26 June 2025-The police in Mmabatho are investigating a murder case. This comes after a burnt body of a woman was found in the open field along the Vryhof road, near Mmabatho on 25 June 2025. According to the police, they found the body with pieces of burnt tyres around the neck and waist.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the investigation into the matter continues and the police request anyone with information that can assist in resolving of this mystery to contact the Investigating Officers, Captain Ompolokile Letebele on 082 416 3749 or Sergeant Pitso Kgetsana on 079 8971858. Mokgwabone said the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop can be called on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App. Information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he has instructed that a thorough investigation be done following an apparent act of vigilantism. Asaneng warned that acts of vigilantism should not and will not be tolerated lest anarchy and lawlessness are allowed to replace law, order and peaceful co-existence amongst the community.
“Extra judicial killings, regardless of the complaints or allegations of wrongful conduct, threaten the authority of the state and the credibility of the entire criminal justice system to maintain public order and to enforce the law.
“Barbarism and brutality should never be excused, countenanced and be justified under any circumstances and the police must act swiftly and decisively to restore public trust, confidence and respect for the rule of law by all,” concluded Asaneng.
26 Seetebosigo 2025- Lekawana le le latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, le tlhotse le atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, morago ga go ipona molato. Mmolai, Simon Molale (22), one a tshwarwa morago ga go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (21) ka thipa ka ngwaga wa 2024.
Go ya ka mongwe o boneng ka matlho, Molale, one a tlhabakaka Medichane, mme a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo fa a bona batho. Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.
“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”
Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West calls on the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Russell Dial, to summon the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, before the committee to report on the plan and progress made in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province.
The DA is concerned over the alarming delay and lack of preparedness demonstrated by MEC Sambatha and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in responding to the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province.
The DA spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Provincial Legislature Jóhni Steenkamp who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) said, despite the FMD outbreak being confirmed as early as 16 June 2025, the provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) only convened its first meeting on 23 June 2025, more than a week later.
“This unacceptable delay in activating the JOC has put our province’s livestock industry at serious risk, undermined containment efforts, and exposed devastating gaps in provincial biosecurity protocols. This is not just an administrative oversight; this is a failure of leadership.
“Moreover, it has come to our attention through credible sources that farms placed under quarantine were allowed to move livestock without consequence and shockingly, some were quarantined without the department first establishing how many animals were on-site,” he said.
Steenkamp further said clearly the department cannot even perform the most basic functions of record-keeping and enforcement, let alone manage an outbreak. He added that the National Department of Agriculture, under Minister John Steenhuisen, has demonstrated urgency and decisive action in coordinating a national response, including the rollout of over 900 000 vaccine doses and tightening animal movement regulations.
“However, Sambatha continues to fall short in matching that momentum at provincial level. He must be held accountable for the administrative chaos and complacency that have defined his department’s response to this outbreak. The farmers of the North West deserve better.
“The DA demands urgent action and will not sit back while provincial inaction jeopardises the livelihoods of farmers, the provincial economy, and our biosecurity standards,” said Steenkamp.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said his department was alerted by a Private Veterinarian, who had visited the farm and saw suspicious signs. Sambatha said the State Veterinarian collected samples, which were sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) to test for the disease.
“Another incident was first detected at an abattoir in Madibeng. The clinical signs of the affected animals were missed at ante-mortem inspection but were detected on the slaughter line during the Meat Inspection process. Tissue samples were sent to the laboratory and the results came back confirming both SAT 2 and SAT 3 types of the virus.
“The unslaughtered animals were escorted back to the farm of origin, a feedlot in Ventersdorp, through a Red Cross permit. Both farms linked to the outbreak have been put under quarantine, prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products,” he said.
Sambatha said his department has identified all the farms that are linked to the Gauteng outbreak and are being sampled for testing to confirm if they are positive or not. He said all such farms have also been put under precautionary quarantine until the test results are back.
Picture: Former MKP Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 June 2025- The Director of North West University’s School of Government Studies, Professor Kedibone Phago said the former Secretary-General of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Floyd Shivambu’s political ambitions to succeed needs a focused, clearly defined strategy. Phago said Shivambu is enigmatic and erratic, bold and belligerent.
He further said Shivambu walks the line between chaos and command like few other South African politicians do, with both his detractors and supporters asking: What is next for Floyd? Phago added that as has become the norm, Shivambu has recently evoked the ire of yet another of his political homes – the MK Party (MKP) – when he publicly stated his intentions to investigate the possibility of establishing a new political party.
“This followed his removal as Secretary-General of the MKP, accusations that he was planning to oust MKP founder and former president Jacob Zuma, and fallout with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. All of this came in the wake of his very public stints and spats with the ANC Youth League and his defection from the EFF after serving as its Deputy President.
“Shivambu’s departure from the EFF to join the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) was unexpected and runs counter-to-conventional political logic. From what we’ve observed, his exit appears to be strategically motivated, not merely by a desire to align with Jacob Zuma, but possibly to undermine Julius Malema’s EFF,” he said.
Phago said in his recent media briefing, Shivambu branded the EFF a ‘cult’ and even after stepping down as MKP’s Secretary-General and declining a Member of Parliament (MP) offer, he chose to maintain his MKP membership. He said that suggests he is keeping his foothold while preparing to launch a new political platform.
“Shivambu’s social media activity implies he is testing the waters for a new party that reflects his ideological leanings. But the barriers to entry in South Africa’s current political arena are formidable: smaller parties often struggle to gain traction or sustain themselves.
“For Shivambu to succeed, he needs a clearly defined ideological positioning and a robust strategy. He is distancing himself from both the EFF and MKP, yet remains firmly on the left. His appeal may lie among disenchanted EFF and MKP supporters, with marginal EFF–ANC crossover,” said Phago.
He said, however, without a solid base, he faces an uphill climb in future elections. Phago said practically speaking, Shivambu might be better served by joining an existing party to consolidate influence – unless he can build a strong voter base that directly challenges.
“Achieving early success in those contests will be critical to any credible bid for 2029. Shivambu is embarking on a perilous political path. His future hinges on whether he can translate ambition into a sustainable alternative. Failure to do so could spell a lasting setback for his career.
“If he continues down the same path as before, he might well be anointed South Africa’s King of Political Chaos. That said, hasn’t he already?”
Picture: One of Orbit College FC fans welcoming them to Betway Premiership
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 June 2025- Congratulatory messages continue to pour in after Orbit College FC’s historical promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League yesterday. The Mswenko Boys as Orbit College FC is affectionately known, had a hard fought 1-0 win against Cape Town City FC at the packed Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West Province has also extended its warmest congratulations to the team on their remarkable achievement. The party said this is a watershed ticket to form part of the South Africa’s Premier Soccer League.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said Orbit College FC historic victory marks their rise from the Motsepe Foundation League to the Premiership in just two seasons, but also ends the province’s seven-year absence from the division of football’s biggest names. Maruping said this not only marks a moment of immense pride for the people of the North West, but also demonstrates the power of sport in uplifting communities, inspiring youth, and building social cohesion.
“Orbit College FC has become a shining example of dedication, discipline, and resilience, real qualities that reflect the spirit of our province. We commend the club’s management, technical team, players, and supporters for their hard work and unwavering commitment.
“This success speaks volumes about the talent and potential existing in our townships and rural communities when given the necessary support and development opportunities,” he said.
Maruping further said as the ANC, they are proud of the club’s roots in education and youth empowerment. He added that they view this milestone as a testament to the value of investing in grassroots sport.
“Orbit College FC’s promotion reaffirms our belief that North West can become a hub for sporting excellence in South Africa. We urge our government, the private sector and communities to rally behind the team, as they embark on this new and challenging journey in the Betway Premiership,” said Maruping.
He urged the people of North West to stand united in support and ensure that the team continues to flourish and represent the province with dignity and distinction.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party Student Movement provincial convenor, Tswellopele Senne shared the same sentiments. Senne said they celebrate the hard work and commitment of both the players and coaching staff, who have made the province proud by competing on the national stage against esteemed teams such as Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
“Your victory not only reflects the talent within our region, but serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the North West. We urge local business leaders and entrepreneurs to rally behind the Orbit College FC as they embark on this exciting journey in the PSL.
“Your support can make a significant difference in their preparation and competitiveness at this elite level, fostering a culture of sporting excellence and teamwork throughout our communities,” he said.
Setshwantsho-papiso- Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa nageng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
26 Seetebosigo 2025- Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa sekgweng kwa motseng wa Kudunkgwane, gaufi le Ganyesa ka di 10 Seetebosigo 2025. Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa se belaela fa marapo ao, a ka tswa ele a lekgarebe le le magareng ga dingwaga di le 20 le 30.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone o tlhalositse fa go fitlhetswe meriri e logilweng (plaited braids) gaufi le marapo ao. Mokgwabone are sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso kgotsa mongwe wa lelapa o timetseng go ka ikgolaganya le mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Detective Constable Allen Moyo mo dinomorong tsa mogala eleng 071 423 2669.
25 June 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed presentations on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget estimates of the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The Compensation Fund and UIF are entities of the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Boyce Maneli said they encouraged them to work in a coordinated manner together with sister entities within the portfolio, such as the Supported Employment Enterprises. Maneli said the committee believes that there is a minimal impact when the department and its entities work in silos on skills training and programmes to empower people living with disabilities.
“The committee has directed the UIF to put measures in place to monitor and evaluate the impact made through its Labour Activation Programme. This programme is the department’s initiative to minimise unemployment and stimulate job creation through skills development and financial assistance to employers and employees through the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS); it is implemented through the UIF.
“The committee has encouraged the Compensation Fund and UIF to strengthen their ICT infrastructure to improve the turnaround time on benefit payments and minimise queues at service centres,” he said.
Having been briefed on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and the medium-term expenditure framework of the department and its entities, Maneli further said they will now meet on 27 June 2025, to consider its 2025 budget vote report.
25 June 2025- The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade said it has called on the Department of Employment and Labour to give careful thought to what it aims to achieve through the review of South Africa’s labour legislation. This comes after the department informed the committee that it intends to review and amend approximately six pieces of labour legislation – a process that has already commenced at Cabinet level.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Sonja Boshoff said on Wednesday, the department presented its strategic plan and annual performance plan to the committee. Boshoff emphasised that the review of labour legislation must take into account the country’s stagnant economy and soaring unemployment rate.
“Any review or future amendment to labour legislation must be practical and responsive to the realities faced by small players in the economy. Legislation must serve as an enabler for job creation and economic growth.
“In today’s South Africa, we should be preoccupied with reducing red tape and moving away from race-based policy positions. This is not to suggest that the economic empowerment of the previously disadvantaged should be abandoned, but rather that we must rethink our priorities and focus on the broader population – not just the politically connected,” she said.
Boshoff further said the legislative review process must unlock economic participation, particularly for emerging and marginalised market players. She added that, they will not tire in advocating for conditions that make it easier to do business and that create opportunities for deserving and competent individuals.
“It is truly ironic that labour legislation, which should be designed to protect and promote employment, is in some cases the very reason job creation is being stifled. We still owe it to South Africans to empower both job seekers and potential employers alike,” said Boshoff.
25 June 2025- The Orbit College FC coach, Pogiso Makhoye who guided his team to promotion to South Africa’s top-flight after beating Cape Town City FC 1-0 at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday said, even though it was hard, they managed through discipline, dedication and determination. Makhoye said their promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) is a momentous achievement as they started this journey 15 years ago.
“The promotion highlights the culmination of effort, strategic planning and a strong team identity. It was difficult and when we played Durban City FC, I thought we would not make it, but with the grace of God, here we are.
“So, I would like to thank Mr Mosito. When we started this team 15 years ago, he was the man who was behind me. I would also like to thank Nkosana and Mpume Khoza for always guiding me. They are my mentors and they believed in me,” he said.
Makhoye further said they always believed that, one day they will make history. He added that they signed players in January 2025, to bring experience because they were the second best team in the ABC Motsepe League.
“Truly speaking, we deserve to be here. We took Durban City FC toe-to-toe to the last day and we knew this was our moment. We would also like to thank the people of Bokone Bophirima for rallied behind us.
“I always wanted to promote this team to the elite league. I said to my players that, every time when I opened the scripture, it spoke about Moses, now today I am that Moses who takes Israelites from Egypt to the land of honey, which is Canaan,” said Makhoye.
He also congratulated his players.
Meanwhile, the Cape Town City FC coach, Roger De Sa said: “We created scoring opportunities, but we did not use them. Truly, we had many chances, but we gave them away. So, I guess this is what it is.
“This is a horrible situation we have found ourselves in since the start of the season. We created many chances, but we did not take them.”
25 June 2025- The accused, Tebogo Vincent Mashabe (38) representing Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd and in his personal capacity together with his wife, Refilwe Fancy Mashabe (39), briefly appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of fraud and money laundering. The pair was arrested by the Hawks Mmabatho Serious Commercial Crime Unit.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NOA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said their arrest comes after a thorough investigation between South African Revenue Services (SARS) and DPCI as guided by the Specialised Tax Unit through the Jan Vas Project. Gunya said this project involves a fraud syndicate that operates in the North West, Gauteng North, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
“The syndicate has been defrauding SARS of huge amounts of money through submitting fraudulent VAT returns. The syndicate used companies that are registered at SARS as taxpayers. The companies used tax practitioners and accountants as e-filers for the companies.
“The court heard that Tebogo is the sole director of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, which was registered as a company on 14 February 2012. This company further registered with SARS for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT). Tebogo also registered with SARS for e-filing.
“The state alleges that the e-filing profile of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd was frequently accessed by Tebogo Mashabe, the tax practitioner, and the accountant in submitting fraudulent VAT returns from 8 December 2012 to 24 August 2021. A total of eleven fraudulent VAT returns were submitted to SARS during this period and a total amount of R3 million was claimed through the fraudulent VAT returns.
“A sum of R2 million was paid by SARS in the bank accounts of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd. Investigations revealed that immediately after SARS made a transfer of a sum of money relating to the fraudulent claim to Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, Tebogo would redirect the money to his personal bank account, his wife’s bank account (Fancy Mashabe) and six other accounts,” he said.
Gunya further said the money would then be used on items that have nothing to do with the business of the company. He added that both accused were granted bail set at R10,000 each with normal bail conditions that they should not interfere with investigations or witnesses and leave the country.
“The case has been adjourned to 30 September 2025, for the arrest of other suspects,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended the collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) that culminated in the accused’s court appearance.
The Guardian 