Picture: ANC PEC member in North West and embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Morutse Molefe
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 March 2026 – The ANC in North West has placed its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, who is also a mayor of the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Morutse Molefe on precautionary suspension. The ANC said its Provincial Working Committee (PWC) in its ordinary meeting convened on 30 March 2026, received a report concerning the conduct of Molefe during the 8th ANC Regional Conference in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region.
The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said after careful consideration, the ANC PWC is satisfied that the behaviour exhibited during the regional conference constitutes acts of misconduct as contemplated under Rule 25.17 of the ANC Constitution and Rule 104 of the adopted Conference Guidelines and Rebuilding Process. Diremelo said in terms of Rule 25.56 of the ANC Constitution, the PWC has resolved to place Molefe on immediate temporary suspension, pending the outcome of processes to be conducted by the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.
“It is important to note that Molefe will continue to serve as a public representative of the ANC in his capacity as the mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The organisation will, however, regulate his participation in official duties during the period of suspension.
“The Provincial Working Committee (PWC) has received a report on the current state of the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati regions. The terms of office for the leadership structures in these two regions have lapsed,” he said.
Diremelo further said in accordance with Rule 21.10 of the ANC Constitution, the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), through its appointed deployees, shall immediately exercise the powers of the Regional Executive Committees (RECs) until such time as the PEC makes a final determination on the matter. He added that the ANC remains committed to upholding the principles of accountability, integrity and proper conduct within its structures, ensuring that all members adhere to the highest standards of ethical and political conduct.
31 March 2026 – The North West Province was crowned as the best province during the 2026 South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) Championships held on 23 – 27 March 2026, at White River and Mbombela in Mpumalanga Province. The North West Team obtained 3 top positions in the championship, which contributed to its dominance at the tournament.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the team walked away with top honours. Motsumi said on Blackball Pool (Snooker), the team occupied first position in both team events of Males and Females singles, first position in the Indoor Rowing with Johanna Dlamini, top position in the Female 500 metre and Ditebogo Tshoma obtained the best position in the Male 500 metre.
“Nonhlanhla Pine obtained the Best position in the Female 1 000 metre and Reitumetse Mpudi scooped the Best position in the Male 1000 metre, first position in Swimming whilst the province obtained the fourth position in Table Tennis and Hockey respectively.
“A total of 1800 participants (Athletes and Officials included) participated as part of the prestige event. The North West province through the Department of Education was represented by a team of 165 athletes and officials,” she said.
Motsumi further said the objective of the championship is to make a pathway for athletes with an Intellectual Impaired Disability to become eligible for the National South African team and thus become eligible for international participation. She congratulated the North West Team for obtaining the overall position in the SASA II Championship.
“On behalf of the department l take this time to congratulate Team North West for obtaining the overall top position during the tournament. We are extremely proud of our learners who represented our province.
“The participation of learners in sport reflects the power of sport as a unifying force and platform for sport to remain a critical pillar in the holistic development of learners beyond the classroom,” she added.
Motsumi said she wishes to thank the teachers, who are hard at work training these learners to be the best in extra-curricular activities. She said that also goes to parents for allowing their children to participate in different sporting codes.
“Our primary objective is to give learners a platform to shine and express themselves in all the co-curricular programmes.
“The North West Province is expected to host the South African Special Olympics on 26 June 2026, which will serve as the national team selection event for the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) World Games in Chile in 2027,” said Motsumi.
31 March 2026 – A man (37) was arrested by the police in connection with murder, attempted murder, and arson incident that occurred in Mogwase earlier this month. The police said following thorough investigations, the suspect was traced and arrested on 30 March 2026, in the Zeerust area through a coordinated effort involving detectives, K9, and crime prevention units.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Anne Magakoe said the suspect is expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, on charges of murder, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their swift response and dedication, stating that the arrest demonstrates SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to justice.
31 March 2026 – Two Ugandan nationals, Nasifu Besigye (39) and Laban Mucwa (53), were arrested by The Hawks’ members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Mahikeng Flying Squad on 28 March 2026, for alleged fraud. The Hawks said the reports indicate that the police received information about a Gauteng-based woman who was allegedly held against her will in Mmabatho with the intention of withdrawing all her pension money.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the team operationalised the information and proceeded to the address where the victim was allegedly kept. Mathebula said on arrival, the police raided the place and reportedly found the victim in the presence of two men.
“The victim was allegedly lured by her boyfriend, Laban Mucwa, whom she met on Facebook to travel to Mmabatho. It is reported that the victim was taken to a house in Mmabatho, where she was ordered by her boyfriend to speak to her ancestors in a prayer room to have her pension money doubled.
“The victim reportedly went to the bank to withdraw R1 million and handed it over to her boyfriend. The accused appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 30 March 2026, and were remanded in custody. Their matter was postponed to 31 March 2026, for services of an interpreter,” he said.
Picture: A lion attacked and killed an employee at Leeuwbosch Farm/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
31 March 2026 – The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of an employee who tragically lost his life following a lion attack at a private wildlife facility at Leeuwbosch Farm, near Setlagole village. Lenkopane said the incident reportedly occurred on 24 March 2026, while the employee was performing his duties at the facility.
She further said the preliminary report received by the Department’s Biodiversity Management officials, showed that the incident took place inside the lion enclosure area. Lenkopane added that the matter has since been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and an inquest docket has been opened at Setlagole Police Station.
“Officials from the Department have visited the site and are working with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We would like to convey our sympathies to the bereaved family and call for strict adherence to wildlife safety protocols.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Facilities that work with dangerous wildlife have a responsibility to ensure that safety measures are strictly followed to protect employees and visitors,” said Lenkopane.
Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on (DEDECT), Mpho Khunou/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 March 2026 – The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing number of illegal mining activities and unauthorised chrome wash plants operating across the province, particularly in the Bojanala and Madibeng areas.
The concerns emerged during an engagement between the Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), where several regulatory, environmental and enforcement challenges were highlighted.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on (DEDECT), Mpho Khunou said they noted with concern that the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) regulations are allegedly being abused due to regulatory gaps and grey areas relating to the authorisation and regulation of chrome wash plants. Khunou said the committee has requested the department to take it through the regulations clause by clause and outline recommendations to address the regulatory gaps, including whether amendments to Section 24G of NEMA or new regulations are required.
“The committee further raised concerns about the environmental impact of illegal wash plants, including water pollution, illegal discharge into rivers, air pollution, land degradation and unsafe excavations, which negatively affect communities and municipal infrastructure.
“Members also expressed concern that illegal mining activities continue despite existing legislation, and that enforcement actions rarely lead to prosecutions and convictions,” he said.
Khunou said according to the department, approximately 70 chrome wash plants have been inspected in the 2025/26 financial year, of which about 30 were found to be operating without environmental authorisation. He further said the department has opened seven criminal cases with SAPS and issued several pre-compliance notices to operators, some of whom have committed to apply for rectification in terms of Section 24G of NEMA.
“However, the committee raised concern over delays in payment of fines, appeals processes, and the slow pace of enforcement. The committee also raised serious concerns about the department’s limited capacity, noting that there are currently only three compliance inspectors in the Bojanala District, which is insufficient to monitor the increasing number of mining and wash plant operations in the area.
“Another major concern raised was the lack of coordination between government institutions responsible for enforcement, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, Water and Sanitation, municipalities, Traditional Authorities and other regulatory bodies,” added Khunou.
He said the committee noted that fragmented enforcement and poor coordination contribute to the continued operation of illegal mining activities and unauthorised wash plants. Khunou said some concerns were also highlighted that many wash plant operations are allegedly run by foreign nationals operating illegally in the country, and called for intensified joint operations involving Home Affairs and the Department of Labour to address illegal operators and labour compliance issues.
“Furthermore, the committee raised concerns about delays in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application processes, poor quality submissions by consultants, non-compliance with licence conditions and allegations of corruption and bribery in licensing and inspection processes.
“The committee requested the department to provide full details on fines issued, operators involved, compliance notices issued, and timelines for ensuring that illegal operations are either compliant or shut down,” he said.
Khunou said the situation relating to illegal mining and unauthorised wash plants in the North West is extremely concerning. He said communities are suffering environmental damage, water pollution and unsafe mining activities, while the province is not benefiting economically from these operations.
“We are particularly concerned about regulatory gaps, lack of enforcement capacity and poor coordination between institutions. The Committee will continue to push for stronger regulations, improved enforcement, a full audit of mining activities in the province and better coordination among all government departments involved,” said Khunou.
31 March 2026 – The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) condemns the false allegations circulated on social media platforms, insinuating that IDAC is deliberately targeting SAPS Senior officials, following the arrest of 12 senior police officers and summons being served to the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola in relation to an alleged irregular contract that was awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter.
NPA, has from the onset, indicated that this matter was referred to the IDAC in 2024, wherein investigations were conducted.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said it is also imperative to note that this matter was referred to IDAC by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit for investigation, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered. Mamothame said it is therefore irresponsible and reckless for certain formations of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were as a result of submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner on 06 June 2025.
“The IDAC respects the work done by the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee and will abide by the recommendations that will follow. Furthermore, such false narratives seek to create divisions within the law enforcement fraternity, at a time where South Africans demand to see the wheels of justice in motion in a manner that is collaborative to fight the criminals and not each other.
“Society also demands to see all law enforcement agencies collaborating in the fight against corruption, something that the IDAC seeks to honour in all of its work and engagements,” he said.
Mamothame further said the IDAC, like many other law enforcement agencies, is not a law unto itself as has been portrayed by the false narratives circulated. He added that a judge was appointed to oversee and ensure that there is compliance and accountability on how the division operates.
“This also affords every member of society a platform to report any improper action by any official within the division, including the Investigating Director. Society should therefore be vigilant not to fall prey to false narratives created to destabilize the fight against corruption.
“The attacks and baseless speculations also have the potential to place the lives of the officials working in these complex cases and the Investigating Director and their families at risk,” said Mamothame.
He said despite this, the IDAC cannot afford to allow itself to be deterred from discharging its constitutional mandate to the best of its abilities, within the prescriptions of the law. Mamothame said the IDAC calls on all South Africans to allow the law to take its course and to follow all court processes, where all evidence relating to the Medicare 24 case and all other cases within its radar will be ventilated.
“The IDAC as an important division within the NPA, prescribes to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice. Every action that has been taken followed all the due processes of the law. The arrests are based on the evidence at hand.
“The view shared by certain individuals that others should have been charged is unfortunate as IDAC had to deal with the matters within its space and the evidence it contains. The issues relating to other persons arose at the Madlanga Commission and as and when same are referred to IDAC, same will be acted upon without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.
Mamothame said in relation to the arrests, no rules were flouted in arresting the accused in the Medicare 24 matter and any other matter where the accused were summoned to appear before court. He said the process followed was lawful in all aspects.
“Crime cannot be allowed to flourish and IDAC, in discharging its mandate, seeks to prevent this as best it can,” said Mamothame.
The Guardian 