Daily Archives: September 10, 2026

A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

10 September 2026 – A man (53) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder of his former girlfriend (63) in Kathu, near Kuruman. The incident was reported to the police in Kathu on 19 January 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said this comes after the victim, Eva Witbooi opened a case of attempted murder against her former boyfriend, Joseph Moeti. Litabe alleged that at approximately 9:40am, the victim was walking in the street with a friend when the accused suddenly emerged from a yard and approached her, while armed with a knife.

“The victim noticed that the accused was armed and attempted to flee. He pursued her and caught up with her, stabbing her on the shoulder and back. Witbooi sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kuruman for medical treatment.

“The case was assigned to the Detective Constable Goitsemang Violet Matlhole of the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, who conducted a comprehensive investigation that ultimately led to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the accused,” he said.

Litabe further said Moeti appeared in the Kathu Regional Court on several occasions, while remaining in custody. He added that on 5 September 2026, the court found him guilty of attempted murder and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

“Five years of the sentence were suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of assault during the period of suspension. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Moeti. Matlhole was commended by the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Management for her diligent and thorough investigative work, which contributed to securing justice for the victim,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Matlhole for her professional and dedicated investigative work.

“This conviction demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations in ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for their actions. We commend Matlhole for her commitment to the investigation and for helping to secure justice for the victim.

“The SAPS in the Northern Cape remains committed to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, while providing victims with the necessary protection and support,” he said.

Baloyi said these efforts are aligned with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places emphasis on professional policing, accountability, effective service delivery and the safety and security of all communities.

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Football Officials Development Programme opens new pathways for students

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Picture: NWU students exploring many career opportunities that exist in the football industry/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 September 2026 – For many aspiring footballers, the dream is to make it onto the pitch as a player. At the North West University (NWU), however, students are being encouraged to look beyond playing and explore the many career opportunities that exist in the football industry.

The North West University (NWU) Football Club spokesperson, Oscar Mosiane said through the NWU Football Officials Development Programme, the university is creating opportunities for students to learn the laws of the game, gain practical match-day experience and develop the skills needed to pursue football officiating as a potential career pathway. Mosiane said the initiative forms part of the broader commitment of the NWU to using sport as a platform for holistic student development.

“While player and coaching development remain important components of football, the programme recognises that competent and knowledgeable officials are equally essential to ensuring that matches are conducted fairly, professionally and in accordance with the laws of the game.

“Since its introduction, the programme has made encouraging progress, providing students with valuable exposure to the world of football officiating. It is envisioned that the initiative will develop into a sustainable pathway through which students can progress from learning the fundamentals of refereeing to gaining practical experience and, ultimately, officiating at higher levels,” he said.

Mosiane further said beyond knowledge of the laws of football, participants are exposed to skills that are valuable both on and off the field. He added that these include decision-making, communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence and the ability to manage different match situations under pressure.

“These skills are particularly important in modern football, where officials are required to make quick and informed decisions while communicating effectively with players, coaches and fellow officials.

“The programme also seeks to create a progression pathway for students who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to officiating. Through continued training, mentorship and practical exposure, students can potentially progress into local football structures and pursue opportunities at higher levels of the game,” said Mosiane.

Meanwhile, Thabo Raborifi from the Sports Department shared the same sentiments. Raborifi said the the programme is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop in the football environment.

“This programme is about creating opportunities for our students to learn, develop and grow in football beyond simply being players. We are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and we believe that with continued support, the programme can grow into a strong pathway for developing quality football officials who can go on to serve in local football associations and the ABC Motsepe League.

“Our vision is to empower students with practical opportunities and the confidence to build a future in football officiating. We acknowledge the contribution of student leadership structures to the initiative, particularly the support provided by residence officer Sabelo Mlangeni, whose involvement has helped strengthen student participation in the programme.

“For the NWU, the value of the initiative extends beyond the development of individual officials. It also provides an opportunity for the university to strengthen relationships with football stakeholders and contribute to the development of the sport in the North West,” he said.

Raborifi said the university hopes that some of the officials developed through the programme will eventually serve in local football associations and the ABC Motsepe League, contributing to the availability of knowledgeable, confident and professionally prepared officials in the regional football ecosystem. He said the initiative is also an important reminder that a career in football does not necessarily mean becoming a professional player.

“The football industry offers a wide range of opportunities, including officiating, coaching, sports administration, sports management, media, marketing and event management.

“As the Football Officials Development Programme continues to grow, the NWU remains committed to creating opportunities that enable students to discover and pursue these different pathways. By investing in the development of football officials, the university is not only helping students acquire practical skills and experience, but is also contributing to the broader growth and professionalisation of football in the region,” said Raborifi.

He said the programme demonstrates the belief of the NWU that sport is more than competition – it is a vehicle for learning, leadership, opportunity and lifelong development.

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Mokgosi: “Municipalities are entrusted with delivering accountable governance, promoting socio-economic development”  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 September 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said 30 years ago, South Africa emerged from a history of exclusion and injustice to establish a constitutional order founded on human dignity, equality, freedom, accountability and the rule of law. Mokgosi address this final session of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) North West Provincial Members Assembly at Seasons Golf, Leisure and Spar in Hartbeespoort on Wednesday, said since then, the constitution has guided the democratic institutions and provided the framework through which provinces such as the North West have pursued social transformation and inclusive development.

He further said these constitutional values find practical expression in local government. Mokgosi added that municipalities are entrusted with delivering accountable governance, providing essential services, promoting socio-economic development and enabling meaningful public participation. 

“As we reflect on this journey, we honour the sacrifices, resilience, and visionary leadership that secured our democracy. The commitment of generations of South Africans laid the foundation for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. 

“As the sphere of government closest to the people, local government remains central to improving quality of life and advancing the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and human rights,” he said.

He said as former President Nelson Mandela observed, “The Constitution of South Africa is a mirror of the nation’s soul. It reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.” Mokgosi said over the past five years, municipalities across the North West have demonstrated resilience in advancing service delivery despite fiscal and governance challenges. 

“Supported by the Municipal Turnaround Programme, municipalities continue to make progress in strengthening financial management and governance. Moses Kotane, JB Marks and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and Moretele Local Municipality. 

“Mamusa Local Municipality improved from an adverse to a qualified opinion, while disclaimer opinions declined significantly from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one in 2024/25, namely Ditsobotla. Ratlou Local Municipality also recorded notable progress, moving from a disclaimer to a qualified opinion,” he said.

Mokgosi said these improvements reflect the commitment of municipal councils, officials and communities to building capable, responsive and developmental local government institutions. He said a week ago, municipalities across the province submitted their Annual Financial Statements to the Auditor-General for the 2025/26 financial year. 

“This milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to accountability, transparency, and sound financial management. These submissions coincide with continued improvements in governance across the province.

“Most significantly, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs achieved its first clean audit outcome since the advent of democracy. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to financial discipline, accountability, and effective governance,” said Mokgosi.

He said they commend the department for leading by example and for its ongoing support to municipalities across the province. Mokgosi said as local government leaders, they occupy a unique position within the democratic system. 

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Escaped offender, Edward Kgomotso Madiba captured

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Picture: Escapee, Edward Kgomotso Madiba/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 September 2026 – Edward Kgomotso Madiba, who escaped from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre in Mahikeng on 6 September 2026, was rearrested on 9 September 2026. This follows a tip-off received by the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding his movements in the Bojanala Sub-District.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Madiba was serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation. Myburgh said following information that the escapee had been seen in the vicinity of Legonyane Village, a coordinated search operation was activated.

“The operation brought together members of SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services and local farmers, with teams conducting searches and following up on intelligence leads.

“Further intelligence received by the Brits SAPS Detectives indicated that Madiba was moving between the Brits and Damonsville areas. The information was promptly followed up, resulting in the escapee being located and arrested at a licensed liquor restaurant in Brits,” she said.

Myburgh further said Madiba was subsequently handed over to officials from the Department of Correctional Services and transported back to the Rooigrond facility, where he will face further charges of escaping from lawful custody.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Arthur Adams, welcomed the successful outcome of the operation and praised all those who contributed to the search and arrest. Adams added: “This successful rearrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence, coordinated operations and strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies, correctional services and communities.

“I commend every member who remained committed to locating this escapee and ensuring that he was returned to custody.”

Lastly, he thanked the members of the public and farming community who provided information and assisted the authorities during the search.

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Should South Africa keep under-16s off social media?

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Picture: NWU’s Centre for Health and Human Performance, Linique Hanekom/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 September 2026 – As more countries restrict social media access for children, should South Africa follow suit or find a solution better suited to its own realities? Social media may expose children to cyberbullying and harmful content, but its developmental cost could also lie in the conversations, play and sleep it displaces.

Linique Hanekom who works at the North West University’s Centre for Health and Human Performance said the issue is not simply what a screen does to a child. Hanekom said it is what the screen may prevent the child from doing.

She further said keeping under-16s off social media will not be enough unless parents, schools, government and technology companies share responsibility for children’s online safety. Hanekom added that children need sleep, play, movement, friendships and responsive adults more than another feed to scroll.

“Technology must never become a substitute for childhood.

Australia has done it. Indonesia has followed and the United Kingdom intends to do so from 2027. As governments move to keep children below a prescribed age off social media, South Africa faces the same difficult question: should it shut the door too?

Hanekom whose work includes a special interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, early communication intervention, and language and specific learning disorders, believes the country should seriously consider an under-16 restriction. She said she is careful, however, about what it should be called—and what it could accomplish.

“I would prefer the language of an ‘age restriction’ rather than simply a punitive ‘ban’. I would not view a restriction as a complete solution. It should form part of a broader child-development and online-safety strategy involving parents, schools, government and technology companies.

“Australia became the first country to enforce a national minimum age of 16. Since 10 December 2025, designated platforms have had to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating or retaining accounts. The burden rests on the companies, not children or their parents,” said Hanekom.

She said Indonesia subsequently began enforcing restrictions for users under 16, while the UK has announced that certain social media services will become unavailable to under-16s from spring 2027. Hanekom said South Africa should study these approaches, not copy them blindly.

“Local policy would have to account for unequal access to technology, digital literacy, education, data costs and the reality that many children also go online to learn, create, find community and seek support. Age checks introduce privacy questions, while determined adolescents may simply circumvent them.

“A restriction without education, platform accountability and accessible alternatives is unlikely to be sufficient. The developmental concern reaches far beyond offensive content. For younger children, real human interaction is developmental work,” she said.

Hanekom said language is not learnt merely by hearing words on a screen. She said it develops through joint attention, taking turns, reading faces and body language, asking questions and repairing misunderstandings.

“The issue is not simply what a screen does to a child; it is what the screen may prevent the child from doing. That distinction is supported by research. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Pediatrics found that greater programme viewing and background television exposure among children under six were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.

“Age-inappropriate content and caregiver screen use during children’s routines were associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. The study also found positive associations between co-use and cognitive outcomes, underscoring that context matters. For older children, social media arrives while identity, emotional regulation and self-concept are still developing,” said Hanekom.

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