Monthly Archives: March 2026

Hlalele appointed as SPU’s Dean of the Faculty of Education

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Picture: Professor Dipane Hlalele/Supplied 

By MOSIMA MEHLAPE

18 March 2026- Sol Plaatje University (SPU) announced the appointment of Professor Dipane Hlalele as Dean of the Faculty of Education for a five-year term, starting 1 April 2026. This appointment follows a rigorous selection process, guided by university policy and aligned with SPU’s strategic priorities in academic leadership, research development and community engagement.

Hlalele brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, with a demonstrated track record in academic governance, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision and institutional management. He currently serves as Full Professor and Head of the Department of Education Studies at SPU.

A National Research Foundation (NRF) C2-rated researcher, Hlalele holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology of Education and has contributed significantly to the advancement of inclusive education, rural learning ecologies and socially responsive scholarship. His work reflects a sustained commitment to research that is both contextually relevant and nationally impactful.

Hlalele academic leadership experience spans senior roles including Assistant Dean, Programme Coordinator and Head of Department, where he has led strategic planning processes, strengthened teaching and learning programmes, supported staff development, and contributed to quality assurance and institutional governance.

Hlalele has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students to completion, including 38 doctoral candidates, and has contributed to building research capacity through funded projects and national and international collaborations. In his role as Dean, he will provide strategic, academic and administrative leadership to the Faculty of Education, with responsibility for advancing teaching and learning, strengthening research output, supporting postgraduate growth and enhancing community-engaged scholarship.

Hlalele’s leadership will contribute to the long-term sustainability and development of the faculty, in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives. This appointment strengthens SPU’s ongoing commitment to advancing a university that is academically rigorous, research-intensive and socially responsive.

It supports the University’s focus on developing contextually relevant knowledge, advancing postgraduate education, and deepening its contribution to the transformation of the higher education sector. Hlalele takes office at a time when the Faculty of Education continues to strengthen both its academic leadership and research trajectory.

Source: Sol Plaatje University

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

18 March 2026 – A man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court sitting in Tlhabane for attempted murder. The conviction of the accused, Silvester Oageng Bodigelo stemmed from an incident that occurred in Lethabong village, near Rustenburg on 29 March 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigations led by Sergeant Molefe Kgabo, revealed that an altercation broke out between the accused and the complainant at the accused’s parental home. Gunya said during the incident, Bodigelo went into a shack, retrieved a steel iron and repeatedly struck the complainant on the head while he was seated, rendering him unconscious.

“The accused then poured a dustbin full of garbage over the victim and proceeded to the nearby neighbours to request matches with the intention of setting the victim alight. The neighbours refused and intervened, preventing further harm.

“A case was subsequently opened and the accused was arrested and later released on bail. While on bail, he failed to appear in court and was convicted of contempt of court, for which he was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Bodigelo pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. He added that the state prosecutor, Zola Mpayipheli, led evidence, including testimony from the medical doctor who examined the victim.

“The court heard that the victim lost his left eye and sustained severe head injuries that resulted in permanent brain damage, leaving him with significant memory loss.

“In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that the attack had devastating and lifelong consequences for the victim, who will no longer be able to enjoy life to its fullest due to his injuries,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mpayipheli and the law enforcement team for their diligent work in securing the conviction and sentence. Mkhari said the NPA remains committed to the prosecution of violent crimes and to ensuring justice for victims.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence of 15 years imprisonment. The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm,” she said.

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Three suspects nabbed for possession and dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 March 2026 – The police in Ngaka Modiri Molema District continue to make strides in the fight against drug related crimes through intelligence driven operations. On 16 March 2026, the members of Crime Intelligence together with Lichtenburg K9, conducted a targeted operation based on reliable intelligence at different locations within Lichtenburg and Delareyville.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the operation resulted in the successful arrest of two suspects for possession of drugs and one for dealing in drugs. Skalkie said during the operation, the police confiscated various substances believed to be drugs including mandrax tablets, crystal meth and nyaope.

“The suspects aged between 19 and 27, were immediately arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances and dealing in drugs. All three suspects will appear before Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for swift response and dedication. Naidoo further encouraged the members of the community to continue working with the police and by providing information that can assist in the fight against crime.

“Information can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop number 086 00 10111 or through the My SAPS App,” he said.

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Wanted suspect nabbed during routine operation

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By REGINALD KANYANE

18 March 2026 – A wanted suspect was arrested by the police in Mahikeng during a routine operation conducted at a local taxi rank. On 17 March 2026, the police were conducting their normal crime prevention duties when they identified and apprehended a suspect who was wanted in connection with a previous criminal case of residential burglary, which occurred in Mahikeng on 14 April 2018.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the suspect was positively linked with fingerprints and will be profiled to determine any possible links to other cases. Skalkie said the suspect was arrested and detained.

“He is expected to appear before Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for their vigilance and committed to ensuring that wanted suspects were brought to book.

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Mosadi o tshwaretswe maiteko a polao morago ga ditatofatso tsa go tlhaba morwadie

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Mopitlwe 2026- Mosadi wa dingwaga di le 38 o tshwerwe morago ga ditatofatso tsa go tlhaba morwadie (16) ka sengwe se se bogale makgetlho a le mmalwa. Tiragalo e, ke ya kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, kwa Christiana.

Go begwa fa kgwedi ya Mopitlwe e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 16, magareng ga ura ya 9 le 11 mo mosong, go ile ga tsoga tlhatlharuane magareng ga motsadi o le ngwana wa gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are go begwa fa mosetsanyana o, a ile a tabogisediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae ka dintho tsa go tlhabiwa. Skalkie are motswasetlhabelo o ile a lokololwa kwa kliniking moragonyana.

“Sepodisi se batlisisa kgetsi ya maiteko a polao kgatlhanong le mosadi o. Se se tla morago ga gore a tekete morwadie. Mosadi o, o ile a tshwarwa gone ka letsatsi leo, mme o tlhotse a tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno.

“Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 24 Mopitlwe 2026, kwa molatofadiwa a solofetseng go dira kopo ya semmuso ya beile,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

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Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe mabapi le polao kwa Manthe  

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Rapelang Robert Molale

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Mopitlwe 2026- Banna ba le bararo ba dingwaga tse di magareng ga 60 le 62, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Go begwa fa babelaelwa ba, ba golaganngwa le kgetsi ya polao ya ga Robert Rapelang Molale wa kwa motseng wa Mothanthanyaneng mono Taung.

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a bolawa ke baagi ba motse wa Manthe mono Taung morago ga go latofadiwa ka go utswa leruo. Go begwa Molale a ne a tsewa le go ya go tsenngwa kwa metsing kwa molapong, mme a tlhokafala.

Tiragalo e, ke ya ngwaga o o fetileng. Babelaelwa ba tshwerwe mo mosong wa gompieno ke lephata la matseka a sepodisi kwa motseng wa Manthe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Majang Skalkie are babelaelwa ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya polao.

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Fundraising and Spiritual Revival for Keatlegile Mhlongo

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Picture: Keatlegile Mhlongo with amputated legs/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 March 2026- Saving Lives Foundation, together with Batlhanka Ba Botshepegi and Nyikes Foundation, successfully hosted a fundraising and spiritual revival service on 14 March 2026, at Tlholoe SASSA Hall in Moretele Local Municipality.

Saving Lives Institute spokesperson, Mercy Mabunda said the event brought together community members, spiritual leaders and supporters who gathered in unity to pray, encourage one another and raise funds in support of Mhlongo, whose legs were amputated following kidney failure. Mabunda said the service was filled with powerful prayers, worship and messages of hope, reminding the community of the importance of faith, compassion and standing together during difficult times.

“Saving Lives Foundation, Batlhanka Ba Botshepegi and Nyikes Foundation remain committed to serving communities through spiritual support, empowerment programmes and humanitarian initiatives that bring hope and positive change,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike, who is also a founding member of Nyikes Foundation, emphasized the importance of trusting in God during times of trial. Manyike drew inspiration from the story of Job in the Bible, which teaches perseverance, faith and remaining steadfast even in the face of suffering.

“As part of its contribution, Nyikes Foundation donated building materials and a contractor to construct a five-room house for the Mhlongo family, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting families in need.

“The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and supported the initiative. Their contributions and prayers reflected the strength of community unity and the willingness of people to uplift those facing hardship,” he said.

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Murder case against former SAPS marksman, Sotheni postponed  

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Picture: The accused, Matipandile Sotheni/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 March 2026- The accused, Matipandile Sotheni (41) today appeared at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court. Sotheni is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, 3 counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.   

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that after “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025, the accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased. 

“It is further alleged that on 5 December 2025, the accused positioned himself at the vicinity of the deceased’s residence. When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene. 

“After investigations by the “Madlanga Task Team” established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, the accused was arrested on 14 March 2026 and is remanded in custody,” she said. 

Mahanjana further said in court the matter was postponed to 25 March 2026, for an opposed bail application.

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Vass addresses the National RHT Quarterly meeting

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 March 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass addressed the national Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) quarterly meeting held in Kimberley, Northern Cape. Vass said the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) is an independent, free provincial body in South Africa established under the Rental Housing Act to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants and to promote fair rental housing practices.

‘’The Northern Cape is set to be South Africa’s New Growth Front. The rental housing landscape in the Northern Cape is currently being reshaped by a unique Mining and Energy Renaissance. We are proud as the Northern Cape to host this exchange of intellectual capital. Let us work together to ensure that every South African who calls a rented space ‘’home’’ can do so with the full protection of the law.

“While the province remains the most affordable in South Africa, the pressure on specific urban and industrial nodes is creating a significant challenge for the Rental Housing Tribunal. All the RHTs from across South Africa and other human settlement stakeholders have converged on Kimberley for this important quarterly meeting, that ended 13 March 2026,” he said.

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One learner dies, four injured in scholar transport accident

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Picture: Learners involving in an accident/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 March 2026- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it is saddened by the tragic accident which occurred between Orania and Hopetown recently, where a minibus transporting learners to Steynville Primary, Oranje Diamant Primary and Steynville High School collided with a truck. The department said unfortunately, one learner was fatally injured, four sustained minor injuries, two learners were sent to Douglas for scans and 28 learners were treated for shock.

The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo said they can confirm that the minibus was overloaded and the driver was arrested by the police. Vosloo said a case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the police.

“Furthermore, we have delegated a task team to Hopetown, following the accident. Immediate psycho-social support being provided to the affected families, learners and the school by our Employee Support Services.

“The department will continue to work with law enforcement agencies for the stringent implementation of the rules on our roads. Our District office will continue to provide ongoing support to the school and affected families,” he said.

Vosloo further said they convey their most sincere condolences to the bereaved family and are scheduled to visit the affected families.

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