NWPG continues to priorities vulnerable groups across the province


By REGINALD KANYANE

6 November 2025- North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it will continue to prioritise vulnerable groups across all the districts. As part of government’s intervention to address housing challenge to the elderlies, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi have recently handed over houses to two elderly persons in Mmamokete village in Zeerust.

During the handover, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi commended the department for the work it has done in a short period.

“Today is about restoring dignity, pride and hope to our community. When we hand over a house we give a foundation on which future generations can build. We remain committed to providing quality housing because every family deserves a safe place to call home,” he said.

Sharing Mokgosi’s sentiments, Molapisi pointed out that the government has a vision of ensuring that communities live in decent houses. He further stated that the three spheres of government require strengthening coordination to ensure provision of services to the most deserving citizens.

“The primary responsibility of the department is to build houses, but one of our challenges is the issue of blocked projects. We have concluded that we prioritize unblocking incomplete projects. We have allocated 80% of our budget to unblocking blocked projects and 20% to new projects. We cannot build new houses whereas we have incomplete projects.

“There are 36 outstanding houses that need to be completed in Mmamokete and the project is included in the current plan of the department. The department is working timeously to improve the quality of life for households in the province and will always prioritize older persons, women and child -headed families in delivering houses across all province,” added Molapisi.

One of the beneficiaries is Eleanor Mothandi (104), who is survived by four children from the 24 she gave birth to. Mothandi is currently living with her children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

One of her daughters, Mmita Mothandi (50), who is also her caregiver, expressed her gratitude to the department. She said her family has a decent home and their lives will change for the better.

“As the family, we survive on the mother and grandchildren’s monthly social grants. I sometimes do odd jobs to survive as the social grant money is not enough to cater for the whole family,” said Mmita.

The other beneficiary was Christopher Mokwena (72). He lives with his wife, three children and one grandchild. The family has been living in a shack for a long time.

“We also survive on the monthly old age pension, and the child support grant they receive. It’s a great joy to the family to have received such a gift, it’s been long and we are grateful,” he said.

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Amajimbos target another three points in the FIFA U17 World Cup


Picture: Amajimbos during training ahead of their game/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 November 2025- Amajimbos head coach Vela Khumalo said they are focusing on collecting another three points in their second match of the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 currently underway in Doha, Qatar. After defeating Bolivia in the opening fixture, the South Africans face the hosts who are still licking their wounds following a 1-0 loss against Italy in the other Group A fixture.

Khumalo said victory will certainly get them to the next round of the 48-team competition, but they have to be wary of the Middle East side that is desperate for points.

“It’s going to be a very difficult game, we’re playing against the hosts, and that is pressure on the boys, but we will try by all means to ease their nerves. I think the added pressure on ourselves is that we want to win this game so that we can be through to the next round.

“So we will try by all means to deal with the nerves and hopefully we’ll do it right. We really want to go to the next stage, and this is the right time for us. We started very well with three points and if we get these next three points then we are home and dry. When we face Italy (in the final group stage match), we don’t want to have any pressure,” he said.

A 10-man Amajimbos got their World Cup campaign off to a positive start as they overpowered a stubborn Bolivia 3-1 with goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els. After dusting off the nerves of the first match, the players are confident of success but are also aware that it won’t be a walk in the park.

Amajimbos defender, Luke Hendricks said: “I got to watch them (Qatar) – myself and Tebza (Teboho Mlangeni), actually stayed after our game against Bolivia and we also watched the video of their game. I can’t lie they are a really good team, but I know they have their flaws and we are looking to exploit them and, hopefully, in Jesus’ name, we will be able to win this game.

“It is really important to win this one because we know how strong Italy is. So going into the game against Italy we would like to have won this game against Qatar. We win it, we are basically through, so winning this game gives us a great boost against Italy.”

Meanwhile, kick-off in the fixture against Qatar is at 17h45 South Africa time (18h45 local time in Doha). Amajimbos will be without the services of defender Sive Pama who was red carded in the clash against Bolivia.

In the other Group A match-up, Italy will take on Bolivia in an earlier start of 14h30 South African time.

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Residents of Buffelsvlei to receive key services through Thuntsha Lerole campaign


By AGISANANG SCUFF

6 November 2025- The farming communities in Buffelsvlei Farm, outside Ventersdorp, are among the residents in JB Marks Local Municipality, who will receive key services as the provincial government is rolling out Phase 5 of Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded. The service delivery campaign will culminate in the handing over of infrastructure projects and a community feedback session at Buffelsvlei Farm on Friday.

The programme which will be led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will see the provincial government handing over five RDP houses out of a total of 1500 that are being constructed at Tshing Extension 10 and the handing over of ten title deeds to deserving beneficiaries. Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said as part of the Business Turnaround and General Dealership Programme, an inspection of collapsed tuck-shops will be conducted at Ikageng and Tshing Townships, followed by the hand-over of the Dunlop project site and the signing of lease agreements with beneficiaries.

“This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurship, stimulate business growth, and strengthen community-based economic development across the province. In accordance with the government’s ongoing farming community development efforts, twenty beneficiaries will receive vegetable starter packs along with essential gardening tools.

“Each household will also receive two JoJo tanks to assist with water storage. In an effort to improve animal health and promote sustainable farming practices, animal feeds will be distributed to identified subsistence farmers across the local municipality. Furthermore, food parcels will this week be distributed to one hundred beneficiaries,” he said.

Tatai further said the personnel recently appointed for extra mobile clinics and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), will be introduced to the community. He added that this is in line with government’s endeavour to strengthen its health and community support interventions.

“The programme will also feature the clearing of illegal dumping sites and the planting of trees, thereby contributing to the creation of a cleaner and greener environment. The Thuntsha Lerole activities will be led by Mokgosi, who will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), District and Local mayors.

“This phase of the programme forms a vital part of the provincial government’s continued commitment to accelerating service delivery, improving living conditions, and bringing government services closer to the people,” said Tatai.

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Two Lesotho men sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for theft of copper cable  


By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 November 2025- Two Lesotho nationals sentenced to 12 imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for the theft of copper cables and an additional six months for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The accused, Bokang Molapisi (46) and Josias Mokgatja (35), were further declared unfit to possess firearms and the court ordered that they be deported to Lesotho after serving their sentences.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations led by Warrant Officer Petros Matshego, revealed that on 14 April 2025, a group of five men went to Impala Mine, near Rustenburg to steal copper cables. Gunya said they were apprehended by mine security officers on patrol, who summoned the police, leading to the arrest of all five suspects.

“Subsequently, three of the accused, all South African nationals, were granted bail, but have since absconded and remain fugitives. During the trial, the two Lesotho nationals pleaded guilty to both charges.

“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Zola Mpayipheli submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) by the mine’s engineer, detailing the financial and operational impact of copper theft. The engineer stated that the stolen cables, valued at R57 418.96, were used to supply lighting, power CCTV cameras, and operate the cage transporting employees underground.

“In delivering judgment, Magistrate Tabeah Matshabe noted that while both men were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty, the court could not ignore the seriousness and prevalence of copper theft, which undermines the economy and disrupts essential services,” he said.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the work of Prosecutor Mpayipheli, Warrant Officer Matshego, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to working tirelessly with law enforcement partners to ensure that perpetrators of copper theft face the full might of the law as such crimes threaten the country’s economic stability.

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Police request public assistance in resolving hit and run case


By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

6 November 2025: The police from Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit requests public assistance in solving an alleged hit and run case and tracing the relatives of a deceased person, who has not been identified. The police said on 29 October 2025, at approximately 7:45pm, police attended an accident scene on the R31 road between Phutanang and Platfontein.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said an adult female, estimated to be in her late thirties wearing black short tights and white/cream top, was reportedly fatally hit by a vehicle. Shemane said the police are investigating the incident after the vehicle involved in the accident failed to stop.

“The police are appealing to anyone from the public who is missing a relative and did not yet report the person as missing to the police to contact the police or make a report to the nearest police station as soon as possible. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person as missing to the police.

“Anyone with information regarding the accident and who can assist the police in solving the case and tracing the relatives of the deceased female can contact Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Mosala of Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit on 082 302 0407 or use the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS App,” he said.

Shemane further said all information received will be treated confidentially. He added that the investigation continues.

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A man sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for sexual offences


By REGINALD KANYANE

6 November 2025- A man (43) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Garankuwa Regional Court for three separate sexual offences. The accused, Thomas Mlambo Baloyi received 15 years for rape committed in 2008, 10 years for rape committed in 2014 and 15 years for rape committed in 2017.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said sentences on count one and three to run concurrently, the effective sentence is 25 years. Gunya said Baloyi’s name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The court heard that between May 2008 and January 2017, in Kromkuil village, near Winterveldt, Baloyi in all three instances, used the same modus operandi by accompanying unsuspecting female victims during the night. Evidence presented in court revealed that, along the way, he would force himself on the victims and sexually assault them. 

“The victims were two adult women and a minor aged 15 years in 2014. He was linked to all the offences through DNA evidence and was arrested on 3 March 2023. He abandoned his right to bail and remained in custody,” he said.

Gunya further said during proceedings, Mlambo pleaded guilty to all charges in terms of a plea and sentence agreement with the state. He added that the state prosecutor, Jafta Maleka, told the court about the trend when committing these offences.

“He further told the court that Baloyi targeted the vulnerable members of the community,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the prosecution team and all role players for securing the conviction. Makhari said the DPP emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting any acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability and fighting GBV in South Africa,” she said.

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A double murder case against a man postponed  


By AGISANANG SCUFF

6 November 2025 – The double murder accused, Ofentse Sebogo (31) was remanded in custody by the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court until 12 November 2025, for a formal bail application. Sebogo was arrested on 4 November 2025, for allegedly stabbing three men with a sharp object on 1 November 2025, at Unit 2, Welbedacht, Lehurutshe.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the victims, Thulani Dube (30) and Felix Tivane (40), died on the scene and in the hospital respectively, while the third victim escaped with injuries. Mokgwabone said following the incident, the accused was successfully traced and brought to book.

“The motive of the incident is still unclear and investigations into the matter are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed thanks to the police for their swift response that led to the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Nadioo urged members of the community to resolve their differences amicably rather than resorting to violence that often leads to incidents such as this one. 

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Fish killing incident in Hartbeespoort Dam a ‘matter of concern’


Picture: Fish kiling incindent/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 November 2025- The Magalies Water said there was a fish killing incident that occurred at the canal of Venice Village Estate in the Hartbeespoort Dam area on 18 October 2025. The water utility said the affected fish were buried on an unoccupied piece of land and the incident had already attracted media attention on or about 21 October 2025.

Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said following this incident, their team responded promptly by collecting water samples on 22 October 2025. Magae said the following day, Magalies Water, together with the Department of Water and Sanitation (Enforcement and Compliance) and the Madibeng Local Municipality, conducted a site inspection.

“No visible signs or evidence was found to indicate the cause of the fish kill and water quality results did not reveal any abnormalities in the sampled water.

“As the incident was reported three days after it occurred and water quality conditions can change rapidly, we urge the community to report fish kills immediately to Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation, as well as any accompanying visual evidence of the affected fish and the exact location,” he said.

Magae further said to date they have recorded only one fish kill case at Venice Village Estate. He added that while this incident is cause for concern and can cause public panic.

“Magalies Water advises communities to ensure that they monitor all developments pertaining to the water safety of the Hartbeespoort Dam through official communication issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation and/or Magalies Water. Since this incident, we continue with regular sampling of the raw water in the precinct of the dam and to date no further abnormalities have become apparent,” said Magae.

He said it is common cause that the current situation of the growth of the hyacinth and salvinia have an adverse effect on the amount of oxygen on the waterbody, which can also result in the death of other aquatic species, such as the fish found in the dam. Magae said, furthermore, Magalies Water has previously commented publicly on the high levels of loaded pollutants that enter the dam which also contributes to the sprawling growth of the hyacinth water plant, which brings about other challenges in the preferred conditions of the raw water in the catchment and dam.

“Work continues despite these challenges, and the Department of Water and Sanitation together with stakeholders are regularly updated on all interventions, challenges as well as mitigation measures which are designed to stall the speed at which the invasive plant is spreading over the dam.

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Police looking for missing Khensani Mhlauli


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 November 2025- The police in Kagisho are requesting the public to assist in locating Khensani Mhlauli (25), who was last seen at his residence in Thabo Modupe drive in Phuthanang. The reports indicate that the victim left his residence on 26 October 2025, without telling anyone where he was going.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said he was wearing a pair of red shorts and a black T-shirt the last time he was seen. Pilane said anyone with information that can lead to locating and reuniting Khensani with his loved ones can contact Detective Constable Tsholofelo Madonsela on 071 682 8190 or 053 871 1173 or alternatively utilise the Mysaps App or 08600 10111 crime stop number.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Masito e boela kgotlhatshekelo


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

6 Ngwanatsele 2025- Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung, e solofetswe go boela kgotlhatshekelo mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Oratile Masito (22) a beteletse lekgarebe lengwe teng kwa Lokaleng.

Go ya ka kgotlhatshekelo, Masito o beteletse lekgarebe le makgetlho a le mararo mo bosigong jwa tiragalo. Go begwa fa Masito a ile a kgorogelwa ke baagi kwa legaeng la gagwe fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola letsatsi, mme ba mo latofatsa ka petelelo.

Fela Masito ene are o bopelwa kgomo ya mmopa. Lekgotlha le timile Masito beile, mme le tlhalositse fa mabaka a a nelaneng ka one ese a ikgethileng. Gape, Masito o latofadiwa ka go tshosetsa dipaki mo kgetsing e. 

Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le rometse dipoelo tsa DNA kwa Forensic Laboratory fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 29. Jaanong lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le setse le emetse dipoelo tseo.

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