Category Archives: NEWS

BIMA celebrates five years in the game

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Picture: BISA Advisory Board members/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 June 2026 – The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) celebrates five years of championing, recognising and empowering women in music, the organisation is proud to announce the appointment of a distinguished Advisory Board comprising some of Africa’s most accomplished leaders across music, media, business, governance, fashion, healthcare and the creative industries.

BIMA said this appointment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Basadi in Music Awards can as the platform continues to expand its influence beyond South Africa and strengthen its position as a leading Pan-African platform dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in music.

The founder of Basadi in Music Awards, Hloni Modise-Matau said the BIMA Advisory Board serves as a distinguished collective of industry leaders, creatives, executives and advocates who provide strategic guidance, insight, and support to advance the mission of the organisation. Modise-Matau said the Board plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity, credibility and long-term vision of the Awards by offering expertise on industry trends, governance, stakeholder engagement and opportunities for growth.

“Through their collective experience, members help ensure that the Awards continue to celebrate, elevate, and empower women across all sectors of the music industry. As ambassadors of the Basadi in Music Awards, Advisory Board members will champion the recognition of women’s achievements, promote inclusivity and excellence, strengthen industry partnerships, and support initiatives that drive meaningful change within the South African and African music landscape.

“The Advisory Board’s contribution ensures that the Basadi in Music Awards remains a respected and impactful platform dedicated to honouring the remarkable women who shape, influence, and transform the music industry,” she said.

Modise-Matau further said the Board brings together a remarkable collective of women whose expertise, leadership, and influence have shaped industries, inspired communities, and contributed meaningfully to Africa’s cultural and economic landscape. She added that their role will be to provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and leadership as BIMA enters its next chapter of growth, impact and continental expansion.

“This announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for the organisation. Following the closure of nominations for the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards, BIMA recorded its highest number of nominations since inception, demonstrating the growing reach of the platform and the increasing recognition of women making significant contributions to the music and entertainment industries across Africa.

“Nominees for the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards will be officially announced later this month. The BIMA Advisory Board comprises Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who is affectionately known as the “Princess of Africa”. Chaka Chaka is one of the continent’s most celebrated music icons, philanthropists and humanitarians,” said Modise-Matau.

She said with a career spanning more than four decades, Chaka Chaka has used her platform to champion education, health advocacy, women and youth empowerment, becoming one of Africa’s most respected cultural ambassadors and global voices. Modise-Matau said another board member is Dr Linah Ngcobo, who is a legendary South African music icon, pastor, cultural leader and community builder with over 40 years of influence in music, ministry and mentorship, known for principled leadership and nurturing generations across the creative and social sectors.

“Other members include Dr Mpho Phalatse, Janine Starkey, Dr Kina Nhlengethwa, Lerato Matsoso, Penny Bouwer, Antos Stella, Yolanda Sangweni, Lala Tuku, Sibu Mabena and Manaileng Maphike. The establishment of the Advisory Board represents a defining moment in the organisation’s journey.

“As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, we are intentional about building a sustainable institution that will continue to champion women in music for generations to come. This Advisory Board brings together extraordinary leaders whose collective experience, wisdom and passion for Africa will help guide the next chapter of our growth,” she said.

Modise-Matau said they are honoured to have these remarkable women walk this journey with them as they continue creating opportunities, driving impact and elevating women across the music and creative industries.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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By OBAKENG MAJE

14 June 2026 – A man (27) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mmabatho Regional Court for raping a minor. According to the complainant, who is the minor’s mother, 1 March 2025, she was at her residential place at Magogoe Tshepang village, near Mahikeng when the accused, Dipogisano George Morwe who is affectionately known as Malome, came to her and allegedly told her that he had sexual intercourse with her daughter (14) and he was afraid of being arrested, hence he confessed to her.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said on 4 March 2025, the victim told her mother about the incident. Tselanyane said she indicated that she went to Malome’s place to ask for water.

“Furthermore, Malome allegedly offered her a beer and thereafter slept with her. The matter was reported to the police and a case of rape was registered and referred to Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).

“The investigation led to the arrest of Morwe. The police successfully opposed bail and the accused was kept in detention until his sentencing. The court also heard that the accused was previously convicted of the same crime and he served 10 years imprisonment,” he said.

Tselanyane further said the court ordered that the name of the accused be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the sentencing and applauded the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Kenneth Ntshekane and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the sterling job.

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Five people nabbed for burglary

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 June 2026 – Five suspects nabbed for burglary at a tuck shop in Reagile Township, in Koster on 10 June 2026. At around 8:30am, the police deployed in the Koster area were conducting high-visibility patrols as part of proactive policing measures, following reports of potential threats against foreign-owned shops and planned protest activities.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said during patrols in Reagile, the police observed that several shops were closed and noticed a group of people gathered in the street. Myburgh said upon investigation, the police discovered five female suspects in the process of removing corrugated iron sheets from a tuck shop to gain unlawful entry.

“The suspects had already stolen groceries from the business. When police approached, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, but the people immediately pursued and apprehended all five suspects. The stolen groceries were recovered and seized as evidence.

“Following the arrests, a number of bystanders who had gathered in the area dispersed and left the scene. The police noted that a video depicting members of the public scattering was subsequently recorded by an unidentified individual and shared on social media,” she said.

Myburgh further said the video does not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the incident, which involved the successful arrest of burglary suspects and the recovery of stolen property. She added that the situation remained calm and peaceful after the arrests, with no further incidents reported in the area.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said the prompt actions of the police demonstrate SAPS’ commitment to protect businesses and maintain law and order. Naidoo warned that criminal acts committed under the guise of community concerns or public gatherings will not be tolerated and those who break the law will be held accountable.

“Lastly, we urge community members to conduct themselves in an orderly and lawful manner at all times. Disorderly conduct that disrupts public order, interferes with police duties, or creates unnecessary panic undermines efforts to maintain safety and stability.

“The five accused, Dikeledi Pule (22), Kelebogile Motshegwa (27), Kedibone Mosweetsi (29), Zanele Makgae (26) and Kedibone Kesilwe (36), briefly appeared before the Koster Magistrate’s Court on 11 June 2026, on charges of burglary at a business premises.

“They were given a warning and their case was postponed to 16 July 2026,” he said.

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Iconic return of SAMAs to the Platinum Province

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By STAFF REPORTER

12 June 2026 – The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Virginia Tlhapi described the return of South African Music Awards (SAMAs) to the Sun City Superbowl in North West as both an emotional and historic moment for the local creative industry. Tlhapi said the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is delighted to officially announce that the 32nd edition of the SAMAs will return to the province on 15 August 2026.

She further said bringing the country’s most prestigious music awards ceremony back to the province that has hosted some of its most iconic moments over the years and whom many also consider the “Platinum Province” its traditional home. Tlhapi added that the announcement was made on 27 May 2026.

“I could not hide my excitement at the return of South Africa’s premier music celebration. It feels like yesterday when we hosted the 28th instalment of the SAMAs here in the North West. This province has always been a proud and capable host, and we are ready once again to welcome the nation,” said Tlhapi.

She said the return of the SAMAs marks not just an event, but a renewed celebration of the province’s cultural energy, hospitality, and creative infrastructure.

According to SAMA spokesperson, Unathi Gwija, preparations are already underway with key stakeholder engagements taking place to ensure a seamless and unforgettable production. Gwija said they have already begun extensive stakeholder consultations in preparation for the SAMAs.

“There is a strong sense of excitement and unity as we return to the North West, a province that has proven itself as an exceptional host. The announcement has sparked excitement across the music and entertainment industry, with anticipation building for what is expected to be one of the most vibrant and culturally significant editions of the awards to date.

“With the SAMAs returning to familiar ground, this has been described as a Homecoming Edition, a celebration of music, legacy, and the continued evolution of South African sound on its biggest stage,” she said.

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Two men nabbed for murder and house robbery

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Picture: Two men arrested for murder and house robbery/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

12 June 2026 – Two accused, Hendrik Louis Pretorius (59) and Lourance Johannes Benjamin Roos (42) briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 11 June 2026, on charges of murder and house robbery. Pretorius and Roos’s court appearance stems from their arrest on 9 June 2026, in connection with the murder of Johan Christian Scheepers, also known as Riana (52).

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that on 25 March 2026, at around 11:20am, the police received a complaint from one of the accused (Pretorius) regarding a murder and house robbery at a residence in Andries Street, adjacent to the N4 road in Swartruggens. Tselanyane said upon arrival at the scene, the police were shown the body of a man lying in a pool of blood with multiple wounds to the upper body.

“All relevant role players were summoned and Scheepers, who was allegedly residing alone, was certified dead at the scene. The police immediately commenced a search for the suspect(s) and followed up on every lead. A few days after the incident, someone allegedly advertised goods resembling those stolen from the deceased’s house on a local business WhatsApp group.

“A contact number and address were not provided in the advertisement. The police were alerted and in May 2026, the same goods were allegedly advertised again using a different contact number and address,” he said.

Tselanyane further said when confronted by the police about the advertisement, Pretorius denied any knowledge of the advertisement on the group. He added that in April 2026, Pretorius again contacted the police and reported a housebreaking and theft at the deceased’s residence.

“With the assistance of National Crime Intelligence and after obtaining a search warrant for Pretorius’s residence, the police recovered a cellphone in which the whereabouts of the alleged murder weapon were discussed. The two suspects were immediately arrested and charged with murder and house robbery.

“Pretorius and Roos were remanded in custody until 17 June 2026, for a formal bail application. Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all those involved in the arrest of the suspects for a job well done. Naidoo reiterated that the police in the province will continue striving to ensure that those who believe they can get away with crime are brought to book.

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Monna o atlholetswe botshelo botlhe kwa kgolegelong mabapi le dipetelelo

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 June 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 44 yo go begwang fa e le moagi wan aga ya Botswana, Elias Lekganyane, o atlholetswe botshelo botlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Molopo mono Mahikeng mabapi le dipetelelo le go thuba mo ntlung. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ile a itatlhela ka letlhabaphefo kwa ntlung nngwe kwa Reviera Park mono Mahikeng mo bosigong fa kgwedi ya Seetebosigo ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 15, ka ngwaga wa 2023.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Ngaka Modiri Molema, Sarasanta Sipho Taliwe are motswasetlhabelo wa dingwaga di le 55, one a robetse fa a utlwa mokgwasa mo ntlung. Taliwe are motswasetlhabelo o ile a tsoga le go ya go lekola gore go diragalang.

“Ka maswabi, o ile a kopana le molatofadiwa. O ile a mo kgema le go mo hapa maoto le matsogo ka thudi. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ile a mo betelela, mme morago ga moo, a tsaya dilwana tsa mo ntlung le go di pega mo sejanageng sa motswasetlhabelo.

“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ile a boela mo ntlung, mme a betelela motswasetlhabelo lekgetlho la bobedi. Go begwa fa Lekganyane a ile a leka go dumisa sejanaga sa motswasetlhabelo, fela go ile ga pala. Go begwa fa a ile a boela kwa ntlung le go betelela motswasetlhabelo lekgetlho la boraro,” Taliwe wa tlhalosa.

Taliwe are Lekganyane o ile a shupiwa ke motswasetlhabelo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga gagwe. Taliwe are Lekganyane o ile a bonwa molato mo ditatofatsong di le thataro go akaretsa dipetelelo di le tharo, go thuba mo ntlung, go tshwara poo ka maitlhomo a go ntsha dikgobalo ga mmogo le go tlola molao wa bofaladi.

“Leina la molatofadiwa le tla tsenngwa mo maineng a batho ba ba golaganngwang le dipetelelo, mme o tlhalositswe fa a sa siamela go tshola tlhobolo,” Taliwe wa tlhalosa.

Re sale foo, mokomishinara wa sedika sa Ngaka Modiri Molema, Major General Deborah Mmolawa, o amogetse katlholo e e neetsweng Lekganyane. Gape Mmolawa o akgotse mmatlisisi wa kgetsi e, ga mmogo le lephata la bosekisi.

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A man burnt beyond recognition  

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Picture: A man found burnt beyond recognition in a vehicle/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 June 2026 – The police in Orkney are investigating a case of murder and defeating the ends of justice following an incident wherein a body of a man (71) was found burnt beyond recognition. It is alleged that on 10 June 2026, at around 6am, the police were alerted by mine security about a burnt vehicle at a remote veld behind Shaft No 6 in Orkney.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said upon arrival at the scene, the police discovered a body which was burnt beyond recognition at the back of a panel van. Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation on the vehicle led investigators to an address in Orkney, wherein they could not gain immediate access to the house as it was locked.

“Blood stains were observed on the driveway, leading to the neighbour’s house. Later it was determined that the alleged suspect and deceased are neighbours. Furthermore, the police managed to gain access into the neighbour’s house as it was not locked and a suspected murder weapon and some of the deceased belongings, including a cellular phone were found. 

“A suspect (20) was traced to a local hospital, where he was arrested and placed under police guard,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned this heinous act of crime in the strongest possible terms. Naidoo applauded the police for their swift reaction and promised that the alleged perpetrator will face the full might of the law.

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Ganyesa rapists sentenced to a combined 38 years

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 June 2026 – The Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) made another breakthrough after three accused were successfully prosecuted and sentenced recently to a combined 38 years imprisonment by the Ganyesa Regional Court. In the first incident, Pako Mahokomabe (29), was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment following a rape case that was reported in Ganyesa on 9 March 2019.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said court heard evidence that at around 11:40pm, the victim (16), went from Tlapeng village to Ellias accompanied by a friend. Tselanyane said whilst at Ellias, she was forcefully taken by the accused to his residence and he raped her twice during the night.

“The following morning, the victim went back to her friend’s home and the matter was reported to the police. Ultimately the suspect was traced and arrested and eventually sentenced. The second incident was reported in Ganyesa on 5 July 2022, at around 8pm.

“The complainant (43) was walking from her uncle’s house at Phaposane village to her home and along the way, she was grabbed by Onkemetse Koos Thembisa (38). Thembisa threatened the victim and ordered her not to make a noise. When the victim screamed for help, he assaulted her,” he said.

Tselanyane further said Thembisa forcefully dragged the victim to an abandoned shop and raped her twice. He added that, after this whole ordeal, the accused then forced the victim to his residential place, where he raped her for the third time.

“In the early hours of the next day, the accused freed the victim, who went home and reported the matter to the police. The accused was traced, arrested and he was released on bail. In 2025, he was again arrested for rape and thereafter bail was denied and he was kept in custody until his sentencing to 18 years imprisonment.

“The last incident was also reported in Ganyesa on 8 March 2024, at around 3am. The victim (17), was walking from a tavern in Tlakgameng village with the accused. As they approached the victim’s home, the accused forced her to walk past her home and, in the process, he also slapped her,” said Tselanyane.

He said the vixtim was then threatened and dragged to Gaarathebe River in the village, where the accused raped her. Tselanyane said the matter was reported to the police and the accused, Baleseng Kakgola (28), was arrested and convicted.

“He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the Investigating Officers, Detective Sergeants Tebo Leepile and Mogakolodi Molelekwa, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the sterling job. Naidoo said that sentences will definitely serve as a warning to those who continue to prey on the vulnerable.

“They will eventually face the consequences of their actions and do time in jail,” he said.

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Lehari denies his involvement in the sale of NTI buses

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari 

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has refuted allegations that he was involved in the sale of North West Transport Investment (NTI) buses. This comes after startling allegations surfaced on various social media platforms alleging that Lehari sold NTI buses, during his tenure as the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management.

Lehari further said he strongly rejected and dismissed unfounded allegations circulating on social media alleging his involvement in the sale of NTI buses. He added that the allegations widely circulated on social media are devoid of truth, malicious and intended to tarnish his reputation and standing in society as a leader and as a Member of Executive (MEC).

“The department that was under my political leadership, exercised oversight over NTI, but did not participate in its day-to-day management or operational affairs. Like all State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs), NTI operates under its own governance structures and statutory mandates.

“The auctions conducted by NTI formed part of its operational responsibilities and were undertaken in accordance with its governance processes. Reports on these auctions were duly submitted to both the Executive Council (EXCO), in its capacity as shareholder representative, and the Portfolio Committee responsible for overseeing the department,” he said.

Lehari said it is important to also emphasise that during the period in question between 2018 to 2022, all departments were under national government, through the invocation of Section 100(1)(b) with administrators sent from national government to the province, as key decision-makers, in the running of the provincial government. He said it is also important to note that NTI has its own executive management board that runs the entity and reports to the administrator sent by the national government.

“It is therefore impractical that an MEC whose department is under administration can issue such an instruction or be involved, as wrongfully alleged. Prior to this malicious accusation, I had already submitted detailed responses, regarding all matters related to NTI to the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management,” said Lehari.

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Bafana gear up for thrilling World Cup opener against Mexico

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

10 June 2026 – Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says the team will be ready to face Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup this week.

The team has been training at its base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, since last week to help the players acclimatise to the altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level.

Since arriving, Bafana Bafana have been preparing for the global spectacle, with millions of football fans around the world expected to tune in.

Broos said the South African senior men’s national team is eager to embrace the occasion when it takes on 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Asked for his view of the Mexico national team, Broos described the side as formidable and said Bafana Bafana would have to be at their best.

“They are dangerous in every area. It is a very complete team, with a lot of movement and strong team spirit. We will have to be at our best if we want a good result. I watched the game against Serbia, and the way they played, especially in the first half hour, was fantastic.

“Their movement, aggression and solidarity stand out. The whole team attacks and the whole team defends. They are a very complete side, and it will be very difficult for us on Thursday. But a football match is a football match.

“We must not think we have no chance against Mexico, because that is not true either. But we have to prepare very well and play at our best level,” the head coach said.

Although the team will play in a stadium filled mostly with Mexican supporters, Broos said Bafana Bafana know South Africans are backing them from home.

“We all know there will be many Mexicans in the stadium and perhaps only a few South Africans, so we cannot count on strong support inside the venue. But we do know we have the support of the nation.

“We felt that in recent days, and during the past week when we began our preparations in South Africa. The whole country is behind us, and we are playing for everyone who believes in us,” he said. 

The coach was addressing members of the media ahead of the opening match.

Call to rally behind Bafana Bafana

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the President said last Monday in his weekly newsletter to the nation.

The soccer tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada.

President Ramaphosa said the country’s journey mirrors that of the national football team, noting that South Africa has emerged from a challenging period and is looking ahead with renewed optimism.

“Much like the national squad, the country has emerged from a prolonged period of difficulty and now looks to the future with hope,” he said. 

He pointed to the country’s democratic progress, the strength of its Constitution, the launch of the National Dialogue process and signs of economic recovery as reasons for growing confidence in the future.

The President urged citizens to celebrate not only the team’s achievements but also the progress South Africa has made in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.

“So, as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country. We should celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa,” the President said. 

He concluded by calling for unity as South Africans support the national team on the world stage. 

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.

“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

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