Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has visited the family of the late Constable Eric Tekolo (41), in Ganyesa. Tekolo was allegedly stabbed last week Friday evening, while walking in the streets towards his sister’s house in Phohung Section in Ganyesa.
Three accused, Karabo Kunene Karabo (25), Taolo Sebolai (23) and Boikanyo Setlhabetsi (19), were arrested and charged with robbery. Their case was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 16 April 2025, for formal bail application.
“We send our heartfelt messages of condolences to the family and commended the police for the arrest of three suspects who appeared at Ganyesa Magistrate Court, after their arrest on Saturday.
“The off-duty police Constable was attacked on his way home after knocking off. He was taken to the local clinic after being found with stab wounds on the street at Phohung Section, Ganyesa village, outside Vryburg on Friday evening, 4 April 2025,” he said.
Morweng further said Tekolo later succumbed to his injuries.
Picture: Some of goods seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 April 2025- During the Weekly High Density Shanela Operations, inclusive of Safer Easter Paseka Operations, police in the North West apprehended a total of 986 suspects for a variety of crimes. To mention a few, 124 were arrested for possession of drugs, 22 for illegal dealing in liquor, 72 for assault with the intent to do previous bodily harm, 45 for common assault, 15 for burglary and 48 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said operations led by the District Commissioners, were conducted from 31 March until 6 April 2025. Myburgh said out of the 986 arrested suspects, 442 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists, this included 17 for murder, 29 for rape and 141 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“In addition, 124 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act. Through Joint law enforcement compliance inspections (to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts), 8 unlicensed Liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and more than 1300 litres of liquor were confiscated.
“The police also seized 112 rounds of ammunition and a variety of drugs. On Tuesday evening, four cattle were allegedly stolen in Masamane village in Tshidilamolomo and a theft case was reported. The members of the Mahikeng Stock Theft and endangered Species Unit (STES) discovered during their investigation that the cattle were sold later at an auction in Tosca,” she said.
Myburgh further said with the assistance of Mahikeng Public Order Policing (POP), two suspects, Kopano Iven Melangwane (44) and Tsaone Edward Mooki (47), were traced and arrested on 29 March 2025. She added that the duo appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 31 March 2025, and again on 4 April 2025.
“They were granted bail of R300 and R500 respectively and will appear before the same court soon. In Kanana on 3 April 2025, information received via crime intelligence-led team consisting of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Drug Task Team, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Stilfontein K9 to a house in Extension 11, where police discovered and seized 173 bottles of liquor, wrapped in layers of plastic.
“It is suspected that it forms part of illegal mining activities,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General, Patrick Asaneng, said the arrests as well as confiscations made by police across the province are as a result of intelligence-led, integrated, multi-agency, high density operations, which are intended to ensure that law abiding citizens are safeguarded from the endemic serious and violent crimes. Asaneng said the public is advised to report crime at their nearest police stations or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.
“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.
Picture: The Northern Cape Department of Education logo
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 April 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) said it will be opening the 2026 Online Learner Admissions from 14 April 2025 at 9am until 23 May 2025, at 00:00, only for Grades R, 1 & 8 applications. The department said parents/legal guardians can apply directly to schools for admission and placements for all other grades.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said parents must log on to the NCDOE Online Learner Admissions website at www.ncdoeadmissions.org to complete the application process, which consists of 3 steps. Van der Merwe said the form consists of parent/ legal guardian registration, learner profiling and application.
“Parents must complete all three steps for the application to be completed. The following documents must be submitted within 7 days after making an application. If you’re a South African citizen, a copy of the parent/legal guardian ID (or sworn affidavit in a case, where the parent/legal guardian does not have an identity document.
“Proof of Home address (A Municipal Account in the name of the parent with the home address used during application or a legal lease agreement between the tenant and the owner of the property/landlord),” he said.
Van der Merwe further said a child’s birth certificate or an affidavit or a sworn statement, clinic card/proof of immunisation (Gr R and 1) will be needed. He added that the most recent Grade 7 learner progress report is also necessary.
“If you are a non-South African citizen, a valid study permit/asylum seeker/refugee permit/ temporary or permanent residence issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are needed.
“Parent/legal guardian passport/asylum seeker/ refugee permit/temporary or permanent residence issued by DHA are necessary. Proof of home address (A Municipal Account in the name of the parent with the home address used during application or a legal lease agreement between the tenant and the owner of the property/landlord), proof of immunisation (Gr R and 1) and the most recent Grade 7 learner progress report needed,” said van der Merwe.
He said all the applications will be considered and recommended as successful or unsuccessful applications based on ranked criteria such as, if the applicant learner(s) already has (have) a sibling attending the school of application in the year of submission (sibling means a learner who has at least one parent who is also the parent of the learner already attending that school).
Van der Merwe said, if the place of residence of the applicant learner(s) is in the same suburb as the school applied to and if the place of residence (residential suburb) of the applicant learner(s) is adjacent to the suburb of the school applied to.
“If applicant learner(s) whose parent/ guardian is an employee at the school applied to. If places remain after all the above-mentioned applicants have been offered places, other applicants, in the order of the position of the application should be recommended.
“The above-mentioned directives with regard to the criteria shall not apply to special schools, schools of skill or industrial schools. We are cognisant of the fact that the Northern Cape is a rural province, where certain areas/towns are experiencing challenges in terms of internet connectivity,” he said.
Van der Merwe said to mitigate these and other factors which may have an impact on the Online Admission process, they identified 94 walk-in centres to assist parents/legal guardians without a device/gadget or internet connectivity to complete their application. He said in preparation for the 2026 learner admissions, the department has issued Circular No 10 of 2025 to guide schools and amend the timeframes to manage the online learner admissions process in Public Ordinary Schools.
“For further information visit the NCDoE’s website at: http://ncdoe.ncpg.gov.za. Please contact the Call Centre on 053 874 7012/64 or 053 874 7161/89 and 053 874 7239/92. We further appeal to all parents/legal guardians to adhere to the stipulated time frame for application for admission of learners for the 2026 school academic year from 14 April 2025 – 23 May 2025,” said van der Merwe.
Picture: The North West Department of Education’s South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) team/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 April 2025- The North West Department of Education’s South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) team, composed of special school learners, secured the first position at the National Age Group Summer Games. The tournament was held from 31 March to 4 April 2025, which took place at Paterson Multipurpose Centre and Queens High School in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the team, consisting of 130 learners from across four districts, showcased dedication, passion, and resilience throughout the competition, ultimately claiming the winners’ trophy. Motsumi said the sporting codes played during the championship were Blackball Pool, Cricket, Hocker, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, and Table Tennis.
“The SASA-II is a member of SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) and Inas (International Sports Federation for people with Intellectual Disability). SASA-II adheres to the international definition of intellectual disability recognized by the United Nations World Health Organisation.
“We congratulate them and on behalf of the entire department, I take this moment to congratulate Team North West. Our learners have really made us proud, and today, we welcome them back to the province as heroes and heroines,” she said.
Motsumi further said their responsibility as a department is not only to teach learners in the classroom, but they also expose them to other extramural activities like sport and music. She added that exposure to these activities contributes to good health and it also assists them to engage with other learners.
“Next year, our province in September will be hosting the South African Special Olympics. This achievement will encourage our learners to be the best next year since they will be the hosts.
“The North West Department of Education is working towards achieving the “Vision 350” of the South African Arts and Culture, which aims to foster a thriving arts, culture and heritage sector that contributes to sustainable economic development and social cohesion,” said Motsumi.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Baagi ba shebeletse sepodisi mapabi le kgothoso
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Moranang 2025- Mong wa lebenkele wa motswa-kwa o tlhasetswe kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso bosigo. Go begwa fa monna o wa dingwaga di le 34, a ne a robetse mo lebenkeleng la gagwe fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba sa itsiweng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba, banna ba ba sa itsiweng ba, ba ile ba tlhasela mong wa lebenkele ka hammore ga mmogo le panga. Manyoba are, ba ile ba mo tseela madi a seatleng, melora e tlhapang, ga mmogo le metsoko pele ga ba ka lebotsa phokoje.
“Go butswe kgetsi ya go tlhasela ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo, ga mmogo le kgetsi ya go tshwara poo kwa kgwebong. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope yo o tshwerweng, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse.
“Mong wa lebenkele o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ka dikgobalo tse di masisi,” Manyoba wa tlhalosa.
9 April 2025- The South African Under 17 coach, Vela Khumalo said it is a mission accomplished after his team qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The South African U17 men’s national team has qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.
Khumalo’s side achieved the feat after they finished as runners-up to Group B winners Burkina Faso at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently underway in Morocco. The South Africans lost their final Group B match 0-2 to Burkina Faso on Sunday night, but the result had no bearing on the final standings as they qualified for the World Cup and the quarterfinals of AFCON.
Khumalo said he was elated for his players after their achievement.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every South African who rallied behind us. This is a great moment and a big achievement. I made it clear that more than anything else we wanted to qualify for the World Cup, so it is mission accomplished.
“I am very excited and delighted, despite this last result (the defeat to Burkina Faso), where I think we still played well. We did not convert our chances and we need to be a little bit more aggressive and direct. I’m excited, happy, so happy for the boys, and happy for myself,” he said.
Khumalo further said they are now looking forward to seeing where their journey in the U17 AFCON takes them without the pressure of qualifying for the World Cup weighing on their shoulders.
Picture: A Cash-in-Transit vehicle blown by criminals/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 April 2025 – Police have launched a manhunt following a Cash-in-Transit heist that occurred on Monday evening, 7 April 2025. It is alleged that a Cash-in-Transit van with two security officers inside was traveling on the N4 road, near Majakaneng, at around 6pm.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the van was allegedly blocked by a number of vehicles. Myburgh said according to information received, an unconfirmed number of heavily armed suspects emerged and started firing shots at the cash van that came to a halt.
“The crew was overpowered, and their firearms were stolen. During the shooting, one of the security guards was injured and sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
“Furthermore, the suspects used explosives to blow up the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of cash. They fled the scene in three vehicles, which included a Mercedes Benz, Toyota Fortuner, and a Toyota Hilux,” she said.
Myburgh further said the injured security guard was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. She added that no arrests were made, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter.
“The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Myburgh.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Lesea le latlhetswe kwa kwaring
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, gaufi le Taung, le latofadiwe ka go latlhela lesea la gagwe kwa kwaring.
Go ya ka dipego, lekgarebe le, ga la itekanela sentle mo tlhogo. Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le bonwe le ebela le mebila ya Ditshilong a sa apara a tshotse lesea, mme a itsaya ditshwantsho sa motsikinyego pele ga tiragalo e.
Bangwe ba bo maratahelele ba tlhalosa fa se se ba makaditse, gonne lekgarebe le, e ntse ele motho sentle fela o a itekanetseng.
“Rona jaaka baagi re makaditswe ke tiragalo e. Mo letsatsing la maabane, re utlwile gotwe lekgarebe le, le tswa go latlhela ngwana o monyinyane kwa kwaring. Se re se tlhaloganyang ke gore, mmagwe ke ene a sa itekanelang mo tlhaloganyong eseng ene,” mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le amogetswe kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung go lekola seemo sa gagwe sa tlhaloganyo pele ga sepodisi se ka tsaya tshwetso ya go ka bula kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le ene kgotsa jang.
9 April 2025- South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier, Peace Mashile (35) to 20 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for rape. This comes Mashile, who was on duty at the night of the incident, raped a girl (15), who is the daughter of his superior.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the victim was residing at the base with her mother, who was also a soldier and the superior of the accused, based at the Alexander Bay at the Inggreas Avenue Army Base. Senokoatsane said the accused and the victim knew each other, as both resided on the same army base.
“They would see each other almost daily when the victim went to and from school, as she also frequently played around the army base. The accused was posted as the guard at the gate of the Base.
“The victim called the accused, Uncle Peace. On the fateful night of the incident, 9 December 2019, the accused climbed through the bedroom window of the bedroom in which the victim was sleeping. There was a hole in the window, which made entry into the bedroom accessible,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the victim woke up when she felt the cold hands of the accused touching her. He added that, when she opened her eyes, she saw the accused on top of her.
“She tried to scream, but the accused covered her mouth with his hand. When the victim tried to remove his hand, the accused choked her until she could no longer resist.
“The accused proceeded to rape the victim who was sleeping next to her cousin on the same bed. After raping the victim, the accused told her to remain quiet and left the room through the window which he had used to gain entry,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the victim saw the accused outside her room and went to the toilet, where she saw blood on the tissue when she wiped herself. Senokoatsane said the victim went back to her room and saw that the accused was still lingering outside her room.
“She ran to her mother’s room, woke her up and informed her about what happened. The victim also explained to her mother what the accused was wearing when he raped her.
“The mother of the victim thought that she was having a nightmare when the cousin indicated that she did not feel anything, while she was sleeping next to the victim,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the mother let the victim sleep next to her until morning. He said in the morning, the victim reiterated what she said the previous night about the accused raping her.
“The mother of the victim left for work and met the accused on her way. She asked the accused to accompany her to his room without divulging as to why. In his room, the complainant asked the accused what clothes he was wearing the previous night.
“The accused indicated that he was wearing the same clothes he was currently wearing. However, the mother of the victim found the same clothes that were described by her daughter in the room of the accused,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the mother reported the matter and the SANDF officials wanted to deal with the matter internally, but the mother of the victim insisted that the case be reported to the police. Senokoatsane said the case was diligently investigated by Sergeant Shaun Brandt from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Port Nolloth.
“The DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s clothing conclusively linked the accused to the offence. At the commencement of the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty and attempted to advance a fabricated defence, which was rejected by the court following a thorough and credible prosecution.
“The accused was also linked to the crime through forensic evidence, as DNA was obtained from the sanitary product the victim was wearing,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Basil Kock, argued that the accused, who was in a position of trust, not only violated the dignity of the victim, but also betrayed the trust of her family, his employer and the broader society.
Kock said the social worker who compiled the victim impact report testified to the extensive emotional, physical, psychological and developmental trauma suffered by the child.
“The report detailed that the child’s school performance declined, and she experienced anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fear. She no longer felt safe in her home and community.
“The trauma further affected the entire family, prompting the mother to resign from her post and relocate to Pretoria,” said Kock.
Senokoatsane said although the state submitted that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, the court found that there were substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, and the accused was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment. He said the court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and he was further declared unfit to work with or have access to children.
“The NPA commends the victim for her bravery, her mother for her unwavering pursuit of justice, and the prosecutorial and investigative teams for their outstanding work,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the NPA reaffirms its commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children. Senokoatsane said all cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in the constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.
9 April 2025 – The African champions, Banyana Banyana, clawed their way back from a goal down to beat a determined Malawi 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Tuesday. Malawian player, Vanessa Chikupira, stunned the small but passionate home crowd when she beat Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart to open the scoring in the 58th minute.
To their credit, the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team never dropped their heads and were rewarded when second half substitute Hildah Magaia scored the equaliser in the 75th minute. Then Player of the Match, Amogelang Motau, delivered a moment of magic when she scored a long-range scorcher of a free kick in the 85th minute to seal the match for the South Africans.
Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said she thinks it was fantastic. Ellis said they needed to celebrate players, who have given long service to the country.
“We need to celebrate that and it was a significant day,” she said.
The hard-fought result at a wet and windy Lucas Moripe summed up the occasion on an afternoon that saw Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who earned her 150th and final cap for South Africa, becoming the third most capped Banyana Banyana player in history, behind Noko Matlou and Janine van Wyk. Nyandeni’s journey with the national team began at the age of 15, and her send-off was a celebration of nearly two decades of excellence.
“I was excited to represent my country for the last time. I’m also happy that my teammates fought for me by winning the game and having a proper send-off,” said Nyandeni after the match.
The emotional farewell to Nyandeni marked the end of an era, but also highlighted the depth and promise of the team’s next generation.
Swart also marked a personal milestone by earning her 50th cap for Banyana Banyana, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as fans and players honoured the contributions of two key figures in South African women’s football.
Meanwhile, the SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated both Nyandeni and Matlou, who is also heading to the sunset after playing her last match for the national team on Saturday, for their contribution to women’s football in South Africa.
“Their place in history is confirmed and no one can ever take that away from them. Their contribution to the game, both here at home and on the continent, is enormous and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“With back-to-back wins against a strong Malawi side, Banyana Banyana continue to build momentum ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
The Guardian 