Category Archives: NEWS

Lehurutshe man nabbed for assaulting a woman

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Picture: A GBV suspect arrested by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 June 2026- A man (37) from Dinokana village, near Lehurutshe was arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. This comes after he was seen on widespread video brutally assaulting his girlfriend after accusing her of wielding a bottle against him.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the Provincial Tracking Team for arresting the suspect on Monday morning, 1 June 2026, after a video went viral on social media. Naidoo said a local activist shared a video over the weekend on social media in which a woman was allegedly repeatedly assaulted by the suspect.

“The video was brought to my attention and I immediately ordered an investigation. Information was gathered and followed up by the Tracking Team, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

“Initial investigations revealed that the man is currently out on parole for a case reported in 2022, in which he was convicted of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Furthermore, Lehurutshe Detectives linked him to a house robbery case reported earlier in May 2026, a case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) related to the video footage, as well as a case of contravention of a protection order reported by another woman in April 2026,” he said.

Naidoo said furher links to additional cases are being investigated. He added that the police remain committed to protect women and children who are among the most vulnerable members of society.

“We would like to thank the local community activist for speaking out against Gender Based Violence (GBV). We encourage community members to report crime at their nearest police station or alternatively contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App on smartphones,” concluded Naidoo.

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An employee ‘defrauded’ municipality R424 000

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 June 2026 – The accused, Janitha van Reenen Coetzee (25), who is facing a charge of fraud involving approximately R424 000, denied bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court. Coetzee allegedly defrauded Emfuleni Local Municipality.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana alleged that Coetzee misrepresented herself as an independent agent who could assist residents in obtaining discounts on outstanding municipal accounts. Mahanjana said victims would allegedly provide her with money to make discounted payments to the municipality on their behalf.

“However, the funds were allegedly never paid over to the municipality. The accused also allegedly submitted claims to the municipality on behalf of the victims. It is further alleged that the municipality paid a total amount of approximately R424 000 to the accused, which was never paid to the intended beneficiaries.

“The alleged fraud came to light when the then Financial Officer of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Martha Mani Rantsofu, who has since passed away, identified suspicious claims amounting to R424 000 and reported the matter to her manager,” she said.

Mahanjana further said following an internal investigation by the municipality, the matter was reported to the police. She added that the accused was arrested on 20 May 2026 and subsequently appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, where she applied for bail.

“The state, represented by prosecutor Moses Raditsela, opposed the bail application and argued that the accused was likely to interfere with state witnesses and posed a flight risk as her residential address could not be properly verified.

“The state further argued that her release would not be in the interests of justice. In his ruling, magistrate Mamburu agreed with the state’s submissions and found that it would not be in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail,” said Mahanjana.

She said bail was accordingly denied and the matter was postponed to 23 June 2026 for further investigation.

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Newly-elected RCL in North West aim to address challenges facing learners

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Picture: Newly-elected Provincial Representative Council of Learners/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 June 2026 – The North West Department of Education said it has successfully hosted the Provincial Launch of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) from 29 to 31 May 2026 at Woodlands Country Lodge in Parys. The department said a total of 108 RCLs from the 18 Local Education Offices converged at the launch, together with the departmental officials to strengthen leadership development among learners and promote their active participation in school governance across the province.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said discussions during the launch focused on functionality of the RCLs in schools, strategies to safer schools, challenges faced by RCL at schools, discipline in schools and role of RCL in promoting school culture and vision. Motsumi said as the department, they congratulate the newly-elected executive committee of the 2026 Provincial RCL committee.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the learners who have been elected to the leadership of the Provincial RCL. I also want to encourage those who were not elected not to lose hope. Your opportunity will come.

“Some of you will be pursuing your studies at tertiary institutions next year, where you will have further opportunities to take on leadership roles and be elected to student structures. This is not the end of your journey; rather, it is the beginning of many new opportunities ahead,” she said.

Motsumi further said on behalf of the department, she would like to confirm that this committee will receive their full support at all levels of management. She added that school principals should work closely with the RCLs in their respective schools.

“The future of this country rests in the hands of these young people. Therefore, we must mentor and guide them effectively so that they can succeed in their responsibilities and leadership roles.

“All RCL members from the various schools have been encouraged to share their experiences and insights with learners in their respective schools,” said Motsumi.

Meanwhile, the newly-elected President of North West Representative Council of Learners, Angelina Mokoena expressed that her committee will pay more attention to the special schools and the infrastructure in school, amongst others.

“My plan for this term is to focus on special schools. I will ensure that learners with special needs receive all the resources and support they require.

“The committee will also prioritize improving school infrastructure, but our immediate priority is to secure a meeting with the MEC to map out a way forward,” highlighted Mokoena.

The newly-elected Provincial RCL Executive

President, Angelina Mokoena (Ikatisong Secondary School in Letlhabile, Bojanala District)

Deputy President, Kago Sebetwane (Ramotshere Secondary School in Dinokana village, Ngaka Modiri Molema District)

Secretary, Rendani Msimang (Hoërskool Haartebees in Haartebees, Bojanala District)

Deputy Secretary, Classeng Enrique (Promosa Secondary School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District)

Treasurer, Athulile Mhlongo (Hoërskool Orkney, Dr Kenneth Kaunda to District)

Public Relations Officer, Khaya Matuane Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng village, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District)

Hlomamo Loabile from Kismet Secondary School in Vryburg, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District was elected as an additional member.

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Monna o tlhokofetse morago ga go tlhabiwa kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi kwa Maphoitsile

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

1 Seetebosigo 2026- Sepodisi mono Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 32 a tlhabiwe kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa go ile ga nna le kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga moswi, Slow Jordan le monna mongwe teng kwa ntlung eo e rekisang nnotagi. Van Rooyen are Paole o ile a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa selegae go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Fela, monna o, o ile a balelelwa le badimo mo go gorogeng ga bone koo. Monna a le mongwe o botsolodiwa ke babatlisisi ba sepodisi mabapi le polao e. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme go butswe kgetsi ya polao,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Protocol and Vetting Officers nabbed in connection with murder

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 June 2026 – The Protocol Manager attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, Emmanuel Neverdie Mkhabela (47), appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of premeditated murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. The charges relate to the murder of Mabidi Mashaba, a Forensic Investigator attached to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said his co-accused, Eckson Jabulani Mkhonto (53), a Vetting Officer also attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, briefly appeared in the same court on 28 May 2026, on similar charges.

“It is alleged that on 7 September 2023, the deceased was driving from Mpumalanga to his residence in Pretoria. While travelling along Hardy Muller Circle in Villieria, a vehicle occupied by the two accused allegedly drove alongside the deceased’s vehicle and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene.

“Following the shooting, the deceased reportedly stopped his vehicle and contacted his supervisor, informing them that the two accused had fired several gunshots at him. He was later found on the roadside by security personnel in the area and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” she said.

Mahanjana further said following extensive police investigations, Mkhonto was arrested at a guesthouse in Mpumalanga, while Mkhabele handed himself over to the Villieria Police Station. She added that the matter was postponed to 4 June 2026, for a formal bail application for both accused.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – A man (36) from Tsakane Township, near Boksburg was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court for raping a minor (14). On 5 December 2022, the accused, Thabang Malibonwe called the complainant from her place of residence in Tsakane to come to his home so that he could send her to the nearby shops.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said upon her arrival, he instructed her to sit on his bed, pinned her down and raped her. Mahanjana said after the incident, the victim left the accused’s residence and returned home.

“On 22 December 2022, she reported the matter to the police. Following an investigation, Malibonwe was arrested on 26 December 2022 at his home. During the trial, Malibonwe pleaded not guilty and claimed that he and the victim had consensual sex.

“However, the state prosecutor Leonora Sejake presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In mitigation of sentence, Malibonwe requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“He cited that he is a first-time offender, has minor children who depend on him and has already spent time in custody. Sejake, however, argued strongly against any deviation, emphasising the extreme seriousness and prevalence of the offence,” she said.

She further said Sejake highlighted that Malibonwe showed no remorse, had abused the victim’s trust and was responsible for the revocation of his bail after interfering with witnesses. Mahanjana added that Sejake also submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Nothando Mbatha, in which the victim described the profound and ongoing psychological trauma she has suffered, including regular sessions with a psychologist since the incident.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the state that the accused showed no remorse. The magistrate emphasised that the victim was not only physically violated, but that her emotional well-being, self-worth, trust in others, education, mental health, and prospects had been severely damaged.

“The court found that the impact on the victim constituted an exceptional and weighty aggravating factor and that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” said Mahanjana.

She said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide, and reaffirms that the criminal justice system treats such offences with the utmost seriousness.

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A man defrauded R240 000 over ‘fake’ spousal support

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By STAFF REPORTER

1 June 2026 – Four accused, Tshilumela Rakhadani (46), Anza Devon Mphephu (30), Alpheus Manda Kabinde (51), and Mamello Unice Morapedi (24) were arrested for allegedly defrauding a man (60) approximately R240 000. This comes after two accused, who were employees of the Department of Justice a Maintenance Officer and a Maintenance Court Investigating Officer, colluded with a friend, who recruited his girlfriend, a member of the public and involved two additional suspects in the scheme.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the accused allegedly falsely presented the woman as the victim’s second wife. Morake said an application for spousal maintenance was allegedly completed and a court order was signed by the Maintenance Officer, authorising the bank to approve and deposit R240 000 into the account of the woman posing as the victim’s second wife.

“The victim reportedly approached the Brits Maintenance Court several times to state his case, but was not assisted until he approached the Court Manager, who initiated an internal investigation.

“This led to the opening of a criminal fraud case on behalf of the victim. Morake said the case was initially investigated in Brits and during 2024, it was transferred to the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation,” she said.

Morake further said the matter was successfully investigated and all the suspects allegedly involved in orchestrating the crime were linked to the case. She added that the preliminary investigations revealed that the two Department of Justice employees and the other public members allegedly shared the R240 000 among themselves.

“During the course of the investigation, the two D epartment of Justice employees resigned from their positions, and their pension funds are being withheld pending the outcome of the criminal case.

 “The accused have been charged with fraud and appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 29 May 2026. The accused were summoned before court and are expected to re-appear before the Regional Court on 23 July 2026,” said Morake.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for arresting the suspects, stating that their dedicated investigation will help remove criminals from communities. Naidoo urged members of the public to be cautious when sharing private information relating to their retirement funds.

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Morweng to pay homage to families of slain victims

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Picture: Slain social activist, Mokoena Letsie/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

1 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will today pay a homage to the bereaved families of people who were shot dead in Potchefstroom and Orkney. This comes after four people including a girl (15) were shot dead on Saturday evening at a local tavern in Kanana Township, near Orkney.

The North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said random shooting took place in the street near the tavern and some of the victims were passers-by. Matlou said the preliminary investigations revealed that three unidentified suspects, armed with high calibre rifles and wearing face coverings, were responsible for the attack.

“Three of the deceased have been identified as Lesotho nationals aged between 30 and 36, and two of the injured, aged 30 and 45, have also been identified as Lesotho nationals.

“Morweng will before then visit the family of community activist Mokoena Letsie in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. According to the reports, Mokoena was shot multiple times in what is suspected to be a hit. He was linked to the South African Council of Churches and also the founder of a movement called Potch4Palestine,” he said.

Matlou further said the visit will begin at Letsie family at around 12pm, and thereafter, Morweng will visit bereaved families in Kanana at around 3pm.

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Police looking for missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote

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Picture: The missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – The police in Boitekong request the community’s assistance in locating a missing girl (18). It is alleged that Olebogeng Felicia Tagote of Boitekong, near Rustenburg, was last seen by her friend on Sunday afternoon, 24 May 2026, when they left school.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Boitekong and surrounding areas without any positive results. Morake said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a school uniform (green trouser, white shirt and maroon pullover jersey). Morake said she is light in complexion, with a slender build body and black ponytail.

“The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tagote’ s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Patrick Sebelane on 060 142 0796, alternatively call your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Three suspects nabbed for pointing of a firearm

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Picture: A firearm confiscated by the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 June 2026 – Three suspects were arrested for pointing a firearm, common assault and armed robbery in Jericho. This comes after a tip-off received on 26 May 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the information received, indicated that a group of suspects had entered a site, where illegal sand mining activities were taking place and had allegedly kidnapped an African man. Morake said later the same day, information was received that the alleged kidnap victim had managed to escape and was at Jericho Police Station.

“The victim was interviewed and alleged that he had been threatened with a firearm, assaulted and robbed of cash by unknown suspects. The police proceeded to the identified location with the victim and upon arrival, they found a group of African men at the scene.

“The victim positively identified three suspects, who were subsequently arrested. A licensed firearm and ammunition were found and seized,” she said.

Morake further said three suspects were subsequently charged with pointing a firearm, common assault and armed robbery. She added that they are expected to appear before the Jericho Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their swift response and collaboration.

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