Monthly Archives: April 2025

ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership

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Picture: The ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 April 2025- The ANC in the Northern Cape has set the tone and held its 10th Provincial Conference successfully. The ANC top 5 was elected unopposed in the inquest of bringing stability.

The newly-elected ANC Provincial Chairperson, and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said when they commenced with their 10th Provincial Elective Conference, they had the ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa in their midst. Saul said actually Ramokgopa delivered the keynote address and led the ANC deployees who were deployed as convenors to the province.

“Let me thank the national leadership for their support and enabling us to have a successful conference in the province. Post 2024 General National Elections, this is the first provincial conference to be held by the ANC in the country.

“We only believe that we are setting the tone on how we should approach the issues of conferences and manage the internal contradictions within the movement around issues of leadership,” he said.

Saul further said they are going to write a letter of appreciation to the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, regarding the pivotal role the ANC deployees played. He added that he does not think they would have managed to host the conference of this magnitude without their support.

“They worked tirelessly to ensure the conference became a success. We are also grateful to the ANCYL president, Collen Malatji, for the support. Malatji even told us that 60% of our population is young people.

“So, he was impressed by how we conducted our conference. We appeal to the ANC to roll-out programmes that will enable us to address one of the major challenges such as unemployment, especially amongst young people,” said Saul.

He said they had a successful conference and highly appreciate all media houses, which came to cover the conference. Saul said what was displayed inside the conference is unparalleled.

“We saw the display of unity. We addressed various challenges amicably. During this moment, the party is confronted with an enormous crisis and that means ANC is in ICU.

“If we do not act now, we will not have any ANC left to speak about,” said Saul.

Meanwhile, the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, applauded the ANC in Northern Cape for hosting a successful conference. Mbalula said this should be a catalyst for many provinces.  

“I want to congratulate the newly-elected provincial leadership and the entire additional members. Future looks bright here in this province. As the ANC, we have deployed some of the most experienced deployees to the province. That shows how serious we take this province.

“We have given Northern Cape the best and we are happy with how things turned out regarding the conference. The province delivered a successful elective conference and that will go down in the ‘anus of history’,” he said.  

Mbalula said the unity that was displayed in the elective conference will enhance their quest for renewal within the ANC. He said this gives them a clear view on how ANC conferences should be conducted.

“It gives us a break from bad experiences. The ANC in the Northern Cape has produced the leadership and resolution for this province to support the provincial government and municipalities.

“Delegates stayed in the conference throughout, despite different ideologies on the leadership. So, that is how the ANC should conduct its business and we are proud. As we move forward intensifying the renewal, other provinces should take note,” said Mbalula.

He said ANC is now a 40% party, but they are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Mbalula said in the Northern Cape, the fight is on to change that narrative.

“Saul fought for the movement and served the people of Northern Cape with distinction. We are excited to come to the province, where comrades highly appreciate each other.

“The biggest issue is how we deepen social transformation. We are in a Government of National Unity (GNU) because voters wanted so. So, the Northern Cape is one of the leading provinces regarding political education,” he said.

He urged ANC members to continue to conduct themselves in a good way that reflects the ANC’s code of conduct. Mbalula said the ANC in Northern Cape has done good to project the party in a good manner.

“It does not mean there were no challenges, but it shows that they wanted to do things right to preserve the reputation of the party and deepen social transformation,” he said.

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Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder

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Picture: Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 April 2025- On 5 June 2020, at approximately 6pm, a community member reported a murder to the police in Pampierstad following the discovery of a female body in an open veld outside the town, near Pampierstad. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Phindiswa Mdityelwa.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time, the identity of the suspect was unknown. Shemane said on 13 March 2023, a 29-year-old man, Refilwe Diseko, voluntarily presented himself at the police station and admitted to robbing and killing Mdityelwa, stating he used a knife in the commission of the crime.

“The accused was arrested and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, where he made a formal confession under oath. Bail was successfully opposed throughout the court proceedings until conviction and sentencing.

“On 23 April 2025, the Taung Regional Court found Refilwe Diseko guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery and twenty years for murder,” he said.

Shemane further said the sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective 30-year term of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mogomotsi Galodikwe, for his dedication and commitment in ensuring justice was served. Ngubelanga assured the community that the SAPS remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and will not turn a blind eye to violent crimes.

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MRM programmes to focus on families

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie with Members of the MRM NW Interim Committee and MRM National Office Staff/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 April 2025- Families are to be at the centre of the 2025-2026 Programme of Action adopted at the conclusion of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West’s two days Annual Strategic Planning Session that wrapped up on Thursday afternoon in Mahikeng. MRM Provincial Convenor Pastor Lesiba Kgwele highlighted that the review of key strategic objectives was intended to intensify the fight against domestic violence, neglect of family responsibilities as well as enhance sound family and community values.

Kgwele said that this is in response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide affecting the most vulnerable, child neglect, drug and substance abuse that are contributing towards disintegration of families.

“We are confident that the priorities we have adopted as well the inclusive approach that has prioritised collaboration and partnerships with the civil society organisations, Churches, Faith Based Organisations, the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan leadership, North West University and other stakeholders will contribute towards roll-out of effective programmes for MRM to realise its objective for greater relevance and visibility within our communities.

“Parental Skills Programme targeting young adult parents will also be rolled out as part of enhancing family values and strengthening the capacity of families to care for children,” he said.

The focus on families was welcomed by the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie in her address to the session. Dantjie challenged the civic society led movement to be part of the effort to educate communities about stereotypes against LGBTQIA+ communities, describing them as an affront to constitutional values of equality, human rights and dignity.

“We will soon launch the Go Lekane “It is enough” programme advocating for tolerance, respect for the dignity of all and peaceful co-existence which will also offer us opportunity for collaboration and partnership.

“We acknowledge that by working together, communities government and organisations can help to reduce the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the province,” she said.

Dantjie further pointed out that in addition to registering 8 private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda to support compliance, her department has established coordinating structures across the province to combat substance abuse. She added that, seventeen local drug action committees as well as a provincial substance abuse forum has been established to ensure intersectoral collaboration to effectively address issues of substance abuse.

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Traffic fines worth R31 000 issued

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Picture: The law enforcement agencies issue traffic fines/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 April 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led the second phase of a community engagement initiative in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 23 April 2025. The engagement took place at the Bothitong Community Hall, where various stakeholders and community members gathered.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the event was attended by the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, Station Commanders and SAPS Provincial Heads. Shemane said delegates and community members were welcomed by the Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), Alfios Kedithibetse.

“Colonel Mojalefa Nkunika outlined the purpose of the day, followed by messages of support delivered by representatives from key government departments, including the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, COGHSTA and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The panel, comprising of representatives of the aforementioned departments together with Major General Besnaar, addressed concerns raised by community

members,” he said.

Shemane further said in addition to the open dialogue, the attendees had access to a variety of services offered by participating departments. He added, in his keynote address, Besnaar reaffirmed SAPS commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities to enhance safety and security for all residents.

“On 24 April 2025, the two day programme concluded with phase three that comprised of a multi-disciplinary operation along the N14 road, near Kuruman. The operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search activities conducted by members from multiple units and departments.

“Crime prevention pamphlets were distributed to motorists and passengers. Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, recycling facilities, and liquor outlets,” said Shemane.

He said operational outcomes included an arrest for possession of suspected drugs, as well as the searching of 146 vehicles and 341 individuals. Shemane said traffic fines totalling R31 7000, for an array of traffic violations, were issued.

“These crime prevention actions will continue throughout the weekend to address priority crimes. Community members were once again urged to partner with law enforcement and report suspicious activities and criminality to the SAPS via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.

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North West Dept of Health celebrates AVW

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2025- The North West Department of Health said it joins the continent in observing the Africa Vaccination Week (AVW) from 24-30 April 2025,through a campaign of tracking and inviting parents/guardians of children who may have missed immunisation doses.

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari urges parents, guardians and care givers to monitor children’s “Road to Health” cards to ensure that all necessary vaccines for ailments such as Polio, Measles, Mumps and others are duly administered to children. Lehari said tracking children who missed immunisations involves systematically identifying and referring those who are not up-to-date with their recommended vaccinations.

“This is crucial for preventing serious diseases. Our health-care workers play a key role in identifying missed immunisations during home visits and at clinics by checking vaccination records. The campaign which takes place under the theme: “This week 24 – 30 April 2025, For All Is Possible”, is a powerful call to action.

“It affirms that, together, we can reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunization services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It further aims to reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of big catch-up initiatives,” he said.

Lehari further said African Vaccination Week is celebrated annually as part of World Immunization Week. He added that, it is a renewal of a commitment by the World Health organisation (WHO) to achieving equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for every child, every community and every country.

“The campaign provides an opportunity to boost momentum and focus on specific actions such as raising awareness on how immunisation saves lives. Increasing vaccination coverage to prevent disease outbreaks, reaching underserved and marginalised communities.

“In particular, those living in remote areas, deprived urban settings, fragile states and strife-torn regions with existing and newly available vaccines and reinforcing the medium- and long-term benefits of immunisation, giving children a chance to grow up healthy, go to school and improve their life prospects,” said Lehari.

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Morweng concerned about kidnapping and ransom cases

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has welcomed the arrest of suspects who allegedly have been involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Hasani Daniel Maluleke (62), in Wilkoppies in Klerksdorp.

Morweng said according to the police, the group arrest followed the activation of multi-disciplinary units that were activated after the former girlfriend of the deceased was unable to reach him on his cell phone on 11 April 2025.

“Preliminary investigations established that Maluleka’s Mercedes Benz and Toyota Hilux vehicles were missing and that the house had been ransacked. Following police investigations, it came to light that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn from Maluleka’s bank account.

“The team’s efforts led to the arrest of Julia Kolobi at Extension 10, Jouberton Township, on 13 April 2025. The other four suspects were arrested in Sebokeng Township, in Gauteng Province and Kanana Township, near Orkney between 19 and 20 April 2025,” he said.

Morweng further said upon effecting the arrests, the team confiscated Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes. He added that the team recovered Maluleka vehicles’ keys, a laptop and unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.

“In addition, the team recovered the victim’s Mercedes Benz in Evaton Township. I am worried by the cases that are linked to the recent one, where people are being kidnapped for ransom and forced to transfer monies from their bank applications linked on the phones,” said Morweng.

He said as the MEC for the department, he is worried about these types of cases as more often than not victims get injured or killed, if they do not comply.

“However, I want to assure the community that our police are on top of their game and we will crack the syndicate.

“My advice to our people is that they should always be on the alert, observe some suspicious movement and report to one of the family members or police more so when doing transactions and avoid secluded ATMs,” he said.

Morweng said following the arrest, the suspects have now been charged with murder. He said Julia Kolobi (47), Mcdonald Tsolo (39), Bongani Rampai (43), Thabo Motlatsi (50) and Kagiso Wageng (37), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of kidnapping, house robbery and murder.

“They will remain in custody until their next appearance on 30 April 2025, for legal representation and a bail application. The body of Maluleka was retrieved by police divers from Schoonspruit River, near Orkney on Monday morning, 21 April 2025.

“Investigations into the matter continue. I would like to reiterate the call for communities to work with police to be able to win the battle against crime and lawlessness within our communities,” he said.

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ANC lambasts DA for fashioning itself as ‘the baas in the room’ amid VAT increase reversal

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2025- The ANC said it reaffirm its longstanding commitment to transparent, inclusive and people-centred governance. The party said it has never supported a regressive tax policy that burdens the working class and the poor.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the proposed 0.5% VAT increase was never the position of the ANC. Bhengu-Motsiri said faced with a changed parliamentary landscape, the ANC rose to the occasion by leading an unprecedented process of inclusive engagement—both within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and with opposition parties, who demonstrated a sincere commitment to nation-building.

“This moment has ushered in a new chapter in our democratic evolution—one where principled cooperation, not narrow political point-scoring, shapes the national agenda.

“We salute all political parties that put South Africa first and worked with maturity, humility, and integrity to reject any measures that would compromise the livelihoods of millions,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She further said the outcome is not a victory for any party—it is a victory for the people and for responsible, progressive leadership. Bhengu-Motsiri added that, it must be stated without ambiguity that the Democratic Alliance (DA) did not win in cabinet, in parliament, or in the courts.

“What they seek to brand as a “victory” is in fact the result of ANC-led consultations and consensus-building. The DA’s typical opportunistic attempt to claim victory is a continuation of their

typical insult to South Africans whom they consider voting cattle with no sense of thinking or reasoning.

“It further demonstrates their incapacity to understand principles of collaboration, persuasion and engagement on which our successful democracy is built, but continue to fashion themselves as ‘the baas in the room’ who must be solely unjustly glorified for any and all of South Africa’s successes since 1994,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri said, if the DA was genuinely concerned with the well-being of the South African people, it would not have tied its budget support to demands that roll back the gains of democracy—such as scrapping the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, and the Expropriation Bill.

She said these demands reflect a party beholden to the interests of the privileged few, not the aspirations of the majority. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC rejects and condemns the DA’s approach, which is rooted in a dangerous ideology of racial superiority and the belief that South Africans must remain beholden to those who benefitted from apartheid.

“Their politics seek to entrench the legacy of exclusion, not dismantle it. Thanks to the ANC’s progressive leadership, a principled agreement was reached to explore alternative funding mechanisms.

“As a result, the National Treasury has withdrawn the proposed VAT increase that was scheduled for implementation on 1 May 2025. This is a clear and resounding affirmation of the ANC’s commitment to fiscal justice, developmental governance and putting the people first,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said as they move forward, the ANC remains firmly committed to building a society founded on equality, shared prosperity, and sustainable economic transformation. Bhengu-Motsiri said let them continue to work together in unity and with purpose to build a better life for all.

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Five suspects nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: Five suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 April 2025- Five suspects were arrested for illegal mining by the Northern Cape multi-disciplinary teams during the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining. The Operation Vala Umgodi was executed in the Namakwa District on 24 April 2025. The police allegedly received a tip-off regarding a group of people allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities in Buffelsrivier, Komaggas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the identified location was approached and the suspects aged between 33 and 47 years-old, were apprehended, while allegedly engaging in illicit mining activities.

“An unpolished diamond, several mining implements, including bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel and sieves were confiscated. The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in court soon.

“If you See something, SAY something. Report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded reaches JB Marks Local Municipality

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 April 2025- Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded will this Friday, be rolled out at JB Marks Local Municipality, where basic services will be rendered to residents of Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom and Tshing Township, in Ventersdorp amongst others.

The North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said communities will receive on-site services at the OR Tambo Community Hall, located in Extension 7 in Ikageng Township, where a Community Feedback session will be held. Setswambung said some of the services to be provided on the day include the official handing over of Bongi G Poultry Project in Lindequesdrift, along with the distribution of fertilizers to 40 beneficiaries.

“Two Non-Profit Organisations, Bambanani Youth Project and Lesego Old Age Service Club will also be handed over with cheques valued at R900 000 and R84 000 respectively.

“A total of 109 title deeds will be handed over to beneficiaries across the local municipality, while integrated outreach Primary Health Care services will be intensified onsite,” he said.

Setswambung further said the roll out of Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities will be led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who will be accompanied by Members of Executive Council (MECs), as well as the local and district mayors.

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Five suspects were arrested for kidnapping and robbery

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Picture: The police divers retrieved the body of Maluleka/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2025- A multidisciplinary intelligence driven operation involving the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Organised Crime Unit,  Provincial Detectives, Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) led to the arrest of suspects who were linked to kidnapping and robbery of Hasani Daniel Maluleka (62) in Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp.

The suspects have now been charged with murder after they led the police to a dam in the outskirts of Orkney, where the body of Maluleka was dumped after being killed.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Julia Kolobi (47), Mcdonald Tsolo (39), Bongani Rampai (43), Thabo Motlatsi (50) and Kagiso Wageng (37), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of kidnapping, house robbery and murder. Mokgwabone said they will remain in custody until 30 April 2025, for legal representation and a bail application.

“The group’s arrests came after a team was activated after Maluleka’s former girlfriend failed to reach him on his cell phone on 11 April 2025. Preliminary investigations established that Maluleka’s Mercedes Benz and Toyota Hilux vehicles were missing and that the house had been ransacked.

“It came to light during investigations that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn from Maluleka’s bank account. The team’s efforts led to the arrest of Kolobi at Extension 10, Jouberton Township on 13 April 2025. The other four suspects were arrested in Sebokeng Township, in Gauteng Province and Kanana Township, near Orkney between 19 and 20 April 2025,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said upon effecting the arrests, the team confiscated Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes. He added that the team recovered Maluleka’ vehicles’ keys, a laptop and unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.

“In addition, the team recovered the victim’s Mercedes Benz in Evaton Township. Subsequent investigations led to the retrieval of Maluleka’s body from Schoonspruit River, near Orkney on Monday morning, 21 April 2025, by North West Police Divers.

“Investigations into the matter continue,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has commended the team for working tirelessly for days to make sure that these opportunistic, heartless criminals, including the organizing girlfriend, are put behind bars. Asaneng said this crime is yet a tragic reminder and indication of the moral depravity and gratuitous violence afflicting the society. 

“It is unfathomable that a law-abiding person who had worked so hard for years was brutally killed by greedy murderers when he was about to enjoy his retirement. This murder, including one that happened in Hartbeespoortdam, points to the emergence of a pattern of crimes, where unsuspecting men are lured by ladies or women who are working with criminal male partners.

“These modern day Jezebels must be warned that they will be found no matter what and will face the full might of the law,” he said.

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