Category Archives: NEWS

Banna ba le babedi ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya lepodisi

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

9 Tlhakole 2026- Lepodisi le le neng le se mo tirong le bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Sarasanta Christopher Lechuti (47) a ne a iketlile le mongwe wa lelapa fa mongwe wa batho ba ba neng ba itisitse kwa lefelong le le rekisang nnotagi a ne a raga lebotlolo la gagwe le le neng le tsentse nnotagi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go ile ga tsoga kgaruru magareng ga banna ba. Myburgh are Lechuti o ile a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale, mme a tabogisediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae.

“Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo la diura di le 72 go batlana le babelaelwa. Mmelaela wa dingwaga di le 46 o ile a tshwarwa ka Lamatlhatso bosigo morago ga go ineela kwa sepodisi.

“Mmelaelwa (32) wa bobedi o ile a tshwarwa ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi. Banna ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are Lechuti e ne e le karolo ya babatlisisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Christiana. Myburgh are kgetsi e, e tla batlisisiwa ke ba lephata la sepodisi la The Hawks.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo o rometse molaetsa wa matshidiso go ba lelapa le masika a moswi. Naidoo are o utlwisitswe botlhoko ka go latlhegelwa ke leloko la sepodisi ka mokgwa o botlhoko o.

“Seno se tlile go ama thata thebolo ya ditirelo. Re akgola babatlisisi ba ba kgonneng go tshwara babelaelwa. Seno se tla tlisa tshiamiso go ba lelapa.

“Baagi ba kopiwa go letsetsa sepodisi go 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa App mo MySAPS. Baagi ba ka letsetsa nomoro ya 080 091 1011 fa ba batla go tsenya ngongora mabapi le dikgetsi tsa go batla madi ka pateletso go batho,” Naidoo wa tlhalosa.

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A power struggle between North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and MEC Wessel Morweng amid HOD, Dr Hans Kekana’s suspension

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 February 2026- A power struggle has rear its ugly head within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). This comes after the defiant North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has suspended his Head of Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana.

Morweng suspended Kekana after accusing him of failing to implement airports issues among other things. However, this caused a scrimmage between Morweng and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi. On 4 February 2026, Mokgosi allegedly overruled Morweng’s decision and wrote a letter to Kekana instructing him to go back to work. 

He alleged that Morweng had no powers to suspend Kekana.

 
“I am in receipt of correspondence from the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessel Morweng dated 3 February 2026, purportedly suspending you from work. Kindly take notice that the career incidents of all Head of Departments is vested exclusively in the Premier as stipulated in Section 12 of the Public Service Act, 1994 this power entails the appointment, suspension, discipline and transfers or secondment of HODs.

“Accordingly, the MEC has no power or duty to suspend you from work. Given the legislative power, you are directed to report for duty as the MEC is not empowered in law to suspend or put you through a disciplinary process in the absence of such power having been delegated to him,” he said in the letter.

However, The Guardian Newspaper understands that Morweng wrote another letter late at night on 5 February 2026, informing Mokgosi that his decision to suspend Kekana stands. Morweng said in exclusive interviews with The Guardian Newspaper that he has reported the matter to the ANC provincial leadership for intervention.

“Look, even the ANC Provincial Chairperson, Nono Maloyi, was very clear that as the organisation, we need to be forthright in implementation of what we promised our people. When there are some challenges, it is not the Head of the Department (HOD), who must account to the people. The politicians such as mayors, MECs and Premier are held accountable because those are public representatives.

“These are the individuals who the people cast their votes for to become their leaders. What we should ask ourselves is, what is that the politicians do in the institutions, if there is no service delivery. So, that is why I opted to take that decision to place Kekana on precautionary leave pending investigation. Kekana is suspended for failure to implement the airports, which is a thorny issue,” he said.

Morweng further said the people of Bokone Bophirima are complaining about the non-implementation of airports. He added that, since he was appointed as MEC from 2024 until now, they are unable to resolve the issue of the airports.

“There is interest everywhere and I am inundated with calls regarding the refurbishment of airports. The project can create millions of jobs in the province. However, you will tell me that we must just sit and become a business as usual?

“As government, we keep on promising people a better life. The root causes of our failure in the main, but not in all aspects, are administrators. Hence I have arrived at that decision to suspend Kekana. The technicalities of whether I have powers or not, I have expressed them in my communication with the Premier, including the organisation,” said Morweng.

He said the relevant prescriptions, including the MEC’s handbook will tell you about relevant policies. Morweng said the MEC’s handbook provides him with necessary powers to act in this regard.

“My decision was informed by lack of service delivery. Amongst other things, there is the issue of the airports, collapse of the scholar transport and projects that are on the brink of collapse,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The Premier is still processing the matter and he’ll pronounce himself at the right time.”

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Setopo sa lekgarebe se bonwe kwa molapong

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Setshwantsho: Setopo sa lekgarebe se bonwe kwa molapong

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Tlhakole 2026- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore setopo sa lekgarebe le go belaelwang le le dingwaga tse di magareng ga 25 le 30, se bonwe kwa molapong kwa motseng wa Matolong, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane.

Go belaelwa fa setopo se, se ne se na le dintho tsa go teketiwa, mme se tlile se gogotswe ke metsi. Go begwa fa se ile sa thibelwa ke borogo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa setopo se, se bonwe ke mofeti-ka-tsela, mme o ile a itsise sepodisi. Van Rooyen are go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe gore setopo seo ke sa ga mang.

“Dipholo tsa morago ga loso di tla supa gore loso la lekgarebe le, le ka tswa le tlhodilwe ke eng. Go bontsha fa moswi a teketilwe go utlwala pele ga a ka bolawa,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Concerns amid increase in contact crime

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 February 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has expressed serious concern regarding the increase in contact crimes, including attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and rape. The police said the members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to exercise caution at all times, both in public spaces and within residential areas, in order to reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane urged community members to apply safety measures such as avoiding walking alone in dark or isolated areas. Pilane said they should also avoid the company of unfamiliar individuals.

“Do not accept lifts from strangers. Inform family members or trusted persons of your whereabouts at all times. Walk in well-lit and busy streets, and move in groups where possible. Avoid unnecessary confrontations at all costs. Remain alert and ensure that you have access to emergency contact numbers.

“Trust your instincts and act promptly when sensing danger. Members of the public are further encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents of abuse and to break the silence on Gender-Based Violence. Working together with communities remains critical in the fight against crime,” he said.

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NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola resigns after death threats

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Picture: NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 February 2026- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola has tendered her resignation citing death threats. On 27 January 2026, Hlubi-Majola was to join NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim as part of her work in Parliamentary in Cape Town, where Jim was to make a presentation to the Parliamentary Committee of Trade, Industry and Competition on the implementation of the South African Automotive Master Plan with stakeholders.

Jim said before Hlubi-Majola could join him in parliament from the hotel where she was staying, she received a message from an unknown number informing her that she should be careful as there were people following her who knew all her movements and were paid to kill her. He said Hlubi-Majola then sent a message to him, stating that she was no longer going to join him in Parliament and that she had already booked a return flight and would be leaving Cape Town.

“I asked what was happening and whether she had the number of the person who had sent the threatening message to her. She responded later in the day with a message in which she apologised for not coming back on time as she had been on a plane returning back to Johannesburg. She then forwarded a screenshot of the message from this unknown person.

“The following day, at approximately 8:30am, Hlubi-Majola sent her letter of resignation to the NUMSA General Secretary resigning from the union as the national spokesperson,” he said.

Jim further said as the union leadership, having reflected on her wish to resign the union accepted her resignation and on Thursday, they sent an internal memo in the union, communicating that two other NUMSA comrades received similar threatening messages. He added that in their internal memo to the staff and the union members, the NUMSA leadership condemned the assassination threat.

“We were very clear that such threats have no place in NUMSA, and that the union was taking extraordinary measures to embark on a process to investigate the culprits behind the threats.  We were very clear that the union will not be intimidated by such threats. It is also important to state that in the internal memo condemning these cowardly threats we also informed the union that two other NUMSA comrades were subjected to these threatening messages.

“The reason why we did not mention Phakamile Hlubi-Majola by name and the other two comrades who had similar threats in the internal memo was because of security considerations and all sensitivities on matters of this nature,” said Jim.

He said, however, they have observed over the past weekend that the ‘cat is out of the bag’ as the details of her resignation were unfortunately leaked to one media house. Jim said it remains NUMSA’s position that they do not intend to discuss Hlubi-Majola’s resignation from the union with the public, especially in the media.

“We are of the view that such matters are confidential matters between herself and NUMSA as her employer. The union having reflected on her letter of resignation, took the decision to accept her resignation. We have stated that Hlubi-Majola’s resignation is a huge loss to the union.

“We expressed on behalf of the union and all Metalworkers our heartfelt gratitude for her contribution and dedicated service over the period of her employment at NUMSA. We wish her the very best in her future efforts as a journalist and a progressive activist,” he said.

Jim said it is their honest view that Phakamile Hlubi-Majola will not be lost to the working class struggle as she is a powerful mass communicator for the working class and its struggles. He said therefore, they are of the view that regardless of where she will be, they think that as NUMSA, they would still be able to identify areas of mutual benefit and cooperation in the best interest of the working class.

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Upcoming dancer ready for the bigger stage 

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Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 February 2026- Even though dancing is a legitimate albeit challenging career that encompasses roles like company performers, commercial dancers for film, TV, music videos and instructors, most individuals do not regard it as a career. However, Tlapeng-born dancer, Remofilwe Senwedi (18) said she wants to turn dancing into her oyster. 

Senwedi started dancing when she was a kid. According to her, she has always been drawn to the energy and creativity of performance.

“I am a passionate performer, dancer, and MC. I am a versatile dancer with a background in Amapiano. Honestly, dancing requires intense physical training, high commitment and often involves juggling multiple jobs. What I like about it is a professional field with opportunities for growth.

Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

“One can work with professional dance companies, performing in musical theatre, working on cruise ships, in theme parks, or teaching at dance schools. I hope to inspire others with my passion and talent, including finding my niche within the industry,” she said. 

Senwedi further said she has been performing at various events and shared the stage with some amazing artists such as Amapiano. She added that even though many dancers work as freelancers due to inconsistency of employment within the field, she would like to see growth on her side and eventually touring the world. 

“I would also love to even have my own dancing school. Normally, most dancers have multiple jobs within the industry. Remember, a successful career requires extensive training in various genres, discipline and the ability to accept constructive criticism.

“I also MCing at various events, including music festivals, corporate functions, and dance competitions. I believe that will broaden my horizon and assist in building my portfolio. To be MC, you need confidence, charisma, and the ability to think on your feet – plus a bit of humour does not hurt,” giggles Senwedi. 

Currently, Senwedi is doing Grade 11 at Keretetse Secondary School in Tlapeng village, Taung. She also emphasised the importance of education. 

“Truly speaking, education serves as the foundational cornerstone for building a robust, equitable, and sustainable future. So, I would like to further my studies after finishing my matric. It is imperative as a woman to be well-educated, especially when embarking in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done to create equal opportunities for women in the arts, however, there is progress,” she said.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass to attend IBTs Summit

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass will attend and participate at the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, hosted by the National Department of Human Settlements at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg from 3 to 4 February 2026.

Vass spokesperson, Tebogo Monyo said the gathering brings together government, the building and construction industry, academia, investors, and civil society to advance innovative solutions for the delivery of sustainable human settlements, and the keynote address will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 February 2026.

Monyo said held under the theme: “Mainstreaming Innovative Building Technologies for Sustainable Human Settlements”, the IBT Summit aims to accelerate the adoption of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) to enhance the delivery of housing across South Africa.

“IBT’s offer viable and cost-effective alternatives that enhance efficiency through lightweight structures, energy-efficient designs, prefabrication and environmentally sustainable construction methods,” he said.

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Director of Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, Kabelo Masango sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The accused, Kabelo John Masango (32) and his company, Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg for fraud and money laundering. Masango and his company were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 10 counts of fraud, 10 years imprisonment for money laundering and 10 months imprisonment for Contravening Section 7, read with Sections 8 and 36 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment for both accused. Gunya said between June 2017 and April 2018, Masango approached victims, mainly from Dikebu village, near Rustenburg, including close relatives and persuaded them to invest money with his company by promising high returns.

“He frequently visited potential investors at their homes to convince them to invest their hard-earned savings. To gain the trust of investors, Masango paid interest to the first investor from his personal bank account. Some investors received payments for the first two months, while others did not benefit at all.

“Thereafter, Masango failed to honour the agreements, ignored calls from investors and disappeared with their funds. The victims reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest on 28 November 2021. Evidence before the court revealed that Masango siphoned off more than R1.7 million from unsuspecting victims during the period 2017 to 2018,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Masango and his company pleaded not guilty. He added that, in aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau submitted that the accused deliberately defrauded elderly persons, some of whom were known to him and others who were related to him.

“The court heard that Masango made false promises of monthly interest payments, which were either short-lived or never honoured,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, commended Mudau and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to finality. Makhari said this sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.

“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat commercial crimes, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the interests of vulnerable communities,” she said.

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Madibeng mayor’s VIP Protectors in court for alleged murder

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Picture: The deceased, Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton

By STAFF REPORTER  

3 February 2026- Two VIP protection officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42), assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane, briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 28 January 2026 at approximately 8pm, the deceased and his wife, both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele Drive towards the R80 when they were flagged down by a dark BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights. Mahanjana said the couple then turned onto the R80 towards Mabopane, where they were allegedly forced to pull over on the side of the road.

“It is alleged that Sohole and Makampe exited the BMW, one of them armed with an R5 rifle and approached the couple’s vehicle. The deceased was seated in the passenger seat, while his wife was the driver. The two allegedly questioned the couple about a missing rear number plate before returning to their vehicle.

“The deceased then followed them to check their identification and establish whether they were police officials with lawful authority to stop and question them. As he approached the BMW, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene,” she said.

Mahanjana further said a few hours later, the two accused handed themselves over at the Hercules Police Station, claiming that they were victims of an attempted hijacking and that a shooting had occurred on the R80. She added that the matter was postponed to 4 February 2026, for a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police and Member of Parliament (MP), Lisa Schickerling said they strongly condemn the tragic killing of Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton and extend their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Schickerling said the killing occurred on the Mabopane main road within Madibeng Local Municipality, where an unmarked vehicle fitted with a single blue light allegedly stopped Sergeant Swanton before he was fatally shot.

“The bodyguards involved were attached to the mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Douglas Maimane, and reports indicate that the vehicle had no clear official markings, while armed bodyguards dressed in civilian clothing confronted him. This raises serious questions about conduct, identification procedures, and the rules governing VIP protection operations.

“This incident once again exposes the dangerous culture surrounding the so-called “blue light brigade”, where armed bodyguards operate with impunity, intimidate road users and place innocent lives at risk. No public official or their security detail is above the law,” she said.

Schickerling further said this culture of impunity is not isolated. She added that South Africans will recall how members of a blue light convoy attached to the Deputy President were filmed assaulting a civilian motorist on a public highway, illustrating a broader pattern of abuse, lawlessness, and disregard for human life among certain VIP protection units.

“It is deeply concerning that an unmarked vehicle with limited identification was used in an operation that ended in the loss of an innocent life. This points to a serious failure in protocols, oversight and accountability within VIP protection services.

“The DA calls for a swift, transparent investigation and for those responsible to face the full consequences of the law. We further demand an urgent review of VIP protection policies to prevent the continued abuse of power and to ensure that public safety, not political privilege, remains the priority,” said Schickerling.

She said South Africans deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, not armed convoys that behave like untouchable elites.

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DA: “Lesufi reshuffles suspended officials, has no intention of rooting out corruption”

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Picture: Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi is playing musical chairs by redeploying high-ranking officials who were placed on precautionary suspension. The DA said moving officials who have a cloud hanging over their heads is not solving the problems faced by the province, which is a lack of service delivery and corruption.

The Official Leader of the Opposition in Gauteng and Member of Provincial Legislature in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga said some officials such as Lesiba Arnold Malotana is a suspended Head of Department (HOD) for the Gauteng Health Department, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, suspended HOD for Community Safety and Mduduzi Malope, suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Community Safety. Msimanga said Lesufi has provided no update on whether disciplinary action has been taken against these officials and has instead moved them to other departments that provide critical services to the province.

“While the DA is relieved that the suspended HOD for Health will not be returning to the department, the shift to the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is of concern. This department is already failing on its core mandate to assist municipalities in delivering services to the residents of this province. The only municipality that can do so seamlessly is the DA-led Midvaal Local Municipality.

“Furthermore, the HOD for Community Safety will be deployed to the Premier’s office to assist with service delivery priorities, and the CFO for Community Safety will be deployed to the Gauteng Department of Environment to help with the financial administration process,” he said.

Lesufi further said three undisclosed officials failed the lifestyle audits and one tends to wonder if these are the officials who had failed their lifestyle audits. He added that Lesufi must disclose what these officials may have on him that is making him reward them with senior positions again within the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands that Lesufi immediately explain to the residents of this province what consequences management took against these officials and the outcome of any disciplinary action. Moving officials from one department to another is not stamping out corruption. It is sending a message that if you are corrupt, no action will be taken.

“The DA Gauteng will continue to push for speedy disciplinary action to be taken against all three officials who have been placed on suspension. The DA Gauteng will be tabling further questions to the Premier through the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the reasons for redeploying the implicated officials,” said Msimanga. 

He said they will also determine why no formal action has been taken against any of the officials who have been moved to new departments. Msimanga said a DA-led Gauteng provincial government would immediately suspend and take disciplinary action against any official who is accused of misconduct in the GPG.

“Yes, this can be done,” he said.

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