Picture: Bafana Bafana players during training session/Google
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 March 2025–Bafana Bafana arrived in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Monday ahead of the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on Friday and Benin next Tuesday. Broos’ charges resume the World Cup qualifiers when they host neighbours at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Human Rights Day, 21 March 2025.
They then fly to Côte d’Ivoire by charter to face Benin in the second qualifier a few days later.
Coach Hugo Broos said both matches will be tough and he expects his charges to dig deep if they are to achieve the target of amassing six points from the two games.
“As everybody knows, we have important games in front of us. It’s a key moment, I said that already before, if we can achieve two victories against Lesotho and Benin, then I think we can make a big step in qualification, certainly also taking account the other games in the group.
“We will try to do it, and on the other side we know that these will be tough and difficult games. First up we have Lesotho on Friday. Lesotho is a team that fights for each other,” he said.
Broos further said they fight for each other, they fight for each meter and every ball, and they are playing against South Africa. He added that, he think they will try to do something more against South Africa and against other teams.
“So again, it will be a tough game. And then we have the game outside of the country against Benin. The only advantage we have here is that Benin are playing in Ivory Coast, so a big crowd and their supporters will not be there. That is a little advantage for us.
“Polokwane City midfielder, Ndamulelo Maphangule has been called up to replace the injured Patrick Maswanganyi. Maphangule has already joined the camp in Polokwane,” said Broos.
Picture: Police confiscated a firearm during raid/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 March 2025- More than 19 suspects arrested for Illicit Mining Act and numerous other crimes during operations that commenced on Friday, 14 March 2025. This comes after the Northern Cape multi-disciplinary teams executing Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts respectively.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,
Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police in the Namakwa District, while conducting visual observation duties around Bontakoei and Koeingnaas mining areas, arrested 6 suspects for illicit mining, trespassing and contravention of the immigration statutes. Sam said the police also issued fines to motorists for various traffic violations and inspected numerous firearms for compliance during vehicle check points, and stop and searches.
“In the Frances Baard District, the team executed search warrants at numerous addresses around the Ekapa mine mining area and arrested 12 suspects for possession and dealing in drugs, and recovered 2 cell phones valued at more than R11 000 that were stolen out of a motor vehicle in Kelvin Street, Kimberley.
“The Vala Umgodi police investigation team could also link an arrested suspect with a Kagisho house breaking and theft case reported in 2017. Numerous mining implements, including spades, bags containing suspected diamond bearing gravel, drugs that include mandrax, dagga and crystal meth valued to more than R20 000 was confiscated,” he said.
Sam further said the suspects will appear in the Port Nolloth and Kimberley Magistrate’s Courts respectively soon. He added that, if people see something, they must say something.
“Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
20 March 025- The Pretoria High Court granted the Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a forfeiture order to forfeit to the state cash amount of over R1.8 million, which was fraudulently swindled from Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd and paid into an ABSA bank account belonging to Rodney Mokhabokhi.
On 10 June 2024, the Managing Director of Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd, received a letter purporting to come from one of their service providers, Transvaal Electric Motors requesting the company to make all future payments to an Absa bank account belonging to Rodney Mokhabokhi.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd made a cash payment of over R1.8 million. Mahanjana said, however, it was discovered that the payments were made into the wrong account and in fact, the service provider Transvaal Electric Motors did not issue the letter nor change banking details.
“It was at this stage that Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd reported the matter to the police who informed the Financial Intelligent Centre (FIC) about the crime committed, Rodney Mokhabokhi’s ABSA account was blocked, and the matter was referred to the Pretoria AFU.
“The AFU applied for a preservation order which was granted on 05 August 2024 followed by the forfeiture order, which was granted on 17 March 2025 by Judge Mbongwe,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the next step is that the money forfeited will be paid back to Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd. She added that, this matter not only highlights the effective cooperation and collaboration between various crime-fighting agencies within the NPA, as well as the Financial Intelligence Centre, but also the dogged determination of the AFU to make sure that crime does not pay.
“The criminal case related to this matter is appearing on 15 April 2025 at Springs Magistrate’s Court,” she said.
20 March 2025- Even though the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi tabled a R55 billion provincial budget for 2025/2026 financial year, most of opposition parties in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) said it does not resonate with what the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi pronounced during his State of the Province Address (SOPA), a few weeks ago.
Mosenogi’s budget speech sparked intense discussions about its implications for the province’s economy, citizens and business.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema delved into the intricacies of the budget and its takeaways. Moema said only the Departments of Education and Health received enough.
“We are not convinced that the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has a concrete turnaround strategy to address the elephant in the room, which is the high rate of unemployment.
“Mosenogi is still talking about creating 5500 temporary jobs, which is unsustainable and not enough. Also, the areas where these job opportunities are going to be created is a challenge. In most cases, those people are not remunerated on time and there is always a predicament,” he said.
Moema further said only R35 million budget is allocated for the resuscitation of Pilanesberg and Dr Dick Montshioa Airports, which is not enough. He added that, also, the money set aside for contingency is not enough.
“We are faced with a difficult paralysis when it comes to local government. We feel like more money needs to be injected in those areas apart from those being dealt with by conditional grants and equitable share.
“We still asking questions about whose interest Mosenogi allocates the budget for. We have a high rate of unemployment and people in the province continue to live below the poverty line,” said Moema.
He said portfolios such as the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) should also receive more as they create job opportunities.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Wolfgang Wallhorn, shared the same sentiments. Wallhorn said in terms of the budget, they feel very strongly that it was an underwhelming budget because some of the things highlighted during the SOPA do not resonate with the budget.
“In terms of job creation, we are sitting in a situation where it is only temporary jobs. On the issue of housing, we are looking at a situation where the department can build 20 000 houses, yet only 3000 have been budgeted for this financial year.
“In terms of infrastructure, looking at the roads, we have experienced heavy rains in the province recently, and the budget for the North West Public Works and Roads, does not resonate with that,” he said.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) provincial leader in North West Provincial Legislature, Lerato Tsholo said: “The budget is overwhelmingly glaringly in the sense that, there is no connection between the pronouncement made Mokgosi during SOPA and what Mosenogi presented.
“You look at some basic issues such as job creation, there is nothing industrial that tells you that they will create permanent jobs. This means the province is still going to rely on EPWP programs for creation of job opportunities.”
Tsholo also questioned Mosenogi who alleged that the unemployment rate in the North West is sitting at 43%. She said she wonders where Mosenogi gets those figures because according to the Stats SA quarterly report, North West is sitting at 52%, which makes it the number one province with high rate of unemployment in the country.
The FF+ provincial leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Michal Groenewald said Mosenogi gave them big figures, but if one looks at them holistically, there is little money to address service delivery. Groenewald said most of the budget goes to salaries.
“We are becoming an employee institution,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said they welcome the Provincial Budget Speech for the 2025/26 financial year. Diremelo said the budget reflects their collective commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the communities and fostering sustainable development across the province.
“The ANC acknowledges the comprehensive approach taken by Mosenogi in outlining the budget priorities, which are aligned with the recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered by Mokgosi.
“This is a set of realistic commitments as pronounced by a people-driven government in line with resolutions of recent North West ANC PEC Lekgotla that has consolidated a pact, which is aimed to drive our vision for a prosperous and equitable North West province towards the vision of the freedom charter,” he said.
Diremelo said the 2025/2026 budget is a reaffirmation of their commitment to all the set priorities of the 7th administration, which are to advance inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical and developmental state. He said notably, the provincial budget allocation grows to R56,352 billion in 2026/27 and R58,329 billion in the outer year of the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and this budget emphasizes key areas that are crucial for the growth and development of our province, including infrastructure development, healthcare services, education, skills development and economic recovery and job creation.
“We appreciate the fact that the budget has prioritized the filling of vacant and funded posts in the provincial government, coordinated by provincial treasury and the office of the premier, as unemployment remains the most concerning factor for the ANC in North West,” said Diremelo.
20 March 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it welcomes the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), on an appeal case of Lebogang Medupe and others against the ANC. Three disgruntled ANC North West members headed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) over the disputed provincial conference held in 2022.
Medupe, Molefe and Moswane have been fighting the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) led by it’s chairperson, Nono Maloyi, his deputy Lazzy Mokgosi, provincial secretary Louis Diremelo, deputy provincial secretary Viola Motsumi and provincial treasurer Sello Lehari.
In their court papers, they argue that the term of the office of the ANC North West interim provincial committee (IPC) appointed in July 2019, had expired at the time of the convening of the provincial conference and the election of conference committees.
Medupe, Molefe and Moswane wanted the SCA to determine whether there was a hostile takeover of the conference by the ANC permitting of relief in favour of the appellants, whether the court a quo erred in fact and misdirected itself in finding that the IPC lawfully issued a notice for the ninth provincial conference and whether the National Executive Committee (NEC) had the authority to conduct or hold that election.
In May 2023, North West High Court Deputy Judge President Tebogo Djaje dismissed their application with costs.
Now, SCA has also dismissed the appeal has with costs.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said this ruling reaffirms the position of the ANC that there are faceless individuals who are masquerading as “comrades”, whose agenda is to weaken and destroy the African National Congress from within. Maruping said this landmark judgment further reaffirms the legitimacy of the ANC’s internal processes and underscores the importance of organizational discipline and adherence to the party’s constitutional framework.
“The ruling is a victory for unity, stability, ongoing renewal, and rebuilding program. The ANC in North West acknowledges and appreciates the judicial system’s role in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that organizational matters are handled in accordance with established legal and constitutional provisions.
“However, the organisation is equally against the abuse of the justice system by those who seek to undermine the ANC Constitution and its internal democratic processes. This decision paves the way for uninterrupted work of rebuilding and renewing the ANC in the province,” he said.
Maruping further said they urge all members and structures of the ANC in North West to respect this judgment and focus on strengthening the organization as they prepare for upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) and all governance responsibilities by the people’s movement. He added that, the ANC remains committed to fostering unity and shall never tolerate those who seek to sow divisions within its ranks.
20 Mopitlwe 2025- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Modutung kwa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao. Molatofadiwa, Thabiso Nkwane (35), o ile a tshwarwa mabapi le polao ya ga mmagwe, Masego Irene Nkwane (56).
Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga thefosano ya mafoko magareng ga moswi le mmelaelwa. Go ya ka dipego, mmelaelwa one a tsaya garawe le go kgenetha mmagwe ka yone.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are, kgetsi e butswe, mme mmelaelwa o lebagane ke kgetsi ya polao.
Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ne a lebotsa phokoje morago ga tiragalo. Sepodisi se ile sa mo tshwara ka Laboraro.
Kgabagare, baagi ba ikuela go puso go ka tlhoma seteishene sa sepodisi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gonne o fetogile kgapamadi.
20 March 2025 – South African match official, Cledwin Baloyi will officiate in the upcoming Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco at the end of the month. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the assistant referee from Limpopo has made the final list of match officials who will officiate in the tournament from 30 March – 19 April 2025.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) National Referees Committee and the Referees Department congratulated Baloyi after making the list. Baloyi made the international list for the 2024 season and has been consistent in his performances in both local and international appointments.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan applauded Baloyi after the recognition.
“Baloyi joins the growing list of officials who continue to fly the country’s flag high. I am pleased to congratulate him and hope he has a great tournament in Morocco,” said Jordaan.
Picture: Medals won by police officers from Northern Cape/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 March 2025- The Northern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) participated in the National Practical Pistol Shooting Championship, held in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, from 9 to 14 March 2025. A total of 106 SAPS members from across the country competed in various categories, showcasing their skills in precision shooting.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergio Kock said practical pistol shooting enhances marksmanship, discipline, and focus—critical competencies that contribute to accuracy and effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Kock said the Northern Cape team comprised five members, with Lieutenant Colonel Ralda Breedt and Warrant Officer Neo Mosienyane, achieving remarkable results.
“Lieutenant Colonel Ralda Breedt was announced as the winner for Category C (Ladies), overall 2nd place for ladies’ category and received a gold medal for team event. Warrant Officer Neo Mosienyane received a gold medal for team events and earned a marksman status.
“Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Ralda Breedt and Warrant Officer Brakkies Breedt served as SAPSA Range Officers throughout the championship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Management said it extends its congratulations to all participants. The management said their outstanding performance not only highlights their dedication but also reinforces the critical skills required to uphold SAPS’ core mandate, which is protecting and serving the people of South Africa.
Picture: Police on a standoff with community members in Setlagole/Screengrab
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 March 2025- The embattled Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta has expressed devastation following the spate of violent protests and vandalism of public infrastructure such as roads in Madibogo and Setlagole respectively. This comes after community members from Madibogo village went on the rampage on Tuesday and embarked on violent protest over poor service delivery.
Community members in ward 6, demanded that the municipality provide them with high mask lights, accessible roads, electricity and water.
However, Jafta said community members allegedly
chose to raise their frustration on lack of service delivery by engulfing in violent protests that include blocking of public roads with burning tyres and objects. He further said the community members also blocked access to public facilities, including municipal offices in
Setlagole.
“We condemn the incidents and further echo our frustration about the ongoing sporadic incidents that indirectly affect the economy of the small and growing municipalities like Ratlou. We call on the community members to desist from acts of violence.
“We urge them to heed the call to end violent protests as they adopt negotiations as an amicable way to resolve issues. The community amongst others, raised challenges ranging from poor internal roads infrastructure, lack of provision of housing, high-mast
lights and the fact that they are continuously grappling with lack of provision of drinkable water and proper sanitation in their area,” said Jafta.
He added that, the public order policing unit had since been called in to quell the situation that was
already getting out of hand. Jafta call on civil society, social partners and community leaders across the municipality to work with the municipal
authorities and follow lawful remedies, whilst seeking lasting solutions.
“The situation has been brought to normalcy following a meeting with the affected parties. We applaud the community leaders for their resolve to end the protests.
20 March 2025- The accused, Victorina Moloi (45) has on Tuesday, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing two charges of fraud. The reports indicate that in February 2023, the complainant on the matter who is also a Financial Manager, was making online payments to the supplier when his email was intercepted.
This resulted in two payments deposited in the wrong bank account.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the matter was referred to the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. Gunya said the probe revealed that the money was deposited in the bank account belonging to Victorina Moloi.
“The business therefore suffered a total loss amounting to over R642 000. Moloi was arrested in Soweto on 17 March 2025. She appeared before court and was released on R2000 bail. The matter was postponed to 24 April 2025 for legal representation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest. They commended the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting commercial crime and bringing perpetrators to book.
The Guardian 