Picture: The embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality offices
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 October 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force members have confiscated some documents from the embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in Mahikeng on Thursday morning. The STF members stormed into the municipal offices and closed the gates before conducting a search.
Even though the details surrounding the search are still sketchy, the SAPS national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the search was part of ongoing investigation regarding corruption, fraud and maladministration at the municipality.
“The operation was led by the national SAPS cold case investigators and the Special Task Force (STF) members related to search and seizure. The operation is about allegations of an ongoing investigation on corruption, fraud and maladministration in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. This is a first of many operations to come in addressing these allegations.
“The investigations are at the advanced and sensitive stage,” she said.
There are irregular expenditure allegations regarding R10 billion allocation for water and sanitation.
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said in a statement that they can confirm that the South African Police Services (SAPS) conducted a search and seizure operation informed by allegations levelled against officials. Molefe said the municipality sincerely apologised for the inconvenience caused to critical municipal services, but they had to allow due processes to unfold.
“Therefore, all municipal officials are required to resume duty on 31 October 2025, at 7:45am and allow the law enforcement processes to speak,” he said.
30 October 2025- The owner (54) of a business establishment in the Central Business District (CBD) was found dead on Thursday morning by his employees who then alerted the police. The Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit said they are investigating an inquest and the police investigations continue.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said anyone with information that can assist the police with their investigation can contact Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit on 082 302 0407 or SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Social Development, Sisi Tolashe
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 October 2025- The Minister of Social Development, Sisi Tolashe will close the Social Development Month curtain by taking the basket of social assistance services to the residents in Vryburg on 31 October 2025. This is part of concerted efforts by Tolashe of bringing the social development portfolio services right at the door of vulnerable communities to ensure that they receive services timeously and issues affecting them are resolved.
She further said she will be accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, representatives from the local government, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO, Themba Matlou, National Development Agency (NDA), acting CEO, Raphaahle Ramokgopa, amongst others. Tolashe added that her visit in the area also aims to bring a basket of comprehensive social development portfolio approach services servicing the community of Huhudi and surroundings.
“These include an interface with communities on social assistance, substance abuse and Gender Based Violence (GBV) related social ills, discussion on community activities, social grant applications, Covid-19 SRD, Social Grant Reviews and many more government services.
“This Ministerial Outreach Programme under the banner, Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme seeks to assess whether the services provided are in line with the government’s District Development Model (DDM), which encourages that all government interventions should be people driven and people centred,” she said.
Tolashe said her programme is also intended to build effective development and service delivery partnerships between the state and communities.
She said on the day, the community members will also access services from other government departments such as Home Affairs and Health.
“They will also have an opportunity to interact with me on various issues affecting them,” said Tolashe.
30 October 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said he welcomes the preservation order granted by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng on 29 October. Naidoo said the order issued in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 1998 (Act No. 121 of 1998), preserves vehicles that were used as instruments of an offence listed in Schedule 1 of POCA.
He further said the preservation order follows incidents that occurred in Mmabatho on 11 September 2023. Naidoo added that after the establishment of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Provincial Organised Crime, Mmabatho Serious, Organised Crime and Provincial Crime Intelligence, the members conducted operations on identified targets around Mmabatho, Lomanyaneng and Mahikeng relating to drugs.
“The action led to the arrest of two Nigerian nationals during an undercover operation. From these operations, cash and two vehicles, a Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Vivo, which were allegedly used for trafficking of drugs, were seized.
“We welcome the preservation order and commend the Asset Forfeiture Unit, including the investigation team for their diligence in ensuring that criminals are deprived of the tools they use to commit crime. We further applaud the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), noting that such collaborative efforts are critical in dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs,” he said.
30 October 2025- Some patients at Ganyesa Hospital alleged that they were spending more time at the healthcare centre than waiting period due to shortage of nurses. According to one patient who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said normally they would go to the hospital at 7am, but only leave around 5pm late.
“You will only see fewer nurses during the day and this affects many patients. Some of us stay far away from Ganyesa and it’s a hustle to access the hospital due to lack of transportation. However, some nurses drag their feet just to prolong our hospital stay. We urge the North West Department of Health to look into the matter.
“We would like to know how many nurses are allocated during the day shift as this is getting out of hand. We also experience delays in treatment, including a general decline in the quality and timeliness of care processes. Sometimes patients leave without receiving treatment because of excessive wait times,” she said.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted these allegations and described them as absurd. Lekgethwane said they can confirm that there is no crisis of shortage of nurses at Ganyesa Hospital.
“This is according to the nursing staff establishment (structure). The total number of nurses appointed according to structure is 81, consisting of nursing managers, deputy manager, two assistant directors, five operational managers, 36 professional nurses, 15 enrolled nurses and 22 nursing assistants.
“There are a total of 13 vacant nursing posts, which comprises 5 enrolled nurses and 8 enrolled nursing assistants of which have currently been submitted for advertisement. The hospital operates with a total of 10 medical officers as per structure complimented by sub-district medical officers,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the hospital waiting time is monitored according to the national waiting time guideline. He added that currently the average waiting time is at 1 hour 35 minutes against the target of 3 hours, so there are no long waiting queues.
“Queue marshals are appointed to assist with movement of patients within the hospital, triage system is fully implemented. There’s no overcrowding of patients as the hospital bed occupancy rate is at 62% for the month of September against the target of 60%-75%. The institution will further investigate the raised complaint and remains committed to provide an improved quality of service to all people seeking proper management of the patient waiting time system as per national guidelines and prescription.
“We appeal to patients and members of the community to raise the complaints to the institution at quality office as stipulated by Batho Pele principle, patients’ rights and constitution of the country. They can contact 053 998 9405 to launch their complaints,” said Lekgethwane.
Picture: Eight people died in a horrific accident/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2025- The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma said eight people have died in a serious, horrific accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi on the N3 Van Reenen Pass. Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is managing the traffic flow and emergency teams are at the scene.
He further said they are saddened by the death of people in a horrific accident on the N3 Van Reenen Pass – between KZN and Free State as they wrap up transport month. Duma added that their efficient and energetic RTI together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Accident Unit, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of this accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi.
“The preliminary report from RTI indicates that eight people have died. We will update figures and give more detailed reports as we move along. This morning at 5am, I interacted with our energetic RTI team and Traffic Ambassador Ayanda Msweli.
“We are saddened by this accident in view of the fact that we had an accident-free Transport Month. The scene of the accident is currently active. In our engagement with N3 Toll Concession, we agreed to close N3 to allow rescue teams to do their work uninterrupted,” said Duma.
He said consequently, there is traffic congestion between Van Reenen and Swinburne. Duma said they request motorists to be patient and exercise extra caution.
Picture: Amajimbos players preparing for Under-17 World Cup/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 October 2025- The South African Under-17 men’s national team wrapped up their preparations at home on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their departure to Qatar on 30 October 2025. Coach Vela Khumalo’s charges will line up against the best U17 national teams in the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.
Khumalo said while there is room for improvement after his charges played against the Kaizer Chiefs DDC team, he was happy with what he saw on the pitch this evening.
“Even though we played very, very well against Kaizer Chiefs, a strong DDC team that is going to Manchester, we cannot get carried away because we played well here. There are certain things that we still need to work on.
“I am happy with the personnel I selected. I expect the team to improve as the tournament continues. We play our opening match of the tournament against Bolivia on Monday. I think from what I saw and I’ve been following Bolivia and the other teams, I think we stand a good chance of coming out of the group if we can apply ourselves,” he said.
Khumalo further said they can get out of the group from what he saw. He added that, but one never knows if that was the true reflection of the teams or they were still preparing.
“But honestly speaking, we stand a good chance of going out of the group,” said Khumalo.
Meanwhile, Amajimbos have been in camp in Johannesburg for the past few days and played a friendly match against their Malawi counterparts away from home on Sunday.
30 October 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list bodes well for the integrity and reputation of their financial system, for their status as an investment destination and for the economy as a whole. Ramaphosa said the FATF is a global body that aims to tackle global money laundering and terrorist financing.
He further said in 2023, South Africa was put on its ‘grey list’ for falling short of certain international standards. Ramaphosa added that just over two years since the FATF identified deficiencies that had rendered South Africa increasingly vulnerable to financial crimes, the dedication of a multidisciplinary team led by the National Treasury has culminated in our formal exit from the grey list.
“In its statement, FATF welcomed the ‘significant progress’ South Africa has made in improving its anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing regime, and called for these improvements to be sustained.
“This milestone is a boost for South Africa’s international reputation and global standing. Grey listing results in a country being seen as risky for investors. The practical implications are that countries have greater difficulties obtaining credit and access to international financial services. There are reduced foreign direct investment and even capital outflows, and restrictions on cross-border transactions,” he said.
Ramaphosa said international investors seeking to do business in any country need assurance that its financial system is clean, transparent, robust and compliant with global standards. He said the perception of increased risk affects citizens and businesses financially.
“The cost of living and doing business can increase as a result of a weakened currency. As international borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and governments, there is less fiscal space for social spending and tax pressures increase.
“Investor hesitancy leads to less foreign direct investment, which in turn impacts job creation and sustaining existing jobs. The impact of South Africa’s exit from the FATF grey list will reduce pressure on citizens, businesses and the government. Ultimately, the return of international financial confidence and a reduced risk perception will attract more foreign direct investment,” said Ramaphosa.
He said as the currency strengthens the cost of living for citizens and doing business will improve. Ramaphosa said the far-reaching regulatory and institutional reforms they have instituted as part of the FATF process are a clear demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to improving the business and investor climate, and to ongoing reform.
“The mandate of the Financial Intelligence Centre was expanded in 2022 when its founding legislation was strengthened to allow for more effective monitoring and detection of complex financial crime. Legislative amendments have been made to enable for more stringent reporting regulations around beneficial ownership.
“This is so we know who ultimately owns, controls and benefits from a company, not just those who are listed as shareholders on paper. These changes will make it much more difficult for individuals and syndicates to funnel the proceeds of their corrupt activities through complex webs of shell companies, trusts and companies owned by friends and relatives,” he said.
Ramaphosa said to close high-risk loopholes around terrorism financing, we have introduced regulatory amendments to enable the investigation and prosecution of such cases. He said they are committing more government spending to countering money-laundering and terrorism financing.
“The state capture era led to a near hollowing out of state capacity and the weakening of key institutions involved in upholding the integrity of our financial system. But we are steadily rebuilding them.
“Exiting the grey list demonstrates that our anti-money laundering system is beginning to act against corruption and other financial crimes. It lays the basis for further improvements. It is a signal of our collective determination to ensure that the malfeasance of the past is well behind us,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they will make sure that the FATF decision does not result in complacency but supports increased vigilance. Ramaphosa said much work remains to be done to reduce and prevent financial crimes, and ensure speedier investigations, prosecutions and convictions of those committing such crimes.
“With the necessary regulatory frameworks in place, our focus must now be on improving and strengthening implementation. We will also sustain enforcement within both public and private institutions and deepen international collaboration,” he said.
The Guardian 