Learners urged to exercise caution during rainfall


By REGINALD KANYANE

20 February 2025- The North West Department of Education urges parents and scholar transport operators to exercise caution, while transporting learners to schools given the increased rainfall in certain areas of the province.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the department calls on all learners and teachers in the province to refrain from traveling near rivers and dams, as such activities pose a significant risk to personal safety. Motsumi said in addition, they implore school transport drivers to adhere to safe driving speeds during adverse weather conditions.

“We recommend that parents refrain from taking their children to school in such severe weather. During these conditions, we encourage children to avoid playing in running water or near pools, as these activities can heighten risks to their safety.

“Furthermore, we advise parents to regularly monitor weather updates to ensure the well-being of their families,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the torrential rains are continuing in all parts of the province and have resulted in floods in most areas, especially in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts. Molapisi said in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the most affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities.

“Reported incidents included motorists who have been stuck due to flooded roads. Some roads were closed and motorists were redirected to trafficable roads.

“Other roads which were reported to have flooded in the province included N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole, N12 near Stilfontein, R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, R503 at Hartbeesfontein, N4 near Dinokana, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville and on towards Vryburg, R52 between Koster and Lichtenburg,” he said.

Molapisi further said this includes N14 near Coligny, R509 between Koster and Magaliesberg, R30 between Derby and Ventersdorp and R52 between Koster and Rustenburg. He added that they appeal to motorists to exercise caution when travelling on these and other roads as flooding may continue.

“Some houses, mainly mud houses, have been affected and damaged in some areas in the province. Municipalities continue to conduct impact and needs assessments to determine the extent of damages and establish the kind of assistance that would be needed.

“Where there is a need, temporary structures will be provided and affected families will be given social relief packages such as food parcels, blankets and mattresses,” Molapisi said.

He said In Bojanala Platinum District, flooded roads were also reported in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Molapisi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, some roads are also flooded and some mud houses are affected in Tigane Township.

“The Department of CoGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including municipalities to coordinate social relief intervention for affected houses.

“Our disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rains persist,” he said.

North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre Contacts: 018 388 3888 or 0800 018 000.

District Disaster Management Centre contacts:

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

Herman Bezuidenhout

053 927 3235

082 559 3600

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Kabelo Molao

014 592 6321

014 592 4495

073 963 2980

Ngaka Modiri Molema District

Masite Lesenyego

080 006 6636

083 282 0640

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Richard Lesar

079 528 8587

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Portfolio Committee takes legal action against North West Parks and Tourism Board members for ‘no show’


By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism said it has resolved to take legal action against the Chairperson of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, advocate Matshidiso Mogale together with other Board Members, who include Barney Lobelo, Sharon Sepeng, Tonto Nkadimeng, Mothusi Raphadu and Dr Goitseone Pholo, for failure to appear before the committee for the second time to account on the delayed payment of salaries and status quo of the entity.

The committee said the Board previously failed to appear and account in a meeting convened on the 4 February 2025. According to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mpho Khunou, they are concerned about how the acting Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), are appointed and dismissed in a short period of time without following proper procedures.

“There have been six acting CEOs in the last six months as witnessed with Jeff Mabunda, who acted from 1 October to 31 December 2024. Charlene Jacobs from 3-24 January 2025, Dr Goitseone Pholo for less than a month, then we heard that on the 18 February 2025, Jonathan Denga was appointed to act as well.

“According to the available records, the entity does not have funds to pay salaries for February and March 2025. We urge the department to come up with plans to ensure that the salaries are paid on time until the end of the financial year,” he said.

Khunou further said it was worrying that the Board members failed to appear twice to account on the operations of the dysfunctional entity, which has been facing numerous cash flow challenges to pay salaries including for its subsidiaries, creditors and debtors respectively.

He added that Board members have failed on their legal duties to account on the operations and to ensure that there are proper governance systems and sound cash flow through revenue collection.

“The failure to appear before the committee shows that they are undermining the work of the legislature to hold the entity accountable as there are many challenges facing this entity.

“The committee will ensure that the two employees, Mabunda and Jacobs, who presented reports on the state of the operations at the entity and have since returned to their substantive positions, will be protected from victimisation,” said Khunou.

He said the committee was also concerned that a member of the board, Pholo was appointed as acting CEO after the resignation of Jacobs as this meant that she was now a player and referee at the same time. Khunou said they will need a full comprehensive report on the activities of the board, which they also feel was not appointed legally.

“They were expected to bring their expertise through different sub-committees such as governance, risk, finance and related matters to ensure implementation of the core mandate of the entity, but we have not seen any improvement only that the entity is bankrupt as presented by the two former CEOs.

“The committee will propose a full legislature enquiry into the operations of the entity and its subsidiaries. We’re seriously worried as our parks have not been functional enough to generate their own income due to the instability of the entity’s management and are in total disarray and not ready to be one of the chosen G20 platforms,” he said.

The Deputy Chairperson of the board, Prof Vuyo Peach together with another Board member, Kgosi Lencoe who attended the meeting, admitted that proper processes of recruitment of board members were not followed when they were appointed as they said they were just invited to be on the board through emails and phone calls.

Two former Acting CEOs of the entity Mabunda and Jacobs, who were invited by the committee to account on their tenures as acting CEOs, they made a presentation informing the committee that the entity’s annual budget allocation was R221 million divided into four tranches of R55 million per quarter in 2023/24 financial year from department, and was expected to generate additional R97 Million through own revenue collection.

Mabunda said: “Our cash flow challenges started when we only generated about 40% of revenue and had a shortfall of 60 percent.

“We then requested advance payments of R27.3 million in May 2024 from the second quarter’s tranche from the department to meet financial obligations.”

He said the trend continued in the following quarters, but they had a concrete plan to generate enough income through the concessions in the nature and game reserves.

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Mankuroane Garden’s housing project at the verge of completion  


By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs said it is pleased on the progress made by the department regarding unblocking housing project. This comes after the committee completed its oversight visit to assess the provision of houses and also progress of unblocking housing projects in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, commended the North West Department of Human Settlements on the good job they have done. Makgokgowa said the housing projects that the department has unblocked are on the verge of completion and that showed commitment on the side of the department.

“The committee conducted oversight visits at Mankuroane Gardens housing project in Mokassa village, near Taung. The program is aimed at strengthening oversight and public participation and to promote accountability and transparency in government.

“During the program, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) interact with different provincial departments and their MECs, mayors, accounting officers and members of the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC),” she said.

Makgokgowa further said different Portfolio Committees conduct oversight visits to various projects in the district to check their status quo and challenges therein. She added that the Baga-Phuduhucwana unblocked housing project is situated in Mokassa 2, Tamasikwa and Lokgabeng villages.

“The project was blocked in February 2020, due to poor workmanship of the contractor and underlying challenges. It was unblocked in 15 June 2024, where Hakhensa Consulting was appointed to finish different milestones such as foundations, wall plates, roof levels and other steps at a value of R13.7million.

“I have minimal complaints on what we actually found on the housing projects that the department has unblocked. What I can say is that for the department to continue doing this hard work and to work together with the committee to make sure that our citizens get access to proper and decent houses,” said Makgokgowa.

The North West MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, also expressed his

Satisfaction. However, Molapisi calls on more collaboration between municipal and departmental officials in ensuring proper service delivery.

“There has to be proper coordination between both spheres of government. We all have same goal of delivering houses with basic services to our communities. We must do all this guided by the district development model as directed by the president,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director for Human Settlements in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mpho Jaards said: “Despite the challenges of budget cuts that has affected the performance of the department, they are working tirelessly to ensure that service delivery is not affected in the housing delivery.

“This is a continued effort by the department to afford our communities to benefit by building them appropriate houses so as to sustain their livelihoods.

He said the department has prioritised working together with the committee to speed up the completion of unblocking housing projects across the province.

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Identification process of bodies of illegal miners still underway


By OBAKENG MAJE

19 February 2025- The police in North West said the process to identify 93 bodies of suspected illegal miners retrieved from Buffelsfontein Gold Mine’ Shaft No 11 between 3 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, is still underway.  According to the police, the process came after they conducted post-mortems on all bodies.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said nine bodies were brought to the surface through a pulley system/rope by community volunteers between 3 December 2024 and 9 January 2025. Mokgwabone said 78 bodies were brought to the surface between 13 and 15 January 2025, during the Mine Rescue Operation.

“Five suspected illegal miners died, while admitted in hospitals between 20 January and 12 February 2025. Of this number, four resurfaced at Buffelsfontein shaft No 11 and one at Margaret Shaft. One was brought to the surface at Margaret Shaft.

“In the investigation into the inquest dockets of the nine initial bodies, three were successfully identified and handed to family members. All are from Mozambique,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said as part of investigations, DNA samples were obtained from 78 bodies retrieved during the Mine Rescue Operation. He added that 54 fingerprints were obtained from 78 bodies for comparison.

“This process resulted in the identification of 10 bodies through previous arrests in the country. The nationalities of the identified deceased showed that seven are from Mozambique, one Zimbabwe, one Lesotho and one from South Africa.

“In an effort to get more identifications, members of the public and the community who do not know where their next-of-kin are and they know or suspect that they were working in and around Khuma/Stilfontein as zama zamas,” said Mokgwabone.

He said those who have not seen or heard from their next-of-kin for some time, were requested to get into contact with the investigation team at Stilfontein Police Station between 4 and 14 February 2025. Mokgwabone said this led to the obtaining of 45 control samples.

“The nationalities of the next-of-kin from whom samples were taken showed that 18 were from Mozambique, 6 from Lesotho, 8 from Zimbabwe, 12 from South Africa and 1 from Botswana.

“The working relationship among the above-mentioned countries continues in an attempt to identify the bodies. For enquiries regarding the identification process, Colonel Francois Jacobs can be contacted at 082 373 8216,” he said.

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A serial rapist sentenced to two life terms and 44 years imprisonment    


By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 February 2025- A man (27) sentenced to two life sentence terms and 44 years for rape by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for rape. Itumeleng Reclin Machabe, who is also known as Bendow, was convicted for raping and killing Relebogile Segami (11), raping two other minors and distributed pornographic images of young people.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused raped a girl (13), committed fraud, contravened Section 19 (a) of Act 32 of 2007 (exposing or displaying of child pornography or pornography to a child) and committed crimen injuria. Senokotsoane said Machabe also committed attempted extortion and raped a girl (15).

“He was charged for attempted murder too. On 30 March 2022, Relebogile Segami was reported missing by her family and the police, together with members of the Galeshewe Community, began searching for the young girl.

“Unfortunately, her body was discovered on 31 March 2022, near the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley. During investigations, the police discovered that Machabe was the last person seen with the victim before her disappearance,” he said.

Senokotsoane further said the police promptly managed to arrest Machabe and he made his first court appearance on 4 April 2022. He added that the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

“When the accused applied for bail in the Galeshewe District Court, the court heard that the accused was facing another charge of rape and that he was out of bail on that matter.

“The prosecution’s successfully opposed bail application against the accused in this Schedule 6 matter, given the seriousness of the charges against him,” said Senokotsoane.

He said during the police investigations into the accused, other victims of the accused came forward to open cases against him. Senokotsoane said the investigations established that the accused’s path of terror began as early as 2013 when the victim (13), and the accused a minor himself, alleged that the accused had raped her.

“A case docket was then registered and later withdrawn by the family after dragging for some time. The main reason being that the ongoing case was affecting the victim horribly and she could not cope with her school work and resulted in her failing twice in the two years during the case in court.

“Upon Machebe’s arrest in 2022, the victim gathered some strength to testify against the accused this time around, even though the crime dates back over 10 years and during the emotionally charged trial in the High Court,” he said.

Senokotsoane said during the trial, the prosecution, represented by state advocate Elmari Kruger, put it to the court that the accused had intentionally targeted minors, whom he knew were vulnerable, young, innocent and naïve. He said Machabe was not remorseful for all the heinous crimes he had committed against minors and how he had destroyed the lives of not only the victims, but their families as well.

“The court, through testimonies of the victims and witnesses, heard how the accused had lured victims and how he had utilised social media platforms to use the victims’ compromising photos and published them on his platforms after requesting the nude photos.

“The court also heard how the accused had raped one of his victims, who was a minor at the time multiple times. The accused had intentionally molested the minor, wanting her to perform unspeakable acts on him as well,” said Senokotsoane.

He said the victim told the court that the accused intimidated her by telling her that he was going to throw her in a dam should she scream. Senokotsoane said although there was little substantial evidence as the swabs taken on victims, including the deceased body of one victim and the clothing that was found around her neck, showed insufficient male DNA, the forensic report explained this may have been caused by many factors such as weak sperm count, the male being asospermic, does not have a nucleus in his sperm cell.

“The male could have ejaculated outside of the body, he may have used a condom, may have cleaned the victim, or the victim may have cleaned herself and does not necessarily exempt one from a crime.

“The state mainly relied on circumstantial evidence and urged the court to take note of the discrepancies and improbabilities in Machebe’s version of events,” he said.  

Senokotsoane said the NPA envisages that the sentencing of Machabe will not only give the victims hope, closure and a sense of freedom but also send a harsh message to criminals of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) related matters in that the prosecution working with law-enforcement partners will act harshly in investigating and prosecuting these crimes and they shall face the full might of the law should they be found guilty of such criminal conduct.

Meanwhile, in aggravation, the prosecution argued that it is a known fact that South Africa faces insuperable levels of violent crime, particularly targeting vulnerable groups, which include women and children. The state further argued that there were no substantial and compelling factors that could make the court deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life when it comes to crimes of this nature.

In sentencing, the court found the accused guilty on all counts except for count 17 (attempted murder) due to a lack of evidence. The court sentenced the accused to life terms and 44 years imprisonment.

The court also ordered that the name of the accused be registered in the National Register of Sex Offenders. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The accused was sentenced on the day Segami was to celebrate her 14 years birthday.

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ANCWL defend suspendedTswaing mayor, Norah Mahlangu after her nude video went viral  


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 February 2025- The ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) in North West came out guns blazing in defence of suspended Tswaing Local Municipality mayor, Norah Mahlangu. This comes after the ANC in the province, placed Mahlangu on a month-long special leave pending investigation.

Last week, Mahlangu was seen in a scandalous nude video that went viral, where she was found to be in a compromising position. In the video, Mahlangu was seen taking off her bra and tights and playing with her punani.

The video was immensely shared across various social media platforms. This prompted the ANC in the province to suspend Mahlangu for putting the party into disrepute.

In the letter written to Mahlangu and seen by Taung DailyNews, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said, on or about 12 February 2025, the organisation was provided with Mahlangu’s indecent social media video, whereby she was seen engaging in unethical and immoral conduct. Diremelo further said the conduct detracts from the character, values and integrity of the deployee of the ANC.

“You are further reminded that your immoral and indecent social media video, has the potential to bring the organisation into disrepute. Actually, the video has brought the organisation into disrepute after being circulated and seen by the members of the public.

“As a result of the above stated facts, you are hereby directed to take a special leave. This will allow the organisation to institute its own investigation regarding the circumstances leading to the leakage of the indecent and immoral social media video,” he said.

Diremelo added that the ANC expected to be furnished with special leave by the close of business on 14 February 2025. He said there are terms and conditions that will apply during the period of her special leave.

“This includes not reporting for duty or visiting the municipality premises unless being invited by the chief whip of the organisation to attend council sitting.

“If you need to remove any belongings, such to be done after the arrangements with the office of the chief whip. You are expected to fully cooperate with the organisation during the investigation of the matter,” said Diremelo.

He said Mahlangu is expected not to interfere with the investigations and or any potential witnesses. Diremelo said from time-to-time, she will be provided with the progress of the investigation.

“The investigation report and its recommendations will be made available to you upon the conclusion of the matter,” he said.

However, ANCWL PTT coordinator, Nombuyiselo Adoons said they will not leave this matter lying down. Adoons said Mhlangu is a victim here and she cannot be victimised.

“We wish to express our deepest concern regarding the recent victimization of Mahlangu, who found herself at the centre of a distressing situation following the unauthorized leaking of her private, intimate video by individuals once considered close friends.

“Such conduct is a blatant violation of her privacy and dignity, and constitutes a serious infringement on her rights. It is disheartening that, despite being the clear victim in this matter, Mahlangu has been instructed to take a special leave,” she said.

Adoons said they believe this decision not only undermines her position as mayor, but also perpetuates a harmful culture wherein victims of privacy violations are punished rather than supported. She said Mahlangu has already demonstrated good faith and accountability by submitting an apology to the ANC and to the community of Tswaing and the province.

“We call upon the ANC to treat this letter with the gravity it deserves and to recognise that Mahlangu’s actions and statements illustrate her commitment to the party and the community she serves.

“We therefore demand that the ANC withdraw its letter calling for Mahlangu’s special leave with immediate effect. We urge the organisation to stand firmly by its commitment to protect and empower women and to uphold the rights and dignity of its members,” said Adoons.

She said the leaking of private material without consent is a criminal act and must be addressed as such. Adoons said victims should be supported, not further traumatised through administrative or disciplinary measures.

“We stand in solidarity with Mahlangu and call on all relevant authorities and party

structures to take decisive steps against the perpetrators.

“We further request that the ANC institute clear protocols to support members, who fall victim to such invasions of privacy, ensuring that survivors are not isolated or re-victimised,” she said.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Lokgabeng e buseditswe morago


Ka REGINALD KANYANE

19 Tlhakole 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 202 Tlhakole 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Simon Molale (22), yo a latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (21), o kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile.

Go begwa fa Molale a ne a tlhaba Medichane le go mo bolaya, mme one a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo morago ga go bona batho. Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo e.

Go begwa fa Molale a lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe pele ga ba lelapa la gagwe ba ka mo neela sepodisi ka motsi o. Molale o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae jwa Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o ile a itlhaba ka thipa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Go fitlha ga jaana, bosekisi bo tlhalositse fa bo setse bo emetse dipholo tsa diteko tsa thipa e go begwang fa Molale a e dirisitse go bolaya Medichane, mme dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di a tswelela.

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

19 Tlhakole 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 24 Tlhakole 2025. Se ke go neela bosekisi tshono ya go botsolotsa balatofadiwa, Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), di potso.

Phatlhanyane o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile, fa Maine ene a phuagantse kopo ya gagwe. Maine le Phatlhanyane, ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16). Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2. Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine.

Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, mme o solofetswe go ka nguna-nguna seo le mmueledi wa puso. Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka gore a neelwe beile, mme kopo ya gagwe e ka rediwa fa kgetsi e boela kgotlhatshekelo.

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Drugs worth over R10 000 seized by police


By BAKANGMOKOTO

18 February 2025- Two alleged drug dealers aged 33 and 46, were arrested separately by the relentless members of the Springbok Public Order Police B-Platoon for being in possession of drugs. The suspects were arrest during vehicle and foot patrols in hotspot areas in Springbok and Nababeep.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said one suspect was arrested at the hiking spot on the N7 road for being in possession of drugs and the other one was arrested in Bergsig, following routine stop and search actions.

“During crime prevention actions in Bergsig on 16 and 17 February 2025, the police arrested a man, who was allegedly found to be in possession of mandrax tablets.

“Another suspect was nabbed at a hiking spot on N7 road allegedly with Tik worth approximately R10 000 in his possession. Both the suspects are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of dealing in drugs,” he said.

Kock further said these actions will continue unabated and communities can share valuable information and assist the police by utilizing the MySaps app or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 to report crime.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA to host MUNIMEC meeting


By REGINALD KANYANE

18 February 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass is set host a special Municipalities and MEC (MUNIMEC) meeting on 19 February 2025, in Springbok (Namakwa District) to discuss critical issues affecting local government.

Vass said the MUNIMEC is a strategic meeting of the MEC with Executive Mayors/Mayors and Municipal Managers, of all 31 municipalities in the Northern Cape.

He further said the special MUNIMEC will receive and discuss presentations on the ward configuration processes in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Vass added that this includes the progress made by municipalities to adopt the standard draft by-laws for the registration of businesses.

“We will also receive a presentation on the security clearance (vetting) of Municipal Managers and Directors reporting directly to the Municipal Managers, amongst critical items on the agenda of the special meeting.

“We are looking forward to this special MUNIMEC, as we have identified a few matters that must be dealt with on an urgent basis to ensure that municipalities are aware of a few changes to the legislation or regulations,” he said.

Vass said they also need to familiarise themselves with legislative measures as there are upcoming Local Government elections. He said municipalities need to work closely with the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in the unfolding process of the ward configuration.

“All 31 municipalities in the Northern Cape are expected to take part in the MUNIMEC. Some key sector departments, and local government eco-system partners, are also invited to attend the MUNIMEC that will take place at Springbok Guest Farm (Springbok, Namakwa District) on 19 February 2025,” said Vass.

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