Monthly Archives: September 2026

Taung positioned as provincial lucerne hub through Janties Boerdery packhouse

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Picture: Tshepiso Jantjies addressing farmers and experts attending the packhouse launch/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding agro-processing, creating jobs and strengthening farmer participation in the agricultural value chain with the launch of the Jantjies Boerdery Packhouse Project in Taung. The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, joined by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, officially unveiled the value-adding packhouse at Jantjies Boerdery on Monday.

Sambatha said the project is aimed at strengthening lucerne production and processing in Taung and forms part of government’s broader efforts to support farmer-led enterprises that move beyond primary production and create greater value within the agricultural value chain. He said the investment should not be viewed as support for one individual enterprise, but as an intervention that will benefit the wider farming community in Taung.

“This investment is not only for Jantjies as an individual. Taung has one of the greatest concentrations of lucerne producers, which is why we are supporting lucerne aggregation. There are a number of lucerne farmers in the area, and our vision is to position Taung as a provincial lucerne hub.

“The development of the lucerne value chain has the potential to increase agricultural production and create employment opportunities in the municipality. The production of lucerne in Taung should help increase the capacity of the area to create jobs,” said Sambatha.

He further said the equipment provided to Jantjies is intended to assist not only this enterprise, but other farmers in and around Taung to produce and process lucerne. Sambatha added that the department has supported the initiative with lucerne harvesting machinery, processing and value-adding equipment, as well as packaging materials.

“The support is intended to increase production capacity, promote agro-processing and create opportunities for farmers to participate more meaningfully in the agricultural value chain. We encourage farmers to collaborate and make use of opportunities presented by agro-processing.

“The department is committed to assisting farmers with value-adding machinery to increase production capacity, create jobs and support the development of farmers. We encourage farmers to collaborate and ensure that agricultural products are processed and value is retained within our communities,” he said.

Sambatha said initiatives such as the lucerne aggregation project and Hemp Hub demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting farmers beyond production by creating an enabling environment for value addition, enterprise development and participation in agricultural markets.

Meanwhile, Tshepiso Jantjies said Jantjies Boerdery is a farmer-led enterprise specialising in the production, harvesting, processing, packaging and distribution of lucerne products for the livestock feed market. Jantjies said the enterprise currently supplies markets beyond the North West and exports to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.

“We also have supply contracts with companies in other provinces. The business had worked for more than three years to establish the necessary systems and comply with requirements across the agricultural value chain.

“We plant, harvest, package and supply. I specialise in lucerne. It took us more than three years to get to where we are because there are a lot of compliance procedures that we had to meet to work across the entire value chain,” he said.

Jantjies said the government support with machinery has been instrumental in enabling the enterprise to move from primary production into value addition. He said as a lucerne agro-processor, it is important to comply with industry standards, including the machinery that you use.

“With the lucerne pellet mill, I can process the product into pellets. Had it not been for the department’s support with the machinery, I would not have been able to produce a product such as pellets. Compliance involves several aspects of the operation, including the packhouse facility and processing equipment.

“The enterprise currently employs local residents, while the new packhouse is expected to create additional opportunities for farmers to bring their lucerne to the facility for processing and value addition,” said Jantjies.

Jantjies also plays a role in developing emerging farmers through mentorship and regular masterclasses aimed at equipping smallholder farmers with practical knowledge on lucerne production and processing. He said through these interventions, farmers are supported with knowledge on how to plant and manage lucerne and process it into livestock feed products.

“The packhouse is expected to strengthen this support by creating a platform where local producers can access processing and value-adding opportunities without having to operate across the entire value chain individually.

“The initiative contributes to the department’s objectives of promoting rural industrialisation, job creation, farmer development, food security and inclusive economic growth,” said Jantjies.

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Four-point plan to aid the GBVF fight

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2026 – In a bid to ensure that cases involving violence against women and children are not stalled, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point recovery plan to ensure that cases are processed and that perpetrators are brought to book. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Ramaphosa announced that he has directed the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi to undertake a national case-recovery operation focused on unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children.

He further said individual recovery plans must be in place for priority cases as well as cases that have stalled. Ramaphosa added that within 60 days, this audit must identify the number and age of unresolved cases, cases awaiting forensic evidence, cases in which suspects have been identified but not arrested and cases in which investigative or prosecutorial action has been unreasonably delayed.

“Each plan must identify the outstanding action, the responsible official and the deadline for moving the case forward. I have also directed Cachalia, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and the relevant forensic authorities to present, within 60 days, a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs and establish clear turnaround standards for priority Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases.

“The plan must set out the size and age of the backlog, shortages of personnel and equipment, the resources required and the dates by which the backlog will be reduced,” he said.

Ramaphosa said priority forensic samples in cases involving the rape or murder of women and children must be ring-fenced for urgent processing. He said progress against the turnaround standards must be reported publicly every quarter.

“Every municipality must begin a women’s safety audit without delay. High-risk areas must be identified working with provincial governments and the police. Within 60 days, these audits must identify broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes and facilities, poorly secured parks and other conditions that place women at risk.

“Within 90 days of completing the audit, the most urgent hazards must have been addressed or included in a funded implementation plan with clear completion dates,” said Ramaphosa.

He has also directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, working with the Ministers of Health, Social Development, Police and Cooperative Governance, to submit to Cabinet within 60 days a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence. Ramaphosa said alcohol does not cause Gender-Based Violence [GBV] and it can never excuse it.

“Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. But harmful alcohol use is a significant aggravating factor in interpersonal violence, and it must be addressed as part of our wider prevention effort.

“Women should not have to live in fear because the government has failed to repair a light, clear a public space, process evidence or enforce a law. Every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility,” he said.

Ramaphosa said every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility. In addition, he said the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will monitor these measures and issue consolidated public progress reports every quarter.

“The first consolidated report must be issued within 90 days, with public progress reports every quarter thereafter. The directives are not just a statement of good intentions. These establish responsibilities, deadlines and a duty to submit reports on a regular basis to the nation.

“The directives support the accelerated implementation of key pillars of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which continues to guide the work underway across all spheres of government and all parts of society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they must prevent the violence before it starts because programmes, stronger laws, additional resources and more police officers will not, on their own, end violence against women. Ramaphosa said attitudes that women are inferior and the belief that a man has the right to control a woman, among others, are not helpful.

“It begins when a man refuses to accept the word no. We must confront the uncomfortable, devastating truth that the primary GBV hotspot is in the home and in interpersonal relationships. This as a national study by the South African Medical Research Council found that more than 60% of the women murdered in 2021 and 2022 were killed by an intimate partner.

“The prevention of violence against women must begin at home.

“It must begin with how we raise our sons, with what boys learn about girls, anger, rejection and consent, and with what they learn from watching the men around them,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the country has placed the burden of male violence on women. He said for too long, Gender-Based Violence has been treated as a women’s problem to solve.

“That must change and the freedom promised by the Constitution cannot be a freedom enjoyed fully by men and cautiously by women. It is time for good men to stop being silent men. We salute the many South African men who are already speaking out, including prominent figures such as Siya Kolisi and Temba Bavuma, who have used their public platforms to urge men to confront violence against women and to become better men.

“I have directed the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to strengthen the work of the Moral Regeneration Movement and to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to changing the attitudes, social norms and practices that enable violence against women,” said Ramaphosa.

He also acknowledged the work of faith-based organisations, community organisations, women’s and youth formations, educational institutions, traditional leaders and many other structures that confront gender-based violence every day.

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SALGA Connect roundtable to strengthen municipal governance and service delivery in Eastern Cape

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STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is set to convene a high-level roundtable in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery in Eastern Cape municipalities.
The engagement, held in partnership with Nelson Mandela University’s Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership, will bring together representatives from government, academia, business, civil society and development partners.
SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the roundtable aimed to translate policy discussions, research and community experiences into practical solutions that improve municipal performance.
“The roundtable seeks to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and ensure that policy, partnerships and performance translate into measurable improvements in service delivery for communities,” Modiba said.
Held under the theme “Connecting Policy, Partnerships and Performance: A Roundtable on Governance and Service Delivery in Eastern Cape Municipalities,” the engagement will focus on addressing persistent governance and service-delivery challenges.
Discussions will cover leadership, governance and accountability; municipal finance, infrastructure and sustainable service delivery; integrated planning, spatial transformation and local economic development; community participation and inclusive local government; as well as disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
SALGA said collaboration was essential as the current local-government term approached its conclusion, with the aim of clarifying institutional responsibilities, strengthening accountability and building practical partnerships.
The roundtable will take place at The Capital Boardwalk Hotel, Boardwalk Mall, Entrance 4, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, from 08:00 to 15:00.
Media representatives have been invited to attend the engagement. Interview requests and confirmations can be directed to Motalatale Modiba at 072 515 3022 or mmodiba@salga.org.za, or Sandiswa Pholo at 084 888 9514 or spholo@salga.org.za.

Three accused added to R11m deceased estates fraud and money laundering case

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By STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – Three additional accused have been joined in an alleged R11 million deceased estates fraud and money laundering case involving the administration of 15 deceased estates in Limpopo.

Rirzhaku Tibana (30), Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke (43) and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd appeared briefly before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, where they were joined as co-accused with Charlotte Tibana and Peter Nonyane Gagashe.

The five accused are collectively facing 101 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from allegations that approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from estate accounts belonging to various deceased persons. The State alleges that Charlotte Tibana, who was appointed as executor of 15 deceased estates, registered some of her properties in the name of her younger sibling, Rirzhaku Tibana, to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activities.

She is also accused of transferring funds into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the investigation revealed allegations of continued criminal activity despite the accused being aware of the investigation.

“The State alleges that despite becoming aware as early as 2024 that she was under investigation, Charlotte Tibana continued to commit further offences, including some allegedly committed as recently as July 2026,” said Malabi.

The accused were arrested between 14 August 2026 and 27 September 2026 following an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from deceased estates. The State further alleges that approximately R1.65 million of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.

Peter Nonyane Gagashe is also alleged to have used part of the proceeds to make stokvel contributions and construct a residential property.

In a separate estate matter valued at R4 245 762.04, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children, while the remaining funds were unlawfully misappropriated.

It is further alleged that Charlotte Tibana and one of the accused used the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise to launder the proceeds.

The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026 for a bail application. All the accused remain in custody.

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FORUM4SA calls for investigation into alleged billions leaving South Africa through informal financial channels

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2026 – Forum for South Africa (FORUM4SA) has called for urgent government intervention to investigate alleged financial transactions involving informal businesses, including spaza shops, amid concerns that billions of rand may be leaving the country through unregistered channels. In a statement issued on 28 September 2026, the organisation said a report examining migrant communities and the informal economy in Tshwane had raised concerns about the movement of money generated through informal businesses.

FORUM4SA national leader Tebogo Mashilompane said the alleged financial outflows highlighted the need for stronger regulation, accountability and enforcement of financial laws.

“South Africa cannot afford an informal economy that operates outside the law while local communities struggle with unemployment and poverty,” Mashilompane said.

The organisation expressed concern that some foreign-owned informal businesses allegedly operate without creating meaningful employment opportunities for South Africans, while potentially contributing to unemployment and the outflow of money from the economy. FORUM4SA also raised concerns about reports that some spaza shops in rural communities charge additional fees for airtime purchases and cash withdrawals.

According to the organisation, residents in some rural areas have limited access to ATMs and rely on local shops for essential financial services. The organisation called on government to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of informal businesses, investigate alleged illegal financial transactions and enforce laws prohibiting unlawful additional charges on airtime and cash withdrawals.

It also urged authorities to prioritise employment opportunities for South Africans, support locally owned businesses and improve access to banking services, particularly in rural communities.

Mashilompane said economic activity should benefit South Africa and its people, calling for accountability, effective law enforcement and an economic environment that creates opportunities for South Africans.

Meanwhile, the allegations regarding financial outflows and unlawful charges have not been independently verified in the statement.

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Lehari clarifies R28m payment for General De La Rey Hospital project

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2026 – The North West Department of Health has clarified the circumstances surrounding the R28 million payment to MIB Infrastructure Development for professional services related to the planned upgrading and modernisation of General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg. The department said the payment related to professional services rendered during the project’s planning and design stages, following a revised infrastructure plan that retained the existing hospital, instead of replacing it with a new facility.

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the appointments of Bagale Consulting and MIB Infrastructure Development were linked to different hospital development plans. Lehari said these were not simply two appointments for exactly the same project.

“Bagale’s appointment related to the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital, while MIB’s appointment related to the subsequent decision to retain and upgrade the existing General De La Rey Hospital.

“The process dates back to 2008, when the Department of Public Works appointed Bagale Consulting to plan, design and oversee the construction of a proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital. The original plan was to replace General De La Rey Hospital and Thusong Hospital with a single district hospital,” he said.

Lehari further said, however, following the closure of Thusong Hospital, communities in Itsoseng and Sheila raised concerns about access to the proposed facility, which would have been approximately 40 km away. He added that the department subsequently revised its infrastructure plan to include upgrading Itsoseng Community Health Centre into a district hospital and retaining and modernising General De La Rey Hospital.

“MIB Infrastructure Development was then appointed to provide professional services for the existing hospital’s upgrade. The department acknowledged that approximately R28 million was paid to MIB for professional services associated with the planned hospital upgrade.

“The initial project brief was to upgrade the facility to approximately 120 beds, including support and auxiliary services. The professional team progressed with planning and design up to Stage 3,” said Lehari.

He said following engagements with the National Department of Health, the proposed capacity was reduced from approximately 120 beds to 81 beds. Lehari said the change required the professional team to revise the concept design and return to Stage 2 before realigning the Stage 3 documentation.

“No additional invoice was submitted for the redesign and rework resulting from the revised project brief. The approximately R28 million should not be characterised as payment merely for inception and concept-viability services.

“It relates to professional services rendered during the course of the project under the original and subsequently revised project requirements. We would continue reconciling payments against the contract, deliverables, certifications and work performed, adding that recovery measures would be pursued if improper or excessive payments were established,” he said.

Lehari said the dispute over the appointments was taken to the High Court, which declared MIB’s appointment unlawful and set it aside, while confirming the validity and enforceability of Bagale Consulting’s appointment for the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital. He said the court also found that architect Tafadzwa Mtisi’s professional registration certificate had expired by the tender closing date, making the bid technically non-responsive in that respect.

“This finding must be distinguished from the separate allegation that Mtisi’s credentials were used without his knowledge or consent, which still requires verification. The department would not prejudge allegations, but would investigate credible evidence and take appropriate action where wrongdoing was established.

Hospital project to proceed.

“Following the termination of MIB’s appointment and the court ruling, it was engaging Bagale Consulting on taking forward the General De La Rey Hospital upgrade from the stage at which MIB’s involvement ended,” said Lehari.

He said the process would be conducted within the applicable legal, contractual and procurement framework. Lehari said they would explore preserving and adapting professional designs developed for the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital for future hospital developments, subject to the necessary approvals.

“The department remained committed to ensuring that public resources were protected and that communities in Lichtenburg, Itsoseng, Sheila and surrounding areas ultimately received accessible and sustainable hospital infrastructure,” he said.

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‘Medication shortages have a negative impact’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2026 – Many patients have raised concerns regarding shortages of medication in various healthcare facilities across the North West. It is alleged that the healthcare facilities are grappling with shortage of medication and that has a negative impact on their health.

One of the patients who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I am a diabetic patient and recently visited a local clinic. However, I was told that I could not get any medication because the clinic was out -of-stock. Remember, medication shortages cause delayed treatments, increased health risks and higher financial costs for patients.”

“Patients often miss doses, postpone treatments, or go without critical therapies entirely, which can cause diseases to worsen or lead to treatment failure. So, I urge the North West Department of Health to fix this before it is too late,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said they would like to assure patients that intermittent medicine supply constraints affecting some facilities and medicines are being actively addressed through provincial and national interventions. Lehari said his department issued the clarification amid growing public concern about the availability of medicines, particularly chronic medication, following reports of patients struggling to access their prescribed treatment.

He further said the challenges could not be attributed to a single factor or solely to the provincial health department, pointing to disruptions across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Lehari added that factors contributing to supply pressures include manufacturing disruptions, shortages of raw materials, increased international demand, transport delays, rising freight and logistics costs, regulatory interventions and changes to pharmaceutical procurement contracts.

“The national HP09-2026SD Solid Dosage Forms contract also contains non-awarded items. Of the items considered, 243 were awarded while 41 were not awarded. A supplementary tender has been advertised and is scheduled to close on 28 September 2026, to address outstanding supply requirements.

“Regulatory enforcement action involving WRAPSA has also had wider implications across pharmaceutical contracts and potentially affects 79 contracted items, according to the department. The National Department of Health has established mechanisms including the Improved Medicine Availability Team and the national medicine “Hot List” to monitor shortages, identify their causes and track remedial action,” he said.

Lehari said at provincial level, they are monitoring stock levels, facility requirements and outstanding orders while working with the Medical Depot, suppliers and the National Department of Health on redistribution, alternative sourcing and clinically appropriate therapeutic alternatives. He stressed that a temporary shortage of a particular medicine does not necessarily mean that a patient will be left without treatment.

“Where an approved supplier, brand or pack size is unavailable, healthcare professionals may, where clinically appropriate, dispense an equivalent medicine containing the same active ingredient and strength or use an approved therapeutic alternative.

“Patients have been urged not to stop taking chronic medication or change their treatment without consulting a healthcare professional. The medicine continuity was particularly important for patients living with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, HIV and epilepsy,” said Lehari.

He also highlighted the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution programme, which allows stable patients receiving chronic treatment to collect medicines from designated collection points closer to their homes or workplaces. Lehari said his department acknowledged statements alleging that patients were routinely being turned away from health facilities because of medicine shortages.

“Individual patient experiences should not be dismissed and cases where patients could not obtain prescribed medication should be investigated. However, broad claims about provincial medicine availability should be distinguished from verified stock data and the specific circumstances of individual medicines, facilities and periods.

“Medicine availability is dynamic. A facility could temporarily run out of a particular product, while another approved manufacturer’s product or clinically appropriate alternative remained available elsewhere in the system,” he said.

Lehari said the department was strengthening stock visibility and management to identify emerging shortages earlier and ensure available medicines were distributed according to patient need.

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A probe into Segwai and Mokoto’s deaths continues

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Picture: The deceased, Katlego Segwai and Omphile Mokoto

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2026 – The police in Taung are probing two murder cases of Katlego Segwai (26) and Omphile Mokoto, who were reported missing after being allegedly abducted by community members in Extension 7, Taung a few months ago. The two men were found dead two weeks apart.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said Segwai was allegedly abducted together with his friend, Mokoto, after the two men were accused by community members of breaking into a property. Van Rooyen said the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two men are under investigation.

“It is alleged that the two men were caught breaking in and community members decided to take matters into their own hands. The bodies of both young men were found separately in two different locations.

“Mokoto’s body was reportedly discovered about a month ago in an open field in Maphoitsile village, near Taung. Segwai, who had been reported missing, was found dead after two weeks. We can confirm that we are aware of the matter, however, no arrests have been made at this stage,” she said.

Van Rooyen further said the investigations continue. She added that the cases currently remain registered as inquests and that the charges have yet to be amended.

“We can also confirm that police records do not indicate that a theft or related criminal case had previously been opened against Segwai and Mokoto. The police warned that mob justice can seriously interfere with criminal investigations, particularly when community members become reluctant to provide information to investigators.

“Community members are encouraged to report crimes to the police and allow justice to run its course. The police are continuing with investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two men and to identify those responsible,” said van Rooyen.

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1964 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 2

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By STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – The police in North West arrested 1964 suspects during a two-week Operation Shanela 2 crime-fighting operation conducted across the province. The multidisciplinary operation ran from 14 to 26 September 2026, and included stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols at crime hotspots and suspect raids.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the operation demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to combating crime across the province. Skalkie said The Operation Shanela 2 continues to intensify the fight against crime through multidisciplinary and coordinated operations across the province.

Skalkie further said the police inspected 284 liquor outlets during the operation, resulting in 13 unlicensed liquor premises being closed. She added a total of 898 premises, 3687 people and 1374 vehicles were also searched.

“Detectives arrested 669 suspects during suspect-raiding operations, while others were arrested for a range of serious and other offences. Among the arrests were 13 suspects for murder, nine for rape, three for attempted murder, 22 for aggravated robbery, 13 for business robbery and two for house robbery.

“The police also arrested 194 suspects for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 129 for common assault, 39 for business burglary and 33 for residential burglary. A further 181 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 56 for malicious damage to property and 154 undocumented migrants for contravening the Immigration Act,” she said.

Skalkie said the operation also resulted in arrests for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, as well as drug-related offences and illegal liquor and cigarette dealing.

 The police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products and liquor, together with five handguns, two rifles and seven vehicles.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the results and commended the multidisciplinary teams and other crime-fighting stakeholders involved in the operation. Adams said the police would continue conducting coordinated operations to disrupt criminal activities and apprehend suspects across the province.

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Ganyesa man jailed for raping a minor

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2026 – Aman (26) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Ganyesa Regional Court for rape. The accused, Thapelo Sesipi briefly appeared before the Ganyesa Regional Court on 23 September 2026, where he was convicted of rape in connection with an incident that occurred on 7 July 2020.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the case came to light after the victim’s sister found Sesipi on a bed with the girl (12). Skalkie said the matter was reported to Bray Police Station, where a case of rape was registered for investigation.

“The accused was positively linked to the offence through DNA evidence and subsequently admitted guilt. According to the police, the victim’s sister left the residence to seek assistance. When she returned, Sesipi had left the scene. The child then told her sister that he had raped her.

“The matter was investigated by Detective Sergeant Itumeleng Serapelwane of the Morokweng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that Sesipi’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” she said.

Skalkie further said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended Serapelwane for the handling of the investigation, as well as the prosecution team and the victim for her patience and bravery throughout the proceedings. Adams said the sentence demonstrated the commitment of the police and justice system to holding perpetrators of sexual offences against children accountable.

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