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.
Picture: The deceased, Motlalepule Kau buried in a shallow grave in the bushes/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 April 2025- A body of a woman was discovered by the police in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane villages, near Ganyesa on Thursday. The body was positively identified by a next-of-kin as that of Motlalepule Kau (43), who was reported missing at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area. Mokgwabone said investigations into the case are underway.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the brutal killing of Kau. Asaneng said that at this point in time, the real motive for the gruesome murder is unknown, but the police are looking for a person of interest in whose residence some of the deceased’s items of clothing were recovered.
“The suspect who apparently portrays himself as a traditional healer has since disappeared from his house. However, the police are hot on his tracks and hope to find him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kau was seen in a video that went viral walking in the streets of a village and said she does not even know the name of it. She jokely requested people not to ask her where she is as life will humble you.
However, she promised to tell people where she was when she came back before ending the video.
Picture: ANC, DA meet to discuss way forward amidst VAT increase reversal
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said its delegation led by John Steenhuisen, met with the negotiating delegation of the ANC today, as part of ongoing discussions relating to the Government of National Unity GNU). The DA said discussions were forthright and constructive, focusing on the way forward on matters ranging from the budget to a strategy for economic growth.
The DA Chairperson of Federal Council, Hellen Zille said: “Similar meetings will continue on a regular basis as we seek to address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa in the Government of National Unity.”
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) said its leadership led by Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, had a follow-up meeting with the leadership of the DA as previously agreed. Mbalula said this meeting was held following the announcement of the withdrawal of the VAT hike in the joint media briefing with other political parties yesterday.
“The meeting forms part of the ANC’s continued commitment to the principles of dialogue, nation-building, and consultation in addressing the urgent budgetary processes in the national parliament.
“In all discussions, the ANC remains rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation. South Africa must come first,” he said.
Mbalula further said, as leaders, they owe it to the people of this country—black and white, young and old—to rise above narrow political interests and work together in the spirit of unity and shared progress.
Picture: The ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 April 2025- The ANC in the Northern Cape has set the tone and held its 10th Provincial Conference successfully. The ANC top 5 was elected unopposed in the inquest of bringing stability.
The newly-elected ANC Provincial Chairperson, and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said when they commenced with their 10th Provincial Elective Conference, they had the ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa in their midst. Saul said actually Ramokgopa delivered the keynote address and led the ANC deployees who were deployed as convenors to the province.
“Let me thank the national leadership for their support and enabling us to have a successful conference in the province. Post 2024 General National Elections, this is the first provincial conference to be held by the ANC in the country.
“We only believe that we are setting the tone on how we should approach the issues of conferences and manage the internal contradictions within the movement around issues of leadership,” he said.
Saul further said they are going to write a letter of appreciation to the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, regarding the pivotal role the ANC deployees played. He added that he does not think they would have managed to host the conference of this magnitude without their support.
“They worked tirelessly to ensure the conference became a success. We are also grateful to the ANCYL president, Collen Malatji, for the support. Malatji even told us that 60% of our population is young people.
“So, he was impressed by how we conducted our conference. We appeal to the ANC to roll-out programmes that will enable us to address one of the major challenges such as unemployment, especially amongst young people,” said Saul.
He said they had a successful conference and highly appreciate all media houses, which came to cover the conference. Saul said what was displayed inside the conference is unparalleled.
“We saw the display of unity. We addressed various challenges amicably. During this moment, the party is confronted with an enormous crisis and that means ANC is in ICU.
“If we do not act now, we will not have any ANC left to speak about,” said Saul.
Meanwhile, the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, applauded the ANC in Northern Cape for hosting a successful conference. Mbalula said this should be a catalyst for many provinces.
“I want to congratulate the newly-elected provincial leadership and the entire additional members. Future looks bright here in this province. As the ANC, we have deployed some of the most experienced deployees to the province. That shows how serious we take this province.
“We have given Northern Cape the best and we are happy with how things turned out regarding the conference. The province delivered a successful elective conference and that will go down in the ‘anus of history’,” he said.
Mbalula said the unity that was displayed in the elective conference will enhance their quest for renewal within the ANC. He said this gives them a clear view on how ANC conferences should be conducted.
“It gives us a break from bad experiences. The ANC in the Northern Cape has produced the leadership and resolution for this province to support the provincial government and municipalities.
“Delegates stayed in the conference throughout, despite different ideologies on the leadership. So, that is how the ANC should conduct its business and we are proud. As we move forward intensifying the renewal, other provinces should take note,” said Mbalula.
He said ANC is now a 40% party, but they are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Mbalula said in the Northern Cape, the fight is on to change that narrative.
“Saul fought for the movement and served the people of Northern Cape with distinction. We are excited to come to the province, where comrades highly appreciate each other.
“The biggest issue is how we deepen social transformation. We are in a Government of National Unity (GNU) because voters wanted so. So, the Northern Cape is one of the leading provinces regarding political education,” he said.
He urged ANC members to continue to conduct themselves in a good way that reflects the ANC’s code of conduct. Mbalula said the ANC in Northern Cape has done good to project the party in a good manner.
“It does not mean there were no challenges, but it shows that they wanted to do things right to preserve the reputation of the party and deepen social transformation,” he said.
Picture: Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 April 2025- On 5 June 2020, at approximately 6pm, a community member reported a murder to the police in Pampierstad following the discovery of a female body in an open veld outside the town, near Pampierstad. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Phindiswa Mdityelwa.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time, the identity of the suspect was unknown. Shemane said on 13 March 2023, a 29-year-old man, Refilwe Diseko, voluntarily presented himself at the police station and admitted to robbing and killing Mdityelwa, stating he used a knife in the commission of the crime.
“The accused was arrested and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, where he made a formal confession under oath. Bail was successfully opposed throughout the court proceedings until conviction and sentencing.
“On 23 April 2025, the Taung Regional Court found Refilwe Diseko guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery and twenty years for murder,” he said.
Shemane further said the sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective 30-year term of imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mogomotsi Galodikwe, for his dedication and commitment in ensuring justice was served. Ngubelanga assured the community that the SAPS remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and will not turn a blind eye to violent crimes.
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie with Members of the MRM NW Interim Committee and MRM National Office Staff/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 April 2025- Families are to be at the centre of the 2025-2026 Programme of Action adopted at the conclusion of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West’s two days Annual Strategic Planning Session that wrapped up on Thursday afternoon in Mahikeng. MRM Provincial Convenor Pastor Lesiba Kgwele highlighted that the review of key strategic objectives was intended to intensify the fight against domestic violence, neglect of family responsibilities as well as enhance sound family and community values.
Kgwele said that this is in response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide affecting the most vulnerable, child neglect, drug and substance abuse that are contributing towards disintegration of families.
“We are confident that the priorities we have adopted as well the inclusive approach that has prioritised collaboration and partnerships with the civil society organisations, Churches, Faith Based Organisations, the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan leadership, North West University and other stakeholders will contribute towards roll-out of effective programmes for MRM to realise its objective for greater relevance and visibility within our communities.
“Parental Skills Programme targeting young adult parents will also be rolled out as part of enhancing family values and strengthening the capacity of families to care for children,” he said.
The focus on families was welcomed by the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie in her address to the session. Dantjie challenged the civic society led movement to be part of the effort to educate communities about stereotypes against LGBTQIA+ communities, describing them as an affront to constitutional values of equality, human rights and dignity.
“We will soon launch the Go Lekane “It is enough” programme advocating for tolerance, respect for the dignity of all and peaceful co-existence which will also offer us opportunity for collaboration and partnership.
“We acknowledge that by working together, communities government and organisations can help to reduce the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the province,” she said.
Dantjie further pointed out that in addition to registering 8 private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda to support compliance, her department has established coordinating structures across the province to combat substance abuse. She added that, seventeen local drug action committees as well as a provincial substance abuse forum has been established to ensure intersectoral collaboration to effectively address issues of substance abuse.
Picture: The law enforcement agencies issue traffic fines/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 April 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led the second phase of a community engagement initiative in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 23 April 2025. The engagement took place at the Bothitong Community Hall, where various stakeholders and community members gathered.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the event was attended by the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, Station Commanders and SAPS Provincial Heads. Shemane said delegates and community members were welcomed by the Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), Alfios Kedithibetse.
“Colonel Mojalefa Nkunika outlined the purpose of the day, followed by messages of support delivered by representatives from key government departments, including the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, COGHSTA and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“The panel, comprising of representatives of the aforementioned departments together with Major General Besnaar, addressed concerns raised by community
members,” he said.
Shemane further said in addition to the open dialogue, the attendees had access to a variety of services offered by participating departments. He added, in his keynote address, Besnaar reaffirmed SAPS commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities to enhance safety and security for all residents.
“On 24 April 2025, the two day programme concluded with phase three that comprised of a multi-disciplinary operation along the N14 road, near Kuruman. The operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search activities conducted by members from multiple units and departments.
“Crime prevention pamphlets were distributed to motorists and passengers. Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, recycling facilities, and liquor outlets,” said Shemane.
He said operational outcomes included an arrest for possession of suspected drugs, as well as the searching of 146 vehicles and 341 individuals. Shemane said traffic fines totalling R31 7000, for an array of traffic violations, were issued.
“These crime prevention actions will continue throughout the weekend to address priority crimes. Community members were once again urged to partner with law enforcement and report suspicious activities and criminality to the SAPS via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.
24 April 2025- The North West Department of Health said it joins the continent in observing the Africa Vaccination Week (AVW) from 24-30 April 2025,through a campaign of tracking and inviting parents/guardians of children who may have missed immunisation doses.
North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari urges parents, guardians and care givers to monitor children’s “Road to Health” cards to ensure that all necessary vaccines for ailments such as Polio, Measles, Mumps and others are duly administered to children. Lehari said tracking children who missed immunisations involves systematically identifying and referring those who are not up-to-date with their recommended vaccinations.
“This is crucial for preventing serious diseases. Our health-care workers play a key role in identifying missed immunisations during home visits and at clinics by checking vaccination records. The campaign which takes place under the theme: “This week 24 – 30 April 2025, For All Is Possible”, is a powerful call to action.
“It affirms that, together, we can reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunization services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It further aims to reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of big catch-up initiatives,” he said.
Lehari further said African Vaccination Week is celebrated annually as part of World Immunization Week. He added that, it is a renewal of a commitment by the World Health organisation (WHO) to achieving equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for every child, every community and every country.
“The campaign provides an opportunity to boost momentum and focus on specific actions such as raising awareness on how immunisation saves lives. Increasing vaccination coverage to prevent disease outbreaks, reaching underserved and marginalised communities.
“In particular, those living in remote areas, deprived urban settings, fragile states and strife-torn regions with existing and newly available vaccines and reinforcing the medium- and long-term benefits of immunisation, giving children a chance to grow up healthy, go to school and improve their life prospects,” said Lehari.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has welcomed the arrest of suspects who allegedly have been involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Hasani Daniel Maluleke (62), in Wilkoppies in Klerksdorp.
Morweng said according to the police, the group arrest followed the activation of multi-disciplinary units that were activated after the former girlfriend of the deceased was unable to reach him on his cell phone on 11 April 2025.
“Preliminary investigations established that Maluleka’s Mercedes Benz and Toyota Hilux vehicles were missing and that the house had been ransacked. Following police investigations, it came to light that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn from Maluleka’s bank account.
“The team’s efforts led to the arrest of Julia Kolobi at Extension 10, Jouberton Township, on 13 April 2025. The other four suspects were arrested in Sebokeng Township, in Gauteng Province and Kanana Township, near Orkney between 19 and 20 April 2025,” he said.
Morweng further said upon effecting the arrests, the team confiscated Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes. He added that the team recovered Maluleka vehicles’ keys, a laptop and unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.
“In addition, the team recovered the victim’s Mercedes Benz in Evaton Township. I am worried by the cases that are linked to the recent one, where people are being kidnapped for ransom and forced to transfer monies from their bank applications linked on the phones,” said Morweng.
He said as the MEC for the department, he is worried about these types of cases as more often than not victims get injured or killed, if they do not comply.
“However, I want to assure the community that our police are on top of their game and we will crack the syndicate.
“My advice to our people is that they should always be on the alert, observe some suspicious movement and report to one of the family members or police more so when doing transactions and avoid secluded ATMs,” he said.
Morweng said following the arrest, the suspects have now been charged with murder. He said Julia Kolobi (47), Mcdonald Tsolo (39), Bongani Rampai (43), Thabo Motlatsi (50) and Kagiso Wageng (37), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of kidnapping, house robbery and murder.
“They will remain in custody until their next appearance on 30 April 2025, for legal representation and a bail application. The body of Maluleka was retrieved by police divers from Schoonspruit River, near Orkney on Monday morning, 21 April 2025.
“Investigations into the matter continue. I would like to reiterate the call for communities to work with police to be able to win the battle against crime and lawlessness within our communities,” he said.
24 April 2025- The ANC said it reaffirm its longstanding commitment to transparent, inclusive and people-centred governance. The party said it has never supported a regressive tax policy that burdens the working class and the poor.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the proposed 0.5% VAT increase was never the position of the ANC. Bhengu-Motsiri said faced with a changed parliamentary landscape, the ANC rose to the occasion by leading an unprecedented process of inclusive engagement—both within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and with opposition parties, who demonstrated a sincere commitment to nation-building.
“This moment has ushered in a new chapter in our democratic evolution—one where principled cooperation, not narrow political point-scoring, shapes the national agenda.
“We salute all political parties that put South Africa first and worked with maturity, humility, and integrity to reject any measures that would compromise the livelihoods of millions,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She further said the outcome is not a victory for any party—it is a victory for the people and for responsible, progressive leadership. Bhengu-Motsiri added that, it must be stated without ambiguity that the Democratic Alliance (DA) did not win in cabinet, in parliament, or in the courts.
“What they seek to brand as a “victory” is in fact the result of ANC-led consultations and consensus-building. The DA’s typical opportunistic attempt to claim victory is a continuation of their
typical insult to South Africans whom they consider voting cattle with no sense of thinking or reasoning.
“It further demonstrates their incapacity to understand principles of collaboration, persuasion and engagement on which our successful democracy is built, but continue to fashion themselves as ‘the baas in the room’ who must be solely unjustly glorified for any and all of South Africa’s successes since 1994,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said, if the DA was genuinely concerned with the well-being of the South African people, it would not have tied its budget support to demands that roll back the gains of democracy—such as scrapping the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, and the Expropriation Bill.
She said these demands reflect a party beholden to the interests of the privileged few, not the aspirations of the majority. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC rejects and condemns the DA’s approach, which is rooted in a dangerous ideology of racial superiority and the belief that South Africans must remain beholden to those who benefitted from apartheid.
“Their politics seek to entrench the legacy of exclusion, not dismantle it. Thanks to the ANC’s progressive leadership, a principled agreement was reached to explore alternative funding mechanisms.
“As a result, the National Treasury has withdrawn the proposed VAT increase that was scheduled for implementation on 1 May 2025. This is a clear and resounding affirmation of the ANC’s commitment to fiscal justice, developmental governance and putting the people first,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said as they move forward, the ANC remains firmly committed to building a society founded on equality, shared prosperity, and sustainable economic transformation. Bhengu-Motsiri said let them continue to work together in unity and with purpose to build a better life for all.
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