Daily Archives: April 24, 2026

A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2026- The accused, Lehlohonolo Monareng (32) from Soshanguve Township, near Pretoria. This comes after Monareng was convicted for raping a girl (17).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the day on 16 July 2023, Monareng had gone to the victim’s place of residence, where there was a traditional ceremony. Mahanjanasaid during the ceremony, the victim was responsible for serving traditional beer to the guests, who had come to attend the ceremony. 

“Later that evening, at around 8pm, some guests left. The victim went to the toilet, while inside, Monareng forced the door open, blocked the door with the chair, closed her mouth, undressed her, and begin to rape her.

“The cousin of the victim saw what was happening through the window and alerted the elders who were still around, sitting by the fire. The elders forced the door open, but Monareng ran, leaving the victim lying on the floor,” she said. 

Mahanjana further said, however, he was apprehended as he was running outside the gate. She added that the police were called and Monareng was arrested on the scene.

“He has been in custody since after the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied committing the offence. The state prosecutor, advocate Thamsanqa Given Thwala, presented compelling evidence of the complainant and proved the state’s case on the evidence of a single witness.

“During the sentencing proceeding, Monareng asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment because the accused was young during the commission of the offence and the complainant did not suffer any physical injuries except the inherent rape injuries,” she said.

Mahanjana said, however, in aggravation, Thwala argued that Monareng was convicted of a serious offence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) that is not only prevalent in the courts’ jurisdiction but the country. She said despite the overwhelming evidence, Monareng did not show any remorse, which is a clear indication that he cannot be easily rehabilitated.

“Furthermore, the impact of the offence on the victim has a lifelong effect. Thwala also read into the record the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer Maano Magondo, where the victim stated that the incident not only affected her emotionally, but she also dropped out of school because she could not concentrate and feared the stigma attached to rape as such, she resorted to drinking alcohol in hopes to forget about the incident.


“The NPA hopes that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who want to be sexual offenders,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed with the state that Monareng did not show remorse and found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, instead there were more aggravating factors, the suffered, irreparable emotional and phycological damage. Nel said, therefore, the sentence given was appropriate. 

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Postbank introduces Black Cards for grant beneficiaries

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 April 2026 – Postbank is proud to announce a landmark milestone for social grant beneficiaries that use SASSA Gold Cards as their time to be issued with Black Cards has come. The replacement of SASSA Gold Cards starts on 29 April 2026. 

Postbank’s Chief Commercial Officer, Thamsanqa Cele said the card replacements form part of the broader Postbank card migration program that began in September 2024, and this phase is aimed specifically at grant beneficiaries who have not yet migrated. Cele said all social grant beneficiaries that are still in possession of SASSA Gold Cards have until 31 August 2026, to migrate to the new cards.

“Anyone without a Black Card after this date will not be able to access their SASSA grant payments because the Gold Cards will stop working. Grant beneficiaries who have already migrated to Postbank Black Cards are assured that no further action is required.

“Their Black Card remains valid and continues to offer key protections and benefits, including three free withdrawals, one free card replacement, and a free monthly statement. Importantly, their account is protected from any deductions and safeguards their personal information against misuse, and therefore they need not switch banks,” he said. 

Cele further said for those who have not migrated, the message is urgent. He added that they should start collecting their Black Cards as soon as the card distribution starts and never count on any extensions as the time for them to migrate is fixed.

“Starting from this month, we are intensifying the final stages of the SASSA Gold Cards replacement process. This is a direct call to action for customers who have not yet migrated — please act as soon as possible and treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves.

“The deadline will not be extended, and customers who miss it risk interruption to their grant payments. Black Cards can be collected from any Postbank site inside selected retailers that include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, PicknPay, Boxer and Spar stores,” said Cele.

He said the process is FREE of charge and does not require beneficiaries to complete any forms. Beneficiaries only need to present a valid RSA ID (or a Temporary ID). Cele said cards can be collected from any province, even if that is not the province in which a person’s SASSA grant got approved.

“Postbank Black Cards work immediately upon issue, and there is no need to go to a SASSA office. Any funds balance currently in a customer’s Gold Card will automatically be reflected with the new cards.

“To find the nearest open replacement site, beneficiaries can dial #120*355# on any mobile phone. These sites will also assist customers who have lost their Black Cards and support them with PIN resets. For any enquiries, customers must call Postbank on 0800 53 54 55,” he said.

Cele said it is important to remember, if the Black Card is not written Postbank in the front and the users are being asked to complete forms to change their method of payment for the card to work, then that card is not a Postbank Black Card. He said grant beneficiaries are advised to always be on the lookout for fraudsters that are looking to take advantage.

“Those who have previously moved away from Postbank and are considering returning are encouraged to remain patient and be on the lookout for announcements of how to switch back,” said Cele.

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Damages to private and public property continues as heavy rainfall persist

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Picture: A house destroyed by heavy rains/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 April 2026 – Persistent thunderstorms accompanied by strong, damaging winds and heavy downpours across several municipalities in the North West, have resulted in significant damage to both private and public property, particularly in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Road infrastructure has been severely affected.

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said impacted routes, include the Dwarsberg–Sesobe Road, Madikwe–Koffiekraal Road, Madikwe through Vrede and Seshebetswe, Madikwe via Brakuil to Sesobe, Tweelagte through Seolong and Mapaputle and the road from Matooster to Mahobieskraal. Gambu said while some of these roads require rehabilitation, others will need re-gravelling and edge repairs.

“Several bridges have also sustained damage, including those in Debrak, Lerome, Masekoloane, Motlhabege, Kortkloof, Sefikile, and Dwarsberg. Some bridges will require repairs, while others will need to be completely rebuilt.

“In Mahikeng, multiple mud houses, shacks and brick structures were affected in areas such as Serotswana, Seweding, Ramatlabama 600, Makhubung, Signal Hill, Setlopo and Motlhabeng, leaving a number of families displaced. In Ditsobotla Local Municipality, areas including Coligny and Biesiesvlei experienced waterlogged homes due to poor drainage systems,” he said.

Gambu further said in Tseng village under Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, strong winds blew off roofs of several houses, while hailstorms caused damage to window panes. He added that a house fire was also reported in Madinonyane village.

“In the City of Matlosana, a bridge on Homan Street was flooded, resulting in traffic being rerouted. Trees were uprooted and several homes were damaged. A sinkhole has developed on the N12 towards Stilfontein, leading to temporary road closures due to safety concerns, while repair processes are underway.

“Current interventions include the provision of food parcels, blankets, and mattresses to affected families. The Royal Bafokeng Administration, together with the Rustenburg Islamic Welfare Organisation, has partnered with the government to support affected communities,” said Gambu.

He said the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have conducted humanitarian needs assessments and continue to provide relief support. Gambu said a TLB has also been deployed to divert water away from flooded residential areas.

“The National Department of Human Settlements has dispatched a team to conduct assessments and verify damages to affected houses. The department will provide temporary residential units, repair damaged structures, and enrol qualifying beneficiaries for RDP housing.

“Settlements located in low-lying areas, as well as poorly maintained stormwater drainage systems, are exacerbating the impact of flooding. Residents are therefore urged to avoid building structures within flood lines or wetlands,” he said.

Gambu said the Provincial Flood Disaster Management Coordinating Committee continues to monitor the situation, coordinate response efforts and work with relevant stakeholders as adverse weather conditions persist. He said the residents can contact the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on 018 388 3888 or 066 030 8026.

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