Picture: DA Northern Cape Provincial spokesperson on Finance and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Fawzia/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
2 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the oversight it conducted in the Northern Cape to the De Aar railway station, confirmed how South Africa’s rail network has all but collapsed, taking with it the hope of growth and development needed to drive job creation. The DA said the most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey confirmed that nearly one in two people in the Northern Cape cannot find a job.
DA Northern Cape Provincial spokesperson on Finance and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Fawzia Rhoda said regional economies are hamstrung by the lack of affordable and reliable railways, as rail freight volumes plummeted from 226 million tonnes in 2017 to only 152 million tonnes in 2024. Rhoda said reduced capacity harms business confidence, makes everything more expensive for consumers, and causes job losses.
“De Aar has not been spared from this economic onslaught and the town that used to be synonymous with the hustle of trains connecting the local economy to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Upington, Kimberley, Namibia, and beyond has fallen victim to sluggish growth.
“In the absence of reliable railways, trucks transporting goods have taken over the town and the abnormal loads crush the roads designed for lighter vehicles,” she said.
Rhoda further said they called for a multi-pronged approach for better maintenance in the short term. She added that in the long run, they need affordable rail freight to ease congestion and reduce the need for maintenance.
“We must speed up the concession of freight rail lines to capable private operators through transparent and competitive tendering processes that identify the best partners for growth.
“We also need to modernise, upgrade and maintain rail infrastructure, with strict law enforcement to protect our essential infrastructure,” said Rhoda.
She said this must go hand-in-glove with a comprehensive review of South Africa’s tariff regime to lower input costs for manufacturers and exporters. Rhoda said the time for endless talk is over.
“South Africa’s economy is in crisis, and it is time for urgent action to fix our economy and create jobs,” she said.
Picture: The police during Joint Operations/Suppled
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 September 2025- A multi-disciplinary joint operation between South Africa and Botswana was conducted along the borderline of the two countries from 28 until 31 August 2025. The operation focused on addressing cross-border crimes such as stock theft, human and drug trafficking, as well as the prevention of illegal migration.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said teams from both countries participated actively in compliance inspections, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, borderline foot and vehicle patrols, and farm visits. Sam said VCPs on the Witdraai and Van Zylsrus roads resulted in 294 vehicles and 589 individuals being stopped and searched.
“The operation further led to the arrest of four suspects for drug related offences and contraventions of the Immigration Act, with court appearances expected soon.
“Mandrax and CAT with an estimated value of R900 were seized, while fines amounting to R7200 were issued for contraventions of the Road Traffic, Liquor and Animal Identification Acts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Police Commissioner for Policing, Major General Keagekae Johny Besnaar, reaffirmed the SAPS’s commitment, together with Botswana law enforcement and other stakeholders, to safeguarding the borderline between the two countries. Besnaar emphasised that such collaborative actions directly benefit the public and confirmed that the police will continue intensifying efforts to combat illegal and unregulated activities along the borders.
2 September 2025- The accused, Thabo Thabang Mongalane (24) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for rape. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 31 October 2020, when Mongalane and his friends planned an outing to Wentzel Dam in Schweizer Reneke.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that the group were all coming from a funeral and decided to meet at the Motor Sports ground in Loelegeng Township, whilst waiting for other friends that gone home to change after the funeral. Gunya said Mongalane was left with the victim (16) in the house, and he then proposed that they both take photos with his phone.
“After taking pictures, he further suggested to the victim that they go and wait for their friends in Phakedi Street next to Motoro Sports ground, and she complied.
“On arrival in the said street, Mongalane entered a certain yard, and the victim followed and stood outside the house. Mongalane invited her inside the house, but she refused to enter,” he said.
Gunya further said he forcefully dragged her, pushed her against the wall, and tried to kiss her by force. He added that Mongalane pushed the victim inside the house, closed the door with the couch that was behind the door.
“The court heard that Mongalane overpowered the victim and raped her. After the rape, he told the victim that she would never leave the place while crying. The victim opened the door, and they left the house.
“On the street, they took different directions. The victim was still crying, and she met her boyfriend, to whom she reported the matter. A police docket was opened, and Mongalane was arrested and later released on bail,” said Gunya.
In court, Mongalane pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, state prosecutor Sephapho told the court that Mongalane planned the incident and that the rape of children is on the rise and perpetrators of this offence must be punished to serve a term of imprisonment. He urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The court found that there were compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. This includes the accused’s age, whether he is a first offender and his personal circumstances.
He was sentenced to undergo 15 years imprisonment. The court ordered that Mongalane’s name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the prosecution team, South African Police Service and all stakeholders involved. Makhari emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to prosecuting crimes of GBV, particularly against women and children,” she said.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 September 2025 – The police in the North West have during the weekly High Density Operation Shanela 2 operations, arrested 1241 suspects for a variety of crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders, rapes, dealing in and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The police said this includes illicit mining among others.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said operations were conducted between 25 and 31 August 2025, in all five districts. Mokgwabone said out of the 1241 arrested suspects, it is worth noting that 460 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists and 20 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act.
“As part of the operations, the police addressed identified crime generators through Joint law enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.
“As a result, 13 unlicensed liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed, and large quantities of liquor were confiscated,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in addition, the operations led to the confiscation of 25 cell phones, copper cables, seven firearms, 303 rounds of ammunition, precious metals and tobacco products. He added that in the Bojanala Platinum District, a disruptive illegal mining operation by Vala Umgodi team, Rustenburg based Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, at Bapong Illegal Mining Site, near R556, Mooinooi on 28 August 2025, led to the confiscation an abandoned excavator, two generators, four jack hammers, drill bits and electric cords, which are used for illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said that as the country and the province prepare for the start of the normally hectic festive season, the intensified South African Police Service led high density integrated Operation Shanela is relentlessly tracking, apprehending, and locking no less than 1000 wanted suspects every week. Asaneng aid among the arrested suspects are the province’s circulated wanted, dangerous repeat offenders whose reign of terror has been nipped in the bud.
2 September 2025 – The police in Potchefstroom request community assistance in identifying eyewitnesses of a murder case reported in the early hours of the morning of Friday, 28 June 2019. This comes after the police were called to the scene on Nelson Mandela Drive, close to the bridge that leads to Klerksdorp, where the lifeless body of Julian Richard (24), was found with a stab wound on the left side of his neck.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Richard was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Myburgh said it is alleged that Richard and his friend visited a nearby club and were standing outside when approached by unknown suspects, who allegedly robbed the friend of a cellular phone.
“Richard tried to intervene, but was stabbed with a knife. The police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Lungile Plaaitjie of the Potchefstroom Detectives on 082 779 7200 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
2 September 2025- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it regrets to inform communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District that the start of the subsidized commuter transport service will be delayed. The North West High Court recently set aside an interdict by Atamelang Bus Service, which had previously prevented the department from appointing a new service provider.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said this ruling had paved the way for the resumption of services in the district. Morweng said Atamelang Bus Service, which had stopped providing services since December 2024, went to court in an attempt to block the department from appointing a replacement operator.
“This failure to render services constituted a breach of its service level agreement with the department. Following the favourable court ruling, the department initiated processes to resume services, including the procurement of a new operator and engaging employees of the former service provider to ensure their absorption by the incoming company.
“However, Atamelang Bus Service has since lodged an appeal against last week’s ruling. This legal process unfortunately delays the resumption of the commuter service,” he said.
Morweng further said his department assures that communities will be kept informed of developments and will be notified as soon as a firm resumption date is confirmed.
2 September 2025- A lengthy sentence was recently handed down to two men in the Keimoes Regional Court for kidnapping and rape of a woman (24). The incident happened on 24 January 2020, when the victim was sleeping at her boyfriend’s place, and the two accused, Tozamile Verster (24) and Reggie April (18), arrived at their place.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they attacked the boyfriend with stones, and he subsequently escaped and fled to seek help. Masegela said the two accused remained behind with the victim and kept her captive.
“They forcefully dragged her along the river’s side stream, assaulted, and repeatedly raped her until the following morning and made demands to be paid for her release.
“Soon after noticing the police searching for the victim in the area, they released her. The duo was later arrested and charged for kidnapping and rape,” she said.
Masegela further said on 29 August 2025, Tozamiele Verster was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, and his accomplice, Reggie April was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, which will run concurrently. She added that they were also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Act 60/ 2000 Section 103
Meanwhile, the ZFM District Management acknowledged the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Derick Dippenaar for securing the hefty sentences and ensuring that GBVF perpetrators are brought to justice.
2 September 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus’ Exco in the City of Ekurhuleni, led by Chief Whip Sizakele Masuku, together with ANC Regional Secretary, Jongizizwe Dlabathi and Zone 10 Executive Committee deployees, will on 3 September 2025, visit the families of six community members who sadly lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident.
The ANC Caucus Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni, Ald. Sizakele Masuku said the tragic incident occurred on 31 August 2025, when a Mazda sedan veered into the Zonkizizwe River along the R550. Masuku said despite the swift response of the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), six lives were lost, including four members of the same family, a tenant, and a friend from a nearby community.
“The ANC Caucus is deeply pained by this tragic loss that has robbed our community of six precious lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Katlehong community.
“Their pain is our pain, and together we will draw strength as we mourn and honour the departed,” he said.
Masuku further said the ANC in Ekurhuleni also acknowledges and appreciates the ward councillor for maintaining close and direct contact with the affected families and community, which ensured this tragedy was promptly brought to the attention of leadership for support and response.
He added that the visit will take place at
Location: 2375 Mponeng Street, Likole Ext 1 on 3 September 2025, at 10am.
Picture: A K9 police officer with police dog/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 September 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is requesting the public to donate dogs to the K9 unit to boost the capacity and enhance service delivery. The police said dogs such as border collies, German shepherds, dutch shepherds, Labradors, bloodhounds, rottweilers and malinois(Belgian Shepherds) can be donated.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said they are looking for dogs that are between 18 months to 5 years old. Kock said the dog must be healthy and suitable to be trained in any of the eight disciplines in the SAPS K9 environment.
“Dog must be confident, energetic and not scared of people or loud voices. Members of the public can contact the SAPS Provincial K9 unit for evaluation of the dog prior to the donation.
“For more information please contact Lieutenant Colonel Nehemiah Malete on 082 776 9061 or Warrant Officer Brakkies Breedt on 082 554 5597 or email BreedtG@saps.gov.za,” he said.
2 September 2025 – The joint parliamentary oversight delegation expressed concern and shock on Monday at the levels of dysfunction in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality in Zeerust, describing the state of affairs as deeply troubling.
The delegation comprises the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General. The committee is conducting the oversight together with the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
The Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize said the oversight visit is part of a broader engagement with underperforming municipalities across provinces. Mkhize said during the engagement on Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, the delegation heard from the mayor, speaker, municipal manager, and Chief Financial Officer on the challenges facing the municipality.
“The leadership acknowledged longstanding issues with governance and administrative instability, as well as challenges in financial management and service delivery.
“Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality has operated with successive unfunded budgets and struggles with significant debt, including more than R94 million owed to Eskom,” he said.
Mkhize further said the municipality has also been experiencing service delivery protests over water shortages. He added that the delegation was further informed about the current impasse in municipal operations, caused by political infighting, reports of alleged unlawful council processes, intimidation by outsiders, and a shooting incident at the municipal offices.
“We describe the state of affairs as unacceptable. The people of the North West are being denied basic services because of criminality and political dysfunction.
“We cannot accept a situation where a municipal manager is unable to access his office while outsiders occupy municipal property,” said Mkhize.
He said members noted allegations that criminal elements have compromised the municipality. Mkhize said they also highlighted the gravity of allegations relating to illegal appointments, financial mismanagement and reports of unauthorised meetings presided over by the Speaker of the municipality.
“MPs and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) also called for clarity on who authorised these actions and demanded consequences for those involved.
“The delegation noted that there are individuals in leadership positions within the municipality who should be held accountable for the failures observed. The paralysis cannot be tolerated any longer,” he said.
Mkhize said members also noted the municipality’s progress in stabilising its finances, but said the collapse of governance and political interference is undermining this. He said they criticised the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, for failing to act timeously and said his office should have taken more decisive action, as the continued delay has compounded the crisis and left residents without water, electricity and other essential services.
“This was not the first time during the engagement that the provincial government was reminded of its constitutional responsibilities.
“Members reiterated that the provincial executive has a constitutional responsibility to act decisively in addressing transgressions and governance failures that continue to undermine service delivery,” said Mkhize.
He said they emphasised that interventions in municipalities must not be limited to general commitments, but must focus on measurable targets, concrete actions and clear timelines.
Mkhize said the delegation called on the Mokgosi and his provincial cabinet to return today (Tuesday) with a comprehensive plan of action to restore governance and service delivery in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
“The joint delegation cannot return to Parliament without a proper report that provides an undertaking that the crisis will be addressed with the necessary urgency.
“We owe it to the people of Ramotshere, to the people of the North West and to South Africa as a whole,” he said.
Mkhize said they cannot condone this paralysis and those responsible must be held accountable. He said the joint delegation will continue its engagement with North West municipalities today.
The Guardian 