12 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in prioritising the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In a recent milestone, the Griekwastad Regional Court sentenced Ricardo Pyl, also known as Booitjie Langman, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for rape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 1 March 2024 at approximately midnight. Kock said a woman (21) was socialising at a neighbour’s house in the company of the accused (33).
“When the neighbour left, the accused threatened the victim with a knife and raped her inside the premises. The victim managed to escape hours later and called for help.
“The accused had fled the scene, taking her cellphone. Griekwastad SAPS Detectives apprehended Pyl the following day and successfully recovered the victim’s cellphone in his possession,” he said.
Kock further said the bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. He added that, on 10 July 2025, he was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Griekwastad Regional Court.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her outstanding investigative work that secured the conviction.
“We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who may consider perpetrating similar crimes. We also trust it brings a measure of solace to the victim and encourages other survivors to continue speaking out against the scourge of GBVF,” said Otola.
12 July 3025- A Zimbabwean man (29) was sentenced to 13 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for three counts of culpable homicide, failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused, Collin Mhlanga’ sentencing follows a horrific incident that claimed the lives of Omphile Jonas (16), Mi-Kayla Booysen (23) and Wessem Matthews (20).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident occurred on 30 June 2024, in Lerato Park, Roodepan near Kimberley. Senokoatsane said after consuming alcohol at a local soccer field, Mhlanga drove a white Navara bakkie with two passengers.
“At the Homelite intersection, he struck Omphile Jonas, who was crossing the road. Rather than stopping to assist, he fled the scene, ran a stop sign, and ignored two red traffic lights. Moments later, he collided with a stationary minibus taxi on Barkly Road, where Mi-Kayla and Wessem were seated.
“Both later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. During the trial, state prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela led compelling evidence from five state witnesses, including one of Mhlanga’s passengers.
“Their testimonies painted a clear and damning account of reckless conduct. The court found that Mhlanga acted with gross negligence and that his actions directly resulted in the loss of three lives. His version of events was rejected by the court as false and contradictory,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said in aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled with the support of Court Preparation Officer, Lindokuhle Sikhakhane. He added that Mi-Kayla’s father, a paramedic, delivered a moving testimony describing his futile attempt to save his daughter at the scene.
“Omphile’s mother and Wessem’s brother also recounted the deep trauma and lasting pain suffered by their families. The prosecution argued that only a direct custodial sentence could reflect the seriousness of the offence and the profound impact on the victims’ families.
“The court agreed, also granting the State’s request that Mhlanga be deported upon completion of his sentence due to his illegal presence in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Mhlanga was sentenced to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Omphile Jonas, seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide Mi-Kayla Booysen) and seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Wessem Matthews. Senokoatsane said Mhlanga was also sentenced to additional three years for failure to render assistance.
“Mhlanga was sentenced to six months imprisonment or fine R600 for Contravention of Immigration Act. According to court, sentence on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently. The total effective sentence is 13 years direct imprisonment.
“The NPA commends State Prosecutor, Court Preparation Officer and the investigating team for their diligence and commitment to justice,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the judgment is a stark reminder that reckless and irresponsible behaviour on the roads has devastating consequences. He said the court has sent a strong message that such lawlessness, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives, will not be tolerated.
“Human life is invaluable, and we will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to uphold the rule of law and deter future offenders,” said Senokoatsane.
12 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have established the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in accordance with the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009. Morweng said the primary function of the PRE is to monitor and oversee public transport in the province.
He further said the entity will receive and adjudicate on applications relating to operating licenses for public transport. Morweng added that PRE members are expected to deal with operator renewals, transfers as well as amendments.
“We are incredibly fortunate that the members we are introducing today, come with diverse backgrounds, different skills and expertise which will be invaluable as the department works towards our strategic goals of bringing a paradigm shift in the competency of the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“The term of office of the previous PRE Board Members expired on 30 June 2025. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for having served the province since 2019. After their term came to an end, we published a Notice in the Government Gazette No. 52859 for the appointment of new members on 25 June 2025 for public comments,” he said.
Morweng said they undertook this in accordance with the legislation, which requires the call for nominations through Government Gazette prior to the appointment. He said this therefore means that the members they are introducing are faced with a mammoth task of turning around the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“Given challenges experienced before, the incoming PRE is expected to reconfigure PRE in its entirety and create a fit for purpose machinery responsive to the needs of the provincial growth trajectory.
“This includes pursuing the vision of the department in Transforming Public Transport by focusing on the oversaturated taxi services market, challenges of the Operating Licenses architecture. This must be done by ensuring IT system reliability, route realignment, operator license service conditions, ensure there is no abuse of temporary permits, dal decisively with illegal operations that include minibus operations, 7+1, 4+1, door-to-door and mushrooming operations on non-designated taxi ranks,” said Morweng.
He said they will also deal decisively with backlog and clearing all outstanding applications undertaken last year. Morweng said they will ensure there is a quicker turnaround in order to guarantee efficiency in the Operator License Administration System.
“The rural nature of our province impedes or places a higher premium on citizens residing in far flung areas to access Operator License Services. This therefore calls for incoming PRE members to give impetus to the initiatives to create satellite offices to expedite service delivery.
“The fight against corruption and maladministration cannot be overemphasised. There had been a myriad of complaints from the industry and public alike on allegations of corruption by some in the value chain of operator licenses,” he said.
Morweng said these allegations cannot be taken lightly as they cast the image of the department and its leaders in a negative public perception. He said he then hereby calls upon PRE members to subscribe to an oath of office to uphold the constitution of the Republic of South Africa without any fear, favour or ill-will.
“I expect all PRE members to sign the pledge to adhere to corruption-free administration by acting with integrity, impartially, courteously, honestly, respectfully, transparently, professionally and in an accountable manner.
“Utilize all the available resources responsibly, efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize their use in rendering a high-quality service which is accessible to every person and continuously strive towards improving service delivery. Uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person within the administration, the applicants, the operators and the commuters,” said Morweng.
He said they should abide by the PRE Procedural Manual and Business Flow Process in terms of the National Land Transport Act, 5 of 2009. Morweng said PRE members will also ensure they act in accordance with the North West Land Transport Regulations, 2021, made in terms of Section 10 of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009) published on the 12th February 2021 in the National Government Gazette no. 44247.
“Having gone through rigorous process that included gazetting of the nominated names as mentioned earlier, Mr L Modibane, Mr P Lekone, Ms M Matuba, Mr K Moiloa, Mr T Metswamere, Mr S Lekhu and Mr F Vilakazi, who will be the chairperson. All these PRE members inclusive of myself as the Executive Authority, as well as the Accounting Officer, will hereafter sign the pledge to ensure that we align ourselves with the pledges presented above.
“My expectation is that the current saturated routes are being dealt with speedily as they are a source of taxi conflict, breed illegal operations and generally destabilise the public transport sector. This includes ensuring that there is no contravention of the law in terms of people who are hiking for lifts,” said Morweng.
He said in terms of Section 50 of the National Land Transport Act, Act 5 of 2009, any person who operates public transport for a reward, meaning exchange of money for a transport, is expected to have a valid operating license before operating such a service. Morweng said one of the challenges they have experienced is in the e-hailing services.
“Most of these services are requesting for a service using an international online app which has not as yet been regulated in the province. There is a process underway to regulate the service to be in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Act 23 of 2023.
“This Act was passed by the President on the 11th of June 2024 and its regulations were gazetted on 29 November 2024. Public was given an opportunity to comment on it and closed 30 days after the gazetting of the regulations, and now the National Department is currently finalizing the regulations,” he said.
12 July 2025- South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan is on his way to New Jersey, New York, to attend the Club World Cup final on Sunday. London-based Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will face off in the final at MetLife Stadium in a match that many observers view as a dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup to be jointly held in three North American countries – the United States of America, Canada and Mexico – from June 11 to 19 July 2026.
The global event will be the first to be hosted by three nations.
Jordaan will also brief world football governing body FIFA on the ongoing coordinated campaign to damage the reputation of the association with a misinformation operation that is intended to create the impression that there is chaos and destruction at SAFA House. He congratulated the South African Under-20 men’s and women’s teams after they both reached the final of the Region 5 Games in Windhoek, Namibia yesterday.
The women’s team beat the hosts Namibia 1-0 in their semi-final while the SA men’s team beat Angola 2-0.
“We congratulate the two South African teams for reaching their respective finals. We are extremely proud of this achievement. Well done and congratulations,” he said.
Jordaan will return to South Africa after the Club World Cup final.
12 July 2025- The accused, Andrew Modisane (29) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), read with Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. Modise was convicted after an incident that occurred on 31 August 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Modisane’s girlfriend visited him at his home and found him intoxicated. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that Modisane and the victim were in a romantic relationship at the time.
“An argument broke out after the victim confronted Modisane about suspected infidelity. In a fit of rage, Modisane grabbed a knife from the table and stabbed her multiple times. During the altercation, the glass he had been drinking from shattered on the floor. He then pushed the victim, causing her to fall onto the broken glass, which inflicted additional injuries.
“Modisane fled the scene after the assault and was arrested on 25 September 2024. He was denied bail and has remained in custody since his arrest. Modisane pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Nolubabalo Cele, argued that, due to the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the court should not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and must send a strong message to perpetrators,” he said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Paul Moeng highlighted that the accused had a prior conviction for a similar offence and had clearly not learned from previous consequences. Moeng found no substantial and compelling circumstances to warrant deviation from the minimum sentence and accordingly imposed a 10-year prison term.
Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecution and law enforcement teams for their diligent work in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Makhari said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting cases of assault, including domestic and GBV and ensuring justice for victims.
12 July 2025- A Cameroonian national, Philliph Mumbai (42) from Pretoria North was granted a R3000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, while his other two co-accused, who are also Cameroonian nationals, Maxwell Basong (39) from Pretoria North and Tieze Zemeniouh (38), from Sunnyside are still yet to bring their bail application.
Mumbai is facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and corruption. Basong and Zemeniouh are facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and being illegal in the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that, the three accused operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes. Mahanjana said the counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods.
“On the afternoon of 1 July 2025, Philliph Mumbai exited an e-hailing service vehicle in Elardus Park and was walking toward a nearby guesthouse when he was stopped by patrolling police officers. They questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and where he was headed.
“When he could not answer, the police requested that he take them to the guesthouse. Upon arrival, they discovered Basong and Zemeniouh, operating similar printing machines and printing counterfeit money. All three were arrested on the scene. During the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2000 in exchange for their release,” she said.
Mahanjana further said during the bail proceedings, the State did not oppose Mumbai’s release, stating that he is legally in the country, has a confirmed residential address and owns property. She added that the case has been postponed to 22 July 2025, for the Schedule 1 bail applications of Basong and Zemeniouh, which the State is opposing.
Picture: Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital employees participate on EWP/Supplied
By OMPHILE MORWAAGAE
12 July 2025- The health of employees remains as important as that of the general population. In fact, it is key for health care givers to always be in more great health in order for them to be in a state of providing greater health to the society, unlike when they and the society are not healthy.
In that state, no one will have a capable chance of offering the other health, as both parties would be incapable of doing such. Therefore, the employee wellness program (EWP) remains a key departmental health dishing out program, which seeks to provide health to the general members of the society through healthy employees.
For, because only a healthy soul can further inject more health in other souls and at the end the nation ends up with healthily affected and infected citizens. The department firmly holds a view that healthy and highly motivated employees have a much better chance of promptly delivering health services not only through precision as per the departmental protocols and procedures but also to actively live a life preached by it to the general communities.
This is the primary reason behind the activation of the EWP towards internal stakeholders of the department. These men and women are more of permanent glue that binds even two foreign objects together in order to marry them to the ideals which ensures a prosperous nation.
The Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, held its glorious wellness day for its jubilant employees, who actually rebelled and defied the very cold winter morning on 2 July 2025, by actively participating on a more than 5 hour festivities of sporting events. To further empower the financial literacy of the employees, the only regional hospital in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati collaborated with various financial corporations to give employees financial lectures.
Meanwhile, the acting CEO, Odirile Khonkhobe said that illnesses like depression and others experienced by most employees are as a result of poor financial decisions hence the extension of the invitation to these institutions.
“Our intention as an institution is to attempt to bridge the gap between an employee and an independent ordinary member of the society who is a one human being, hence the deliberate move of going out of our way by bringing organisations that operate outside our mandate closer to us for the sake of our employees,” concluded Khonkhobe.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players against Tanzania/Twitter
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 July 2025- Dreary Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-player Tanzania in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C match played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Friday night. Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges had to come back from a goal down and force a draw after Tanzania went into the lead following the opening goal from Clement Tukumbuke in the 24th minute.
After struggling to find their rhythm in the early exchanges, the South African senior women’s national team eventually clawed their way back and it came as no surprise when Bambanani Mbane found the equalizer following a corner kick in the 70th minute. The Tanzanians finished the match with 10 players after Winfrida Hubert Gerald was shown a red card with the assistance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check following her tackle on Linda Motlhalo with 10 minutes remaining.
The South Africans play their final Group C match against Mali on 14 July 2025.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 July 2025- The North West Department of Education has described allegations of ill-treatment of Grade 12 learners who are attending winter camps at Lerona Secondary School in Christiana as incongruous. This comes after some unknown individual alleged that there is a lot happening ‘behind closed doors’ at the camps.
The individual further alleged that, since they arrived there, they are not able to go to the ablution facilities because they are in depraved condition. The individual said a lot of female learners have been ill for the past few days suffering from infections.
“Some of these learners are not even attending to or being taken to a clinic for medical attention. Food handlers in the kitchen do not promote safe food handling practices. When we try to raise the matter, we are being pushed away like dogs.
“Also, we are being threatened of being expelled if we raise our concerns. So, we call on parents or guardians for help because we are even being fed rotten food. We are being subjected to inhumane treatment and nothing has been done.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge these allegations and wish to confirm that the accusations of abuse are unfounded. Molokwane said the department is responsible for providing comprehensive training to food handlers to promote safe food handling practices.
“Regarding the issue of sanitation facilities, the department has dispatched a team to assess the situation and the latest report indicates that there are no current issues. The department sincerely prioritizes the health and well-being of learners and remains committed to ensuring that teaching and learning take place in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.
Picture: The SA seasoned referee, Akhona Makalima/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 July 2025- South African women’s match officials are making an indelible mark on the international football stage, with their talent and dedication taking centre stage at the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The performances of the South Africans in this tournament have been testament to the hard work and resilience of these pioneering women who are steadily elevating the profile of the country’s refereeing to a higher level.
Leading the charge is seasoned referee Akhona Makalima, whose presence at the WAFCON follows her remarkable representation of South Africa at the prestigious FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand in 2023. Makalima’s consistent excellence and ability to perform under pressure on the global stage exemplifies the high standards South African referees are striving for.
National Referees Committee (NRC) Chairperson, Victor Gomes said equally impactful is the contribution of referee technical instructor, Lufuno Nemagovhani. Her recent participation in a FIFA Regional Instructors course and her exceptional technical skills has earned her a well-deserved role as an instructor and assessor at this very tournament. Nemagovhani’s expertise is crucial in shaping the next generation of top-tier officials.
Gomes said the increasing presence of South African women in refereeing on the African continent is a source of immense pride. He further said with a strong cohort of talented match officials like Nonjabulo Ndlela, Hloniphile Msezane, Amogelang Msiza, Kwandile Somtsai, Nandipha Menze, Maneo Tau, Thembisa Siyatsha, and many others officiating on the National Panel in South Africa, the future of women referees in the country is undeniably positive.
“Behind the scenes, the tireless efforts of both physical and technical referee instructors are instrumental in this success. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring South African referees remain at a top level and consistently strive for excellence is the bedrock upon which these achievements are built.
“We express immense pride in the strides being taken by female match officials and instructors. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of our female referees and instructors,” said Gomes.
He added that this is just the beginning of what they hope will be a sustained period of success for their officials. Gomes said they now need to ensure that their development structures are well-groomed to secure a steady group of match officials for the future.
He said this strong representation at a major continental tournament like the WAFCON underscores South Africa’s growing influence in refereeing and signals a bright and promising future for women in the sport.
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, applauded the officials and said they remain an inspiration for many youngsters around the country who want to follow in their footsteps.
The Guardian 