23 November 2025- A man (31) from Kathu, near Kuruman has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for raping a patron at a tavern in Mapoteng village, near Kathu. The police said the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, 4 June 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the accused, Tshepang Seane, appeared in the Kathu Regional Court on 18 November 2025, where he was found guilty. Litabe said on the day of the incident, a female victim (36), was visiting the tavern with friends.
“She stepped behind a shack to relieve herself when the accused grabbed her from behind, while she was vulnerable and proceeded to rape her. After the assault, the accused fled, leaving the victim at the scene. The victim then reported the incident to the police. A case of rape was subsequently registered.
“Seane was arrested shortly thereafter and the case was assigned to Detective Constable Refilwe Rapelang of the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). The SAPS Provincial Management commended Rapelang’s meticulous investigation into the case,” he said.
Litabe further said as the nation will be observing the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the police continue to assure the community that efforts will be enhanced and re-enforced when it comes to preventing and investigating crimes perpetrated against vulnerable persons and groups.
23 November 2025- More than 392 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault, burglary and of wanted suspects, who were evading arrest. Operation Shanela 2 actions are gaining momentum in the province as operations are targeted and intelligence driven.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in addition to the Shanela 2 high density operations, Operation Basadi actions were also conducted under the operational command of the three female District Commissioners of Pixely Ka-Seme, Frances Baard and ZFM Districts respectively. Shemane said female Provincial Heads also took the lead during operations across the province.
“The weekly high density operations were executed since 17 until 23 November 2025. Targeted operations were conducted in collaboration with multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams in all five districts. Disruptive actions led to the stopping of 15 576 motor vehicles and searches of 27 516 persons during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points (VCPs) conducted.
“Detectives traced and arrested wanted suspects evading court appearances and for whom warrants of arrests were issued. Drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, ammunition, cell phones, computers, drugs, firearm, tobacco products, vehicle parts and accessories and other commodities were confiscated during the operations,” he said.
Shemane further said compliance inspections were conducted at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods dealers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the multi-disciplinary teams across five districts for their decisive crime combatting efforts in ensuring our communities feel safe and are safe during and beyond the festive season period. Otola cited that no person will be left behind, including the communities, who are the eyes and ears of the police.
23 November 2025- A historic moment unfolded in Johannesburg on Friday as the world turned its eyes to Africa. For the first time ever, the G20 Leaders’ Summit is being held on African soil.
South Africa – and by extension the continent – is poised to centre its priorities and those of the Global South on the global agenda like never before.
When the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, accepted the G20 Presidency gavel from Brazil in 2024, he pledged that South Africa would lead with solidarity at the forefront. Ramaphosa said they will work to ensure that no one is left behind.
“The world is faced with severe challenges and crises. Through partnerships across society, and by reigniting our common humanity, South Africa will seek to harness global collective energy to confront these challenges.
“Through our G20 Presidency, we will seek to strengthen solidarity. Whether it is in Gaza, Sudan or Ukraine, we must all stand in solidarity with those people who are facing hardship and suffering. We must stand in solidarity with those countries that are most vulnerable to pandemics and other global public health emergencies,” he said.
He further said Africa and the global south would not be left behind. Ramaphosa added that South Africa’s presidency will be the first time an African country has presided over the G20.
“We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20. During the official launch of the G20 Presidency, we outlined South Africa’s theme for the year: Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.
“Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people at the greatest risk of being left behind. This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations,” he said.
Rampahosa said the disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is unjust and unsustainable. He said by promoting equality, they strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.
“We aim to break down divisions of economic status, gender, race, geography or any other characteristic. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In line with our theme, we will seek to strengthen and advance the international effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“It is important to ensure that the country’s G20 Presidency is inclusive – the people’s G20. Dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups,” said Ramaphosa.
He said these engagement groups are organised according to sectors, such as business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies and the judiciary. Ramaphosa said these engagement groups also include science bodies, think tanks, and audit institutions, as well as institutions of higher learning, specific groups for women and youth including vulnerable groups.
“Indeed, engagement groups held some 100 preparatory meetings during the year which culminated in an inclusive G20 Social Summit held this week.
“The Social Summit agreed on a declaration which was handed to me to present to global leaders over the next two days,” he said.
In a statement, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the leaders’ summit as a particularly special Summit given that it would be the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. Modi said during India’s Presidency of the G20 in 2023, the African Union had become a member of the G20.
“The Summit will be an opportunity to discuss key global issues. The theme of this year’s G20 has been ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, by which South Africa has carried forward the outcomes from the previous Summits held in New Delhi, India and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One earth, One Family and One future,” he said.
On Friday evening during the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment Summit hosted with President Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, UK Prime Minister Keir Startmer added to the chorus of voices congratulating South Africa on its Presidency.
“What a fantastic thing it is that the G20 is being hosted in Africa for the first time here in South Africa. What a wonderful opportunity.
“It has been a great success and the next two days will build on that success. Congratulations,” Starmer remarked.
21 Ngwanatsele 2025- Setopo sa ga Kaome Aldriaan Moitlhabi (37), yo go begwa fa a timetse se bonwe. Go begwa fa Moitlhabi a ne a amega mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa Mogwase, gaufi le Rustenburg.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adéle Myburgh are sejanaga sa modiro wa Toyota Bakkie se go begwang fa le sone se ne sa timela, se bonwe. Myburgh are sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo.
“Sepodisi se itumelela tirisano mmogo e se e boneng go baagi. O tla gopola gore sepodisi sa kwa Swartruggens se ile sa kopa baagi go ka ba thusa go batlana le Moitlhabi fa kgwedi ya Lwetse ene e tlhola matsasti a le 18.
“Go ne ga begwa fa Moitlhabi yo o neng a dula kwa motseng wa Tshidilamolomo, kwa ntlenyana ga Mahikeng, o ne a bonwa la bofelo ke modiri jaaka kwa polasing e ba dirang kwa go yone kwa Swartruggens fa kgwedi ya Phokwi e ne tlhola matsatsi a le 25 ka ura ya bosupa maitsiboa.
“Go begwa fa Moitlhabi a ile a tsaya sejanaga sa mothapi wa gagwe sa modiro wa Toyota se se pududu ka mala, mme a tsamaya ntle le go itsise ope gore o ya kae,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are ba lelapa la gagwe le bone ba ne ba sa itse kwa a ileng teng. Myburgh are go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo, fela ga gwa nna le nko e tswa lamina pele ga setopo sag a Moitlhabi se ka bonwa.
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.
The Guardian 