20 June 2025- The double murder case against two men was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court until 2 July 2025, for a formal bail application. Two accused aged 29 and 41, allegedly connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on 14 June 2025.
The accused, who the court ordered that their names be withheld, were arrested by the team composed of Rustenburg Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg and Boitekong Visible Policing, Phokeng K9 and District Trio Task Team.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said their tireless work led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a vehicle and firearm connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon. Myburgh said the arrests are a result of excellent crime intelligence work in identifying, locating and tracking the vehicle that was used to flee from the crime scene.
“The vehicle was traced, found and seized at Ndamoyi, Boitekong. Upon being questioned by the police, the first suspect conceded that on that fateful day, he was traveling in and driving the Kia Rio vehicle and that he was with his friend who was the one who allegedly shot the elderly couple before they fled from the scene.
“He then took the police to Rustenburg East, where his accomplice is staying. Upon arrival, the police found the second person who showed them a pistol. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and the firearm seized.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These swift arrests should send a strong message to those who commit crime that the police in the province will relentlessly track them down and that they will have no place to hide.”
20 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing yesterday from the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa on public allegations made by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party relating to the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer (IPP) Procurement Programme.
In addition, the committee said it was briefed by the Department of Electricity and Energy on its revised strategic plan 2025-2030, annual performance plan (APP) 2025/26 and Budget Vote No 10 for 2025/26, including the impact on its entities. During their deliberations, members of the committee including the Minister were of the view that the meeting should ideally occur in an in-person setup rather than on a virtual platform.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said members requested that the one agenda item be moved where the committee would meet in-person. Mvana said the committee agreed to postpone the contentious battery energy storage IPP matter to an in-person meeting next week while proceeding with the departmental presentation.
“Regarding the revised strategic plan and APP, the committee expressed a view that the Just Energy Transition could disproportionately benefit a select few individuals while neglecting the working class.
“Some committee members emphasised that any transition from carbon-based energy sources to renewables must consider the livelihoods of those who may be adversely affected,” she said.
Mvana further said committee members sought clarity on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities such as Eskom and the National Electricity Regulator of SA. She added that questions were raised regarding the root causes of their ongoing financial instability, which necessitates continuous bailouts.
“Members requested a detailed plan and timeline for achieving improved financial stability by 2030, along with specific metrics to track progress. Additionally, there was a call for transparency regarding the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds.
“Particularly, since a significant portion of the department’s budget is allocated to the Integrated National Electrification Programme. The delay in finalising the Gas Master Plan and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was another critical issue highlighted by committee members,” said Mvana.
She said the urgency of these frameworks was underscored, particularly in light of the impending “gas-supply cliff” and the need for a cohesive energy strategy. Mvana said members expressed concerns that the absence of these plans could hinder the country’s ability to transition effectively to renewable energy sources.
“Another important point raised during the discussions was the department’s approach to climate change. Committee members requested clarity on the initiatives being implemented to address climate objectives and the tangible results expected in terms of emissions control and air quality improvement.
“The need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate climate change impacts was underscored. Furthermore, the committee discussed the importance of addressing the national skills shortage within the energy sector,” she said.
Mvana said members sought information on how the department plans to enhance workforce skills to meet the demands of the energy transition. She said, additionally, the role of digitisation in combating corruption and promoting efficiency within the department was also a topic of interest.
“In response, the department acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to providing detailed information on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities, including the steps being taken to reduce reliance on bailouts.
“The department outlined ongoing efforts to create a more accountable budget framework and emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in finalising the Gas Master Plan and IRP,” said Mvana.
She said the department assured the committee that measures are being implemented to address load reduction issues and enhance energy distribution. Mvana said regarding skill development, they indicated that partnerships with educational institutions and training programmes are being explored to build capacity in the energy sector.
Picture: Teenage pregnacies hit Christiana/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 June 2025 – Three cases of statutory rape were opened by a nursing sister and medical practitioner at the Christiana Police Station on 6 June 2025, after three teenage girls aged 14, 15 and 16, visited the local clinic for check-ups and confirmed to be pregnant. Three girls who are supposed to be attending school, visited the clinic unaccompanied by their parents and this raised the suspicion and concerns of the health professionals about possible breach of duty of care by their guardians.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said taking into account the seriousness and prevalence of incidents of Gender Based Violence (GBV), especially crimes against women and girl children, the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, was notified to immediately investigate the possible contravention of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No. 32 of 2007).
Mokgwabone said the Act does not only broaden the crime of rape, but also prohibits acts of consensual sexual violation with certain children as statutory sexual assault.
“Investigation has revealed that all three girls have been involved in consensual intimate relationships and unprotected sex with their boyfriends that led to all three falling pregnant. The girl (14) is impregnated by a boy (17), a girl (16) was impregnated by a man (18), while the age of the boyfriend of the girl (15) is still to be verified,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the case dockets will be referred to the Senior Public Prosecutor for decisions.
Meanwhile, reacting to this, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has instructed that the Provincial GBVF Implementation Plan Committee comprised of the Police, Social Workers, Educators, Health, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other formations such as Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), School Governing Bodies (SGBs), Community Police Forums (CPFs) and Ward Councillors to as a matter of priority, visit and intensify their community awareness and outreach programmes not only in Christiana, but in other identified GBV&F/Domestic Violence ridden communities in the province.
“The fact that these incidents were brought to the attention of the police by the local clinic should not only serve as a warning about the prevalent dangers of crimes by and against children, but must galvanise government and civil society to take decisive actions to eliminate the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and immorality in the society,” said Asaneng.
Picture: Elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism said it welcomes the turnaround strategy presented by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) regarding the management of the Madikwe Game Reserve. This follows a recent oversight visit by the committee to the Madikwe Game Reserve, attended by the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, as well as senior officials from the department and NWPTB.
The engagements focused on challenges facing the reserve, the strategic direction of the Madikwe Future Company and reports of animal welfare concerns, particularly in relation to elephant mortality.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mpho Khunou sought clarity after reports surfaced in the media highlighting high rates of elephant deaths allegedly linked to negligence. Khunou said during the session, the acting CEO of NWPTB, Jonathan Denga, confirmed that the reserve has lost 75 animals—mostly young elephants—due to malnutrition caused by overpopulation.
“With 1,633 elephants, Madikwe faces significant ecological strain, far exceeding the carrying capacity of its 60,000-hectare footprint. Current elephant density is at 2.7 per km², compared to the recommended 0.79 per km² for state-run reserves.
Lenkopane informed the committee that a provincial task team has been established, in collaboration with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. She said the task team includes NWPTB, SANBI, SANParks, DFFE and academic institutions, and will oversee the implementation of the turnaround strategy.
“The proposed measures include sustainable elephant population management through regulated trophy hunting, contraception, and selective culling of animals with health deficiencies, aiming to preserve biodiversity and strengthen the wildlife economy.
“The strategy also aims to recover at least 65% of the R85 million in outstanding debt, improve contract consistency for concessionaires and traversing rights, and introduce access control systems at Pilanesberg and Madikwe gates to reduce revenue losses,” said Lenkopane.
Khunou said they are pleased to note this strategy and look forward to its implementation as it will resolve long outstanding issues that have seen the deterioration of the NWPTB—especially regarding employee salary payments, poaching control systems, and ensuring the surrounding communities benefit meaningfully from tourism activities.
He said the committee requested several reports from the department and NWPTB, including a comprehensive audit report on Maape and Kgomo, and Golden Leopard Resorts.
“This includes clarification on the Pilanesberg Landing Strip governance, inclusion of unaddressed infrastructure challenges in the turnaround plan and a detailed financial strategy with clear implementation timelines
“The Committee further recommended that the department strengthen its communications strategy to keep communities better informed of opportunities and developments in the conservation and tourism sectors,” said Khunou.
20 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance has requested urgent investigations by the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission (PSC) into alleged non-compliance with recruitment and selection procedures by the Office of the Premier.
This follows the appointments of Heads of Department (HoDs) for Education and for Economic Development.
During a recent follow-up meeting with the Office of the Premier, Director-General, Paul Mogotlhe acknowledged that, while advertisements for the HoD positions—along with the post for the Department of Social Development—encouraged applications from women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities, the selection panel ultimately recommended two male candidates for the vacancy in the Departments of DEDECT and Education. Mogotlhe said two male Heads of Department have since been appointed.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said he noted with concern the continuing underrepresentation of women in senior roles. Oliphant said currently, there are 324 males and only 127 females occupying positions at level 13 and above across provincial departments and entities.
“We express disappointment that the report from the provincial government showed no progress since the previous meeting. We were misled. The provincial government indicated that no appointments were made in our sitting on 5 June 2025, and subsequent report that two men have been appointed for vacancies preferred for female candidates and persons with disability.
“Despite this, the appointments proceeded and did not reflect the advertised criteria. We are calling on both the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission to investigate potential bias and discrimination against women, people with disabilities, and marginalised communities,” he said.
Oliphant further said the Office of the Premier, which should be leading by example, has failed to meet its employment equity obligations. He added that they will also request the Department of Labour to investigate the provincial government’s overall non-compliance with employment equity targets set for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025, as no meaningful progress has been made.
“The committee’s position is that the provincial government must review these appointments, as they undermine the employment equity framework and continue to exclude those it is meant to uplift.
“The Premier and selection panels will be called to account. The Premier, as the appointing authority, apologised for his absence from the committee,” said Oliphant.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality CEO, Dr Dennis Matotoka, confirmed that the Commission has engaged the provincial government on employment transformation since 2011, but progress remains slow.
“Equitable representation of previously disadvantaged groups—particularly women—in leadership roles is critical. Departments must adopt innovative, inclusive strategies to meet employment equity targets. Unfortunately, current recruitment practices are falling short,” said Matotoka.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
202 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department has promised to expeditiously arrange a meeting between North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the province’s military veterans. This comes after a Provincial Imbizo on the Military Veterans Housing Programme held at Mogwase, near Rustenburg.
Molapisi further said the Imbizo was held in line with the resolution of the Human Settlements MINMEC, provided feedback and information on the interventions approved by Cabinet to fast-track the delivery of adequate housing to Military Veterans.
He added that key challenges affecting the programme include disagreements about approved plans by the Department of Military Veterans, locations, where homes are built, qualifying criteria, untraceable members and beneficiaries, and a lack of serviced sites amongst others.
“This is despite veterans of the armed forces being either homeless, living with their families, or living in unfavourable conditions as a result of the programme’s poor performance.
“Before the start of the Imbizo, we handed over three completed houses to Military Veterans at Mabele-A-Pudi village and Bapong. We urge the veterans to exercise patience as the government works in their best interest,” said Molapisi.
He said that as a caring government, they recognise the sacrifices of military veterans towards achievement of democracy and freedom. Molapisi said he will personally facilitate the meeting between the departments and Mokgosi to address their challenges.
“We are aware of most of them and we are more than willing to address them. We further promise to engage with municipalities through the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to encourage them to also address their needs, such as the provision of service sites for the construction of houses.
“The Department of Human Settlements should also ensure that they make provision for those who are still in service and earning more and are not qualifying for the houses through the First Home Finance Programme,” he said.
Molapisi said other resolutions he made were to engage the Department of Public Works to avail properties that are no longer in use.
“To track and monitor progress, the Military Veterans Housing Programme will now be discussed at MUNIMEC meetings, where I interact with municipalities on a range of issues about service delivery.
“As our liberators, I pledge to do everything in my power to make sure you get what you deserve, and I will use the departmental budget speech to further address your concerns. There will be less talk and more action this time,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to military veterans, most of their challenges emanate from mistreatment from government officials, as most of their calls are not being answered. They said their applications take forever to be processed and the fact that they do not want to be served by people who have never been in the military, as they would not understand their plight.
The Guardian 