Monthly Archives: July 2026

North West shows its ‘fangs’ at the SASCE National Championship

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Picture: Head of Department of North West Department of Education, Lengane Bogatsu/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has secured an impressive 3rd finish at the highly competitive 2026 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championship, bringing home nine trophies on 3 July 2026. North West has obtained an overall third position amongst the nine provinces in the country.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this accomplishment places the province among the country’s top three performing provinces in school choral music. Motsumi said outstanding performance is a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of learners, choir conductors and educators, whose relentless efforts to develop and refine young musical talent continue to produce exceptional results on the national stage.

“Sunrise View Primary School from Sunrise in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained a first position in Folklore Category – IsiSwati and Own Culture. Reabona Secondary School form Wolmaranstad in Dr Kenneth Kunda District scooped a first position in Folklore Category – Setswana and Own Culture.

“Nkang Mahlale Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr KennethKaunda District obtained the second position in the Secondary Mixed Choir (Wester). Temogo Special School from Mogwase in Bojanala District obtained a Second position in the Special Schools SID (Own Song Choice),” she said.

Motsumi further said Christiana School for the Blind and the Partially Sighted from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained the Second position in the Special Schools (MID,PD Deaf and Blind) category. She added that Kamogelo Primary School from Migdol in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Sexted category.

“Matlosana Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained a third position Female Choir – Syncopated Clock category. Mmabatho Secondary School from Mmabatho in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained a third position in the Male Choir – Seventy-Six Trombones category.

“Gaopalelwe Secondary School from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Mezzo – Soprano category,” said Motsumi.

She expressed her appreciation for the sterling work demonstrated by learners, choir conductors and educators, whose dedication, hard work and commitment contributed to the province’s remarkable achievement. Motsumi said on behalf of the department, she extend her heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to all learners, educators, choir conductors, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), parents and departmental officials.

“I am truly proud of each one of you. You remained determined and gave your best until the very end. The 2026 Championships were highly competitive, with every province arriving well prepared.

“Despite the stiff competition, you rose to the occasion and represented the North West Province with distinction,” she said.

Motsumi said this achievement demonstrates that they are moving in the right direction in many areas. She said academically, the province continues to rank among the country’s top-performing provinces.

“Last year, the North West also emerged as one of the top provinces at the National Teaching Awards. These accomplishments affirm that our province is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

“As the province celebrate this momentous success, I encourage all our learners to enjoy the well-deserved winter school holidays. I wish everyone a safe journey back home and I look forward to welcoming you back when schools reopen”, highlighted Motsumi.

She said the outstanding achievements reflect the province’s continued commitment to nurturing musical excellence and promoting arts and culture in schools.

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Homeless man gets shelter in Sonop

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 July 2026 – The North West Department of Social Development has acted swiftly to find accommodation for an elderly man, who was shown on various social media platform in desperate need of shelter and warmth. The department said Madibeng-based social workers managed to track down an old man, who identified himself as Michael from Tlhatlhaganyane, near Rustenburg.

North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie said:“We are elated that our elderly has been removed from the freezing streets to a warm bed at our old age home in Sonop.

“We hold dear our elderly and highly appreciate our team in Sonop, who upon seeing the video acted very fast.  Our thanks also went to those who flighted the plight of our elderly.”  

Dankie further said this is how social media should be used positively to build society. She added that she is pleased to note that ubuntu can still finds its way through these platforms.

“The social workers have not rested after accommodating the elder, they are hard at work, trying to locate and reunite him with his family at Tlhatlhaganyane.

“We call on families and community members to take care of the elderly and report their abuse with social workers and law enforcement agencies,” she said.

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Committee calls on University of Fort Hare to get its house in order

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Picture: University of Fort Hare

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni calls on the University of Fort Hare to resolve its governance challenges if it is to focus on academic programme and research output excellence. Feni said the recent happenings concerning court appearances do not bode well for the brand of the university as well as the academic programme.

“We therefore call on the university to speedily resolve issues of the registration of the Eastern Cape premier and not allow straightforward matters to compromise the image of the institution.

“The Vice Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu remains on suspension with serious governance lapses. The court matters should not even be happening as registration criteria and qualifications should be sole preserve of the university,” he said.

Feni further said the University of Fort Hare lost a case against Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane regarding deregistration for his MA studies, a program through which he applied using recognition of prior learning method, acceptable in the National Qualifications Framework. He added that the committee notes the ruling and calls for a speedy resolution to these matters.

“We accept the right to appeal will always be there in case the university wanted to take that route, but if they do, it must be done advisably and reservedly. As the committee we are keen on matters of the burned building, court processes concerning university staff regarding assassinations.

“These are the things that should occupy the university,” concluded Feni.

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Monna o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong mabapi le petelelo

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Phukwi 2026- Monna wa dingwaga di le 21 o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Atamelang. Go begwa fa Monnapula Abel Lobese a ile a betelela mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 15 fa kgwedi ya Phukwi e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 19 ka ngwaga wa 2019.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Captain Majang Skalkie, motswasetlhabelo o ne a tsamaya le tsala ya gagwe go ya kwa garage ya peterolo (Filling Station) kwa Setlagole fa ba ne ba kgorogelwa ke Lobese. Skalkie are Lobese o ile a ba tshosetsa ka thipa, mme ba leka go tshaba.

“Lobese o ile a tshwara motswasetlhabelo le go mo gogela kwa ntlung nngwe ya letlotla kwa a ileng a mo betelela gone.

“Kgetsi ya petelelo e ne ya bulwa, Mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga ga Lobese. Kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Atamelang, e ile ya bona Lobese molato le go mo atlholela botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa nakwana mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Major General Rayno Naidoo o akgotse mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Sergeant Modisaotsile Otto ka tiro e manontlhotlho e a e dirileng mabapi le go batlisisa kgetsi e. Naidoo are sepodisi se tlile go dira mmogo le lephata la bosekisi mabapi le go lwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.

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A call for a probe into Kgatla’s attempted hit

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Picture: Municipal Manager of Madibeng Local Municipality, Quite Kgatla

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 July 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM)in the North West calls for an in-depth probe into the shooting of the Municipal Manager of Madibeng Local Municipality, Quiet Kgatla (42). MRM described the incident as an act of ‘terror and cowardice’.

MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele condemned the shocking incident and urged police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous and barbaric act are behind bars. Kgwele said no one will be safe for as long as trigger happy and heartless hitmen are still roaming around the streets and neighbourhoods.

“The perpetrators as well as those behind them should be unmasked and speedily removed from society to neutralise the threat that they pose to local government administration. We would like to wish Kgatla, who is recuperating in hospital, a speedy recovery.

“We appeal for calm, urging members of the public to assist the police investigators to uncover the motive of those behind the attack. It is critical that a comprehensive threat analysis should be urgently conducted and proactive steps be taken to safeguard the lives of those whose lives could be at risk particularly as we approach the 2026 Local government elections,” he emphasised.

Kgwele further said values of ethical municipal leadership such as integrity, community centredness, accountability, diligence and courage must not be undermined by threats of senseless violence directed at municipal officials and candidate councillors. He added that the process leading to the 4 November 2026 LGE must set the tone for a culture that also promotes civic ethics in the community and not conduct that inhibits ethical governance.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police in Brits has launched an investigation into a case of attempted murder following a shooting incident. Myburgh said Kgatla sustained gunshot wounds.

“The preliminary reports indicated that Kgatla was travelling on the Zilkaatsnek Road towards Hartbeespoort Dam at approximately 6pm. It is alleged that a charcoal-coloured VW Polo TSI with Gauteng registration plates overtook his vehicle and two unidentified occupants allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.

“The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one to his leg and another to his arm. Despite his injuries, he managed to maintain control of his vehicle before coming to a stop near a petrol service station at Zilkaatsnek,” she said.

Myburgh said Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel responded to the scene and ferried the victim to a local hospital for medical treatment. She said at this stage, the motive for the attack remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

“The police appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist in identifying the suspects or the vehicle involved to contact Lt Col Ditau Malebati at Brits Detectives on 076 510 8262 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

“Information can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App,” said Myburgh.

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Police warn community members who conduct unauthorised ID inspections

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reiterated its concerns regarding unauthorised identity document inspections recently conducted by individuals in the Greater Kimberley area. The police said only duly authorised law enforcement officials from the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents while performing their official duties.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the members of the public are urged not to be intimidated by individuals who have no legal authority to conduct identity document inspections. Litabe said communities were encouraged to report any suspicious or unlawful conduct at their nearest police station, anonymously via the MySAPS App, or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“The only recognised community structure with which the SAPS officially partners is the Community Policing Forum (CPF). Any person who intimidates, discriminates against or harasses individuals suspected of not being in possession of identity documents or other legal documentation may face criminal prosecution.

“The SAPS remains committed to maintaining law and order, protecting the constitutional rights of everyone within the Republic of South Africa and ensuring that all policing actions are carried out professionally, lawfully and without prejudice,” he said.

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Two accused in court for illegally fitting blue lights in a private vehicle

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Picture: Two accused, Afzal Abramjee and Manuel Sarafim Pinto/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

6 July 2026 – The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted bail of R10 000 each to Afzal Abramjee (40) of Centurion and Manuel Sarafim Pinto (49), a Mozambican national residing in Robertsham, Johannesburg. The two accused are facing a charge of operating a motor vehicle fitted with, or displaying, lamps emitting blue lights in contravention of the law.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Tshegofatso Makhudu said it is alleged that on 4 June 2026, during a police roadblock operation in Wierdabrug, police stopped a vehicle driven by Abramjee’s wife. Makhudu said the police discovered that the vehicle had been fitted with blue lights.

“When questioned, she informed police that the vehicle belonged to her husband. The police subsequently contacted Abramjee and requested that he come to the scene. Upon his arrival, both he and his wife were taken to the Wierdabrug Police Station for further questioning.

“The vehicle was seized and the pair were later released pending further investigations. Following the conclusion of the police investigation, Abramjee and his co-accused, Pinto, were arrested at their respective residences on 3 and 4 July 2026,” she said.

Makhudu further said during their court appearance, the state did not oppose bail as neither accused was considered a flight risk. She added that, however, the prosecution requested that stringent bail conditions be imposed to safeguard the integrity of the investigation.

“The court found that it was in the interests of justice to release both accused on bail of R10 000 each, subject to strict conditions. These include reporting once a week to their nearest police stations between 5pm and 8pm, surrendering their passports to the investigating officer within 24 hours and refraining from directly or indirectly contacting any witnesses involved in the matter.

“The case was postponed to 5 August 2026, for further investigation,” said Makhudu.

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Dikampa tsa marematlou di amegile morago ga magatwe a sepoko

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se segolwane sa Milner

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

6 Phukwi 2026 – Lefapha la Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima le ganeditse ditatofatso tsa gore sekolo se segolwane sa Milner kwa Klerksdorp se a poka. Se, se tla morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore baithuti bangwe ba shupe fa ba bone sepoko kwa diphaphosi-bonno (hostels) morago ga go tlhokafala ga moithuti mongwe dingwaga tse di fetileng.

Ga jaana, baithuti ba marematlou go tswa kwa dikolong tse di farologaneng, ba tsenetse dikampa tsa maretlou kwa lefelong leo. Go begwa fa kgwedi ya Phukwi e rogwa, bontsi jwa baithuti ba ile ba tlhakatlhakana, go goeletsa le go nna le letshogophetelela (hysteria).

Sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima, Vuyo Manthsule are seo se ile sa baka tlhakatlhakano. Mantshule are batsadi ba baithuti ba, ba ile ba bidiwa ga mmogo le badiri ba thuso ya potlako.

“Badiri ba thuso ya potlako, ba ile ba lekola moithuti a le mongwe fela, o go neng go botsha a nnile le letshogo. Fela moithuti o, o ile a tlhalosiwa fa a siame morago ga go tlhatlhobiwa. Dithuto di ile tsa tswelela ntle le matshosetsi ape.

“Bagokgo ba dikolo di le pedi tse baithuti ba tsone e leng karolo ya dikampa tse, ba ile ba bidiwa le go buisana le bathuti ba. Motsamaisi wa diphaphosi tsa bodulo o ile a ikuela go baithuti go se ise dipelo mafisa, gonne dikgang tse e se tsa boammaruri,” Mantshule wa tlhalosa.

Mantshule are seemo se ile sa boela sekeng, mme dithuto di ile tsa tswelela jaaka go ne go rulagantswe. Mantshule are morago ga dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng, go ile ga fitlhelelwa fa baithuti bangwe ba ne ba bonwa ke motlhokomedi ba tsuba matokwane pele ga tiragalo e.        

“Baithuti bao ga ba itsiwe gonne ba ne ba sa apara diaparo tsa sekolo ebile nako e le ya lefitshwana. Bontsi jwa batsadi bo ile jwa itelekela jwa sekolong se morago ga go bona dikgang tse mo metsweding e farologaneng ya boitapoloso. Ba ile ba nna le tshono ya go lekola bonno jo, le go bona bana ba bone.    

“Batsadi ba ile ba itumelela seemo sa bonno jo, mme ba kopa lefapha go tswelela ka dikampa tse. Re tla tlhalosa gore se, ene e le kgomo ya mmopa e e bopilweng ke baithuti bangwe ba ba kgatlhanong le dikampa tse,” Manthsule wa tlhalosa.

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A woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death to apply for bail

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Picture: The murder accused, Lebohang Felicia Shuping/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

6 July 2026 – A woman (31) has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on charges of allegedly killing her boyfriend (44), during a domestic dispute in Kanana Township, near Orkney. The police were called to a domestic violence complaint at approximately 3am on 2 July 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said upon their arrival, it was alleged that an argument between the couple had turned violent, with the woman, Lebohang Shuping allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a knife. Skalkie said the police reported that Shuping fled the scene shortly after the incident and sought refuge at her parents’ home.

“The police later traced and arrested her. She subsequently led police back to the scene, where the body of her boyfriend was discovered lying outside with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel declared the victim dead at the scene.

“Shuping was arrested and charged with murder. She briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 3 July 2026, where the matter was postponed to 6 July 2026, for a formal bail application,” she said.

Commenting on the incident, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the fatal attack and called on members of the public to seek help before domestic disputes escalate into violence. Naidoo said the police have reiterated the importance of reporting domestic violence and encouraged individuals experiencing abusive relationships to make use of available support services before conflicts result in tragedy.

“Investigations into the murder are continuing,” he said.

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A woman accused of defrauding municipality R424 000 denied bail

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 July 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed a bail application based on alleged new facts brought by Janitha van Reenen Coetzee (25) in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court. Coetzee faces a charge of fraud involving approximately R424 000, allegedly defrauded from the Emfuleni Local Municipality.

The NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Tshegofatso Makhudu said it is alleged that the accused misrepresented herself as an independent agent capable of assisting residents in obtaining discounts on outstanding municipal accounts. Makhudu said the victims allegedly paid her money to make discounted payments to the municipality on their behalf.

“However, the funds were allegedly never paid over to the municipality. The accused also allegedly submitted claims to the municipality on behalf of the victims. It is further alleged that the municipality paid approximately R424 000 to the accused, which was never paid to the intended beneficiaries.

“The alleged fraud was uncovered when the then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Martha Mani Rantsofu, who has since passed away, identified suspicious claims amounting to approximately R424 000 and reported the matter to her manager,” she said.

Makhudu further said following an internal investigation, the municipality reported the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation. She added that during the bail proceedings, the state, represented by prosecutor Moses Raditsela, opposed the application and argued that the accused posed a flight risk because her residential address could not be properly verified due to inconsistencies regarding her place of residence.

“The state further submitted that no genuine new facts had been presented to the court, as the issues raised had already been considered and addressed during the previous bail application. It argued that releasing the accused on bail would not be in the interests of justice.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the state’s submissions and found that the information presented by the accused did not constitute new facts. The court further held that it would not be in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail,” said Makhudu.

She said consequently, the bail application based on new facts was dismissed. Makhudu said the matter was postponed to 23 July 2026, for further investigation.

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