Parents denied bail in child murder case

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VOLUME 46 WEEK 49

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3 DECEMBER 2021

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Lentswe, Klerksdorp - An Alabama couple charged with the murder of their four month old baby and neglect- ing their four other children, were denied bail in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court.

An investigation into a case of child neglect has unearthed horrific allega- tions of child neglect, abuse and even murder. Four children between the ages of 2 and 13 and a new-born baby were living in horrible conditions. The four month old baby girl died in hospital in August allegedly due to complications of malnutrition.

The mother, Isabelle Francis (35) was

arrested on September 16 and her part- ner, Seun Joubert, a month later.

According to Henry Mamothame, NPA spokesperson in North West, the case was postponed to January 17 for further investigations.

Advocate Riekie Krause registered the state’s intention to transfer the matter to the High Court of South Africa;

North West Division. “An indictment will be sent to the office of the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West to authorise the transfer,’’

he said.

The couple are said to have stayed to- gether for 15 years and have two boys,

aged 2 and five as well as two girls, aged 8 and 13. “It is alleged that in May, Francis was arrested for assaulting her two-year-old boy but was later released as she was at that time breast feeding the deceased who was born on April 24. Police reported the incident to the NW Department of Social Develop- ment for social workers to intervene.

The intervention led to four of the kids being placed under the care of their maternal grandmother,’’ Mamothame said.

In the bail hearing it was testified that Francis was arrested again in Sep- tember for allegedly assaulting her

13-year-old daughter at her mother’s house. She allegedly hit her with clenched fists, kicked her before throw- ing her on the ground and stomping her afterwards. She went on to assault her mother.

Police investigations into this assault led them to a discovery of the four month old baby having died on August 13 in Klerksdorp hospital. The attend- ing paediatrician confirmed that she died of complications of malnutrition as she was not fed adequately. Police investigations are continuing on the matter and two of the children will be assessed by forensic social workers.

Parents denied bail

in child murder case

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2 • lentswe FRIDAY, 3 DecembeR 2021

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LENTSWE • 3 FRIDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2021

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Lentswe, Klerksdorp - A mega storm hit Klerksdorp last week causing wide- spread damage in the city.

Thursday November 25 will not be forgotten soon after a hailstorm that lasted for almost 40 minutes left motor- ists stranded, flooded households and caused damage to property and several retail shopping centres.

A ceiling collapsed in Matlosana Mall, retails stores like Telkom, Edgars, Sportsman Warehouse and Woolworths were flooded with water after the storm br oke out shortly after 14:00. Sev- eral households were also left without electricity with the power only restored 48 hours later. Other shopping centres that were affected by the storm include Flamwood Walk whose basement parking was flooded yet again, and shops at

the Pick n Hyper in Wilkoppies.

Churches were also not spared with damage reported to Nuwe Lewe and Oase’s buildings.

Clean-up operations were in full swing on Thursday night as shoppers prepared for Black Friday. Some how- ever could not open due to damage to their stores.

In the surrounding suburbs, residents were left to clean up their yards and dry their flooded houses. The weight of the hail caused some roofs and carports to collapse causing more damage to property.

Some photographs distributed on social media showed a lighter side of the disaster with children building “hail- men” and making snow angels in the thick hail. Aerial photos showed Klerks-

dorp buried in a white blanket of hail.

It is estimated that the damage will run into millions of rands with insur- ance companies flooded with claims.

Tshepong Hospital was also at the receiving end with volumes of water, de- bris and rubble flowing through several wards due to the township storm water way not being diverted from the hospital. “Currently all the working areas have been cleaned and are functional.

We are grateful to our staff who availed themselves and worked effectively and efficiently to restore our hospital to functionality,” said Nico Masiu, hospital spokesperson.

In the aftermath of the storm, the DA this week said it is concerned about the inability of the Matlosana Municipal- ity’s Electrical Department to respond to power outages after more than a 1000 homes across Klerksdorp were

left without electricity for more than 45 hours after the storm hit.

“The Matlosana distribution grid is already under strain due to poor maintenance. One of the main reasons that cause regular nuisance trips, is that the individual circuit breakers that are mounted outside on the powerline poles are not fitted in the appropriate weatherproofed enclosures, due to a lack of spares. These circuit breakers then easily come into contact with water during rainy conditions, leading to an electrical trip and power outages as a result.

“The time to respond to callouts takes about 45 minutes to restore electricity. Given the lack of well-main- tained vehicles and manpower, it will take longer than an otherwise reasona- ble period that is acceptable to the public,’’ said Cllr Johannes le Grange.

Mega storm hits Klerksdorp

Parking areas turned into rivers with carports collapsing on vehicles, pavements became unrecognisable and families even had fun in the “snow”.

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Fighting for the environment

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The message on Modisa Khukhele’s bakkie says it all:

“Stop this disgusting behaviour.”

Khukhele worked as a game ranger in Mahikeng and now resides in Randlespark, a suburb he describes as the dirtiest in Klerksdorp.

Locals contacted Lentswe on Tuesday November 30 after they drove past this conservationist picking up rubbish all over the suburb. We tracked him down.

“Some hoot, others wave. Everybody seems grateful,” he said.

Why is he cleaning the suburb?

“There is litter in every corner and street. It is disgusting. Littering says a lot about your IQ,” says this father of two daughters. Khukhele used to work at Pilanesberg and Madikwe, but was attacked by rhino poachers. They broke his neck in the attack and he wasn’t able to continue working.

He moved to Klerksdorp where he started cleaning his immediate environment because he couldn’t take the filth anymore. He calls himself a disgusted resident. He called halt to his cleaning operation on Tuesday because he is still suffering from his injury and the pain of constantly bending to pick up rubbish has taken its toll. He said that the local councillor spotted him while cleaning and promised to continue with the cleaning once he’s done.

The message says it all!

Modisa Khukhele is trying to clean up Randlespark.

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lentswe • 5 FRIDAY, 3 DecembeR 2021

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The newly elected Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Council- lor Nikiwe Num depicts her first 100 days in office as a chance to connect with all stakeholders across the district to incorporate their thoughts in taking institutions of government forward.

This was her revelation during discussions with former District Executive Mayors last week at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Disaster Risk Management Centre in Irene Park.

The fruitful discussions with former District Mayors revolved around challenges, achievements as well as foresight into service delivery improvements of the District, with emphasis on the Dis- trict Development Model championed in the District by Minister of Public Ser- vice Ayanda Dlodlo.

“As new council, we have to start run- ning immediately. So my first 100 days in office will be characterized by going back to all stakeholders. First to say we sincerely appreciate the mandate of the African National Congress. Secondly, to listen to them to incorporate what their thinking is in what we are doing as a municipality.

“They have raised a lot of concerns during the door to door election cam- paigns. This is why we need to go back to our people and say ‘we heard you and this how we can incorporate some of the issues raised. There are religious leaders, businesspeople and all institutions and forums”.

Councillor Num also agrees with the first Executive Mayor of the DR KKDM (then Southern District Municipality) David Dikoko, who is now Chief Execu- tive Officer at Midvaal Water Company on issues relating to water supply to struggling parts of the District, particu- larly Maquassi Hills and JB Marks.

“Midvaal is one of the key critical stakeholders that we are going to en- gage so that we may know what capacity they have.

We must address water shortage and poverty in Maquassi Hills and some parts of Ventersdorp. So we will meet often and I have agreed with Mister Dikoko, Aldermen Boitumelo Moloi (Now Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour) and Barei Mosiane-Se- gotso that they should keep me on the straight and narrow whenever they see if there are service delivery concerns not being attended to.”

Newly elected Executive Mayor Nikiwe Num seen with Former Executive Mayors Alderman Barei Mosiane-Segotso (left) and David Dikoko (right). Deputy-Minister of Employment and Labour Honourable Boi- tumelo Moloi (Top) joined the meeting electronically from her office. The meeting revolved around challenges, achievements as well as foresight into service delivery improvements of the District, with emphasis on the District Development Model.

District mayor

wants to connect

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Lentswe, Mahikeng - Kgora Farmer Training Centre has recently added basic hatchery management training to a list of skills development courses offered at this centre for beginners and experienced farmers to improve their results.

This follows the completion of a mini-hatchery project at this centre. This mini hatchery can produce up to 2 000 chicks per week and it was established with the aim of training farmers who want to own hatcheries.

Aspiring farmers who attend this training will learn practical aspects of hatchery management that includes the biology of fertile egg production, fertile egg handling, setter and hatcher environment, processing day-old chicks and hatchery biosecurity.

With the range of excel- lent facilities at Kgora, the centre is able to offer on- farm practical work for participants during training.

Another project that has been recently completed at this centre is installation of 180 tons storage bins.

These silos are fitted with an electronic conveyor for ease of loading and dispatch.

This type of storage provides optimum storage conditions for the grain, by controlling

the temperature, insects, mould, birds etc.The silos will also be used for storage of grains produced by Kgora itself and to store feed and maize brought in bulk for future total mixed ration for Kgora livestock.

Reacting to the completion of these projects at Kgora, MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development said she is happy that there is progress.

“We had a dream about this centre

and I am glad today to say that dream is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

This milestone represents yet another step of ensuring that this state owned farmer training centre is equipped with the modern infrastructure to train and develop local farmers.

“What makes me happier is the fact that farmers will be the biggest benefi- ciaries of these developments taking place at Kgora Farmer Training Centre.

The main goal is to ensure that our farmers constantly learn new and old practices and adapt to changes in the sector,” MEC Mohono said.

She went on to say she is confident that with this mini hatchery, more hatchers who would receive top-class training from “one of our training institutions would be produced”.

The centre can only accept up to a certain number of participants at a time and it is operated on a first come first serve basis. Members of the public are urged to enquire with the local agricultural offices on skills development courses offered at Kgora.

With regard to the centre’s contribution to the food secu- rity programme, Kgora often donates chickens to farmers for rearing and seedlings to diffe- rent applicable projects across the province.

Fun in Ext 16

Lentswe, Jouberton - A resident of Ext 14 is planning to give back to the community.

Aviwe Magxwalisa wants to make Christmas special for every kid who hasn’t experienced the joys of Christmas by cooking for them and handing over small gifts and invite Santa.

She will have a fun fundraiser on December 16 at Ext 16 Stadi- um where she is inviting children aged 3 to 14, to come enjoy jump- ing castles, foam slides, swimming pools and games.

Spiderman and Santa will be there, as well as competitions where they’ll be walking away with prizes. All this at R40 per child.

This fun will start at 10:00 and last till 18:00.

“We will also be doing face painting, sell food and there will be a car wash on the other side of the stadium for the parents. We’ll be using two gates as entrance:

one for the kids and one for the adults. The car wash entrance for the adults will be R10.”

They are inviting everyone who can make it to join them when they celebrate Reconciliation Day in style. Contact Magxwalisa on 076 175 5064 for more information.

Get hatchery training

Seipati Motsuenyane hard at work at Kgora Farmers Trai- ning Centre’s Mini-hatchery. The hatchery also forms a list of the newly completed developments. It can produce up to 2 000 chicks per week

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8 • LENTSWE FRIDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2021

Please take note that the deadline for Rest In

Peace and DIKITSISO is

10:00 on Wednesday.

No late entries will be accepted!!

R70 per entry.

Dikitsiso

 December 5: VRTHS AGM at VRTHS HALL, 13:00. All parents are requested to attend. For more information please contact M Qhena, SGB chairperson, on 083 383 8976 or Mrs Ramoeletsi, principal, on

079 525 4242.

 December 5: Annual general meeting at Vuyani-Mawethu Second- ary School. Time: 14;30. All parents are requested to attend. More information from the principal, Mavis Magetlwane, on 018 489 1667.

 December 5: The Khuma Jazz Association will hold its general meeting, which will be followed by their year-end function. Venue:

6944 Ext 9 (Dieko’s Place). Time: 14:00. All jazzophiles welcome.

More information from Lesedi Khabeng on 072 583 6945 and Mabote Ntaopane, 082 691 2425.

Benjamin Moabi (53) of 26803 Ext 24, Jouberton

will be buried on December 4. The service

will be held at home at 07:00.

Brian Seloni Kgiba (37) of 709 Semetse Street, Kanana will be buried on December 4. The service will be held at

home at 07:30.

Moses Wandile Tshweu (46) of 12723 Ext 18, Jouberton will be buried

on December 5. The service will be held at

home at 07:00.

Buti Jacob Mocumi (50) of Z563 Tilo Street, Ext

2, Jouberton will be buried on December 4.

The service will be held at home at 07:00.

Maseitisho Rebecca Ntonyane (62) of 7127 Ext 12, Jouberton will be

buried on December 4.

Modisaotsile Elias Seodi (74) of Z418 Ext 3, Jouberton will be buried

on December 4. The service will be held at

home at 07:00.

Gabaitsane Julia Keobaletswe (62) of X1763 Crutse Street, Ext 2 Jouberton will be buried on December 5.

Dinkwetse Selinah Mokgayane (62) of 960

Nkagisang Farm will be buried on December

4. The service will be conducted at home at

07:00.

Pulane Jennet Matebesi (62) of 34 Retreat Street, Ext 2, Alabama will be

buried on December 4. The service will be conducted at home at

09:30.

Jomo Ben Mnikawane (61) of 14334 Ext 13,

Jouberton will be buried on December 4. The service will be conducted at home at

10:00.

Florina Dyani (51) of 18266 Ext 17, Jouberton

will be buried on December 4. The service

will be conducted at home and will start at

11 :30.

Hot oﬀ the press

Believe it or not… Klerksdorp Record is still selling like hot cakes even though the death of the printed newspaper was predicted years ago.

The demand for your only local community newspaper is growing, therefor we are inviting more local retailers to become part of our

newspaper distribution network.

If you want to be a news agent for Klerks- dorp Record’s newspapers, drop us an email at [email protected] or visit our oﬃ ce building on the corner of Ian and Scott Street in Flimieda, Klerksdorp to ap- ply.

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Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Unvac- cinated South Africans and those not fully vaccinated are urged to get their jabs, following the emergence of the Omicron variant, which is responsible for most of Gauteng’s infections, and is spreading across the country.

The Omicron variant was first described in Botswana and sub- sequently in South Africa. It has since been identified in a number of countries.

South Africa has been praised for its early detection and report- ing of the variant, which has far more mutations than any previ- ous variants. It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease com- pared to infections with other variants, but it appears to spread more easily.

On Sunday, November 28, the World Health Organisation said researchers in South Africa and around the world are conduct- ing studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron and will share their findings as they became available.

The identification of Omicron coincided with a sudden rise in Covid-19 infections in South Africa, and has prompted the au- thorities to yet again call on the nation to get vaccinated. It is now predicted that South Africa could enter its fourth wave within the

next few weeks, if not sooner.

The rate of vaccination has slowed down in South Africa, which is alarming given that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that vaccination is the best defence against serious Cov- id-19 infections.

“Since the first Covid-19 vaccines became available late last year, we have seen how vaccines have dramatically reduced severe illness, hospitalisation and death in South Africa and across the world,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a state address on Sunday, November 28.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has reported that the vaccines in use should protect people from severe illness resulting from Omi- cron infection. “Partial immune escape is likely, but it is likely that vaccines will still offer high levels of protection against hospitalisation and death,” it said on No- vember 26.

Forty-one percent of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose, and 35.6% of adult South Africans are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This is far from government’s original target of vaccinating 67% of the population by the end of 2021, and is largely as a result of vaccine hesitancy or apathy.

While it is hoped that people

will heed the call to get vaccinated, Ramaphosa said mandatory vaccination for certain sectors is being urgently reviewed. “If we do not address this seriously and as a matter of urgency, we will continue to be vulnerable to new variants and will continue to suffer new waves of infection,” he said. Meanwhile, the South Afri- can Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) received an application on November 17 for the approval of a third dose - or booster shot - of the Pfizer vaccine, while in October, SAH- PRA and Johnson & Johnson approved vaccine booster doses for all healthcare workers who received their first shot as part of the Sisonke Study.

All people over the age of 12 are eligible to be vaccinated.

Get vaccinated during Vooma Vaccination Week, December 3-10: Vaccination sites will be open daily, with selected sites opening on Sunday. See www.

sacoronavirus.co.za for details.

People with disabilities: Peo- ple with a disability are often at higher risk of Covid-19 complications. In addition, the NICD says pregnant women are more likely to get severely ill with Covid-19.

If you’ve been vaccinated, you might be eligible for a booster dose. Speak to your doctor.

Over 50s: If you’re over 50,

you fall into the age category that is most at risk of severe Covid-19 complications, says the Department of Health (DoH).

“If all over 50s get vaccinated by the end of the year, four out of five deaths from Covid-19 could be prevented during the fourth wave.”

Side effects: The DoH notes that there have been no deaths in South Africa attributed to Covid-19 vaccines. “It is normal to have some side effects, such as flu-like symptoms. If you’re worried, feel short of breath or if your heart is racing, call the Covid-19 hotline for advice.”

Be a Vax Champ and stop the spread of misinformation!

Vax Champs encourage their friends, family and neighbours to vaccinate. To become a Vax Champ, visit www.vaxchamp.org.

za, WhatsApp 0600 123 456 or call the National Covid Hotline.

What we do know: Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly, and avoid- ing crowded places and packed indoor gatherings will help pre- vent the spread of all variants, and decrease the likelihood of landing up in hospital.

Enquiries: The Covid-19 hotline on 0800 029 999 or email [email protected].

za in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho or Xhosa.

Vax facts: Get vaccinated

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DISCLAIMER: Readers are advised to use their own discretion when responding to adverts, as it is the customer’s responsibility to verify the advertisers’ credentials prior to making payments for any goods or services received. Lentswe will not be held liable for any transactions made.

The deadline for Herbalist / Healers is 16:00 on Tuesday. No late entries will be accepted!

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - SASSA released their social grant payment dates for De- cember.

Older person’s allowances started pay- ing on Wednesday 1 December.

The Disability allowance will be paid from Thursday 2 December (this includes any grants linked to these accounts) and all other grants from Friday 3 December.

According to SASSA, you do not have to collect your grant on the exact day it is made available.

The money will stay in your account un- til you’re ready to withdraw it.

Youth

stand up to drugs

The youth of Alabama (a group called the youth round table) decided to stand up against drugs on Sunday November 28 The group marched the streets starting from the petrol garage Gulf ending at the community hall where there were a few speakers including Col Olifant, Cllr Farouk Tagaree, Mohammed Cajee and Earl Smiles.

Sassa payment

dates

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Lentswe, Alabama - Shinkyoku-shinkai karate SA will be having their annual national black belt grading at the Alabama Hall on Saturday December 4.

It will be a test undertaken by karatekas who are currently on 1st Kyu brown belt, Shodan and Nidan grades.

The grading is hosted by the local Shin- kyokushinkai team under Sensei Thomas Mayekani, 3rd Dan black belt and NW Branch Chief. The local team will be rep- resented by 6 women and 6 men who will grade to higher belts.

The proceedings will be conducted by Shihan Isaac Mashinini, duly assisted by Sensei Emmanuel Mpanza (KZN), Sen- sei Robert Lechelele (Limpopo), Sensei Pat Mthembu (KZN) , Sensei Mphuma Humbulani (Gauteng), Sensei Thandeka Mbonambi (Gauteng).

Members of the public are welcome on the day for support. Entry is good man- ners.

Black belt grading this weekend

Some of the karatekas who will represent Matlosana are Salt Sefeane, Dikaeng Mere, Lucas Mshweshwe, Tshidi Mabaso and (front) Motlholo Nkhathu, Amahle Boqashi, Bongiwe Mayekani, Reamohetswe Mothola and Siyamthanda Mayekani.

Fitness tests for referees

Lentswe, Alabama - SAFA Dr K Kaunda re- gion will host regional fitness tests for the referees this weekend.

Referees are tested to check their fitness both at the beginning and end of the season.

This is to prove that the match officials are fit to enforce laws of the game as it has been enshrined in Law 5.

Both male and female referees, including newly-recruited referees, will be tested in ac- cordance to CAF and FIFA standards.

The fitness tests will be conducted at Alaba- ma Stadium on Sunday December 5.

All referees are expected to bring along their medical certificates which indicate that each referee is fit and can undergo such a test.

Gates will be opened at 07:00 for arrival and tests will begin at 08:00.