Monthly Archives: November 2025

A man sentenced to two life terms for series of rape and robberies

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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Seven notorious suspects nabbed for multiple robberies and murder  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

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.

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Inquest case into political activist, Nicholas Tlhapi’s disappearance and alleged death postponed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

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.”

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Naledi Local Municipality loses court appeal over Modisenyane Segapo’s irregular appointment    

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Picture: Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 November 2025- The embattled Naledi Local Municipality’s application for special leave to appeal a judgment was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein on 14 November 2025. The appeal originates from an urgent application that was initiated by Thabo Appolus, who was serving as a Director of Corporate Services in the Naledi Local Municipality and Lorato Setlhake, Lebogang Jacobs and Vuyiswa Morakile, who were serving as councillors at the municipality.

The Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Kgoele JA said for convenience, the first to fifth appellants and the first to fifth respondents will collectively be referred to as appellants and respondents respectively, except where the context dictates otherwise. Kgoele said when the urgent application was served before the high court, the former acting Municipal Manager, Nelson Mongale, the municipal speaker PGC Gulane, the mayor Clifton John Groep, the MEC for COGHSTA, SALGA and the Provincial Treasury were also cited respondents.

“The urgent application sought the setting aside of Segapo. Among other ancillary relief, the respondents also sought a declaration that the Special Council meeting of 10 March 2023, at which a resolution to appoint Segapo was passed, was unlawful and invalid.

“The impugned appointment was Segapo’s third term as Municipal Manager. His initial appointment spanned from 2011 to 2016, followed by a re-appointment on 1 September 2021. The second tenure was limited to one year. It was terminated by the election of the new council, which legally brought his appointment to an end,” he said.

Kgoele further said the process regarding his third tenure commenced in October 2022, when the council declared a vacancy that initiated a recruitment process. He added that eight candidates submitted applications to fill the vacancy advertised on 4 September 2022.

“Segapo and Appolus were the only candidates shortlisted out of the eight applicants. Appolus subsequently withdrew his candidacy. Since Segapo was still the municipality’s accounting officer when the position was advertised, he sought a legal opinion from Modiboa Attorneys Inc on the legitimacy of interviewing only one candidate.

“The legal opinion advised the municipality to re-advertise the vacancy to prevent the process from appearing biased, unfair or anti-competitive. It also recommended the appointment of an acting Municipal Manager in the interim,” said Kgoele.

He said the legal opinion received led to a council meeting that was held on 20 October 2022, during which a resolution was passed to re-advertise the position. Kgoele said it was further resolved that the panel appointed for the recruitment process of the initial advertisement be reinstated.

“The panel consisted of the mayor, councillor Hendriette van Huysteen, former Municipal Manager of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Katlego Gabanakgosi, Provincial Treasurer, L Mokoena and Desiree Tlhoaele from SALGA.

“Gabanakgosi was subsequently replaced by Rantsho Gincane. A total of 13 applicants were received, and five candidates were shortlisted. Segapo was amongst the five shortlisted. Following the interviews conducted, Segapo was recommended for the appointment as the Municipal Manager,” he said.

Kgoele said on 10 March 2023, a special council meeting resolved to appoint him. He said according to the respondents, as the recruitment process unfolded, they became aware of certain irregularities during the recruitment process.

“The initial irregularities pertained to the involvement of the mayor in the panel, in violation of Regulation 12 (5) and (6) of Local Government: Regulations of Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers (the regulations), which regulates the disclosure by the panel members of any interest or relationship with the shortlisted candidates during the shortlisting process.

“The second irregularities concerned the procedures followed during the interview process. The irregularities form the crux of this appeal, the specifics of which will be addressed later in the judgment,” said Kgoele.

He said the special council meeting and the resolution adopted during that meeting are what broke the camel’s back. Kgoele said this prompted the respondents to file an urgent application, alleging that the entire recruitment process, including Segapo’s appointment, was riddled with apparent irregularities that could withstand legal scrutiny.

“The appeal is dismissed and third to fifth appellants are ordered to personally pay the costs of this appeal, including the costs of the application for leave to appeal on a party and party scale, jointly and severally, the one paying the other to be absolved.

“Such costs to include costs of two counsels where employed. The high court ordered the first appellant, the Naledi Local Municipality and the second appellant, the Naledi Local Municipality council to initiate a new recruitment process for the appointment of Municipal Manager,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that the municipality has spent over R20 million on this case thus far.

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The GNU and the persistence of the old order

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 November 2025- The North West University (NWU)’s Chief Director of the NWU Business School, Prof Joseph Sekhampu said the Government of National Unity (GNU) has now settled into the political landscape and is no longer an experiment, but a lived reality. Sekhampu said its existence invites a deeper reflection on what it reveals about the state of democracy and the enduring instinct for survival.

He further said far from signalling a rupture, the ANC’s participation in the GNU may represent a familiar trend in their political history, one in which power yields just enough to preserve itself. Sekhampu added that what began as an act of accommodation has become a study in continuity and shows how institutions adapt to new conditions without transforming their essence.

“The question that remains is whether the GNU serves as a bridge to renewal or as a careful continuation of the same political logic that has long defined the South African reality. The ANC has never been a conventional party.

“It is a broad ecosystem of legitimacy and influence that binds the state, society, and liberation memory together into a single governing identity. Its authority has always depended as much on narrative as on numbers, and rests on the belief that it embodies the moral centre of the nation. The GNU does not dismantle that claim; it rearticulates it in new form,” he said.

Sekhampu said political theorists describe this as adaptive hegemony. He said when a dominant movement facing erosion of its base preserves influence not through control but through accommodation.

“In this sense, the ANC’s embrace of the GNU is not a reluctant surrender but a structural adaptation. It has accepted that in a post-majority democracy, power must be shared in appearance but maintained in effect.

“The GNU emerges not as a bold experiment, but as the instinctive adjustment to preserve equilibrium. Power, long shaped by the habits and hierarchies of the ruling party, is redistributed to prevent rupture. Shared governance becomes a mechanism through which blame is diffused, fatigue is managed, and legitimacy renewed,” said Sekhampu.

He said this is not the outcome of deliberate design, but rather the quiet logic of a political order that adapts to preserve itself through accommodation. Sekhampu said the GNU restores a sense of moral order without requiring transformation and allows the governing structure to appear responsive while remaining fundamentally unchanged.

“It functions less as a political breakthrough than as a reflex of survival in a system that bends just enough to keep itself intact while ensuring the centre holds. The recent GNU leadership retreat at the Cradle of Humankind revealed how this dynamic plays out in practice.

“The gathering projected an image of collective resolve and shared purpose, yet beneath the language of unity laid the steady hand of ANC stewardship. The scene captured a deeper truth about South African politics that even with a weakened majority, the ANC remains the gravitational centre around which others orbit,” he said.

Sekhampu said the GNU thus functions less as a rupture and more as a reconfiguration of the same order. He said there are precedents for this trend.

“Italy’s Christian Democrats ruled for half a century by folding rivals into endless coalitions that spread responsibility, but preserved influence. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party repeatedly lost majorities but re-emerged as the indispensable centre of governance.

“In both cases, adaptation replaced victory. South Africa’s GNU fits this global script of managed decline: pluralism in form, continuity in substance. Adaptation, while it allows political systems to endure, does not in itself bring renewal or transformation,” said Sekhampu.

He said when power is dispersed too widely, accountability weakens, and leadership loses its authority. Sekhampu said what begins as inclusion can settle into inertia, where scrutiny fades and inefficiency hides behind the language of consensus.

“The GNU risks becoming a structure that sustains stability without progress, broad enough to survive, but constrained from acting with purpose. However, this moment may still be part of South Africa’s democratic learning curve.

“Although stretched, the country’s institutions have shown the capacity to absorb uncertainty and resist collapse. The Government of National Unity may not signal decline, but rather a pause between eras. It is a moment for the nation to face its own reflection as a weary, adaptive, and yet resilient democracy,” he said.

Sekhampu said in that reflection, the ANC remains both the author and subject of the story, still editing the script long after the audience thought the play had ended.

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Magogong man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his mother with a spade

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

14 November 2025- A man (37) from Magogong village, near Taung was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for killing his mother. The accused, Thabiso Godfrey Nkwane brutal murdered his mother, Maseko Irene Nkwane (55) with a spade.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said he was further sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for contravening a protection order. Gunya said the sentences will run concurrently.

“Judgment was delivered on 13 November 2025. The court heard that the deceased had earlier obtained a protection order against her son. Among other conditions, Nkwane was prohibited from entering her residence or committing any acts of domestic violence. The order was granted on 25 February 2025, and was duly served on him.

“On 9 March 2025, shortly after midnight, the accused went to his mother’s home demanding food. When she refused to open for him, he broke a window to gain entry. Fearing for her safety, she stepped outside carrying a spade in an attempt to warn him off. Nkwane forcefully grabbed the spade from her and assaulted her repeatedly, inflicting severe injuries,” he said.

Gunya further said her screams alerted neighbours, who rushed to the scene, at which point the accused fled. He added that the victim was taken to the hospital, but succumbed to her injuries on 11 March 2025.

“A case was opened and Nkwane was arrested the following day. He has remained in custody since. During the trial, Nkwane pleaded guilty. In aggravation, the state prosecutor, Sammy Bongani Chabe argued that the guilty plea was not a sign of remorse but a response to the overwhelming evidence against him.

“He submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” said Gunya.

Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state, finding that the accused showed no regard for human life. Zulu said the court found no basis for leniency and accordingly imposed a life sentence for murder and an additional three years’ imprisonment for contravening the protection order.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Chabe and the investigation team for their dedication.

“The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Dr Makhari.

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ANC and Umkhonto weSizwe to square it up in court over logo

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Picture: The uMkhonto weSizwe logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 November 2024- The African National Congress (ANC) said today it will appear before the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in its appeal concerning the ongoing trademark dispute with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The party said this case is not about technicalities.

The ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said it is about safeguarding a heritage built through sacrifice, discipline and unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom. Bhengu said uMkhonto weSizwe is the people’s army founded by the

ANC on 16 December 1961 under the leadership of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Moses Kotane, Moses Mabhida, Chris Hani, Joe Modise and Joe Slovo.

“It carries the memory of freedom fighters such as Vuyisile Mini, Solomon Mahlangu, Barney Molokoane, Phila Ndwandwe, Makhosi Nyoka and countless others who paid the ultimate price in the struggle for liberation. On 22 April 2024, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court dismissed the ANC’s application brought under the Trade Marks Act and the common law of passing off.

“We approached the courts as the unauthorised use of the ANC’s registered warrior logo and the revered name “uMkhonto weSizwe” in political activities creates confusion among the public and exploits the goodwill built through decades of struggle. On 8 August 2024, the High Court granted leave to appeal, acknowledging the importance and complexity of the issues at stake, as well as the prospect that another court might reasonably reach a different conclusion,” she said.

Bhengu further said in the SCA, the ANC’s submissions address the well-established reputation of the MK name and insignia, the unlawful appropriation of the mark, and the prejudice caused when a symbol of our liberation struggle is used without authorisation. She added that their case is firmly grounded in law, historical fact and the need to preserve the integrity of a movement that founded and nurtured uMkhonto weSizwe.

“We remain confident in the merits of our appeal. As always, the ANC respects the independence of the judiciary and the processes of the court. We will await the judgment of the SCA with discipline and composure, and will comment further once the Court has delivered its decision,” said Bhengu.

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Provincial Planting Season officially launched

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Picture: The Crop Massification Programme is aimed at driving land activation and productivity throughout the province/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 November 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officially launched the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season at the Retladirela Cooperative in Dwarskraal, outside Delareyville. The department said the event was held under the theme: “Sustainable Crop Production for Food Security and Growth” and brought together farmers, stakeholders and partners from across the province to promote best practices in grain production and mechanized farming.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the Provincial Planting Season serves as a key intervention to activate land, enhance productivity and support both emerging and established farmers with technical knowledge and production inputs. Sambatha said as part of the Crop Massification programme, the department has committed to cultivating 6000 hectares across the province’s four districts.

“In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District just over 2500 hectares have been earmarked for production during the 2025/26 financial year, supported by an investment of over R23 million. The Retladirela Cooperative, which operates on 565 hectares, is one of the key beneficiaries of this programme.

“For the current season, the cooperative will plant maize and sugar beans across 250 hectares. It is important to empower farmers with both resources and technical expertise to drive sustainable agricultural development,” he said.

Sambatha further said every hectare of productive land must serve as a catalyst for food security and inclusive economic growth. He added that planting is never just about the present season, it is about shaping the future.

“Every seed we sow is a declaration of intent to nourish communities, uplift rural economies and build a resilient, self-sustaining province. The successful launch of the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season in Dwarskraal signals a decisive step forward in strengthening the province’s agricultural base.

“With a clear focus on land activation, farmer support, and sustainable production, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has laid the groundwork for a season defined by collaboration, resilience, and growth,” said Sambatha.

 He said as the programme unfolds, the emphasis remains on turning policy into practice, ensuring that every hectare cultivated contributes to food security, economic development and the long-term vitality of farming communities across the North West.

Speaking during the launch on behalf of the cooperative, Nkwe Metswamere welcomed the department’s support and reflected on the cooperative’s journey since its establishment in 2005. Metswamere said he noted that the recent mechanization support received through the National Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced the time required for soil preparation and planting.

“We encourage farmers to remain patient and committed when engaging with government processes, emphasizing that persistence and adherence to proper channels yield tangible results. The mechanization package provided to the cooperative includes two tractors, two ripper machines, an eight-row planter, a 24-disc offset, a 10-ton trailer, 1,000-litre boom sprayers, and production inputs.

“These were showcased during live demonstrations conducted as part of the launch, offering farmers hands-on exposure to modern mechanization techniques that enhance planting precision and the efficient use of agrochemicals,” he said.

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‘It is better to miss out on a deal than to fall victim to a scam’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 November 2025- The police in the Northern Cape alert communities across the province about online vehicle auction scams that are currently trending in other parts of the country. The police said in these scams, perpetrators clone or imitate the websites and advertisements of reputable banks and well-known auctioneers to deceive unsuspecting victims into paying for vehicles that do not exist.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the victims are often lured into making large deposits into bank accounts held at legitimate financial institutions. Litabe said although no such incidents have been reported in the Northern Cape at this stage, it is important to warn the public, especially as they approach the festive season, a period when many people receive bonuses or savings and are often targeted by fraudsters and scammers.

“To avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud, community members are urged to remain vigilant. They are urged to verify the auctioneer, confirm the legitimacy of the auction house through its official website or professional bodies such as the South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) before participating.

“They should inspect the vehicle and never bid on a vehicle they have not physically inspected. They should attend official viewing days and ask the auctioneer relevant questions before placing a bid,” he said.

Litabe further said they should understand the terms and conditions. He added that they should carefully read and understand the auction’s terms, payment procedures and refund policies.

“Research the vehicle’s market value to ensure the price is realistic and not bait. Make sure the auction house is registered and has a verifiable physical address. Be cautious of poorly written advertisements or vague descriptions.

“Be wary of sellers who avoid sharing information, request payment outside the official platform, or make offers that seem “too good to be true. Avoid paying non-refundable deposits. Legitimate auctions may require a registration fee, but you should never pay a non-refundable deposit to secure a vehicle before the auction concludes,” said Litabe.

He said they should not rush decisions and avoid making hasty commitments. Litabe said if something feels suspicious or they are uncertain, rather walk away.

“Verify payment details and always confirm that you are transferring funds to the official and verified bank account of the auction company. Trust your instincts and if something does not feel right, it probably is not. It is better to miss out on a deal than to fall victim to a scam.

“The SAPS urges community members to share this information with family and friends to help prevent financial losses during the festive period. Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity is encouraged to report it immediately to the nearest police station or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Nkabinde grilled at Ad Hoc Committee

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Picture: SAPS Chief of Staff, Christopher Nkabinde/Screengrab

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 November 2025 – The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has suspended its proceedings today following unsatisfactory testimony from Cedrick Nkabinde, Chief of Staff in the Office of the suspended Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.

During the hearing, Nkabinde was unable to provide clarity on key matters, including the sequence of events relating to his contact with North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi. The committee found the evidence presented to be inconsistent and lacking in accuracy, particularly regarding matters that could have been easily verified through the Minister’s official diary.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Soviet Lekganyane stated that the quality of the witness’s evidence rendered it impossible for the committee to continue with the day’s proceedings. Lekganyane said the witness failed to provide clear and truthful responses to straightforward questions.

“Despite his senior position, he could not confirm basic calendar details and demonstrated no intention to be forthright with the committee. The committee resolved to discontinue the proceedings for the day and will consider rescheduling Nkabinde’s appearance at a later stage.

“The Parliamentary Legal Services team has been requested to advise on any potential consequences arising from the witness’s conduct before the committee,” he said.

Lekganyane further said the committee remains committed to executing its mandate in a thorough, fair and transparent manner. He added that they expect all witnesses appearing before them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

“The work of this committee is undertaken in the interests of the people of South Africa, and we will not allow the process to be undermined by unprepared or untruthful testimony,” concluded Lekganyane.

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