Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 September 2026 – The North West Provincial Treasury in collaboration with National Treasury, is set to host a workshop aimed at strengthening the knowledge of Supply Chain Management (SCM) officials on recent changes to the Central Supplier Database (CSD). The workshop scheduled for 9 September 2026, in Rustenburg, focused on challenges experienced by SCM officials when using the CSD, as well as recent developments and changes to the system.
The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the SCM officials from provincial government departments, public entities and municipalities in the Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipalities participated. Mosenogi said the workshop helped officials better understand the CSD and address challenges that may affect supplier administration.
“It is important for Supply Chain Management officials to remain informed about changes to the Central Supplier Database. This will strengthen their ability to resolve challenges and provide effective assistance to suppliers.
“Representatives from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the country’s four major banks also participated in the workshop,” she said.
Mosenogi further said their involvement focused on challenges relating to SARS information and banking details, including the capturing and verification of information on the CSD. She added that the workshop also provided training on the new CSD User Management Information System (MIS) introduced by the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer.
“Improving officials’ knowledge of the system could help streamline procurement processes and reduce delays affecting suppliers. Efficient supply chain management requires officials to have the necessary knowledge and skills to use these systems effectively.
“Addressing challenges on the CSD can contribute to smoother processes and improved service delivery,” she said.
Mosenogi said her department’s workshop forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen SCM practices and ensure that officials are better equipped to manage supplier-related matters efficiently.
Picture: Mahika Mahikeng Mahika Cultural Music Festival/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
11 September 2026 – The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) has appointed Big Daddy Events as the official organiser of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival for next three years. The department announced the appointment on 7 September 2026, and advised members of the public, vendors and prospective service providers to direct enquiries relating to the festival to the appointed organiser.
The North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Wessels Morweng said the appointment would help ensure that the festival is properly coordinated and that the public receives clear and reliable information about opportunities linked to the event. Morweng said the members of the public and prospective vendors should obtain information through the appointed organiser to avoid confusion and to ensure that they receive accurate information about participation and business opportunities.
“The department does not appoint vendors or service providers for the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. So, members of the public have therefore been urged to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to represent the department in connection with vendor or service provider appointments.
“The 2026 festival programme includes several events. On 28 November 2026, the event organiser will host a Fun Walk at Mmabatho Stadium Parking, on 3 December 2026, a Gospel Festival at Mmabatho Convention Centre and a Youth Festival on 4 December 2026 at Mmabatho Stadium,” he said.
Morweng further said the event organiser will also host a Jazz Festival atMmabatho Stadium on 6 December 2026. He added that further information regarding vendors, service providers and other opportunities would be communicated by Big Daddy Events.
“The festival is an important platform for showcasing the province’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for communities and businesses. It is important that all participants use the correct channels when seeking information.
“The department encouraged the public to rely on official communication and information from the appointed organiser to avoid falling victim to scams or misleading claims,” said Morweng.
11 September 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks in collaboration with INTERPOL South Africa, will today facilitate the extradition of six Nigerian nationals to the United States of America (USA). The six men are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network and are wanted by the US authorities in connection with charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects are alleged to have targeted more than 100 women in the United States of America, allegedly defrauding them of more than R100 million through online romance or love scams. Mogale said among the alleged victims, were pensioners and businesspeople, who were reportedly targeted through sophisticated online relationships used to defraud them of their money.
“The six Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa in 2021, following a major takedown operation conducted by the Hawks/DPCI.
“Through the coordination of INTERPOL South Africa, the six will today be transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport, where they will be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service, who arrived in South Africa this morning,” she said.
Mogale further said the formal handover is expected to take place this afternoon. She added that, the extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organised crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process.
Picture: One of Gospel heavyweights, Omega Khunou/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 September 2026 – Three of South Africa’s leading gospel artists will join 10 emerging gospel talents from the North West at The Kingdom Experience, taking place at the Mmabatho Convention Centre on 12 September 2026. Gospel heavyweights like Omega Khunou, Ayanda Ntanzi and Keke Phoofolo (GK), will headline the event, alongside upcoming musicians from the province.
The event is also designed to give emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their talent on a professional platform. Among them is Kano Morake, who was the second runner-up in the Mmabana Foundation’s Ultimate Talent Search and has performed at the South African Music Awards.
Event organiser and creative entrepreneur, Tsholofelo Selabe said the initiative also features an emerging artist who has performed in church, but has never appeared on a major stage. Selabe said The Kingdom Experience is intended to create opportunities for undiscovered talent and help young artists transition from church platforms to professional stages.
“We believe God is a God of timing and miracles. This is about creating opportunities, opening doors and showing people that if you believe and prepare, anything is possible.
“The 10 emerging artists have completed four weeks of workshops facilitated by award-winning gospel artist, vocal coach and music director Biki Mafabatho. The programme covered music theory and the business side of the music industry,” she said.
Selabe further said the event is about more than bringing established gospel musicians to the province, as it also seeks to develop local talent and unite communities through worship. She added that the concert is scheduled to begin at 5pmon 12 September 2026 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre.
“Some gospel concerts are watched. The Kingdom Experience is meant to be lived,” said Selabe.
11 Lwetse 2026 – Mapodisi a Bethanie a kopa thuso ya setšhaba go thusa ka go batlana le Jeremiah Ofentse Ditlopo (42), yo go begwang fa a timetse mo kgweding ya Sedimonthole ka ngwaga wa 2025. Go begwa fa Ditlopo o bonwe la bofelo ke tsala ya gagwe ka di 19 Sedimonthole 2025, kwa Bethanie.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofensneg ya Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo, fela ga go ise go nne le katlego. Skalkie are ka nako ya fa a ne a bonwa la bofelo, Ditlopo o ne a apere borukgwe jo bokhutshwane jo bo pududu le bokete jo bo borokwa.
“O tlhalosiwa a na le mmala o montsho, mmele o o magareng, ditedu tse dintsho le lefatla. Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso ka ga Ditlopo go ikgolaganya le sepodisi.
“Tshedimosetso nngwe le nngwe e ka thusa sepodisi go tsweletsa dipatlisiso le go bona monna yo o timetseng e botlhokwa,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.
Skalkie are botlhe ba ba nang le tshedimosetso ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa Crime Stop mo 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa MySAPS App go romela tshedimosetso ka sephiri. Skalkie are kgotsa ba ka ikgolaganya le seteishene se se gaufi sa sepodisi.
Setshwantsho: Mokhuduthamaga wa COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi o neelana ka matlo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
11 Lwetse 2026 – Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Setso mono Bokone Bophirima, le tsweletse ka maiteko a go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang a bona matlo a a siameng le ditlankana tse di netefatsang beng jwa matlo a bone. Se, se tla morago ga gore mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tssmaiso ya Setso, Oageng Molapisi, o neetse malapa a a tshwanelang matlo kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, Diretsaneng le kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi kwa Vryburg.
Kwa Ditshilong, Molapisi o neetse malapa matlo a mabedi a a feditšweng, e le karolo ya porojeke ya matlo a le 216 a balelelwang go boleng jwa R45 million.
“Porojeke eno e solofetswe go wediwa kwa bokhutlong jwa Mopitlwe 2027. Puso e ikemiseditse go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang thata a fiwa tlotlo le seriti ka go nna le mafelo a a siameng a bonno.
“Re tla tswelela go netefatsa gore batho ba ba leng mo maemong a a bokoa ga ba salele kwa morago le gore mananeo a rona a matlo a arabela maemo a mmatota a a lebaneng le baagi mo porofenseng,” ga rialo Molapisi.
O tlhalositse gape gore lefapha le tla tswelela go baya leitlho tiro ya borakonteraka go netefatsa gore matlo a agiwa ka boleng jo bo siameng le gore diporojeke di wediwa ka nako. Molapisi are ba lebeletse gore borakonteraka ba age matlo a boleng jo bo siameng, mme ba a fetse ka nako e go dumalanweng ka yone.
“Baagi ba rona ga ba kgone go itshokela tiego e e sa tlhokegeng, Kwa Huhudi Extension 25, re neetse baunngwelwa ba le lesome ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo mo letsholong la Title Deeds Friday, mmogo le ratoropo wa masepala wa Naledi, Clifton Groep.
“Mo ditlankaneng di le 68 tse di neng di tshwanetse go abiwa, lefapha le ne la kgona go neela baunngwelwa ba le 10 ka nako ya tiragalo,” Molapisi wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Molapisi are Lefapha la gagwe le ipeile mokgele wa go aba ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo di 2450, e leng karolo ya maiteko a go fitlhelela mokgele wa bosetšhaba wa ditlankana di le 80 000 ka 2029. Molapisi are go nna le setifikeiti sa beng jwa ntlo go botlhokwa ka gonne go naya beng tshireletsego ya semolao le boshupi jwa gore dintlo tseo ke tsa bone.
10 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence imposed by the Eastern Cape High Court in Mthatha on the accused, Lindile Gojana (32) for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Xoliseka Mbali. Despite pleading guilty, Gojana attempted to minimise his criminal conduct by admitting only to assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
The NPA regional spokesperson in Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali said, however, through the evidence presented by the prosecution, the state successfully proved that he was guilty of premeditated murder. Tyali said the court heard that the accused and the deceased were in a romantic relationship and lived together at the accused’s family home in the Nothintsila area of Nqeleni.
“On the afternoon of 21 October 2025, the accused had been consuming traditional sorghum beer with his grandmother when the deceased’s former boyfriend walked past their home. Shortly afterwards, the deceased indicated that she wished to go out, which sparked an argument between the couple.
“During the altercation, the deceased jumped out of a window of the rondavel and ran in the direction in which her former boyfriend had been walking. The accused pursued her, caught up with her, and stabbed her multiple times,” he said.
Tyali further said Gojana then forced her back to their room and placed her on a bed. He added that Mbali later succumbed to her injuries. The accused surrendered himself to police later that evening.
“During the trial, the accused submitted a written plea explanation in which he claimed that he had been intoxicated and overcome by anger when he attacked the deceased. The state advocate, Chumile Mkentane led the evidence of the accused’s grandmother and the pathologist who compiled the post-mortem report.
“Their testimony painted a chilling picture of a deliberate and brutal attack, clearly demonstrating the accused’s intention to kill,” said Tyali.
Welcoming the sentence, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana said: “This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held fully accountable for their actions.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while supporting efforts to eradicate these crimes from our communities.”
Mtwana further said the NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and ensuring that justice is delivered for victims, their families and affected communities.
Picture: Former Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 September 2026 – The corruption trial involving former Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli and his co-accused, was postponed to 15 September 2026, to allow the defence and the state to prepare arguments following a challenge to the validity of search warrants issued during the investigative stage of the matter. The state has completed leading its evidence-in-chief through its first witness, a retired investigator from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the witness is currently being cross-examined by the defence. Mamothame said Mdluli, together with former South African Police Service (SAPS) Supply Chain Manager, Heine Barnard and former Chief Financial Officer, Solomon Lazarus, faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the alleged misuse of the SAPS Crime Intelligence secret service account during the period 2008 to 2012.
“The accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges against them,” he said.
10 September 2026 – The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, has commended the Potchefstroom Detectives, Crime Intelligence and Local Criminal Record Centre for their relentless efforts, which resulted in the identification, tracing and arrest of a wanted suspect within 10 days of a case of house robbery and rape being reported. Adams said the incident allegedly occurred at a residence in Potchefstroom during the early hours of Sunday, 30 August 2026.
“It is alleged that a woman (52) was attacked inside her newly-occupied residence after an unknown male suspect gained entry through a broken window. The suspect allegedly demanded money from the victim before assaulting her.
“The suspect, an alleged irregular migrant from Zimbabwe in his early 20’s, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, 9 September 2026, at a well-known estate in Potchefstroom, where he was reportedly working as a tiler. He further said the suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 11 September 2026, facing charges of house robbery and rape,” he said.
Adams further said he would like to commend the members of the community for providing valuable information to the police, following the release of the identikit. He added that the victim assisted the investigation, despite the trauma she had experienced.
“She compiled the identikit, which assisted the police in their investigation and subsequently positively identified the alleged suspect during an identification parade.
“Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains a serious concern in our communities, and the South African Police Service will continue to pursue perpetrators relentlessly and ensure that victims receive the support and protection they deserve,” said Adams.
He commended this survivor for her remarkable courage and resilience, despite the trauma she endured. Adams also urged communities to continue working with the police by providing information that can assist them in bringing perpetrators of Gender Based Violence to justice.
Picture: DA to embark on oversight visit to Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said eight officials face contemplated suspension, after a repeat escapee allegedly cut through the burglar bars of a single cell at a maximum-security correctional centre in Rooigrond, near Mahikeng. The DA said, however, accountability must extend beyond frontline staff to systemic failures.
DA provincial leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said, they will conduct an oversight visit to Rooigrond and escalate its findings to the Minister of Correctional Services. Sonakile said they demand answers after Edward Khomotso Madiba, a convicted offender serving a 20-year sentence, escaped from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre, near Mahikeng on Sunday.
“According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Madiba was being held in the single-cell section while facing a further charge relating to a previous escape when he allegedly cut through the burglar-bar door of his cell and escaped from the facility.
“Eight officials have been served with notices of contemplated suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. This is not a routine prison escape. A maximum-security correctional centre should be one of the most secure environments in the country,” he said.
Sonakile further said a repeat escapee being held in a single cell should have been subject to heightened security measures. He added that, yet he allegedly cut his way through the cell door and walked out.
“We welcome the full-scale investigation announced by DCS, but it must establish more than who was on duty when the escape happened. It must determine whether deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate security equipment, staffing shortages, poor maintenance, failures in supervision or management decisions contributed to the breach.
“If frontline officials fail in their duties, they must be held accountable. But if the investigation reveals systemic failures that made an escape possible, accountability must reach those responsible for the management, maintenance and security of the facility,” said Sonakile.
He said this is particularly concerning given the South African Human Rights Commission’s July 2026 investigation into police stations and correctional centres in the North West, which raised broader concerns about the condition and functioning of these state facilities. Sonakile said they will therefore not allow this incident to be treated as an isolated failure by individual officials.
“As DA North West Provincial Leader, I will invite a DA Member of Parliament responsible for correctional services to join me on an oversight visit to Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre in the coming week.
“The visit will assess the physical condition of the facility, security infrastructure, staffing and operational challenges, with the findings to be escalated through DA representatives in the National Assembly to the Minister of Correctional Services,” he said.
Sonakile said there are also critical questions that DCS must answer. He said what additional security measures were implemented after Madiba’s previous escape and how was his risk profile assessed after he was recaptured?
“How was he able to access or use equipment capable of cutting through a cell door? Were the condition of the cell and its security infrastructure previously reported? Was staffing and security resources at Rooigrond adequate?
“Who was responsible for ensuring that the facility remained secure and fit for purpose? South Africans should not have to wonder whether convicted dangerous offenders can simply cut their way out of maximum-security prisons. The country deserves to know how Madiba’s escape was possible in the first place — and who must answer for it,” said Sonakile.
He said they will pursue those answers through every available oversight mechanism. Sonakile said correctional facilities exist to protect the public and keep convicted offenders securely in custody.
“When the walls, doors, security systems or management of those facilities fail, the public is put at risk. The Minister of Correctional Services must ensure that Rooigrond and correctional facilities across the North West are secure, properly maintained and adequately equipped to do the job they are entrusted to do,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services (DSC) National Commissioner, Samuel Thobakgale said: “We can confirm that escaped offender, Edward Khomotso Madiba is back in custody. Madiba, who escaped from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng on 6 September 2026, was apprehended within 72 hours. The National Tracing Team was activated within hours of the escape and, supported by technology and law-enforcement partners, tracked the escapee through several locations in the North West, including Borakalalo Game Reserve, Lebotloane and Damonsville, before he was arrested at a flat in Brits.
“Madiba has been transferred to Kgoši Mampuru II C-Max Correctional Centre, where he remains in custody. There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Offenders who escape from the lawful custody, will be traced, apprehended and returned. Those who assist them will face the law.”
Thobakagle said the matter does not end with the arrest. He said the internal investigation into the circumstances of the escape continues and eight officials remain suspended pending the outcome of due process.
“Where wrongdoing, negligence or failure to comply with procedures is established, appropriate action will be taken. The department thanks its National Tracing Team, law-enforcement partners and all who contributed to the successful apprehension,” said Thobakgale.
