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Nkuna legacy lives on Two centres to be named after the late sports administrator } Sidwell Guduka
CUTTING THE RIBBON: From the left are Emily Nkuna (wife of the late Dick Nkuna), Dan Khothule (MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation), Thokozile Nkuna (daughter of the late Dick Nkuna), and Junior Nkuna (son of the late Dick Nkuna). Photo: Sidwell Guduka
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DICK NKUNA may be dead but his name will live on. Last Wednesday, Dan Khothule, the outgoing MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State, renamed the two sporting facilities in the province after him. The Free State Sports Science Institute (FSSSI) Centre of Boxing Excellence in Bloemfontein and the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Welkom will now be known as the Dick Nkuna Centre of Sports Excellence and Dick Nkuna Indoor Sports Centre, respectively. “We are here today to honour Dick Nkuna. When he passed on, we made a decision to rename this facility after him,” Khuthulo said. “By renaming these facilities, we honour Mr Nkuna for the work he has done as a sports administrator and for his contribution towards transforming sport in our country. Such transformation has been central in the promotion of social cohesion and nation building. “His legacy will live on in the work done at these facilities that will carry his name.” Speaking on behalf of the family, Junior Nkuna, the son of the late Dick Nkuna, said his father’s life revolved around sport. “We feel honoured as the family of Dick Nkuna to have these facilities named after him. My father impacted many lives through the spirit of ubuntu. “I would like to encourage the youth to make use of these facilities and prevent them from becoming a white elephant. They must exercise to keep fit and healthy,” he said. The late Nkuna served as football manager of Welkom Real Hearts and Welkom Stars. He was also the former president of Safa in the Northern Free State. Prior to his death, he served as a manager for Boxing South Africa in the Free State until his death two weeks ago.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014
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LERATO MAKATELLE
MASABATA LEBONA
MOEKETSI MOLOI
SHERLEY MAJOLA
Pirate taxis vs legal taxis
} Motlalepule Mokgosi
THE Matjhabeng Local Municipality traffic officers impounding taxis and private vehicles suspected to operate illegally as taxis has caused an uproar. In recent weeks the traffic officers have been visible at various strategic hotspots around Thabong, hard at work enforcing the law. They left no stone unturned, confiscating tens of vehicles suspected of operating illegally as taxis. Some minibuses were found unroadworthy, having incorrect licence discs and even registration numbers corresponding with existing number plates. The drivers with outstanding traffic fines also did not escape. Tens of taxis and private vehicles impounded were stored at the Welkom Provincial Traffic Department and the Vaal Maseru Industrial Impoundment. Disgruntled taxi drivers and owners then embarked on a go-slow two weeks ago to raise concerns regarding swashbucklers (pirating taxis commonly known as 4+1) that seem to have taken over their routes. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded and many people found it difficult to reach their destination. All the affected parties were forced to walk instead. Last week it emerged that aggrieved taxi owners, including the suspected pirate taxi drivers, had reclaimed their vehicles at the Welkom Traffic Department impoundment, allegedly after cutting the fence. This was in protest of paying fines ranging from R3 200 to R3 500 that included a R40 storage fee that accumulates per day. Angry owners told Express Goldfields & NFS they were also demanded to write a motivational letter and report to present to the court in order to have their fines reduced and to have their vehicles released. One of the illegal taxi drivers cites unemployment as the reason for the increase in the number of pirate taxis on the roads of Motse-Thabong as people must make ends meet to survive. He said: “If only there were jobs, everyone will be satisfied, but our government is failing us. By so doing we create jobs for ourselves in order to support our families,
A PASSENGER stops a suspected pirating taxi in front of the premises of the Welkom Post Office and Home Affairs in the busy Bok Street. Photos: Teboho Setena even if it means nothing but that little money we get during the course of the day to provide bread and milk for our children.” Passengers reacted with mixed feelings on the issue of illegal taxis. Others feel it is advantageous to make use of them while some fear the danger. Masabata Lebona, a passenger from Oppenheimer Park, said: “Unlicensed mini taxis are actually fast and easy to find at any spot, unlike waiting or going all the way to various ranks to board taxis which take time to fill up. I’m very conscious about the risk of pirating taxis, but I would rather risk my life than be late.” Moeketsi Moloi from Bedelia said: “Licensed taxis are very rare to find in the morning and noon, so I rely on pirating ones to reach my destination safely. I’m aware of the benefits and risks of boarding a pirating taxi, but I don’t have a choice.
Express invites readers to send their views regarding the issue to teboho.setena@volksblad.com. One struggles to find a licensed taxi when it matters the most.” Lerato Makatelle from Doorn said: “I do not board unlicensed mini taxis because they are dirty. People should be alert that they are putting their lives at risk using unlicensed taxis. If they get involved in an accident, they won’t be able to claim anything from the Road Accident Fund.” Sherly Majola from Sunrise said: “Unlicensed mini taxis always come to my rescue in the morning and late evening. The
drivers of licensed taxis are very arrogant and they are costing us jobs. They will wait in the morning from 07:00 till 08:00 and they do not leave unless the vehicles are full of passengers. They will even drive around looking for passengers to fill the vehicle, not considering that it is time consuming. On 6 May the legal taxi owners did not inform the passengers of their strike. We really struggled to get to work. The authorities of the traffic department should consider issuing permits to owners that operate illegally to increase the number of taxis because we are struggling. Traffic officers should also stop taking bribes from the drivers of pirating taxis.” Frustrated taxi drivers whine as they find it very biased that they were entreated to pay the full amount, yet they will at some point find their vehicles in a worse condition than when they were still in their possession. Certain individuals blame traffic officers for not issuing them with permits (which give them a right to carry passengers for transportation) even though they have been registered for quite some time. Anonymous said he was on his way home from work with colleagues and they formed a lift club. On the night of 16 May, on their way home after a hectic day at work, traffic officers asked him to pull over and they probed him and the passengers in his taxi. “They asked if I was pirating and who were the people in my car and also if they paid to travel with me. I replied that they were my colleagues and right there they told me I was pirating as long as money was involved. They impounded my car and I was given a fine of R3 500.” Three days later the aggrieved driver said he went to the Welkom Magistrate’s Court to pay to have his vehicle released. “Surprisingly there was no paper work. We were exclusively asked how much money we had. I had R900 and I was asked to make it R1 000 to get assistance. At the end of the day I eventually paid R3 160, including storage.” ) Express was unsuccessful in obtaining comments from the Matjhabeng Municipality and the Welkom Taxi Association.
Six police officers face disciplinary charges
} Teboho Setena SIX police officers facing a charge of the possession of gold-bearing materials are also set to face internal disciplinary charges. The accused are Tebogo Kotsi, Sabata Rasenyalo, Mongameli Ndemetya, Sello Mokgele, Nthando Tima and Teboho Mofokeng. They are members of the Welkom Police Crime Prevention Unit. The officers briefly appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on 19 May. They are currently out on bail of R1 000 each. The Welkom police spokesperson, Capt. Stephen Thakeng, said internal disciplinary actions against the six officers had already been instituted. The officers were arrested along with a mine worker a week ago at a house in the suburb of Seemeeupark in Welkom. Thakeng said the arrest by the Welkom Police Flying Squad Unit followed a tip-off by a member of the public.
“The members were found busy processing gold-bearing material on a fire. The value, as well as the weight of the seized gold-bearing material, is unknown,” he said. He said several items that included mercury, buckets and blankets, as well as apparatus used to process gold-bearing material, had been confisticated during the bust, adding that the case was being investigated by the Hawks Unit in Welkom. Thakeng said the arrest of the police officers had been fundamental and a breakthrough in relation to the Mining Crime Combating Forum launched recently by the former minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, in Welkom. The initiative is aimed at clamping down on syndicates dealing illegally in gold. Meanwhile, the Thabong police unit discovered loads of equipment utilised in gold-processing at G-Hostel – the popular hub of illegal gold mining in the Goldfields. The equipment was confiscated
during a two-hour raid last Thursday. The Thabong police spokesperson Malebo Khosana said significant was the discovery of live ammunition (rubber bullets) hidden outside in an old unused deep-freezer. He said two illegal liquor outlets (shebeens) had been shut down and their owners would face charges of selling liquor without a licence and the violation of the Liquor Act on their appearance in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court this week. Additional gold-processing equipment seized includes 6 melting pots, 1 bottle of mercury, 4 gas cylinders, 1 mine battery, 11 gas bottles, a plastic bag with borax, 1 sift, 1 mine hard hat, a plastic basin container and a scale. Khosana said no one had been arrested for the confiscated items because ownership could not be established. He added that five illegal immigrants of Mozambican origin had been nabbed.
JOSEPH LETSOISA and other members after having loaded gas bottles onto the bakkie at G-Hostel.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014
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A HELPING HAND: Sefako Tshukudu, an employee of the Matjhabeng Municipality, hands over canned food to Monde Rasello, teacher and the project manager of the Hani Park Primary School's Needy Learners Project. With them are some of the learners who benefit from the project. From the left are Jan Shuping, Thuliswa Mafeka, Zikhona Makhotela, Ntswaki Motsoari, Abongile Magade and Lehlohonolo Matlhojane. LEFT: Desmond Tsipane, the principal of the Hani Park Primary School (middle), receive canned food products from Thabo Tsasane (left) and Sipho Botha of the Department of Social Development. Photos: Teboho Setena
‘We have a feeding scheme at the school. However, it’s not enough to alleviate this group of learners’ situation after school.’ – Desmond Tsipane, principal
School offered stacks of help } Teboho Setena MORE than 100 learners of the Hani Park Primary School in Welkom have benefitted from a goodwill gesture, the collection of dozens of canned food products. This was the initiative of sports enthusiastic workers of the private and public sector and was presented in the form of a football event staged in Welkom. The participating workers were of the Masimong Mine, the Matjhabeng Local Munici-
pality, the Department of Education, the Department of Labour, the Department of Social Development and the Welkom Police. Kgosi Mathejane, spokesperson, said each member of the participating teams was challenged to make a contribution. “This was well received by all the members of the teams that participated. It was very encouraging too, as we all saw a need to help the learners of the school,” he said.
Participants had a choice to contribute financially or purchase canned food products. “With the cash collected we purchased different canned food products to supplement what others had donated. All the products donated towards the learners were for them to take home to their respective families,” said Mathejane. The group of learners who benefitted are all enrolled for the Hani Park Primary School’s Needy Learners Project, which is
managed by Monde Rasello, one of the teachers at the school. “We have a feeding scheme at the school, however, it’s not enough to alleviate this group of learners’s situation after school,” said Desmond Tsipane, the principal of the Hani Park Primary School. “The donation of canned food is something we have welcomed and it will go a long way in addressing the learners’ situation in their respective families.”
Sanco outraged at state of health services
THE South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) is outraged by the poor rendering of health services by the Free State Department of Health across the province. The organisation has expressed grave concern with health facilities’ inability to render services to the public, further committing in a statement to urgently take up the matter with the provincial department during the course of this week to address the service delivery crisis. Two hospitals, Bongani in Welkom and Pelonomi in Bloemfontein, are the focus of the worrying situation. The critical state at the Bongani Hospital became public on 15 May when over 100 nurses downed tools protesting against the dire conditions they work under. “Sanco in this province is very worried as far as the state of public health facilities at this particular juncture in time. “This comes after the state of the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom came to the attention of the civic movement, where nurses are struggling to execute their daily responsibilities due to no or limited resources pertaining to their work. “Our understanding as a community organisation is that some aspects can just be attended to and dealt with by the use of petty cash such as for nappies, surgical gloves, needles and identity tags for new-born babies,” said Bakoena Ramosie, Sanco’s provincial secretary. “Sanco will not tolerate such conditions where the lives of our community members are threatened, especially by institu-
tions which are expected to maintain their health. “Nothing brings a smile to our face when patients are wrapped up in sheets due to the non-availability of nappies, considering that the Department of Health
was prioritised among other departments when budgets were allocated. “The fact that this was recorded just a few weeks after the national and provincial elections, simply means it can’t be business as usual when it comes to
services rendered to our communities. “Our communities deserve better and dignified services. “We will therefore hold the department accountable to the people it serves and seek answers,” said Ramosie.
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Reaching out to community A GROUP of third-year student nurses of the Ses’khona Project 2014 at the Free State School of Nursing Northern Campus at the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom visited the Bophelong Clinic in (K6), Odendaalsrus, recently. The purpose was to do an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the community vegetable project as part of strengthening community services and to raise funds to purchase equipment to sustain the project. Photo: Supplied
My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer
Let success not make us arrogant
SMILING FACES: The Thabong Police Training Academy’s Men for Change and Women’s Network put a smile on the faces of the children of the Adamsonsvlei Farm School by donating handy items recently. From the left are, front: Mamello Mohailane, Maki Mwaya, Thato Kothe, Mado Mara and Diepollo Moshoeshoe; middle: Nombulelo Moyekwane, Moleboheng Kola (principal), Christa Wessels (sponsor), Refilwe Mwaya, Katleho Mohailane, Moleboheng Ralekaota and Moletsane Mothobi (Men for Change Forum); back: Masilo Nchoba (Men for Change Forum) and Masabata Lebeko (Women’s Network). Photo Supplied
Academy opens heart IN line with the mission to positively change lives, the Thabong Police Training Academy donated items to the Adamsonsvlei Farm School. The items are to benefit the school and the learners. The gesture is part of the academy’s Men for Change and Women’s Network The donation included winter clothes, toilet paper, paint and
a photocopier as well as hampers containing shoe polish and toys. The donors included private companies Boxer, Park Wholesale, Minolta and the police. Kethabile Mofokeng, the police spokesperson, said the school had been identified by Men for Change. They wanted to make a positive change in the lives of the learners.
“The school was identified as part of the Men for Change Outreach Programme themed Bringing Change in Someone’s Life,” she said. Col Moletsane Mothobi of the Thabong Police Academy added: “We are looking forward to a long-term relationship between the management of the school and the role players who made this possible.”
HAD we known the hour and time when the thief would strike, we wouldn’t have Oscar Pistorious’s case on our hands. And Oscar would not have an excuse for having shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp, the former model and his girlfriend. In his defence in court, Oscar alleged he thought Reeva was an intruder. Oscar would have been charged with premeditated murder without any grounds for culpable homicide. Homeowners never know when the thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. – Matthew 24: 39. I do agree with the ANC president, Jacob Zuma, and his followers that the ruling party will rule South Africa till the second coming of the Messiah – this is Zuma’s own statement in the election campaign to woe voters to vote for the ruling party. It has been over 2 000 years since Jesus Christ has left this world in human flesh. He who testifies these things said: surely I’ll come soon. – Revelation: 22-29. In this context, that means the ANC started ruling in 1994 when the new democratic dispensation was implemented. On 7 May they won the fifth successive general elections convincingly. Their past and present leaders had been boasting that their party would rule until the second coming of Christ. That means they could be ruling until the next minute, next hour or thousand years. Jesus
promised all of us blessings and everlasting success if we worship Him in truth and in spirit. He said we should except we be converted and become as humble as little children and we shall enter the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the world. Let our success not make us arrogant, undermine and disrespect people. Our people expect leaders who will serve them first and not themselves. Our people need job opportunities and not social grants and other freebies. God does not expect this country to turn into a social state. The various political parties scramble for church services and give generously to churches whenever elections are near. Jesus expects all political parties, civil servants and government officials to refrain from stealing, deceiving and lying for He is on the way. It is not your works, but your belief that will save you when the Messiah comes for the second time. ) Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes members of the public interested in contributing to the weekly column as public observers or citizen journalists. There is no payment for writers. Send your opinion piece (not exceeding 450 words) to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014
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Organised Youth Day event YOUTH DAY: The Universal Church Youth Power Group members are from the left Sabata Maloka, Siyabulela Magwaza, Itumeleng Motitsoe, Elizabeth Molomo, Sibongile Tshabalala, Nthabiseng Mofokeng, TselisoTebateba and Elias Mofokeng. The group has organised a special event to mark this year’s National Youth Day on 16 June at the Welkom Club hall. The event’s theme is Learn to Say No, drawing inspiration from the 1976 generation of youth that fought to realise their dream for among others quality education for all and forceful use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Photo Supplied
Body uplifts arts A GROUP of local artists in Thabong have taken another step towards developing and promoting arts by establishing a dedicated body called the Arts Development Initiative Operation (ADI). The formation of the body is a partnership with the Lejweleputswa Arts and Culture Centre. A committee of 12 members has been set up to pursue the organisation’s objective. Those elected to serve in the management committee are Saduma Miya (chairperson), Thabiso Lefisoane (deputy chairperson), Lebohang Motaung (secretary), Tlalane Ramohloki (deputy secretary), Habi Ramolahloane (treasurer), Andrea Tambo (coordinator) and Thabo Kholopane (marketing officer). Additional members are Bhekuyise Jobe, Maponto Marumo, Lefa Moshounyane and Lefu Koetlise. “The body’s establishment was prompted by a strong need to raise the standard of arts, developing young artists and promoting arts in general,” said Saduma Miya. To achieve its mission, the body organises open day activities monthly to enable artists to showcase their talent. Activities include a live performance by jazz and maskandi artists. “Through this we also encourage artists to market their own products and themselves,” said Miya.
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THE construction phase of the low-cost houses donated towards two residents of Thabong.
Photos: Teboho Setena
Residents receive new houses LIFE has changed for the better for three families from Thabong in Welkom who can now live with their loved-ones in houses. The delighted residents received low-cost houses classified as innovative building technology homes. They are Nombuyiselo Sethojane, Maria Phara and Maria Chaotsane. They previously lived in two-roomed houses which had only a kitchen, bedroom and a combined bathroom and toilet. The recipients beamed with joy after they had received their houses. “I’m at peace and very excited to have a proper house that can accommodate my family which includes me and five grandchildren. “It has given me a sense of belonging and dignity, and to my
family as well,” said Sethojane (69). The value of the houses were not revealed. The houses, 63 m² without the patio and 73 m² with the patio, were donated to the beneficiaries by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) in line with its corporate social investment initiative. They were officially handed over by Dr Jeffrey Mahachi and Adv. Brenda Madumise, representatives of the NHBRC. Each house has two bedrooms, a bathroom and living-dining room. The houses were designed to make optimal use of the site and include energy efficiency interventions such as aerolite roof insulation, alu foil bubble insulation for the walls, polystyrene in the walls and a solar water heater.
THE delighted beneficiary Nombuyiselo Sethojane (far right) with Dr Jeffrey Mahachi and Adv. Brenda Madumise at the recent official handing over of a low-cost, four-roomed house in Thabong.
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NEWS
Dept extends clinic hours
THE long wait in queues by the members of the public at primary health-care clinics is to be a thing of the past following an announcement by the Department of Health Services Lejweleputswa to extend working hours at several clinics to render service to the public. The extended hours will be effected from 1 June with certain provincial clinics rendering 12 hours’ service starting from 07:00 till 19:00. “The implementation of these extended hours will ensure that all clients at the clinic will be served every day, and it will enable working clients to come even after working hours. “It is very important for the department to eliminate the risk of clients leaving home early and standing in the dark for hours before the clinics open. Waiting time should be shorter as clients will be served over a longer period,” says Joët van der Walt, communication officer of the Lejweleputswa Health District. She says extended
Golden opportunity
THE clinics involved in this extended service will be the AM Kruger Clinic in Odendaalsrus, and four clinics in Welkom – the Welkom Clinic, Thabong Clinic, Matjhabeng Clinic and Tshepong Clinic. The Kgotsong Clinic in Thabong is already rendering a 24-hour service and also has a maternity section. working hours at clinics will ensure that there is no need for members of the public to risk queuing in the dark and in extreme weather conditions outside the clinics and to arrive in the early hours to ensure being served during the day. “It is the vision of District Health Services in the Lejweleputswa District to serve all clients professionally and efficiently and give the best care possible,” says Van der Walt.
VISITORS have a beautiful view of the golden sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate from the Glen Reenen Rest Camp in the national park. Express and SANParks’ competition which allows one lucky reader to stand a chance to win a weekend stay for a family of four in Glen Reenen, is coming to an end today. Visit the Express website at www.expressnews.co.za and follow the instructions to enter. You need to answer one easy question. The winner will be announced next week. Photos: Christo van Staden
Shouting for their team PITCH FEVER: All dressed up in different attire are mine workers at the Masimong Mine and also fans who supported their team, Harmony FC, playing against the visiting side, Clarens Galaxy, in a Safa Second Division Free State stream league fixture last Saturday at the Masimong Sports Centre. Photo: Teboho Setena
REMEMBRANCE: The employees of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in Welkom held a candle-light event in remembrance of people living with HIV/Aids and those who had died as a result of the pandemic. Held a week ago the event was attended by representatives of local churches. In attendance were from the left the Sassa management, Tsiliso Leshoro, Mapuleng Leseme, Chuene Kgare and Phembi Ntsizi (reverend of the Methodist Church). Photo supplied
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Ziyaduma Promotions present a themed Woza Youth Month Concert in aid of the Success Quito Crèche and the Success Cultural Group. This will be held at the AME Church, Moshoeshoe Street, Rooistene, on 7 June from 11:00. Admission is R10 for adults and R5 for learners and children. The event, that will also mark the celebration of 16 June and Youth Month, will feature drama, poetry, dance, music, comedy and awareness speeches. Individual artists and cultural groups interested in taking part and supporting the event are welcome. Each member or performer is requested to donate R3. Registration closes on 5 June. For details call Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528.
AT GRADUATION: In attendance at the recent graduation of the South African Academy of Health in Welkom are from the left Ronel Pretorious, Magda Smith, Nomsa Ngcolwane and Marina van Zyl. Photo: Teboho Setena
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Attend prayer service against crime THE Welkom Police Social Crime Prevention Unit and representatives of the various churches, including learners, recently gathered at the Reitz Park Primary School for a prayer service against crime. Candles were lit during the event at which information about the crime pattern analysis and safety hints were given to those in attendance. Among the representatives in attendance were from the left Richard Madumisi, Molefi Phakisi, Lt Nomathemba Motlomelo, Rev. Nicholas Ramatsoele, WO Dikeledi Nhlapo, Const. Vincent Sefika, Clement Mvimbi, Past. Moses Nthoroane and Kapesa Rantshedi.
Feedback, updates from SAPS Police hunt killers of Lesotho nationals The Welkom police are appealing to the public to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of the murderers of two Lesotho nationals, Moikangoe Masalalija and Lefa Mabutsoane. They were killed at the President Steyn Mine’s number 2 shaft in Welkom in separate incidents. Moikangoe’s body was found on 14 December with two bullet wounds to the chest. The deceased resided in Polokong Village, Welkom, and was apparently employed as a shepherd at the President Steyn Mine’s cattle kraal. On 23 March 2013 at about 20:00 Mabutsoane was shot at by zama-zamas. Anyone with helpful informa-
tion regarding both murders can call the investigative officer, Elliot Khutsoane, on 057-391-6258 during office hours or on 083-940-1743. Police looking for murderers and next of kin The Welkom police are appealing to the public to help them in providing helpful information regarding the murder of a 15-year-old African girl and the whereabouts of her relatives. The deceased’s body was discovered on 28 January this year next to the traffic light near the Bongani Regional Hospital. Her body was covered with leaves. Stephen Thakeng, the police spokesperson, said they were looking for the
victim’s family or relatives to positively identify the deceased. He said the teenager’s body had sjambok marks on it. The deceased was found wearing a blue denim jean, a yellow sleeveless shirt and she was barefoot. “The motive for the killing is unknown. A manhunt has been initiated by the Welkom Detective Services to trace the suspects,” said Thakeng. Anyone with helpful infor’ mation that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and the whereabouts of relatives can call the investigating officer, Victor Mogoje, on 057-391-6240 during office hours or on 078-301-7958.
Man gets 18 years in prison A Lesotho national, 26-year-old Mokete Mohloane, will spend 18 years in prison for housebreaking and robbery committed last November. He was found guilty after his appearance in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court recently. The accused was sentenced to 15 years for housebreaking and three years for robbery. Armed with a knife, the perpetrator broke into a tuck shop, gaining access through a window. He was caught in the act by the owner, a 43-year-old woman whom the accused attacked and stabbed twice. The perpetrator then fled the scene on foot. He was later arrested near the municipal flats in Welkom.
Police hunt four armed men The Welkom police are searching for four armed robbers who robbed the owner of JS Automac and a security guard of their cellphones on 19 May. The robbery took place at about 20:12. Stephen Thakeng, the police spokesperson, said the armed robbers had overpowered the businessman and security officer, had tied them up, after which he had attempted to cut open the safe with a grinder, but failed. He said the robbers were still at large after they had fled on foot. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects can call Riaan de Lange, the investigative officer, on 057-391-6271 during office hours.
SPORTS NEWS
Soccer trials held for Maluti
THE National First Division outfit, Maluti FET College FC, is conducting talent identification trials to select players to beef up the team for the new season. The trials, as planned by the club’s technical team led by coach Morena Ramorebodi, will be on the following dates and venues: 31 May in Parys at the Parys Stadium, 1 June in Botshabelo at the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium and 7 and 8 June at the Phuthaditjhaba Stadium in Qwaqwa. The starting time of the trials at the venues will be at 08:00 and will end at 17:00. Players interested to attend are advised to bring their attire, identity document, make their travelling and accommodation arrangements and must provide food for themselves.
Chasing the ball
The trials are open for players between 17 and 27. The trials are in line with the club’s plan to strengthen itself for the new 2014-’15 soccer season which is expected to start in August this year. Any interested players can contact Monnanyane on 073-447-7163 or 072-267-3834 and Ntsoetsa on 083-898-9416 for more information.
The trials are in line with the club’s plan to strengthen itself for the new 2014-’15 soccer season which is expected to start in August this year.
PLAYING HARD FOR CHARITY: Sello Makonyane of the SAPS (blue/ white) and Lekhotla Motanyane of the Masimong Mine tussle for the ball during a recent charity football tournament. More pictures on www.express-news.co.za. Photo: Teboho Setena
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014
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‘The provincial tournament will be staged at the Baken Park Hall in Bethlehem on Saturday. The fighters making the grade to represent the Free State at this year’s national championships will be announced on Saturday.’
Boxers ready to do battle } Tladi Moloi THERE will be blood and sweat when boxers battle it out for a place in the squad of 13 men and women to represent the Free State in this year’s amateur national championships set for next month in East London. Boxers will soon trade leather in different divisions with the ultimate aim being to secure a place in this year’s provincial squad. The provincial tournament will be staged at the Baken Park Hall in Bethlehem on Saturday. The fighters making the grade to represent the Free State at this year’s national championships will be announced on Saturday. The action-packed tournament is expected to start at 09:00. According to Platjie Mokoena, the president of the Thabo Mofutsanyana Boxing Organisation, the boxers who will take part in the contest are the best from the five districts in the province. “It will be the first time that we will stage a tournament in Bethlehem. “I think the province gave us a chance to host this tournament, because we have had many successful tournaments in the past,” Mokoena says. He says they will ensure that they select a competitive squad that will bring home the silverware at this year’s national championships. “We did not perform well in the national championships last year as compared to 2012, when we finished in third position overall in the country. “Last year we reached fourth position and we are aiming to improve on that by obtaining first place this year.” Mokoena says he is determined that this year’s provincial squad will make the Free State proud by winning gold medals nationally. He says in their quest to win prestigious medals, they have overcome strong opponents, the likes of Gauteng and Eastern Cape, who had been dominating in previous years. “These are the two provinces that used to give us a headache. “We have reached their standard and believe you me, this time they will have to sweat for their money,” says Mokoena. The participants at Saturday’s tournament will be from Lejweleputswa, Motheo, Xhariep, Fezile Dabi and Thabo Mofutsanyana. Some of the participants have been sharpening their skills at the Free State Sports Science Institute (FSSSI) in Bloemfontein.
FULL STRETCH: Harmony FC defender Bafokeng Moabi (red) curls the ball past Clarens Galaxy midfielder Tshepo Tsotetsi during the two sides’ league fixture played at the Masimong sports grounds last Saturday. For more pictures, go to www.express-news.co.za.
It’s crunch time
} Teboho Setena
THIS week’s intriguing top of the table fixtures are sure to give direction as to which club will scoop this year’s Free State stream of the South African Football Association (Safa) second division title. The championship race has come down to the wires with four teams in the pole position to win the championship race. The four clubs in the hotly-contested race are Bloemfontein Young Tigers (50 points) in fourth place, Bubchu United (52 points) in third position, Super Eagles (54 points) in the second position and the log-leaders, Sibanye Golden Stars (56 points). The title contest has seen two clubs, Mangaung Unite and
Central University of Technology, fall by the wayside as they seemed not to be able to cope. The decisive matches set to give direction as to where the championship is heading, will be played today and Saturday at the different venues. The eagerly-awaited fixture is today’s top of the table featuring the log-leaders Stars and Eagles at the Beatrix Mine sports grounds. The other matches today see Bubchu take on relegation-bound Welkom United at the Unitas High School sports grounds with Tigers hosting Vaal Legends, who are also facing relegation. Today’s matches are set to start at 15:00. Saturday’s crucial games will see Eagles host Celtic Colts at the Bohlokong Stadium in Bethlehem
and Tigers visit Shamrock Flowers in Kroonstad. Although a share of the spoils between Eagles and Stars will be acceptable, a win will certainly be a major boost in realising their title-winning ambitions. Stars, led by coach Samuel Mpakane, will in today’s titanic clash against Eagles be looking to avenge their 3-0 hammering by fellow title-contenders Bubchu from Bloemfontein. A win for the industrious Goldfields outfit will see them widen the gap at the helm of the log and also tighten their grip on the championship trophy. As for Eagles a win will see them close in on the leaders and raise the prospect to wrestle the championship away from Stars. Gutsy Stars are the only team
Photo: Teboho Setena
of the five from the Goldfields in the tough battle to secure a spot at this year’s Safa national promotional play-offs. The top-four seeded clubs, Stars, Bubchu, Tigers and Eagles, cannot afford any slip-up given their possibility to win the provincial championship contest that is crucial to book them a place at the promotional play-offs set to take place in June. The winner of the four teams will compete against the winners from the other provinces for promotion to the National First Division. Meanwhile, Harmony have improved their standing on the log table and certainly avoided the looming relegation when they drew 0-0 with Clarens Galaxy in last Saturday’s league fixture.
Comrades around the corner
CHARGING ON: Welkom United player Tsietsi Tsoeu (in blue) tries to negotiate his way past the Mangaung Unite trio of Orapeleng Thulo, Tumelo Nhlapo and Kotso Madimabe during last Wednesday’s return leg fixture of the Safa Second Division Free State stream. United lost by 0-4 to Mangaung. Photo: Teboho Setena
THE 2014 Comrades Marathon is upon us. The 89th edition of this ultra-marathon is all set to showcase South Africa’s and the world’s ultra-runners once again come Sunday, 1 June. Being a “down-run”, the traditional gunfire will go off outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and again 12 hours later at the Sahara-Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban to signal the end of the 89 km road-running challenge. With its 2014 campaign, Hard Is What Makes It Great, Johan van Staden,
the Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) race director, has advised runners to train hard and prepare themselves well. “The past race (2013) has been a wake-up call for many runners that the Comrades Marathon is tough and demands adequate training,” Van Staden says. “It is our South African athletes who have catapulted the Comrades Marathon onto its premier status on the road-running scene and we aim to cater for them accordingly.”