Daily Archives: September 15, 2025

POPCRU condemns the brutal murder of a police officer  

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Picture: The deceased, Constable Sharon Hlongoane/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 September 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Gauteng said it is appalled by the senseless and brazen killing of Constable Sharon Hlongoane (33), who was stationed at Temba Police Station in Moretele. POPCRU said it extends its deepest condolences to the member’s family, colleagues and loved ones.

POPCRU provincial secretary, Lerata Motsiri said according to the reports, the incident occurred on 12 September 2025 at approximately 7:45pm. Motsiri said members of the SAPS Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling near Rampie Garage in Manyeledi Section when they signalled a white VW Polo (POLO VIVO, registration FX85MJ GP) to stop.

“The vehicle initially stopped, but sped off when the officers exited their vehicle. A brief pursuit ended when the suspects’ vehicle was cornered in the Chris Hani Section. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby residential area.

“During the confrontation, the suspects reportedly fired at the police. In the exchange, Hlangoane was fatally shot in the chest as she was returning to the police vehicle. She later succumbed to her wounds and the suspects believed to be three in number, remain at large,” she said.

Motsiri further said POPCRU Gauteng notes that the Provincial Operational Co-ordinating Centre (POCC) has activated a multi-disciplinary team, and they welcome any measures that will assist in apprehending those responsible. She added that, however, the steady rise in attacks on law enforcement officers demands far more than reactive steps.

“Our members put their lives on the line every day to protect the public; they must not be left exposed and vulnerable while carrying out their duties. We repeat our long-standing call for authorities to treat the targeted killing of law-enforcement officers with the utmost seriousness. POPCRU has urged that the deliberate killing of police and correctional officers be declared an offence against the state, reflecting the gravity of such attacks.

“Until stronger, proactive protections and decisive action are in place, our members will continue to face unacceptable risks. In the strongest terms, POPCRU Gauteng condemns this fatal shooting and calls on the SAPS to spare no effort in hunting down the perpetrators and ensuring they face the full force of the law. We also call on the government to urgently review and strengthen measures that protect policing personnel in the line of duty,” said Motsiri.

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Introduction of contractor for D210 road project   

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 September 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua will on Tuesday, officially introduce the contractor appointed to construct D210 road, which stretches from Taung to Modimong village. The road, covering approximately 15 kilometres between Modimong and Cokonyane villages, is expected to enhance community access to essential services.

“The special maintenance works will involve upgrading the current road surface, carrying out patch and pothole repairs, and constructing new surfacing and reseal.

“The project is set to create over 50 job opportunities for local workers, while local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will benefit through subcontracting, with 30% of the project value allocated to them,” said Mokua.

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Local Government Week is opportunity for enhancement of human Settlements

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 September 2025- The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation), Mxolisi Kaunda, has emphasised that the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) week-long Local Government Week programme presents an opportunity for greater collaboration to achieve the goals of quality human settlements for all South Africans.  Kaunda said the NCOP flagship programme provides not only the City of Cape Town, but the entire country with an opportunity to ensure t hat all areas receive quality service delivery.

“The Local Government Week and its character of bringing together all spheres of government under one roof, presents an opportunity to enhance collaboration under the framework provided by the District Development Model. The current challenge of levels of government operating in silos prevents the attainment of greater services.      

“In the City of Cape Town, where the programme will be held, areas like Nyanga, Phillipi, Delft, and Dunoon are faced with, among other things, overpopulation, inadequate housing, water and sanitation, and provision of basic amenities,” he said.

Kaunda further said the Greater collaboration between national, provincial and local governments, designed to find solutions, must be expedited for the greater common good. He added that all residents deserve efficient and qualitative service delivery.

“While the City of Cape Town has had numerous positive audit reports that reflect good administration and governance, the translation to quality service has often been lacking. It is important to have good governance, which translates into quality service delivery.

“On the national front, while a great deal of success has been attained, with over five million houses provided, a move towards integrated human settlements remains a challenge. Also, the provision of essential water, sanitation and electricity has been hampered by weaknesses within the local sphere of government, something that needs to be corrected with urgency,” said Kaunda.

He said local government, a sphere closest to the people, has encountered great administrative and governance challenges that directly impact negatively on delivering services. Kaunda said from Thabazimbi Local Municipality to now Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West, many municipalities have been placed under administration, either by provincial or national government.

“While this has been necessitated by various challenges, strengthening this sphere of government will improve service delivery. The culture of non-payment of services by municipalities, either to Eskom or water boards, presents a systematic impediment to a well-functioning system.

“Great effort should be directed at correcting the course of municipalities to ensure they deliver quality services.  We laud municipalities that have maintained their focus on delivering quality services to the people. We also note the problem of the lack of adequate skills, which remains an embedded challenge within municipalities, especially in the rural municipalities that are unable to attract skilled employees,” he said.

Kaunda said the overarching challenge in South Africa remains the lack of fostering greater economic opportunities, including in the rural areas of the country, to stop the influx of especially the young people to the urban areas for employment opportunities. He said the unavailability of work opportunities in rural areas results in migration to urban areas for economic opportunities, which places undue pressure on those municipalities, especially due to crumbling infrastructure and inordinate demand for housing.

“Greater focus on rural development is imperative than ever before to alleviate migration to urban areas. As all spheres of government meet in Cape Town for the Local Government Week that creates an opportunity to correct course towards greater collaboration and enhanced service delivery.

“The South African voters have put us in these positions of responsibility as a sign of goodwill and expectation for quality service delivery. The Local Government Week should galvanise us to achieve a common goal of quality service delivery,” concluded Kaunda.

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Motshini o ntshang madi o phampholotswe ka bomo

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Setshwantsho: Motshini o ntshang madi o phampholotswe ka bomo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

15 Lwetse 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go phamphololwa ga motshini o ntshang madi (ATM) ka bomo. Se, se tla morago ga gore motshini o ntshang madi wa Standard Bank, o phamphololwe ka bomo ka masa a letsatsi la Moshupulogo.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka ura ya bobedi mo mosong. Go ya ka dipego, go tshotswe madi a sa totobalang.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.”

Kgabagare, ke tiragalo ya boraro e dirigala mo motseng wa Taung mo dikgweding tse pedi. Ka kgwedi ya Phatwe 2025, motshini o ntshang madi wa kwa motseng wa Manthe, o ile wa phamphololwa ka bomo, fa motshini wa kwa Reivilo one wa phamphololwa ka bomo beke e e fetileng.  

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The public service and the people need to work together

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Picture: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said once a year in September, South Africa marks Public Service Month, a time to focus on the essential contribution that the country’s 1.7 million public servants make to meeting the needs of the people. Ramaphosa said it is through public servants that the government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life.

He further said when their public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. Ramaphosa added that when it falters, it is often their most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt.

“There are many dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation. We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption.

“In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded. That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence,” he said.

Ramaphosa said through the National School of Government we are investing in training and development. He said as they work to build a more professional, accountable and capable public service, they need to bring the public service closer to the people they serve.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public.

“Over the next few months, South Africans will be meeting as communities across the country. They will be discussing the issues that most concern them and will together be forging a vision to take the country forward. These conversations will culminate in a National Convention next year, which will finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. Ramaphosa said these challenges may include anything from electricity cuts to overcrowded schools, a lack of water provision to poorly maintained roads, or an increase in violent crime or drug use.

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this approach is closely aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), which is about bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities. He said it is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services.

“Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation. I call on every South African to hold the government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” said Ramaphosa.

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CPF hosts worship and inspiration function

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Picture: Worship and inspiration function/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 September 2025- The police in Sutherland together with the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) successfully hosted a worship and inspiration function focusing on Women Empowerment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness. The event was held on 14 September 2025, brought together 160 women from local communities, including 14 female police officials and Public Sector Administration (PSA) women from the Karoohoogland area.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the programme featured worship and praise services led by the SAPS Chaplain Baard and Reverend Vlok, creating a supportive and inspirational atmosphere for attendees.  Magerman said the Chairperson of the Sutherland Community Policing Forum (CPF), delivered the welcome address and simultaneously provided important feedback to the community regarding CPF related matters.

“The central theme of the gathering focused on critical issues affecting women, specifically Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with emphasis on empowering women to find their voice and encouraging them to be brave in speaking out against abuse and violence.

“This collaborative initiative between SAPS and the CPF demonstrates the ongoing commitment by presenting pivotal feedback to the community during engagements such as this,” he said.

Magerman further said the success highlighted the importance of community partnerships in addressing social challenges and supporting vulnerable members of society.

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Criminals targeting schools

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 September 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said valuable teaching and learning resources were stolen at Reivilo High School, near Taung on 9 September 2025, during an armed robbery. Motsumi said items such as laptop movable cubit, 32 Acer laptops, 32 Acer chargers, 3 HP laptops, 1 Lenovo laptop and 2 external hard drives, were stolen during the robbery.

She further said on the same night, Tshepang Thuto Primary School in the same neighbourhood, also suffered a break-in, where groceries meant for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) were stolen. Motsumi added that a police case has been opened and investigations are currently underway.

“We strongly condemned the incident. It is deeply concerning that criminals continue to target our schools, depriving learners of valuable educational resources and meals that form part of their daily learning experience.

“Acts like these undermine our collective efforts to create safe and conducive learning environments. We call upon community members to work closely with the police and school authorities to protect schools, which are important centres of hope, development, and opportunity,” she said.  

Motsumi said her department will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with police to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We are aware of the incident.  It is alleged four unknown men accosted security officers, who were on duty at the school and tied their hands. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 September 2025.

“It is alleged that the suspects forcefully gained entry into an office and managed to open the safe and stole various items that included laptops. A case of business robbery has been opened and is under investigation.  No one has been arrested.”

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Two suspects in court for double murder, five attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 September 2025 – Two suspects are expected to appear in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court today on two counts of murder, five of attempted murder and one of defeating the ends of justice. The suspects, aged 29 and 33, were arrested and detained after they handed themselves to the police.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said during the arrest, a 9mm pistol, a magazine and five rounds of ammunition were confiscated from the suspects. Mokgwabone said it is alleged that the police were on patrol when alerted of a shooting incident at around 3:30am on 12 September 2025.

“On arrival at the scene, two bodies of men were found with gunshot wounds inside a grey Ford Ranger on the R49 (Gaborone / Zeerust) road near Mokgola village. Three passengers in the Ford Ranger, two women and a man, were seriously injured while the other two survived the attack.

“The motive is unknown at this stage, but the possibility of linking the incident to illegal mining in Mmasebudule village, outside Zeerust, cannot be ruled out. Investigations into the matter continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, in reacting to the incident, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The lawlessness and in particular the mishandling and illegal use of firearms by registered Private Securities has spiralled out of control and the police working with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) will make sure that all rogue, non-compliant Private Security companies and individual officers are brought to book.

“It is unacceptable that those have been authorized to legally possess firearms are generators and perpetrators of serious crimes.”

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10 RDP houses handed over to beneficiaries

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Picture: Some of beneficiaries with Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 September 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass handed over 10 houses to some of the delighted beneficiaries of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project, in Jacksonville, in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, in the Frances Baard District. The Jacksonville 139 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul in January 2024.

Vass said trees were also planted at these new houses, signifying a new beginning for many of the beneficiaries and their families. He further said the approach of the department is to hand over houses to beneficiaries of the completed houses to avoid damage/vandalism and ensure security and comfort for these beneficiaries, whilst construction work continues on the remaining houses.

“In addition, title deeds were also handed out to the beneficiaries. A title deed provides legal ownership of property and can be used as leverage for other economic benefits. The department, working with all municipalities in the province, will be stepping up efforts to deliver available title deeds throughout the province.

“The title deeds restoration programme is prepared to ensure that the government reaches out to the communities and housing beneficiaries to dispatch title deeds accordingly,” added Vass.

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Lesea la dikgwedi di le tharo le tlhokofetse

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

15 Lwetse 2025- Sepodisi kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana, se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore lesea la dikgwedi di le tharo le tlhokafale.

Go begwa fa lesea le, le tlhokafetse fa le ne le robetse le mmalone (24).

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, tiragalo e, ke ya di 9 Lwetse 2025. Mokgwabone are go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba ile ba netefatsa fa lesea leo le setse le ile boya batho.

Kgabagare, Mokgwabone o ganeditse dipego tsa gore lesea leo le bolailwe ke batsadi ba lone jaaka mafoko a ne a rebotswe ke bangwe ba baagi. Bangwe ba baagi ba ne ba bega fa mmagwe lesea le rralone, ba ile ba le bataganya mo fatshe go fitlhela le tlhokafala.

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