Daily Archives: July 24, 2025

A fraud case against Director of Mthini Attorneys postponed  

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Picture: Shimane Petrus Mthini from Mthini Attorneys/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- A fraud case against Shimane Petrus Mthini (42) from Mthini Attorneys, was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court until 4 September 2025. Mthini, the Director of Mthini Attorneys, was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on 22 July 2025, following an investigation into allegations of defrauding two complainants.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused loaned R300 000 from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimant, citing that he wanted to pay another Road Accident Fund claimant. Gunya said he allegedly promised to pay back the money when his client had received funds from the RAF.

“Investigation revealed that the accused received over R800 000 from the RAF and never paid his client. The accused also reportedly failed to pay back R300 000, which was loaned to him by the complainant. Following an investigation, Mthini was arrested and charged with two counts of fraud.

“He appeared in court and was released on R15 000 bail. His matter was postponed to 4 September 2025,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, have applauded those who worked on the case. They have cautioned legal practitioners who are defrauding unsuspecting victims that the NPA and Hawks will stop at nothing to ensure that victims get justice.

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Lenkopane hand over a house to disadvantaged family

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane handed over a house/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- As part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lonkopane, handed over a newly-built home to the Pule family.

The Pule family, headed by a grandfather who had been living in a shack with his four siblings and four great-grandchildren, received the keys to their new home – bringing hope and dignity to their lives. Lenkopane said the donation was made following the passing of the family’s nephew, who was one of the providers and had been working for Mankwe Game Trackers.

“He sadly passed away due to COVID-19. The house, located at No. 2312, Lekwa Section in Ledig, was fully sponsored by Mankwe Game Trackers, a valued tourism stakeholder of the DEDECT. The family also received other donations including household contents from other tourism role players.

“In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the 67 minutes of service led by our dignitaries were dedicated to finalizing the painting of the home, which includes a toilet facility, planting of vegetable garden seedlings, and groceries donated by other tourism sector partners (Sun City, Kwa Maritane, Zimasa Travel, Ivory Tree, and Kingdom Resorts),” she said.

Lenkopane further said this initiative reflects the power of public-private partnerships, which she strongly advocates for among role players in the Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism sector and highlights the impact of collective action in uplifting the communities.

“We are now seeing the positive impact of our investments in Sun City Resort and other areas, thanks to the collaboration with various stakeholders. The quality of our work must really reflect the spirit of Tata Mandela, providing sustainable assistance to families, enabling them to maintain their dignity and improve their living conditions.

“We urge other tourism stakeholders to join in supporting communities. Let’s invest in our people and share valuable opportunities with them, embodying the spirit of “Tata Madiba’s” values. As part of the 67 minute gesture, the department also handed over equipment to 17 Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises owned by people with disabilities across all the districts of the province,” said Lenkopane.

In addition, she handed over certificates to Semphete Cooperative members operating in Morokweng village, who attended Product Development Training recently. Lenkopane added that they cannot just train and leave them.

“We will further assist them with access to market platforms like G20 activities and market linkages so they can profile themselves and market their products,” she said.

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Derailed Omotoso prosecution demands new commitment to NPA reform

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Picture: Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it invites the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to engage in the proposed amendment bills that are currently before Parliament, tabled by them, which will ensure the NPA’s independence. The DA said Eastern Cape High Court has ruled that the NPA is not entitled to clarification on the court’s acquittal of Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso on charges of rape.

The DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development and Member of Parliament (MP), Glynnis Breytenbach said this will hamper the NPA’s case in the Supreme Court of Appeal and may lead to yet another resounding loss in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Breytenbach said restoring the NPA’s capacity to send criminals to jail is central to making South Africa safe for its citizens and eradicating GBV.

“The DA’s campaign to fix the NPA and shield it from political interference will improve the lives of all South Africans, and we invite the prosecutorial body to give its input on the party’s proposed legislative amendments.

“While the increasing number of failed prosecutions is a cause for great concern, the Democratic Alliance believes that the NPA can be restored as a body that provides justice to the millions of South Africans that are exposed to crime daily,” she said.

Breytenbach further said they call for the NPA to come to the table to ensure that the bills being developed by the DA directly address the issues they face on the ground. She added that the Bills being developed by the Democratic Alliance will have the NPA report directly to Parliament and consequently to the people of South Africa.

“The top structure of the NPA (National Director of Public Prosecutions, Deputy National Directors, Directors and Special Directors) should be appointed by the President only after a public participatory process with Parliament holding the body accountable.

“Over the past 30 years the NPA’s decline has been facilitated by political interference and this must be stopped. South Africa cannot turn the tide on corruption and crime without an independent NPA that prosecutes criminals without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Breytenbach.

She said there has never been a more critical time for all stakeholders to set aside their differences and join the DA in its fight to rescue South Africa.

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Seizure of assets at PRASA welcomed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency, Rikus Badenhorst, welcomes the recent developments by the Hawks where devices belonging to senior executives of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) were seized. Badenhorst said the recent developments by the Hawks are part of ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities within the organisation.

He further said the allegations are concerning as the individuals implicated are top senior executives.

“This highlights a need for transparency and accountability within PRASA. The committee will monitor the developments at PRASA as it is important for the investigation to come to expose the alleged corruption within the entity.

“In a committee engagement on 9 July 2025, we drew attention to the company that had recently been awarded the signalling contract, which was also reportedly responsible for the demolition of Parliament. The committee expressed its concern about the company’s repeated involvement in large-scale projects,” said Badenhorst.

He called on the Minister of Transport to report back to the committee once investigations into the matter were complete as the outcome was crucial to resolving one of the key obstacles hindering PRASA’s progress on signalling. Badenhorst said the committee will continue to provide oversight to ensure responsibility, so that public funds are used correctly because the country faces challenges within the fiscus.

“The media reported executives, and the Board awarded an R18 billion train signalling equipment contract to companies without following and meeting mandatory requirements,” he said.

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Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government discussed

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, presented the Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG) at a Special MunMEC Consultative Workshop in the Northern Cape. The initiative was convened by the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass.

The MunMEC was also attended by THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene.

Welcoming the 29 of the 31 municipalities of the Northern Cape in attendance and other stakeholders like SALGA, the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and other key departments, Vass highlighted the importance of the review process.

“This review process provides us with an opportunity to introspect, to reflect, and ultimately to reimagine local government that is fit-for-purpose and that addresses the multitude of service delivery challenges confronting our communities,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Masemola highlighted that the assumptions underpinning the 1998 system are outdated due to significant political, demographic and economic changes. He emphasized the need to assess whether current local government structures and models remain fit for purpose.

“The inclusive and consultative nature of the review process being led at both political and administrative levels, with public submissions open until 31 July 2025. The process will then move toward developing a draft policy document, to be refined further through feedback engagements in September 2025 and beyond,” said Masemola.

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A preschool teacher admits killing her stepdaughter

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- A preschool teacher, Amber Lee Hughes (25), charged with two counts of rape and murder of her learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita(4), submitted supplementary admissions at the Gauteng High Court siting in Johannesburg. The admissions were made after the merits of the case had already been fully argued by both the State and the defence and following her changing legal representation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said in her admissions, Hughes confessed to drowning the four-year-old after an emotionally charged dispute with the child’s father over his infidelity. Mjonondwane further said Hughes stated that she was suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder at the time, but maintained she was fully aware of her actions and she detailed multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts following the incident.

“However, the accused denied the rape charges, claiming she had no knowledge of those allegations. The case has been postponed to 7 August 2025, for closing arguments on the admissions. The accused remains in custody until her next court appearance,” she added.

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A man found guilty of killing his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- A man (41) was found guilty by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg, for murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape. The accused, Sibusiso Zitha who is affectionately known as The Pastry Chef pleaded guilty to the charge and was accordingly found guilty as charged.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the matter has been postponed to 28 August 2025, for the compilation of a pre-sentence report, following a request by the defence. Mjonondwane said Letlape and Zitha had been in a domestic relationship and lived together in Fourways.

“On 30 May 2024, during an argument while Letlape was preparing food in their home, Zitha violently attacked her. In the presence of his 10-year-old daughter, who was watching a movie at the time, the accused took multiple knives and stabbed the victim several times in her face and chest. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

“The NPA welcomes the guilty plea and conviction. We are confident that, after hearing all sentencing submissions, the court will impose a punishment befitting the brutality and tragic nature of this crime,” she said.

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Inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting filled with pride and optimism  

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Picture: The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time. Mashatile said as they do draw to a close, he could say the discussions and exchanges held in recent days have been filled with pride and optimism, as they highlight their shared commitment to enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation and promoting green transitions in the SME sector.

He said the discussions have further demonstrated the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally. Mashatile said in this sense, they are grateful to see the UN expanding its efforts and collaborating with the South African government to foster multilateral cooperation.

“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world. I am also impressed by the Call to Action for this Global SME Ministerial Meeting.

“It reaffirms support for critical multilateral initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Group of Twenty,” he said.

Mashatile further said South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, aiming to champion developmental issues in the Global South, particularly Africa. He added that as they approach the G20 Summit, this forum has been essential in bringing together a number of ministers and deputy ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange perspectives.

“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders Summit in November. I am pleased that our G20 Startup Engagement Group’s Mid-Term Meeting happened on the side-lines of this Ministerial Meeting, which allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and propositions.

“I know Minister Ndabeni is championing the establishment of a dedicated G20 Working Group on small business and start-ups, an idea which started under Brazil’s Presidency. This Ministerial meeting has given this initiative the momentum it needs,” said Mashatile.

He said he was also pleased to see that a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations from around the world happened also alongside this Global SME Ministerial Meeting to discuss the impact on trends of trade protectionism and the disruption of global supply chains. Mashatile said practical measures were discussed to share trade intelligence, build greater resilience in our MSMEs, and transition to new markets and possibilities.

“As Governments, we need to step up. This means we must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

“As South Africa, we are strengthening regional trade through the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement,” he said.

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A man jailed for stabbing his ‘baby mama’

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- A man (29) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court for attempted murder. On 9 November 2024, Warren Visser approached the mother of his child, while she was seated with friends and verbally abused her. Visser proceeded to physically assault her by slapping and stabbing her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said as the result of the attack, the victim sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized for nearly a month. Sam said she is now partially paralysed and reliant on a wheelchair.

“Visser pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, applauded the collaborative efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams. Mtukushe commended Detective Constable Boipelo Polelo from the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, and the state prosecutor, advocate Cornelia Deetlef for their thorough investigation and effective presentation of the case, which led to a successful conviction.

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Jaguar Land Rover Limited recalls Jaguar E-PACE

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it hereby informs consumers about the recall of the Jaguar E-PACE as notified by the supplier. The NCC said Jaguar Land Rover Limited informed them that, they are recalling the 2021 to 2024 Jaguar E-PACE models due to an issue with the passenger airbag.

The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said according to the supplier, the airbag may tear during deployment due to improper folding during the assembly process. Ntaba said a torn airbag may reduce occupant protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

“Additionally, a torn airbag could allow hot gases to escape, potentially causing burns to occupants. Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact the nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the module and associated components replaced at no charge,” she said.

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