 2 games. Rhino finished at the top of stream B with four points after they had hammered Dynamos 4-1 before playing to a three-all draw against the hosts, Royal Knights. Knights finished second on the log with two points while Dynamos finished third. Zoa Moloi, the team mentor, said he was delighted with what the boys had done for him. Moloi, who was in a celebratory mood, kept on saying God had helped him to win the league and He never disappointed in the last stages when He was needed the most. “I want to thank the management of the team, my technical staff and the players for their good work. The
boys played like soldiers and team effort was key in our success,” he said. Moloi said the competition in the play-offs had been very tough with every team fighting for much-needed points which could see them playing in the next league next season. “We’ll give the boys time to rest before we start with our preparations for next season. We have a good team and I am adamant that they will compete in the next stage,” he said. Moratwe Mofokeng, the captain of the team, said: “We want to thank the management of the team for their support because without them we would not have had the team. God made everything possible. He knew what would happen to us from day one and we praise Him for it.” Mofokeng, whose nickname is Chikoya, touched the heart of the team marketing manager, Jeroldine Hescock, when he said they had won the promotion for her. Chikoya said a woman in the driving seat would not be found in many teams.