Monthly Archives: September 2025

SABC Sport brings the biggest football showdown

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By REGINALD KANYANE

9 sEPTEMBER 2025- This summer, the continent unites for Africa’s biggest football showdown -The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON). Coming LIVE to SABC 2, SABC Sport, SABC Plus and your favourite SABC radio stations, the AFCON 2025 broadcast partnership is proudly supported by Hollywoodbets and SABC.

From 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, millions of South Africans will have free and easy access to all 52 thrilling matches, rallying behind Bafana Bafana as they compete for continental glory. Fans can expect to experience every goal and victory.

This collaboration ensures that millions of South Africans have free and easy access to all the excitement across multiple SABC platforms, reinforcing the unifying power of sport in the nation. In addition to AFCON 2025, SABC Sport and Hollywoodbets have joined forces to bring live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 26, Horse Racing and English Premier League (EPL).

Over the next three seasons, SABC Sport will broadcast 38 live Premier League matches per season, covering the 2025/2026 to 2027/2028 football seasons furthering its commitment to making world-class sports accessible to all South Africans.

Head of SABC Sport, Keletso Totlhanyo said: “At the SABC, we believe sport is a powerful unifier. Our partnership with Hollywoodbets ensures that every South African can enjoy the passion and pride of our national teams and global sporting events for free, inaccessible ways.

“We look forward to bringing the energy of AFCON 2025 to homes nationwide and standing together behind Bafana Bafana. SABC Sport is also proud to continue its collaboration with Hollywoodbets beyond the AFCON, for future sporting events.”

Head of Operations at Hollywoodbets, Morgan Shandu said: “At Hollywoodbets, we are proud to support our local communities and the sport that unites us all. Partnering with SABC again to bring AFCON to every South African home is an important step in making top-quality African football accessible to fans nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to share the excitement of this tournament and celebrate the passion of football lovers across the country.”

Unite Around the Beautiful Game

Whether gathered in family living rooms, local taverns, or community sports halls, South Africans can come together to experience live football on SABC Sport. Tune in, turn up the excitement, and join the nationwide celebration because here, it’s Game On Everywhere.

About SABC Sport

As the Home for Universal Access to Sport and Football, SABC Sport champions South Africa’s passion for athletic excellence. Through free-to-air broadcasting on television, radio, and digital platforms, we deliver live coverage of premier football alongside rugby, cricket, athletics, and more ensuring every South African enjoys the sporting moments that unite us all.

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McCarthy happy to don Kaizer Chiefs FC jersey

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Picture: Kaizer Chiefs FC defender, Aden McCarthy

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 September 2025- Kaizer Chiefs FC development product, Aden McCarthy, made his senior Amakhosi debut on Saturday in the Club’s 1-1 draw away to Sekhukhune United in Polokwane, following in the footsteps of his father, Fabian, who was a Chiefs player between 2002 and 2008. Aden and his father also became the sixth different father-son duo to have played for the Glamour Boys.

They join the Amakhosi Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung and his son, the Club’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., as well as Chiefs legend, Doctor Khumalo and his late father, Eliakim Khumalo, and the late former defender Siphiwe Mkhonza and his father, Joseph Mkhonza. The fifth pairing was another former Chiefs defender, Morgan Gould, a league winner with Amakhosi whose father Ace ‘Goodenough’ Nkomo and former Chiefs striker, Patrick Mayo and his son, Khanyisile Mayo also wore the Gold & Black.

Reflecting on his son’s debut, McCarthy Sr., who featured in 152 games for Chiefs, beamed, “It was a very proud and also emotional moment. If only my late father could have seen Aden make his Kaizer Chiefs debut. For myself and my wife Melissa and extended family, we are very proud of Aden.”

Fabian, who had a trophy-laden career at Chiefs, was further pleased to have joined the illustrious grouping, “I am happy to be part of the father-son legacy at Kaizer Chiefs. Thank you for the opportunity and all the best to Aden,” he said.

McCarthy Jr, who was born on 4 December 2003 and hails from Vryburg, two days before his father featured in Chiefs 2003/04 Coca Cola Cup Final win over Platinum Stars, added that he has been a Chiefs fan since birth.

Aden spoke of his delight at getting to make his first team debut, revealing, “I was born into the Kaizer Chiefs colours. My dad was still playing for them at the time. Making my debut for Kaizer Chiefs was a dream of mine since I was a small boy, so it was a big accomplishment to make it come true. As a young player, I just gave my best and I knew the chance would come when the timing was right and I am happy the coach gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”

On the history of following his father into the Chiefs first team, he said, “Being the fifth father son combination to play for Kaizer Chiefs is crazy to think about, but honestly, it’s a big honour for me and my family.”

For his family, he had special praise: “I need to give credit to my mother. People will post about my father because of our football link, but my mother has been the backbone for us,” he states.

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Setheo se eseng sa puso se thusa basha 

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Setshwantsho: Maloko a setheo sa Baga Maidi Arts Centre ba phephafatsa dikolo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

9 Lwetse 2025- Bangwe ba baagi kwa motseng wa Molelema, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba itumelela dithuso tse ba di boning go ntswa kwa setheong se eseng sa puso sa Baga Maidi Arts Centre. Setheo se, se tsweleditse letsema la go phephafatsa dikolo tse di farologaneng kwa motseng o. 

Go ya ka motsamaisi wa setheo, Onkarabetse Aleta Moleleki, ba dira gape ka matsogo jaaka go loga le tse dingwe. Moleleki are ba ikuela go puso go ka ba neela kemo-nokeng e ba e tlhokang jaaka go ba rekela dilwana tse ba tla di dirisang go tsweletsa ditiro tsa bone tsa matsogo. 

“Rona re lesome ka palo, mme re ile ra fetsa beke re phephafatsa sekolo sa Selekeng. Bagolo ba ile ba tlhagola, go haraka le go phephafatsa jarata ya sekolo gore go nne gontle. Beke enngwe re ile ra ya kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Molelema, mme le gone re dirile fela jalo. Re ile ra leba gape kwa sekolong sa Letlhogile kwa le gone re ileng ra phephafatsa. 

“Re ile ra ya kwa kgosing le kwa kgotlheng, mme koo re ile ra nna letsatsi lotlhe re phephafatsa. Ka letsatsi la Laboraro, re loga sengwe le sengwe se se diriwang ka ulu jaaka ditlhoro, dimmetshe le dilo tse dingwe. Re na le motshini o le mongwe fela, mme re ka itumelela fa re tla neelwa o mongwe. Gape re na le motaki mo setheo sa rona, mme le ene o dira tiro e e tswileng matsogo,” Moleleki wa tlhalosa. 

Moleleki are mo setheong sa bona, ba na le setlhopha sa bana sa mmino wa setso, ga mmogo le baboki. Moleleki are fa sekolo se tswile, ba thusa bana ditiro-gae (homeworks) tsa bone. Moleleki are o na le go apeela bana ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a sa itsholelang. 

“Re rotloetsa basha ba le bantsi go tsaya thuto ya bone  tsia. Re ba ruta thata ka tsa botshelo, gonne ra itse gore letlhaku le lesha le agelelwa mo go la kgale. Jaanong go botlhokwa gore ba ithute go tswa go bo tlhogo-putswa gore malepa a botshelo a tsamaya jang. 

“Jaanong, re ne re ikuela go puso ya rona go ka re fa tshegetso gore setheo sa rona se gole,” Moleleki wa tlhalosa. 

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TDN undergo a name change

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Picture: The Guardian Newspaper editor, Obakeng Maje

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 September 2025- As they always say community newspapers are vital for social cohesion by providing relevant local news and fostering a sense of belonging through shared information about events, local businesses, and issues, The Guardian Newspaper (formerly known as Taung DailyNews), has undergone name change.

The newspaper underwent a name change from 1 April 2025 and has received unwavering support from its readers. According to The Guardian Newspaper editor, Obakeng Maje, the change was necessary. Maje said The Guardian Newspaper will continue to give citizens in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and North West province at large access to information as a trusted source of news that can be relied on to get the facts right.

“It’s been 13 years since the formation of Taung DailyNews. Now, we saw it fit to change the name of the publication to stay relevant, attract a new audience and reflect a significant shift in our mission. Before, we will cater only for Taung readers. However, we have grown bigger now and the demand is high.

“As we all know, The Guardian Newspaper now covers the whole of North West, including Frances Baard District Municipality in Northern Cape. So, we would like to communicate this change effectively to readers, advertisers and the wider public,” he said.

Maje further said since the name change, the newspaper has attracted a new audience too. He added that a publication has expanded its scope and focus to a different demographic and needed a new name to reflect this change.

“We are rebranding to create a fresh start and continue to build trust with our readers. The new name accurately represents our new identity and goals. This will also improve market positioning. Also, the public will not only see the publication as a newspaper from Taung. 

“The name The Guardian Newspaper will help us to stand out in a competitive market, making it more memorable or easier to identify with its specific coverage or region. So, we highly-appreciated our readers who are always by our side and also extend our welcome to our new readers,” said Maje.

In addition, he calls on various advertisers to use the publication as a platform for their businesses, which is crucial for their operation and for the community’s economy. Maje said they will continue to foster community connection in areas they cover and remain the trusted information source.

“Lastly, The Guardian Newspaper has been nominated for the Best Online Media House category at the 2025 North West Media Awards (NWMA). You will remember that Taung DailyNews won this award consecutively in 2023 and 2024. So, I call on our readers to vote for us and win it for the third time.

“Also, I am grateful that I have been nominated for the Best Journalist of the Year and the Poloko Tau Investigative Story of the Year categories at the NWMAs. So, these categories are not voted for, except the Best Online Media House of the Year category. Now, let’s start voting in numbers and win this award,” he said.

To vote for The Guardian Newspaper, sms NWMA503 to 35943. Remember, sms cost R3 and free sms do not apply.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Fix each other’s crown as women’

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Picture: The Head of Department (HoD) of North West Department of Human Settlements, Kgomotso Mahlobo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

9 September 2025- The Head of Department (HoD) of North West Department of Human Settlements, Kgomotso Mahlobo has urged senior women managers in the department to remain committed and be diligent in their work. Mahlobo was speaking during her consultative meeting held recently in Mahikeng on HODs 8-Principle of Action Plan for promoting Women Empowerment and Gender Equity in the workplace as part of the Public Service Women in Management Week.

She further said the session is one of the most important as it affords women in senior management positions to converge and reflect on various issues affecting them in the workplace as well as coming up with possible solutions to addressing them. Mahlobo added that it is important to take advantage of such initiatives as they will be able to make the workplace a better place. 

“Gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace aims to inspire women in senior management positions to become resilient and effective leaders.

The Public Service Women in Management Week seeks to assess progress made by government departments in their implementation of the Head of Department’s eight Principles Action Plan for Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality in the Public Service. 

“These include transformation for non-sexism, establishing a policy environment, meeting equity targets, creating enabling environments, gender mainstreaming, empowerment, providing adequate resources, accountability and monitoring and evaluation,” she said. 

Mahlobo said all of which align with the DPSA framework about empowering women and closing the gender gap. She said the session forms an integral part in the emancipation of women, therefore it is important for women in management to prioritize the session and make valuable inputs that would have a positive impact in the empowerment of women. 

“We also acknowledge the department for maintaining 50% of employment of female senior managers and will continue with that streak. The department will appoint an employment equity committee and they will have meetings on a quarterly basis. 

“The other resolutions include continuing with gender and disability legislation workshops, handing over gender mainstreaming workshops to the HRD sub-directorate and encouraging more women to participate in female infertility health screenings,” said Mahlobo.

She reminded women to fix each other’s crown as women. Mahlobo also highlighted how women’s mistakes are magnified so much simply because they are women, but they prevail through it all. 

“I commit to continuously working together with women in the department who are champions of these 8 principles to ensure that we do achieve them at all levels,” she concluded.

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Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya e buseditswe morago 

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

9 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha di 9 Diphalane 2025. Modise o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana. 

Modise one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya. Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga.

Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.

“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa Modise gape a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa gabedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagwe wa Picong le go fitsetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.

Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.

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Five men nabbed for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 September 2025 – Five men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Mafenya section, Chaneng village near Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, during a tactical and crime intelligence-led operation by Phokeng K9 on Wednesday afternoon, 3 September 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the members approached a suspicious Audi Q3 motor vehicle that was found parked next to the road with the bonnet opened.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said attentive members noticed a balaclava on top of the engine cover. Myburgh said when they enquired about it, one of the three occupants fled from the scene, but they were caught.

“Further investigation led to the discovery of three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition, concealed inside the vehicle’s engine.  A follow-up on the matter resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, who were hiding in the nearby bushes.

“Matamela Madupo (46), Rapula Paul Thobi (37), Mzwakhe Matoko (22), Thabang Motaung (42) and Mojabatho Sidwell Vilikazi (36), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 5 September 2025. All accused were remanded in custody until 11 September 2025,” she said.

Myburgh further said in an unrelated incident at a mine in Boitekong, Abongile Mbulawa (40), who is a mine worker, was on Tuesday afternoon, 2 September 2025, arrested by mine security after being found in possession of explosive drills. She added that Mbulawa appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, and was remanded in custody until 11 September 2025.

“Investigations into these cases continue,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The arrest of these suspects is testament of the importance of a good working relationship and proactive intelligence between the police and the public in the prevention of crime. Had it not been through the positive information received from a concerned and vigilant member of the public, who tipped off a police officer at the Phokeng K9 unit, these heavily armed criminals were intercepted, while on the way to commit a robbery which would have led to a law abiding businessman being robbed and possibly endanger his and family lives.

“That these hoodlums were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms is clear evidence of the criminal and dangerous intent in planning the robbery more so, because in almost all these robberies are committed by brazen trigger happy robbers with little or no regard to the safety of the victims, the police and the public.”

Asaneng said the SAPS is also deeply concerned about the apparent lack of proper control and safeguarding of commercial explosives, which are normally used in the mines and road construction sectors. He said this is after the arrest of a miner.

“The significance of this arrest is that explosives, that are normally sold to CIT robbers, were intercepted before they could fall into criminals’ hands. It is therefore hoped that further investigation will help lead the police to the criminal end users of these explosives,” he said.

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DA alarmed by water-board fees while water crisis rages on

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Picture: Tap running dry/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it is alarmed by the rates paid to water-board chairs and members to attend meetings, while taps sit dry across the country. The DA said notably in 2023/24, the Chair of uMngeni-uThukela earned R109 500 per meeting, while another member earned R54 000.

DA spokesperson on Water and Sanitation and Member of Parliament (MP), Stephen Moore said the Chair of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority earned R120 300 per meeting. Moore said the Chair of Lepelle Northern Water earned R103 600 per meeting, with the Chairs of Amatola Water and Magalies Water earning R77 833 and R70 831, respectively.

“While the department argues that these amounts are in line with approved policies, that does not make them right or fair to the millions of South Africans currently without basic services. We need every possible cent spent on ensuring municipalities can fulfil the basics.

“Repairing leaks, managing pressure, maintaining reservoirs and pump stations, metering and billing correctly, and paying their bulk-water accounts. We will pursue transparency and accountability on board fees. But we will keep the spotlight squarely on municipal turnaround, because that is where service failures are cutting off water to paying residents,” he said.

Moore further said they call for full transparency now. He added that the department must publish each entity’s fee policy, per-meeting rates, add-ons (travel/prep/committees), attendance, and totals for 2023/24.

“This includes annual caps on fees, no payments for non-board ceremonial events and clear prohibitions against “fee creep”. National Treasury and the Auditor-General (AGSA) to benchmark water-sector board remuneration against comparable SOEs, with findings tabled to Parliament.

“Tie board remuneration to measurable outcomes – governance stability, clean audits, reductions in non-revenue water (NRW), improved collections, and infrastructure recovery. Consider temporary downward adjustments to fee scales at financially distressed entities until turnaround targets are met,” said Moore.

He said they call for immediate municipal leak-repair and pressure-management blitzes, metering and revenue recovery, and settlement of arrears to water boards to protect bulk-water security. Moore said these board fees are very difficult to justify given the state of the water crisis.

“The DA will press the Minister and each board in Committee for a transparent review and tighter controls on remuneration – while demanding urgent municipal action to restore reliable water to residents,” he said.

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A man sentenced to two life terms for murder and attempted murder

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Picture: The accused, Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 September 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court to Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith (37) of Proclamation Hill. Smith was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years imprisonment for attempted murder, and eight years’ imprisonment for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with life imprisonment. Mahanjana said he was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“On 23 July 2025, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order against his 2011 model Nissan X-Trail, valued at R65 000, which was used in the commission of the crimes. Smith targeted the home of an elderly couple, Gerald Cantello (74) and Lilian Janson (71), after seeing their house valued at R2.7 million advertised for sale online.

“The advert included images showing several televisions and electronic devices, which attracted Smith’s attention. He contacted the estate agent under the pretence of being a potential buyer and visited the property on 16 January 2025 and again on 20 January 2025. On his third visit, 27 January 2025, around 18h00, he arrived with the intention of robbing the couple,” she said.

Mahanjana further said when Cantello opened the door, Smith assaulted him, forced him into the toilet, and tied his hands with a cable tie. She added that Janson, upon hearing the commotion, came to investigate, but Smith overpowered her, tied her up, and forced a rubber ball into both their mouths.

“The couple’s son, Grant James Cantello (47), and his wife, Heidi Cantello (47), who lived on the same premises, heard the screams and rushed into the house. Smith attacked them with a knife, fatally stabbing both on the scene.

“A boy (16), the son of the deceased couple, also tried to intervene but was stabbed. He managed to escape, locked himself in his bedroom, and called for help. Smith fled but was arrested the following day, 28 January 2025, at his residence while attempting to wash his blood-stained clothes,” said Mahanjana.

In court, Smith pleaded guilty and requested a lenient sentence, asking the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. However, state advocate Lawrance More, successfully argued for life imprisonment.

More emphasised that: “The murders were premeditated, planned over 11 days. Smith had multiple opportunities to desist but persisted, the victims were killed in their own home, where they were supposed to feel safe.

“The court also considered Victim Impact Statements (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese. The 16-year-old survivor revealed the severe trauma he suffered, including having to change schools, which negatively affected his academic performance. Cantello, who survived, spent three weeks in hospital and remains immobile due to his injuries.”

Mahanjana said the judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and ruled that the prescribed minimum sentences were appropriate.

Meanwhile, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP), Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, praised the work of Advocate More and Investigating Officer Constable Ronald Ravele from Lyttleton Police Station. She commended their dedication, which ensured the conviction and sentencing of a man who senselessly killed innocent people out of greed.

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

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By REGINALD KANYANE  

8 September 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Hartswater Regional Court for rape. The accused, Nshirimane Fabrice was arrested for raping a woman (22).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident took place in January 2024, when the victim visited the accused’s home with a friend. Sam said Fabrice raped the victim after offering her a place to rest inside his house.

“He was arrested shortly after the incident and has since been declared unfit to possess a firearm. In addition to the rape conviction, he received a further three-month sentence for contravening the Immigration Act,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, commended the prosecution team, led by Sekhotsane and the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant George Mosime, for their thorough work which ensured justice for the victim. Mphuthi reiterated the police’s commitment to fight Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through strong partnerships with communities.

“The public is encouraged to support SAPS efforts by participating in the “Rate Our Service” survey, and to report criminal activities through the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially,” she said.

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