Daily Archives: October 16, 2025

A man who ‘killed’ three people with spade denied bail

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2025- The Temba Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to Romeo Moshe Shibambu (37) from Suurman, who is facing three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of malicious property damage. It is alleged that on 28 September 2025, the accused’s sister visited him at his residence.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said while conversing, she noticed a garden spade nearby. Mahanjana said when she enquired about it, the accused told her that he “felt like fighting” and that if he did, he “would win the fight.”

“He then allegedly chased his sister away and assaulted her with the spade. Two days later, on 30 September 2025, it is alleged that the accused was walking to a nearby shop carrying a spade to demand his R350 from the shop owner.

“On his way, he allegedly saw children playing at a neighbour’s house. He began assaulting Kelebogile Neo Gift Baloyi (3) with the spade until the child succumbed to his injuries. When the child’s mother, Rose Baloyi (33), saw what was happening and attempted to seek help from neighbours, she  fainted and fell to the ground,” she said.

Mahanjana further said Shibambu allegedly continued to assault her with the spade, resulting in her death. She added that when Sibusiso Langatshe Baloyi (42), the father of the child and husband to Rose, tried to intervene, the accused allegedly turned on him and assaulted him with the spade until he died.

“A taxi driver witnessed the attack and tried to intervene, however, the accused allegedly assaulted him with the spade, got into the taxi, and drove off while dragging the taxi driver from outside the taxi until he could not drive any further.

“As soon as he got out of the taxi, the community apprehended the accused, and the police were called to the scene. The injured taxi driver was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, and the accused was arrested,” said Mahanjana.

She said in court, Shibambu opted to represent himself and applied for bail, claiming he needed to prepare for trial. Mahanjana said prosecutor Sharon Nkandimeng opposed the application and led the evidence of the investigating officer, Constable Phalane from the Serious and Violent Crime Unit. Constable Phalane testified that the accused was a flight risk and a danger to both the community and himself, as he had allegedly expressed that he wanted to commit suicide because his job was done.

“The Magistrate found that it was not in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail. The matter was postponed to 27 November 2025, for further investigation,” she said.

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Ditheetso tsa beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa kwa Boxer Liquor Store di buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi wa kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

16 Diphalane 2025- Kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa lebenkele la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi (32), e buseditswe morago go fitlha Diphalane a tlhola matsatsi a le 20 ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mahusi one a tshwarwa le go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go betelela modiri wa mosadi wa teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Lamatlhatsho motshegare kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store. Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di tsweletse.

Go begwa fa modiri wa dingwaga di le 20, teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store, a ne a tsweletse ka tiro ya gagwe ya go paka dilo fa motsamaisi a ne a mo biletsa kwa kantorong ya gagwe ka Lamatlhatso motshegare. Go begwa fa go tseneng ga bone kwa kantorong eo, Mahusi o ile a lotlela lebati la kantoro.

Go begwa fa e ne ya re fa modiri o a sentse a maketse gore go diragalang, ke fa Mahusi a mo phamola a mo atla ka nkane. Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo fekeetsa ka maatla, mme a mo apola borogwe.

Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo rapamisa mo tafoleng le go mo betelela a mo tlhaga kwa morago.

Kgabagare, kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, ene ya busetsa kgetsi e morago go netefatsa bodulo jwa ga Mahusi le ditheetso tsa beile. Mo letsatsing la gompieno, mosekisi o tlhagisitse fa Mahusi a ile a romelela mosadi o go begwang fa ele motswa-setlhabelo molaetsa wa SMS, mme a mo kopa gore a seka a ya go mo tshwarisa. Ditheetso tsa beile di tla tswelediwa ka letsatsi la Mosupulogo.

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Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise

OBAKENG MAJE

16 Diphalane 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 kgwedi ya Ngwanatsele e tlhola matsatsi a le 11. 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.

Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse fa le sentse le letile dipholo tsa sethunya.

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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A man jailed to 10 years for murder

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 October 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for murder. During the early hours of Monday, 21 August 2025, an altercation broke out between two men at a tavern in Batlharos, near Kuruman.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the confrontation escalated into a physical fight, during which the accused, Modisaotsile Kenneth Seleka, stabbed the victim in the upper body with a sharp object. Pilane said the victim, Thapelo Maswe (33), was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

“A case of murder was registered at Batlharos Police Station. The suspect was arrested later that same afternoon and charged accordingly. Detective Sergeant Tshepang Chwenyane was assigned to investigate the case. Through meticulous investigation, he successfully opposed bail, ensuring the accused remained in custody until sentencing.

“Seleka was subsequently convicted and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi commended Detective Sergeant Chwenyane for his excellent investigative work which led to the conviction and lengthy sentence of the perpetrator.

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SAPS in Northern Cape host elderly safety awareness programme

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Picture: SAPS host elderly safety awareness program/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 October 2025- The Roodepan Social Crime Prevention Unit, in collaboration with the Community Police Forum (CPF), hosted an elderly safety awareness programme at the Christian Assemblies Pescodia Church in Roodepan on 16 October 2025. The initiative forms part of the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly persons across the province.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the programme was supported by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Community in Blue Safety Participants, ACVV and MRM NGOs, as well as the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in Northern Cape. Sam said safety participants, Devarn Rowan and Timothee Neel, outlined the purpose of the event, emphasizing the mistreatment and neglect often faced by older adults.

“They underscored the importance of combating these social ills through education and public awareness campaigns. Stakeholders also addressed various issues affecting the elderly, including physical home safety, health and wellness, and the importance of reporting any form of mistreatment to the authorities.

“Delivering the keynote address, Reverend Mguzulwa from the Moral Regeneration Movement in the Office of the Premier, reassured the elderly that God remains with them at every stage of life. He noted that the term “abuse” is increasingly heard today, often overshadowing the principle of “care” for the elderly,” he said.

Sam further said Mguzulwa urged both the police and the broader community to take collective responsibility in ensuring the safety and dignity of older persons, reaffirming that they continue to be cherished and loved by God. He said Mguzulwa concluded by appealing to all community members to help build a society that protects its elders by fostering education, respect, and compassion towards the elderly.

“The event concluded with a prayer session, uplifting music by the SAPS Band, and refreshments for the attendees,” said Sam.

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Uncle jailed to three life terms for rapes, sexual assaults

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2025- A man (34) from Theresa Park, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and exposing children to pornography, was sentenced to three life terms by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. The accused was sentenced to three life terms for three counts of rape, 25 years direct imprisonment for five counts of sexual assault, 12 years for three counts of exposing children to pornography, 8 years for two counts of exposing children to his genitals and 8 years for attempted rape.

The National prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the three life terms and that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. Mahanjana said he was also declared unfit to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm.

“The offences were committed between 2013 and 2018 against his two nieces and nephew. At the time of the incident the first victim was 6 years old until she was 11 years old. For the second victim the incident started when she was 6-years-old until she was 9 years old and at the time of the incident the nephew was 6 years old.

“The abuse occurred when the children visited their grandparents in Theresa Park, where the accused also lived. When the grandparents were away, he would make the minors watch pornography on his phone and computer, expose his genitals to them, and rape the two nieces. On 8 April 2018, the older victim disclosed the abuse to her stepfather after being questioned about her behaviour,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the two younger victims then also revealed what had happened. She added that the matter was reported to the police and the uncle was arrested on 12 October 2018.

“In court, the uncle pleaded not guilty, claiming he was being falsely accused by the victim’s mother because he had rejected her alleged romantic advances. However, Prosecutor Hanlie du Preez presented compelling evidence, including the testimonies of the three victims, proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“During sentencing, the defence pleaded for leniency, arguing that the uncle was a first-time offender, young, and provided financial support to his parents. However, Du Preez opposed this, stressing that the crimes were serious and prevalent, that the uncle showed no remorse, abused a position of trust, and continued to deny his offences even after conviction. She argued that his actions caused severe trauma and lasting psychological harm to the victims and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Mahanjana.

In handing down judgment, Magistrate Piet Nel agreed with the state, noting that the uncle showed no remorse and betrayed his role as an uncle. Nel emphasised that the uncle took advantage of young, vulnerable children and that the court had a duty to protect society by imposing a sentence that reflects the gravity of the offences.

“I found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, commended Du Preez for her professionalism and dedication, stating: “Each of these successful prosecutions is the culmination of months and even years of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work and exemplifies hundreds of similar cases prosecuted successfully every day.”

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SAUCIC conveys condolences to families of Makhado bus crash victims      

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Picture: The bus that crashed in Makhado

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday conveyed condolences to the families of the 43 people who lost their lives in the N1 bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo and also wished more than 29 hospitalised passengers with serious injuries a speedy recovery.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole called for intensified road traffic law enforcement to reduce the carnage on public roads, declaring that the crash that occurred on Sunday evening when the bus veered off the road and tumbled down a steep embankment in the mountainous area has marred October Transport Month.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and neighbouring countries reeling with shock and urge faith communities to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.

“We commend the emergency rescue crew that worked throughout the night to retrieve bodies of 18 women, 18 men, seven children and survivors. Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving compromise passenger transport safety and should be clamped down,” said Shole.

He expressed concern about how the bus that left from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape destined for neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi overloaded with 91 passengers instead of 60 travelled through Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo until it reached the tragic site. Shole further said law enforcement agencies should extend their probe to possible corrupt practices by unethical road traffic law enforcement officials and tighten civilian and stakeholder oversight will contribute towards safer passenger transportation.

“The economic cost of the carnage and the burden that it imposes on the public health system is enormous. One life lost on public roads is a life too many. We urge motorists travelling long distances to rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.

“Public transport drivers and other road users must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distance and the rules of the road will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents and fatalities on our roads,” he added.

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Morweng welcomes North West High Court ruling over awarding of lucrative contract

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Picture: The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 October 2025- The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he welcomes the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng’s ruling on the Ngaka Modiri Molema commuter transport contract. This comes after a Johannesburg-based bus company owner took Morweng and his departmental officials to the North West High Court to interdict the award of a lucrative contract to a more alleged expensive competitor, after his own cheaper bid with a superior service rating was passed over.

According to Sunday World newspaper, Mohamed Essop’s Sizanani Mazulu Transport secured a place on the panel of four approved service providers to transport the province’s citizens. However, the company discovered that despite being ranked as the top bidder with the lowest price of R22 per kilometre, the department awarded the most profitable routes exclusively to Ikhwezi and Tasmica, a joint venture that had submitted a significantly higher bid of R39 per kilometre.

Aggrieved by the decision, Essop approached the high court on Friday, raising concerns about wasteful expenditure and potential bias. He noted that the Ikhwezi and Tasmica JV was ranked last among the four successful bidders on pricing.

“Yet, only the JV, ranked last and lowest of the successful bidders, received an award to the exclusion of and without notice to the other successful bidders,” Essop protested in his affidavit.

The Sunday World newspaper said the dispute intensified with the revelation that Ikhwezi and Tasmica JV received an appointment letter dated April 23, selecting them as the sole operators for district commuter services effective May 1. It says crucially, this letter was issued before the official bid closing date of August 4, suggesting that JV’s selection was predetermined and undermined the tender process’s fairness and transparency.

The situation escalated when Essop learnt of an October 1 media report in which Morweng announced the JV’s appointment. The report highlighted JV’s capacity to provide safe and reliable transport but failed to explain why it was chosen over other successful bidders, particularly Sizanani, which had offered the most competitive pricing.

Before the court action, Essop’s legal representatives, A Mothilal Attorneys, sent a letter to the department on Wednesday. It demanded an explanation by Thursday for awarding the contract to JV and requested details on how work would be equitably allocated among the four successful bidders.

Having received no response, Essop proceeded to the high court to seek a temporary order halting the contract.

Sunday World newspaper said the company argues that the award to the JV was unlawful, irrational and biased, violating the principles of fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement outlined in Section 217 of the South African Constitution.” It says Sizanani has also launched another lawsuit to challenge the legality of the JV’s contract in a lower court, requesting a full review and cancellation of the department’s decision, or order the department to re-advertise the tender fairly and openly.

However, Morweng said the matter has been struck off the roll.

“This follows a court challenge lodged by one of the companies that were bidding, indicating that the contract was not properly awarded. The newly-appointed company has since begun operations in various areas of Ngaka Modiri Molema District this morning as had been announced in a media briefing on 1 October 2025.

“The department also seeks to clarify the issue of the registration of the buses. Some of the buses had been registered and are operating with number plates whilst others which have not as yet been registered, are operating with a permit as per the regulations of any newly registered vehicle,” he said.

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People reaffirm their confidence as ANC wins by-elections  

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has extended its heartfelt appreciation to the people of South Africa following the outcomes of the recent by-elections. The party said these results reflect the people’s enduring confidence in the ANC and affirm the growing strength of their renewal and service delivery programme that continues to take shape following the recent Special NEC on Local Government and the Roll Call of Councillors.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the ANC celebrates the people’s victories across the country. Bhengu said in Musina Local Municipality in the Vhembe Region (Limpopo), the ANC triumphed decisively, electing councillor Raymond Mashudu Nyathi to serve the community with dedication and accountability.

“In the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality in the Chris Hani Region (Eastern Cape), the people reaffirmed their confidence in the ANC through the election of councillor Vuyiswa Poswa. In the Langeberg Local Municipality in the Boland Region (Western Cape), councillor Daniel

Baadjies, successfully retained the ward for the ANC, demonstrating that even in contested terrain, the people continue to trust the ANC to lead them.

“We express our deepest gratitude to the communities of Musina, Dr AB Xuma and Langeberg, and to every voter, volunteer, activist and supporter who made these victories possible. We also thank the people of Soweto,

Swellendam and Ramotshere Moiloa for their participation and commitment to democracy,” she said.

Bhengu further said these outcomes reaffirm the ANC bond with the people and strengthen their resolve to work harder, rebuild confidence and serve with integrity. She added that the Local Government Action Plan, adopted earlier this year, has sharpened the movement’s focus on service delivery performance, discipline and accountability among councillors.

“It serves as a compass for ensuring that ANC-led municipalities deliver with urgency, efficiency and consistency. Guided by the principles of consultation, openness, transparency and redress, every ANC councillor is expected to embody the values of ethical leadership and people-centred governance in daily service to their communities.

“The recent by-elections have shown that renewal is not a slogan but a living reality. The ANC is regaining stability, unity and trust as our cadres reconnect with the people and serve with renewed discipline and purpose. We remain committed to delivery, accountability and ethical leadership,” said Bhengu.

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Morweng to launch Provincial Safer Festive Season Operation

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2025 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said during the festive holidays, the South African government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the heightened risk of criminal activity. Morweng said this initiative, known as Safer Festive Season operations, is spearheaded by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

He further said it is against this background that he and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, will launch the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations, which runs from 1 October 2025 until 31 January 2026, in conjunction with Operation Shanela. Morweng added that the launch will take place at Mpheqeke Stadium in Kanana Township, in Orkney on Friday.

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