Picture: SANRAL personnel fixing the N18 road, near Tshwara Matsele/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 November 2025- North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua accompanied by the Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi and a team from the department, conducted an oversight visit on the N18 route between Mahikeng and Vryburg site, near Uplands. Mokua said this is one of the roads, where heavy rains have resulted in damage to the drain storm water channel and erosion on part of one lane of the road.
She further said the South African Road Limited Agency (SANRAL), as the implementing agent of the road, has deployed a contractor to channel water from the road and has implemented a stop-and-go as a short term solution. Mokua appeals to motorists to cooperate with the team that has been deployed to ensure safety at the site, while repair works are being carried out.
“With the province having experienced heavy rains this past week and more rain expected in the coming weeks, we urge motorists to exercise extreme caution if travel is unavoidable, as several sections of the roads are waterlogged and visibility might be reduced when it rains.
“The plan is also to consult relevant stakeholders to ensure that a better strategy is derived for a long term solution on this part of the road. We appeal to motorists to exercise patience and caution as more roads will be affected by flooding throughout the province,” she said.
Mokua added that her department is aware of affected roads, which includes R24 Rustenburg to Magaliesburg, N12 between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein amongst others. She said road users are advised to be observant and to avoid unnecessary speeding, especially in low lying areas.
“The department will have teams on the ground in various districts to ensure that we intervene where necessary to make the roads trafficable. The safety of all road users remains our priority. Road users are urged to follow official channels for verified information and to report hazardous conditions to local authorities,” said Mokua.
Picture: One of the suspects arrested for copper cable theft/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
17 November 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje, has strongly condemned an incident of vandalism that happened at the Pudumong Water Treatment Plant in Taung. Maje said the incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, 13 November 2025.
“It is reported that the security guards were on their routine patrols when they discovered that the door of the sub-station was wide open. Upon investigating, they found a man hiding next to the water pipes inside the substation.
“He was found in possession of the generator cables. The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police. We condemn the incident. Incidents of vandalism of the water infrastructure within the district seem to be a norm,” he said.
Maje further said what is of concern is that such acts affect their ability to provide water to communities. He added that they are even forced to use money that was not budgeted for to repair what was damaged.
“Fortunately the incident in Pudumong, did not affect the provision of water to the residents. Meanwhile the police are investigating a case of theft and malicious damage to property,” he added.
17 November 2025- Zimbabwean man (30) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for rape. On the evening of 23 January 2023, the victim (23) and her sister were walking back from church in Nellmapius to their place of residence in Phumulong Townahip, near Tembisa when they were approached by the accused and his friend.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the men demanded their cell phones and money, but the women indicated they had none. Mahanjana said the accused then forcibly dragged the victim into nearby bushes, while his friend remained with the victim’s sister on the street.
“Once in the bushes, he undressed and raped her. After the assault, he returned with the victim to her sister and ordered them to continue walking home. The following morning, the victim and her sister reported the incident to a male friend, who accompanied them to the police station and reported the matter to the police.
“The man was later arrested on 15 May 2025, while already in custody on an unrelated matter. During court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty, admitting that he took advantage of the victim because it was late at night and no one was around,” she said.
Mahanjana further said through his legal representative, he asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that he was a first-time offender with three minor children to support. She added that, however, the state prosecutor Bridgett Sebokwana urged the court not to deviate, emphasising the seriousness and prevalence of the offence within the court’s jurisdiction.
“She argued that a guilty plea does not necessarily reflect remorse and highlighted the traumatic nature of the attack, noting that the victim was dragged into the bushes and violated while walking home from church.
“Sebokwana further submitted that there is significant public outcry regarding such offences and asked the court to hand down a sentence that will reflect the gravity of the crime committed and to maintain public confidence in the justice system,” said Mahanjana.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Adriaan Bekker agreed with the state, stating that the man had shown no remorse and had preyed upon a vulnerable young woman returning from church. Bekker said the court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence.
Meanwhile, acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, commended the work of the prosecutor and expressed hope that the sentence would help restore dignity to women and children, enabling them to walk freely in their communities without fear of victimisation.
17 November 2025- The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has obtained a preservation of property order from the North West High Court in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998. The order, granted on 14 November 2025, relates to seven trucks that were found to be instrumentalities of the offence of illegal chrome mining.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said illegal chrome mining in South Africa has far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences. Gunya said environmentally, it causes severe land degradation, contaminates water and soil and contributes to the formation of sinkholes that endanger ecosystems and nearby communities.
“Socially, these illicit operations are often associated with violent crime including murder, rape, human trafficking and contribute to widespread human rights violations and deteriorating public health conditions.
“Economically, illegal mining undermines the formal mining sector by reducing government tax revenue, increasing operational costs for legitimate businesses, and damaging investor confidence,” he said.
Gunya further said the court heard that on 13 July 2025, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Nietverdiend responded to a call from a complainant in Marulakop village regarding seven trucks found on grazing land and suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities. He added that upon arrival, the police found all seven trucks fully loaded with chrome.
“Seven suspects were arrested on the scene, while others fled. The suspects failed to produce any documentation authorising them to load or conduct mining activities on the premises. They were subsequently charged with illicit dealing in and/or possession of precious metals in contravention of Section 4(1), read with Sections 4(3), 5(1), and 20 of the Precious Metals Act; contravention of Section 24F (1) of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 and contravention of Section 5(4)(d) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002.
“The criminal case is ongoing, and the accused are expected to appear in court again on 28 November 2025,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the work of the AFU, noting the strengthened collaboration between the NPA and SAPS in combating organised crime and illegal mining in the province. Makhari emphasised the NPA’s continued commitment to prosecuting those who exploit natural resources unlawfully and undermine the rule of law.
17 November 2025 – A man was sentenced to two life terms and additional 48 years imprisonment by Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Regional Court. The accused, Elias Thejane (39) raped three women in Kanana Township, near Orkney between December 2012 and October 2014.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Thejane was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. Myburgh said in the first incident, the accused met the then 19-year-old woman in the street on Wednesday morning, 26 December 2012, and threatened her with a knife.
“The accused robbed the woman of her cell phone before raping her. The accused fled from the scene after the incident. In the second incident on Monday evening, 1 September 2014, two women, then aged 15 and 19, were on their way to X-Section when confronted by four unknown men armed with pangas near the taxi rank.
“The accused caught the victims and dragged them to a house, where two of the men including Thejane, raped them. The suspects later attempted to convince the women to accompany them to the nearby tavern, but failed,” she said.
Myburgh further said the women stayed in the house and managed to escape in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 2 September 2014. She added that in the third incident at around 4am on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Thejane forcefully entered a house and found three women inside. She added that he forced one of the women to tie an elderly woman with shoelaces.
“He went on to rob the second woman of her money and cell phone and raped the third one. Thejane left the place after taking some groceries. Following a lengthy and extensive investigation by the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit, the convict was arrested on 9 October 2015.
“Despite being released on bail, he was rearrested and sentenced on a separate case of burglary and two counts of rape. The crimes were committed in Bothaville in the Free State. The accused was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, ten years imprisonment for rape, life imprisonment for rape and another life imprisonment for rape,” said Myburgh.
She said Thejane was also sentenced to five years imprisonment for housebreaking, six years imprisonment for sexual assault, three years imprisonment for robbery, three years imprisonment for robbery and ten years imprisonment for rape.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Omphemetse Babuile of Provincial SECI and the Prosecutor, advocate Wilma Cordier and all other role players for their collaborative efforts that led to securing of the sentence, which was imposed on the accused a few days before the commencement of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, will definitely send a clear message that there will be no tolerance against sexual offenders.
17 November 2025- A joint intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo and North West, has resulted in the arrest of seven notorious suspects (six men and a woman) aged between 31 and 49. These suspects are believed to be part of a violent crime syndicate responsible for multiple business robberies, armed attacks, and the recent fatal robbery in Matlematlong.
The Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the multi-disciplinary team comprising Northam CIS, Rustenburg TRT, Mogwase CIS, Mogwase Vispol and Northam Rural Safety, executed a swift and coordinated takedown that led to the arrests and significant confiscations. Ledwaba said the breakthrough followed a business robbery on 12 November 2025, during which a victim was fatally wounded.
“Intelligence gathered at the scene immediately linked a white Toyota Fortuner to suspects known for terrorising communities in Northam, Mogwase and surrounding areas. The vehicle was traced and intercepted near a local school in Northam, where the driver identified as one of the syndicate members was arrested.
“Further information obtained during questioning led officers to Rethabile village, Amandelbult, where additional suspects linked to the gang were apprehended. During the searches, police recovered 1 x AK47 rifle, 2 x 9mm pistols (serial numbers removed), one belonging to SAPS, 36 magazines (AK47 and 9mm) and 70 x AK47 rounds (7.62x39mm).
“This includes 110 x 9mm cartridges, additional magazines, stolen property including a television, speakers, cigarettes, multiple cell phones, Toyota vehicle keys, and clothing, gloves, and balaclavas used during robberies,” he said.
Ledwaba further said the police confiscated a Toyota Fortuner used in the commission of several business robberies. He added that a Toyota Tazz, stolen during a Mogwase robbery, was also recovered abandoned at Smashblock sports ground with its registration plates removed.
The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, applauded the multidisciplinary team for their outstanding work. Hadebe said the apprehension of this notorious group marks a significant victory in their fight against organised crime.
“Their removal from our streets will undoubtedly restore stability and safety in affected communities. The suspects will appear in court soon,” she said.
17 November 2025- An inquest case into the alleged death and disappearance of Nicholas Majestic Boiki Tlhapi (26) was postponed by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng to 2 March 2026. The matter was postponed to allow three persons of interest, Johannes Venter, Itumeleng Matiti and George Mbathu a sufficient time to finalise their applications for legal representation.
Venter, Matiti and Mbathu, who were police officers at the time when Tlhapi disappeared, briefly appeared before the Judge President of the North West High Court Ronald Hendricks, where they were informed of their rights to legal representation during the proceedings. Tlhapi was a community activist and a politically active member of the Ikageng Civic Association in Potchefstroom.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said on the evening of 20 March 1986 at approximately 8pm, he and eleven other mourners boarded a taxi to attend the funeral of three comrades who had been shot by the police. Gunya said the group was arrested at Jouberton Township en route to Klerksdorp during the State of Emergency declared by the government at the time.
“While all of Tlhapi’s fellow detainees were released after approximately 14 days in custody, Tlhapi never returned home and has not been seen in the last 38 years. An inquest into his disappearance was first held on 5 July 1995 at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court (Inquest No. 49/94).
“The court ruled that it could not find beyond a reasonable doubt that Tlhapi was deceased, despite hearing evidence from his father, James Tlhapi and others. The matter was later referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) as one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases,” he said.
Gunya further said the investigation, guided by the NPA, led to a subsequent application by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to reopen the inquest. He added that the Minister then requested the Judge President of the North West Division of the High Court, in terms of Section 17A(1) of the Inquests Act 58 of 1959, to designate a judge to preside over the reopened inquest.
Tlhapi family spokesperson, Teffo Tlhapi said they are grateful to see the matter being reopened. He said this will shed more light on what really happened to his brother.
One of the police officers, George Mbathu who has turned a state witness said this is painful because Tlhapi’s family does not have closure. Mbathu said he had five children, but he had buried four of his sons and only left with one.
“I still remember the incident vividly in Oppenheimer. So, it is painful because Tlhapi’s mother has always wanted to know what happened to her son. These parents have lost their children for something that one cannot explain.
“In 1996, the president said, now there will be no crime in this country referring to these activists who died. I do have a document with me. My house was bombed several times, but here I am still standing and I am willing to die for justice to prevail,” he said.
Mbathu alleged that Tlhapi was never released alive, if he was ever released. He said he saw Tlhapi and some police officers came to his house, took him to a mine shaft, where he told him not to worry anymore as they had dumped the bodies of activists in that mine shaft.
“That shaft was not closed down by the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy, but by the police. Today, that shaft is owned by a white person and we cannot visit it anymore. The owner of the shaft alleged that he closed the shaft because his cows fell into it.
“However, if it happens that one day that shaft is opened and we cannot find the bones of human beings there, I am prepared to be arrested and go to prison,” said Mbathu.
Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) Chairperson in North West, Smuts Matshe said: “Well, some of us know Tlhapi from the time we were involved in a struggle of national liberation. His disappearance is something that for sometime, we said we need nothing else but the truth. So, we are happy to see the NPA re-opening this matter.
“We hope that this will also give direction to what happened to other activists who disappeared without trace. We cannot have a democracy that is built on secrets. A true democracy must tell the truth on what happened to those who fought for national liberation. So, we believe that this process will tell us nothing but the truth.”
The Guardian 