27 July 2025- The police Buffelshoek request the community’s assistance in locating Sipho Clement Morake (49), who is residing at Bronkhorsfontein Farm in Buffelshoek. According to information received, Morake was last seen by his sister on 16 July 2025 at 9am, but by lunch time, he was not found at the house.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a search was conducted at Bronkhorstfontein farm and the surrounding areas without success. Myburgh said an extensive investigations did not yield positive results.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a blue lumber jacket, black boots and a green bucket hat. He is light in complexion, has brown eyes, weighs 80kg, is 1.65m tall and is bold.
“He is drinking chronic medication for being mentally unstable. Anyone who may have information regarding hiswhereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Victoria Khumalo on Cell no 082 373 7291,” she said.
Myburgh further said they can also phone their local police station or South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111. She added that, anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.
Myburgh said extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 10111.
Setshwantsho: Motlhankela wa sepodisi o lekola sejanaga
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
27 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone se kaile fa se tlile go tswelela ka go bolotsa ntwa kgatlhanong le bosenyi ka mokgwa wa Operation Shanela. Se, se tla morago ga gore batho ba le 293 ba tshwarwe mo didikeng di le tlhano tsa porofense.
Maphata a farologaneng a sepodisi a ne a puruphutsha mafelo a farologaneng a thekiso ya nnotagi le go tlhotlhomisa fa a na le makwalo a maleba go ka rekisa nnotagi.
Fela sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, o tlhalositse fa mafelo a le 13 a rekisang nnotagi, a ile a tswalwa ka ntlha ya go tlhoka ditlankana tse di maleba tsa go rekisa nnotagi.
“Dijanaga di le 3088 le batho ba le 6868, ba ile ba phuruphutshwa ka nako ya letsholo-tsiboso kwa ditseleng tse di farologaneng go ralala porofense. Batho ba le mmalwa ba tshwaretswe bosenyi jo bo farologaneng jaaka go rekisa nnotagi go se mo molaong, go thuba mo matlung ga mmogo le dikgwebo.
“Ba bangwe ba tshwaretswe tshenyo ya dithoto, bogodu jwa leruo, go teketa, go tshwara poo, tiriso ya diritibatsi le go tshwara dibetsa tse di kotsi. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa dipatlisiso tse di farologaneng, mme go tshwerwe batho ba le 29 ba kgale ba batliwa ke matseka,” Kock wa tlhalosa.
Kock are sepodisi se ile sa phuruphutsa mafelo jaaka a rekisang dilwana tse di dirisitsweng, mafelo a rekisang nnotagi, dipoloto, ga mmogo le mafelo a go rekisiwang ditshipi kwa go one (scrapyards).
“Sepodisi se gapile dilwana tse eseng tsa nnete, dibetsa tse di kotsi, dithunya le matlhatlhela, nnotagi, madi a seatleng ga mmogo le diritibatsi,” Kock wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, o akgotse batlhankedi botlhe ba sepodisi ka tiro e manontlhotlho. Gape Otola o akgotse baagi mabapi le tirisano-mmogo le sepodisi mo go rebeng bosenyi.
27 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi se se batlisisang dikgetsi tsa tiriso-dikgoka tse di tseneletseng ga mmogo le polao, se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore setopo sa monna o a sa itsiweng se bonwe fa thoko ga tsela ya R31 gaufi le Kimberley/Griekwastad circle. Go begwa fa setopo se, se bonwe ke mokgweetsi wa serori (truck) ka Labotlhano, mme a begela sepodisi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Sergio Kock, are go begwa fa setopo seo se bonwe ka ura ya borobedi mo mantsiboweng. Kock are moswi o botelele jwa 1.7m, o montsho ka selebo, mme one a apere baki e pududu ga mmogo le borokgwe jo bontsho.
“Go kopiwa gore mongwe le mongwe o a nang le tshedimosetso a letsetse Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Mosala mo mogaleng wa 082 302 0407 kgotsa a leletse nomoro ya sepodisi ya 08600 10111. Gape, fa o na le tshedimosetso o ka dirisa MySAPS app.
“Tshedimosetso yotlhe e tla tshwarwa mo sephiring fa dipatlisiso di tswelela,” Kock wa tlhalosa.
27 July 2025- The Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono said the budget speech that she tabled is a commitment and a demonstration of a pact that they have with the people. Mohono said the budget speech outlines the state of the Legislature since the day they were sworn into office on 14 June 2024.
She further said it also outlines the plans ahead as they position themselves as a leading people-centric Legislature, upholding good governance, transparency, inclusiveness for an empowered and prosperous society. Mohono added that they are therefore returning with renewed commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable economy amidst challenging regional and global conditions.
“The South African economy is in a precarious position, characterized by slow growth and the persistent triple challenge of inequality, unemployment and poverty.
“There is a glimmer of hope that our economy will improve, although the growth is expected to be modest, with inflation also expected to reduce moderately. The world trade uncertainties may exacerbate the challenges,” she said.
Mohono said although the journey ahead will be difficult, she is confident that they will conquer, for they are a nation founded on resilience. She said, therefore, we have to work together and form partnerships with the private sector, civil society and the world community that is willing to work with them.
“The year 2025 is significant because it is the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. Whilst celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, we must ensure that all our Programs are geared towards the progressive realisation of the undertakings that have been made in this important document.
“We must therefore focus on improving public trust and focus on building ethical leadership. We must develop a culture of intolerance for criminality, corruption and wastage,” she said.
Mohono said the budget allocation for the North West Provincial Legislature for the financial year
2025/26 is R552 583 000, which declined by 3% compared to the previous financial years’ allocation. She said although with the economic climate of the country, the budget cuts are inevitable, the major struggle will be that of achieving all the activities as planned in the Annual Performance Plans (APP) against the diminishing budget.
“However, for the legislature, the impact of the budget cuts come with the high costs of potentially affecting the quality of the oversight work that it (the legislature) is expected to play over the Executive.
“The budget will be utilized for the compensation of employees, the remuneration for Public Office Bearers, operational expenses, infrastructural upgrades, capital expenditure and support to represented parties,” said Mohono.
She said despite the decline in the budget, they have an increase in the number of Members of the Legislature (MPLs) from 33 to 38 and have also seen an increase in the number of represented parties. Mohono said they have also identified a lot of work that must be accomplished with extreme urgency by the 7th Legislature.
Picture: Initiates during sacred tradition ceremony
By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, applauded the Provincial Initiation Committee (PICC) for clamping down on illegal initiation schools in the province, which mushroomed during the winter initiation season. The initiation season concluded last weekend.
Molapisi further said the final group of initiates descended the mountains on 19 July 2025, marking the end of a sacred cultural journey for many young boys across the province. He added that, the PICC led by its Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone, has shut down over 18 illegal initiation schools and rescued over 100 initiates for being exposed to unhygienic conditions and some of the initiates were underage.
“We want to issue a stern warning to the initiation school principals and traditional surgeons that we will unleash all the resources at our disposal to clamp down on bogus initiation schools.
“This winter season saw scores of initiation schools legally approved and monitored across the province by the PICC in collaboration with House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Health Department as well as South African Police Services,” said Molapisi.
He said his department has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the application of health standards and enforcing the regulations of initiation school as per the Traditional Circumcision Act – 2001 and Customary Initiation Act of 2021. Molapisi said his department will strengthen its educational and awareness initiatives to ensure communities are well-informed about the legal requirements and cultural protocols of running an initiation school ahead of the summer season initiation in December 2025.
“The safety and dignity of every initiate remains a top priority, and the department calls on communities, parents, and traditional leaders to continue working together to protect this sacred tradition from abuse and criminal exploitation,” he said.
27 July 2025- The North West Department of Education said it is pleased to announce that all Education Assistants and General School Assistants appointed through the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V have reported for duty at their respective schools on Tuesday. The department said this significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era in supporting teaching and learning in our schools.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is set to benefit from the services of 13 687 assistants, strategically deployed to support learners and educators. Motsumi said the number of assistants allocated to each school is determined by the school’s quintile ranking, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 assistants per school.
“The Basic Education Initiative Phase V Provincial Project Manager, Dr Carol Letshabo, informed the assistants that to ensure their success, the department will provide comprehensive training programs, categorized into eight distinct areas such as Education Assistants, Laboratory Assistants and Workshop Assistants.
“This includes Reading Champions, Curriculum Assistants, Care and Support Assistants, ICT Assistants, General School Assistants, Sports Enrichment Assistants and Handyperson. We welcome them for responding positively to the call,” she said.
Motsumi further said she would like to extend her warm welcome to all the newly-appointed assistants and wish them a fruitful journey in their schools. She added that their participation in the programme will give them first-hand work experience.
“These assistants will play a vital role in supporting our educators and learners, enhancing the overall quality of education in our province. The department looks forward to working with them to achieve our goals and improve the quality of education for our learners.
“There will be training per focus area that is intended to empower them to do well in their respective roles. Schools will be notified on time to release the assistants,” said Motsumi.
26 July 2025- Pakistani (30) was arrested for Contravention of the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Act 6/2024 and Dealing in illicit tobacco products. This comes after the police received a tip-off from community members regarding illicit liquor and tobacco products.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the police in Alexander Bay successfully executed an operation, which led to the seizure of illicit liquor and tobacco products. Magerman said the police received a tip-off regarding the alleged illicit activities at a Plot in Sanddrift.
“A search warrant was obtained and executed. During search of the identified premises, alcohol and illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R47 000 were seized. The suspect was released on a SAPS 496 pending further investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended and appreciated the local community for their assistance in reporting criminal activities. Adrews also indicated that this was a clear indication of the partnership between the police and the community.
27 July 2025- The police said the robust and relentless Operation Shanela ll is continuing to tighten its grip on crime in the province by securing the arrest of 293 suspects throughout the five districts from 21 until 27 July 2025. The police said multi-disciplinary teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for compliance pertaining to their license conditions and closed down 13 unlicensed liquor premises.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said through high visibility vehicle patrols and stop and search actions, 3088 vehicles and 6868 persons were stopped and searched at various Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and roadblocks conducted across the province.
Kock said suspects were arrested for an array of crimes, including illegal dealing in liquor, burglaries at residential and business premises, malicious damage to property, stock theft, assaults, robberies, dealing in drugs and possession of dangerous weapons.
“The police executed numerous actions, which also included the tracing of 29 wanted suspects by detectives, compliance inspections conducted at second-hand dealers, liquor premises, as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards.
“During the weekly execution of the operation police confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded all the force levels in conjunction with other departments in the execution of multiple actions during the past week. Otola also thanked the public for their continuous efforts in the fight against crime.
“During Operation Shanela ll and beyond, the SAPS will leave no one behind in its collective efforts to curb and eradicate crime,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By AGISANANG SCUFF
27 July 2025- The North West Department of Education said it is deeply concerned about ongoing community protests in Tshunyane village, outside Mahikeng, that have blocked access to Seshupo Primary School and nearby schools. The department said it strongly condemns any actions that stop learners from attending school and interfere with their right to education.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said for months, her department has been working with the Tshunyane community to address urgent repairs at Seshupo Primary School, which was badly damaged in recent storms. Motsumi said a contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs.
“The renovation update is that the appointed contractor has completed the assessment and inspections of the buildings to be renovated. Major renovations are expected to begin within two weeks.
“The contractor has already built an ablution block at the school. Additionally, the department has provided a borehole to ensure the school does not face water shortages, as the village has limited water supply,” she said.
Motsumi further said, however, disagreements within the community have made the situation difficult. She added that some groups want a new school built instead of the approved repairs, causing tensions and unrest.
“Due to increasing violence from protesters outside the school, the school was temporarily closed from the opening of the third quarter to keep learners and teachers safe. We call for calm and unity. There is a need for stability for the whole community’s well being and progress.
“It’s unacceptable for any group to use intimidation or violence to push their own agenda at the expense of children’s education. We urge everyone to come back to the negotiation table and work together for the benefit of our learners,” said Motsumi.
She said the department remains committed to improving education and school facilities in Tshunyane and asks community leaders to help restore peace so schools can reopen immediately.
27 July 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said they have concluded a successful two-day rollout of the Tshela Ka Itekanelo Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Campaign and the 1.1 Million Close the Gap Treatment Campaign in Dinokana village, Zeerust. Lehari said these initiatives form part of the province’s wide drive to promote healthy living, responsible behaviour among the youth, safe sexual practices and the fight against substance and alcohol abuse—while encouraging all citizens to know their HIV status.
Lehari led the 5km fun walk alongside councillors from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, traditional leaders from Bogosi boo-Rra Moiloa, the acting Deputy Director-General Mosela Mokhutswane-Kaudi, executive management teams, district managers, hospital boards and CEOs, as well as hundreds of community members from across the district.
The event kicked off with a 5km fun walk, followed by health education sessions and on-site services at the local sports ground. These included HIV testing and counselling, screenings for non-communicable diseases and general health consultations.
“The day also featured engaging physical activities such as aerobics, netball, and soccer matches. These campaigns are a collaborative effort involving various departments, municipalities, civil society organisations, key partners and communities.
“Part of the department’s flagship programmes, Tshela Ka Itekanelo, was launched in Moretele on 17 April 2025. It seeks to embed healthy lifestyle practices across communities and supports the national agenda to improve public health outcomes through five pillars such as promotion of good nutrition, regular physical activity, tobacco control, combating alcohol and substance abuse, including promotion of safe sexual practices,” he said.
Lehari said the campaign also focuses on reducing obesity and encouraging physical activity, especially among youth. He said the department aims to close the treatment gap by ensuring that 1.1 million people across the country are initiated or re-initiated on HIV treatment by December 2025.
“It also promotes testing and awareness of TB, hypertension, and diabetes. As a province, we are on the right track—we currently rank third in the country, and we are intensifying our efforts to close the treatment gap.
“I am pleased with the turnout and how people are embracing this important programme. Alcohol and substance abuse, excessive smoking, poor dietary habits, and unsafe sexual practices are behaviours we are urging communities to abandon,” said Lehari.
He further commended the participation of local residents, saying they have been to every district and they will intensify this campaign to ensure meaningful impact. Lehari added that they are grateful for the collaboration from their traditional leaders.
Chief Director for Strategic Health Programmes, Grace Tsele, who oversees both campaigns, expressed optimism about the province’s progress. Tsele said they are encouraged by the positive response from communities.
“Our goal is to find and support over 11,000 individuals who either do not know their status or have defaulted on treatment. These campaigns will continue to be rolled out across the province, with each district scaling up efforts to maximise reach and impact,” she said.
The Guardian 