Daily Archives: September 30, 2025

SA mourns the untimely passing of ambassador, Nkosinathi Mthethwa

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Picture: Ambassador, the late Nathi Mthethwa

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2025- The Government of the Republic of South Africa said it announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola said Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.

Lamola said Mthethwa also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee. He further said his lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures.

“In his diplomatic role, to which he was appointed in December 2023, Mthethwa was tasked with strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.

“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” said Lamola. He further said the circumstances of Mthethwa’s untimely death are under investigation by the French authorities.

“The Government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.

“He is survived by his wife and children. We honour his legacy of unwavering patriotism and service to our nation,” he added.

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DA calls on the administrator of Ditsobotla to tackle unlawful executive salaries

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February 03, 2023.Ditsobotla Local Municipality office buildings in Lichtenburg North West Province.Picture:Freddy Mavunda © Financial Mail

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla is calling on administrator, Kopung Ralikontsane, to urgently address the alleged unlawful executive salaries paid to Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Molefe Morutse and municipal speaker, Manana Bogatsu, since the illegitimate parallel council meeting held on 5 March 2025, in Mahikeng.

DA PR councilor in Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Ronald Matlholoa said that meeting, which unlawfully elected a Morutse and Bogatsu, was vindicated as illegitimate following the first legitimate council meeting held on 23 September 2025. Matlholoa said the DA has consistently maintained that the March meeting was unlawful and that all benefits received by those purporting to hold executive authority since then must be repaid to the municipality.

“We will also be engaging the administrator for clarity on the legitimacy of the Municipal Manager, Oloatswe Bojosinyane, as this matter was not addressed by council.

“While Ditsobotla remains under Section 139(7) national government administration, it is the administrator, who retains all executive authority. The DA will continue to press for accountability and the reversal of all unlawful financial gains obtained at the expense of residents,” he said.

Matlholoa further said Morutse was elected as mayor and Bogatsu as the speaker. He added that the DA Caucus contested the speaker position by nominating Ronald Matlholoa.

“In the election, Bogatsu received 36 votes while Matlholoa secured 6 votes. The ANC and all other opposition parties voted in support of Bogatsu. Ralikontsane must now focus on stabilising service delivery, particularly the supply of water and electricity, while driving investigations into fraud, corruption, and maladministration.

“Strengthening internal controls will be key to ensuring accountability and consequence management. The DA Caucus in Ditsobotla remains resolute in our commitment to fight for residents,” said Matlholoa.

He said they will continue to work with the administrator to restore stability, improve governance, and ensure that residents finally receive the quality services they deserve.

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A grave concern over SIU findings at Tembisa Hospital

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Picture: Tembisa Hospital

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, today expressed grave concern over findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which show the misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital.

The SIU released its interim report on Monday.

Dhlomo said the report on the SIU’s investigation into allegations of maladministration at Tembisa Hospital revealed at least three coordinated syndicates involving officials and service providers who were responsible for the looting of over R2 billion. He said the findings show that at least 15 current and former officials were involved in activities ranging from corruption, money laundering and collusion to bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers.

“According to the SIU, the number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues. The committee views these findings as serious and very concerning.

“The findings reveal acts of criminality, which are a profound breach of public confidence and an unacceptable diversion of much-needed health resources from the most vulnerable members of society,” said Dhlomo..

He further said they welcome the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify implicated officials and recover stolen funds. Dhlomo added that some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity and there must be consequences.

“Such criminality cannot go unpunished. We also welcome the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies.

“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored,” he said.

Dhlomo said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation. He said the law should take its course for those implicated.

“The committee will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that such abuses are not repeated and that the integrity of the health system is safeguarded in the interest of all South Africans,” said Dhlomo.

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A man jailed for killing his ex-girlfriend

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hopetown Magistrate’s Court for murder of his ex-girlfriend. This comes after a victim (21) was involved in an argument with the accused, Mohammed Rohman.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the altercation, a scuffle broke out and Rohman strangled the victim with a piece of cloth until she became unresponsive. Pilane said after realizing that she had died, the accused locked the victim inside the house together with her child (7) and fled the scene.

“He later attempted to escape to Gauteng Province by hitching a ride with a Correctional Services official. The officer became suspicious after overhearing the accused speaking on the phone about the incident and immediately drove him to the nearest police station in Christiana.

“The accused was subsequently transported back to Hopetown, where he was charged with murder as well as contravention of immigration laws,” she said.

Pilane further said Detective Warrant Officer Phillip Kleynhans, the investigating officer, was commended for his thorough investigation and for successfully opposing bail throughout the proceedings. She added that following multiple court appearances, the accused was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, along with an additional three months for being in the country illegally.

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Pilane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the sentence. Otola praised the excellent work carried out by Detective Warrant Officer Kleynhans, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence accountable.

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DA to monitor R13 million Mmabatho Stadium refurbishment commitment

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Picture: Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has noted the commitment made by Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, to the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi of R13 million over the MTEF period for the refurbishment of the long-neglected Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng.

DA spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in the North West, Wolfgang Wallhorn said this intervention comes after sustained DA pressure, including their statement in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on 26 August 2025, demanding urgent action, accountability, and investment following Orbit Soccer Club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Wallhorn said Orbit has been forced to play outside the province with Gauteng reaping the economic and social benefits that should rightly belong to North West.

“During their oversight visit, the Minister and Deputy Minister confirmed that engineers will return within two weeks to conduct a formal assessment and commission a technical report.

“Repairs will go beyond ablution facilities, seating, and VIP areas to also include the athletics field. The private sector will be brought on board to assist in the refurbishment. Communities were urged to protect government facilities and stop destroying infrastructure,” he said.

Wallhorn further said the DA stresses that while this funding is national, they will ensure that it does not become another unfunded promise or photo opportunity. He added that to this end, the DA will task their representatives in the National Assembly’s Sports Committee to obtain all relevant information directly from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

“These actions will allow us to ensure that the commitment is captured in black and white, with proper plans, budgets, and timelines in place.

“The DA has raised concerns about Mmabatho Stadium since November 2022, pointing out broken ablutions, collapsed seating, inoperative floodlights, leaking roofs, and dysfunctional air-conditioning,” said Wallhorn.

He said for too long, promises have been made without delivery. Wallhorn said Mmabatho Stadium must become more than a political talking point.

“It must be transformed into a symbol of renewal, pride, and opportunity for our province. The DA will continue to monitor this project closely to ensure that the long-overdue refurbishment delivers real benefits for athletes, supporters, and communities,” he said.

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A fraud case against ANC LET coordinator, Moreotsile Olifant and co-accused, Abraham Letsapa back in court

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Picture: ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2025- A fraud case against the ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) and Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45), will be back in court today in Vryburg.

Olifant and Letsapa were arrested by The Hawks’ Corruption Team in Taung and Vryburg on 16 August 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.

“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.

“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa Magogong e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho- Monna o latofadiwa ka go bolaya mosadimogolo ka garawe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

30 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 33 wa kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 13 Di[halane 2025. Molatofadiwa, Kagiso Starzen Thipe, o letse a rototse matlho fa pele ga magistrata kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya mosadimogolo, Masechaba James (71). 

Go begwa fa Thipe a ile a kgemetha le go bolaya James ka garawe ka Labobedi morago ga tlhatlharuane magareng ga bobedi jo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa Thipe a ne a tlhagola fa moswi a ne a mo kopa gore a se epe mosima mo thoko ga legae la gagwe. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga bobedi jo, mme Thipe a teketa moswi ka garawe go fitlha a tlhokafala.

“Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme o tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Ene o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Thipe o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kgotlhatshekelo.

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