Picture: close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 July 2025- A former boyfriend (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On 28 October 2024, the accused, Lerato Ratikane, approached the victim and requested her to accompany him to his shack in Lethabo Park, Roodepan.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim refused as she had a protection order against him. Sam said in response, Ratikane became aggressive, produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times.
“She lost consciousness and later regained it while being treated in hospital. Ratikane was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for his diligence and commitment in securing the conviction.
24 July 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that plans are in place to add to the country’s ten academic hospitals. This comes after Motsoaledi made the announcement during his budget vote presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday.
Tyobeka further said Motsoaledi highlighted that, there are currently no academic hospitals in the North West, Mpumalanga or the Northern Cape, and although proposed projects in these regions are in the preliminary stages of development. He added that the NWU is in the advanced stage of constructing the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
“Aligning this project with the proposed academic hospital in the North West would greatly benefit the citizens of the province. The first intake of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine students is scheduled for 2028.
“South Africa faces many healthcare challenges and it is heartening to see that the public healthcare system on which almost 90% of South Africans rely, is a high government priority,” said Tyobeka.
He said, but more than a priority, healthcare is a promise to the citizens that they must keep. Tyobeka said, therefore, he is elated by the Minister’s pronouncement regarding plans in the pipeline to establish additional academic hospitals, one of which is earmarked for the North West.
“This development strongly supports our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, which is presently under construction. Whilst not wishing to pre-empt any formal decisions, we are hopeful that the government will strategically locate this hospital in Mahikeng or within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, in close proximity to our NWU Mahikeng Campus.
“Such a move would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to broaden the footprint of our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine beyond the Kenneth Kaunda District, thereby improving equitable access to high-calibre healthcare professionals and clinical expertise across the province,” he said.
Tyobeka said the integration of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine with a future academic hospital in the North West holds immense promise not only for advancing medical education, but also for transforming healthcare access and outcomes in the province.
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said they wish to add three new central hospitals in provinces, where they never existed before such as Mpumalanga Academic Hospital, North West Academic Hospital and Northern Cape Academic Hospital. He said these three are still in very early planning stages.
“Their entry into the health network will ramp up our academic hospitals from ten to fourteen. The extreme overcrowding in our public health facilities is caused by rapid population growth and rapid urbanisation.
“Please, remember that the public health system is utilised by 86% of South Africa’s population, including individuals from neighbouring countries. We have clear evidence of this in the Eastern Cape with repeated problems at Dora Nginza Hospital in Qqeberha,” said Motsoaledi.
He said their analysis of Dora Nginza hospital – also analysed by the Public Protector – concluded that the perennial problem can only be solved by building additional district hospitals.
24 July 2025- Two men aged (33) 25 were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court, for robbery with a weapon other than a firearm. The conviction follows the collaborative efforts of the prosecution, led by advocate Cornelia Deetlef and the investigation team under Detective Constable Dawie Visser.
The incident occurred in Prieska on 26 April 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the accused persons, Jan Van Rooi and 25-year-old Raymond Steenkamp unlawfully entered the victim’s tuck-shop, while he was asleep. Sam said they woke him up, threatened him with a knife and robbed him of his cell phone and an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The court found both accused guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and declared them unfit to possess firearms. The South African Police Service remains committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of our communities are brought to justice.
“The public is urged to report criminal activities without delay,” he said.
24 July 2025- Action SA in North West said it unequivocally condemns the North West Development Corporation’s (NWDC) alleged gross mismanagement and disregard for proper procurement protocols in the awarding of security contracts to Tokiso Security Services. Action SA said it commend the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decisive proclamation empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to thoroughly investigate all Tokiso contracts linked to the NWDC and affiliated entities.
Action SA provincial chairperson, Botshelo Rakate said the investigation is long overdue. Rakate said the blatant diversion of scarce public funds through irregular and politicized tenders is a flagrant betrayal of the people of North West, many of whom are suffering under a staggering unemployment rate of 56,4% overall and a youth unemployment crisis at an alarming 58.8%.
“This youth unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country, is a catastrophic barrier to economic inclusion and social stability that demands urgent redress. Every rand lost to corruption deepens poverty, undermines vital service delivery, and erodes public trust in government.
“The diversion of limited resources into opaque contracts starves job-creation and skills development initiatives at a time when young people desperately need sustainable opportunities,” he said.
Rakate further said it is utterly unacceptable that security contracts, critical to public safety, have allegedly been siphoned away from the Department of Community Safety and handed to the NWDC, an entity operating with little transparency and accountability. He added that this has created an environment ripe for nepotism and graft as evidenced by the murky dealings surrounding Tokiso Security Services.
“As Action SA in North West, we demand immediate remedial steps. Return all security procurement responsibilities to the Department of Community Safety, with stringent oversight and transparency. Publicly disclose all Tokiso contracts, including detailed evaluation criteria, pricing, and board approvals.
“Suspend all Tokiso contracts immediately pending the SIU’s comprehensive value-for-money audit. Recover any payments made in excess of actual service rendered. Enforce robust whistle-blower protections to safeguard insiders who expose corruption and maladministration,” said Rakate.
He said the government should insource all security personnel into provincial departments to eliminate procurement loopholes and safeguard public resources. Rakate said it should also call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritize and fast-track criminal prosecutions based on SIU findings.
“We will not rest until taxpayers’ money is fully recovered and the systemic rot enabling such corruption is eradicated. Public entities must operate strictly within their mandates, uphold the highest standards of governance, and serve the people, not their own interests,” he said.
24 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the success of the democratic dispensation faces a serious credibility deficit, if they fail to resolve the job crisis confronting the province. Mokgosi who delivered the 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday said, the voices of the marginalized and economically disenfranchised are missing in the celebratory chorus of the 31 years of the country’s democratic breakthrough.
He further said many of the people comprising largely the youth are outside the economic system, locked out of opportunities to share the dividends of democracy. Mokgosi added that, therefore, the promises they make in changing the lives of the youth for the better must not ring hollow in improving their socio-economic conditions.
“We meet in this house today to complete the last round of the process to release public resources to implement objectives set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) adopted by the 7th administration. The apex priorities are (i) to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs, (ii) reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living as
well as (iii) building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“Addressing the National Assembly during the tabling of the
Presidency Budget Vote a week ago, His Excellency President Cyril
Ramaphosa made an impassioned plea to meet the aforementioned objectives in our Programme of Action,” he said.
Mokgosi said the government in the province only employs 6% of all working people with 94% employed in the private sector. He said for this reason, they cannot win the battle against youth unemployment without the role and contribution of the private sector.
“We have established a Development Fund set at R100 million as a seed fund to co-fund social and developmental initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and infrastructure backlogs in the province. We are encouraged by interest displayed by various industries to play a more meaningful role in this regard. If the private sector matches this government commitment, more pathways could be opened for jobs and other social relief interventions.
“The resuscitation of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Local Municipality is in full swing and a team led by the Premier comprising the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bojanala and Moses Kotane Municipalities have been assembled to strengthen the provincial government’s business case. These intervention measures will culminate in the creation of 919 000 direct jobs once granted a license,” said Mokgosi.
He said for the successful implementation of the Annual
Performance Plan tabled in this August House, he requested for the appropriation to vote 1, Office of the Premier, as outlined hereunder. Mokgosi said the total budget allocation is R519 498.
“Administration will be allocated R 129,067, Institutional Development will receive R 273,759, while Policy and Governance will be allocated R116 672. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank the Speaker and Deputy for their continued support and guidance. The Honourable Members of the Executive Council for their ever-ready support as well Honourable members of the portfolio committee and the Opposition for their robust and relevant engagements, advice and oversight role.
“The DG and the entire staff of the Office of the Premier, the Chief of Staff, Advisors and the entire Private Office Staff, Traditional Leaders, my
beautiful wife and children for their encouragement and support,” he said.
Picture: RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 July 2025- RISE Mzansi said it welcomes the progress made in empowering both the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry established to thoroughly probe the allegations made by South African Police Service (SAPS) Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ris Mzansi said on Wednesday evening, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a joint report by the Portfolio Committees on Justice and Constitutional Development, and Police calling for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee.
RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana said Ad Hoc Committee, established in terms of Rule 253 of the National Assembly will consist of 11 Members (ANC 4, DA 2, MKP 2, EFF 1 and other parties 2). Gana said will report to the National Assembly and the people of South Africa by no later than 31 October 2025.
“Moreover, at the same time, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published the terms of reference (Proclamation 269 of 2025) that will guide the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The Commission shall therefore submit an interim report within three-months, and a final report within six-months to the President, while the final report will also be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.
“RISE Mzansi will participate fully and ethically in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, while keeping a hawk’s eye on the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. We believe both bodies are well-placed to probe the alleged collapse and capture of South Africa’s safety, security and justice apparatus; hold those responsible accountable; and recommend the necessary reforms,” he said.
Gana further said now that both bodies have been legally empowered, they must waste no time in getting down to the business of starting the process of cleaning the country’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster so that South Africans can have perceived and real trust in the work of the country’s safety, security and justice apparatus.
Picture: SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it warns against the spread of fake news about an SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) raid in which R18 million was found in a safe at a house in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The SAPS said it calls for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing.
The SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Therefore, we confirm that no raid was undertaken by any of our units, the National Intervention Unit (NIU).”
24 July 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said is deeply disturbed by the ongoing state of dysfunction at the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) in Mpumalanga, which has reached a crisis point due to persistent mismanagement and an alarming disregard for established protocols and the wellbeing of our members. POPCRU said this situation has long been neglected by those entrusted with management responsibilities, particularly individuals occupying acting roles at the head office who have demonstrated clear signs of incompetence and an abuse of authority.
POPCRU representative, Sipho Nkambule said what they are witnessing in the province, particularly in areas such as Acornhoek, are clear patterns of victimisation directed at their members. Nkambule said these are not isolated incidents, but form part of a broader culture of inconsistency, where signed resolutions are either selectively implemented or completely ignored.
“Instead of fair and transparent processes, there is growing evidence of preferential treatment in the allocation of operational duties and filling of vacancies—some of which are earmarked for individuals even before posts are formally advertised, often from Pretoria. Such practices undermine organisational integrity and demoralise hardworking and deserving members.
“Furthermore, the rotation system meant to govern operational deployments has been rendered meaningless, as decisions are made arbitrarily, and any attempt to seek clarity on these uneven practices is met with unwarranted disciplinary action. The weaponisation of discipline to silence legitimate concerns is unacceptable and is in direct contradiction with the principles of fairness and justice that should underpin policing institutions,” he said.
Nkambule further said it is particularly disheartening that despite repeated attempts by POPCRU to raise these issues through proper channels, there has been no meaningful intervention from the Head Office. He added that the human cost of this negligence is grave— their members are subjected to undue stress, working in a toxic environment that has, in some tragic instances, led to preventable loss of life.
“This failure to act decisively and compassionately on such critical issues is a betrayal of duty. POPCRU is left with no option but to demand the immediate intervention of the Divisional National Commissioner. We call on their office to urgently visit the province and address these pressing matters before we are forced to escalate this crisis nationally.
“Further, we call for the removal of the current acting Commander as he is not competent to manage members, and lacks interpersonal skills. Our members deserve leadership that is ethical, responsive, and accountable—not silence in the face of suffering,” said Nkambule.
He said the situation at the Mpumalanga LCRC cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further. Nkambuke said if ignored, they will have no hesitation in mobilising their structures to bring this matter to the forefront of national attention.
24 July 2025- A patient, who was allegedly discharged from Kimberley Mental Hospital in Kimberley without her mother’s knowledge and gone, missing since June 2025, refuted these allegations. In a statement posted on a Facebook account of Mnathisi Makoba, depicting Karabo Vilakazi’s picture, said she wanted to speak out because her name, her face and her story, has been misrepresented in the media.
Vilakazi further said the truth needs to be heard.
“My name is Mnathisi Karabo Lungile Vilakazi (previously known as Makhoba) and I am not missing. I was safely discharged from the hospital after medical professionals found no truth in the false claims made by my mother, Gufu Makhoba, who knowingly hid her face on television, while exposing mine.
“This is not the case of a “missing daughter”, but the story of a mother using the media to manipulate the narrative, weaponizing my mental health struggles and trying to maintain control over me,” she added.
Vilakazi said she lives with depression and anxiety and never denied it. However, she alleges that, instead of receiving compassion, her mental health has been used against her by the very same person who should have protected her.
“My mother has illegally kept all my personal documents such as my ID, learner’s license, school books, stationary and clothes. I’m currently going through legal processes to retrieve what’s rightfully mine.
“I have opened a case of domestic violence on 31 May 2025, against her. One of my closest friends also filed a protection order due to her behaviour. She has a history of physical, verbal and emotional abuse and not just towards me, but to my older sister, who has cut off contact with our mother years ago for the sake of her own mental health,” said Vilakazi.
She said she is now being supported by her father, sister, friends and therapist. Vilakazi said these are people who have experienced her controlling and abusive patterns first hand.
“I am safe and far away from the constant fear and manipulation I grew up under. So, many people think abuse only comes from fathers or strangers, but sometimes it’s your own mother who will abuse you and no one wants to believe you.
“I’m not the first nor last who experienced abuse from my own mother, but it is not talked about. SABC, I respectfully ask that you reach out to me directly because my voice matters and the truth shall prevail,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Lebogang Majaha said: “We hereby confirm that Karabo Vilakazi was indeed admitted at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital on 3 June 2025. It is worth mentioning that the clinical interventions were successful until she was discharged on 23 June 2025.
“Notwithstanding the fact that she is an adult mental health care user, based on her clinical condition at discharge classified as a Voluntary User. She had good insight and judgment and did not pose a danger to herself and others, and was able to make autonomous decisions.”
Majaha said, however, her treating doctor at the hospital prior to discharge on her guidance, contacted and discussed her discharge with her next-of-kin. He said it is worth mentioning that in terms of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002, Voluntary Mental Health Care Users can give consent for admission and be discharged independently.
“Furthermore, the department notes the statement issued by SAPS on the alleged case and confirmation that Karabo Vilakazi was found safe at a friend’s house in Greenpoint in Kimberley.
“The department has the best interest of all users/patients at heart and highly appreciates that Vilakazi is safe,” said Majaha.
Picture: The Nigerian Female Soccer Team players vising Banyana Banyana player, Gabriel Salgado in hospital/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco on Wednesday, a day after the injury she suffered during the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final clash against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena said the winger was stretchered off late in the second half following an accident during the South African senior women’s national team’s 1-2 defeat to the Super Falcons on Tuesday (22 July 2025). Mokoena said Salgado remains in hospital, while she recuperates and will stay with the team upon release.
“She will fly back home with Banyana Banyana next week. Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.
“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time,” he said.
Mokoena further said the whole Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilized following the injury. He added that the messages of support continue pouring in, with Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the charge.
“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’ Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.
“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions and Nigeria’s breakthrough in referee optional proved this,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champions. Ramaphosa said they wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.
Joining in on the well wishes were the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Some of their players were distraught after Salgado’s injury and were openly in tears during the game.
A few Nigeria players went to the hospital to visit her on 23 July 2025, and they presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey.
“The entire Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado during yesterday’s match.
Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead. We are holding Gabriela, her teammates, her family and close friends in our hearts, sending our deepest wishes for strength and resilience. Our immediate focus, and our enduring concern, is solely for her wellbeing, comfort, and recovery,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.
The Super Falcons team said the spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. They said as fellow members of this football community, The Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.
“Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community. With sincere sympathy and solidarity,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.
Banyana Banyana has been given the day off and will return to action on Thursday to conclude preparations for the final match of the tournament. They face Ghana in the third and fourth place play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Kick-off is at 21h00 SA time (20h00 local time in Morocco).
The Guardian 