Category Archives: NEWS

North West Department of Education denies feeding ‘rotten’ food to Grade 12 learners 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 July 2025- The North West Department of Education has described allegations of ill-treatment of Grade 12 learners who are attending winter camps at Lerona Secondary School in Christiana as incongruous. This comes after some unknown individual alleged that there is a lot happening ‘behind closed doors’ at the camps.

The individual further alleged that, since they arrived there, they are not able to go to the ablution facilities because they are in depraved condition. The individual said a lot of female learners have been ill for the past few days suffering from infections.

“Some of these learners are not even attending to or being taken to a clinic for medical attention. Food handlers in the kitchen do not promote safe food handling practices. When we try to raise the matter, we are being pushed away like dogs.

“Also, we are being threatened of being expelled if we raise our concerns. So, we call on parents or guardians for help because we are even being fed rotten food. We are being subjected to inhumane treatment and nothing has been done.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge these allegations and wish to confirm that the accusations of abuse are unfounded. Molokwane said the department is responsible for providing comprehensive training to food handlers to promote safe food handling practices.

“Regarding the issue of sanitation facilities, the department has dispatched a team to assess the situation and the latest report indicates that there are no current issues. The department sincerely prioritizes the health and well-being of learners and remains committed to ensuring that teaching and learning take place in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.

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SA women shine bright at CAF WAFCON in Morocco

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Picture: The SA seasoned referee, Akhona Makalima/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 July 2025- South African women’s match officials are making an indelible mark on the international football stage, with their talent and dedication taking centre stage at the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The performances of the South Africans in this tournament have been testament to the hard work and resilience of these pioneering women who are steadily elevating the profile of the country’s refereeing to a higher level.

Leading the charge is seasoned referee Akhona Makalima, whose presence at the WAFCON follows her remarkable representation of South Africa at the prestigious FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand in 2023. Makalima’s consistent excellence and ability to perform under pressure on the global stage exemplifies the high standards South African referees are striving for.

National Referees Committee (NRC) Chairperson, Victor Gomes said equally impactful is the contribution of referee technical instructor, Lufuno Nemagovhani. Her recent participation in a FIFA Regional Instructors course and her exceptional technical skills has earned her a well-deserved role as an instructor and assessor at this very tournament. Nemagovhani’s expertise is crucial in shaping the next generation of top-tier officials.

Gomes said the increasing presence of South African women in refereeing on the African continent is a source of immense pride. He further said with a strong cohort of talented match officials like Nonjabulo Ndlela, Hloniphile Msezane, Amogelang Msiza, Kwandile Somtsai, Nandipha Menze, Maneo Tau, Thembisa Siyatsha, and many others officiating on the National Panel in South Africa, the future of women referees in the country is undeniably positive.

“Behind the scenes, the tireless efforts of both physical and technical referee instructors are instrumental in this success. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring South African referees remain at a top level and consistently strive for excellence is the bedrock upon which these achievements are built.

“We express immense pride in the strides being taken by female match officials and instructors. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of our female referees and instructors,” said Gomes.

He added that this is just the beginning of what they hope will be a sustained period of success for their officials. Gomes said they now need to ensure that their development structures are well-groomed to secure a steady group of match officials for the future.

He said this strong representation at a major continental tournament like the WAFCON underscores South Africa’s growing influence in refereeing and signals a bright and promising future for women in the sport.

Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, applauded the officials and said they remain an inspiration for many youngsters around the country who want to follow in their footsteps.

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Three suspects arrested for trespassing  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 July 2025 – Three accused, Danny Mashaba (35), Samson Machigera (33) and Raphael Movela (24), are expected to briefly appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 24 July 2025, for trespassing. Mashaba, Machigera and Movela were arrested for allegedly trespassing at Sibanye Stilwater’s Operation Belt 4 in Marikana on 8 July 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this comes after the security officers responded to an alarm at the shaft and upon investigation allegedly saw a group of people, who were on the way to walk out of the decline shaft gate (the shaft was closed for production in March 2024). Myburgh said upon seeing security officers, the group allegedly ran back into the shaft and left three dead bodies behind.

“The bodies were found fastened to self-made stretchers. Furthermore, four men were arrested. Out of the four, two were taken to hospital. One was treated and arrested after being discharged.

“The other one is still admitted under police guard. The police have also opened an inquest docket for investigation of the three bodies and the deceased are to be identified,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, immediately after the incident was reported to the police, instructed both the acting District Commissioner and the Provincial Operational Coordination Centre Head to plan a multi-disciplinary operation at this mine, which has never reported any incidents of illegal mining, trespassing or other illegal mining related crimes. Asaneng said the arrest of these suspects and the discovery of the three unidentified corpses are deeply worrisome after what was recently experienced in Stilfontein Buffelsfontein Gold mine.

“This latest incident clearly shows that what happened in Stilfontein are just the tip of the iceberg and a ticking time bomb on the extent and gravity of the illicit economy that is illegal mining.

“The police through Operation Vala Umgodi, have managed to stabilise the situation in the Gold mining sector in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, which have seen more and more incidents of illegal mining for chrome and associated crimes being reported in other districts and parts of the province such as Mooinooi, Tlhatlaganye, Tweelagte, Witrandjie and Masebudule, outside Zeerust and even in Ottoshoop, outside Mahikeng,” she said.

Asaneng said the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has been contacted as in all of these areas, rival community groupings and land owners are in the forefront of the disputes. He said sometimes violent confrontations are caused by either competing mining permits or land ownership disputes between families and traditional authorities and as such.

“The police will require the active involvement of all key role players to address this problem,” said Asaneng.

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A man nabbed after the discovery of a missing person’s body

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Picture: The missing David Filmone Monese found murdered/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 July 2025- Following a missing person case reported at Mogwase at the end of June 2025, a multi-disciplinary investigation and tracking team consisting of Crime Intelligence, Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Rustenburg Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU) and Mogwase Detectives, was tasked to activate a 72 hour operation to unravel the disappearance of the victim, David Filmone Monese (59).

Monese was last seen at work on 27 June 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the team immediately got down to work, following a number of leads, which led to the identification and subsequent arrest of a suspect (39) on 7 July 2025. Myburgh said the suspect, Lucas Enock Mkhize was allegedly found on the N18 road, near Ramatlabama village, in Mahikeng, where he was evading the police.

“The police took him to an address at Ramatlabama six hundred, where police confiscated cell phones and clothing believed to be ill-gotten loot from his criminal acts. Mkhize proceeded to take police to the Bangladesh Section in Hebron village, where the decomposed body of Monase was discovered.

“The body was discovered in an open field, where he was dumped after being killed. Immediately, a case of murder was opened in Hebron against the suspect, before he was taken to Mogwase Police Station, where further cases of kidnapping, house robbery and carjacking were opened,” she said.

Myburgh further said Mkhize briefly appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2025 on charges of murder, kidnapping, house robbery and carjacking. She added that he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 24 July 2025.

“The police are hot on the tracks of his two accomplices, who have been identified as Pontsho and MJ. The two are regarded as armed and dangerous and as a result, the general public, including their friends or relatives who may have information on their whereabouts are asked not to harbour or assist them from evading arrest, but to report them to the nearest police station.

“You can also anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS app from your smartphone,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “This dastardly, barbaric and abominable crime by these heartless ruffians has robbed the family, relatives and society of a hardworking, valuable member of the community.

“All the available police resources and expertise shall be deployed to make sure that justice is served. The two scoundrels, who are still out there, must know the police will hunt them day and night and very soon they will have to account for their violent, senseless crimes.”

Myburgh said to the police, they are considered and regarded as merciless, dangerous robbers and murderers and will unless they hand themselves over immediately, be handled appropriately.

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SAPS making inroads in fighting GBVF

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it is continuing to accelerate its response to combat and prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through its intensified nationwide operations across the country. The SAPS said these operations and police actions carried out between 30 June 2025 to 6 July 2025 led to the arrest of 99 suspects for rape, Gauteng leading at 26 arrests.

The police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Vincent Mukhathi said in addition, police arrested 73 wanted rape suspects as well as 16 individuals tracked down for sexual offences in various provinces. Mukhathi said the SAPS is also focusing on community mobilization, enhancing better response, and strengthening collaboration with other government departments and community-based organisations in the fight against GBVF in the country.

“This week, the SAPS effected the key arrests for perpetrators of GVBF including arresting a man (29) in Limpopo for the alleged murder of his girlfriend (33) in Nailana village. He allegedly assaulted his girlfriend with sticks to death.

“He has already appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2025, facing charges of murder. In a separate case, Sanele Fakudze (37), Eswatini foreign national, was arrested in connection with a murder of a girl (4) and her 28-year-old mother found unconscious next to the road in Kaapmuiden, Mpumalanga Province,” he said.

Mukhathi said in addition, 8 July 2025, a man (40) was arrested for allegedly raping his ex-girlfriend (39) in Thohoyandou on 16 June 2025. He said the accused appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2025, on charges of rape.

“These arrests form part of the SAPS’s intensified 90-day blitz to combat and prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) across the country. Moreover, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) members successfully secured notable convictions during this period,” he said.

Mukhathi said in the months of May and June 2025, Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit detectives secured 21 life term sentences and an additional 1 420 years’ imprisonment to 40 accused for crimes committed against women and children. He said an accused (22), was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of the repeated rape of an 11-year-old girl in Mdantsane in August 2020.

“In Northern Cape, Calvinia Regional Court sentenced accused (40) to life imprisonment after being found guilty of raping three siblings aged between 4 and 11 years in October 2022.

“On 4 July 2025, the Burgersfort Regional Court sentenced a well-known hip-hop artist Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane (42) to three life terms imprisonment for three counts of rape of a boy (9) in Driekop village in November 2020,” said Mukhathi.

Mukhathi said the accused, Mosala Benito Ellester (22) sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a woman (64) in Phelindaba, Bloemfontein in December 2023. He said the police will continue to conduct their targeted operations to address criminal activities, including GBVF, and ensure safe and security of communities, especially women, children and vulnerable groups.

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Tshwane A clinches Telkom Netball Championship title

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Picture: Tshwane A and Johannesburg A in action during the Telkom Netball Championship at DF Malan, Cape Town/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 July 2025- Tshwane A clinched the 5th edition of the Telkom Netball Championship after defeating Johannesburg A 36-26 in a pulsating U19 final held in Bellville, Cape Town. During the pool matches, Tshwane narrowly lost to Johannesburg with a score of 30-27 on a rainy day in the Mother City, but they made a strong comeback to win the final. Johannesburg went into the tie as favourites, but a third-quarter surge by Tshwane ultimately secured their victory.

Tshwane A, under the tutelage of Amanda Mynhardt, retained the title they won last year when they beat Cape Wineland. Mynhardt praised the TNC initiative, describing it as one of the most amazing platforms for young people.

“The week here at the TNC was just amazing. We had a great team, but it was also very young and inexperienced. They were never the favourites to win this tournament.

“I think they just showed up this week and they played together as a unit. The TNC remains one of the most amazing platforms for the youngsters,” she said.

Mynhardt further said her charges executed the game plan to perfection. She added that the age they are at, it’s hard to stick to the game plan, but for her, it’s the intellect of these players that was really surprising and how they stuck to what they wanted to do today.

Despite being on the losing side, Johannesburg A’s coach, Adine Adriaanse, expressed her excitement about the tournament’s success. Adriaanse praised the excellent organisation, highlighting that the wellness, safety and health of the players were prioritised.

“We express gratitude for providing a platform, where these talented players can showcase their skills. I think the week in Cape Town was well arranged. You got the sense that the health and safety of players was prioritised.

“The accommodation was outstanding. I’m glad for girls’ sport, we’re doing so much and going the extra mile,” she said.

Regarding the team’s performance in the final, Adriaanse said they were outstanding, despite the fact that they entered the tournament as complete strangers.

“It was outstanding, coming together as a team, not knowing each other. We knew the final would be tough…well done to Tshwane. It was an exceptional experience. The vibe was something magical,” she said.

Meanwhile, this year, the five-day tournament attracted 95 teams, up from 88 last year, indicating its growing popularity. The tournament also featured guest teams from Namibia competing in the U17 and U18 age categories.

A national U17 team has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in August, which will take place in Eswatini.

U/19 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

Best Shooter:  Kabura Abubakar – Johannesburg

Best Mid Court Player: Jade Atkins – Tshwane

Best Defender: Amia Roux – Dr Kenneth Kaunda

Player of the Tournament: Boitumelo Mokoena – Johannesburg

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Ramaphosa should act decisively against Mchunu

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Picture: The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 July 2025- Congress of the People (COPE) acting Deputy President, Teboho Loate said there is a widespread frustration felt across South African society with the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s double standards and lack of decisive action in addressing the serious allegations against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.

Loate said recent claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025, accusing Mchunu of political interference and links to criminal gangs, have heightened public outrage.

He further said Ramaphosa’s failure to respond firmly exposes a troubling pattern of indecision and double standards that undermines trust in the institutions of democracy. Loate added that this inconsistency in Ramaphosa’s leadership is glaring when comparing his swift response to minor infractions with his reluctance to tackle these grave allegations.

“For instance, Ramaphosa promptly removed Andrew Whitfield from his ministerial position over a relatively minor breach of protocol. In stark contrast, the accusations against Senzo Mchunu, which emerged on 6 July 2025, have yet to elicit a firm response, leaving a gap of over six days with no apparent action, as he delays addressing the issue.

“This disparity raises serious questions about the President’s commitment to ethical governance and accountability. A 2023 study by the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Social Science Research revealed that 67% of South Africans view high-level corruption as a significant barrier to trust in leadership,” he said.

Loate said this statistic highlights the public’s growing frustration with the endless meetings, commissions, and empty promises. He said South Africans are no longer willing to tolerate delays or investigations that lead nowhere.

“They demand strong, immediate action against corruption to restore faith in their government. Ramaphosa’s repeated failures to set a robust ethical tone strengthen COPE’s long-standing call for the direct election of the President by the people.

“As outlined in Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s State Capture Report, direct elections would enhance accountability, ensuring the President answers to voters rather than party elites. This reform would break the cycle of impunity and indecision that has plagued the current system, fostering a leadership that reflects the will and values of the electorate,” said Loate.

He said COPE believes this is a critical step toward rebuilding trust and delivering the ethical governance South Africans deserve. Loate urges Ramaphosa to act decisively against Mchunu this Sunday and to support constitutional reforms for direct presidential elections.

“The time for talking is over. South Africa needs action now,” he said.

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ANC welcomes the return of Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station

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Picture: Medupi Power Station

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the successful return of Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station to the national grid, restoring 800MW of capacity after the 2021 explosion. The party said this is a significant breakthrough in the country’s journey towards energy security, industrial revitalisation, and inclusive growth.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said they are particularly impressed that this milestone was achieved eight months ahead of schedule. Bhengu said this milestone reaffirms the correctness of the ANC-led government’s Energy Action Plan and the decisive leadership of Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

“It proves that when leadership is aligned with ANC policy and guided by clear purpose, delivery follows to benefit the people of South Africa. The return of Unit 4 strengthens the electricity grid, supports the recovery of our logistics network, and enables growth in mining, agriculture, transport, and manufacturing.

“The ANC commends the engineers, workers, and Eskom management for their resolve and technical skill. We further reiterate the importance of continued investment in energy security integrating clean technology retrofits to affirm our commitment to a just energy transition that serves our people,” she said.

Bhengu further said Medupi’s recovery is a building block towards a more reliable energy supply, restored investor confidence and a capable developmental state that drives transformation. She added that the ANC will continue to lead this progressive developmental march with the people at the centre.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, possession of firearm

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 July 2025- A man (34) sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court for murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This comes after the accused, Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe was convicted.

The Nationals Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said convictions relate to a violent incident that occurred on 7 April 2021 at Dr Steenkamp’s surgery in Block A, Mabopane. Gunya said Tshiovhe, along with a group of men, stormed the surgery in broad daylight and robbed the doctor and patients of their valuables.

“During the robbery, one of the patients was fatally shot and died at the scene from a gunshot wound. As the situation escalated, Dr Steenkamp, acting in self-defence, used his licensed firearm and shot Tshiovhe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

“Witnesses reported seeing Tshiovhe bleeding as he fled the scene with his accomplices in a white Toyota Quantum parked outside. The next day, police followed up on information obtained from a witness and visited Odi Hospital to investigate the Quantum,” he said.

Gunya further said surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of Tshiovhe and another suspect. He added that on 5 May 2021, an identification parade was conducted, during which some victims positively identified both individuals.

“Furthermore, blood samples collected from the scene were forensically linked to Tshiovhe through buccal sample analysis. The case against the co-accused was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Tshiovhe pleaded not guilty to all charges.

“However, in aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana argued that the gravity of the offences and the lack of substantial and compelling circumstances warranted the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Gunya.

He said the court concurred and imposed life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. Gunya said all sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence.

“Tshiovhe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Welcoming the judgment, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Tlatsana, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

“These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.

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Invocation of Section 139(1)(a) at Mamusa     

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Picture: The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has expressed deep concern after disruptions at a meeting meant to officially communicate the invocation of Section 139(1)(a) of the Constitution at Mamusa Local Municipality as resolved by the Provincial Executive Council.

In an unprecedented turn of events, community members demanded to meet Molapisi directly reporting alleged failure by council to follow due process in the appointment of senior officials and a lack of service delivery amongst others. 

Molapisi further said he takes a ‘dim view’ and strongly condemns actions by community members. He added that although disappointed by the disruption, he still chose to listen to the community’s concerns. 

“We urge them to allow the Department of COGTA to do its work and help fix the problems. In respect of matters currently before the court, including the reappointment of the Municipal Manager, we urge the community to allow due legal process to take its course, await outcomes and respect courts systems. 

“An urgent meeting with councillors will be convened within seven days to address outstanding issues. In light of today’s events, I am more determined to carry out the Provincial Executive Council’s decision. The decision of EXCO will be communicated to the council and implemented without fail,” said Molapisi.

IMATU branch secretary in Schweizer Reneke, David Motswana said as the union, they welcome the decision. Motswana said two days ago, municipal employees embarked on a protest over unpaid salaries. 

“It is not for the first time that municipal employees go months without getting their salaries. However, some municipal employees embarked on a protest because they do not want the legitimate Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane in the cocoon,” he said.

SAMWU branch secretary, Lebogang Tutubalang shared the same sentiments. Tutubalang said: “You will remember that Section 139(1)(a) of the South African Constitution allows a provincial government to intervene in a municipality when it fails to fulfill its executive obligation. 

“This intervention involves issuing a directive to the municipal council, instructing them on how to meet their responsibilities. So, we will not stand in the way of MEC to implement a mechanism to ensure the municipality upholds its constitutional and legal duties.”

Tutubala said the implementation was done after analysis and they welcome that. 

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