Daily Archives: July 2, 2025

Three City of Tshwane officials nabbed for theft

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 July 2025- Three City of Tshwane officials, Sphiwe Kleinbooy Mahlangu (45) from Soshanguve, Thomas Baloi (41) from Pretoria North and Daniel Kubayi (50) from Hammanskraal, appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court. They are facing a charge of theft of essential infrastructure transformer worth R7 million.

It is alleged that on 7 November 2024, in the afternoon, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and the police received a tip-off regarding a theft that was taking place at Claudius Substation in Laudium. When they arrived at the scene they found cranes, trucks, and a City of Tshwane-marked truck at the substation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said when the police requested proof of work authorization and it could not be produced, eleven people were arrested on the scene and ten were later released from police custody. Mahanjana said Madimetja Jacob Malebane (38) a City of Tshwane official who was also arrested on the day appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on 28 November 2024 and was released on bail.

“During investigations by the police, it was found that Mahlangu, Baloi, and Kubayi left the scene before the police arrived. Warrants of arrest were issued and the three accused were arrested at their workplaces on 1 July 2025.

“The matter was postponed to 4 July 2025, for a Schedule 5 bail application. The three are remanded in custody,” she said.

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Land Reform Commission bids farewell to Lengane Bogatsu

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Picture: Chief Director: Former Land Restitution Support – North West, Lengane Bogatsu

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 July 2025- The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights in the North West said it extends its heartfelt farewell to Lengane Bogatsu, who has served with distinction as Chief Director: Land Restitution Support – North West. This comes after Bogatsu was appointed as the new Head of the North West Department of Education —an esteemed role in which he is expected to continue his legacy of ethical leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.

The acting Regional Land Claims Commissioner in North West, advocate Kenneth Matukane said during Bogatsu’s tenure with the Commission, he played a pivotal role in advancing the land restitution agenda with integrity, foresight, and a profound sensitivity to the historical injustices and socio-economic realities of land dispossession in South Africa. Matukane said Bogatsu has led with clarity and purpose, ensuring that land claimants not only received what was rightfully theirs but that the process was conducted with dignity and fairness.

“His departure marks the end of a powerful chapter for us, but we are proud to see him take on a new leadership role in the province. The Commission in the North West recorded notable progress in the finalisation of land claims under Bogatsu’s leadership.

“He forged strong partnerships with traditional leaders, farming communities, and intergovernmental stakeholders—ensuring that land restitution served not only as redress but as a catalyst for sustainable development,” he said.

Matukane further said his people-centred and collaborative leadership style was particularly evident in his efforts to support post-settlement development, ensuring that land beneficiaries were equipped with the necessary support services to thrive. He added that, while the Commission marks the departure of a dedicated and principled leader, it also celebrates this important milestone in Bogatsu’s career.

“We are confident that he will bring the same spirit of service and justice to the education sector as he did to land reform. Our province is fortunate to retain his leadership within the public service.

“The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights – North West extends its sincere gratitude to Bogatsu for his exemplary service and leadership, and wishes him continued success in his new role,” said Matukane.

Meanwhile, Bogatsu said: “Restitution is about more than returning hectares—it’s about restoring identity, opportunity, and hope. I am humbled to have been part of that journey with the Commission.”

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Embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality aims to revitalise local economy

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Picture: Ditsobotla Local Municipality office buildings in Lichtenburg North West Province

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 July 2025- The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality held a workshop to review its Local Economic Development (LED) strategy with the purpose of ensuring that the economic potential of the municipality is maximized and the resilience of the macro-economic growth is enhanced through increased local economic growth, employment creation and development initiatives within the context of sustainable development.

The three-day workshop held from 24 until 26 June 2025, was successfully attended by all Ditsobotla Intergovernmental Relations stakeholders. The workshop was held at Afrisam Boardroom and was attended by SALGA, DEDECT, NWPTB, COGTA, STATSSA, NWDC, MISA, NWKSMMEs from the Municipality.

The Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Molefe Morutse, the Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane, and the Senior Managers were also in attendance. Mortise said the workshop was initiated subsequent to the municipality, realizing that its LED strategy was adopted in 2016 and had since not been reviewed to ensure that it aligns with the economic changes of the country.

“Therefore, the 2016 LED strategy is outdated and no longer meaningful. The event was a historic milestone because it signified the municipality’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development within its jurisdiction

“The workshop is a clear public declaration of the municipality’s priorities and a call to action for different stakeholders to participate in the implementation of the strategy, to allow and encourage local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents within Ditsobotla,” he said.

Morutse further said workshop was facilitated by officials from the Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE) from Ethekwini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal Province. He added that, workshop focuses on the pillars of economic development and was subdivided into the Commissions on Transport & Infrastructure, Mining & Manufacturing, Information Communications Technology & Business Enterprise, and Tourism & Agriculture.

“These commissions presented to the workshop the feedback on their discussions on the last day of the workshop. We would like to thank all the participants who contributed to the success of the workshop irrespective of the challenges they had to come across.

“We have done it even though it was impossible to hold the workshop. We also urge everybody to continue to contribute to the positive change of the municipality,” he said.

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JST implement electronic appointments

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Picture: Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 July 2025- The Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg said it is implementing the electronic appointment system, which aims to expedite service delivery through timeous retrieval of files. The hospital said this will also result in the Records Department operating 24 hours with effect from 14 July 2025.

The hospital acting CEO, Ellen Moromane this is to reduce duplicate files and adhere to waiting time. Moromane said the hospital is appealing to patients to honour scheduled appointment dates on their appointment cards.

“Patients are advised to adhere to their appointment dates, as failure to do so will result in rescheduling. The hospital is committed to provision of quality health services and honouring scheduled appointments will attain such.

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SAPS lambasts North West Times publication for ‘irresponsible’ reporting

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By OBAKENG MAJE

2 July 2025- The police in North West has refuted allegations that, truck drivers are under attack in Wolmaradtad. This comes after the North West Times publication, published a post on its Facebook page warning motorists to be cautious.

However, the North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said they are aware of that social media post circulating and indicating that truck drivers are under attack. Manyoba warned that, the post was not issued by or on behalf of the SAPS.  

“The media post is baseless and without any credible information. As such, the SAPS would like to reassure the general public, truck operators as well as the business community that posts such as this one should not be taken seriously, but also that those who maliciously disseminate or spread information that is false and unverified, will be dealt with harshly.

“What these individuals are not aware of is that these false information or posts have serious repercussions on stability and particularly economic, not only of Wolmaransstad, but also of the country at large and the N12 arterial national road, which services provinces like Limpopo, Gauteng, Northen Cape, North West and Western Cape,” she said.

Manyoba further said the police want to reassure the residents of Wolmaransstad, including business operators that their premises and business will not be allowed to be used by thugs or criminals to cause mayhem, intimidation, and robberies. She added that, this regard, they are calling upon the community through the Community Police Forum (CPF), Business Against Crime (BAC), as well as other civil society structures in and around Wolmaransstad to work with the police to report any act of crime or criminality.

“It is important that strong Public Private Partnership be established to prevent and combat crime,” said Manyoba.        

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Two men nabbed for kidnapping and suspected stolen vehicle

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 July 2025- The accused, Klaas Makobela (39) and Olekeng Lerefolo (46) are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’Court 7 July 2025, following their arrest on 28 June 2025. The accused were charged with possession of a suspected robbed or stolen motor vehicle, which was initially reported in a case of kidnapping in Extension 11, Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom on Saturday evening, 21 June 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the pair will face charges of kidnapping and robbery after the police Task Team established to investigate the incident managed to locate a victim (30), who escaped from their clutches without his vehicle. Manyoba said it was reported that they kept him hostage in a house in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp, for days while making several ATM withdrawals from his bank account.

“The police investigations on the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping are on-going and the possibility of further charges or more arrests cannot be ruled out.

“Thankfully, given previous incidents of kidnapping that ended in the tragic loss of lives, the victim was found unharmed as this is largely due to the swift reporting by the victim’s family and the police’s decisive response,” she said.

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Two police officers nabbed for murder

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 July 2025- Two police officers, Sergeant Piet Matsoso (38) and Sergeant Siyabonga Kunene (31), stationed at Evaton Police Station, appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court alongside their friend, Hofney Morobe (36). The trio faces charges of murder of police officer Constable Gift Mokoena, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the ends of justice, and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

It is alleged that on the evening of 16 May 2021, the two police officers were off duty and driving around the Golden Gardens area with Morobe. They spotted a vehicle suspected of involvement in a house robbery and began pursuing it. The car stopped at a nearby BP petrol station, where the accused confronted and allegedly assaulted the four occupants.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said after the assault, they took one of the complainants’ cellphone and car keys from one of the complainants. Mahanjana said Morobe, accompanied by Matsoso and Kunene, allegedly drove the victims around before handing them over to members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“It is further alleged that during this time, Morobe and Mokoena, who had joined the community members, began to assault the victims. In the midst of the assault, Morobe allegedly walked away from the group, took Matsoso’s service firearm from the vehicle, and fatally shot Mokoena.

“The victim was rushed to Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, where he succumbed to his injuries. The accused handed themselves over to Sebokeng Police Station on 30 June 2025,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the bail application, the state did not oppose their release. She added that prosecutor submitted an affidavit by the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Nyongwana, confirming the accused’s cooperation with police, their verified addresses, and their voluntary surrender.

“The affidavit further indicated that the investigation is complete and that the witnesses are not known to the accused people, therefore posing no risk of interference.

“The court granted bail of R1000 each with no additional conditions. The matter was postponed to 4 September 2025 for a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for fraud

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Picture: The accused, Patrick Segalo/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 July 2025- The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Molopo has sentenced Patrick Segalo (52) to direct imprisonment following his conviction on seven counts of fraud and seven counts of money laundering. The court consolidated all counts for sentencing and imposed 10 years’ imprisonment for fraud, five of which are wholly suspended for five years, and an additional five years for money laundering.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective five years of direct imprisonment. Gunya said Segalo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The conviction arises from Segalo’s time as chairperson of Motswedi Financial Services Co-operative Limited, an entity established to serve the Motswedi community by managing pension withdrawals, issuing loans, and administering social grant payments.

“As one of the account signatories, Segalo had access to the co-operative’s finances. Investigations revealed that between 2 November 2020 and 19 October 2021, large sums of money were unlawfully transferred from the entity’s accounts to those of his then co-accused, Shoheb Shaick, who was convicted and sentenced in a separate matter last year,” he said.

Gunya further said Shaick, in turn, moved the funds through Seleri Enterprise, a shell company used to launder money stolen from Motswedi Financial Services. He added that, more than R1 million was siphoned through this scheme.

“Segalo pleaded guilty to all charges. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor, Advocate Theo Moetaesi argued that Segalo directly benefited from the crimes, which were well-orchestrated and committed over an extended period.

“He highlighted the devastating impact on the Motswedi community, including the loss of trust in the co-operative and significant financial harm. Moetaesi urged the court to impose a sentence that would restore faith and serve as a warning to would-be offenders,” said Gunya.

In delivering judgment, Magistrate Okaeng Mothibi noted that despite Segalo’s guilty plea, he failed to demonstrate genuine remorse and offered no explanation for his actions, particularly given the position of trust he held within the organisation.

Welcoming the sentence, Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, stated: “This sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain. The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to fight commercial crimes and protect the interests of vulnerable communities.”

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Molapisi extends term for NWHC interim Board members

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Picture: The NWHC interim board members

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 July 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, has officially extended the term of office for the Interim Board of the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). The interim board was initially appointed in April 2025 in accordance with Section 3(2) of the North West Housing Corporation Act (Act No. 24 of 1982).

Molapisi further said their term is now extended, effective 1 July 2025, to continue serving until a fully constituted permanent board is appointed. He added that, extension of the board’s term is a necessary step to ensure oversight, maintain administrative continuity, and allow the corporation to implement its mandate. 

“We would like to reaffirm our confidence in the interim board’s ability to carry out its duties with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

“The current interim board possesses the requisite knowledge and experience to drive the NWHC mandate, particularly as we drive the process to finalise the appointment of the new board,” said Molapisi.

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Two men sentenced to life sentences for murder

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 July 2025- Two accused, Paseka Motlhabe (40) and Mveleli Notshozi (40), were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court. Motlhabe and Notshozi were convicted of the brutal murder of Jerry Moitoi (35) and will each serve life imprisonment. The incident occurred on 28 April 2024 in Orkney.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations revealed that Motlhabe and Notshozi were drinking at a local restaurant when the altercation started. Gunya said the evidence presented in court showed that the deceased, Moitoi, had taken and sold empty bottles previously used by the accused.

“When the accused confronted him and demanded the proceeds, he refused to hand over the money. This led to a vicious attack, captured on the restaurant’s surveillance footage, which highlighted the brutal and senseless nature of the crime.

“Moitoi later succumbed to his injuries and a murder case was opened. Both accused were arrested on 9 May 2024 and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial,” he said.

Gunya further said they pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, read with the provisions of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.

“In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor, Lihloriso Mthoa urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the rise in violent crimes and the particularly heinous nature of the offence.

“The magistrate agreed, stating that the accused showed no regard for human life and acted in common purpose. The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and imposed life imprisonment on both,” he added.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their diligence and commitment.

“The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Makhari.

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