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.
29 October 2025 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating DR Congo 1-0 in a second leg qualifier (2-1 on aggregate) played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.
The South African senior women’s national team officially qualified for the continental tournament after a dramatic 1–0 victory courtesy of a lone strike from Thembi Kgatlana.
After drawing 1–1 in Kinshasa during the first leg last week, Banyana Banyana entered the return fixture with a crucial away-goal advantage. The task was clear – protect their defensive line and avoid conceding, while looking for an insurance goal to seal qualification. That decisive moment arrived in the final minute of the game when Kgatlana delivered the winner to secure South Africa’s place at WAFCON 2026, which will take place in March next year in Morocco.
The home side were dominant in the first half, controlling possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, while the second half saw DR Congo grow in confidence and threaten on the counter. Despite the mounting pressure, the home side held firm until Kgatlana’s strike confirmed the result. Acting coach Thinasonke Mbuli praised her team’s composure and resilience under pressure.
“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win and yes, we were frustrated towards the end of the game because it was 0-0 and they were coming at us. I give credit to the defenders for absorbing the pressure,” she said.
Mbuli reflected on the team’s preparations in the coming months and emphasized the importance of continued match fitness during the domestic off-season.
“We have a window that’s coming up now in November, which is the last FIFA window for the year. We’re hoping we can get a friendly match because the tricky part for us now is that WAFCON is in March and our league is off during that time. “Our players in December will be off, and by the beginning of March, WAFCON kicks off. We’re going to have to find a balance between players going off-season and remaining active.”
Lebohang Ramalepe was named Queen of the Match for her outstanding defensive display and leadership at the back. DR Congo coach Lukamba Mbayo Omer acknowledged South Africa’s quality while expressing pride in his side’s performance.
“In preparations, we understood the style of South African football and Banyana Banyana, but not necessarily the individual players. We understood how the team plays as a collective, but we didn’t pick up on each individual player,” he said. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team after their qualification.
29 October 2025- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, today undertook an unannounced visit to Goodwood Correctional Centre to follow up on concerns raised to the committee. Ramolobeng was accompanied by committee member, Janho Engelbrecht during the visit to the hospital section, firearms and ammunitions, and the cell where an inmate was housed who died recently of “natural” causes.
She said there was also the incident in which an inmate died after being beaten by officials and the committee wanted a better understanding of the incident. During the visit, Ramolobeng heard from inmates an account of the night in which the inmate was taken ill and then later died.
“It came to light that three other inmates have fallen ill with stomach-related conditions since this inmate succumbed. The committee had received information prior to the visit regarding the attempted suicide of an official, who allegedly signed out a firearm from the stores at the facility.
“During examination of the register, the individual’s signature does not appear to be the same, which raises questions about the entries in log. This is in line with information the committee received that the firearm was not lawfully signed out by the official,” said Ramolobeng.
She further said this obviously raises red flags about the truthfulness of the information before them. Ramolobeng added that the intel they received is that the firearm use was not authorised or registered.
“This is definitely a matter that needs further investigation. Furthermore, we were informed that the inmate died of ‘natural’ causes, yet when we got to the medical section of the centre, we were told they are still awaiting the outcome of the autopsy.
“So, clearly it does not add up. We will need to engage the Department on these discrepancies. It does not paint a good picture,” she said.
29 October 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has sent the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Independent Development Trust (IDT) packing and rejected the presentation of the oxygen plant tender forensic report. The committee was scheduled to receive a briefing on the forensic report into allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption relating to tenders awarded by the IDT for the roll-out of oxygen plants on behalf of the Department of Health.
However, members of the committee said the document presented was not the original forensic report compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which the committee had specifically requested.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Carol Phiri expressed concerns that the DPWI seemed to be unwilling to share the full report with the committee for its perusal. Phiri said it is troubling that the department and the IDT do not seem to trust the committee with the report.
“The same forensic report has been shared with the IDT board and even presented to the media, yet the committee, which is tasked with oversight, is denied access. What we are receiving are only snippets, not the full report.
“We also noted that this was not the first time the department had failed to present complete forensic reports. The similar incident took place during the Telkom Towers forensic report meeting held on 10 September 2025,” she said.
Phiri further said they noted that it was aware that the Minister had briefed the media on the report, but finds it strange that he has not submitted the same to the committee. She added that the committee also recommended that the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson be present when the forensic report is presented to the committee.
“The committee further warned that had it allowed the presentation of the forensic report, without the original PwC report, it would not reflect the full facts of what occurred at the IDT.
“It also expressed concern that the department continues to ignore committee resolutions, including the requirement to submit written responses within seven days,” said Phiri.
She said it should be noted that they were reluctant to consider or make recommendations based on an incomplete or redacted report and insisted that the original full PwC forensic report be submitted.
“It does not please us having to send the department and the IDT away, as their attendance to the meeting becomes a fruitless and wasteful expenditure due to lack of communication between the committee and the department.
“The committee said going forward it will seek legal advice regarding being continuously overlooked and not being privileged with reports that fall within the committees oversight role,” said Phiri.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, told the committee that PwC could not brief the committee directly and that the IDT should present the findings. Zikalala suggested that the oxygen plant tender forensic report should be presented in a closed session to avoid jeopardising any ongoing processes.
29 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it is pleased with the progress highlighted in the Gauteng State of the Province Address (SOPA), which demonstrates the fulfilment of commitments to improve safety, service delivery, and economic inclusion across the province. The party said the installation of street cameras at major intersections continues to strengthen law enforcement capacity and enhance the province’s crime prevention systems.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said complementing these efforts, the e-panic button has been successfully rolled out and adopted by more than 51 000 Gauteng residents, enabling immediate emergency responses to incidents such as vehicle collisions, assaults, and missing persons. Bhengu said nearly 1000 school patrollers have been equipped with “push-to-talk” devices featuring panic-button functionality, extending safety measures into schools and learning environments.
“In a bid to improve efficiency and reduce corruption, the province has also begun implementing a non-paper, cashless payment system across various government services. This includes an automated invoice management system and initiatives to promote digital, cashless transactions in public transport and provincial business processes, a major step towards financial security.
“The electrification programme, including the installation of transformers and solar high-mast lights, continues to transform lives, bringing light to areas that had been without electricity for years, particularly in the West Rand (Kagiso, Khutsong, Rand West) and parts of Johannesburg (Soweto, Orange Farm),” she said.
Bhengu further said through the Nasi Ispani programme, thousands of young people have gained work and income opportunities through initiatives such as the Green Army, road maintenance, and the teacher assistant programme. Similarly, the “Tswa Daar”programme provides critical rehabilitation and medical care to young people affected by substance abuse. She added that the rollout of E-Hubs has expanded digital access and free Wi-Fi across communities, bridging the digital divide and creating new economic opportunities.
“The deployment of Amapanyaza has had a visible and positive impact in reducing petty crimes such as cable theft and vandalism. While their operations have been temporarily suspended to further strengthen their legal mandate, the results of their work remain evident in the improved sense of safety within communities.
“At a service delivery level, the ANC extols the High Impact Service Delivery interventions executed by the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. These efforts are aligned with the priority of investing in people and strengthening the capacity of local government to deliver efficiently and responsively,” said Bhengu.
She said the ANC welcomes the restoration of water supply in Westbury, Coronation, and other affected areas, a vital step in ensuring that all communities have access to reliable and dignified basic services. Bhengu said these accomplishments are a reflection of a determined leadership collective and a clear indication of the ANC’s commitment to the people of Gauteng.
29 October 2025- The Northern Cape police said incidents of contact crimes in the province are cause for concern. The police said it is against this backdrop that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging residents to be vigilant and alert during the festive season period.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they urged the public to adhere to safety hints in preventing contact crimes and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Shemane said parents need to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.
“Parents are urged not to leave young children unattended. Do not send small children alone to tuck shops / shops and always make sure they are accompanied by an adult. Remember that if a child is missing, there is no waiting period to report a person as missing. Time is of the essence, so it should be done immediately.
“Parents urged to never let their children swim in the pool, dams, or rivers alone and unsupervised. Do not leave buckets/ containers filled with water, where children have access to it. Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible,” he said.
Shemane further said they should never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. He added that they should take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around.
“Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you are in trouble. If you have been sexually assaulted, don’t shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of contact crimes. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption so that you can give a clear account of what happened.
“Never leave your drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving you a victim of date rape. Don’t physically intervene in fights – you could get injured yourself, rather call for police assistance. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone, remember however, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or the police for assistance,” said Shemane.
He said silence enables violence and reports of incidents of criminality. Shemane said people should report any form of contact crimes and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to the nearest police station, or call the SAPS Crime Stop Number on 08600 1011.
“The SAPS will be tightening the grip on all criminal activities during the festive season and beyond and adopting a zero tolerance approach. The SAPS in the province will be combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement,” he said.
The Guardian 