27 March 2025- A man (30) from Hartswater was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for fraud and money laundering. This comes after allegations that Ruan Maritz misrepresented to the complainants and other victims that he is a broker for Quick Trade Investment and Forex Trading.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the investment contract stipulated that when clients invest 50%, the broker will add with the same percentage, a promise he never honoured. Thebe said the victims suffered a loss amounting to R2 million.
“Maritz a made a brief appearance before Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2025, and was granted bail of R50 000. The matter is postponed to 12 May 2025,” he said.
27 March 2025- The North West Department dismissed allegations that there might be an outbreak of Tumbu Fly Infestation. This comes after community members across the province alleged that they have seen some flies dropping their eggs on their clothes or table cloths.
Last week, a video that has since gone viral, a fly was seen hatching larvae (maggots) on a cloth in one of schools in Mahikeng.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi said the matter was thoroughly investigated on the same day, when the department was made aware. Mothibedi said they have concluded that it was an isolated incident.
“The department was made aware of the matter and on the same day, we sent the Departmental Environmental Health officials, who went to the school on Saturday. Officials did not discover a swarm of flies as initially reported by resident(s).
“It was one isolated fly and upon investigation, our data suggested that there was no widespread health risk. There was no swarm of flies as earlier suggested, but one isolated fly which we recommended should be taken for tests,” he said.
Mothibedi further said in an unrelated case, there were unconfirmed reports of worms coming out of wounds of a certain individual, to date such a case has not been officially registered with them. He added that, however, they recommend any individual to visit their nearest facility so that a thorough assessment and determination could be conducted for treatment.
“The department also calls for calm and wishes to caution everyone not to cause panic as this matter has already been dealt with, with all pupils safely attending classes at the said school,” said Mothibed.
Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa (NICD) said it was consulted back in 2018, about numerous cutaneous maggot infestations (furuncular myiasis) in humans in North West, as well as increased sporadic cases in Gauteng Province. The body said its laboratory has confirmed that the maggots are those of the tumbu fly (also known as the ‘mango’ or ‘putsi’ fly).
“The increase in the number of cases is most likely related to the recent marked increase in seasonal rainfall, leading to the expansion of the fly’s normal range, namely the warmer northern and eastern parts of the country.
“The adult female tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) deposits eggs usually on urine- or faeces-contaminated sand, soil or clothing. The larvae (maggots) hatch and on contact with skin, penetrate and cause enlarging boil-like skin lesions, each with a small opening at the apex through which the larva breathes (furuncular myiasis),” it said.
27 March 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West has expressed frustration over a protracted delay in the R112 million construction of a tar road in Taung. The 10km road runs from Matsheng to Molelema village.
In 2020, the Botong Construction and JV Nkolele Projects were appointed in a joint venture to the tune of R65 018 991.18 (VAT incl), but the budget was increased after court fiasco.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said the project has been under construction for almost five years. Jam said these shenanigans being done by these people, dent the image and integrity of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). He said these kinds of arrangements between the contractors and MECs are the reason for the failure of most of the projects.
“We have tried to engage the Office of the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua in quest of getting answers, but to no avail. However, taxpayers’ money has been used to pay the contractor, but nothing is happening.
“So, to us, it does not matter who is involved in this corruption scandal, but we are going to beat the dog until the owner comes out. We are not going to fold our arms, while the taxpayers’ money is being flushed down the drain by those who do not care and serve no interest,” he said.
Jam further said it is excruciating to see that this is not the only road construction project being stalled. He added that the same thing is happening in other areas across the province.
“You will find unfinished projects belonging to the department. Sadly, when we engaged Mokua, she blamed the previous MEC. However, these projects belong to her portfolio whether she likes it or not.
“Inherently, we have made a call that she will respond as soon as possible. However, what we have realised is that, if one wants to talk to these people, we must do it through Chapter 9 institutions because their arrogance does not allow them to talk to ordinary citizens like us,” said Jam.
He alleged that those in power are so high and mighty, forgetting that they were placed there by the masses. Jam said as SANCO, they have declared 2025, a year of accountability and they only care about nothing else, but service delivery.
Meanwhile, the North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The revised contractual agreement between the contractor and the department end date was March 2024, which has lapsed. Currently, the contractor is not on site.
“This project was stalled due to contractual complexities. The catchup plan has not been submitted to the department, and it is in this regard that the department has called a meeting with the agent by the end of this week to address the matter and prevent further delays.” taungdailynews@gmail.com
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba epile sediba sa metsi kwa Tamasikwa
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
27 Mopitlwe 2025- Baagi ba motse wa Tamasikwa, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba itumeletse go bona metsi a kgale ba a labalabela morago ga dikgwedi kgwedi. Se, se tla morago ga gore baagi ba, ba tseye tshwetso ya go katolola sediba sa bo rrabone mogolo se ba ne ba ga metsi mo go sone ka nako ya puso ya tlhaolele.
Baagi ba tlhalositse fa tlhokego ya metsi mo motseng wa bone, ele yone e ba tlhotlheleditseng go tsaya tshwetso e. Baagi ba tlhalosistse fa go le lobaka ba ntse ba tlhoka metsi mo motseng wa bone, fela masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati o tsweletse go itshela moriti o tsididi.
Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Thabo Sekonyane are metsi ke tlhoba boroko kwa motseng wa bone. Sekonyane are ba bone fa go le botlhokwa go epa sediba, gonne ba godile ba nwa metsi mo go sone.
“Re godisitswe ke sediba se, mme madutelo a re nang le one mo motseng, re ne ra a direlwa ke puso ya Bophuthatswana. Porejeke ya metsi e tlile ka ngwaga wa 1995, mo motseng wa rona. Ene ele porojeke go tswa kwa Lefapheng la Water Supply pele ga e tla sitlhamololelwa mo pusong ya ga jaana.
“Seo se shupa gore ene entse ele projeke e e neng e tshwanetswe ke go tlisiwa mo Tamasikwa. Go bua nnete, metsi a mantsi thata mo motseng wa rona wa Tamasikwa. Metsi a re nang le one, baagi ba Taung ba ka nwa ba be ba siela ba bangwe. Re ka fepa metse yotlhe ya Taung ele 106. Ke fela gore madutelo a rona a metsi ga a dirwa sentle,” Sekonyane wa tlhalosa.
Sekonyane are fa madutelo a bone a ne a epilwe kwa godimo, go ka be go sena tlhokego ya metsi kwa motseng wa bone. Sekonyane are ba na le dingwaga ngwaga ba tlhoka metsi, mme masepala ga o tsiboge ka nako.
Kgabagare, majoro wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje are, jaaka masepala, ba amogela gore go na le kgwetlho ya metsi mo sedikeng. Maje are ba bone pegelo go tswa kwa setheong sa Magalies e ba laelang gore madutelo a tshwanelwang ke go neela baagi metsi kwa Tamasikwa a imelwa.
“Re itsisitswe gore madutelo ga tlhole a kgona go neela baagi botlhe ka kakaretso metsi, mme ba tsitsintse gore go agiwe madutelo a mangwe. Jaanaong, re sentse re seka-seka kakanyo eo gore baagi ba kgone go bona metsi.
“Re ikuela go baagi gore ba letle gore go dirwe diteko mo metsing a ba epileng, pele ga ba ka anwa,” Maje wa tlhalosa.
26 Mopitlwe 2025- Sepodisi sa Afrika Borwa mono Taung, se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya petelelo. Se, se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 21, le leneng le dira kwa lebenkeleng lengwe kwa toropong ya Taung, le betelelwe.
Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le beteletswe ke mothapi wa lone wa motswa-kwa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka letsatsi la Tshipi. Ga gona o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.”
Kgabagare, ba South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mono Taung, ba kaile fa ba tla etela lebenkele leo, le go lekola fa le ikwadisitse se mmuso, kgotsa beng ba lone ba tsene mo nageng ya Afrika Borwa go le maleba.
Modulasetilo wa SANCO mo kgaolong ya Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka yone ntlha e, mme ga ya re tsaya sentle gotlhelele. Re ikuela go bo kgaitsadi ba rona gore ba ikele tlhoko, gonne bone ba ya go dira kwa dikgwebong tsa batho ba, ba re ba ile go leka botshelo.
“Fela kwa bofelong, ba feleletsa ba betelelwa. Baagi ba rona ga ba sireletsega. Re utlwile gotwe mmelaelwa o setse a leletswe ke ditshipi. Se se makatsang ke gore go begwa fa lebenkele leo le tsweletse go dira ekare ga gwa diragala sepe.”
Tanyane are ba tlile go etela lebenkele leo, mme ba tla be ba patilwe ke sepodisi, Lefapha la Merero ya Selegae, ga mmogo le Lefapha la Boitekanelo.
Picture: The elderly persons at Lokgabeng Disability Centre/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it condemned the armed robbery that took place at Lokgabeng Disability Centre in Lokgabeng village, near Taung on Sunday, with a strong possible term. The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they have noted the incident with concern.
It is alleged that ten armed men, wearing police uniform, stormed into the centre and threatened the security guards and staff before stealing laptops, USBs and cell phones.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, the police are aware of the matter. The unknown men were allegedly wearing balaclavas and forced entrance into the centre.
“They tied up all the employees and security guards, before proceeding to take office equipment, cell phones and other valuables. There are no arrests thus far and no one was injured in the process.”
Sonakile further said the public should note that the centre houses vulnerable members of society, including the elders and persons with disabilities and operates solely on donations without holding any significant sums of money. He added that they acknowledge the distress and fear caused by this crime among residents and caregivers, despite no physical injuries being reported.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this heinous act, particularly as it occurred just days after South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day. A time meant to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to human dignity and security.
“We commend the North West Department of Social Development for its swift response, including engaging Project Manager and deploying social workers to support affected individuals,” said Sonakile.
He said they call upon South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite their investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. Sonakile said they also encourage any members of public with relevant information to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts.
“We reaffirm this house’s commitment to the protection of vulnerable communities and the eradication of crime in all forms,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said they have already liaised with the Project Manager and have agreed to send social workers from Taung Service Point to provide counselling to all the staff and the occupants.
“It is unfortunate that our vulnerable people are being attacked and robbed just a few days after we have celebrated human rights. We call for speedy arrests of those who have committed this crime,” said Siko.
Picture: The ANC MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Sipho Dial/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 March 2025- The ANC Member of Parliament (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature, Sipho Dial on Tuesday applauded the North West Department of Health for conducting 23 279 lifesaving operations in the current financial year. Dial said they commend the North West Department of Health for ensuring that the hospitals are able to conduct successful operations to patients that need serious medical assistance.
Dial further said this is in line with the ANC’s commitment to provide quality health care. He also appealed for proper management of waiting lists in order to ensure fair access to care and improve patients’ satisfaction and outcomes.
“The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital, which serves as a referral centre managing complex cases for the province, clocked about 42 827,0h hours for the operations, while its orthopaedic department operates on 24 hours and 7 days a week basis.
“We welcome adherence to maintenance plans for theatre equipment to ensure daily functionality as well as filling of specialist surgeon posts, recruitment of theatre-trained staff as well as headhunting of additional specialist nurses to provide optimal theatre services,” said Dial.
He added that they are encouraged by plans to conduct blitz and cataract marathons, with quarterly surgical marathons per discipline in partnership with Mediclinic and other NGOs to fast-track these operations. Dial said of the over 6,7 million patients that visited health facilities across the province in the current financial year, the highest number of patients were served in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality.
“Of these, 135 334 were served at the Tlhabane Community Health Centre (CHC), 99024 at the Bafokeng CHC also in the Rustenburg Sub District, while the Letlhabile CHC in Madibeng Local Municipality Sub District served 98994.
“In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Jouberton CHC in City of Matlosana Local Municipality served 75043. The highest number of 57718 patients in Ngaka Modiri Molema District was served at Montshioa Stadt CHC in Mahikeng Sub District, while in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District 52957 were served at Huhudi CHC in Naledi Local Municipality Sub District,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said that over R133,4 million was spent on the operations most of which were conducted at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital.
26 March 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said they joined the global community to commemorate World TB Day. Mashatile said they unite as a nation with a shared purpose, which is to end tuberculosis (TB).
He further said South Africa bears one of the highest TB burdens in the world, but they also stand on the threshold of real change. Mashatile added that they can end TB and together, they will.
“Two years ago, SANAC embarked on a process to develop Human Rights Charters for key populations in all provinces. These include Human Rights issues identified in communities. That process has now been completed, although some provinces are yet to launch their Charters.
“The Charters emphasise the need to protect TB and HIV-related human rights, particularly the need to address stigma against people with TB. The Human Rights hubs in the provinces, supported by AIDS Councils, will ensure that these issues are followed up and addressed,” he said.
Mashatile said there is a need to develop national-level plans for scaling up and institutionalising HIV, TB, and human rights training for health workers and law enforcers. He said the next financial year will be key in developing those plans.
“TB programmes remain under-served compared to HIV and human rights programmes. There is an urgent need to implement national-level TB stigma and discrimination reduction programmes and to engage community-level networks and organisations in district-level efforts.
“This will also be prioritised in the next financial year.
The Stigma Index Report by People Living with HIV is being finalised, and the recommendations from the survey will guide the country’s response to TB and HIV stigma,” said Mashatile.
He said that he is also aware that SANAC is in the process of developing the next human rights strategy for HIV and TB, which will strengthen and guide the country’s human rights interventions in alignment with Goal One of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs, which speaks to breaking down barriers. Mashatile said TB continues to claim too many lives around the world.
“In South Africa in 2023, around 270 000 people were diagnosed with TB, and tragically, 56 000 lives were lost, which translates to 153 people every day. TB knows no boundaries—it affects people across all communities, but the burden falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable.
“These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters—people who deserve care and dignity. We must reach them! TB is not just a medical issue. It is a human rights issue,” he said.
26 March 2025- A man Jan Maarman (60) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court, for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Lena Swartbooi (46), in Bergsig, Springbok. Maarman and Swartbooi, who have a son (13) together, were previously in a cohabiting relationship.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, however, their relationship ended when Maarman engaged in multiple affairs. Senokoatsane said on 13 August 2024, after an argument over her new relationship, the accused viciously attacked Swartbooi, stabbing her multiple times on her face, arms, hands, back, and legs.
“He left her with severe injuries, including fractures to her face and permanent loss of hand function. After the attack, Maarman left her for dead, returned home, prepared for work, and proceeded with his day as if nothing had happened.
“Swartbooi was later rescued by bystanders and rushed to Dr Izak van Niekerk Hospital in Springbok before being transferred to Upington Hospital for emergency surgeries. A J88 medical report confirmed that she had suffered life-threatening injuries and would never be able to work again due to the permanent damage inflicted,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said this case underscores the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicides (GBV&F) and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law. He added the successful prosecution of these cases provides some justice and closure to the victims and their families and removes violent criminals from our streets.
During sentencing, the court noted that Maarman committed this crime while on parole for a previous murder conviction and that his previous victim was also a former partner. The state prosecutor, Basil Kock, emphasized that the accused had shown no remorse and that the crime was driven by possessiveness and an intent to exert control over the victim’s life.
Kock argued for a sentence exceeding the prescribed minimum of 20 years, given the heinous nature of the crime and its devastating impact on the victim.
In her ruling, Magistrate Numfeneko Mbalo stated that this was a clear case of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), where the accused sought to eliminate his former partner simply because she had moved on. Mbalo ultimately sentenced Maarman to 22 years imprisonment, with the sentence set to run concurrently with the remaining term of his previous murder conviction, as his parole had been revoked.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 March 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has called on senior managers of the department to ensure the institutionalisation of District Development Model (DDM), to address challenges faced by municipalities in the province. Molapisi was addressing the strategic planning session of COGTA, held recently in Mahikeng to draft plans with clear targets, aimed at changing the face of local government and upscale support to institutions of traditional councils.
He further said service delivery challenges that as experienced by the communities, rest on ineffective local government. Molapisi added that, many municipalities lack the technical skill and resources to deal with unmaintained roads, frequent disruption in the supply of water and electricity, uncollected refuse as well as sewerage that runs in the streets.
“I demand immediate actions on amongst others the filling of vacant funded positions, inputs to the White Paper on Local Government, finalisation of policy on Traditional Leadership, particularly on issues of coronational and tools of trades as directed.
“The department must play a leading role in the institutionalisation of the DDM as the key vehicle for service delivery. We will host the local government focused summit soon to discuss how best we can institutionalise the DDM approach. The DDM is more than a policy. It is a call to honour our constitution,” he said.
Molapisi said they must never tire, but continue to work to resolve key challenges in the municipalities. He said they might consider aligning their strategic documents with One District Plans.
“We must also develop a tool to monitor the implementation of DDM across four districts. We need to take the lead in ensuring full participation of National and Provincial champions. We must ensure DDM champions take the lead in various interventions and programmes within their respective deployments.
“Local Economic Development leg of our interventions will also be upscaled to deal with socio-economic challenges faced by different communities. The priorities of the government include driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Molapisi.
He said, therefore, they need a leverage on this commitment to improve the state of local economic development in the municipalities. Molapisi said all officials were urged to do everything humanly possible to ensure that “Every Municipality Must Work” as local government it is the closest sphere of government to the people. taungdailynews@gmail.com
The Guardian 