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‘Close these shafts down’ Mpembe lauds strides made in curbing illicit gold dealing } Teboho Setena LT GEN. THABETHE MPEMBE, Free State police commissioner, has called for a complete shutdown of dysfunctional mine shafts in the Goldfields, as well as the tightening of security at such shafts.

He expressed these strong sentiments last Tuesday at the media briefing in Welkom following the police’s intensive anti-illicit gold crackdown which resulted in the busting of about 38 illegal gold dealers.

The suspects were arrested in the Goldfields towns of Welkom, Virginia and Odendaalsrus by the joint task team comprising Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, as well as the Mining Industry and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.

The suspects, some of whom have been identified as foreigners from Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, began appearing in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court last Thursday. They are facing charges of illegally dealing in gold.

“What needs to be done, is to completely close down unused mine shafts and beef-up security there, as some people have been requesting. These shafts are a fertile ground for criminals and elicit gold syndicates,” Mpembe said.

“Integrated forces that will include the Department of Mineral Resources and local municipality, as well as the police, have to come together in closing down these shafts and also demolish all unoccupied mine hostels which are used to harbour criminals and illegal gold dealers.

“We are confident we are making significant progress in dealing with the challenge of illicit gold mining in the region.”

Mpembe said the busting of 38 suspected gold dealers, including underground diggers, was a breakthrough in curbing illicit gold that has also seen police officers involved.

The arrest of the suspected illegal gold dealers was preceded by the busting of 25 people, which included 19 police officers and 6 civilians in the Goldfields town mid-September. They are facing charges ranging from corruption to money laundering.

Mpembe attributes the success in arrests to the ability of the anti-crime system of the law enforcement agencies.

“The arrest of civilians, illegal gold dealers’ syndicates and members of the police who we believe have been colluding in illicit gold crimes is an indication that we have improved ways of detecting criminals.

CRACKDOWN: Representatives of the Free State police law enforcement are from the left Butana Komphela, MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, Lt Gen. Thabethe Mpembe, Free State police commissioner, and Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, Thabong Cluster commander.

Here they are inspecting impounded vehicles of suspected gold dealers at the Virginia pound.

Photo: Teboho Setena “We are improving in all methods of investigation and use of technology to break into the sophisticated methods of crime syndicates. We are very confident that we are going to get to the bottom of illicit gold mining and dealing in the Free State. It is a fact that crime syndicates use sophisticated

means too in their mission.

“The police have further clammed down on suspected illegal gold dealers, impounding their various luxury vehicles, some of which are believed to have been utilized in the transit of gold and purchased with cash generated from elicit gold transactions.”

Butana Komphela, MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, said they were gunning for the kingpins.

“More arrests will follow. The public will see what luxurious lives these people live in their houses when the Asset Forfeiture Unit confiscates their assets,” said Komphela.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

JEMINA MTIMKULU, representative of the Free State Department of Education, and Brig.

Apaphia Modise at the Women’s Network of Lejweleputswa’s gala dinner.

COL CYNTHIA MOLALE of the Thabong Cluster Women’s Network and Rito Madingana, Vista Miss Goldfields 2014.

Photos: Supplied

THE Women’s Network of the Lejweleputswa region, comprising members of various law-enforcement agencies, reflected on strides made this year at a gala dinner held at the Goldfields Casino last Friday.

In attendance were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), units of Matjhabeng Security, Traffic and By-Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, as well as the Provincial Departments of Traffic and Correctional Services. The Emergency Medical Services also attended.

Apart from acknowledging the achieve-

Cynthia Molale of the Thabong Cluster Women’s Network.

“Women work long hours in difficult and dangerous environments, ensuring that the communities of Lejweleputswa are safe and secure. They also carry the responsibility of being mothers, wives and sisters who take care of their families.”

Further encouraging the women, Modise emphasised the importance for women to study further.

“Women must study in order to be in strategic positions in the police ranks,”

said Modise.

She also highlighted the significance of women’s dress code in the work place.

“Women must stand together against the rape of women and children,” Leeto said.

“Women must appreciate the way they are and their looks.”

Also gracing the occasion were Jemina Mtimkulu, representative of the Free State Department of Education, and Rito Madingana, the newly-crowned Vista Miss Goldfields 2014.

} Motlalepule Mokgosi

relating to gangsterism, rape and domestic violence, as well senseless killings, signal a loss of sense of humanity.

“We saw it best to organise the community to unite in prayer as another means to fight the scourge of crime.

“We are appealing to the community to support the event,” he said.

The proceedings of the prayer event are set to start at 14:00 with a march from Block 5, heading to the Kutlwanong community hall where all the participants will pray together for peace to prevail in the greater town of Odendaalsrus.

Binda said the decision to host the prayer event in the afternoon was to afford people who work also time to participate.

Those interested in supporting and making the event a success can contact Youth in Unity’s members Zandile Khuzwayo on 072-461-4112, Nono Mokhoanatsi on 073-112-8582 and Thandoxolo Binda on 073-050-3550.

Women’s role in community saluted ments reached during 2014, the women celebrated and appreciated womanhood.

Women attending the event were encouraged to continue with the mammoth task of carrying responsibility in the community. Speakers included Apaphia Modise, provincial champion brigadier, and Mathabo Leeto, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

“Women as law enforcement officials play a vital role in the social and mental health of our communities. A big responsibility rests on their shoulders,” said Col

Help police in catching suspects Farmer’s murder suspect in court One of the murder suspects of the Odendaalsrus farmer Pule Joseph Motsamai is expected to re-appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on 21 November while the police are still looking for four accomplices who are still on the run. He is facing charges of murder, house robbery and rape. The suspect is one of the five men wanted regarding the killing of the 69-year-old farmer, robbery and the alleged rape of five daughters of his on 30 October. The Hawks caught Motsamai earlier this month – thus making a breakthrough in the crime in which the assailants shot the deceased three times and thereafter allegedly sexually assaulted the deceased’s daughters.

Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the attackers had taken the deceased’s belongings, a safe with an undisclosed amount of cash, revolver and a vehicle which they had used to flee after the brutal attack. The vehicle was found abandoned on the Erdeel Road towards Thabong in Welkom. Anyone with information helpful in the arrest of the four suspects and their prosecution and conviction, must contact the investigative officer, WO Sechaba Mahlatsi of the Hawks, on 082-453-0806.

Police looking for killers of elderly couple The Welkom police are appealing to members of the community with information about two African men who brutally attacked and robbed the elderly couple Jack and Aletta Johanna Smith in Bedelia on 7 November. The assailants, who were wearing black clothes, killed the 73-year-old man, injured his wife and then took a safe with an undisclosed amount of cash. The survivor, the

72-year-old woman, who sustained severe injuries, was admitted to a hospital in Welkom. Anyone with information helpful in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the two suspects, must contact the investigative officer, WO Piet Sehloho, on 082-255-9682.

Police looking for armed attackers of Bangladesh nationals The Welkom police are appealing to members of society with information helpful in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of two armed suspects regarding the fatal shooting of two Bangladesh nationals. The attackers, still on the run, fatally shot the two Bangladesh nationals in front of the Noor Jahan Restaurant in Welkom’s central business district (CBD) on 28 July at about 19:50.

The attackers fled the scene in a black BMW with no registration number.

Anyone with information must contact the investigative officer, WO Riaan de Lange, on 057-391-6271 (office hours).

Police on Modiko’s trail The police in the Goldfields are appealing to members of the community in providing information that will be helpful in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of a Lesotho man known as Modiko. The armed man is wanted regarding the alleged shooting of a 34-yearold woman at the residential complex of Reahola in Welkom on 28 October at about 19:15. Const. Kethabile Mofokeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the woman had been shot in the upperleg upon opening the door for the suspect. Anyone who has information about the suspect’s whereabouts must contact the investigative officers, WO Dylan Saayman on 057-391-6265 during office hours, or 084-687-3014 or Lt Col Buti Matlhomola Matlhoko on 082-372-0423.

Prayer session organised to revive devotedness YOUTH IN UNITY, a non-governmental organisation led by youth of the Odendaalsrus township of Kutlwanong, have organised a prayer session themed Hour of Power for 26 November.

Organised in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Community Policing Forum in the town, the event is open for participation by residents, community organisations and churches.

“The prayer session is an effort to help set ablaze the bad spirits within the community of Kutlwanong. It is a critical moment of reviving devotedness for the beloved nation that is torn apart by rampant violence which erodes humanity,” said Thandoxolo Binda, spokesperson of Youth in Unity.

According to Binda, members of the community’s involvement in brutal crimes

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Correction IN the Express Goldfields & NFS edition of 12 November the paper incorrectly published that the five police officers who busted people regarding dagga in transit worth R300 000 were from Thabong, Welkom.

They were in fact from Ventersburg.

Express Goldfields & NFS unreservedly apologises for the error and any inconvenience caused as a result of this mistake.

The content and the article were published in good faith and not to reflect wrong intent as it may have appeared in the public eye due to the mistake.

The newspaper’s main goal is to ensure citizens’ right of access to truthful and important information which allows them to form balanced opinions about social processes and their importance. – Ed.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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NEWS

Murderer finally caught } Teboho Setena AFTER two years on the run the long arm of the law finally caught up with Morena Khumalo and brought him to book for murdering Matumelo Pearl Tshoeute.

The accused was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kroonstad High Court recently for the brutal murder of Tshoeute who was a learner at the Kutlwanong High School in Odendaalsrus.

Khumalo’s sentencing saw him re-unite in jail with his two accomplices, 22-year-old Lehohonolo “Hlokoloza” Maipato and 23-year-old Leepo Kgamali, who were convicted and sentenced to life terms in jail for separate murders, which include that of Tshoeute.

On that day the victim’s lifeless body, which had severe burn wounds, was spotted in the vicinity of the Kutlwanong graveyard at about 07:45 by a jogger who alerted the police.

Maipato and Kgamali were caught, put to trial, then convicted and sentenced by the Kroonstad High Court for murdering Tshoeute (then 17 years old)

in November 2013 – eight months after they had been convicted and sentenced for another murder.

At this time the third accused, 22-year-old Khumalo, had been on the run for two years since October 2012 following Tshoeute’s brutal murder.

Following persistent probing by the investigative officer, WO Hasemothohasengwana Ramongalo, Khumalo was busted in August this year in Wesselsbron where he had been hiding.

He was charged and found guilty of the murder of Tshoeute.

Ramongalo received a thumbs-up for his sterling work that ensured justice was served for the deceased and her family.

“I’m very proud to have a seasoned investigator like Ramongalo. He never gave up, but persisted until the third suspect was also arrested to face the might of the law.

“My appreciation once more goes to the residents of Kutlwanong who gave information leading to the arrests of these murderers,” Col. Disebo Cezula, station commander of Odendaalsrus, said.

ALTA PIENAAR (middle), public relations practitioner at the South African National Blood Service’s (SANBS) Welkom branch, with blood donors Theunis Botha and Annetjie Meyer who made their 120th and 47th unit’s donation of blood respectively on Monday.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Business Blood Bonanza is here

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in the Goldfields is appealing to the public to support the blood collection initiative of the Welkom Business Blood Bonanza.

It aims to increase awareness of blood donation and collect other donations from businesses ahead of the festive season.

This year’s initiative starts on 27 November in the Welkom Mediclinic’s foyer. Members of the public can donate blood between 11:00 and 17:00.

“To ensure that the Goldfields and surrounding areas have enough safe blood, we urge you to consider any form of sponsorship that you possibly can provide by marketing

your business with your logo and business information that we can provide for each donor,” says Alta Pienaar, public relations practitioner at the SANBS’s Welkom branch.

“This year the Welkom Business Blood Bonanza will stretch over the whole of November and December.

During 2013’s bonanza we collected 95 units of blood, which was beyond our expectations. With the help of businesses and the community we aim to increase collections to 300 blood donations throughout November and December.”

Businesses can also make their donation at The Strip, Shop 36, Stateway, on a time that suits them

or phone the SANBS Welkom branch to arrange to set up an on-site blood donation campaign in this period.

Pienaar says participating businesses will be entitled to lucky draws while people will receive gifts for their contributions.

Facts about the blood drive: ) Every 35 seconds a blood transfusion takes place in South Africa. ) A single “whole-blood” donation can help as many as three patients, because blood is separated into plasma, platelets and red cells. ) A total of 26% of blood goes to gynaecological cases, and 4% to casualty and trauma patients.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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Finance Department Strengthened

Matjhabeng Local Municipality has beefed up its finance department team Matjhabeng Local Municipality has beefed up its finance department with the appointment of three new managers in a bid to improve revenue collection.

Council resolved recently that revenue collection rate for 2014/2015 financial year must be beyond 75% and the need to reinforce the revenue collection team was eminent.

According to the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thabiso Tsoaeli the new appointees have what it takes to implement revenue enhancement strategy and achieve set targets by Council. “These gentlemen have relevant and combined 25 years experience in local government including the office of the

Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thabiso Tsoaeli

Auditor General, and their qualifications are unquestionable”, said Mr. Tsoaeli.

Mr. Saint Moleleki Sejake (34) born and bred in Meloding, Virginia attended Boitekong Primary before completing matric at Mamello Secondary School in Meloding. He further obtained a B.Com Accounting Degree at University of the Free State and holds a certificate in Municipal Finance Management Programme from and Audit Firm Deloitte & Touche. He is also the member of the Southern African Institute for Business Accountants since 2011.

His professional career began as an Audit Clerk at Ramathe and Associates Chartered Accountants in January 2006 before joining the University of Free State as a financial advisor in June

Mr. Thabiso Abcia Goralotse

2007 until December 2008. Mr. Sejake also had a stint at Marais and Crowther Chartered Accountants in Betlehem. At the firm, his immediate task was to audit Mafube Local Municipality. He left the firm for greener pastures and joined Sovereign BMW Dealership in Bloemfontein. Before joining Matjhabeng, Mr. Sejake was a Financial Accountant at Dihlabeng Local Municipality in Bethlehem.

“I am elated to have joined Matjhabeng Local Municipality as Manager Revenue Collection, the biggest local Municipality in the province and I promise everyone associated with the institution to serve them diligently. I have acquired a lot of experience along the way and will use it to benefit Matjhabeng.

Mr. Thabiso Abcia

Mr. Saint Moleleki Sejake

MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy Goralotse (31) is from Klerskdorp and he matriculated at Potchefstroom High School for boys. In 2008, he obtained a Baccalaureas Honors in Accounting with University of the Free State.

He started working for Auditor General as SAICA trainee auditor from February 2011 to December 2013. His clients were amongst others the Department of Economic Tourism and Environmental Affairs; Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority; Fezile Dabi District. Mr. Goralotse who has assumed his new managerial role tasked with expenditure, joined Matjhabeng following a short stint at Dihlabeng Local Municipality as Manager Assets.

He has gained experience on assets counting, compiling and monitoring the fixed assets register. “I understand and can apply treasury compliance regulations which relate to the procurement of goods and services. I also gained valuable experience on internal controls, regulations and process in place for processing, capturing and approving expenditure”, said Goralotse adding that he will give his all to add value to Matjhabeng.

Mr. Kenny Mokhonoane (37) was born at Koppies Goralotse and matriculated at Kwakwatsi Secondary School. He furthered his education at University of South Africa where he obtained BA Degree in Public Management.

He also holds a Municipal Finance Management Programme certificate with Pretoria University.

His career began in 2003 at Ngwathe Local Municipality as a Sub AccountantCredit Control before heading Revenue Enhancement and Debt Collections.

“I am honoured to have been afforded the opportunity to serve the people of Matjhabeng and I intend to fulfill my immediate task which is to collect revenue by more than 75% in this financial year”, said Mr. Mokhonoane. He has strategic capability and leadership skills; programme and project management; financial and budget management; change Management; problem solving and Analysis; knowledge management; service delivery innovation; people management and empowerment; client orientation and customer focus; honesty and integrity.

Mr. Kenny Mokhonoane

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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Chinese Delegates Keen To Invest In Matjhabeng

“Alone I can go fast, but together we can go further”, these are the words that were uttered with great conviction

by Ms Ying Qi, the CEO of the Beijing Africa Centre (BAC) during a visit in Matjhabeng recently.

The Matjhabeng Local Economic Development and Planning Directorate hosted a three day visit for Chinese delegates as part of the implementation of the on-going plan to attract and retain investors to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

The BAC was established in the hope to

build a gateway betweenAfrica and Beijing in order to promote trade, investment and tourism between the two countries.

BAC specialises in Economic and Trade Exchange; Niche and Tailor-made Travel; Exhibition and conference; as well Culture and Arts. Under the leadership of Ms Ying Qi, who is affectionately known by her Sesotho name, Nthabiseng, the BAC has shown great interest in Matjhabeng and South Africa as a whole; she hopes to establish strong long lived relations with the Municipality.

The three day visit was aimed at

introducing BAC to the different industries within the Matjhabeng Local Municipality as well as to encourage a relationship between the Chinese business community and the Municipality.

The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, received the Chinese delegates on 3 November along with the local government leadership and business fraternity. Executive Mayor indicated the 37% unemployment rate within the Municipality and how the potential influx of funding from Chine would eradicate unemployment and promote

MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy entrepreneurship within the Municipality.

“Since 1994, the government has persuaded new investors to invest in the country to strengthen the business sector and stimulate its demand for commercial growth; as the Matjhabeng Local Municipality we have developed a strategy to locate ourselves on the global scale to ensure economic growth,” said Executive Mayor.

On the second day, the Local Economic Development (LED) Department, under the leadership of Executive Director Mr Xolile Msweli took the delegates on a brief tour of Matjhabeng and among the sites visited were the Harmony Jewellery School, The Savanna Taxidermy as well as the Dihoai Corporative Farm. The visit to Matjhabeng concluded on Wednesday with an art exhibition at the Welkom Casino that showcased the arts community within the Municipality.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy

Community’s Health At Risk Shop Owners Premises Inspected

Rotten: expired food confiscated from foreign nationals’ tuck shop.

Government officials paid a surprise visit to tuck shops in Hennenman and Phomolong Township as they inspect their merchandise to identify, remove rotten and expired goods.

A joint initiative by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, SAPS, Department of Health and Home Affairs officials paid a surprise visit to shops belonging to foreign nationals on a cleanup campaign to ensure the health and safety of the residents.

These shops were inspected for health reasons and the citizen statuses of the foreign nationals were probed. Upon investigation it was discovered that most of the food sold in the tuck shops had expired and the meat, which sells for between R10 and R20 is of unidentified origin which poses a massive health risk.

Officials from the Municipality verified

whether the residents that house these tuck shops have the necessary permits to have tuck shops in their yards. Defaulters were fined accordingly and told to acquire the necessary permits.

The expired food, which constituted the bulk of the stock in most of the tuck shops were confiscated and fines were issued by municipal officials. Further fines relating to hygiene and the environment were also issued, as prompted by findings from the Department of Health. Counterfeit cigarettes were also ceased with fines to be paid by defaulters.

SAPS officials said they would carry out other operations in other parts of Matjhabeng and asked municipal officials and the Health Department to assist in this regard. In addition, regular random checks on previous offenders are said to

be carried out in the near future to ensure that all shops meet the required standards.

Many of the employees of the foreign nationals are under paid and work in gross conditions.

The residents of Phomolong, many of which are poverty stricken complained about the aggressive nature of these foreign nationals and how they unfortunately are left with no other option but to purchase goods from these tuck shops as they are close by. Others added that they had often purchased good that were expired and were not afforded to opportunity to return them. It is unclear as to whether any of the residents have experience health problems due to the consumption of the goods from these tuck shops.

Nabbed: Foreign national tuck shop owners arrested for selling illegal cigarettes

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy

Matjhabeng Left In The Dark Again

Perpetrators entered the plant by breaking the concrete palisades in order to steal copper cables In less than a month after Welkom’s Central Business District (CBD), Industrial Area as well as Bronville was left in the dark due to copper cable theft at the Matjhabeng’s main bulk power station supply; a second attempt was made to rob the Municipality of millions.

According to Manager of Electrical Services, Mr. Zacharia Mabaso, copper

cable theft is having a devastating effect on the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s economy, resulting in the Municipality spending millions of rands a year.

He said this time perpetrators entered the plant by breaking the concrete palisades and digging a hole in the ground where they crawled under the electric fence that is mean to safeguard the plant.

They managed to cut some of the

control cables, when the security on guards realised what was happening while making their rounds. The perpetrators then tried to drag the cut cables out while they were running away, but fortunately got away with nothing.

He added that harsher penalties will be imposed on cable thieves, who were part of organised crime syndicates, since this is the 5th time the plant has been under attack this year.

In October, underground cables totalling 770 meters were stolen that amounted to a value of approximately R8 000 when sold on the black market, but costs the Municipality thousands more to replace them.

Contingency measures were put into place in order to restore the power supply to the Welkom CBD as well as other affected areas. Local business suffered a huge financial loss before these measures could be put in place.

One of the easiest and most effective ways for the public to help in the fight against illegal power use is to report electricity theft.

It can be reported anonymously by sending a detailed SMS to Primedia Crime Line at 32211. The cost is R1/SMS. It is important that certain details are included when reporting a suspected incident of electricity theft such as: Address of the crime or description of the place, including pole numbers, street names and sections where possible.

Directions to the premises where there are no stand numbers also helps a lot.

Description and/or name of suspect/s if known.

Nature of the crime, if possible, eg illegal connection, meter tampering, cable theft, etc.

Crime Line is for reporting crime.

Please do not abuse this number.

People can also report electricity theft on Eskom’s reporting line 0800 11 27 22 (toll-free and confidential).

Excellent Work Commended

Fire Rescue Service responded promptly to the fire at Welkom Mini Wholesalers at Bok Street The Acting Municipal Manager, Mr. Motusi Lepheana, would like to thank members of the Fire Rescue Services who were on duty on the 7th of November with their efficient response to extinguish the fire that erupted at the Welkom Mini Wholesalers at Bok Street in Welkom.

The team headed by Mr. Franscious Klaassen, Assistant Fire Chief, did sterling work by preventing what could have further damaged adjacent shops. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to Hazquip Company and other members of the Fire Rescue Services from other units who were off duty but sacrificed their family time to assist the community of Matjhabeng”, said Mr. Lepheana.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established but is suspected that an electrical fault might have caused the fire.

Remember to send as much information as possible. There have been more than 3 000 tip-offs of electricity theft so far, but the lack of information has made it difficult to follow up on many of these. The information provided to Crime Line is sent to Eskom or municipalities for follow-up and to take action such as disconnection, fines and/or criminal prosecution. Where criminal action is required, cases are sent to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014

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A win, but no medal } Tladi Moloi PHUTHADITJHABA. – Maureen Dladla (35) and Potso Khomo (31) are the new winners of the 2014 Setsing Super Spar Qwaqwa/Golden Gate Half-marathon.

Dladla and Khomo were crowned champions of the marathon that started in Golden Gate and finished at the Super Spar in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday. The new champions came in to replace the 2013 champions, Chabeli Nyelimane from Botshabelo near Bloemfontein and Manti Mabizela from Qwaqwa.

Nyelimane could not defend his title as he was taking part in the South African Championships while Mabizela was beaten hands down. The winners won a floating trophy, gold medals and R1 000 in cash.

Apparently, Mpho Mokoena (30) from Bohlokong near Bethlehem was the winner of the marathon in the men’s division, but he was disqualified since he had taken part without registering.

This gave Khomo, who came second, a chance to win the first spot even though he did not hit the ribbon with the chest.

Express Eastern Free State was reliably informed that Mokoena had known that he had not been registered for the competition and that he would be disqualified should he win the race.

He did not seem worried even when the tournament organisers told him to give the winner’s Coca-Cola towel to Khomo who came second. However, after the race Mokoena denied that he had taken part in the competition knowing that he had not been registered. “My coach told me that he had done everything for me. I was unaware that I was not registered. I was not hurt when they told me that my name was not on the list. I had to give the championship title to Khomo. These things happen in athletics,” he said. The interesting thing is Mokoena and the winner of the women’s division, Dladla, come from the same team, the Maluti Marathon Club from Bethlehem.

Dladla was registered for the tournament.

Khomo said that Mokoena had told him that he was just running for fun and that he had not registered.

“I was surprised when he told me that he

WINNER: Maureen Dladla from Bohlokong near Bethlehem is the 2014 Setsing Super Spar Qwaqwa/Golden Gate Half-marathon champion in the women’s division. had not registered for the tournament.

After he had told me that, I told myself that I should just close the gap between him and myself.

“I knew that it would mean I would be the winner of the tournament,” said the athlete from Radius Park in Welkom.

Khomo said he was, however, happy to win the race and added that it had been tough because he had not known the route well. “There are more hills, but I am sure that next year I’ll do better,” he said.

Dladla said she regarded the race as the biggest in the Free State. She said winning was more than what she had expected.

“I usually compete in longer distances. I have never run on that road before, but when other athletes started to up their pace I told myself that I should keep calm until they became tired. “I increased my pace when I was 17 km from the finish. After that I never looked back. I hope to come back next year to defend my title,” she said. Ray Thakhudi, the head of communication: South African National Parks, said he was happy with the turnout and organisation and added that the participation showed that the competition was growing.

“It is the second time that we have presented this competition. “We want to connect with the community and this is one of the ways to bring them closer to us. “We are looking forward to making this one of the big marathons in the country,” he said.

CHAMPION: Potso Khomo from Radius Park in Welkom, winner of the 2014 Setsing Super Spar Qwaqwa/Golden Gate Half-marathon in the men’s division.

Photos: Tladi Moloi

DIESEL-ELECTRIC 226 Jan Hofmeyr, Welkom Tel. 057 355 3304, Fax: 057 396 4145

Repairs on all Gr Grand and Prix Battery SSpecials pecials (ONE OLD BATTERY TO BE HANDED IN) Automotive Aircons 610 GP R 578.00

Auto Electrical Repairs: Starters, Wiring & Alternators

R 636.00 622 GP 628 / 629 GP R 617.00

Spring Specials Brake disc Skimming – incl.

R150

Diagnostic Test –

R300incl.

638 GP R 733.00 652 GP R 845.00

ABOVE MENTIONED BATTERIES ALSO AVAILABLE IN WILLARD

* FREE INSTALLATION * FREE BATTERY CHECK * FREE ALTERNATOR CHECK

2 year guarantee on Willard Batteries X1PFHC4W-ES191114

Distribution & Logistics manager - Kroonstad Requirements: FINANCIAL 1420

• Applicable tertiary qualication • At least 5 years management experience • Knowledge of refrigeration transport, stock control and administration processes.

• Computer skills • Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Afrikaans.

• Ability to solve problems and also have good organisational skills.

• Ability to work under pressure

Responsibilities:

• Organise, co-ordinate and cost effective management of transport department.

• Stock control and responsibility • weekly reporting • Management of relevant staff.

DISQUALIFIED: Mpho Mokoena from Bohlokong near Bethlehem came first during the 2014 Setsing Super Spar Qwaqwa/Golden Gate Half-marathon, but he was disqualified due to not registering.

LEND, SPEND AND ENJOY! Loans from R500 - R7 500. Send a Please Call Me: 076 411 7734 082 925 0390 083 797 2927.

WE WILL HELP YOU!

Salary: Market related Closing date: - 21 November 2014.

Interviews: - 25 November 2014, 1 Twelfth Avenue, Kroonstad.

Please e-mail a shortened CV to bjordaan@ccchickens.co.za X1PF2T4D-ES191114