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.
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.
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.
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.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training session
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 June 2025 – African champions Banyana Banyana have finally settled in Morocco following a more than 24-hour long journey from Johannesburg that included delayed flights and a lay-over in Ghana. The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team departed from OR Tambo International Airport on 24 June 2025 and arrived in Morocco on 25 June 2025, to conclude their final preparations ahead of the start of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is scheduled to be staged from 5-26 July 2025.
Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said: “It was a long and tiring trip, but we have arrived and nicely settled in, and we managed to have our first training session. The South Africans are currently in Casablanca for the final leg of preparations and will move to their base camp in Oujda on 3 July 2025.
“This is the first time Banyana Banyana returns to the North African country since they were crowned continental champions in July 2022. It’s a new place where we arrived, but it’s still Morocco. It’s very exciting to be here to finally get started.”
Ellis said there is a big tournament coming up and they have to be ready for it. She further said they are looking forward to the upcoming days to continue with their preparations.
Banyana Banyana opens the defence of their title against Ghana on 7 July with Tanzania next on their radar in 11 July 2025. They will conclude their Group C matches with a fixture against Mali on 14 July.
Honneur Stadium in Oujda will host the group stage matches.
Meanwhile, Ellis announced a squad of 26 players on Monday and will name the final 21 closer to the start of the top women’s football continental championship.
Jermaine Seoposenwe and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana will join the Senior Women’s National team in Morocco from their respective clubs.
Picture: The Orbit College FC player against Vape Town City player in a match/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 June 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he wishes the newly-promoted team, Orbit College Football Club well following their promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League. This comes after Mswenko Boys as Orbit College FC is affectionately known, defeated Cape Town City 1-0 on Wednesday at the packed and electrifying Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
Mokgosi said Mswenko Boys demonstrated courage and resilience throughout the campaign.
“We witnessed a remarkable performance by Orbit College FC, which guarantees them a spot in the Premier Soccer League. As a province, we congratulate them on this historic victory which epitomises resilience and courage but further gives impetus to our ongoing efforts to set our province on a path of growth and development.
“The provincial government will explore various ways and means to support the team in the forthcoming PSL season, as well as partnering with the private sector to guarantee its success,” he said.
Mokgosi further said the private sector and in particular mining houses around the Bojanala area will have to be roped in to assist the team through various means to ensure its sustainability and growth. He added that the success of the team will yield different economic spin-offs for locals.
“This promotion will culminate into the creation of various economic opportunities for the people of the North West and in particular the tourism and retail sector. It further impresses upon us to prioritise the refurbishment of infrastructure such as our stadiums and training facilities,” said Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the North West Sports Confederation president, Thebe Sekoto said the promotion of Orbit College to the Betway Premiership is more than just a big win in football. Sekoto said it is a proud and important moment for the North West.
“What started as a small college football team has now become one of the top clubs in the country. Their fast rise from the lower leagues to the top division has excited fans across the North West and brought back hope and pride to the province.
“This moment is important not only for the team, but for the whole community. Teams like Orbit are more than just football clubs. They create jobs, bring in investment, help young people grow and bring people together. Promotion is not just a prize, it is a chance to improve our communities,” he said.
Sekoto said having a North West team in the Premiership again puts the province back on the national stage. He said he believes this proves the province is ready to host big events, grow young talent and take part in major sports conversations.
“This achievement means two big things. For Orbit College, it shows how a small team with big dreams and hard work can reach the top. For the province, it supports the idea that sports can help build better communities and boost the local economy.
“The North West has waited for years to have a team in the top league again. Now, with Orbit’s success, that dream has come true. Their story, built on discipline, planning and belief, shows what can happen when talent is given a chance,” he said.
Picture: A policeman. Sergeant David Smous nabbed for corruption/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 June 2025- A police officer (46) attached to Potchefstroom Detectives was arrested for corruption during an undercover operation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on 25 June 2025. It is alleged that a Crime Combating Unit (CCU) member was driving a state motor vehicle when it collided with a private motor vehicle in February 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, as the Investigating Officer, Sergeant David Smous, allegedly solicited R10 000 in exchange for dropping the case. Mokgwabone said investigations conducted after the matter was reported to the ACIU.
“This led to the arrest of Smous. He was granted R2000 bail upon appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2025. The corruption case was postponed until 17 July 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that, Smous is deeply disappointing, disgraceful and an insult to the image, trust and reputation of the SAPS, his colleagues and his family. Asaneng said his arrest should send a strong message to his ilk that they do not have a place in the SAPS and in the community.
“This abominable conduct will not and must not be countenanced and will be subjected to the harshest form of punishment in order to send a strong warning and message to those who decide to sell their souls, dishonour and denigrate their oath of office through greed and corruption.
“I would like to caution that, corrupt tendencies that cause reputational damage to the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Picture: Some of boxes of illicit cigarettes seized/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 June 2025- The police seized illicit cigarettes worth R2.8 million in a shop at Groblershoop. This comes after members of Upington Border Police received a tip-off on 23 June 2025 regarding illicit cigarettes being sold at a shop in Groblershoop, as well as alleged storage premises, where a load of cigarettes for the mentioned shop was offloaded for storage.
The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the premises were confirmed through crime intelligence and a search warrant was obtained. Masegela said on 25 June 2025, a buy and bust operation was conducted with the assistance of Upington K9 Unit and Customs.
“Upon searching the said premises, the police discovered
110 master cases, 68 cartons, and 46 packets of cigarettes valued at approximately R2.8 million were seized and handed over to customs for further investigation,” she said.
Picture: Bags of copper cables discovered/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 June 2025 – As part of an inter-provincial cross-border operation, police in the Northern Cape confiscated suspected stolen copper cables valued at approximately R250 000 from a farm, near Kuruman. The operation was conducted on 24 June 2025, at approximately 10:30am, following a tip-off received regarding the presence of suspected stolen copper cable on the premises.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the SAPS Provincial Second-Hand Goods Office, in collaboration with the Provincial and John Taolo Gaetsewe District Essential Infrastructure Task Teams, MTN, Transnet, and the Second-Hand Goods units from Kuruman and Kathu Police Stations, responded swiftly.
Kock said upon arrival, police allegedly discovered several bags of suspected stolen copper cable valued at approximately R250 000.
“A case of damage to essential infrastructure has been opened. Although no arrests have been made at this stage, police investigations are ongoing. Additionally, the police found more bags containing copper cable estimated at R30 000 in value.
“The day-to-day manager of the premises was issued with a R3 500 fine for contravening the Second-Hand Goods Act, Act 6 of 2009. The operations, conducted between 24 and 26 June 2025 in Kuruman and Kathu, also included compliance inspections at various second-hand goods dealers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all stakeholders involved for their dedication. She emphasized that the protection of essential infrastructure remains a top priority for the SAPS, and assured that every effort will be made to bring offenders to justice. Otola said the public is urged to report any information relating to similar crimes by contacting SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app.
“All information will be treated with strict confidentiality,” she said.
26 June 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Andrew Whitfield from his position as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). Ramaphosa thanked Whitfield for the time he served in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
According to the Presidency, his removal was in accordance with Section 93(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Presidency has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale Cabinet reshuffle.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ramaphosa after ‘unjust’ firing of Whitfield.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, yesterday, Ramaphosa put South Africa’s future at stake. Steenhuisen said shortly before cabinet met yesterday, he informed him that, he intends to remove Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“I requested 24-hours to speak to Whitfield and my party. However, before I could even do so, just three hours later, Whitfield received a letter informing him of his removal. The apparent reason for this sudden and ill-considered decision is that Whitfield did not obtain permission to travel abroad earlier this year.
“But, the facts contradict even this flimsy reasoning. In fact, on 12 February 2025, Whitfield had written to the President requesting permission to travel to the United States, as required by the Ministerial Handbook,” he said.
Steenhuisen further said, ten days later, he had still not received any response from the presidency, and departed on the trip. He added that Whitfield subsequently wrote to the President to apologise if it caused offence.
“Again, he received no response. Then yesterday, months after the incident and without a further word on it, the President unilaterally removed a DA Deputy Minister without even giving his largest coalition partner the courtesy of discussing the issue.
“According to the President’s spokesperson, this move is also not part of a broader reshuffle. There is no other conclusion to be drawn than that this is a calculated political assault on the second-largest party in the governing coalition,” said Steenhuisen.
He said to make matters even worse, this drastic unilateral action appears to be the product of a flagrant double standard. Steenhuisen alleged that, while a DA Deputy Minister is removed for not getting a response to seeking permission to travel, Thembi Simelane remains in cabinet despite being implicated in the VBS looting.
“Nobuhle Nkabane remains in cabinet, despite apparently misleading Parliament over an attempt to deploy corrupt cadres to SETA boards. Serial underperformers, as well as people implicated in state capture, continue to sit around the cabinet table.
“Instead of being summarily fired, Simelane was merely asked to submit a “report” on the allegations against her to the President and moved to another portfolio. In the past, even Ministers who had serious Public Protector findings were merely admonished or had their pay docked,” he said.
Steenhuisen alleged that David Mahlobo is implicated in the most serious corruption by the state capture commission, yet he continues in the position as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. He said yet a DA Deputy Minister is dismissed with the flimsiest of excuses.
“The people of South Africa are expected to accept that the likes of Simelane, Nkabane and Mahlobo are protected, while Andrew Whitfield is removed? But perhaps there is something even deeper at play here. Like all DA Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Andrew Whitfield was succeeding at his job.
“He had opposed an attempt to make suspect appointments, he was standing in the way of the looting that will follow from the Transformation Fund – and all of this in a department mired in corruption allegations involving the tender for the National Lottery,” said Steenhuisen.
He said given this flagrant double standard, one is left with no choice but to conclude that hardworking DA Members of the Executive are now being fired for fighting corruption, not for committing corruption. Steenhuisen said DA Ministers and Deputies are said to be good at their jobs, rather than being incompetent.
The Guardian 