20 October 2025- The police in Sophiatown have responded to a shooting incident in Westbury, where six teenagers were shot. The police said the victims were rushed to hospital.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili said two of them were declared dead on arrival and four are receiving medical attention. Muridili said preliminary reports suggest that the shooting was gang-related.
“It is reported that the six aged between 14 and 19 years, were shot at by three suspects believed to be from a rival gang. The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit is on the scene together with SAPS Forensic Services.
“District Crime Intelligence has also been mobilised to assist the Anti-Gang Unit with the tracing of the suspects,” she said.
20 October 2025- The Mmabana Foundation said the iconic Taung Cultural Calabash Festival returns this year under the lively theme: “Revived, Refreshed and Reloaded”, a celebration of creativity, culture and the resurgence of the arts in the North West. The Foundation said the festival will take place from 30 October to 1 November 2025 at the Mmabana Taung Centre, promising a cultural experience for patrons across the North West Province.
The Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kgalalelo Molotsi said an exciting festival programme will kick-off with master classes for fashion designers, led by the internationally acclaimed fashion icon David Tlale, offering young and emerging designers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. Molotsi said the master class will be followed by a Fashion Show featuring North West’s finest design talent, showcasing the vibrancy and originality of the province’s creative scene.
“On Friday, the spotlight turns to comedy with a powerful line-up featuring household names such as Chris Mampane, Tall As Mo, Mashabela, and more comedians, promising an evening filled with laughter, wit, and local humour.
“The festival will close with a bang on Saturday, with the music festival bringing together some of South Africa’s hottest acts. The youthful and energetic line-up includes DJ Karri, Kharishma, Fifi Cooper, Paige, Maglera Doe Boy, and many more, ensuring a dynamic mix of genres from Lekompo to Hip Hop that reflects the evolving spirit of South African music,” she said.
Molotsi further said early bird tickets are now available starting at R100, giving patrons the chance to secure their place early for what promises to be a highlight on the cultural calendar.
She added that the 2025 Taung Cultural Calabash continues to uphold its vision of revitalising the Taung creative scene, supporting local talent and positioning the North West as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.
Meanwhile, for ticket information, stall applications, and updates on the full programme, follow Mmabana Foundation official pages and visit the Mmabana website: www.mmabana.org.za.
Picture: Endangered plant species seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 October 2025- A man (44) was arrested for possession of endangered plant species by the police while conducting foot patrols in the Springbok Central Business District (CBD). The arrest comes after the vigilance and alertness of members of Delta Platoon of Springbok Public Order Policing between 20 and 21 October 2025, where they seized a substantial amount of protected plants.
The Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the arrest was executed at a fuel station in Voortrekker Street in Springbok when the members conducted random stop and searches. Magerman said the suspect was found in possession of a large amount of plants, valued at a substantial amount concealed in a SASKO flour bag inside his travel bag.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Springbok magistrate court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their vigilance and also issued a stern warning to the public, that efforts will be enhanced with more boots on the ground as we are in the festive season period. Andrews said the police will not allow the trafficking, movement and smuggling of protected fauna and flora in the district inclusive of drugs, illegal firearms, stolen goods and illicit items.
“The police will combat crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement during the festive period and beyond,” he said.
Picture: Mokgareng Secondary School learner, Boago Itumeleng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 October 2025- A Grade 12 learner from Mokgareng Secondary School in Taung, Boago Itumeleng (18), who is aspiring to become a Biomedical Engineer, takes the world by storm. Itumeleng recently took part in Eskom International Expo for Young Thinkers, where she competed against international learners and became one of the top performers.
Mokassa 2 village-born learner, urges learners not to let their backgrounds determine their future. Itumeleng designed and created a medical device (prototype) to assist diabetic patients to improve their diagnosis. According to Itumeleng, most diabetic patients, especially in rural areas, end-up losing their eyesight unnecessarily due to lack of resources.
“I was part of the Eskom Expo for Young Thinkers initiative, whereby a learner is required to come up with solutions that never existed before to resolve problems that are experienced in daily lives. However, a learner can also come up with an existing, but modified solution to resolve a problem.
“I participated in the Biomedical and Medical Sciences category during regional and provincial phases. However, at the international level, I was placed in the engineering category. So, the app I created would assist patients, especially in rural areas, to detect the disease called diabetic retina that affects diabetic patients’ eyesight,” she said.
Itumeleng further said it assists to monitor the retina and collect data. She added that diabetics patients lose eyesight primarily because high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
“This damage causes the vessels to leak, swell, or close off, leading to blurred vision, floaters, and vision loss. In advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels grow and can bleed, detach the retina, or lead to other complications like glaucoma.
“However, we can use a smartphone to detect if the patient has diabetic retinopathy. I have also created a website, where one can upload the picture of the retina and run the tests. Most patients in rural areas cannot afford to go to the optometrist because it is too costly. So, this will lead to the patients losing eyesight unnecessarily,” said Itumeleng.
So, during the Eskom Expo International Young Thinkers competition, she managed to scoop bronze.
Meanwhile, the Mokgareng Secondary School principal, Mphato Melamu applauded Itumeleng. Melamu said he is grateful and humbled to have a learner of Itumeleng’s calibre.
“You understand that in order for a learner to reach that international stage, it goes down to the quality of education she receives from the school. So, as a starting point, we really need to send our gratitude and honour to her Physical Science teacher.
“In essence, she is the best performing Physical Science teacher in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and North West province at large. So, we have seen her pedigree and the measurement of her work for the past two years. She produced learners who could hold their own and compete on the international stage against the best,” he said.
Melamu said last year, two learners from his school produced a portable machine that can produce solar energy. He said now, the project only needs funding to take it forward.
“As we know that electricity is too expensive, that solar machine will come in handy, especially for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Itumeleng managed to win from all levels, be it at local, regional, provincial, national, including international arena.
“We are proud of her achievements and remember our children’s education is what we invest in as people from rural backgrounds. We are trying hard as teachers in rural areas to give our learners the best education they can find, despite various challenges,” said Melamu.
He said fortunately, they have a modern school with necessary resources. Melamu said Mokgareng Secondary School has a computer lab and it was designed to be ICT and Science school with highly-trained educators.
21 October 2025- Banyana Banyana assembled for camp on 19 October 2025, and travelled to Kinshasa, DR Congo, to begin preparations for the qualifiers of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026.
The team held their first training session in DR Congo on 20 October 2025, as they settled in Kinshasa and built toward the first leg on Wednesday. The travelling group is close to full complement with Bongeka Gamede having arrived yesterday and Linda Motlhalo scheduled to join on Tuesday.
The Mexico-based quartet of Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane and Amogelang Motau will link up with the team in Johannesburg for the second leg. These staggered arrivals have been planned into the camp schedule to ensure continuity across both fixtures.
The first leg is set for Pentecost Martyrs Stadium, Kinshasa, on 22 October 2025, with kick-off at 7PM. The return leg will take place at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, on 28 October 2025.
In the build-up, Banyana Banyana’s preparations will focus on conditioning, tactical cohesion and managing travel transitions to ensure optimal performance across both matches as the team targets progression to WAFCON 2026.
The Guardian 