Picture: Some of firearms seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 June 2025- Three suspects who allegedly killed an attorney, Katlego Moribe (38), were arrested during a successful collaborative effort between the Northern Cape and North West police in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg on 23 and 24 June 2025. Moribe was killed in a hail of bullets at Block A in Seoding village, near Kuruman on 1 June 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said following an intensive investigation, members of the Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, in conjunction with Crime Intelligence in the North West Province, the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team and the Vryburg Public Order Police, launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in Ganyesa, near Vryburg. Ehlers said the operation took place between the evening of 23 June 2025, and the early hours of 24 June 2025.
“The team also recovered illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon and the investigation remains ongoing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the outstanding cooperation between the two provinces and cited the critical role of inter-provincial collaboration in ensuring that justice is served and that individuals responsible for serious and violent crimes are held accountable.
Picture: The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Higher Education to be proactive in plugging the gap left by the US cuts in grant funding that occurred earlier in 2025. Feni said a deliberate drive is needed, even if it means going on tour abroad to mobilise resources for research purposes.
“The grant funding impact was massive and at a time when South Africa found itself operating in a fiscally constrained environment. We must not allow a situation where community-based research programmes suffer and get aborted due to this decision.
“The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has informed the committee that work to address this issue is being done,” He said.
Feni said in addition, the government had opted for a collaborative approach, as cuts affected programmes administered by the departments of Health and of Science and Technology. According to him, Nkabane said a technical team has been set up to coordinate and collate the affected programmes.
“The committee welcomes the news that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is contributing to resource mobilisation. We would appreciate it if all these efforts yield results.
“Our institutions are research intensive and that is one area we excel in and could not lose momentum. The committee is looking forward to receiving the report on the sector-wide impact of the funding cuts,” said Feni.
He said Nkabane led a strong departmental delegation to present the department’s annual performance and strategic plans.
24 June 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement and improved visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads. The call is in the aftermath of the recent road accident that claimed 12 lives on the R24 near Vryheid in KwaZulu Natal. SAUCIC representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches conveyed condolences to families of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members that lost their lives in the accident that involved a bus and a truck while returning from a Youth Day Rally held in Durban last Monday.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said the precious lives of these young people were cut short by this horrific accident attributed to possible reckless driving and speeding responsible for untold misery that has left families devastated, as well as robbed the country of their contribution.
Shole said SAUCIC’s prayers of comfort are with families that are in mourning and that it also wishes those injured a speedy recovery. He appealed for the Easter Road Safety Strategy that resulted in zero fatalities during the annual Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage in Limpopo to be replicated to other areas during public holidays and long weekends.
“Religious and political tourism increase traffic on our public roads and require zero tolerance road traffic law operations to clamp down on lawlessness as well as prevent road crashes and fatalities on our roads. One life lost on public roads is a life too many.
“There must therefore be an offense against reckless driving, speeding and drunken driving. Motorists travelling long distances can assist in reducing the carnage on our roads by exercising caution and resting after every two hours to avoid fatigue which is a killer,” concluded Shole.
24 June 2025- A man (48) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape. This comes after the accused, Jankie Mankwe raped a girl (15), in Phatsima village, near Rustenburg on 17 June 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the court also declared Mankwe unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders, reinforcing the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring justice for vulnerable minors.
Gunya said on 17 June 2022, the victim was doing laundry outside her home in Phatsima village, near Rustenburg when Mankwe approached her, pretending to request her father’s cell phone number.
“He sent the children accompanying the victim to a nearby shop to buy milk, isolating her. As the victim entered her house, Mankwe followed and raped her. One of the children, returning from the shop, witnessed the assault through the door and immediately informed the victim’s mother, who was nearby.
“The mother reported the incident to the South African Police Service, leading to Mankwe’s arrest. He was later released on bail pending trial. Mankwe pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations,” he said.
State prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, the child witness’s account, and supporting medical evidence confirming the assault. Zimema said a Victim Impact Statement detailed the profound psychological trauma endured by the victim, highlighting her ongoing fear and distress.
“The court found the prosecution’s evidence overwhelming, rejecting Mankwe’s defence as implausible. I would like to emphasize the premeditated nature of this crime, noting that Mankwe exploited the victim’s trust, as she referred to him as “uncle.”
“There is an alarming prevalence of GBV in South Africa, and Mankwe posed a significant danger to the community. So, a severe sentence was necessary to protect society,” he said.
Magistrate Paul Moeng concurred, stating, “The accused’s calculated betrayal of a trusted relationship demands a strong response to deter such heinous acts.
“Finding substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, the court imposed 18 years’ imprisonment, alongside firearm restrictions and sex offender registry inclusion.”
Meanwhile, The NPA commends the courage of the victim and the child witness, whose swift actions ensured accountability. North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari praised Zimema, the investigating officers, and the South African Police Service for their diligent collaboration, stating, “This conviction sends a clear message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue GBV perpetrators, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity for victims.” The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.”
24 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the latest provincial assessment shared with the National COGTA Portfolio Committee this afternoon, confirms that repairing the roads, bridges, schools, clinics and water infrastructure destroyed in this month’s floods will require at least R5.18 billion.
The DA said human cost has been devastating, with the official death toll now rising to 95.
The DA leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Dr Vicky Knoetze said at least 4724 families have lost their homes and must now be accommodated in temporary residential units. Knoetze said a further 2145 houses have sustained partial damage from the flooding, predominantly to the roofing.
“A relief operation of this magnitude demands absolute unity of purpose, yet humanitarian workers on the ground are being forced to contend with criminal intimidation. Gift of the Givers teams distributing clean drinking water in Mthatha were threatened by an alleged “water mafia” linked to local service-provider interests, prompting police protection and national condemnation.
“Such acts of extortion are a direct assault on vulnerable communities and on every South African who has opened hand and heart to help. The DA is calling on the Premier, the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force to guarantee the safety of all accredited relief organisations, to arrest those who threaten or obstruct aid workers,” she said.
Knoetze further said the authorities must also establish a permanent, fully resourced joint operations command that includes municipal officials, Eskom, Amatola Water, COGTA and civil-society partners. She added that thousands of people remain in shelters, relying on donated food, water tanker deliveries and emergency health services.
“An additional R456 million is required for temporary residential units, with the province only able to provide R120 million. Across the province, dozens of roads and bridges have been washed away, including major links in the Chris Hani, Amathole and Alfred Nzo districts.
“Road infrastructure repair costs are estimated at an additional R935 million, of which R102 million has been reprioritised from the Provincial Department of Transport’s budget, leaving a deficit of R832 million for which intervention is required,” said Knoetze.
She said a total of 431 schools have also been affected, with exams disrupted. Knoetze said hospitals and clinics have experienced service interruptions, with 69 health facilities affected to varying degrees.
“Water infrastructure has been compromised, and electricity remains partially restored in many areas. Despite these challenges, the central Disaster Management hub remains desperately under-resourced, key leadership posts remain vacant and there is neither a Chief Director nor Directors for fire services or risk reduction, with no budget allocated for these positions in the current financial year.
“The public must see clear, visible coordination and a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who seeks to profit from disaster. Together, we must ensure that every family displaced by these floods receives shelter, clean water, healthcare, psychosocial support and a path to rebuild,” she said.
Knoetze said the people of the Eastern Cape have shown extraordinary resilience. She said they deserve an equally determined response from all spheres of government and society at large.
“Our focus now must be on restoring dignity, protecting aid workers and accelerating the massive reconstruction programme that lies ahead,” said Knoetze.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie said: “It is coordinating the provision of burial support for the victims of the disaster. This includes the storage of the body, burial services, and transportation of the human remains to the area identified by the family for burial.
“The provision of this support has been made possible through support from AVBOB, and the government is also in engagement with other funeral parlours to mobilise support in line with the needs of each family.”
Rantjie said the government has provided support for 26 deceased persons that were buried from Thursday up to this weekend. She said in addition to the burial services, the government has provided support to the bereaved families.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she will introduce the newly-appointed Superintendent General to the school principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on 26 June 2025. Motsumi said the meeting will take place at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, Mahikeng at 9am.
“During the event, the Superintendent General will present the department’s vision and strategic plan for the next five years, outlining key priorities and initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes across the province,” she said.
Picture: The North West Department of Health and NWU sign a historical MOA for first medical school in the province
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 June 2024- The North West Health Department in partnership with the North West University (NWU) today hosted a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). The department, together with NWU has embarked on a journey to establish the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine and the process is at an advanced stage.
Hailed as a beacon of hope, the School of Medicine is envisioned to produce a high calibre of medical professionals who will assist in the development and acceleration of healthcare services upon qualification. While expressing the university’s commitment to the MoU, the NWU Principal and Vice Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said the occasion represents a formal expression to a relationship rooted in mutual purposes.
“We commit to this MoU because we are determined to equip the medical profession. So this procedural milestone is an embodiment of public private collaboration in service of the public good,” said Tyobeka.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari labelled the School of Medicine a compelling and urgent need.
“By establishing our own medical school, the North West Province is stepping up to be part of the solution. We are investing in a pipeline of home-grown health professionals who understand our communities, the language of our patients, our challenges and who will be more likely to remain and serve here.
“The objective of this milestone is that I call it a game-changer, catalysing socio-economic development across the province. The significance of placing a medical school in a predominantly rural province cannot be overstated. Rural areas are often underserved, not only in terms of infrastructure and resources but also in the availability of skilled health workers,” he said.
Lehari further said a medical school in the North West will contribute to rural retention, improve health equity and promote research focused on the specific health challenges of our communities. He added that there is a need to start confidently by believing that the medical school will contribute to advancements in healthcare by conducting ground-breaking studies that will lead to new treatments, technologies and understanding of diseases.
“I also believe that this medical school’s collaboration with our hospitals and clinics will translate research into real-world solutions, thereby directly improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of medicine.
“We highly appreciate the NWU management for their steadfast engagement, through complex consultative processes that reflect a potential of strong public partnerships,” said Lehari.
Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance in the North West said it has opened criminal cases against the Ditsobotla mayor, Molefe Morutse , the municipal speaker, Manana Bogatsu and the Municipal Manager, Oloatse Bojosinyane, under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, for fraud, intimidation, coercion and extortion. The DA said these criminal cases relate to the establishment of an illegal parallel municipal council at a meeting held in March 2025, where it is alleged that fraudulent resignation letters from the ‘legitimate’ mayor, speaker and legally appointed acting Municipal Manager, were presented and where they were illegally removed from office.
The DA North West Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Chris Steyl said after this illegal parallel council meeting, Bojosinyane allegedly managed to gain access to the Ditsobotla municipal offices, resulting in two gunfights which saw two persons injured and the death of another. Steyl said in addition, by some form of manipulation, it is alleged that Bojosinyane gained access to the Ditsobotla municipal bank account, completely subverting the authority of the legitimate council and its officials.
“All transactions facilitated by Bojosinyane since his hostile takeover is tantamount to fraud, if not theft. In addition, this unlawful parallel troika and council have not only resorted to violence, but now employ mafia tactics like intimidation, coercion and extortion by withholding the salaries of councillors and municipal workers, who refuse to legitimise the unlawful behaviour of these pretenders, Morutse, Bogatsu and Bojosinyane, under the guise of an employee verification exercise.
“There are no less than four High Court judgements confirming that the legitimate Ditsobotla Troika consists of Mazwi Moruri as the mayor, Jarious Modisakeng as the speaker, and Rasupang Mooketsi as the acting Municipal Manager,” he said.
Steyl further said the High Court handed down its judgements on 15 March, 10 April, 30 April, and 9 May 2025. He added that the SAPS must investigate these charges swiftly to ensure arrest and successful prosecution.
“In addition, the DA has also written to the National Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing these latest criminal developments to his attention and urging him to place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national government administration, as we requested in January 2025.
“Ditsobotla residents continue to suffer unimaginable hardship as electricity blackouts and water shutdowns continue unabated while ANC factions fight over who is mayor and who is not. This must be put to an end immediately,” said Steyl.
He said while the situation in Ditsobotla is dire, hope remains. Steyl said the DA in North West will continue to pursue every mechanism at its disposal to fight for the rights and services residents are entitled to.
“DA councillors in Ditsobotla remain resolute and will continue to serve residents, working with community members and business stakeholders to respond to service delivery needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the municipal speaker of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Jairous Modisakeng said the municipality continues to be plagued by the unlawful actions of dismissed Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane, who, in concert with Morutse (who illegally presents himself as mayor) and Bogatsu (who illegally presents herself as the speaker), maintains an illegal tenure through force and division within the council. Modisakeng said these individuals, having been explicitly ordered by a court to cease representing themselves as municipal authorities, have systematically excluded the majority of councillors and employees from the municipal payroll.
“This punitive action is taken against those who refuse to recognize their illegitimate authority. On 18 June 2025, councillors and employees who sought clarification regarding their non-payment were met with violence.
“Private security personnel, acting under the direct instruction of Morutse and Bojosinyane, denied them entry to the municipal premises. While standing peacefully outside, these security personnel launched an unprovoked and brutal assault, severely injuring at least one councillor and several employees,” he said.
Modisakeng said this alarming incident occurred directly in the presence of South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, who failed to intervene. He said this inaction by SAPS Lichtenburg is part of a disturbing pattern.
“Previously, SAPS Lichtenburg refused to open a case of trespassing against these security personnel, and cases involving employees shot with live ammunition (by one of the security personnel) have seen the perpetrator released just after two days and the case not pursued any further.
“I was assaulted by the same security personnel in front of police, with no subsequent action taken on the opened case. Evidence strongly suggests that SAPS Lichtenburg, and by extension, the province under the Acting Provincial Commissioner, is compromised by local politics,” said Moadisakeng.
He said their failure to act against criminal conduct, even when committed in their full view, severely undermines their willingness to combat crime and uphold the law. Modisakeng said this grave dereliction of duty will be formally reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
“Such conduct by SAPS effectively enables Bojosinyane and his associates to disregard the rule of law with impunity.
Furthermore, ABSA Bank, the municipality’s primary banking institution, has consistently refused to remove the dismissed Municipal Manager, Bojosinyane from accessing public funds.
“This refusal persists despite multiple court orders. By enabling Bojosinyane to access these funds, ABSA Bank is effectively enabling the use of public money for his personal legal battles and to pay for a private security company that was controversially appointed even before he officially reported for duty,” he said.
Modisakeng said this raises serious concerns regarding corporate ethical standards. He said the communities of Ditsobotla are bearing the severe consequences of this ongoing governance crisis, manifested in a profound lack of service delivery.
“Every attempt to secure intervention from sector government or establish service delivery collaborations with the private sector is actively disrupted by those who benefit from the prevailing dysfunction and collapse of governance. The Ditsobotla Local Municipality has been reduced to a mere “spending center” incapable of sustaining itself.
“We reiterate our urgent call for a national government intervention. Such intervention is critical and must be expedited for the benefit and well-being of the communities of Ditsobotla,” he said.
24 June 2025 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has today resolved to launch a full committee inquiry into allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, wasteful and reckless expenditure and related financial misconduct at the Road Accident Fund (RAF). This decision follows months of repeated attempts by the committee to obtain truthful, complete information from the RAF Board and executive management, to little avail.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Songezo Zibi said the committee cannot perform its work effectively, if state entities do not provide it with complete and truthful information, with adequate context and supporting information.
Zibi said some of the issues of concern for the committee include but are not limited to failure to perform adequate background checks on senior management and executive appointments, who nonetheless have access to and manage significant sums of public funds despite having a deeply concerning employment and disciplinary history involving allegations of reckless financial management decisions.
“Subsequent refusal by the RAF to disclose to the committee, where such funds are kept and for what purpose. Failure to appoint critical officials such as a Chief Claims Officer, Head of Claims Operations, Head of Legal, Chief Corporate Support Officer, Head of People Management etc, for an unacceptably long time while decisions with a significant financial impact on the RAF are being taken, alternatively not being taken when they should.
“Apparent failures of governance with a direct impact on the rule of law, the authority and powers of Parliament as well as Chapter 9 institutions tasked with performing oversight on behalf of the South African people,” he said.
Zibi further said numerous whistle-blower accounts relating to supply chain irregularities involving more than R1 billion while internal management controls appear to not be applied. He added that these allegations point to failure by the Board to properly oversee management’s decisions and actions in line with their statutory mandate.
“The committee will approve terms of reference on 1 July 2025, and the inquiry will take place after the August recess. The volume of complaints and related documentary disclosures to the committee about the RAF make it necessary to examine them thoroughly, and make such recommendations as may be necessary to ensure that the institution does its work within legal and constitutional prescripts, and serves the public interest as intended.
“An inquiry will also give everyone involved or implicated the opportunity to state their case under oath, and receive a fair hearing before the committee draws its conclusions,” said Zibi.
Picture: A gold bar worth R10m seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 June 2025- The accused, Itumeleng Dinku (52) made a brief appearance before Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of possession of suspected illegal melted gold bar. Dinku was arrested by the police in Postmasburg after intelligence was received that there was somebody who was selling a gold bar at Mountain View in Postmasburg.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said upon arrival at the identified property, the police searched and found a heavy gold bar hidden inside the house. Thebe said the suspect failed to properly explain how he got to be in possession of the bar, and he was immediately placed under arrest.
“The gold bar value is estimated to be around R10 million. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation took over the investigation and presented the accused before court on 23 June 2025. The matter was postponed to 7 July 2025, for formal bail application,” said Thebe.
The Guardian 