Author Archives: The Guardian

R181m in MIG funding to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to support critical municipal infrastructure development

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Picture: Residents during Thuntsha Lerole programme/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 September 2026 – The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), through the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, is intensifying efforts to address persistent water challenges in Mahikeng and surrounding communities through the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme. As part of the Thuntsha Lerole programme, the government visited a newly completed water supply project serving communities around Signal Hill, including Lonely Park, Molelwane and Sonderwater, as part of ongoing interventions to improve access to reliable and sustainable basic water services.

The department said the project, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), is being implemented across Wards 28, 29 and 32 of Mahikeng Local Municipality and is expected to benefit thousands of residents in these communities. It said Wards 28 and 29 alone, have a combined population of approximately 21 115 residents, with 11 273 people in Ward 28 and 9, 842 in Ward 29.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi said his department has allocated more than R181 million in MIG funding to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to support critical municipal infrastructure development and address water service and other service delivery

backlogs. Molapisi said the water project, valued at more than R118 million, was presented during the programme in the presence of Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe and North West MEC for Public Works, Elizabeth Mokua amongst others.

“The road was implemented at a cost of approximately R2.2 million. The completion of the project has been welcomed by the community and commends the government for the smooth and speedy implementation of the project, which was completed within the planned timeframe and has benefited local residents through employment opportunities,” he said.

Gungubele acknowledged that many communities across the country continue to experience challenges such as water interruptions, sewage spillages, deteriorating wastewater treatment systems and high levels of water losses.

“The message we bring to this household that has benefitted from this project is clear. Government is intervening decisively, projects are being accelerated and partnerships are being strengthened to ensure that communities receive reliable water and sanitation services.

“Another key project visited during the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme was the 3.2km brick-paved road in Ward 29 in Lonely Park, which has been completed and is ready for use by residents,” he said.

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A boy to appear in court for murder

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 September 2026 – The police in Letlhabile have arrested a suspect (16) in connection with the murder of a man (29) at Block G, Letlhabile on 30 August 2026. It is alleged that at approximately 6:30am, the victim was involved in a fight with the suspect outside a local tavern.

North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said during the altercation, the victim was allegedly stabbed. Morake said the victim was assisted by members of the community and transported to Letlhabile clinic, where he was declared deceased upon arrival.

“He was later identified by his mother. The police immediately commenced with investigations and interviewed several people who were at the tavern. Information obtained during the investigation led police to trace and arrest the suspect.

“During the arrest, the suspect was found wearing clothing with suspected blood stains. The clothing was seized by the LCRC for further forensic examination. The weapon allegedly used in the commission of the offence has not yet been recovered,” she said.

Morake further said the crime scene was processed, while investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. She added that the suspect’s parents and a probation officer have been informed of the arrest and arrangements have been made for the appropriate detention and assessment of the minor.

“The suspect will appear at the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 1 September 2026, for murder,” said Morake.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said the swift arrest demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for serious crimes are brought to justice. Adams said they will continue working tirelessly to ensure that the investigation is thoroughly conducted and that justice prevails.

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No new cases of Foot and Mouth Disease recorded

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Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha during FMD vaccination

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 September 2026 -The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has recorded no new cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province over the past week, marking a significant development in the province’s ongoing efforts to contain and curb the spread of the disease. This is the first week since December 2025, that the province has recorded no new FMD cases, signalling a positive shift in the province’s fight against the disease and providing encouragement that the intensified vaccination and disease-control interventions are beginning to yield results.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said his department has been implementing a mass provincial FMD vaccination programme across all four districts and 18 local municipalities, as part of the broader national intervention to contain the disease and protect the provincial livestock sector. Sambatha said to date, the province has received 1,570,100 doses of FMD vaccines, with 1,413,859 animals vaccinated across the province.

“We welcome the latest development. The fact that we have gone a full week without recording a new case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease is encouraging and demonstrates the progress we are making through our collective efforts.

“However, we must remain vigilant. We urge all farmers and livestock owners to continue practising strict biosecurity measures on their farms and to report any suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities,” he said.

Sambatha further emphasised that vaccination remains an important component of the province’s response, but must be complemented by responsible livestock management and adherence to disease-control measures. He added the department anticipates commencing booster vaccinations in September 2026, in areas where animals have already received their initial vaccinations.

“This will take place alongside continued efforts to identify and vaccinate animals in areas that have not yet been reached by the vaccination programme.

“The department will continue working closely with farmers, organised agriculture, municipalities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen disease surveillance, vaccination coverage and compliance with disease-control measures,” said Sambatha.

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Concerns as farmers struggle to access reliable and quality water

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 September 2026 – The plight of farm workers, farm dwellers and rural communities struggling to access reliable and quality water and sanitation services was among the key concerns raised during the final leg of the Limpopo public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill in the Waterberg District Municipality.

The residents urged the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation to ensure that the Bill adequately protects the rights of people living in rural communities and on farms, where access to water and sanitation services remains a persistent challenge.

The acting Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Sello Dithebe said participants highlighted a disparity between the quality of water services provided in rural areas and those available in urban and semi-urban communities. Dithebe said they argued that this disparity undermines the constitutional right of people living in rural areas and on farms to access sufficient and quality water and sanitation services.

“In supporting the Bill, participants said it represented an important opportunity to address these inequalities and improve access to clean, reliable and quality water services. However, residents cautioned that stronger enforcement mechanisms must be incorporated to ensure that the Bill is effectively implemented.

“They argued that legislation without meaningful enforcement measures would do little to address the challenges experienced by communities. Participants also called for strengthened monitoring of designated water services providers to ensure compliance with the conditions of their licences,” he said.

Dithebe further said they further called for a clear and accessible mechanism through which residents can report poor performance, enabling authorities to take appropriate enforcement and consequence-management measures. He added that while the Bill received overwhelming support, some participants expressed opposition, citing the lived experiences of communities who continue to endure inadequate water and sanitation services.

“They highlighted communities that have gone for years without running water, while sewage spillages have become a daily reality. Those opposed to the Bill argued that municipalities are either unwilling or unable to provide quality services and questioned whether the proposed amendments would be sufficient to address these longstanding challenges.

“Participants who opposed the Bill also emphasised the need for broader and more meaningful consultation with affected communities and stakeholders across the entire water services value chain,” said Dithebe.

He said they called for affected groups, particularly women, to be meaningfully consulted throughout the lifecycle of water services licences. Dithebe said with the conclusion of the Limpopo leg, the committee has now conducted public hearings in Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo provinces.

“The committee will communicate the dates and venues for the remaining six provinces in due course. The committee expressed its appreciation for the valuable submissions received from communities and stakeholders during the hearings, noting that the robust participation demonstrated the strength of South Africa’s constitutional democracy and the importance of public involvement in the legislative process,” he said.

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‘Reliable electricity supply is the backbone of the economy’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 August 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said a reliable electricity supply is the backbone of the economy. Ramaphosa said it is essential for development and growth. 

He further said not long ago, South Africans planned their lives around load shedding. Ramaphosa added that businesses and households that could afford to had to buy generators and diesel to keep operating.

“Factories lost production. Small businesses struggled to survive. Hospitals, schools and households had to cope with hours without power.

“The electricity crisis, with severe load shedding almost every day, undermined investment and disrupted daily life. As we saw, an unreliable electricity supply has a devastating impact across society. So too does the high cost of electricity,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as a result of the Energy Action Plan and the steps they took to improve Eskom’s performance, they have made significant progress in restoring a reliable supply of electricity. He said this is an important achievement which they should recognise and acknowledge.

“But overcoming load shedding was never the end of our work. We must now confront another challenge that affects millions of South Africans, which is the rising cost of electricity.

“The cost of electricity has gone up significantly over the past two decades. For families trying to make ends meet, having to contend with the cost of food, transport and other necessities, high electricity costs cause real hardship,” said Ramaphosa.

He said for businesses, high electricity costs make it more expensive to produce goods and provide services. Ramaphosa said this make South African companies less competitive and discourage investment in industries that can create jobs.

“Our task, therefore, is not simply to produce enough electricity. We need electricity that is reliable, affordable and increasingly clean.

“For more than a century, Eskom has been at the centre of South Africa’s electricity system, responsible for generating, transmitting and supplying most of the country’s electricity. This model served South Africa for many decades,” he said.

Ramaphosa said but the electricity crisis demonstrated the danger of relying overwhelmingly on a single company to meet the energy needs of an entire economy. He said the model is no longer sustainable, if they want reliable and cheap electricity.

“When Eskom’s performance deteriorated, the country had few alternatives. That is why we are focused on modernising and transforming our energy system to ensure energy security, provide cheap, clean power for all South Africans and reduce the high cost of living.

“The enormous cost overruns associated with projects such as the Medupi and Kusile power stations also contributed to Eskom’s financial difficulties and ultimately to higher costs for consumers and taxpayers. We have learned from this experience,” said Ramaphosa.

He said today, thanks to the hard work of Eskom’s management and workers, its performance has turned around. Ramaphosa said Eskom’s latest results show important signs of stabilisation and improvement.

“But, we cannot become complacent. Now is the time to complete the reform process that we began in response to load shedding to ensure that we never experience the same crisis again.

“We need an electricity system in which Eskom is strong, but in which it does not have to carry the entire burden of investing in and supplying the country’s electricity while it continues to carry a huge debt,” he said.

Ramaphosa said that is why they are fundamentally transforming the structure of their electricity sector. He said over the past few weeks, they have made important progress. 

“A new Electricity Pricing Policy has been published to ensure transparent electricity tariffs, prevent inefficiencies from being passed on to consumers, expand access to electricity for the poor, and enable competition in electricity generation. 

“The energy regulator, NERSA, is finalising a range of new regulations that will form the architecture for a competitive wholesale electricity market. This will enable multiple generators – both public and private – to compete to supply electricity,” said Ramaphosa.

He said this competition can drive greater efficiency, encourage investment and put downward pressure on the cost of electricity. Ramaphosa said it will also enable South Africa to take advantage of some of their greatest natural resources.

“We have some of the best solar and wind resources in the world. With the right infrastructure, regulation and investment, we have the potential to become one of the world’s most competitive producers of clean electricity.

“Over time, cheaper, greener and more reliable electricity will lift our economy’s competitiveness and help industries to grow and create jobs,” he said.

Ramaphosa said chesp and abundant electricity could become a source of competitive advantage for South Africa. He said it could support the expansion of industry, enable new industries such as green hydrogen and electric vehicle production, support small businesses and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder of his girlfriend

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

31 August 2026 – A man (31) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Swartruggens Regional Court for murder. This comes after the accused killed his girlfriend (20) at a farm near Swartruggens. On 12 August 2023, the accused and the deceased visited a tavern before returning to the farm.

The Bojanala Platinum 2 District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said the accused assaulted the deceased, who was later found unresponsive in his room with multiple bruises and a swollen face. Mokgadi said she was declared dead at the scene.

“The accused was subsequently arrested and sentenced. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The successful conviction and sentence were made possible through the dedicated efforts of the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum 2 District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, commended the police and prosecutor for their professionalism and teamwork.

“Their dedication demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations and effective prosecution in ensuring justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This sentence sends a clear message that perpetrators will be held accountable,” said Brigadier Ntoagae.

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Boyfriend sentenced to eight years imprisonment for rape

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 August 2026 – A man (29) was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for rape. The incident occurred in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the court heard evidence that the victim was with her boyfriend at the time and after consuming alcohol, she went to sleep. Morake said while she was asleep, the accused, Odirile Modise, who was her then boyfriend, questioned her about wearing leggings to bed.

“The accused subsequently forcefully undressed and raped her. The victim reported the matter to the police. The investigating officer ensured that the victim received medical attention and the J88 medical examination confirmed the offence. The accused was subsequently traced and arrested.

“The accused appeared several times before the Tlhabane Regional Court. On Wednesday, he was found guilty of rape and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the successful investigation and conviction. Adams commended the Warrant Officer Matshose Christopher Maimela and the prosecution team for their dedication and professional handling of the matter.

“This sentence demonstrates that the SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of sexual offences and ensure that victims receive the necessary support throughout the criminal justice process. We encourage victims of sexual offences to report such incidents to the police and not suffer in silence,” he said.

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Police investigating a house robbery and rape case

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 August 2026 – The police in Potchefstroom are investigating a case of house robbery and rape following an incident that occurred at a residence in Potchefstroom in 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 suspect gained entry through a broken window.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the suspect allegedly demanded money and assaulted the victim. Morake said it is further alleged that the suspect raped the victim and took her cellular phone, purse and keys before fleeing the scene.

“The suspect is described as an African male, approximately 20 to 22 years-old with dreadlocks. He was reportedly not wearing a mask and spoke English. The victim was found outside the property by a neighbour and members of the neighbourhood watch after her cries for help were heard.

“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were summoned to the scene and the victim was taken to hospital for medical examination. A case of house robbery and rape is being investigated, the suspect is still at large,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, strongly denounced this senseless and brutal attack. Adams said the detectives are working around the clock to identify and apprehend the suspect.

“They will not rest until justice is served. The police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Kefilwe Mashoko on 082 443 8805 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Suspect in R635m Tembisa Hospital corruption arrested

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By REGINALD KANYANE

30 August 2026 – The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation continues their efforts to ensure that those involved in the Tembisa hospital saga are brought to book. This is evident in the arrest of a suspect (37) at the OR Tambo International Airport on 28 August 2026, as he returned from overseas.

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspect is alleged to have been part of the complex investigation into the multimillion tender fraud in the Tembisa Hospital procurement process. Mogale said the allegations in these Tembisa Hospital cases relate to fraud, corruption, forgery and/or uttering, contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and money laundering.

“It is alleged that certain officials at the hospital colluded with service providers to exploit the Request for Quotations (RFQs) system for procurement transactions below the R500 000 threshold.

“This approach was intentionally employed to circumvent the formal tender process. The suspect is to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court facing charges related to fraud, corruption and money laundering on 31 August 2026,” she said.

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Illegal mining kingpin shot dead during intelligence-driven tracing operation

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Picture: AK-47 rifle and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 August 2026 — The National Intervention Unit (NIU) in Pretoria has taken down a wanted and dangerous underground illegal mining kingpin during an intelligence-driven tracing operation in Carletonville, Gauteng. The operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and disrupt violent criminal activities associated with illegal mining in the Carletonville area.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the members of the NIU proceeded to a residence on Sunday, where the suspect was believed to be staying. Mathe said upon arrival, the police announced their presence and identified themselves as police officers.

“The suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at the police. The members were compelled to respond with force, resulting in the suspect sustaining fatal gunshot wounds.

“An AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized at the scene. The deceased suspect was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area,” she said.

Mathe further said he is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area. She added that the SAPS continues to intensify operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting the activities of criminal syndicates and restoring law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and associated violence.

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