15 April 2025- A man (57) from Augrabies was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Kakamas Regional Court, for rape. The accused accosted a girl (11), in Augrabies on 27 November 2022, at approximately 6pm, when she was walking home.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said when the child refused to accompany him to the shop, he forcefully grabbed her into the nearby veld, where he raped her, then fled the scene. Ehlers said the victim reported the incident to her mother, who alerted the police.
“The accused was subsequently traced and arrested. He was sentenced to 18 years direct imprisonment for rape and three months for assault common.
“The sentences will run concurrently. The Northern Cape detectives, together with state prosecutors, said they are progressing towards seeking justice for young victims of sexual offences,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga commended Detective Sergeant Jurie Mokgalagadi from the Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for successfully securing the conviction. Ngubelanga emphasized that crimes against children will not be tolerated and that all perpetrators will be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
14 April 2025- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said trade between nations is a vital part of economic progress. Ramaphosa said that is why as part of the G20 Presidency, South Africa is promoting a trade agenda in which G20 members commit to measures to promote expanded, more inclusive and more sustainable value chains.
He further said he recently came across an inspiring story of a farmer from Elukwatini in Mpumalanga that highlights how deepening G20 trade can support the growth of local industry. Ramaphosa added that, in February 2025, Bongani Thobela, took part in the world’s largest fresh produce trade fair in Germany, a G20 member and the third largest market for South African exports.
“There, he was able to meet potential buyers and has since secured an export license and sent samples of his produce to Germany and China. He was part of an initiative by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to support local producers to attend international trade fairs and exhibitions to expose them to international markets.
“This reflects our conviction that greater exports of a more diverse variety of goods and services are essential for the growth of our economy and the creation of more jobs. We are committed to measures that support industrial development and bolster the value of our exports,” he said.
Ramaphosa said at the same time, they are pursuing a trade policy that uses international trade agreements to secure fairer terms, promote market access and facilitate expansion into new markets. He said developing economies such as theirs are vulnerable to volatility in international trade.
“This is particularly the case in the face of unilateral actions and coercive measures that undermine multilateral agreements and the global rules-based trading system.
“We are therefore working in different ways to make our domestic industries more resilient. To bolster the value of our exports we are strengthening the regulatory regime,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, for example, last month, they signed the Plant Health Act into law. Ramaphosa said this will improve domestic biosecurity and ensure there is greater alignment with international export requirements.
“We are intensifying our efforts to diversify destinations for South African goods, products and services. Last year marked a number of ‘firsts’ for South African agricultural exports. We gained access to the Thailand market for apples for the first time in 16 years and exported our first container of avocados to Japan.
“This month, we also gained market access for South African table grapes to the Philippines. We are deepening relations with countries and regions with which we have regional and bilateral trade agreements that provide preferential trade terms,” he said.
Rampahosa said these include the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community Free Trade Area. He said they are working to make effective use of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Last year, we commenced trading under the AfCFTA. A shipment of ‘Made in SA’ consumer goods, copper, cement, electrical and pharmaceutical goods and fresh produce left the port of Durban for markets elsewhere on the continent.
“At last month’s European Union-South Africa Summit in Cape Town we signed a trade and investment package worth around R90 billion. This package will support the export of more SA-made products into the EU,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they are increasing investment in domestic industries that contribute to exports. Ramaphosa said the 2025 Budget allocates increased funding to boost manufacturing and agro-processing, as well as for incentive programmes that strengthen local value chains and open access to key international markets.
“As we undertake all these measures, South Africa will continue to advocate for a level playing field in global trade. Trade must remain free, predictable and governed by a rules-based system.
“This is particularly critical for developing economies, many of which remain locked into the lower end of global value chains. South Africa endorses the reform process underway within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that seeks to address deficiencies in the global trade regime that work against developing economies,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to maintaining favourable relations with existing trade partners and to forging new trade relationships. He said as government, business and labour, they will continue to deepen their collaboration as they navigate a global trade environment that has become increasingly complex.
“Our ultimate goal is to secure favourable trade terms that advance our national interest, drive inclusive growth and create jobs for the South African people,” said Ramaphosa.
Picture: Water hyacinth is a significant problem at Hartbeespoort Dam, causing several issues like poor water quality, hindering boating, and posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 April 2025- Water as an Implementing Agent (IA) on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the Water Resource Management Plan in the upper Crocodile West River Catchment and the Hartbeespoort Dam, continues to make strides in addressing the long-standing challenges of poor raw water quality and increased hyacinth growth in the catchment. To achieve these objectives, Magalies Water said it has registered substantial progress in improving the quality of raw water and curbing the growth rate of Hyacinth by meticulously implementing its ten-point strategic plan announced at the beginning of the project.
Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said the primary goal of this initiative is to develop an adaptive integrated Water Resource Management Plan that aims to safeguard and improve water access and quality for all users, review and implement the Hartbeespoort Dam integrated biological remediation programme, implement the local Hartbeespoort Dam Resource Management plan in terms of Section 116 of the National Water Act, as enshrined in the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, as amended in 2014.
Magae said the guiding objectives comprise of management of alien invasive species, water quality status quo determination, mapping, water quality monitoring, profiling of the dam and pollution tracking.
“This includes implementation of hyacinths and algae remediation, modelling contaminants attenuation rates by hyacinth, algae, and sediments, revamping controls in the dam inlet, stakeholder engagement, research and innovation to remove contaminants.
“Curbing the nutrient loading at the source and integrated water resource management plan. The eradication of water hyacinth is the primary objective for Magalies Water, driven by a commitment to mitigating the proliferation of this invasive species,” he said.
Magae further said in the past four months, water hyacinth coverage has surpassed 25%, prompting focused efforts from Magalies Water to manage and reduce this encroachment. He added that the significant increase in water hyacinth biomass can be attributed to the extreme meteorological conditions experienced from September to December 2024.
“Prolonged high temperatures, decreased dam levels, and facilitated enhanced light penetration into the aquatic environment, thus activating the germination processes within the hyacinth seed bank at the bottom of the dam.
“Subsequently, substantial rainfall contributed to the upstream transfer of nutrients into the Hartbeespoort Dam, further exacerbating the favourable conditions for water hyacinth growth,” said Magae.
He said comprehensive contingency plans were enacted to enhance removal capacity in response to the situation. Magae said this involved mobilizing extra machinery alongside the augmentation of manual labour resources.
“Furthermore, advanced biological removal methods were deployed, incorporating nanobubble technology within the dam. This technique facilitates the introduction of oxygen-infused nanobubbles at the dam’s inlet, effectively promoting the reduction of contaminants through mechanisms such as oxidation (targeting ammonia), precipitation (for metal removal), and oxidative stress exerted on algal species and cyanobacteria.
“We significantly reduced hyacinth coverage by implementing a comprehensive and aggressive multifaceted strategy, lowering it to a remarkable 10.48%,” he said.
Magae said this outcome is a testament to the effective integration of various methodologies over the past several months. He said Magalies Water performs systematic water quality profiling and assessments at the dam and multiple upstream locations, aggregating data from over fifty-three (53) monitoring points monthly and quarterly.
“Analysis of the data collected over the past two years confirms that the dam remains hypereutrophic, characterized by elevated nutrient concentrations alongside significant levels of chlorophyll and algal proliferation.
“These findings indicate persistent contamination from upstream activities, which remains the foremost challenge to water quality management in the area,” said Magae.
He said Magalies Water, in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), will continuously strive to keep hyacinth levels below acceptable limits.
Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market together with DEDECT officials/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 April 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has enhanced support for local businesses during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market. Lenkopane conducted an oversight visit to the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market as part of her aftercare programme aimed at supporting local enterprises.
She further said the visit focused on assessing the condition of the facility that accommodates small businesses and exploring opportunities to enhance their operations. Lenkopane added that the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, which houses 20 small factories, serves as a flagship initiative, which highlights the provincial government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable local economic development.
“My visit formed part of the Thuntsha Lerole Programme under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a proactive initiative aimed at boosting economic growth through comprehensive aftercare services.
“These services include site evaluations of funded projects to assess business viability, identify operational challenges, and enhance support mechanisms for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives,” she said.
Lenkopane said a collaborative venture between DEDECT, the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the Mahikeng Local Municipality and the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, represents a foundation in the province’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation and contribute to the broader provincial economy. She said during the aftercare service tour, they also visited several successful empowerment beneficiaries.
“Among them was Mum to Be Wellness Centre (Pty) in Setumo Park, Mahikeng, a wellness spa offering personal care services using DEDECT-funded equipment, which remains in pristine condition.
“In Montshioa, Chomza Technologies showcased its progress after receiving funding for the installation of a network tower located in Ramatlabama village, significantly improving connectivity in the surrounding communities,” said Lenkopane.
She said in Moletsamongwe village, Mahikeng, Lonaka Projects Group demonstrated its growing footprint in agriculture through poultry, egg production and vegetable farming. Lenkopane said the business has shown commendable progress, bolstered by resources provided by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
“In a further show of support for informal and micro enterprises, DEDECT also hosted a flea market in Kopela village, featuring six informal traders and four Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
“The programme also profiled 14 MSMEs, the majority of which are women-owned, connecting them to developmental opportunities and support services,” she said.
Lenkopane said the department will continue with aftercare services and engagement platforms throughout the province to continue to empower local businesses and reinforce its mandate to create a sustainable and competitive business environment in the North West.
15 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 16 April 2025, host a roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries to discuss areas for collaboration towards the successful and comprehensive implementation of key 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) pronouncements. The engagement will afford the provincial government and business sector the opportunity to also explore strategic enablers and barriers to economic growth in the North West province, focusing on sectors that are dominant in the economy of the province including Mining, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, ICT, Engineering and Construction.
The North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said: “Hosted in collaboration with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the roundtable will underscore ways of creating sustainable job opportunities and alternative strategies to alleviate poverty in line with the 2025 SOPA injunctions.
“The roundtable discussion will be attended by Captains of Industries, Members of Executive Council (MECs), Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council and Heads of Departments.”
Setswambung further said this engagement will be followed by Premier’s maiden Charity Golf Tournament, which will be attended by prominent golfers from business fraternity and professional organisations. He added that, the proceeds from Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament will be awarded to a school in Moretele Local Municipality, Kgomo-Kgomo, and another in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where Mokgosi, together with MTN and Metropolitan will donate laptops, sanitary towels, and Wi-Fi for the Grade 12 learners.
“The two-day programme with Captains of Industries will be held in Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Wednesday, where Mokgosi will engage in Premier’s roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries from 2pm to 5pm.
“On Thursday, Mokgosi will embark on Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament at Sun City Golf Course
15 April 2025- A tourist (66) from Cape Town has been reported missing in the Augrabies Falls National Park. This comes after the individual booked into the park on 10 April 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is believed that he went hiking on 11 April 2025. Ehlers said when he failed to return at 4:30pm, the park rangers became concerned and promptly reported the matter to the police in Augrabies.
“His personal belongings and vehicle were still at the park. A comprehensive search operation was immediately launched into his disappearance. The police from Augrabies, SAPS Airwing, Upington Search and Rescue Unit, Upington K9 Unit and a drone pilot are actively involved in the ongoing search efforts.
“Anyone who may have information that could assist in locating the missing person is urged to contact Captain Robert Turner at 082 770 4208 or Sergeant Tshepo Marungwana at 084 298 5101 or the SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111,” she said.
Ehlers said all information will be handled confidentially.
14 April 2025- The North West Transport Investment (NTI) has appointed the new Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has in November 2024, guided that an application be made to the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria to remove the then BRP, Thomas Hendrick Samons.
Morweng said after experiencing financial challenges, the NTI had in July 2022, applied for a voluntary business rescue process in July 2022. He further said Samons was then appointed as the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP).
“His primary responsibility was to turn the entity around to make it more sustainable and generate income to pay creditors primarily of who are the employees. To do this, the BRP was supposed to have developed a plan within 25 days of his appointment as stipulated by the Companies Act.
“The BRP has since failed to do all that including accounting for the money the Government has paid to the entity. Following the department’s successful application to remove him at Gauteng High Court, the BRP then applied for a leave to appeal the Gauteng High Court ruling,” said Morweng.
He said the department then lodged a Section 18 of the Superior Court Act application seeking an implementation of the initial order for his removal. Morweng said the purpose of this Section 18 is to ensure that the court ruling is enforced in spite of the BRP application for a leave to appeal.
“The judgement, which was handed down electronically on 27 March 2025, enforced the initial ruling that removed the BRP from NTI. It is following this judgement that the NTI has now appointed Mahomed Mahier Tayob as the new BRP. This, as the entity still needs to be rescued and be turned around to be profitable.
“Tayob is a senior business rescue practitioner with impressive qualifications obtained in South Africa and the UK. Among other entities Tayob has rescued include a state bus company in Gauteng and has also investigated a R2.6 billion investment scheme on behalf of the Hawks,” he said.
Morweng said Tayob will work closely with Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, who has been seconded by the department as the NTI acting CEO. He said Tayob is expected to present a turnaround plan and report regularly to the shareholder representative and ensure the NTI is restored to profitability.
14 April 2025- A man (37), who is facing charges of reckless driving and common assault for allegedly assaulting a high school learner (18), briefly appeared at the Nigel Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on 10 April 2025, the victim was a passenger in a school transport on their way back from school, while there was traffic on the road.
It is alleged that the accused, Xolane Qhubeke was driving on the wrong side of the road, thus blocking the scholar transport.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said an altercation between the accused and the driver of the scholar transport allegedly ensued, while the two were standing outside next to the scholar transport vehicle. Mahanjana said, while standing outside, it is alleged that the accused put his upper body inside the scholar transport and disengaged the hand brake of the vehicle.
“The complainant, who was sitting at the back of the car, then pulled the hand brake back up. At that point, it is alleged that the accused began to assault the learner by hitting her with an open hand multiple times.
“The learner reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested on 12 April 2025, and released the same day on police bail. In court, the matter was postponed to 22 April 2025 for legal representation,” she said.
14 April 2025- A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for murder. This comes after Itumeleng Gabonewe (42) killed his girlfriend, Manana Rosina Ditsebe (29).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the atrocity took place at Khunwana village, near Kraaipan on 28 April 2024. Gunya said Gabonewe and Ditsebe were in a romantic relationship and they have a child together.
“Ditsebe came from a nearby tavern in the company of her boyfriend. Upon arrival at the accused person’s residence, they had an altercation. They were heard by the accused’s cousin, who was in the same house.
“The cousin heard a banging sound of a person being hit against the wall and shortly after the sound stopped, she heard the door of the bedroom being opened and heard footsteps of a person leaving the house. The cousin told the court that she was afraid of the accused, hence she did not intervene,” he said.
Gunya further said she then went to the bedroom to go and observe what happened. He added that she found the deceased badly injured with visible injuries to her face and body.
“The accused’s cousin then tried to awaken the deceased to no response. She then went outside the house and called on their neighbours for assistance. Upon the neighbour’s arrival, the neighbour informed her that Ditsebe had passed on and the police were then called.
“Subsequently, the deceased was declared dead by the EMRS personnel, who were called to the scene by the police. The suspect, Itumeleng Gabonewe, was then traced and arrested by the police,” said Gunya.
He said in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder. Gunya said during sentencing, the state prosecutor, advocate Edward Manicus, in his argument, argued for life imprisonment to be imposed as there were insufficient grounds adduced by the defence for the court to deviate from the applicable and prescribed minimum sentence.
“The Presiding Officer, Magistrate Stephan Du Toit, agreed with the state and subsequently sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the unwavering commitment by the NPA in fighting gender-based violence.
14 April 2025- A man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Sexual Offences Court for rape. On the night of 18 December 2022, a woman (20), was socializing with her boyfriend, friends and the accused, Tshwaro Sebogodi in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said later, together with her boyfriend, retired to bed because she was not feeling well. Senokoatsane said during the night, she awoke to the horrifying reality of being sexually violated by Sebogodi, a person she did not personally know.
“Despite her efforts to resist, she was overpowered and she passed out. When she woke up in the morning, she found herself naked, alongside the accused that was also undressed. She asked her boyfriend what is the accused doing naked in the same bed and the boyfriend also did not have answers.
“The forensic analysis confirmed the presence of the accused’s semen on the victim’s underwear, which was submitted for DNA testing. Sebogodi pleaded not guilty and maintained a bare denial throughout the trial,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said, however, after hearing the evidence, the court found the victim to be a credible and reliable witness. The accused, on the other hand, was found to have been evasive under cross-examination and failed to account truthfully for his actions. He added that, in sentencing, the court took into account the grave psychological and emotional trauma endured by the victim, as outlined in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Court Preparation Officer, Thandi Diphae.
“The victim expressed her ongoing fear, her withdrawal from social life, and the profound impact the incident has had on her mental health. She continues to receive counselling for the severe distress caused by this ordeal.
“The state prosecutor, advocate Shareen Links, emphasised that women should not be reduced to mere objects and condemned the persistent violence faced by women in South Africa. The accused should be sentenced to lengthy prison terms, as he did not even show remorse for his crimes. Links further argued how rape is prevalent in this jurisdiction, but also in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Links said women are not even free anymore in households, let alone on the streets. Senokoatsane said women live in fear daily, fearful that this barbaric, monstrous act might also happen to them.
“The news is full of rape cases daily. The court highlighted the ongoing prevalence of rape cases and reinforced the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women. The court held that a woman should not be treated as an entity/sex toy.
“The court ordered that Sebogodi’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA remains steadfast in its mission to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and will continue to advocate for the protection and empowerment of victims,” he said.
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