Category Archives: NEWS

Learners stationery found for sale at Mahikeng shop

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Picture: Learners stationery found for sale at Mahikeng shop/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 October 2026 – The North West Department of Education has raised concern after learner stationery intended for pupils in various grades was discovered being sold at a shop in Unit 9, Mahikeng. Members of the Community Police Forum (CPF), who were monitoring the area on Wednesday, discovered the stationery displayed on shelves and offered for sale to members of the public.

The North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono said the police and officials from the North West Department of Education were called to the scene, where the department confirmed that the stationery belonged to government and had been procured for distribution to learners. Mohono condemned the sale of the learner support materials and called for those responsible to face the law.

“I wish to strongly condemn the selling of learner stationery. Government stationery is strictly not to be sold because the department has paid for it for the benefit of learners.

“The sale of the stationery meant that government was being forced to spend additional funds to replace materials that had already been procured,” she said.

Mohono further said the people who are found to be selling learner stationery should face the full might of the law. She added that the department is now paying twice for the same product and that is totally unacceptable.

“A learner somewhere is sitting without stationery because someone decided to sell it for a price. The police arrested the shop owner at the scene.

“The following learner materials were confiscated at Jackpot Supermarket in Unit 9. Thirty five packs of learner materials for Grades 10, 11 and 12, 39 packs for Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7,” said Mohono.

She said 39 packs for Grades 1, 2 and 3 and 46 counter books. The department welcomed the intervention by law enforcement and the CPF, reiterating that learner support materials procured by government are intended solely for the benefit of learners. Mohono said the department would continue working with law enforcement agencies and community structures to safeguard government resources and ensure that learner support materials reach their intended beneficiaries.

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A visit to the Taung Skull Fossil Site will introduce you to diverse wonders and attractions

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Picture: The late professor and palaeoanthropologist Phillip Vallentine Tobias holds the Taung skull. / Wikipedia

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 October 2026 – Taung Skull Fossil Site is best known for discovery of an endocranial skull of a juvenile ape-man in 1924 during the course of commercial mining. It was later classified by Professor Raymond Dart as Australopithecus Africanus.

The recognition of this early hominid is the first ever that confirmed that human ancestry originated in Africa. Taung Skull Fossil includes much more than just the site where the skull was found.

The site displays a rich history of early 20th century limestone mining with various buildings constructed in a variety of methods with aestheticism at different time frames. Archaeological and paleontological sites that contain rich fossil deposits that predate the mining area.

It has a fascinating natural and man-made landscape. A visit to the Taung Skull Fossil Site will introduce you to diverse wonders and attractions.

Due to the activities such as blasting and digging that took place during the mining era, a unique eye-catching landscape was formed. This has a fascinating geological and geomorphological appearance, which exposed different and interesting types of rocks and breccia that are visible over a distance of 10km (e.g: Leopard Rock).

The majestic beautiful waterfall (visible during rainy season) at the Blue Pools flows through the Thabasikwa river down the cliff of the Ghaap Escarpment. They slowly flow through the blue pools several meters below. The mixture of sounds of nature draws your attention to the uniqueness of this part of the world heritage while having a relaxed moment at the picnic site, which offers seating benches and tables (made out of local stone), as well as braai areas and other social infrastructures.    

The memorial site represents a place where the skull was found during the mining operations in 1924 – indicated by the Dart pinnacle on the left and Hrdlicka pinnacle on the right. The area offers breath-taking views of the mine dumps, Harts valley, a clear view of the Buxton village and awesome landscape.

Taung Skull Fossil Site has 17 recognisable and preserved fossil sites (archaeological and paleontological). Some of these archaeological sites yielded numerous fauna (animal) and flora (plants) remnants as well as Middle Stone Age artefacts dating back as far as 2.3 million years ago.

The relics of limestone mining are clearly represented not only by the mine dumps, but also by the historical architectural styles on various buildings and structures present on site. Buildings show different designs, styles and methods used during different time frames throughout the 1900’s.

The use of local material, in the fusion of old and modern is prevalent on both old and new buildings as applied during the restoration process.

The World Heritage Site is located along the flank of the Ghaap Escarpment and forms an elevated backdrop and provides extraordinary viewpoints over the valley of the Harts and the site. It is habitat to a variety of animals, birds, rocks, vegetation and plant commodities.

A local travel agent and a storyteller, Ontshebile Joseph Shambok said: “I would like to encourage people to visit Taung Skull Fossil and know more about our heritage. The Taung Skull Fossil is one of the oldest heritage sites, where the origins of humankind commenced.”  

The Greater Taung Local Municipality Chairperson of Finance, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said Taung is rich in history and Taung Skull World Heritage Site can be turned into an economic driver.

“It is important to balance public or private investment in infrastructure with community-led commercial activities that generate sustainable tourism revenue. The Taung Skull World Heritage Site should benefit the locals.

“The site should boost the economy of the area and create job opportunities for locals, especially the youths. We need to preserve our heritage sites and ensure that they offer a range of benefits for tourism,” he said.

Moeti further said upgraded infrastructure and accessible roads are contributing factors to lure tourists to the area. He added that the Taung Skull should be returned to the area from Witwatersrand University as that will boost the economy.

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Cabinet calls for swift arrests, prosecution of femicide perpetrators

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30 September 2026 – Cabinet has called on law enforcement agencies to expedite the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of women in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. 

Cabinet’s call comes amid the increased number of murders of women whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. 

A total of 13 bodies have been recovered since July 2026, including the murder of a woman whose body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and the murder of a 23-year-old who was reportedly shot and killed during an alleged robbery in Thembisa, while on her way to work on Monday, 28 September 2020.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) must face the full might of the law. 

She said Cabinet supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to the multidisciplinary investigation team, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), to accelerate investigations and bring those responsible for the recent murders of women to justice. 

The President is set to address the nation this evening on steps being taken by government to confront GBVF. The address will take place at 7pm. 

Ntshavheni said the investigation team is pursuing several people of interest, while four suspects remain in custody after being denied bail following their court appearances.

Cabinet expressed concern over the rising incidence of gender-based violence, particularly femicide, which refers to the intentional killing of women because of their gender, often by intimate partners or people known to them.

Ntshavheni said the deliberate killing of women by their loved ones or people close to them requires a collective response from men, families, communities and society at large. 

“The rise in incidents of gender-based violence, in particular femicide – the intentional killing of a woman by a person close to them – must galvanise a societal response to protect women by men, families, communities and society in general. The murder of women intentionally by their loved ones or people close to them cannot be tolerated by any society or community,” the Minister said. 

She stressed that law enforcement agencies must act swiftly to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted, noting that the country’s laws have been amended to provide for harsher measures in dealing with GBV-related crimes, including provisions allowing for the denial of bail.

Ntshavheni also reiterated that the government will continue to strengthen efforts to promote the safety and well-being of women and children and ensure that communities are safe.

“Let us all – men and women – take a stand against violence against women and play our part in ending the scourge of gender-based violence.” 

The Minister also acknowledged women who have been using the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre hotline to seek assistance and intervention, emphasising the importance of reporting abuse and accessing available support services. 

Cabinet has urged anyone with information that can assist in criminal investigations to report it to the police. 

Members of the public can report information through the Crime Stop toll-free number, 08600 10111, or contact the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

The GBV Command Centre can also be reached by sending a Please Call Me to 1207867#, SMSing “HELP” to 31531, or contacting Skype: Helpme GBV. – SAnews.gov.za

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Child rapist sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

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By STAFF REPORTER

30 September 2026 – A man (54) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Mitchells Plain Regional Court for raping and sexually assaulting a girl (11). Saadiq Rajap was convicted of rape and sexual assault following incidents that occurred on 10 April 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila said Rajap was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape, with five years suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of rape or sexual assault during the suspension period. Ntabazalila said he was also sentenced to five years imprisonment for sexual assault, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of sexual assault during that period.

“The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and directed the state to inform the victim of her right to make representations should Rajap be considered for parole.

“During the trial, state prosecutor Sergio Goff led evidence from the victim and a soccer teammate to whom she first reported the incident. The court heard that the victim’s friend (13) had invited her to play pool at Rajap’s house. After obtaining permission from her grandmother, she accompanied her friend.

“Rajap later asked the friend to accompany him to Mitchells Plain Town Centre to purchase a plug. Upon arrival, he instructed the friend to enter a shop, while the victim remained in the vehicle.

The victim testified that Rajap moved to the back of the taxi and touched her breasts over her clothing,” he said.

Ntabazalila further said the pair later travelled to Khayelitsha, where Rajap allegedly sent the friend to a nearby shop to buy snacks and an energy drink. He added that during her absence, he allegedly touched the victim’s breasts and private parts and inserted his finger into her vagina.

“The victim testified that she removed his hand and that Rajap subsequently offered her money in an attempt to prevent her from reporting the incident. She later confided in a soccer teammate, and her mother subsequently discovered messages relating to the incident on a cell phone shared by the two girls.

“A criminal case was opened after the victim was taken to a police station. Rajap pleaded not guilty and disputed aspects of the victim’s account. However, the court accepted the state’s evidence and convicted him,” said Ntabazalila.

He said the authority welcomed the sentence and remained committed to holding perpetrators of sexual offences againstchildren accountable. Ntabazalila said the NPA remains committed to holding perpetrators of sexual offences against children accountable while ensuring justice for victims.

He said the NPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences face the consequences of their actions. Ntabazalila said the NPA in Western Cape welcomed the sentence, along with additional court orders barring Rajap from working with children and declaring him unfit to possess a firearm.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his partner

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 September 2026 – A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Scottburgh Regional Court for the murder of his partner (34) in the Mahlongwa area of Umkomaas. The evidence presented in court revealed that Sibusiso Philani Hlongwa and the deceased were living together when he murdered her in December 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said on the evening of 25 December 2024, Hlongwa arrived home and asked the deceased to speak to him in an outbuilding. Ramkisson-Kara said she agreed and followed him.

“At approximately midnight, family members heard the deceased screaming inside the room. When they went to investigate, they found her bleeding profusely. She told them that Hlongwa had stabbed her before fleeing the scene.

“Paramedics were called, but the deceased was declared dead upon their arrival. The incident was reported to the police, who arrested Hlongwa the following day. During the trial, the state prosecutor Akhile Gcume led evidence from family members who found the deceased after the attack, the investigating officer and the doctor who examined her body,” she said.

Ramkisson-Kara further said the post-mortem report also formed part of the state’s case. She added that the Victim Impact Statements compiled by two family members and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Nokukhanya Mkhize were presented to the court.

“The family members described how the deceased’s death had negatively affected their lives and the trauma of witnessing her final moments. Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide remained an organisational priority.

“Together with our partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we will continue working to ensure that perpetrators of these offences are held accountable,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

She said in addition to the life sentence, Hlongwa was declared unfit to possess a firearm. Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide are held accountable for their actions.

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Man sentenced to life imprisonment for brutal attempted murder of former partner

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 September 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court for the attempted murder of his former partner, whom he repeatedly stabbed, resulting in the loss of her right eye. On 23 February 2024, Hendrik Blou and his former partner (23) were drinking alcohol at his parental home when she told him that she no longer loved him and left the house.

Blou allegedly followed her as she walked along the street and attacked her from behind, stabbing her repeatedly. When the complainant turned around, she recognised Blou as her attacker.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said he continued stabbing her in the face and eye until she lost consciousness. Senokoatsane said the victim later regained consciousness at Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia before being transferred to Kimberley for specialist treatment.

“Due to the severity of her injuries, her right eye had to be surgically removed. A second complainant witnessed the attack. Two days later, Blou allegedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed what she had seen, prompting her to report the matter to the police.

“Blou was arrested on 27 February 2024 and remained in custody throughout the trial. During the proceedings, the state presented evidence from several witnesses, including an eyewitness and two medical practitioners who testified about the extent of the victim’s injuries,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted Blou on all counts.

He added that the witnesses were supported and prepared for trial by Court Preparation Officer Majorie De Wee, who also assisted the victim in compiling a victim impact statement detailing the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of the attack.

“During sentencing, regional court prosecutor, Darryl Bromkamp argued that the offences were serious and demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour. The court was informed that Blou had previous convictions for murder and two counts of rape and had committed the present offences while on parole.

“The state argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence,” he said.

Senokoatsane said the authority remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving gender-based violence. He said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly offences involving Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“We will continue to support victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process and pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. The court agreed with the State’s submissions and sentenced Blou to life imprisonment for attempted murder.

“He was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for common assault, to run concurrently with the life sentence, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims and witnesses while working to protect vulnerable members of society and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system,” said Senokoatsane.

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Bafana aiming to keep momentum against Eritrea

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 September 2026 – Bafana Bafana will be looking to maintain momentum when the South Africans face Eritrea in an away 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 18h00 SA time.

The Eritreans are hosting this qualifying match at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, as they do not have a Confederation of African Football-accredited venue in their own country.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane’s charges got their AFCON qualifying campaign off to a winning start after beating Guinea 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium this past weekend. While Mosimane will hope that the South African senior men’s national team maintains the progress, he also warned that they would not take Eritrea lightly.

“I am happy with the result we got (in the first qualifier against Guinea), we got the result, and even the attitude was good. We need to show the same attitude against Eritrea because you can’t give respect to Guinea and not accord the same to an Eritrea side that just claimed a point away from home in Kenya,” he said.

Eritrea snatched a point away from home after a 1-1 draw with Kenya in the other Group D match also played this past weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams echoed Mosimane and said the team will continue to work very hard as they now shift focus to the East Africans.

“The spirit and the energy amongst ourselves are always good and we have maintained that. The guys have been open to all the changes that the coach has implemented and one way to see that is through the tactical agreements we had in the previous game, to see some of the things we worked on in training ahead of the game,” he said.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his daughter

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2026 – A father (14) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hartswater Regional Court for raping and sexually assaulting his biological daughter (14). The accused was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault after the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on 7 October 2021, when the accused invited his children to his home to celebrate his birthday. During the early hours of the following morning, the victim and her younger siblings were sleeping in the same bed as the accused.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said after the younger children left the room, the accused prevented the victim from leaving the bed, undressed her, sexually assaulted her and raped her. Senokoatsane said the victim testified that she cried out for help, but loud music playing in the room prevented anyone from hearing her.

“Following the incident, the accused allegedly threatened to kill members of the victim’s maternal family if she disclosed the abuse.

The victim remained silent for several months until the offences came to light after she gave birth in July 2022.

“The court heard that the victim went into labour at home and gave birth with the assistance of her cousin (18), who initially believed she was suffering from severe stomach pains. The victim and her cousin were subsequently taken to hospital, where medical personnel questioned the minor about the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and the identity of the child’s father,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the matter was reported to the police, and the victim disclosed that her biological father was responsible. He added that the DNA testing later confirmed that the accused was the biological father of the child.

“During the trial, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that the case had been fabricated by his wife’s family. However, the court rejected his version and convicted him on both counts.

“The sentence demonstrated the authority’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring accountability for sexual offences.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that vulnerable victims, particularly children, are treated with dignity, compassion, and sensitivity throughout the criminal justice process,” said Senokoatsane.

He said during sentencing, the state prosecutor Matilda Sekhoetsane argued that the seriousness of the offences and the aggravating circumstances warranted the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. Senokoatsane said the court also considered a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Dimpho Nikani, in which the victim described the emotional and psychological trauma she had suffered, including feelings of betrayal, fear and distrust.

“The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for rape and five years imprisonment for sexual assault, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The NPA further emphasised the importance of reporting sexual abuse and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and protection, particularly where abuse occurs within relationships of trust.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape Division welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the seriousness of sexual offences committed against children and the lasting impact on victims,” he said.

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Municipal Manager and two company directors in court over alleged R11 million tender fraud

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STAFF REPORTER

30 September 2026 – Blouberg Local Municipality Municipal, Manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala (57) and two directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd, have appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million.

Ramothwala, Sello Herlot Mongalo (37) and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka (39) were arrested on 23 September 2026, and are collectively facing 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from allegations that Blouberg Local Municipality awarded a security services tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023 after the company allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents. The company allegedly failed to meet key technical requirements stipulated in the tender specifications, including the ownership of firearms required to provide the contracted security services.

Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT Security Services continued providing services and received payments from the municipality over three years, amounting to more than R11 million.

NPA regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the authority remained committed to ensuring accountability in cases involving fraud, corruption and the misuse of public funds.

“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring accountability in matters involving fraud, corruption, and the misuse of public funds, and will continue to prosecute such matters without fear, favour, or prejudice,” said Malabi.

Ramothwala faces an additional charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.

She also has a pending fraud case before the Hoedspruit Regional Court, with the trial scheduled to proceed on 16 October 2026. BBT Security Services and its two directors face charges of theft, fraud and money laundering arising from the alleged irregular award and implementation of the tender.

The matter was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cases involving alleged financial misconduct and ensuring that public funds are protected.

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Man sentenced to eight years imprisonment for raping his neighbour

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 September 2026 – The Bafokeng Regional Court has sentenced Kabelo Rantwa (34) to eight years imprisonment for raping his neighbour (38) in Chaneng Village, near Rustenburg. The incident occurred on 11 November 2023, when Rantwa encountered the complainant at a local entertainment venue, where she had been socialising.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said later that evening, he went to her residence, where he found her undressed and proceeded to rape her. Mabasa said the complainant fought back during the assault before Rantwa fled the scene.

“During sentencing proceedings, Prosecutor Zolo Mpayipheli presented a victim impact statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Kenosi Pako. In her statement, the complainant described the profound impact of the rape on her life and that of her two minor children, who witnessed her struggle with Rantwa during the incident.

“The state argued that rape remains a serious offence with devastating consequences, particularly for women and children.

The prosecution further submitted that the seriousness of the offence was compounded by the fact that Rantwa was the complainant’s neighbour, someone from whom she was entitled to expect respect and safety,” she said.

Mabasa further said although Rantwa pleaded guilty, the state argued that his plea should not automatically be regarded as evidence of genuine remorse. She added that Rantwa had been released on bail and remained out of custody until the finalisation of the matter.

“The authority remained committed to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims received the necessary support throughout the criminal justice process. The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive the support they need throughout the criminal justice process.

“The court agreed with the state’s submissions and sentenced Rantwa to eight years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomes the sentence, reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and supporting victims of gender-based violence,” said Mabasa.

The North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the outcome and commended Mpayipheli, Pako and South African Police Service Detective Olebogeng Tsame for their professionalism and commitment in securing the conviction. Makhari said the NPA reiterated its commitment to supporting survivors through victim-centred interventions, including the Thuthuzela Care Centre programme, while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

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