Picture: Three of four murder accused persons/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 January 2025- A murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32), his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), was postponed to 24 February2025 by the Taung Regional Court.
The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood. This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Picture: The The Mamusa Local Municipality mayor, Seitebaleng Chelechele/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 January 2025- The Mamusa Local Municipality mayor, Seitebaleng Chelechele, accompanied by her office and other stakeholders, visited Itshupeng Secondary School and Ikgomotseng Primary School in Extension 4, Schweizer Reneke. Chelechele’s purpose of her visit was to evaluate the readiness of these schools for the 2025 academic year.
She also addressed challenges impacting these schools’ performance.
Chelechele said this initiative reflects the municipality’s commitment to improving education standards and ensuring better learning environments. She further extended her heartfelt congratulations to the staff and learners of Itshupeng Secondary School for their extraordinary achievements in 2024.
“The school recorded a significant 33% increase in its pass rate compared to the Class of 2023 pass rate, achieving an impressive overall pass rate of 83% from 50%.
“Key stakeholders, who were part of the visit include representatives from the Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO), municipal councillors, office of the mayor personnel and School Governing Body (SGB) chairpersons,’ said Chelechele.
She said as part of the engagement, they held productive discussions with school principals and SGB members to explore practical strategies aimed at sustaining and improving educational outcomes in 2025.
Chelechele added: “We are happy for the achievements of the Class of 2024. I commend the learners for their perseverance and the teachers for their unwavering dedication. May this resilience and hard work continue to inspire success in the new academic year.”
15 January 2025- North West province has experienced a significant amount of rainfall this season, bringing much-needed relief to the region’s water resources. As a result, the province’s dam levels have shown notable improvements over the past week.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation latest report on the country’s water levels, the overall dam levels in the North West have increased from 64.7% to 72.5%.
The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said the upward trend will bring a relief to the province, and the department is optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue. Mavasa said several dams in the province have experienced significant increases in their water levels.
“The Olifantsnek Dam has shown a notable increase from 48.0% to 60.4%, while the Vaalkop Dam has jumped from 28.9% to 65.9% this week. The Bospoort Dam has risen from last week’s 92.7% to 102.2% this week, indicating a substantial improvement in water storage.
“Other dams that have experienced an increase include the Ngotwane dam, which has risen from 32.0% to 35.0%. Buffelspoort Dam has increased from 84.5% to 91.3% this week. Lindleyspoort Dam from 17.5% to 30.0% and Roodekopjes Dam from 78.9% to 87.8% this week,” he said.
Mavasa further said Marico-Bosveld Dam has risen from 20.0% to 27.4%, Molatedi Dam, which has increased from 27.5% to 37.1%, Madikwe Dam and Pella Dam has risen from 36.8% to 47.7%, and 36.0% to 37.8% respectively. He added that in addition, the Disaneng Dam has reached full capacity, increasing from 75.0% to 100.0%.
“On the other hand, some dams in the province have experienced decreases in their water levels. Hartbeespoort Dam has decreased slightly from 97.6% to 95.1%. Taung and Setumo Dams have maintained their levels at 82.3% and 98.9%, respectively.
“Moving forward, the department remains committed to ensuring sustainable management of water resources by continuing to work closely with all stakeholders to maintain a positive momentum and to guarantee a reliable water supply to the province’s residents, businesses, and industries,” said Mavasa.
Picture: A body of illegal miner carried out after being retrieved from disused Stilfontein mine shaft/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 January 2025- The North West Department of Health has refuted allegations that the provincial Forensic Pathology Services facilities are unable to cope with the increasing number of illegal miners’ corpses extracted underground in Stilfontein in the ongoing national rescue operation.
The department said its plan of readiness has been approved and shared by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari during his briefing session yesterday at Stilfontein.
Lehari spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said the department has identified several forensic pathology services facilities to deal with the expected, sizable number of corpses as the operation is ongoing. Mothibedi said as of this morning, 51 bodies have been retrieved underground in the last three days of the rescue operation.
“All corpses have been handed over to the department’s forensic facilities. We have also beefed up our medical personnel by contracting more nurses, radiographers, doctors and other medical personnel.
“The department is also assisting with identification processes through DNA and other medical means, including post mortems to determine whether these deaths were as a result of hunger, illness or injuries,” he said.
Mothibedi further said the department cautions members of the public and media against disinformation and misinformation peddled by some groups at Stilfontein, aimed at discrediting all efforts and strides made by the department so far. He added that 36 bodies were retrieved on 13 Jan 2025, while 51 were extracted on 14 Jan 2025.
“Total bodies retrieved by yesterday were 87. We have 70 space at Forensic Pathology Services facility in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and 240 in Bojanala District. So, there is enough space in the province to store the bodies for now.
“On the issue of Gauteng Forensic vans, the province has 20 vehicles that can carry 4 bodies each. Due to the high number of bodies in a short space, Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services has been asked to assist with vehicles to deliver the deceased to North West Forensic Pathology Services mortuaries. All bodies remain in the North West,” said Mothibedi.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 January 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said unlike the preceding years, her department was confronted with many internal and external challenges, which had the potential to sway it off the rails. Motsumi said, however, against all odds, driven by their unshaken beliefs in serving the best interest of the child and in advancing the boundless potential of the learners, they weathered every storm and soldiered on.
She further said finally, they have successfully reached their destination and that moment of eagerly awaiting the release of the 2024 NSC results is over. Motsumi added that the Class of 2024 holds a special historic significance as a transitional Grade 12 cohort that she led from the then 6th administration to the current 7th administration.
“For 2024, a total of 40 575 candidates sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. For the record, an overwhelming majority of the candidates that made up the Class of 2024 enrolled for Grade 1 in 2013.
“Technically, their results, for which we are gathered here to celebrate, are the first for the 7th administration, which took over the government in June 2024. I am thrilled to announce that the Class of 2024 obtained a spectacular pass rate of 87,52% and position 4 nationally,” she said.
Motsumi said this ground-breaking achievement represents an increase of 5,89% from 81,63% by 2023. She said the NSC pass rate by that margin and retaining position 4 is no mean feat, taking into account the tightness of the competition among the nine provinces for at least a top 3 spot, which they missed by a percentage point.
“It is not mere rhetoric when we say that for us, the game is never over until we win. We are determined to do everything in our power to reach the top three of the national NSC Examination results league table.
“Nonetheless, this accomplishment of 87,52% matric pass rate is not only a source of pride for the province. It also indicates that the department has out-done itself as it is above the 2024/25 APP target of 87% matric pass rate,” said Motsumi.
She said besides being unprecedented in the history of the province, at least in the last five years, it is a quantum leap that needs to be sustained. Motsumi said it is important to remember that the 2024 provincial matric pass rate is not the only significant figure in their records, but it is a robust sign of progress registered by the maturing provincial education system.
“Needless to say, this achievement was not a coincidence and it did not happen overnight. It is a product of years of hard work, the power of collective effort, shared vision, numerous interventions and dedication, with a firm desire for quality over quantity.
“To confirm this, the quality of our passes has also improved dramatically. To start with, the Class of 2024 obtained a total of 7 901 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, compared to 7067 in the previous year. The number of candidates who passed with admission to Bachelor Studies has increased to 18 279 (45,05%) from 15 059 (36,36%) of the Class of 2023,” she said.
Motsumi said the admission to Diploma Studies has also improved to 11 455 (28,23%) compared to 11 646 (28,12%) of 2023, and to further demonstrate their sharp appetite for quality over quantity. She said the number of those who passed with Higher Certificate has dropped to 5 777 (14,2%) against 7 089 (17,11%) of 2023.
Picture: The police officers are accused of ignoring drug peddlers/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 January 2025- The police in Rustenburg said they have noted with concern a video doing the rounds on social media platforms, especially tik-tok wherein they are unfairly accused of doing nothing about alleged drug peddling at a block of flats.
The flats, which are not far from the police station, are said to be occupied mainly by Nigerian foreign nationals.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mogwabone said while the police are constitutionally mandated to prevent, combat and investigate crime, it must be emphasised that they cannot fight crime alone. Mokgwabone said therefore, there is nothing wrong about exposing criminals and criminality, but it is important to share such information with the police so that necessary steps can be taken.
“This must be done not only in Rustenburg, but other places. It must also be stated that a number of drug related operations were previously conducted at the flats and the neighbouring streets and that led to the arrest of suspects, including foreign nationals.
“Furthermore, drugs were confiscated during the operations, which were in most instances, intelligence driven. We would also like to advise members of the community to engage relevant authorities, especially on issues pertaining to acquiring of flats, payments of rates and services, the legal status of the tenants in the country, among others,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, however, some of these issues, particularly contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 and dealing in drugs, are dealt with weekly by the police and other law enforcement agencies through the high density Operation Shanela.
He added that police request anyone who may have information about any criminality, to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
“Alternatively, tip-offs can be shared via MySAPS App,” said Mokgwabone.
Picture: A police officer, the late Fundiswa Motlhaoleng/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 January 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng conveys his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, relatives and colleagues of the late Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45) who was allegedly gunned down on Tuesday afternoon, 14 January 2025, at Randlespark, Klerksdorp.
According to Asaneng, Motlhaoleng who is stationed at Jouberton Visible Policing and in full uniform, was shot by unknown suspects while in her private vehicle, on her way to work. He further said the incident took place on Taljaart Kruger Street, Randlespark, where three empty cartridges and ammunition were found.
“Motlhaoleng’s body was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds on the right jaw and hand respectively. A black Volkswagen Polo vehicle with four occupants, was allegedly spotted driving off from the scene at a high speed.
“The motive of the incident is yet to be determined and no arrest has been effected and investigations into the matter by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) are underway,” said Asaneng.
He added that they condemn the incident, which he described as intolerable and callous, considering that the loss of a police officer impacts negatively on service delivery and the entire organisation. Asaneng ordered the investigation team to work around the clock to ensure that alleged perpetrators are arrested. “We remind our members to constantly be alert whether on or off-duty,” he said.
15 January 2025 – The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul, extends his best wishes to all learners, teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and communities as they embark on the 2025 academic year. Saul emphasizes that education is a societal responsibility that requires collective effort.
According to Saul’s spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe, the Premier will kick off the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) Back-to-School campaign. As part of this initiative, Saul will visit Khiba Secondary School in Gamopedi, located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. He will be accompanied by the District Mayor, Queen Mogatle-Thaone.
“The Northern Cape Provincial Government’s Back-to-School Campaign aims to ensure that all teachers and learners arrive in class on time and begin their learning activities on the first day of school. Through this campaign, the government will confirm that everything is in place for the academic year,” said Gaosekwe.
She further noted that Saul’s government is committed to collaborating with its social partners to invest in initiatives that enhance access to quality basic education. This includes upgrades to school facilities, the construction of new schools, the expansion of modern digital learning opportunities, and the provision of additional resources for students in need.
Additionally, Saul encourages those who faced challenges in the previous year to take advantage of all opportunities provided by the government for a second chance.
15 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi set to visit Dirang Ka Natla Comprehensive School and Khuma Primary School in Stilfontein, on Wednesday to assess their state of readiness as schools will be re-opening for the 2025 academic year.
Mokgosi’s visit to these schools is part of the province-wide Back-to-School campaign, which is aimed at ensuring that teaching and learning take place on the first day of schools re-opening, and to reaffirm the provincial leadership’s support to learners, teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said Dirang Ka Natla Comprehensive School achieved a pass rate of 90.1% in the 2024 matric results, which is an improvement from 80.7% achieved in 2023.
Meanwhile, on 15-17 January 2025, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Desbo Mohono together with Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will conduct oversight visits at various school across the North West to check and assess their state of readiness for the 2025 school year.
15 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said during yesterday, a total of 106 alive illegal miners were retrieved and arrested for illegal mining in Stilfontein Mine. The police said 51 illegal miners were certified dead.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they have arrested 67 Mozambicans, 26 Lesotho nationals, 11 Zimbabweans and 2 South Africans.
“Operations will resume on 15 January 2025. From August 2024 until 12 January 2025, over 1576 illegal miners were arrested before the extraction operation commenced.
“Those arrested include 997 of the arrested are Mozambicans, 427 are Zimbabweans, 118 are Basotho nationals from Lesotho, 21 are South Africans, while one is from Malawi and another one from Congo,” she said.
Mathe further said 1540 illegal miners are still in police custody. She added that 121 illegal miners have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans and one Malawian.
“Over 46 illegal miners have already been found guilty of illegal mining, trespassing and contravening the immigration act. The court handed down a sentence of R12 000 or six months wholly suspended imprisonment sentence for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of similar crimes.
“Confiscated materials since the start of operations in Stilfontein (December 2023), include over 640kg of gold-bearing material, 6.2 kg of refined gold, explosives, firearms, and cash amounting to R52.49 million seized,” said Mathe.
The Guardian 