Daily Archives: June 27, 2025

SCOPA slams municipality for operating without a mayor

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts chaired by Smuts Matshe has resolved to direct the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi to urgently restore the rule of law at Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, where there has not been a permanent mayor since December 2024.

This follows the Scopa Public Hearings on the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) where the municipality was expected to account for the R1.1 billion irregular expenditure for the 2023/24 financial year. The meeting had to be abandoned as the municipality has not had a mayor for more than six months and all Members of Exco were not in attendance.

Matshe said it is absurd that the provincial government placed the municipality under Section 139 (1{a}) and yet COGTA as the lead department has tolerated Kagisano-Molopo to operate in an illegal manner by not having a mayor or acting mayor for such a long period.

“This represents a total disregard of the law, total collapse of the accountability system and the creation of conditions conducive for corruption, fraud, maladministration and all forms of malfeasances. COGTA has to urgently attend to this matter without any further delays.

“We will not process an audit report of a municipality that is operating in an unlawful manner – no municipality should be allowed to operate without a mayor or any of the key office bearers,” he said.

Mathe further said Kagisano-Molopo appears to be in crisis as almost all of its senior managers are in an acting capacity, including the Municipal Manager. He added that, absence of a mayor or acting mayor means senior officials are not supervised and in the process they might be making decisions that are not guided.

The municipal speaker, Pretty Moirwagale confirmed before the Public Accounts Committee that the municipality has been operating without a mayor since December 2024.

“Our then mayor, Tshireletso Marabutse was on leave from December 2024 until March 2025 and an acting mayor was elected during that period. At the beginning of 2025, the council resolved to end the acting arrangements once the resignation of the substantive mayor was confirmed leading to us operating without a mayor.

“The municipal council needs to pass items that have to be presented by the mayor at the council sitting, an acting mayor is elected during council sitting and the acting is only for the duration of the council meeting,” he said.

Matshe said Moirwagale should within 48 hours compile a report regarding their failure to elect a mayor or acting mayor and formally bring this to the attention of the MEC for COGTA.

“We cannot continue to tolerate a situation where the people of Kagisano-Molopo are being undermined and allow gross disregard for the rule of law- a true democracy has to have consequences for those failing the people,” he said.

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CEO of a diamond-related Joint Venture and co-accused nabbed for fraud

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Picture: The largest diamond ever found

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 June 205- Mervyn Casterns, the CEO of Pulling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) was arrested on 26 June 2025 in Cape Town and appeared before the Belville court on 27 June 2025, on charges of fraud and the Contravention of the Diamond Act. Daniel Nathan, Kubentheran Moodley and Martha Rapetsoa were also arrested on Friday morning, 27 June 2025 in Gauteng and appeared before the Palm-Ridge Court on 27 June 2025 on the same charges.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Carstens’s matter was transferred from Belville to Palm-Ridge Court on 30 June 2025. Mamothame said Nathan was granted R100 000 bail, while Moodley and Rapetsoa were each granted R30 000 bail.

“Strict bail conditions were imposed, and the accused were ordered to report to their nearest police station once a week and handover their passports to the investigating officer.

“Their court appearance emanates from the contract awarded in 2015 to Scarlet Sky Investments 60 (SSI), which gave it exclusive rights to market and sell the diamonds produced by the PSJV, a joint venture between the Alexkor and the Richtersveld community,” he said.

Mamothame further said they allegedly acquired diamonds which they sold for gain for more than what SSI was entitled to in terms of the contract. He added that, several individuals and affiliated companies through the marketing tender allegedly acquired diamonds from sales conducted by Scarlet Sky for and on behalf of the PSJV for a period of over five years.

“This Alexkor investigation conducted by the NPA’’s IDAC, emanates from the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector Including organs of State,” said Mamothame.

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Crime Intelligence boss and co-accused in court for fraud and corruption

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Picture: The accused in a corruption and fraud case/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 June 2025- Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, who is the Divisional Commissioner in the Crime Intelligence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with six of his co-accused appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the appointment of an unqualified civilian in a senior post within the SAPS. Their court appearance follows their arrest on 26 June 2025 by the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 13 August 2025 for disclosure. Mamothame said Khumalo, Madondo, Lekalakala, Gabela, Ncube and Mokwele, were granted R10 000 bail each.

“They were ordered not to enter any premises of crime intelligence. Meanwhile, Lushaba will remain in custody as his matter is a Scheduled 6 Criminal Offence, owing to his pending case and such did not reflect in his affidavit presented to court for bail application.

“Khumalo is charged together with Major General Philani Lushaba (CFO at Crime Intelligence), Major General Nosipho Precious Madondo (Component Head of Intelligence Analysis and Co-ordination), Major General Josias Lekalaka (Gauteng Provincial Head: Crime Intelligence), Major General Zwelithini Gabela (Technical Management Services), Brigadier Phindile Ncube (Section Head: Personnel Security – Vetting and Brigadier Dineo Mokwele,” said Mamothame.

He further said their charges relate to the irregular employment of Mokwele in a senior ranking position of Brigadier in the Technical Support Services (TSS). Mamothame added that, it is alleged that Khumalo acting in common purpose with his co-accused, were involved in the irregular appointment of Mokwele.

“They are further accused of flouting the vetting process, which is critical in the appointment of senior officials within the SAPS, particularly the crime intelligence division which deals with sensitive and confidential information.

“This case forms part of IDAC’s broader mandate of investigating fraud and corruption within government entities to prevent state capture through these critical entities,” he said.

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Two men sentenced to 26 years imprisonment for dealing in drugs

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

27 June 2025- Two men sentenced to a combined 26 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for dealing in drugs. The duo, Mthobisi Dlamini (38), and Xolani Njoko (35), were arrested during an operation by Upington Public Order Police on 3 August 2024.

The ZF Mgcawu District spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said Dlamini and Njoko, appeared suspicious, while being spotted during patrols. Masegela said they were approached by SAPS members and apprehended subsequent attempting to discard the mandrax tablets and flee from the police.

“An undisclosed amount of cash was also found in their possession. They were both charged for dealing in drugs and during trial, the District Court Prosecutor, Tshifhiwa Muruba, argued that the offence is prevalent in the area and that drugs are destroying the community.

“Dlamini was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, while Njoko was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The investigating officer, Constable Zanele Matsietsa, was applauded for the meticulous investigation and the members of Upington POP for effecting the arrest,” she said.

Masegela further said the police remain steadfast and relentless in their efforts to rid the community of drugs. She said the management in ZF Mgcawu District welcomed the conviction.

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Six people nabbed for possession of 22 suspected stolen goats  

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Picture: Twenty two suspected stolen goats/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 June 2025 – Six people were arrested by the Mabeskraal Visible Policing members for stock-theft and possession of 22 suspected stolen goats worth R34 000. The accused briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, Katlego Rammekwa (19), Robert Moloto (30), Mthokosize Mkhize (38), Mzilikazi Khumalo (34), Thabo Moalosi (37) and Thapelo Motaung (27), were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 24 June 2025, in Makweleng Section, Mabeskraal village, outside Rustenburg.

Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off and allegedly stopped the accused’s vehicle at Makweleng Crossroad, then conducted a search and discovered 22 goats inside a trailer pulled by a silver Toyota Hilux single cab vehicle.

“The police arrested the accused after failing to account for the livestock and confiscated the vehicle and the trailer. All accused are expected to make a second court appearance on 8 July 2025, for a bail application and legal representation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, which is predominantly rural and agrarian had prioritised its operations to combat, prevent and detect widespread incidents of stock theft by strengthening crime prevention partnerships initiatives under the Community Policing and Rural Safety Strategies.

“The arrests of these suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen livestock, is therefore an affirmation of the importance and effectiveness of collaborative crime prevention partnerships. 

“While the arrest of the suspects is welcomed and appreciated, it is important to note and concede that the threat to food security and livelihoods posed by ubiquitous theft of livestock will only be addressed by arresting unscrupulous speculators, auctioneers, feedlot owners, abattoirs and other markets for stolen stock,” said Asaneng.

He said all of them are the real beneficiaries of this lucrative illicit economy.

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SA ratifies landmark women and youth protocol for inclusive trade

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27 June 2025- South Africa has taken a significant step in fostering inclusive growth by officially ratified the Protocol Women and Youth in Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

This was announced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who addressed the High-Level G20 Intergenerational Roundtable, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on Friday.

“This milestone is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a decisive policy action that signals our intent to mainstream gender and youth equity within intra-African trade policy.

“The protocol is significant because it operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. It mandates the removal of structural trade barriers, prioritises access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requires state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on the continent’s youthful population and noted that youth “remain on the margins of formal trade”.

Therefore, the protocol on women and youth will assist to “rewire trade systems to reflect demographic and developmental realities”.

“South Africa’s ratification means we are committed not only to advocating for inclusive trade but also to designing trade systems that are fit for purpose. This inclusion reinforces South Africa’s leadership role on the continent and supports the broader message of building youth capabilities for a developmental State.

“We understand that we need young people to meaningfully build capable, ethical, and developmental states. We must integrate youth into national and continental planning frameworks, not just as beneficiaries but also as co-architects of development,” he said.

Promoting inclusive growth

Mashatile emphasised that a “functioning and competent” government is needed if youth are to break free from marginalisation.

“Therefore, the first and most pressing priority of our government is the promotion of inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.

“The time has come for us to move beyond inclusion as a moral goal and make it a measurable outcome.

“In this regard, it is important for the economy to strengthen the viable pathways for youth inclusion. We have noted that young people complain about the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles they need to overcome to access services designed to support and scale their entrepreneurial effort,” Mashatile said.

He noted that a specialised unit has been established in the Presidency to address the business climate and address regulatory challenges.

“This team is adopting a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, engaging various government departments and entities to streamline processes and enable business growth.

“Key interventions in this regard will target the removal of administrative bottlenecks in strategic sectors. These include improvements to the mining licensing framework, facilitation of tourism transport permits, and streamlining of visa and work permit processes, as well as regulatory support for early childhood development services and the informal economy,” Mashatile said.

Furthermore, government will:

  • Anchor youth inclusion in every major pillar of our G20 Presidency, from climate finance and trade facilitation to digital transformation and skills mobility.
  • Institutionalise intergenerational co-leadership in governance frameworks, moving beyond consultation to shared power and shared design.
  • Work with regional and global partners to implement targeted reforms that enable young people to start businesses, access capital, and engage in cross-border trade.

“The developmental State we seek to build is not a theoretical construct; it must be a living architecture built on the capabilities, aspirations, and contributions of its young people.

“This roundtable has made one thing clear: youth are not merely beneficiaries of policy; they are builders of nations. We must now ensure that the decisions we take at multilateral forums reflect this truth. 

“Let the G20 remember that Africa is young. South Africa is ready, and we want young people to take the lead in the developmental and transformation agenda. The future is yours, and you are the future. Stand up, persevere, and confront every challenge with persistence. We are here to provide you with the support you need as you navigate this process,” the Deputy President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Two learners nabbed for ‘killing’ fellow learner

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 June 2025- Two learners from Lesedi Secondary School, Mlehalinye Montasi (20) doing Grade 12 and Kgotlhello Mathabathe (19) doing Grade 10, appeared at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court for a charge of premeditated murder for allegedly stabbing and killing a Grade 10 learner in the same school, Lethabo Mokonyane. It is alleged that on 17 June 2025, the deceased was at school after writing exams. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, while on his way to the gate, he met the two accused persons who started fighting with him.  Mahanjana said one of the accused persons apprehended him, while the other stabbed him with a sharp object twice in the stomach and on his back. 

“Thereafter they ran away. Mokonyane was then taken to hospital when he died a few hours later. After the brief appearance in court, the matter was postponed to 7 July 2025, for a Schedule 6 bail application. 

“The state intends to oppose their release on bail,” she said.

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LGACF assess progress in combating corruption

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 June 2025- The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum (LGACF) convened its quarterly meeting on Thursday, to assess progress in combating corruption and promoting ethical governance in municipalities across South Africa.

Established in September 2020 under the chairship of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and supported by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) as the Secretariat, the forum brings together key stakeholders from government, law enforcement, business and civil society to enhance collaboration in rooting out corruption at the local government level.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the meeting provided a platform for critical updates on ongoing investigations into fraud and corruption within municipalities, with progress reports presented by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI, also known as the Hawks).

Kganyago said these reports underscored the forum’s commitment to accountability and the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing malfeasance.

“Additionally, the steering committee shared updates on anti-corruption awareness and education initiatives, including workshops and training programmes for local government officials.

“These programmes focus on corruption prevention, ethics training, fraud risk assessments, and governance reforms, aligning with the broader objectives of the District Development Model (DDM),” he said.

Kganyago further said the LGACF has made significant strides since its inception, including improved collaboration between CoGTA, provincial governments, and law enforcement agencies in municipal investigations. He added that the forum has also facilitated targeted anti-corruption communication campaigns, strengthening partnerships between government and civil society to foster transparency and public trust.

“As the LGACF continues its work, it remains a vital platform for driving systemic change, ensuring that local government institutions serve communities with integrity and accountability.

“The forum’s efforts are crucial to restoring public confidence and advancing South Africa’s developmental goals, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2030,” said Kganyago.

He said the LGACF will continue to meet quarterly, with progress reports to be shared with relevant oversight bodies and the public when appropriate.

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Former Municipal Manager nabbed

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

27 June 2025- The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation has successfully executed a J50 warrant of arrest on 27 June 2025, in Grobblershoop. This comes after the Hawks in Northern Cape, arrested the former Municipal Manager of Kheis Local Municipality, Joseph Floyd Leeuw (58), for alleged Contravention of Section 13A and related sub-sections of the Pension fund Act 24 of 1956, with 30 counts of the said contravention.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Leeuw is alleged to have failed to pay over pension deductions of the period October 2019 to June 2022 over to Consolidated Retirement Pension Fund (CFR). Thebe said failure to pay resulted in late payment interests to balloon to R8 545 980.

“Leeuw made a brief appearance before Grobblershoop Magistrate’s Court immediately after his arrest and he was released on R4000 bail. The matter was postponed to 5 August 2025,” he said.

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Taung Rehab Centre opens its doors for ‘druggies’

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Picture: North West Department of Social Development’s acting HOD, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele visiting Taung Treatment Centre to monitor the admission of the first group of clients with substance use disorders/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

27 June 2025- Admission of clients with substance use disorder commenced at the second state-run treatment centre in Taung on Thursday. Seven men service users were admitted at the centre to undergo a two months rehabilitation process.

Leading a team of officials from the North West Department of Social Development, Health and Greater Taung Local Municipality, the acting Head of Department (HoD), Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele visited the centre to monitor the admission of the first group of substance users.

“This day is very important to us. We are admitting the first group of service users during the day that the country observes the annual international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“We are making a mark today as the department of social development in the scourge of substance abuse. We would like to express our gratitude to the stakeholders who made it possible to ensure that the centre becomes operational in the current financial year,” said Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.

She further indicated that the collaboration between her department and the Department of Health in the province is not a dream, but a clear testimony that the District Development Model (DDM) is a real service delivery machinery. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele added that the treatment centre, which is situated within Taung District Hospital premises, is being established to meet the growing demand for inpatient rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals affected by substance use disorders in various communities.

“The state-run treatment centre has ten beds for female and ten male service users. The centre obtained its occupancy certificate in April this year. It is conditionally registered for a period of 12 months in line with the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008.

“Since 2018, officials at the centre have rendered community based services to clients with substance use disorders to the entire Dr Ruth Segomotsi District. Their services include screening of clients, counselling of individuals and families at various homes, referral of clients with dual diagnosis to psychiatric wards for treatment and conducting awareness campaigns on substance abuse,” she said.

Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said in pursuit of rending effective rehabilitation services to clients with substance use disorders, the North West Department of Social Development is still to sign a memorandum of understanding with the department of health.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Manager at Taung District Hospital, Rebeccah Setona, said their hospital has been rendering services to clients in accordance with pieces of legislation governing the provision of health services. Outlining their admission procedure, Setona indicated that clients who require detoxification prior to rehabilitation must present themselves to their nearest Community Health Centre or as outpatients at the nearest primary care level.

“Patients should apply voluntarily to receive care, treatment and rehabilitation at the health establishment. As soon as they are done with diagnosis and detoxification, they refer the clients to the department of social development for rehabilitation,” she said.

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