: The North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 December 2025- The North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie calls on communities across the province to continue to protect the rights of women and children beyond the observation of 16 days ratified by the UN member states. Dantjie’s appeal comes at the time when the country observes International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2025.
She further said they mark the International Human Rights Day today. Dantjie added that as they do so, they also call on community members to continue to promote respect, observance and protection of human rights for everyone.
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is the violation of human rights. Let us therefore, take it upon ourselves to promote human dignity, freedom and security of the vulnerable groups among us if we are to sustain our human rights culture and eradicate gender based violence.
“Despite the shrinking fiscus, our department is providing funding to Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) to enable them to play a crucial role in combating gender based violence by rendering essential services and support to victims beyond the 16 days of activism campaign and other commemorative days,” she said.
Dantjie said their services include community engagements, awareness campaigns, sheltering, counselling, court preparations and psychosocial support to the victims.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi said she has noted with serious concern, the denial of issuing report cards of some learners. Motsumi said currently, schools across the province are in the process of issuing reports to learners.
She further said in some schools, learners have been denied report cards due to various reasons involving outstanding fees they owe to the school. Motsumi added that she strongly condemned those schools that deny learners report cards.
“I have received numerous calls from parents and learners across the province, who complained about learners being denied their report cards. This action is highly unacceptable, and those school principals should desist from doing so. Every year at this time, I continue to repeat the same message that learners should be given their report cards.
“Schools should deal with parents, not learners to ensure that they recover any outstanding money. Parents need to fulfill the commitments they make to schools,” she said.
10 Sedimonthole 2025- Ba lelapa la ga Othusitse Nini Mocwiri (39) wa kwa dipolasing tsa matlhotsana, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, ba re ba belaela fa morwa wa bone a bolailwe. Se, se tla morago ga gore setopo sa ga Mocwiri se bonwe kwa nageng.
Go begwa fa Mocwiri a ile a amogela mogala go tswa go mongwe wa tsala ya gagwe kwa polasing e gaufi gore a ye go tsaya nama ya kgomo. Go begwa fa Mocwiri a ile a adima setobetobe (bycicle) ya mongwe go ragogela kwa polasing eo.
Fela, go begwa fa a sa boela gae ka lone letsatsi leo. Go begwa fa kgarebe ya gagwe, e ile ya tlhobaetsega, mme ya leba kwa tsaleng ya ga Mocwiri o neng a mo tshepisitse nama.
Mongwe wa ba lelapa, Tebogo Gabonewe, are lekgarebe la ga Mocwiri le ile la makadiwa ke gore fa a botsa tsala ya ga Mocwiri gore o mokapelo wa gagwe o kae, one a mo laela fa a tlhokafetse. Gabonewe are e ne ya re ka go makala, lekgarebe la ga Mocwiri la kokota gape, mme a botsa tsala ya ga Mocwiri gore o raya jang fa are o tlhokafetse.
“Ke fa monna yo, a tswa ka selepe, mme a mo lelekisa. Ka Tshipi, go ile ga tla mapodisi, mme ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba se kitla ba ya go batla Mocwiri, mme bone ba tlile go tsaya pegelo (statement) fela. Morago ga gore mapodisi a tsamaye, baagi ba ile ba tsaya tshwetso ya go tswa letsholo mabapi e le go batlana le Mocwiri.
“E ne ya re fa baagi ba tswa, ba ile ba kopana le sejanaga sa sepodisi se sengwe, mme ba se emisa. Ba ile ba neela mapodisi ao kgang e, mme ba ile ba makala ka mokgwa o mapodisi a a neng a biditswe ba tshotseng kgang e botsatsa ka teng. Mapodisi a, ba ile ba kopa dinomoro tsa tsala ya ga Mocwiri, ga mmogo le mong wa polasi e go begwang fa Mocwiri a ne a ile go tsaya nama kwa go yone,” Gabonewe wa tlhalosa.
Gabonewe are baagi ba ile ba tswelela ka letsholo-patlo la bone, mme ga ba k aba bona sepe. Gabonewe are ka Labobedi, baagi ba ile ba tswelela ka letsholo-patlo la bone.
“Fela go ya ka dipego, ba ile ba fitlhela setopo sa ga Mocwiri se rapaletse mo tseleng. Baagi ba ile ba letsetsa sepodisi, mme se ile sa tla le go ba kopa gore ba se shupe ope ka monona ntle le bopaki. Sepodisi se ile sa tlhalosa fa se belaela fa Mocwiri a lomilwe ke noga. Ba forensiki ba ile ba fitlha le go tsaya setopo sa ga Mocwiri.
“Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa se tla ntsha pegelo ya morago ga loso. Ka Laboraro, ba losika ba ile ba amogela mogala yo o supang fa pego ya morago ga loso e shupa fa loso la ga Mocwiri e le la tlholego,” Gabonewe wa tlhatlhosa.
Fela Gabonewe are ka bokhutsane, balosika ga ba kgotsofalela ka mokgwa o sepodisi se tsamaisitseng kgetsi e ka teng.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Ee ke nnete sepodisi se a itse ka tiragalo e. Moswi o ile a begwa fa a timetse fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e tlhola letsatsi. Fela, setopo sa gagwe se ile sa bonwa mo letsatsing le le latelang kwa polasing nngwe.”
Picture: Child malnutrition continues to rise/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
10 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for urgent national intervention as newly released parliamentary replies confirm that child malnutrition in South Africa continues to claim hundreds of young lives each year. In answer to a written parliamentary question by the DA [RNW6755], the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, revealed that between May and September 2025, 92 and 206 children under 5 years died in public hospitals with moderate and severe acute malnutrition as an underlying condition, respectively.
The DA Spokesperson on Health and Member of Parliament (MP), Michele Clarke said during the same period, 1776 and 2944 children under 5 years-old were admitted to public hospitals with MAM and SAM. Clarke said these numbers follow earlier findings that revealed that between January and April 2025, 155 children under the age of five died in public hospitals with MAM and SAM as an underlying condition and 4 759 children were admitted to public hospitals with moderate or severe acute malnutrition.
“Another PQ [RNW6979] revealed that 19 186 and 5 810 children under 5 years received treatment for MAM and SAM, respectively at public health clinics, while 30 390 children under 5 years (new cases) received food supplementation.
“These numbers highlight a system overwhelmed by preventable hunger and poor early childhood nutrition. To address this crisis, the DA is finalising the Feed the Nation Private Members’ Bill, which aims to bolster the fight against malnutrition by making it easier for supermarkets and consumers to donate unsold edible food to distribution organisations and creating processes for this to be done,” she said.
Clarke further said the Bill proposes clear processes to ensure food safety, accountability and efficient delivery, allowing edible food that would otherwise be discarded to reach families in need. She added that no child in South Africa should die of hunger.
“Malnutrition is both preventable and treatable, and its persistence reflects a failure of governance, coordination, and political will. The DA will continue to fight for the adoption of practical, life-saving reforms and for the protection of every child’s right to nutrition, dignity, and survival,” said Clarke.
10 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has warned that the ongoing process to appoint a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDDP) has gone badly off the rails. The DA alleged that the panel set up to advise the president has chosen to interview Advocate Menzi Simelane, a man already found unfit for this very office by South Africa’s highest court.
DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said it is impossible to overlook that history. Breytenbach said the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and later the Constitutional Court, struck down Simelane’s 2010 appointment on grounds that went to the heart of his honesty and integrity.
“Those judgments have never been overturned or softened. To make matters worse, he was found guilty of professional misconduct in 2017, for misleading the Ginwala Inquiry and he now faces a striking-off application from the Johannesburg Bar Council. It is hard to imagine a more serious cloud over a candidate.
“Yet, the panel insists it is only interviewing people who meet the minimum requirements. Under the National Prosecuting Authority Act, “fit and proper” is a minimum legal requirement. The claim by the Panel collapses the moment Simelane’s name appears on the shortlist,” she said.
Breytenbach further said if he is treated as qualifying, then the process is irrational. She added that and if the process is irrational, it is unlawful.
“On 7 December 2025, our attorneys wrote to the panel seeking reasons for Simelane’s inclusion: how did they conclude that he meets the minimum legal threshold, and did they consider the Bar Council application? The panel did not so much as acknowledge the letter.
“On 9 December, the DA informed the president that this silence leaves us no choice. Any recommendation that comes from this process carries the same legal defect. If the president appoints anyone from the panel’s recommendations, the DA will approach the court to interdict that appointment,” said Breytenbach.
She said they deserve a leader with credibility, independence, and courage. Breytenbach said not a re-run of a constitutional disaster.
Picture: Some of police officers during crime awareness campaign/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 December 2025- In line with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children and considering the seasonal influx of farm labourers during harvest, the SAPS Kanaleneiland Social Crime Prevention team conducted a rural safety programme on 9 December 2025, at a local farm. The visit aimed to raise awareness and curb Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and related crimes affecting workers and the broader community focusing on sexual offences, child safety, substance abuse and domestic violence.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said this includes water safety and ATM scams/fraud. Masegela said these offences were highlighted because they are most prevalent among farm workers, especially fraud and scams targeting ATM users.
“The policing precinct experiences a surge of temporary labour during harvest, which historically correlates with spikes in GBV and associated crimes. The campaign forms part of the national 16 Days of Activism effort and the SAPS Gender‑Based Violence Command Centre.
“The police are committed to sensitising the public, building trust, and reducing the likelihood of crime impacting our community. We urge everyone, workers, employers, and residents to report suspicious activities and support victims of violence,” she said.
10 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, said he is concerned about the blatant disregard of basic traffic regulations by road users. Morweng said this comes after the report for the first ten days of law enforcement operations indicated that most moving violations are what should be basic traffic regulations.
He further said the province’s weighbridges have also been at the peak. Morweng added that over 1200 heavy motor vehicles had been weighed so far.
“Of the 5107 vehicles that had been stopped at various operations throughout the province, almost half of the motorists have contravened one or more of the National Road Traffic Act statutes. Some of the violations include common offenses like excessive speeding, failing to obey traffic signs, seatbelt non-compliance and using of mobile phones while driving.
“In the last 10 days, 92 drivers did not have driving licenses, 11 were transporting passengers without Public Passenger Transport Permits, 240 were overloading passengers, 25 were driving unlicensed vehicles and 62 were not wearing seatbelts,” he said.
Morweng said more drivers are still speeding excessively as 112 were caught by speed cameras since the beginning of December 2025. He said worryingly, 77 drivers were driving unroadworthy vehicles for which 54 fines were issued and two of those were discontinued whilst one was impounded.
“In total, 829 contraventions were recorded of which either fines were issued or arrests effected. I have directed that there be visibility of law enforcement on all arterial routes coming to or going through the province including local routes which statistics indicate are prone for pedestrian accidents.
“To ensure visibility is heightened, a 24-hour law enforcement operation on all major roads has been embarked upon. A friendly warning to all who will be traveling to or through the North West is that, we will be welcoming for all who obey the law, but you will find us inhospitable for all those who will be in contravention of any regulation,” said Morweng.
He said the department has purchased 37 new vehicles for traffic officers and will be used to specifically patrol N4, N12, N14, N18, R24, R30, R49, R503 and R510. Morweng said the last quarter of the year has also recorded an increased registration of vehicles.
“From September 2025, registered vehicles in the country stood at 13 646 029 vehicles. Of these, 684 000 were registered in the North West. Added to this, is the expected number of holidaymakers who will be visiting the province as ecotourists.
“I have implored on all law enforcement officers to be disciplined at all times notwithstanding occasional provocations from some motorists. We are living in a world obsessed with and preoccupied by social media. Many people will be travelling determined to make content for their social media pages out of your behaviour,” he said.
Morweng said many will provoke law enforcement officers, record their conduct and their response to their provocation. He urged the law enforcement officers not to give them the satisfaction and treat everyone with utmost respect.
“During this period, we expect you to resist all kinds of temptations that will present itself to you. During this festive season, when the risks of impaired and reckless driving, speeding, moving violations and driver fatigue will be on the increase, vigilance and dedication and ultimate discipline from you will make a difference.
“We continue to admire your commitment to service, we appreciate your courage and implore on you to ensure South Africans Arrive Alive,” said Morweng.
Picture: Police during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 December 2025- The police in Kimberley said Operation Shanela II aimed at enhancing safety and security during the Safer Festive Season. The operation was conducted with members from Kimberley, Galeshewe and Kagisho SAPS, the Tactical Response Team, Flying Squad, District Office, Pro-Active Policing Unit, Sol Plaatje Municipal Traffic Services, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Correctional Services.
The Kimberley police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said operations commenced with a parade addressed by the The Kimberley Police Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, in his capacity as the overall operational commander. Gopane said a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) was conducted on the R64 Boshoff Road during which 48 vehicles and 65 persons were searched.
“Traffic enforcement resulted in fines to the value of R3 400-00 being issued. During the operation, a man (46) was arrested at the Samaria Informal Settlement for dealing in suspected drugs. The police seized drugs and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“Furthermore, unlicensed liquor outlets selling concoctions were closed in Platfontein and fines were issued. Ten undocumented persons were arrested and detained for further processing,” she said.
Picture: Drugs worth millions confiscated in clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 December 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday applauded the arrest of six suspects after the discovery of drugs worth millions at a clandestine drug laboratory in Makapanstad. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values Positive Charter of Values said that the breakthrough has exposed the shift of drug trade operations from urban centers to rural communities, where drug syndicates thought they would not be easily detected.
Convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele remarked that the Thulwe village drug laboratory discovered north-west of Maubane was undoubtedly a massive operation that relied on obscurity, while it supplied drugs that are destroying the future and lives of mostly youth to a wider network. Kgwele said while they are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such a thorough investigation by dedicated police officers, they can only celebrate the successful arrests when follow-up investigations lead to the arrest of the mastermind/s behind the what is undoubtedly a drug cartel that is supported by sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around.
According to the Hawks Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape followed up information relating to a suspect that fled in a different case involving proliferation of drugs when the information led them a small holding in Thulwe.
Kgwele highlighted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking are tearing families apart. He mentioned that every family that has an addict in its household knows the immeasurable pain of watching their loved one going to waste due to drug addiction.
“There is an urgent need for united action and collaboration to establish value driven communities as part of contributing towards reclaiming Ubuntu and addressing moral decay. This effort must be supported by an intensified effort to rid our communities of drugs which are contributing to senseless violent crimes and gender-based violence and femicide,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike has commended the Makapanstad SAPS together with the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for their swift and coordinated operation that led to the arrest of six suspects and the discovery of millions worth of drugs in Makapanstad. Manyike said the successful operation, conducted by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team alongside Counter-Narcotics and Gangs (Western Cape), uncovered a clandestine mandrax manufacturing laboratory on a small holding in Thulwe, north-west of Maubane.
“We would like to praise the dedication and vigilance displayed by the law enforcement agencies. Their efforts demonstrate a firm stand against criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of Moretele communities.
“This breakthrough is a clear message that illegal drug manufacturing and distribution will not be tolerated in our municipality. We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration between the Hawks and our local police. Their work helps protect our youth and communities from the devastating impact of drugs,” he said.
Manyike further said the municipality remains committed to working closely with law enforcement to combat crime and ensure safer neighbourhoods.
9 December 2025 – In enhancing public safety and addressing the heightened risk of criminal activity during this period, the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted high density intelligence-led joint law enforcement Safer Festive Season Operation – Shanela 2 across the province between 1 and 7 December 2025.
The police said the operations covered all the province’s districts and included the execution of actions such as the setting of roadblocks on all the national and provincial arterial roads, tracing of wanted suspects, stop and searches and compliance inspections at liquor selling outlets and shutting down of unlicensed liquor premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said consequent to the operations, a total of 1487 arrests were made for various offences that included murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common assault, and burglaries at residential and business premises, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, and illegal dealing in liquor. Mokgwabone said it is worth noting that out of 1487 arrests, 459 were effected during detectives’ suspected raiding operations.
“Furthermore, the operations resulted in the confiscation of copper cables, six firearms, ten rounds of ammunition, drugs, liquor, tobacco products and suspected stolen stock or produce (four goats), among others,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed gratitude to all role players for their continuous and coordinated efforts in ensuring the well-being of the community.
The Guardian 