Author Archives: The Guardian

ANC to apply step-aside rule against Moraile and Legong  

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Picture: ANC flag

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it has noted the recent arrests effected by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) involving the ANC Bojanala regional secretary, Raymond Moraile and councillor, Peter Legong, who is a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the Madibeng Local Municipality on allegations of extortion. The ANC said it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, organizational renewal and the fight against corruption.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in line with the resolutions of the 54th national conference and the organization’s Integrity and step-aside guidelines, the ANC will implement the step-aside rule as it relates to the affected individuals. Maruping said Moraile and Legong are expected to appear in court on 15 December 2025.

“The ANC will continue to monitor developments in the matter, while allowing due legal processes to unfold without interference. The organization remains committed to upholding its values, ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of the movement,” he said.

It is alleged that the arrest was carried out by the Hawks in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), following months of investigation into allegations of financial misconduct. According to the SIU, several mayors and municipal managers in the district lodged formal complaints against Moraile, accusing him of demanding R250 000 per month.

Moraile alleged that these payments were necessary to secure their positions, insisting that he had played a role in their appointments and could protect them from political rivals seeking their removal. One mayor reported being summoned to secret meetings, where Moraile introduced associates he allegedly wanted appointed to lucrative municipal projects.

These meetings, according to whistleblowers, were designed to channel contracts toward individuals aligned with Moraile’s faction. A municipal manager further alleged that Moraile demanded R750 000 to fund delegates attending the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Gauteng.

When the municipal manager could only raise R150 000, Moraile reportedly threatened to orchestrate his removal, accusing him of supporting rival factions opposed to Moraile’s leadership.   

The SIU allegedly confirmed that Moraile’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into approximately 15 ANC leaders and municipal officials across Bojanala District. He added that municipalities under scrutiny include Moretele, Madibeng, Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, KgetlengRivier, and Bojanala District Municipality.

Meanwhile, further arrests are anticipated and investigators cautioned that the process remains lengthy and complex.

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Banna ba le babedi ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le polao ya rra ditekesi le modisa wa gagwe

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Setshwantsho: Kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

15 Sedimonthole 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao ya rra ditekesi, Mpho Monchonyane ga mmogo le modisa wa gagwe. Go begwa fa monna wa dingwaga di le 59, wa kwa motseng wa Modimong, gaufi le Taung, ele morulaganyi wa polao ya baswi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o tlhalosistse fa banna ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le polao.

Mokgatlho wa ditekesi mono Taung wa Greater Taung United Taxi Association (GTUTA) o tlhalositse fa loso la ga Monchonyane le ba tlogetse ba iphotlhere. Go begwa fa Monchonyane ga mmogo le modisa wa gagwe ba ile a thuntsiwa ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng kwa morakeng wa gagwe kwa motseng wa Letlhapong.

Go begwa fa ditopo tsa banna ba, di bonwe mo letsatsing la Tshipi mo mosong, mme di na le dintho tsa go thuntsiwa.

Sebueledi sa mokgatlho wa GTUTA, Oarabeng Plaatjie are loso la ga Monchonyane le ba robile dipelo. Plaatjie are ga ba kgone le go amogela loso la modiri ka bone, mme ba ipotsa gore go rileng.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga se re itse gore sebakwa sa gore Monchonyane a thuntsiwe le go bolawa ke eng. Ke fela gore ka boripa, re dula ka letshogo mme re ipotsa gore go latela mang fa ele gore dipalo tse di ka tswa di golaganngwa le ditekesi, fela ga re dumele.

“Ga re dumela thata gore dipolao tse di ka tswa di golaganngwa le ditekesi. Monchonyane ene le motho o boikobo, mme re dira le ene sentle. One a dira tiro ya gagwe ka manontlhotlho ebile a reetsa. Ene e se motho o neng a na le dilo tse dintsitsi, mme a le bonolo. Monchonyane ene ele modulasetilo wa tsela ya Randfontein ga mmogo le Klerksdorp,” Plaatjie.   

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BMA disrupts suspected human trafficking operations

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Picture: Fourteen Ethiopian nationals were intercepted upon arrival/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 December 2025- The acting Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Jane Thupana has confirmed two significant interceptions carried out by BMA immigration and border law enforcement teams at OR Tambo International Airport on 11 December 2025. Thupana said these interventions form part of the authority’s intensified efforts to combat human trafficking, irregular migration and transnational organised crime, particularly during the festive season peak.

She further said in the first incident, on 11 December, fourteen Ethiopian nationals, comprising five males and nine females, were intercepted upon arrival. Thupana added they were all travelling on Ethiopian Airlines flight.

“Their interception followed the BMA’s analysis of passenger details, which flagged their movement pattern as suspicious. Preliminary investigations revealed a modus operandi commonly used in human trafficking syndicates, where individuals attempt to transit through South Africa en route to neighbouring countries and later re-enter South Africa.

“As a result of these findings, all 14 individuals were intercepted. In a separate incident, 16 Bangladeshi men were intercepted after BMA officials discovered that they were in possession of fraudulent visas,” she said.

Thupana said the group arrived in another Ethiopian airline and were identified after officers noticed them blending suspiciously among South African travellers in the maze area. She said through profiling, the individuals were separated from the queue and referred to the BMA Border Law Enforcement Office for secondary investigation.

“Their documentation was confirmed to be fraudulent and their intentions inconsistent with legitimate travel, raising concerns of possible human trafficking activity.

“We commend the officers involved for their vigilance, technical capability and swift action, emphasising that these interceptions demonstrate the effectiveness of the BMA’s intelligence-led approach to border management,” said Thupana.

She noted that the authority’s integrated use of advanced passenger data, behavioural profiling and on-the-ground enforcement remains central to preventing South Africa from being exploited as a corridor for criminal networks. Thupana said the BMA continues to tighten border security measures during the festive season and remains committed to protecting the Republic from irregular migration, visa fraud, and human trafficking syndicates.

“The authority will continue to work with national and international partners to ensure that South Africa’s ports of entry are secure and that all attempts to undermine national security are decisively countered,” she said.

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NTI Hearings Set for January as the North West Legislature Committee on Transport Management Welcomes Commitments on Salary Payments

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Picture: NTI depot

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it will resume its hearings into the affairs of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) on 16 January 2026.

The committee will proceed with issuing summons to the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Thomas Sammons, the Directors of Triponza, Ziggy Investments and TansNat (NTI service providers), Abel Kenoshi, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NTI.

The Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said the individuals, who have been summoned are expected to account for a range of governance, financial management and operational issues currently under investigation by the committee. Sonakile said a central concern for the committee has been the ongoing challenges related to the payment of NTI workers’ salaries.

“The committee engaged the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, as well as the acting CEO of NTI, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, to ensure that salary payments are protected and prioritised.

“The MEC has confirmed positive progress following engagements with his Gauteng counterpart and the Minister of Transport, Minister Barbara Creecy. The committee commends NTI workers for holding a peaceful picket on 11 December 2025, which successfully captured the attention of the Minister, the MEC, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and national union leadership,” he said.

Sonakile further said this action was followed by the MEC’s announcement that two months’ outstanding salaries will be paid by 17 December 2025. He added they will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that commitments made by the executive are honoured.

“Our hope is that NTI workers will receive what is due to them and enjoy a dignified festive season like all South Africans. We reiterate that once the subsidy is paid, it must be safeguarded by being deposited into an account fully controlled by the government, to ensure proper oversight.

“The committee will reconvene in the new year with renewed focus to finalise its hearings on the functionality and governance of NTI,” said Sonakile.

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Tender corruption trio remanded in custody

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Picture: The vehicle that the trio was travelling in intercepted by the police/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 December 2025- Three accused, Menzi Mngadi (42) driver, Peter Legong (39), ward councillor at Madibeng Local Municipality and ANC regional secretary in Bojanala, Raymond Mogaile (40), have appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court following their arrest at Menlyn on 11 December 2025, by the Anti-Corruption Investigation, Head Office of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

The trio were arrested in an intelligence-driven operation after they demanded a gratification amounting to R300 000 from a local businessman in exchange for the awarding of a tender, which was advertised by the Madibeng Local Municipality during November 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said it is alleged that the complainant was contacted by one of the suspects inquiring if the businessman was interested in being assisted to secure a tender. Mogale said subsequently, the trio is reported to have arranged a meeting with the businessman, wherein they discussed the amount to exchange hands. 

“The law abiding businessman then reported the matter to the Serious Corruption Investigation who in turn obtained the necessary documents to set up an operation.

“The case against the trio was postponed to 15 December 2025, for further investigation,” she said.

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Dantjie launches MUNIMEC structure

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2025- The newly-established MUNIMEC structure will go a long way in strengthening governance and service delivery across the province, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, told members of mayoral councils from various municipalities at the launch of MUNIMEC forum in Mahikeng on Friday.

Dantjie said this is a platform that will enable them as leaders to build on collaboration, innovation and responsive governance for the betterment of the people they serve. She said it will also help them to monitor and evaluate service delivery commitments by stakeholders.

“The forum will convene its meetings once per quarter to track progress on service delivery, to discuss and resolve a wide range of issues affecting the local government sphere.

“The MUNIMEC provides a platform for the provincial government and municipalities to interact regularly, ensuring a coordinated approach to service delivery and governance issues,” said Dantjie.

She further said MUNIMEC is a consultative forum typically established at the provincial level, bringing together the MEC and members of mayoral council responsible for social development, community development and special programmes in their respective municipalities. Dantjie added that the launch and operation of MUNIMEC structure is a practical implementation of the country’s cooperative governance model, aiming at bridging gaps between spheres of government to improve the living conditions of communities.

“A MUNIMEC structure stems from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996: Section 40(1) establishes government as national, provincial, and local spheres that are distinctive, interdependent, and interrelated.

“Section 41 mandates that all spheres of government must cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith, which includes supporting and consulting each other on matters of common interest,” she said.

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Marking concluded smoothly in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 December 2025- Marking of National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in 20 centres across the North West concluded smoothly without any challenges. Immediately at 10am on Friday, all 20 marking centres were officially closed down.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said all markers were allowed to travel back home after spending 21 days at their different marking centres. Motsumi said the province officially established 20 marking centres in schools that have hostel facilities and the department appointed 4017 markers.

“We would like to thank all the markers and wish them a safe journey back home. On behalf of the entire department, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all our markers for the sterling work they have performed. We never received any challenge or complaint during the entire marking period.

“These markers sacrificed their comfort of being with their families and chose to perform the national duty instead. I believe that, as the entire country, we should salute them; without them we are nothing. I wish them a very safe journey back to their homes to be with their loved ones,” she said.

Motsumi further said the capturing of the marks is expected to be concluded by 15 December 2025.

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Two men nabbed for possession of illegal firearms

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 December 2025- The police in Rustenburg reached a significant advancement in the search for crime syndicates menacing the area. The police said crime intelligence received a tip-off on 8 December 2025, regarding the suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal mining, business robberies, extortions and other serious crimes within the area.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said on 10 December 2025, the police located two suspects and upon arrival in Nkaneng Informal Settlement, outside Rustenburg, the police proceeded to identified addresses. Bobelo said the first suspect was found in possession of an illegal firearm (pistol) and ammunition and was arrested.

“The second suspect led the police to where a pistol was hidden in a sports bag at a nearby residential place. The duo was immediately arrested. Thabiso Edwin Mafeeo (28) and Teboho Ishmael Makae (22) were charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

“They appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They were remanded in custody until 19 December 2025,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their exceptional work in tracking and apprehending the culprits. Naidoo said the police will stop at nothing to remove all illegal weapons from the streets and ensure the prevalence of safety.

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Eleven suspects nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: Illegal miners nabbed/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 December 2025- In a remarkable display of cooperation and resolve, the police in Mooinooi solidified the pursuit of safety in the community to neutralise the threat posed by illegal miners within the area. A formidable team composed of members from the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and Visible Policing (VISPOL) commenced with an operation on 12 December 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said upon arrival in Mooinooi, the police discovered eleven suspects that were digging within the area and two bakkies were found with stones/rocks inside suspected to be chrome. Bobelo said all eleven suspects aged between 20 and 45, were arrested for illegal mining and two motor vehicles and various tools that were used to dig were seized.

“In addition, two of the eleven suspects were found to be undocumented foreign nationals and were charged with contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act (2002).

“The accused are expected to make their first court appearance on 15 December 2025, before the Brits Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the team’s bravery and hard work in combating illegal mining. Naidoo stated that the police will work relentlessly to combat illegal mining and lawlessness.

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SAFA backs Broos in racism row  

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, ahugo Broos

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 December 2025 – After qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup almost two months ago, Bafana Bafana are back in camp preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco later this month. The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it has moved to address growing misconceptions in the media suggesting that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is racist and sexist.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said the claims surfaced after Broos criticised the professional conduct of a senior national team player and expressed frustration over what he deemed as the player’s agent premature push for his move overseas. Jordaan said his remarks, made during a recent press conference ahead of the team’s preparations for the AFCON, were subsequently misconstrued.

“SAFA maintains that Broos’s strongly worded comments, aimed purely at football matters, were misinterpreted and later amplified into unfounded character accusations.

“It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner towards a player he has consistently supported since selecting him for the first time a few months ago,” he said.

Jordaan further clarified that Broos’s remarks regarding the player’s agent were intended to underscore the importance of football agents prioritising players’ welfare and long-term development over short-term financial gain. He added that SAFA noted that a language barrier contributed to the coach’s frustrations not being fully or clearly conveyed during the interview, leading to misunderstandings about his intent.

“The organisation emphasises that there was no discriminatory motive behind the coach’s remarks. SAFA stressed that in Broos’ four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind.

“We credited Broos’ forthright approach to issues affecting players and the national team as a key factor in building the squad’s current strength and unity. We further credited him with playing a key role in transforming the national team, highlighting his insistence on high standards and the reciprocal commitment shown by the players,” said Jordaan.

He said that as the Bafana Bafana squad prepares for AFCON and looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they urge the public to recognise the coach’s contribution and rally behind the team ahead of the forthcoming continental showpiece.

“SAFA, the players and the staff are all fully behind Broos and we are now completely focused on our participation in the AFCON in a few days’ time,” said Jordaan.

Meanwhile, Broos said it is unfortunate that his strong rebuke of the player’s conduct and subsequent comments were misinterpreted as racism and sexism. He said he distanced himself from any accusation of racism and sexism.

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