28 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, Mangaqa Mncwango said he has noted with deep sadness the incident in which a KwaZulu-Natal farmer is alleged to have killed three primary school learners, who were walking to school.
Mncwango said the suspect allegedly tried to buy the relatives’ silence through cheap groceries and R20 000. He further said he condemns the incident in the strongest possible terms and called for accountability and consequences for the convicted perpetrator.
“A comprehensive investigation that will leave no stone unturned should follow when gross violation of human lives occurs. This is not a matter to play politics around. Whether it was racially motivated or not, law enforcement needed to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.
“In South Africa, it is not in the nature of the law to classify, define or name accused persons before they are held to account, and we plead for the same in this matter. There is a suspected perpetrator and there are deceased victims,” added Mncwango.
He called on the South African Police Service’s management to act in haste and in an appropriate manner when these incidents occur. Mncwango said they do not want this crime to be mischaracterized and therefore compromise investigations.
“This is a criminal conduct, purely punishable by law. The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased children and their friends at school. We are with the bereaved families during this very difficult time of grief and wish them all the strength. May the souls of these children rest in eternal peace,” he said.
28 May 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for rape. On 6 November 2022, the victim helped the accused with gravel and thereafter smoked mandrax.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the accused then sexually assaulted her without her consent. Magerman said the victim screamed for help and was assisted.
“The police were informed and that led to the subsequent arrest of the accused by members of the Port Nolloth SAPS. The accused was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court in Springbok.
“His name will be recorded in the National Register Sex Offenders and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Yolande Goedeman and the state prosecutor, Basil Kock for their collaboration in ensuring that justice was served to the victim. Adrews said this serves as a clear message that Gender-Base Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is a national priority and will not be tolerated.
28 May 2025- The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho on Wednesday, described South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae’s death as a monumental loss that has robbed the world of an actor who was the crown jewel of brilliance and excellence associated with the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation. Rosho said that the award winning actor has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s creative landscape.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of the humble but confident gentle giant who represented the best that the North West had produced, mentored by the likes of the late artistic genius and acclaimed playwright Walter Chakela.
“Chweneyagae’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of aspirant South Africans actors. As the ANC Caucus in the NWPL, wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chweneyagae family, his colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives he touched through his art,” she said.
Rosho further said Chweneyagae, whose illustrious career spanned decades, captivated audiences nationwide with his transformative performances, most notably as the unforgettable Cobra in the ground-breaking soap opera, The River, died on Tuesday at the age of 40. She added that, his masterful portrayals resonated deeply with South Africans from all walks of life, transcending cultural and generational boundaries.
“Through his characters, he became a trusted presence in millions of homes, bringing both entertainment and profound social commentary to our screens. Chweneyagae’s dedication to his craft elevated South African storytelling on both national and international stages, adding that his excellent work and contribution embodied the power of arts to unite, educate, and inspire.
“His extraordinary talent also graced other acclaimed productions, including Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards,” said Rosho.
She underscored that the ANC Caucus acknowledges Chweneyagae’s contributions not only as a performer, but as a cultural ambassador who helped shape South Africa’s post-apartheid identity through authentic storytelling and representation. Rosho said Chweneyagae’s latest films include More Than Just a Game, State of Violence, and Africa United.
“He also performed in a play about Solomon Mahlangu, a former MK cadre who was hanged at the age of 22 cementing his status as one of South Africa’s most versatile and compelling performers,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile described Chweneyagae as a trailblazer. Sonakile said they extend their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“His untimely death marks the end of an era for a true trailblazer in the arts. Chweneyagae’s remarkable journey, filled with resilience and talent, will continue to inspire generations.
“Cobrezzy featured in numerous television productions, including The River, where he earned his beloved nickname. In 2005, he took the lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, which won Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards. His exceptional work not only entertained but also uplifted and gave hope to countless young artists,” he said.
Sonakile said Chweneyagae was full of life, humble, and passionate about his craft. He said Cobrizi’s passing cuts through the heart like a sword, leaving a void in the creative community and beyond.
28 May 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews said is pleased to inform the public that Manrico Strauss, who went missing on 9 May 2025, in Nababeep, has been located in Cape Town by the Sea Point Police and has been safely reunited with his family on 27 May 2025 in Nababeep. Andrews commended the Nababeep SAPS members, Sea Point SAPS and the community at large for their collaboration in tracing Manrico Strauss.
“This successful outcome restores the trust and confidence in the South African Police Service, showcasing their dedication to serving and protecting our communities,” he said.
28 May 2025- The ANC Women’s League said it is deeply concerned with the highest rate in which violence is meted out against women, where men both in spousal and non-spousal relationships prey on women like vultures with no regard for human life. The ANCWL said South Africa has steadily become a murder site, which has been defined by the Gender and Health Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in its 20 year study, as an extreme form of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The ANCWL Secretary-General, Nokuthula Nqaba said four surveys of the SAMRC have used the same methodology and definition of femicide over a period of 20 years since 1999, in which they concluded that four women were killed by intimate partners every day and the trend only decreased to three women in the third survey of 2009. Nqaba said, however, the fourth study which coincided with the first year of COVID-19, saw a small but significant increase in the murder of women by intimate partners.
“The SAMRC further made a provincial breakdown of its research with provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Gauteng reporting significant increases. These statistics from credible institutions which are collaborated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) are a shame and an embarrassment to a country that boasts one of the most revered constitutional democracies in the world.
“Chapter 2 of our country’s constitution guarantees the right to life as the most basic, the most fundamental and the most supreme right which human beings are entitled to, as an essential pre-requisite to the full enjoyment of all other human rights,” she said.
Nqaba further said it is therefore perturbing to witness such heinous attacks on defenceless women, which has now reached pandemic levels, yet they pride themselves with institutions which are intended to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable. She added that the ANC Women’s League has also noted an upsurge in violence against women from non-spousal relationships, where women are lured in social media by unknown men and courted into secluded locations.
“We thus make a call to women in general to be extra vigilant of going out with people they made acquaintance with online, and to opt for public places when going to private excursions on their first date, with lots of activity and people in case of any eventuality.
“A recent incident of Olorato Mongale from Johannesburg in Gauteng – who went out on a date with a man only known as a “John”, who drove a VW Polo fitted with a cloned number plate found to be belonging to a different vehicle – is an indication of a cruel society that has no regard for human life, especially that of a woman,” said Nqaba.
She said Olorato’s tragic killing is one of many incidents, where women are enticed by men through social media platforms, whilst the villain has dubious plans for the victim disguised as a ‘date’. Nqaba said the ANC Women’s League would like to caution women to always inform a friend, share location or family member every time they go out on a date, especially their first date with someone they have just met and make an effort to meet in public places.
“We further plead with our male counterparts for compassion and to have mercy on women, for “every seed of success in a nation, is best planted in a woman,” she said.
Picture: Some of the drugs seized during raids/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 May 2025- More than 39 undocumented persons were arrested at a construction site in De Beers and the Samaria informal illegal mining area during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were undocumented foreigners of Mozambique and Lesotho nationals.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said five people were arrested for possession of drugs in Colville, Samaria Informal Settlement and Homelite. Kock said police followed up on the drug-related information and confiscated Tik, Khat and Mandrax worth more than R350 000 at the different locations.
“During random Vehicle Check Points conducted in the Greater Kimberley area, 25 traffic fines and J534s were issued amounting to R15 250, while 663 persons and 284 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“The arrested persons are between 18 and 46, and are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. Some of the undocumented foreign nationals will be deported back to their countries of origin soon,” he said.
Kock further said The Northern Cape SAPS remains relentless in its quest to eradicate drug dealing and address the ongoing illegal mining activities in the greater Kimberley area.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, supported by the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Provincial Heads and the Station Commander of Kimberley executed operations over two days at different locations in Kimberley. Otola said the disruptive actions commenced on 26 May 2026 and concluded on 27 May 2025.
“The objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities. Arresting and processing undocumented foreigners with those found guilty being deported back to their country of origin.
“The operations were executed involving various SAPS Provincial components, Frances Baard District personnel, specialised units, Kimberley and surrounding police stations within the district, officials from the Department Home Affairs, Traffic Department and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in the Frances Baard area,” she said.
Otola said the multi-disciplinary disciplinary high density operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 26 May 2025 and concluding on 27 May 2025. She said the operation targeted the Samaria and Greenpoint Informal Settlements in the mining areas and construction sites, while several suspected drug houses in Beaconsfield, Colville, Newpark, the Central Business District (CBD) and Homelite were raided.
“This was the second operation focusing on the illicit mining activities and a continuation of last week’s operations in the Namakwa District. Operations of this nature will continue and the SAPS in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and communities will dismantle syndicates and or individuals who choose a life of crime.
“The SAPS will continue to enforce the law and stamp down the authority of the state to emphasise that South Africa is not a haven for criminals or organised crime. We commend all the role-players involved in the execution of the operations and appreciate their concerted efforts in restoring law and order,” said Otola.
28 May 2025- The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development has raised concerns about the growing number of social grant beneficiaries choosing to receive their payments through personal bank accounts — a decision that could erode the value of their grants due to associated bank charges. This concern was highlighted during an oversight meeting held with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development.
According to SASSA, 43,945 grant recipients have opted for direct bank payments, bypassing both the traditional SASSA Gold Cards and the newer Postbank Black Cards.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said she felt that the move to personal bank accounts could have unintended consequences. Magagane said these beneficiaries may not realize that they are losing money to transaction fees and service charges — funds that are meant to support their most basic needs.
“The meeting was called to receive an update on the ongoing migration from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards — a process initiated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) following a security breach that affected the older card system.
“Beneficiaries were initially given until 31 May 2025 to transition to the new cards. However, Committee members were informed that SARB has since suspended the migration process with immediate effect. Despite this, beneficiaries still have the option to apply for payments via their own bank accounts or Postbank Black Cards,” she said.
Magagane further said in a significant policy clarification, they were told that contrary to earlier communications, the SASSA Gold Cards will remain valid beyond the 31 May deadline, until further notice from the relevant authorities. She added that people were rushing to switch cards, some even under pressure.
“Now, they need clarity and reassurance that their current cards are still functional. You need to ensure that this is communicated widely,” said Magagane.
Adding to the logistical woes, the committee criticized the limited availability of Postbank conversion sites in the province. Currently, only 12 sites are operational across the entire North West — a number the committee described as grossly inadequate.
“Many of our elderly citizens live far from these centers and are not in a position to travel long distances just to access a card. This could be a driving factor behind the shift to personal bank accounts,” said Magagane.
In response to the challenges raised, the committee pledged continued engagement with the two State-Owned Entities (SOEs) involved in grant disbursement — SASSA under the Department of Social Development, and Postbank under the Department of Communications.
“We are committed to ensuring that no beneficiary is left behind. We will push for ongoing awareness campaigns, improved accessibility, and sustained outreach efforts so that every grant recipient understands their options and the implications of each,” she said.
The Committee is expected to meet again in a few weeks to follow up on implementation plans and progress made in addressing these critical issues.
Meanwhile, committee members also expressed alarm at additional informal costs being borne by grant recipients.
“Local tuck shops reportedly charge R10 for every R100 withdrawn — a surcharge that further reduces the amount of money recipients actually receive. This completely defeats the purpose of a social grant. A grant is supposed to alleviate poverty, not get eaten up by unnecessary charges,” said one Committee Member.
Picture: The late award-winning South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 May 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Presley Oageng “Tobetsa” Chweneyagae, who was born at Phola village, near Mahikeng. The party said Chweneyagae was a multi-award winning actor and legendary multi-linguist.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said Chweneyagae’s untimely departure, leaves a profound void in the South African arts and culture landscape, and their thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and all who were touched by his remarkable talent. Maruping said Cobrizi’s as Chweneyagae was affectionately known, started attending children drama classes and acting at the tender age of 10 at the North West Arts Council (now known as The Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation).
“Some of his writing credits include the internationally acclaimed stage play, Relativity which is now published as a book which he wrote with Paul Grootboom. Chweneyagae was not only a gifted actor, but also a cultural ambassador who showcased the richness and diversity of South African languages and stories.
“His performances resonated with audiences both locally and internationally, earning him numerous accolades and establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He was best known for his roles in acclaimed productions such as “Tsotsi”, which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and his contributions to various television series and stage performances that highlighted the complexities of South African life,” he said.
Maruping further said beyond his artistic achievements, Chweneyagae was a passionate advocate for the arts and education. He added that Chweneyage understood the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to bridge, divide and foster understanding among diverse communities.
“His commitment to uplifting emerging artists and promoting cultural heritage will be remembered as a significant part of his legacy. As we reflect on his life and contributions, we are reminded of the importance of celebrating our cultural icons and ensuring that their stories and legacies continue to inspire future generations.
“Mokwepa’s impact on the arts will be felt for years to come, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who admired his work. We call upon each and every one to honour the legacy of this cinematic son by continuing to support the arts and by fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.
“Let us come together to celebrate the life of a true icon, who dedicated his life to the craft of storytelling and the promotion of our rich cultural heritage. We extend our deepest sympathies to Presley’s family during this difficult time,” said Maruping.
Picture: Founder and Director of NWMA, Ananias Ndlovu/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 May 2025- The North West Media Awards said it is pleased to announce the establishment of its inaugural Non-Executive Board of Directors, an important milestone in the growth and governance of the prestigious provincial awards. The founder and Director of the Awards, Ananias Ndlovu said this seven-member board will be officially unveiled on 29 May 2025 at 10am at the Rustenburg Information Centre, in Rustenburg.
Ndlovu further said the event will also include important updates about the 2025 awards programme such as nomination opening dates, voting timelines and key categories. He added that the Non-Executive Board will serve a critical advisory and oversight role, helping to shape the strategic direction, transparency and credibility of the Awards.
“The committee will assist us in promoting inclusivity and diversity across media categories, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, upholding the values of independence, integrity and public trust. This includes contributing to the long-term sustainability and relevance of the Awards.
“We are confident in the board’s appointment. This is a major leap forward. With their combined expertise and leadership, these individuals will ensure the Awards remain a beacon of excellence and recognition for the media sector in our province,” he said.
Ndlovu said members of the media and the broader communications community are invited to attend this key announcement and engage with the newly appointed board members. He said for media enquiries or to confirm attendance, those interested can contact Nyakallo Mosala on 078 285 9247 or send the email to mediaawards@quickact.co.za.
28 May 2025- A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and murder against three accused, Reginald Sepoko Moeme (30), Tumelo Ernest Riberry Bart (26) and Otlotleng Berry Kagisho Segole (28), will resume today in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court to 28 May 2025.
Moeme, Bart and Segole, were arrested following the outbreak of violent confrontations apparently between two local rival groups known as TRT allegedly operating from the Ahmed Kathrada Section and the Hawks Patrollers from Extension 8, in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said in response to this violence which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng Township, he immediately directed the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the Joint Operational Command Centre (JOC).
Asaneng said the JOC was constituted by among others, local ward councillors, Community Police Forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments such as the Department of Education, Health and Traffic to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension.
“In order to speedily respond to this public unrest, Tlotleng has further issued a stern warning to those involved and instructed that those responsible for incitement of public violence that have seen throngs of mostly youth from these rival groupings running amok in Ipelegeng, be identified, tracked and arrested.
“Unfortunately this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted in the brutal death of Onalenna Mafane (19). Mafane was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening, 20 May 2025, along the Amalia/Schweizer-Reneke road,” he said.
Asaneng further said the reports of local residents, neighbours, friends and fellow residents, including adults brandishing and attacking one another with an assortment of dangerous weapons points to a serious disintegration of the social fabric and moral decay within Ipelegeng.
He added that, the public violence in Ipelegeng is not a spontaneous occurrence, but the result of a long primed ticking time-bomb which happened under the watch of parents and community leaders.
“Surely the signs have been there for local community leaders and parents, who should have acted swiftly and decisively. This violent confrontation involving mostly young persons could have been averted,” said Asaneng.
He said they have deployed a large contingent of police units that include Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Anti-Gang, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Mounted Unit and K9 to normalise the situation and to prevent damage to public and private property, loss of lives, injuries and the escalation of violence that may result in the disruption of day-to-day activities, which include schooling, public transport, businesses, health and emergency services.
Meanwhile, Moeme is facing four cases including two of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and a murder. Bart and Segole are both linked to a house robbery case.
The Guardian 