Picture: SAPS in Northern Cape engage with community members in Prieska/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
17 April 2025- A man (33) was arrested for possession of tik and mandrax, while a large amount of concoction was confiscated and destroyed during shebeen raids. The suspect was arrested during multi-disciplinary disruptive actions by Provincial Components, the Tactical Response Team, De Aar K9, Prieska SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, Traffic Department, Liquor and Gambling Board and the Prieska Community Police Forum (CPF), which also raided shebeens and drug outlets in Prieska.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said compliance inspections were conducted at shops and liquor outlets in the greater Prieska policing area. Kock said the blitz operations also yielded successes at a roadblock on the N10 road, near Prieska.
“During the roadblock, 48 vehicles and 77 persons were stopped and searched, while seven fines were issued amounting to R3450 for different traffic offences. The police then engaged with the community in the Pixley Ka Seme.
“The community raised issues and concerns. The Keynote address was delivered by the Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, who commended the Prieska Community for their attendance and for the assistance offered to the SAPS and all other relevant role players,” he said.
Kock further said Besnaar also assured the community that the police will be out in full force with more boots on the ground during and beyond the Easter holidays. He added that the communities should practice road safety and continue to be the eyes and ears of the police as crime fighting is everyone’s responsibility.
17 April 2025- The government said it welcomes the recent findings by Intelpoint’s Research, which rank South Africa as the second most literate country on the African continent, with an adult literacy rate of 95%. This research is based on the percentage of the population aged 15 years and older who are able to read and write.
The acting GCIS spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said this remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s progressive education policies and programmes, implemented since the advent of democracy in 1994. Mnukwa said it reflects a significant and sustained reduction in adult illiteracy, underscoring the success of ongoing efforts to broaden access to quality education for all South Africans.
“A range of education initiatives led by government since the first democratic government administration until the 6th administration, have contributed to these gains. These initiatives are underpinned by strategies focused on teacher development, access to quality learning materials, and cultivating a culture of reading from an early age.
“In the 7th administration, government continues to prioritise literacy development in the foundational years of education. Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes have been strengthened through the adoption of international best practices, improving school readiness among young children,” she said.
Mnukwa further said government takes pride in this achievement, and is committed to addressing remaining gaps and accelerating efforts toward achieving universal literacy. She added that they take this opportunity express appreciation to the hard work of the previous Ministers of Education, including the longest serving Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
“We extend best wishes to the current Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, in continuing with the implementation of measures to improve foundational education and the expansion of teaching in indigenous/ home languages.
Picture: The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said today has laid corruption charges against the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane. Simelane is alleged to have defrauded Eskom, while working for Vitrovian, her previous employer.
The DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development and Member of Parliament (MP), Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said they are confident that an investigation by SAPS will get to the bottom of these allegations. Breytenbach said the DA has laid charges of corruption against Simelane after she is alleged to have stolen more than R700 000 by fraudulently billing Eskom when she worked for Vitrovian.
“Eskom is reported to have used Vitrovian, a consulting firm, to suppress protests at the Kusile Power Plant during its construction. Vitrovians’s charges to Eskom appear ridiculously inflated and Eskom was allegedly invoiced by Vitrovian for work done by employees that did not exist.
“Simelane’ signature appears on the very first of these fraudulent invoices, directly implicating her in the scandal. This is in addition to Simelane’s alleged involvement and subsequent implication in the looting of VBS Bank,” she said.
Breytenbach further said the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has repeatedly refused to disclose the content of Simelane’s report to him on these allegations, despite several requests by the DA that he does so. She added that Ramaphosa’s continued protection of Simelane raises serious questions on his ability and willingness to root out corruption at the highest level.
“Ramaphosa is allowing a culture of impunity among ANC Ministers implicated in corruption, and if he fails to remove Simelane from her post, he will become complicit in the corruption he says he is intent on fighting.
“We trust that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will launch a full investigation into Simelane and her involvement in this corruption scandal. The DA is determined to purge this government of its corrupt officials, with or without the help of the President, and we eagerly await the outcome of the investigation,” said Breytenbach.
Picture: Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has requested the Municipal Manager of Phokwane Local Municipality to brief council on action to be taken to address debt recovery shortfalls as debt spikes, impacting on municipal cash flow. DA councillor, Lean Le Roux said councillors, including the Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse, collectively owe the municipality in excess of R1.4 million for outstanding current accounts. Le Roux said six councillors owe amounts ranging between R100 000 and just over R200 000.
“Government and private entities further owe the municipality over R21, 479 million. This includes debt owed by the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, totalling over R6, 874 million, as well as the Frances Baard District Municipality, which owes more than R2,397 million.
“The municipality must urgently adopt a multi-pronged approach to improve its debt collection to safeguard dwindling cash flow and prevent a situation whereby it can no longer pay its creditors,” he said.
Le Roux further said he has requested the Municipal Manager in writing, to formally notify councillors who are in arrears for a period longer than two months and to facilitate account settlements or stop-order agreements, to ensure that the debt is urgently paid. He added that he has also reminded the Municipal Manager that councillors are considered to be in breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct when they are in arrears with their municipal account for longer than three months.
“The Municipal Manager’s failure to properly address councillor debt, will also translate into a dereliction of duty on his part. In addition, I have submitted a request for the Municipal Manager to brief council on his plan to pursue defaulting clients more aggressively.
“Aside from implementing strategies such as the issuing of final notices and targeting chronic defaulters with disconnections, it must also entail the review and finalization of longstanding account disputes, to also allow debtors the opportunity to settle their accounts,” said Le Roux.
He said more than 60 000 people living in Phokwane depend on the municipality to operate as a going concern by breaking the debt cycle and ensuring that it has the financial resources to sustain service delivery.
Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, has reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to restoring the financial health and service delivery capacity of municipalities across the province. Speaking during a series of engagements with the Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) deployed to distressed municipalities, Mosenogi emphasized the critical importance of implementing Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs) as guided by the National Treasury.
“The affected municipalities include Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Ditsobotla,
Ramotshere Moilwa, Tswaing, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills and the City of Matlosana. The restoration of the dignity of the North West depends on your commitment to assisting municipalities to implement the financial recovery plans.
“Your deployment is a clear indication that your expertise is not only recognized but needed. The government is counting on your ability to deliver. We reaffirm that the Financial Recovery Plans must be implemented through their prescribed phases, which are Rescue (short-term cash flow management), Stabilisation (improving governance and financial controls), and Sustainability (ensuring long-term financial viability),” she said.
Mosenogi further calls on PERs to ensure municipalities move beyond the Rescue Phase and actively pursue the intended outcomes of their recovery plans as legislated. She added that, in a strong stance on the Eskom Debt Relief Programme, a full compliance by affected municipalities is important.
“We caution against any compromise on the terms of
programme and encourage the enforcement of measures including service disconnections, if necessary to ensure consumer accountability.
“Although difficult, the disconnection of services may be a necessary step to meet the programme’s requirements. In the long run, this will benefit communities, if a portion of the municipality’s debt is written off, thereby improving the municipality’s capacity to enhance revenue collection,” said Mosenogi.
She stressed that financial recovery is not just about balancing books, but about enabling municipalities to fulfil their constitutional mandate of delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to economic development. Mosenogi said a municipality’s financial health directly affects its ability to invest in infrastructure, education and public services, which are the building blocks of economic growth.
“This, in turn, attracts investment, creates jobs and improves the quality of life for our people. The North West Provincial Government remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that municipalities become sustainable, accountable and service-oriented institutions,” she said.
Picture: Learners at the Computer Lab donated by MTN/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
16 April 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo officially opened the Multipurpose Computer Laboratory at Port Nolloth High School today. Vosloo was accompanied by representatives of MTN whom have provided the school with a state of the art facility, consisting of 30 computers.
“The Computer Laboratory is equipped with all the necessary facilities to expose our learners from a very early age to the use of technology. We live in a modern world, where technology impacts on our life, work and how we do things.
“Access to Information Technology at home, work and at our schools means that Education can truly become a life-long activity. We are confident that this initiative will further enhance the quality of public education in our schools,” he said.
Vosloo further said jointly with MTN, they will continue to invest in the future of the youth through initiatives such as these, which will ensure their learners a prepared for a changing world.
Picture: The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
16 April 2025- The release of the March 2025 tranche of equitable shares amounting to over R689 662 million cleared for transfer to eleven municipalities across the province was welcomed by the ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho. National Treasury had withheld the tranche payment to municipalities that owed creditors, i.e. South African Revenue Service, Pension Fund and Auditor General of South Africa over R205 369 million for persistent Non-Compliance to the Municipal Finance Management Act (MMFA).
“The withholding of equitable shares for non-compliance to the MMFA due to non-payment of third-party payments would have adversely affected service delivery across our communities hence we commend the provincial government’s urgent intervention to ensure compliance and the release of the funding critical for the provision of services.
“We highly appreciate the response tabled by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, on behalf of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, in response to my oral question,” said Rosho.
She commended the MECs for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi and Provincial Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi for ensuring that settlement agreements to reduce debts were in place and adhered to by Ditsobotla, Kgetlengrivier, Ratlou, Tswaing, Naledi, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane, Kagisano Molopo, Maquassi Hills, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
“Implementation of revenue enhancement strategies that are complemented by prudent financial management as well as Intensified hands-on support by COGTA and Provincial Treasury will ensure that governance and service delivery are not compromised and that municipalities deliver without fail on the expectation of our communities.
“The municipalities will be able to attract investments and deliver on their development mandates when they meet their financial obligations and there is visible accelerated service delivery,” she said.
Rosho further said the households, businesses and government departments can contribute towards improving delivery of services by embracing their responsibility to pay their municipal accounts. She added that, Section 5 of the MFMA empowers the National Treasury to monitor the budget of municipalities with the MFMA and take appropriate steps if a municipality commits a breach of the act, including the stopping of funds in terms of Section 216(2) of the constitution.
16 April 2025- The accused, Tebogo Mahlangu (40), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court facing charges of escape from lawful custody. Mahlangu was arrested in Witbank by the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on 11 April 2025, following his escape from lawful custody in September 2019.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused and his four accomplices, were arrested in November 2015, on charges of theft of motor vehicle, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after they allegedly collided with a Toyota Hilux bakkie, while travelling in an A4 Audi vehicle near Katboschfontein, outside Wolmaranstad on the N12.
Gunya said the Toyota Hilux, which was transporting diamond gravel overturned, its driver was accosted by armed Audi A4 occupants, who robbed him of diamond gravel, pistol and other personal belongings.
“It is further reported that whilst the robbery was still in progress, an Isuzu bakkie, which was passing by, stopped in an attempt to assist the accident victims as the occupants were not aware it was robbery.
“The Isuzu occupants were also accosted and the Isuzu bakkie as well as cell phones and other personal belongings of its occupants were stolen. The community members who tried to chase the suspects were shot, however they managed to run to the nearby fields,” he said.
Gunya further said the swift response by the police led to the arrest of suspects, the firearms and other valuables stolen were also recovered. He added that, they made several court appearances before court, however, on September 2019, while Mahlangu and his co-accused were loaded in a bakkie, Mahlangu allegedly took out a firearm and pointed at a police officer working at court and this led to the escape of all five accused.
“His co-accused persons were all re-arrested and were sentenced except Mahlangu, who has been on the run since the escape. Following a lengthy investigation, he was rearrested at Witbank Court, where he was attending a separate case.
“He appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 8 May 2025, for consolidation of all his cases,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the acting Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure they leave no stone unturned in locating suspects who have contempt for the laws of this country.
16 April 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court sentenced a man (39) from Olievenhoutbosch to two life terms for two counts of rape and five years direct imprisonment for the sexual assault of his niece (14). In January 2021, the complainant and her uncle were at a family gathering in Hammanskraal when he approached her in the kitchen while washing dishes and began touching her breasts and private parts.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said in January 2022, the uncle invited the complainant to his place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch and during the night while sleeping in the same bed, he began to rape her. Mahanjana said in the same month, the accused lured the complainant to his place of residence by informing her that her friend was looking for her.
“On arrival at his place of residence, he undressed the complainant and raped her. In May 2022, as the mother of the complainant was going through the complainant’s phone, she saw WhatsApp messages from the accused asking her why she attended school, instead of visiting him and sleeping over.
“The mother confronted the complainant and during the confrontation, she informed her about the incidents. The following day, a case was opened against the accused, who was subsequently arrested on 26 May 2022,” she said.
Mahanjana said in court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. She said, however, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentence proceedings through his legal representative, the accused asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences because he is a first-time offender and was employed at the time of his arrest.
“However, the state prosecutor Anton Burger, argued that he abused his position of trust as a close family member and instead of looking after the complainant, he abused her,” said Mahanjana.
She said, furthermore, Burger emphasised the seriousness of the crimes he committed and how these crimes affected the complainant, resulting in her repeating a grade. Mahanjana said Burger further asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, stating that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
“In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Pierre Wessel, agreed with the state that the accused abused his role as a caregiver and preyed on the vulnerability of the complainant. Furthermore, he said that the crimes he committed were brutal, and he showed no remorse for his actions.
“Moreover, he said that the sentence handed down will reaffirm the commitment of the court to hold perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) accountable, especially those who betray familial trust,” she said.
Mahanjana said, therefore, the Magistrate said he found no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences. She said the NPA welcomes the sentence and hopes that it reaffirms to society their unwavering commitment to hold such perpetrators accountable and condemns such heinous acts of GBV.
16 April 2025 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice today raised its grave concern regarding the payment of magistrates on suspension, as seven such magistrates have already cost the country over R31 million.
The Chairperson of Committee, Jane Mananiso, said one such magistrate has been on suspension with full remuneration since September 2018, having received over R8 million since then for doing nothing. Mananiso said it cannot be that these suspensions continue indefinitely.
“This is taxpayers’ money that could have been used for much-needed programmes. The Magistrates Commission, a regulatory body for the Lower Court Judiciary, updated the committee today on disciplinary proceedings and measures to reduce the length of time these disciplinary proceedings take.
“The committee also received a briefing on progress in addressing systemic challenges. The meeting follows the tabling of a report in Parliament by the Minister of Justice on the recommendation of the Magistrates Commission dated 11 February 2025,” she said.
Mananiso further said the report confirmed the suspension of Ms R Govender, Magistrate at Lenyenye in Limpopo and submitted in terms of the Magistrates Act. She added that the report was referred to the committee for consideration.
“The established procedure is for the commission to brief the committee, and the committee can then pose questions to the commission on the process, details of the report and disciplinary process.
“It is then for the committee to decide in terms of the Act, whether or not the restoration to his or her office of a magistrate so suspended is recommended,” said Mananiso.
She said the committee heard that the suspension of six magistrates between 2018 and last year cost taxpayers over R31.3 million. Mananiso said this includes the remuneration for Mr E Nzimande, suspended since 27 September 2018, of over R8.1 million, Ms Bodlana, over R8 million since July 2020, Mr Mkantsi’s R7.3 million since May 2020, and Mr D Nair’s R5.5 million since February 2020.
“The committee heard that disciplinary hearings have started in all instances. The commission told the committee that, because of the legislation governing them, none of them are full-time and must deal with these matters in their own time.
“The public money cannot continuously be used to fund suspended magistrates. You can clearly see that there has been an outcry due to its impact on the public purse,” she said.
Mananiso said the commission conceded that not all postponements of the disciplinary hearings were due to the suspended magistrates. She said sometimes, it was because presiding officers retired, or the evidence leaders were unavailable.
“The committee noted the concession but maintained that cases dragging back to 2018 and 2020 were not acceptable. The committee also heard nine trials for suspended magistrates have been concluded since 2022, and three magistrates have been removed from office.
“Six magistrates have resigned during the disciplinary hearings. The committee also noted that 223 District Court Magistrate posts were filled in 2023,” said Mananiso.
She said in December 2024, 139 posts of Senior Magistrates (including those who will be dedicated to performing Quality Assurance), District Court Magistrates, and Regional Court Magistrates were advertised. Mananiso said the commission indicated that it anticipated finalising appointments of Regional Court Magistrates by July 2025, and the rest in November 2025.
She said the committee also made a strong case for the vetting of magistrates before appointment. Mananiso said they felt strongly that the vetting could assist magistrates in not finding themselves on the wrong side of the law and to promote the culture of ethical conduct.
The Guardian 