Category Archives: NEWS

Portfolio Committee welcomes outcomes of Dept of Labour’s inspection at NTI

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile/Facebook 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it welcomes the outcome of the Gauteng Department of Employment and Labour’s inspection at North West Transport Investment SOC Ltd (NTI). The Department’s confirmation of serious non-compliance with labour laws reinforces the committee’s long-standing concerns about the dire conditions faced by workers at NTI.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile said as employees continue to report for duty, despite enduring months without salaries, it is encouraging that the Department of Labour has validated the challenges that the committee has consistently raised. Sonakile said this represents a first step towards victory for workers as it provides clear direction for the newly appointed Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Mohamed Tayob and the acting CEO, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, on the urgent areas that must be addressed to restore stability at the entity.

“The department has issued multiple compliance notices and enforcement actions in relation to violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and the Unemployment Insurance Act.

“Importantly, the department has committed to monitoring NTI’s progress in addressing these contraventions, a development which the Committee sees as a critical building block in safeguarding workers’ rights,” he said.

Sonakile further said through our ongoing engagements, they are aware that the new BRP and acting CEO are hard at work to ensure that the payment of outstanding salaries is prioritised, despite persistent legal frustrations arising from the former BRP, who continues to attempt to hold the entity to ransom. He added that the committee acknowledges these efforts and remains vigilant in its oversight role.

“The labour investigation stems directly from a formal request made by the Committee following its intensive three-day oversight visit to NTI in October 2024. It forms part of a series of interventions initiated by the Committee, which include referrals of other matters to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

“This is not the end, but it is certainly an important beginning. The Labour Department’s findings affirm the workers’ struggles and our Committee’s concerns. We will continue to apply pressure to ensure that the most pressing issue, the payment of salaries, is resolved speedily, and that governance is restored at NTI,” he said.

Sonakile said the Portfolio Committee remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to protect workers and restore accountability and good governance at NTI.

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MKP calls for the resignation of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi   

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

30 April 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the North West said it strongly condemns the continued administrative paralysis and lack of governance across multiple municipalities in the province. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said recent placement of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality under Section 139(1)(a) is yet another indication of a systemic collapse that has become a norm under the ANC-led government.

Umkhonto weSizwe Party provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi said they call for the immediate and total dissolution of the embattled Ditsobotla, Kagisano-Molopo, Madibeng, Matlosana, Moses Kotane and Mamusa Local Municipalities. Motsi said these municipalities have become synonymous with instability, maladministration, and deliberate evasion of accountability.

“Year after year, some of them are placed under administration without any lasting solutions—proof of a governance system that is both broken and deliberately kept dysfunctional.

“The ANC continues to use its majority in municipal councils to shield corrupt officials and councillors from accountability. Investigative reports—particularly close-up reports—are consistently left incomplete or are never tabled at all, because they expose deep-rooted corruption and incompetence among both senior officials and ANC councillors,” he said.

Motsi further said this is not just negligence—it is a deliberate and strategic cover-up. He added that they demand the immediate resignation of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.

“They continued a tenure that only served to maintain the decay and dysfunction. They, along with many other provincial leaders and administrators, have failed to serve the people of North West with the dignity and urgency they deserve.

“It is time to clean the house. All officials and councillors who have consistently failed to deliver basic services, mismanaged resources, and ignored the cries of our people must go,” said Motsi.

He said the people of the North West deserve clean, transparent and accountable local government. Motsi said enough is enough.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) report on municipalities with outstanding Annual Financial Statements (AFS) shows that the submission and audit conclusion rate of municipalities had improved from 91% to 95%. The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Songezo Zibi was briefed by the AGSA on the municipalities with outstanding AFS.

The Head of National Audit, AGSA, Bongi Ngoma said: “The submission and audit conclusion rate had improved over the term of the current local government administration.

“The submission and audit conclusion rate had increased from 91% in the 2021/22 financial year to 95% in the 2023/24 financial year. Overall submission of annual financial statements for audit.”

Ngoma said the submission rate across provinces had shown a slight overall improvement. She said the Free State remained the most challenged province for annual financial statement submissions.

“However, notable progress was observed in the Northern Cape. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal maintained a 100% annual financial statement submission rate by the legislated deadline.

“The delays in audits undermined municipalities’ ability to effectively plan, budget, and deliver critical services, which negatively impacted the lives of the citizens. The reduced accountability and transparency undermined trust and weakened public oversight,” said Ngoma.

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Monna wa kwa Qhoo o tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le polao

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Setshwantsho: Kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

30 Moranang 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 19, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshkelo ya Taung mabapi le polao. Se se tla morago ga gore a latofadiwe ka go bolaya monna wa dingwaga di le 19, kwa motseng wa Qhoo, gaufi le Taung.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba dutse botlhe ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo maitsiboeng fa gone ga tsoga nganyisano.

“Go begwa fa mmelaelwa, a ne a ntsha thipa le go tlhaba moswi. Kgetsi e ile ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa. O solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno go lebagana le ditatofatso tsa polao.”

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his three months-old baby

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Picture: A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his baby/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 April 2025- A man (31) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Jacob Molebo killed his three-month-old baby.

The tragic event occurred on 22 October 2020 at Setlagole village, near Atamelang. The investigations revealed that Molebo was in a romantic relationship with the mother of the deceased.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said on the fateful day, Molebo took the deceased from the mother and without any provocation, he threw and hit the deceased against the wall of the neighbour’s house. Gunya said the child sustained severe injuries from being thrown against a concrete wall with force.

“The court heard harrowing details about the crime, which illustrated the vulnerability of the victim. Molebo then left the mother there without any assistance.

“The mother then requested help from the neighbours and as a result the child was transported to the nearby clinic, where he was declared dead upon arrival,” he said.

Gunya further said the police were subsequently called and Molebo was arrested three days after the incident as the police could not trace him. He added that, the accused has been in custody since. 

“In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, advocate Edward Manicus argued against such deviations that were presented by the defence, referring to applicable statutes and case laws.

Manicus argued for life imprisonment to be imposed and submitted that there were no compelling and substantial circumstances adduced by the defence for the court to deviate from the applicable minimum sentence,” said Gunya.

The Magistrate, Stephan Du Toit in his judgment emphasised the court’s duty to protect vulnerable members of society and the alarming prevalence of murder offences against women and children in the area. Du Toit agreed with the state and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication.

“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” she said.

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MRM in North West describes Dlavane sentencing as a victory against fraud and corruption

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Picture: Former Municipal Manager at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Advocate Abbey Dlavane/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 April 2025- Former Municipal Manager at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Advocate Abbey Dlavane (61), was on 25 April 2025, sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for theft and contravention of Section 173 (1)(a) of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court.

This comes after Dlavane, who was employed as the Municipal Manager for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality between January 2009 and March 2010, allegedly instructed the credit controller to issue a cheque amounting to R550 000 to Kumekucha Investment for services not rendered to the municipality.

The matter was reported to the Klerksdorp-Based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. The investigation revealed that Dlavane was the sole member of Kumekucha Investment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said it was further established that the accused failed to follow proper Municipal Supply Chain Management policy processes as he authorized such payment without implementing a competitive bidding process resulting in the municipality suffering a loss worth R550 000. Gunya said following a series of court appearances, the accused was found guilty on one count of theft and one count of Contravention of Section 173 of MFMA.

“Dlavane was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on charges of theft and 3 years imprisonment on charges of Contravention of Section 173 (MFMA), which was wholly suspended for 5 years,” he said.

The acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence. They lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting corruption in the municipalities as they said this will serve as a stern warning to public servants to serve with integrity and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West described a sentencing as a victory against fraud and corruption. The Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, commended the Hawks Serious and Commercial Crime Investigation Directorate and the National Prosecution Agency for the successful prosecution and called for the asset forfeiture processes to follow in order to recoup the money lost to the municipality.

“This should serve as a deterrent to send an unequivocal message that officials that are entrusted with public resources will be held responsible for succumbing to greed and corruption as their actions are a betrayal of the trust of communities that are yearning for improved service delivery.

“The roll-out of the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) Code adopted after MRM’s extensive engagement with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (SALGA), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Ethics Institute and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) will contribute towards strengthening the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy,” said Kgwele.

He further said the municipalities will only reposition themselves for effective service delivery, as well as prudent financial management if they adopt zero tolerance to corruption, rid themselves of unscrupulous individuals, promote ethical leadership as well as good governance and accountability. Kgwele added that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that MRM had recently signed with SALGA during its Annual Assembly held in Limpopo, will bring civil society on board as regards strengthening partnership with municipalities to intensify the fight against corruption and building values driven communities.

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Two men who allegedly killed a woman remanded in custody

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Picture: The Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- A kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case against two accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), was postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court until 7 May 2025. The duo was arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).

It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Kudunkgwane village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that, Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search was commenced.

The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.   

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.

“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 7 May 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.

The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.

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Telkom Netball League has a shaky start

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- The Netball South Africa (NSA) said it is aware of the issues raised by the Gauteng Jaguars around the accommodation logistics, which have ended up affecting yesterday’s game between Gauteng Jaguars and Zambesi Eagles.

The NSA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said they worked with the team and Sun City regarding the issue surrounding the accommodation for the team. Mokgalagadi said that issue has since been resolved.

“Netball South Africa has further resolved the issue around the game that had to be called off, and has been rescheduled for 3 May 2025, at 9am.

“We would like to extend our sincere apologies to the players and all parties involved for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

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More than 10 vehicles damaged in car accident between a truck and a bakkie

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Picture: More than 10 vehicles destroyed in an accident/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 April 2025- The truck plunged into various vehicles at Blue Diamond Auto Sale car dealership in the early hours of Saturday morning. The truck with the trailer left a ‘trail of destruction’ after it rammed into them.

The Manager of the Blue Diamond Auto Sale, Willie Du Preez said they received a phone call at around 4am in the morning. Du Preez  said the call informed them that the truck had been driven into Blue Diamond Auto Sales.

“Our family of four braved the cold and darkness not knowing what devastation awaited. A truck has driven through 10 of our vehicles. One of the vehicles landed in the building and palisades was scattered throughout.

“The vehicles were completely destroyed, glasses were shattered and walls collapsed. Our income, our pride and joy that we worked so hard for is on its knees,” he said.

Du Preez further said they remembered God’s provision in the past. He added that they are thankful that no one was hurt.

“The team does not understand the word give up. The family and friends’ messages, including their prayers surrounded us. Our community sprang to action to lend a helping hand too.

“People showed up to support us. For our employees who were there almost as soon as they assisted where they could, just read Hebrews 11:1, which talks about applicable in our lives,” said u Preez.

He said Blue Diamond Auto Sales is at its brink of collapse, but they are not lying down. Buoyed Du Preez said they will come back stronger and better than before.

“We are wounded, but the doors will remain open for business as usual. Amazing stock is still available and there is new stock coming soon. Watch this space.

“Kindly feel free to come and visit us at 198 Market Street, Vryburg or give us a call on 0790182992,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm an accident that occurred in Market Street, Vryburg at around 4am, on 26 April 2025.

“According to information, a Ford Ranger bakkie collided with a truck trailer on Market Street. Consequently, the truck hit a car dealership building and several vehicles were damaged.”

Mokgwabone said the driver of the bakkie allegedly left his car and fled from the scene on foot. No injuries have been reported.

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21 accused arrested for illegal mining

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Picture: Some of items seized by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 April 2025- In continuous efforts to address illegal mining and related offences, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates Courts on 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The suspects aged between 21 to 41, were arrested during the Vala Umgodi operations executed in Witrandjie village, near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits on 23 and 24 April 2025 respectively.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court. Mokgwabone said they were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000, wholly suspended.

“The court ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin (Mozambique and Malawi).  The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts on different dates between 29 April and 24 June 2025.

“In the course of the arrests and as part of eradicating illegal mining, the police confiscated equipment used to mine illegally such as a water pump, jack hammer and electric extension cords,” he said.

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Three Mozambican men nabbed for house robbery

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Picture: Three Mozambique nationals arrested for house robbery

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 April 2025- Three men arrested for house robbery in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. It is alleged that two men forced entry into a woman’s house at Phetoane Section, Kanana village, near Boitekong, outside Rustenburg, on Sunday evening, 20 April 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused then allegedly threatened the victim with knives. Mokgwabone alleged that in spite of her screaming, the accused nevertheless robbed her of her cash, two cell phones and a blanket.

“A prompt and thorough investigation resulted in the arrests and recovery of all the robbed items. The accused, Musa Santos Mthimkhulu (24), Django Salvador (21) and Jedo Mashaba (31), were traced to Plastic View Informal Settlement, where they were arrested.

“Mthimkhulu, Salvador and Mashaba, were arrested during collaborative efforts between the police and members of the community. The trio briefly appeared at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 25 April 2025,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said their case was postponed until 19 May 2025, for bail application. He added that the investigation has since established that all three accused are undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique. 

“They will therefore be facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002,” said Mokgwabone.

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