20 November 2025- A man (22) was convicted for arson after deliberately setting alight his farm dwelling at Spinnekopkraal Farm on 10 December 2022, causing damages amounting to R33 950. On 18 November 2025, the accused Johannes Green, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court.
The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, welcomed the collaboration between the Fraserburg Detectives and state prosecutor, which led to the successful conviction in a serious arson case. Andrews applauded the teamwork between Mortlan Kiewiets, who is the state prosecutor and the investigating officer, Constable Jan De Bruin, citing that such dedication and professionalism are vital in ensuring justice is served.
“The SAPS remains committed in protecting communities, holding offenders accountable and reinforcing public trust through effective investigations and successful prosecutions,” he said.
Picture: Police patrol during cross border operations/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
20 November 2025- More than 900 suspects were arrested for various crimes during the weekly Joint Law Enforcement high density Operation Shanela 2 operations between 10 and 16 November 2025, across all five districts. The police said the arrests are building a strong foundation for the Safer Festive Season Operations to address the heightened risk of criminality associated with increased movement of people and elevated social activity.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said out of 994 arrested suspects, it is worth noting that 366 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. Myburgh said the operations resulted in the arrest 15 illegal immigrants.
“The operations also addressed identified crime generators through compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.
“As a result, 151 licensed liquor outlets were inspected, and 56 arrests were executed for the illegal dealing in liquor while large quantities of liquor were confiscated,” she said.
Myburgh further said the operations led to the confiscation of a variety of drugs, firearms, ammunition, vehicles, precious metals and tobacco products. She added that in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operations, Ventersdorp Crime Prevention and Community Police Forum (CPF) members executed search and seizure warrants at Boikhutsong village, Goedgevonden village and Tshing location, Ventersdorp on 14 November 2025.
“Silengene Tokwana (35) and Molefi Elliot Sakhachane (35) were arrested for dealing in drugs and possession of suspected illegal substances, respectively.
“The police seized dagga and crystal meth, all with estimated street value of R32 000.00. The duo appeared before the Ventersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 November 2025,” said Myburgh.
She said they were both remanded in custody until 20 and 24 November 2025, respectively. Myburgh said the multidisciplinary Inter-Provincial roadblock was conducted on 14 November 2025, on the N12 road between Potchefstroom and Fochville culminated in the arrest of five individuals for contravening Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
“Two other suspects were for nabbed drug related offences and subsequent confiscation of approximately 8kg of dagga. Furthermore, nine road traffic fines were issued to motorists.
“In Bojanala Sub-District 2, Rustenburg police were on 15 November 2025, called to a local hospital, where a deceased person was found with multiple stab wounds on his upper body,” she said.
Myburgh said initial investigations indicated that the deceased, Dumile Patrick Mthunzana (45), was fatally stabbed during an argument. She said the police tracked down and arrested the suspect shortly after the incident.
“Phathilizwe Malongwane (46) appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on 18 November 2025, on a charge of murder. Malongwane was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 27 November 2025,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all role players for working together in achieving these successes as part of ensuring the well-being and safety of the people of North West.
20 November 2025- Three accused, Simphiwe Dube (22), Fekeza Mathe (36), and Mathews Pitse (48), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 19 November 2025, facing charges of fraud. The trio were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 17 and 18 November 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said in October 2019, a member of the public, who is still at large, allegedly submitted an application for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Mathebula said it is reported that a claim of over R53 000 was processed and paid to the claimant.
“Investigation revealed that the claimant was never an employee of the company he claimed to have worked for. It was further established during the investigation that, Mathews Pitse, the registration supervisor at the Department of Labour based in Klerksdorp, used the centre number of Mmabatho when he processed payment for the claimant, instead of Klerksdorp’s where he is stationed.
“After receiving the funds, the claimant allegedly transferred R24 500 to Simphiwe Dube and a further R21 500 to Fekeza Mathe, who was also the registration supervisor at the Department of Labour based in Klerksdorp,” he said.
Mathebula further said following an investigation, the suspects were apprehended and charged with fraud. He added that they appeared in court and were granted R2000 bail each.
“Their matter was postponed to 7 January 2026,” said Mathebula.
Picture: Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s abandoned mayoral house/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 November 2025 – The North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have expressed deep concern over the retention of an unoccupied and dilapidating Mayoral House for a decade by the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The delegation, led by the Provincial Whip and the leader of delegation, Sylvia Sithole, visited various sites in the municipality yesterday, where it highlighted pressing issues that included mismanagement of resources and infrastructure challenges as part of the NCOP’s flagship Provincial Week programme.
Sithole said it is shocking that the municipality continues to retain a depreciating asset that serves no purpose and which adds no value to the community.
“Furthermore, the property has not been occupied for over 10 years and yet the municipality is spending valuable resources to maintain it, including spending on security and on electricity, among other things, which could be better used to improve services for residents.
“The Mayoral House, originally purchased for R4 million between 2002 and 2004, is now valued at just R1.35 million due to significant defects in the roof and plumbing. Its estimated cost of repairs exceeds R2 million which is equivalent to the municipality’s entire infrastructure maintenance of the budget for a year.
“The delegation expressed concern over the continued retention of the house which is a financial burden on the municipality, especially as the property continues to deteriorate without any hope of functioning again,” she said.
Sithole added that they also noted that the failure to address this issue and present a detailed report to the delegation undermines the municipality’s accountability and the NCOP’s oversight role.
20 November 2025- A fraud case against the ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) and Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45), will resume at Vryburg Commercial Crimes Court today.
Olifant and Letsapa were arrested by The Hawks’ Corruption Team in Taung and Vryburg on 16 August 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.
“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.
“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “The matter was postponed for defence consultation.”
Picture: A suspect who allegedly shot himself dead during a failed CIT robbery/ Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 November 2025- The police in Rustenburg have launched an investigation into a robbery with a firearm and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after an incident that occurred on Wednesday morning, 19 November 2025, at approximately 7am in the Rustenburg CBD. According to reports, two security officers were on duty conducting routine cash collections at various businesses in the CBD.
Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Communication Officer, Sergeant Ofentse Mokgadi said upon arriving at a store on Fatima Bhayat Street, one of the crew members returned to the cash van after collecting money from the shop. Mokgadi said while he approaching the vehicle, he was confronted by two armed suspects who emerged from a blue SUV and threatened him with firearms.
“The suspects prevented the security officer from closing the van door and demanded the cash. During the confrontation, a shot was fired. The crew member threw the cash bag onto the ground, which one of the suspects grabbed, while the other suspect forcibly took the officer’s service firearm. Both suspects then fled on foot.
“The driver of the cash van, who witnessed the robbery, was also threatened by one of the suspects. The driver fired a single shot at the suspect, who then ran a short distance before collapsing. While on the ground, the suspect allegedly fired two shots in the direction of the cash van before turning the firearm on himself,” he said.
Mokgadi further said he was declared dead on the scene. he added that a manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspect.
Meanwhile, acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen act of violence that endangered the lives of security personnel and members of the community. Ntoagae emphasized the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes targeting cash-in-transit operations.
“The police urge anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Phatshwana on 082 373 9571. Information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” she said.
20 November 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) called for intensified extraordinary measures to combat violence in schools. This follows the callous murder of a principal (58) and administrator (55), who were shot in cold blood at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said the duo was reportedly preparing for a meeting when they were shot in the school administration block by unknown assailant/s. Shole said their colleagues who were in the nearby office heard the gunshots but hid until it was safe for them to check what could have happened.
“The Union of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches condemned the incident that occurred on 18 November 2025 afternoon in the strongest terms, describing it as a horrendous act that has shaken the entire school community including learners.
“We are saddened and wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible as well as convey our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased women including their colleagues who have been left reeling with shock,” he said.
Shole appealed for calm and urged members of the community to assist police in their investigations. He further said no one in the community will feel safe until the coldblooded murderer/s is/are behind bars for the families to find closure.
“Such senseless violence has no place in our learning institutions and communities. We call for urgent counselling and psychosocial support for educators and learners who are in the middle of their end of the year examinations.
“When crime encroaches into workplaces, the community needs to unite against the terror to reclaim their neighbourhoods and communities from the senseless violence,” added Shole.
The Guardian 