Setshwantsho: Banna ba le babedi, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
25 Seetebosigo 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung go fitlha Phukwi a tlhola matsatsi a le 14. Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).
Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2. Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine.
Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi sa maloba se se rotseng tiro mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.
“Go begwa fa setopo seo, se ne se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”
Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.
“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, fela o ile a fetola mogopolo moragonyana mabapi le seo.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Lebogang Motlhaping
By STAFF REPORTER
25 June 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform said it is saddened by the tragic accident that occurred on 18 June 2026, near Vaallus Farm in the Douglas area, where a handcrafted raft carrying farm workers capsized in the Vaal River. The department said the raft was transporting 20 people from Vaallus Farm to Olierivier Farm when it capsized during the crossing.
The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Lebogang Motlhaping said fourteen occupants survived and were treated at a hospital in Douglas before being discharged. Motlhaping said tragically, six farm workers were swept away in the incident.
“Search and rescue operations have since recovered five bodies, while efforts continue to locate one person who remains missing. The department extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and the broader farming community affected by this devastating loss.
“The department further acknowledges the deep pain and uncertainty experienced by the family who’s loved one has not yet been recovered. The affected farm workers have been identified as Boom Neels, Olivier Trooi, Hans George, Yolandie Matjan, Robert Paul and Herodi Michael,” he said.
Motlhaping further said the tragedy has deeply saddened the department and the wider agricultural sector. He added that they are heartbroken by the tragic loss of lives in the Vaal River accident near Douglas.
“These were members of our rural and farming community, people who contributed daily to the agricultural sector and to the livelihoods of their families. On behalf of the department, I extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, friends, co-workers, farm owners and the entire Douglas farming community,” said Motlhaping.
He said no words can fully carry the weight of such a painful loss. Motlhaping said, however, they want the families to know that they are not alone.
“The department stands with them during this difficult time and we will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that appropriate support is extended to the affected families. The department commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue Unit, emergency services, local authorities and all role players involved in the ongoing search and recovery operation.
“Their continued efforts under difficult weather, terrain and river conditions are deeply appreciated. The SAPS has opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The department respects this process and will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities, while avoiding speculation on matters that remain under investigation,” he said.
Motlhaping said as part of its response, the department will engage the affected families, local leadership, farming stakeholders and relevant government structures to determine the immediate support required. He said this includes working through district structures to ensure that the bereaved families receive care, guidance, and assistance during this painful period.
“The department also calls on farming communities, farm owners, workers, and rural stakeholders to exercise heightened caution during periods of heavy rainfall and rising river levels. The safety of farm workers and rural communities must remain a shared responsibility, particularly in areas where river crossings form part of daily movement and agricultural operations.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks faced by rural communities during severe weather conditions. The Department remains committed to working with organised agriculture, municipalities, communities, and relevant government departments to strengthen awareness, preparedness, and safety measures in vulnerable rural areas,” said Motlhaping.
He said the department once again extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and continues to keep the family of the missing person in its thoughts as search operations continue.
24 June 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has issued a stern warning to individuals who exploit incidents to engage in criminal activities such as looting, theft, malicious damage to property and public violence. Naidoo said the warning follows an incident that occurred in Promosa and other extensions in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 22 June 2026, during which eight tuck shops were allegedly looted by a group of youngsters.
“These criminal acts constitute a violation of the law. A criminal case has been opened and is currently under investigation. We condemn the looting in the strongest possible terms and describe it as criminal conduct that will not be tolerated.
“As the police, we would like to emphasise that community cooperation remains vital in maintaining peace and order and that those responsible for criminal acts, will be pursued and brought to justice. The community is urged to work together with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious or criminal activities at their nearest police station, through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application,” he said.
24 June 2026 – A man, Rassie Hlabirwa Nkune (37) from Mpumalanga and former police official Jacob Mothibe Chego (41), previously employed at the White River Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), were convicted on two counts of premeditated murder of a couple, Lucky and Sabeliwe Zwane Mogashoa, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of kidnapping, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria. In addition, Nkune was convicted of two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said on 16 March 2022, Mogashoa received a call from Chego informing him that his vehicle, which had been reported stolen in 2018, had allegedly been recovered and was being held at the White River police vehicle impound. Mahanjana said the following day, Nkune, posing as a police officer, contacted Mogashoa and informed him that he would visit his residence in Roodepoort to collect documentation related to the recovered vehicle.
“Upon arrival, Nkune was given the documents and arrangements were made for a meeting on 19 March 2022, to collect the vehicle from the impound. On that day, Mogashoa, his wife and their two minor children, aged one and eight, travelled to Benoni, where they picked up Nkune at a petrol station.
“While en route to the White River vehicle impound, Nkune instructed Mogashoa at gunpoint to stop the vehicle in an open veld in Etwatwa. He then ordered the couple to get out of the vehicle, leaving their two young children inside. Nkune forced the couple into the veld, where he shot both in the head while the children remained in the car,” she said.
Mahanjana further said after committing the murders, Nkune returned to the vehicle, drove with the children to another nearby area, abandoned them in the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. She added that the eight-year-old child then took the younger sibling and walked in search of help.
“While walking along the N12 highway, they were assisted by a woman who took them to a nearby police station, where the incident was reported. Following investigations, Nkune was arrested while already in custody, serving a life sentence for the murder of two women in a separate case.
“On 16 April 2024, Chego and his co-accused, Elvis Press Makhubela (now deceased), handed themselves over to the police at the Springs Police Station. They were arrested and subsequently released on bail. In court, both Nkune and Chego pleaded not guilty and denied committing the offences,” said Mahanjana.
However, the state prosecutor advocate Tholoana Sekhonyana presented compelling evidence, including testimony from the eight-year-old child and Nkune’s associate, which proved the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In delivering judgment, the court found the state witnesses to be credible, reliable and corroborated by objective evidence.
She said the court further found that Nkune and Chego had jointly planned and executed the crimes and accordingly convicted them on all counts. Mahanjana said the NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime, including those in positions of trust, are held accountable for their actions.
“This conviction sends a clear message that those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will face the full might of the law. The NPA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering justice for victims of violent crime and their families. The matter has been postponed to 10 August 2026, for sentencing proceedings,” she said.
24 June 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape has noted with concern the circulation of a video on various social media platforms which is being shared with misleading messages and commentary aimed at creating fear, uncertainty and mobilising support for the planned 30 June shutdown actions. The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said she wishes to inform members of the public that the video currently circulating is an old video from 2020 in Upington and does not reflect any current incident or situation in the Northern Cape.
Otola said the resurfacing and redistribution of outdated content with false narratives is irresponsible and appears to be aimed at influencing public sentiment and inciting participation in unlawful activities. She further said the police in Northern Cape remain fully prepared and has activated appropriate operational plans through the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) to ensure the safety and security of all residents, visitors and businesses across the province.
“The members of the public are urged not to share unverified information or content intended to cause panic. Such practices constitute an offense which is punishable by law. Communities are encouraged to rely on official communication platforms for accurate updates and to report any suspicious activities to the SAPS.
“The public is further warned to refrain from sharing such videos, as doing so contributes to the spread of misinformation and unnecessary panic. The SAPS remains committed to maintaining law and order while protecting the rights and safety of all people in the Northern Cape,” she added.
23 June 2026 – A man was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Kenhardt District Court for theft out of motor vehicle. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred between 17 and 20 March 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the complainant had parked his vehicle and found everything to be in order. Shemane said upon returning to the vehicle on Monday morning to go to work, he discovered that it had been broken into.
“Further inspection revealed that a jack and spare wheel, valued at R2 500, had been stolen. A case was opened with the police and fingerprints lifted from the vehicle were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.
“The results positively linked the accused, Cameron Congo (27) to the crime, leading to his arrest. Congo was subsequently charged with theft out of a motor vehicle and was ultimately convicted and sentenced on 17 June 2026,” he said.
Shemane further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management welcomed the conviction and sentence handed down to the accused.
“They also aapplauded Detective Constable Charlton Januarie of the Kenhardt Detectives for his dedication and commitment during the investigation, which culminated in the successful incarceration of the offender,” added Shemane.
23 June 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will table the Office of the Premier’s 2026/27 Budget Vote and Policy Speech on Friday at the North West Provincial Legislature. The Budget Vote and Policy Speech is expected to outline the Office’s strategic priorities and planned interventions for the 2026/27 financial year, as well as measures aimed at strengthening coordination of service delivery, enhancing good governance and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Mokgosi is also expected to reaffirm the Office’s commitment to empowering youth, women and persons with disabilities through programmes that are aimed at enhancing skills development, creating employment opportunities and promoting inclusive socio-economic participation.
The Office of the Premier Budget Vote and Policy Speech will be delivered at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Friday at 9am.
Picture: North West University (NWU) Political Science and International Relations lecturer, Dr Naledi Modise/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 June 2026 – South Africa’s voter turnout has been falling for more than two decades even as the country’s electoral system was designed to broaden political participation. The new research by the North West University (NWU) Political Science and International Relations lecturer, Dr Naledi Modise, suggests that the decline is not only a matter of voter attitudes, but also a consequence of how the country’s electoral institution’s function.
In her doctoral study, Modise examined the influence of South Africa’s electoral system and electoral laws on voter turnout between 1999 and 2019. She further said using existing literature, Human Sciences Research Council Voter Participation Survey data and Afrobarometer survey data, she found that decreasing participation is the result of a combination of institutional and attitudinal factors.
“The study addresses a gap in South African electoral research, which has traditionally focused on socio-economic and demographic explanations for voter behaviour, while paying limited attention to the role of electoral institutions such as electoral laws and electoral system.
“Our understanding of voter turnout cannot be limited to socio-economic factors alone. Electoral institutions shape how citizens experience democracy and whether they believe participation in elections can influence political outcomes,” added Modise.
She found that the structure of the party system has played a significant role. Modise said proportional representation systems are often associated with higher voter turnout because they encourage multiparty competition, but the South African experience tells a different story.
“Prior to 2024, although the country had over 500 registered political parties, the electoral system produced prolonged one-party dominance. In South Africa, the dominance of a single party has shaped voter perceptions and contributed to declining engagement in the electoral process.
“The study argues that one-party dominance weakened accountability and contributed to dissatisfaction with governance. As concerns about service delivery, unemployment, poverty and inequality persisted, levels of voter apathy and disillusionment increased,” she said.
Modise said another key finding relates to voter efficacy – the belief that an individual’s vote can make a difference. She said the research found evidence of declining voter efficacy during the period under review, accompanied by growing uncertainty among voters about the value of participating in elections.
“The research points to a relationship between institutions and attitudes. When voters question whether their participation matters, turnout is likely to decline regardless of the opportunities available within the electoral system.
“The study also examined electoral laws and found that certain legal mechanisms, including the voters’ roll and provisions for special votes, played a direct role in supporting voter participation. Other legislative changes, however, had limited impact on turnout levels,” said Modise.
She said turnout levels such as reforms to party registration requirements, campaign finance regulations, and the administration of elections by the Independent Electoral Commission, which improved the management and transparency of elections but did not substantially increase voter turnout. Modise concludes that voter turnout in South Africa cannot be explained through a single lens.
“Instead, it reflects the interaction between electoral institutions and voter attitudes, offering a broader framework for understanding democratic participation in the country,” she said.
23 June 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Kathu Regional Court for rape, sexual grooming of a minor and creation or manufacture of child pornography material. The accused was convicted after being linked to the rape and sexual grooming of a victim (10) in Kathu, near Kuruman in February 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the offences came to light on 16 February 2025, when the accused lent his cell phone to a witness. Litabe said while using the device, the witness discovered photographs and videos depicting the accused having sexual intercourse with the victim.
“The witness immediately reported the matter to the victim’s mother, who subsequently informed the police. Following the registration of the case at Siyathemba Police Station, the investigation was assigned to Detective Constable Bele.
“Through diligent investigative work and the gathering of substantial evidence, he secured the arrest of the suspect three days later. The accused appeared in court on several occasions and remained in custody throughout the proceedings after his bail application was successfully opposed,” he said.
Litabe further said the Kathu Regional Court ultimately found the accused guilty and imposed a 25 years imprisonment for rape, of which five years are suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence committed during the period of suspension. He added that the accused was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for sexual grooming of a minor and 10 years imprisonment for creation or manufacture of child pornography material.
“The sentences imposed on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence imposed in count 1. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, praised Bele for his dedication and hard work in ensuring that justice was served. Baloyi cited that he hopes that the conviction and sentence would serve as a strong deterrent to individuals who prey on vulnerable children and commit crimes against minors.
Picture: Dilapidating Mothelesi Primary School in Shaleng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 June 2026 – There is growing concern regarding infrastructure deficiencies at Mothelesi Primary School in Shaleng village, near Taung. The poor safety conditions were found to be detrimental to teaching and learning at the school.
The School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Sinah Gaoagwe raised concerns and highlighted the urgent need for attention to school infrastructure. According to Gaoagwe, the situation at Mothelesi Primary School hinders learners and teachers’ effectiveness in teaching and learning.
“As the SGB chairperson at the school, I can attest that the building is dilapidating. So, I am seeking any advice on how to deal with this matter. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi promised to build a new school.
“However, there is no commitment letter nor timeframe for that. So, I would like to know if the school buildings should plunge learners before the department can respond? It is heart-wrenching to see this happening. However, the minute we embark on a protest, they will call the police on us,” she said.
However, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has welcomed the significant progress achieved in the construction of the proposed replacement schools for Shaleng Secondary and Mothelesi Primary Schools in Shaleng village, near Taung. In 2024, Motsumi visited the area to assess and monitor the condition of schools within the community.
“Following our inspection, I expressed concern about the state of the existing school infrastructure and emphasised the urgent need to prioritise the community for the construction of new schools. So, as a result of this commitment, construction preparations commenced in September 2024, when Cochrane Construction erected a ClearVu security fence around the project site.
“The fencing project was successfully completed on 9 December 2024, marking an important milestone and signalling the beginning of the long-awaited school replacement project for the community,” she said.
Motsumi further said this project forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure and providing learners with safe, modern and quality learning environments that support teaching and learning. She added that her department appointed the Independent Development Trust (IDT) as the implementing agent to oversee the planning and implementation of the project.
“In turn, the IDT appointed a professional team to undertake the necessary planning, investigations and design work required for the development. The project has successfully progressed through the needs assessment and feasibility stages.
“During the feasibility process, geotechnical investigations established that the hard shale underlying the proposed development site is underlain by dolomitic formations. To ensure the suitability and safety of the site, a detailed dolomite assessment was commissioned,” said Motsumi.
She said the study, which was reviewed and approved by the Council for Geoscience, concluded that the underlying dolomite does not pose a risk to the proposed development. Motsumi said based on these findings, the department approved the project as feasible and subsequently approved the Site Development Plan.
“The appointed professional team has also completed the Concept Design Stage, which is currently under review by the department. Once this review process has been concluded, the project will proceed to the Detailed Design Stage.
“The Detailed Design Stage is expected to take approximately five months to complete and will culminate in the preparation of construction tender documentation. The current project programme anticipates the milestones such as Completion of Detailed Design in October 2026,” she said.
Motsumi said Finalisation of Tender Documentation will be in November 2026. She said this will include Advertisement of Construction Tender in January 2027, and Appointment of Contractor in March 2027. She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to improving learning and teaching conditions for learners in Shaleng village and ensuring that the new school facilities provide a safe, conducive and modern learning environment for future generations.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress being made towards the delivery of this important school infrastructure project. The successful completion of the feasibility studies, including the specialised dolomite investigation, provides assurance that the proposed site is suitable for development and that the project can proceed with confidence.
“This replacement school will not only provide modern facilities for learners and educators but will also contribute towards restoring the dignity of education in the Shaleng community. We remain committed to ensuring that the project moves through the remaining planning and procurement stages as efficiently as possible so that construction can commence and the community can begin to realise the benefits of this investment,” said Motsumi.
She thanked the professional team, the IDT, the Council for Geoscience and all stakeholders involved in advancing the project through the planning stages. Motsumi said the department remains committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses towards construction and eventual completion.
