Picture: Suspected stolen cattle worth R100 000 seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
May 2025 – An accused, Tshepang Motseretsere Sepinara (22), who is an alleged illegal immigrant from Lesotho, briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 2 May 2025, for possession of suspected stolen cattle. Sepinara’s court appearance follows his arrest on Wednesday afternoon, 30 April 2025, in Swartruggens.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police received a tip-off that led them to the Derdepoort T-junction, where members of Madikwe and Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units, pounced on Sepinara during a controlled buy-and-bust operation. Myburgh said during the arrest, the police seized five Bonsmara calves worth R100 000.
“The calves were positively identified through brand marks and handed back to the rightful owner. Sepinara was remanded in custody until 21 May 2025, for formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked and commended vigilant members of the public for providing the police with positive information that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the cattle.
“It is also a serious concern that an illegal immigrant was employed by the farmer in contravention of the law,” said Asaneng.
Picture: A security guard nabbed for allegedly stabbing a man to death /Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 May 2025– A security guard briefly appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 2 May 2025, for the alleged murder of Kuni Daniel Setsetse (42). The accused, Kilile Dail (36), was arrested before midnight on 1 May 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said initial information indicated that Dail was on duty as a security guard at a local filling station when he got involved in an argument with the victim and his friends, who had a challenge with withdrawing the money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Myburgh said it was during the argument that Dail allegedly stabbed Setsetse on the upper body with a knife.
“Setsetse was rushed to a local hospital where he was declared dead. Dail was granted a R500 bail and his case was postponed until 10 June 2025,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said this yet another senseless murder, which could and should not have happened taking into consideration the circumstances under which it happened. Asaneng said the impulsive and irrational resort to violence in resolving differences has now resulted in the irreversible, unjustified loss of life and arrest both of which are going to affect livelihoods of the deceased and suspect’s families.
“The propensity for gratuitous violence as a way of settling differences often results in tragic unintended consequences,” he said.
Picture: Police searching for suspects during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 May 205- The ongoing Vala Umgodi operations continue to achieve successes. This comes after members deployed to deal with illegal mining arrested 43 men in Sun City, Mogwase and Tlhabane, for various crimes including the contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the first group of 13 suspects was arrested at Ledig village, near Sun City on Tuesday morning, 29 April 2025, for allegedly being illegal immigrants. Myburgh said two of the suspects, both aged 29 and South Africans, were given a R1500 fine each for employing illegal immigrants (the contravention of section 38(1) (b) of the Immigration Act).
“In Bojating village, near Mogwase on Thursday morning, the team arrested 17 more illegal immigrants – all men aged between 18 and 42. During this operation, police confiscated a generator, battery and a shovel.
“On Friday, the team arrested a further 13 men between the ages of 20 and 47 in Geelhout Park in Tlhabane and in Extension 9, Boitekong, for being illegal immigrants. One illegal immigrant, aged 44, was also charged for being in possession of a dangerous weapon and two more men aged 42 and 25, were arrested for possession of drugs,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police confiscated a variety of drugs, including cocaine and dagga. She added that, all mentioned suspects will appear in the Bafokeng and Mankwe Magistrate’s Courts respectively.
“The suspects are from different countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Nigeria and Lesotho,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said: “It is deeply concerning that almost every week the police in the province are arresting large numbers of foreign nationals for not only being in the country illegally, but also for a variety of crimes such as dealing in drugs, illegal possession of drugs, unlicensed firearms, illegal mining and murders.
“They are also involved in robberies, theft of livestock and a raft of serious crimes, which threaten the territorial integrity, personal safety, the economy and undermine the authority of the state.”
Asaneng said the involvement of foreign nationals in the commission of crime, whether aided or abetted by South Africans, poses a serious threat to national security. He said as such requires a collaborative effort by civil society and various government’s security and social departments such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Border Management Authority, Customs/ South African Revenue Services (SARS), Home Affairs Immigration, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Picture: Netball players celebrating their win/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
5 May 2025- The Telkom Netball League’s (TNL) Power Week 1 concluded on a high note with electrifying matches at the Sun City Super Bowl. The talent and teamwork on display were impressive, with teams from both divisions demonstrating significant growth and a hunger for competition that promises an exciting season ahead.
The day’s action began with an encounter between the North West Flames and the Eastern Cape Aloes. The match was a nail-biter, with the Aloes taking an early 17-14 lead in the first quarter.
However, the Flames staged a comeback, winning the second quarter 31-30 and the third quarter 45-43. The Flames continued to dominate, drawing 13-13 in the final quarter wasn’t enough for the Aloes, and the final score was 58-56 in favour of the Flames.
The Flames’ victory was marked by several key stats, including Sunel Smit’s dominant rebounding performance (14-4). Despite similar turnovers (20 apiece), the Flames’ ability to capitalise on goal attempts and maintain discipline proved decisive.
The Aloes’ strong attack (109 circle feeds) showed their intent to dominate, but the Flames’ shooting percentage and strategic play ultimately paid off.
Coach Elsunet du Plessis of the North West Flames said, “I’m relieved we won the game. It was a tight match with many ups and downs. I’m happy with our team’s composure under pressure. Although some players were a bit flat, the team pulled together to secure the win.”
Coach Sameshia Esau of the Eastern Cape Aloes added, “Congratulations to the Flames on a great game of netball. While we didn’t get the result we wanted, I’m proud of my team’s progress. We’ve had limited practice time together, but we’ve made strides. I’m confident we’ll improve in the second leg.”
Aloes Wing Defence, Nomxolisi Luvuno’s impressive performance earned her Player of the Match honours.
The Tshukudu vs Comets match was an intense encounter. The Comets started strong in the first quarter, winning 11-6, but couldn’t maintain their lead. Tshukudu bounced back to dominate the remaining quarters: 23-19 in Q2, 34-29 in Q3, and closed out the match 48-41.
Coach Vivian Foko’s tactical adjustments proved pivotal, enabling Tshukudu to seize and hold onto the lead.
Tshukudu’s defence effectively disrupted the Comets’ flow, hindering their ability to find a rhythm. Despite both teams being evenly matched in terms of goal percentages and stats, Tshukudu’s additional attempts proved decisive.
The Super Shot feature had minimal impact, with both teams scoring only two points.
Coach Foko praised her team’s performance, saying, “It wasn’t easy, telling the truth, it was hard… But me calling the strategic time, I think it helps them just to tell them, just to calm down, girls, you’ve got it. You know your channels. Just use your channels. Stay calm, we’re going to have this, they did exactly what I asked them to do.”
Aloes Assistant Coach Xolelwa Wotsitsa expressed pride in her team’s growth, saying, “I feel happy the girls are growing every game. It’s their first time in this intense, high-performance competition, so I believe next time it’s going to be good. Our preparations focus on intense defence, shooting, and converting intercepts and centre passes.”
In the last Division 2 encounter, the Kingdom Queens pulled one against the Diamonds. They started strong, maintaining a high pace throughout the game. The Queens’ offence was led by goal shooter Thobekile Mjaja. The Queens’ defence, particularly the duo of Silindile Ngcobo and Senamile Mthembu, was outstanding. The inclusion of Nelisiwe Msweli added depth and accuracy to the team’s attack.
The statistics reflected the Queens’ dominance, with an impressive 83% goal conversion rate compared to the Diamonds’ 52%. The Diamonds struggled with turnovers, which hindered their chances of success.
In the last match of the day, the defending champions, the Crinums led by Coach Marth Mosoahle-Samms, suffered their second defeat, wrapping up the first leg on a low note. The Eagles dominated from the start, winning the first quarter 21-5, and maintained their lead throughout. Despite a strong comeback in the final quarters, the Crinums couldn’t overcome the damage done in the first quarter, ultimately losing 57-49.
Power Week 1 has concluded! Teams are now taking a well-deserved break to recharge for the next chapter of intense competition in the second leg.
Catch the next Power week on the 13-17 June 2025 at the Sun City Sun Park.
5 May 2025 – The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala, have welcomed the update through a media briefing by the Minister of Defence and the South African National Defence Force Military Command Council on the phased withdrawal of SANDF members from the Eastern DRC.
The soldiers formed part of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the withdrawal follows the 13 March 2025, decision by Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Phala said they welcome the assurance that SAMIDRC commanders have, in consultation with both opposing parties, agreed that all Prime Mission Equipment will be withdrawn and that no equipment will be left behind. He further said this guarantee is critical to ensure that no equipment is left behind and could be used for nefarious reasons.
“We also highly-appreciate appreciated Rwanda’s cooperation in allowing movement by road from Goma to the assembly area and Tanzania’s cooperation in using the assembly point for the withdrawal.
“This cooperation is critical in ensuring that the withdrawal is seamless. Despite the withdrawal, we reiterate the importance of diplomatic and political engagement to ensure peace and stability in the region. This tactical withdrawal paves the way for diplomatic engagements between warring factions to find solutions as guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which encourages diplomatic engagement to find peace,” said Phala.
Gigaba shared the same sentiments. He said they continue to urge the AU and all regional bodies to offer diplomatic support and ensure peace and stability are achieved. He said they appreciate the move by the Minister of Defence and the SANDF Military Command Council to brief the nation, which ensures accountability and openness.
“Upon conclusion of the phased withdrawal, the committee will convene a meeting to get a full briefing on the mission in general and the support of the remaining cohort of soldiers that form part of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Gigaba.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, briefly appeared before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 29 and 30 April 2025, during a two-day investigative enquiry into the province’s scholar transport challenges in Mafikeng. The enquiry convened by the SAHRC sought to examine and assess the systemic issues affecting the provision of learner transport across the province, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
This follows numerous complaints about the inadequate, unreliable and often unsafe scholar transport services that threaten learners’ rights to education, safety and dignity as enshrined in the constitution.
Motsumi said she acknowledges the challenges and explained the structural complications as the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA) is responsible for learner transport, while the learners fall under the North West Department of Education.
“We acknowledge the concern and aim to fast-track the review of the Memorandum of Understanding with COSATMA. We understand and support the SAHRC’s stance because this is fundamentally about the constitutional rights of our learners.
“Unreliable and unsafe scholar transport undermines those rights and negatively impacts learner attendance, safety and performance. We acknowledge the real and pressing challenges concerning scholar transport in our province,” she said.
Motsumi further said the current arrangement, where the Department of Education is responsible for learners, but the transport function lies with the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, has created a fragmented approach that needs urgent resolution. She added that the Department of Education will fast-track the review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSATMA to reflect the practical and lasting solutions that emerged during the enquiry.
“The department is committed to continue with implementative engagements to ensure learner safety, restore dignity in service delivery and promote consistent school attendance among learners,” said Motsumi.
Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba balatofadiwq mo kgetsing ya polao
OBAKENG MAJE
5 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Bakang Katong (32), yo o atlholetsweng dingwaga di le robedi kwa kgolegelong mo kgetsing ya petelelo, ga mmogo le balatofadiwa nae mo kgetsing ya polao, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31) le Phenyo Katong (34), ba ne ba tshwarwa dingwaga di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya Thabiso Mothibedi (35), setlhogo.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa le go mo golegelela mo generateng. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba mo latofatse ka go ba utswetsa madi a seatleng a lekang ka R20 000 le motsoko wa R600.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Sam Tselanyane, o ile a tlhalosetsa ba lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian Newspaper gore dipatlisiso di shupa fa tiragalo e, ele ya di 29 Moranang 2022. Tselanyane are go ile ga begwa fa moswi a ile a siela kwa motseng wa Longaneng.
“Fela, go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go mo latela. Go begwa fa go gorogeng ga bone kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba ile ba mo gokelela mo generateng, mme ba mo teketa go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.
“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tabogisetsa moswi kwa kliniking ya selegae fa ba bona a neela mowa. Baoki ba ne ba tlhalosa fa go se sepe se ba ka se dirang go boloka moswi, gonne one a setse a balelelwa le badimo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa, mme ba ile ba fisa matlo a bone a le mararo mo tiragalong e. Gape, baagi ba ile thuba le go senya ntlo-maitiso ya balatofadiwa, mme ba itseela le nnotagi.
Go begwa fa Katong le Lenyai ba boleletse lekgotlha ka mokgwa wa tiriso ya lekwalo gore, ba ipona molato mo ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le bone, mme ba tlhalositse fa Mosimege le Phenyo, ba ne ba sena seabe mo tiragalong e.
Mo letlhakuring le lengwe, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bona le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane.
Picture: An abandoned newborn baby safe and sound/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 May 2025- The baby who was abandoned at Ext 4, in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof, will be under the care of social workers. According to the North West Department of Health in Bloemhof, the new-born baby was discovered by a community member on 28 April 2025 at around 8:40pm, and called the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The North West Department of Health (Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District) spokesperson, Omphile Morwaagae said upon arrival, the EMS discovered a cold and fatigued baby boy dressed in a red t-shirt and wrapped in a blanket behind a rock. Morwaagae said after assessment, they immediately ferried him to Bloemhof Community Healthcare Centre, where he received medical attention.
“Nurses provided care and took the baby’s vital signs. They also ensured that he was examined by doctors. The department confirms that the baby is in good health and high spirits.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the North West Department of Social Development were promptly informed and appropriate procedures are being followed,” he said.
Morwaagae further said the North West Department of Social Development has now made arrangements and secured a safe and temporary home for the child. He added that the baby will soon be transferred there as he is not currently admitted as a departmental patient.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, commended the Department of Social Development (Lekwa-Teemane Service Point), the Department of Health (Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District, SAPS in Bloemhof and ward 2 councillor, Mapaseka Mongalane from the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, for their collaborative efforts in addressing this distressing situation.
Dantjie emphasized that such service-driven initiatives strengthen community trust and confidence in the government.
“This is exactly the kind of unity and collaboration the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) envisages when encouraging the people to build the province together.
“We express gratitude for the swift and coordinated efforts that ensured the young boy would spend many more nights in a safe home. At this stage, the child’s parents, family, or next of kin remain unidentified and efforts to locate them are underway,” she said.
Dantjie said the public is encouraged to assist in locating them by contacting the department via Facebook at Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District or calling 078 302 0075 / 078 274 0568. She said those who would like to provide additional support can reach out to Childline South Africa at 0800 055 555 or 116, which is a free helpline dedicated to protecting children from all forms of violence and promoting a culture of children’s rights in South Africa.
2 May 2025- The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it acknowledges challenges faced by service providers as a result of delay in processing payments. The department said it has processed all invoices as received, however, there has been a delay due to internal system error.
The Head of Department (HoD) of North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Has Kekana said the error has been resolved and they can confirm that the service providers will receive payments as from 6 May 2025. Kekana said the department appreciates the patience exercised by service providers and inconvenience caused is regretted.
2 Motsheganong 2025- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Qhoo, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se se tla morago ga gore molatofadiwa, Pogisho Tshibithi (18), a tshwarwe le go latofadiwa ka polao.
Go begwa fa Tshibithi a ile a tlhaba Itumeleng Patrick Sinyolo (18) ka thipa le go mo bolaya ka gangwe fa Moranang a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 28, teng kwa motseng wa Qhoo. Go begwa fa Sinyolo le Tshibithi ba ne ba lwela lekgarebe lengwe le go begwang fa le setse le le kwa tlase ka dingwaga.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are tiragalo e, ke ya ura ya borobedi mo bosigong. Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa ntlung nngwe, kwa ba ileng ba shupediwa setopo sa ga Sinyolo se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa.
“Sepodisi se ile sa bontshiwa setopo seo ke rragwe moswi. Go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba ile ba netefatsa fa Senyolo a setse a tlhokafetse. Molatofadiwa o setse a tlhageletse makgetlho a le mabedi kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, lekawana le, le ile la busediwa kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la kamoso.
The Guardian 