Category Archives: NEWS

Weather Service issues disruptive rain, fire danger warning across South Africa

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30 December 2025- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather warning for disruptive rains and severe thunderstorms across the country for today. 

The warnings for rain are as follows:

Orange level 5 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected over the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo.

Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected in the northern parts of Mpumalanga and southwestern Limpopo, except in the extreme southeast. Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorm, leading to heavy downpours, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail a populated are expected over Gauteng, extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo, southern parts of Mpumalanga, eastern parts of North West, eastern parts of Free State, as well as the western parts KwaZulu-Natal.

Yellow level 1 warning: Severe thunderstorms, leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges/areas, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail are expected over the north-central parts of the Northern Cape. The weather service also issued warnings for possible fire danger in parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

“Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the western parts of the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the northern parts of the Western Cape.

“Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in places over Namakwa district in the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the Western Cape, except along the south coast and adjacent interior,” the SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala moved to super maximum correctional facility

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Picture: Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

30 December 2025- Suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, has been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad. Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Correctional Services said the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.

“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant.

“This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands. Furthermore, the department emphasised that its core mandate is to ensure the safety and security of all facilities which are “conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes,” said the Department of Correctional Services said.

The department said in this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. It said where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence.

“It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.

“Given the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana through to the Last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Zimbabwe

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 December 2025- Bafana Bafana are through to the Last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Zimbabwe 3-2 in a pulsating five-goal thriller played at the Marrakech Stadium on Monday night. A lot was at stake in this final Group B match and the two COSAFA neighbours started the game with an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

But it was coach Hugo Broos’ charges who raced to an early lead when Tshepang Moremi scored the opening goal of the match in the seventh minute after his goal-bound shot was deflected into the back of the net by Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga. To their credit, the Zimbabweans did not drop their heads after the setback and took the game to the South Africans instead, to the delight of the sizable crowd that was in attendance.

They were eventually rewarded when the troublesome Tawanda Mashwanhise found the back of the net in the 19th minute after dribbling his way past the Bafana Bafana rear-guard. The South Africans reclaimed the lead in the second half after Lyle Foster beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the air and headed his effort into the back of the net in the 50th minute.

But the stubborn Zimbabwe equalised again after a shot from Maswanhise hit Aubrey Modiba and ricocheted into the back of the net in the 73rd minute. Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball inside the area very late in the game.

Man of the match Oswin Appollis calmly stepped up and converted the winning goal of the match from the spot in the 82nd minute.

Meanwhile, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie joined the fans in the stands and added his voice to the many that cheered Bafana Bafana during this exciting showdown between the two neighbouring countries. The South African senior men’s national team will remain in Marrakech until towards the end of the week before travelling to Rabat for their Last 16 match.

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Police looking for missing Mojaki Stoun

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Picture: Missing Mojaki Stoun/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 December 2025- The police in Stella request the assistance of the community in locating a missing man, Mojaki Stoun (61), of Marst Street in Stella, near Vryburg. Stoun was last seen by his nephew at around 15:15pm on 9 December 2025, when he left his place to go to the farm.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, however, he never returned. Mokgwabone said a search was conducted around the surrounding areas without success.

“Investigations were done and all leads were followed up, but that did not yield positive results. At the time of his disappearance, Stoun was wearing black jean trousers with brown and black stripes t-shirt.

“He is dark in complexion, 1.85m tall, medium built with short grey hair, short grey beard and grey moustache. The police request anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Dikatso Nkoto on 076 838 5933,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, alternatively, one can call the nearest local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. He added that, anonymously tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.

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A man nabbed for harbouring creep of tortoises

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Picture: Tortoises seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 December 2025- The multidisciplinary high-density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season Operation which seeks to intensify the fight against crime, yielded positive results when numerous suspects were arrested in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2.

The operations, which were simultaneously and jointly conducted by members from Mogwase, Sun City, Mabeskraal, Dwarsberg Police Stations, as well as the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, targeted among others, businesses trading illegally and in counterfeit goods, enforcement of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) and Road Traffic Management Corporation Act (Act 20 of 1999) as well as tracing of wanted suspects.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said during the operation, 145 vehicles were stopped and searched together with 215 occupants. Tselanyane said a total of 49 traffic fines to the value of R26 400 were issued to drivers.

“Additionally, 20 suspects were arrested for crimes such as assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common, rape and malicious damage to property.

“Moreover, firearms compliance inspections led to the registration of two cases for contravention of Section 120(8)(a) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (failure to store firearms in prescribed safe / strong room) and one illegal immigrant was apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002),” he said.

Tselanyane further said as if that was not enough, the police received a tip-off regarding someone who was harbouring a creep of tortoises and operationalised it. He added that, upon arrival at the suspect’s address, the police found tortoises and arrested the suspect (55), for possession of protected species.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear soon before various courts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for a sterling job and continued commitment of ensuring the safety of our communities.

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A possession of suspected stolen livestock case postponed

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Picture: The suspected stolen goats/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 December 2015- A possession of suspected stolen livestock case against the accused, Tebogo Kelokilwe (32), has been postponed to 6 January 2026 by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court, for a bail application. Kelokilwe was arrested by Vryburg Visible Policing members on 27 December 2025, for possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the vigilant police officers were on routine patrol duties on the N14 (Kuruman / Vryburg) road when they stopped a suspicious white Toyota Hilux bakkie. Mokgwabone said in the process of questioning the accused, the police lifted the bakkie’s back green cover and found 19 goats worth R30 000.

“Kelokilwe was subsequently placed under arrest after failing to account for the stock. The vehicle, 19 goats and three cell phones were confiscated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General ( Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their attentiveness that led to the arrest and the recovery.

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Molapisi sends condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Booi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has sent his heartfelt condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child, Onalenna Booi (19). Onalenna passed away after undergoing the customary initiation at Dithakong village, in Mahikeng.

Molapisi said it is alleged that he was forcefully initiated and collapsed during the pass-out ceremony last weekend. He added that, Onalenna was certified dead at the home of the initiation principal.

“A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and no arrests have been made at this stage. We appeal for a speedy investigation to establish the cause of Onalenna’s death and to determine if all regulations as per the Customary Initiation Act of 2021 were followed.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Booi family and wish them strength during this difficult period. We also appeal to the SAPS to speedily investigate the circumstances that led to his tragic death,” he said.

Molapisi further said if the postmortem results indicate foul play, those responsible must be arrested immediately and face prosecution. He added that, where possible, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must impose a harsher sentence so that this serves as a deterrent to those who want to contaminate our sacred cultural practices.

“The death of Onalenna brings the total number of initiates who have died during this Summer Initiation Season to three. To date, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has shut down seven illegal initiation schools and rescued 68 initiates.

“SAPS has effected six arrests, with all suspects charged with contravening Section 33 of the Customary Initiation Act of 2021. The pass-out of initiates began two weeks ago and will continue until all initiation schools close on 9 January 2026,” said Molapisi.

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1325 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 December 2025- The police in North West and other law enforcement agencies have apprehended 1325 suspects for different crimes between 22 and 28 December 2025, during weekly high density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operations conducted across the province. The police said the suspects were arrested for different crimes, including murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of the 1325 arrested suspects, 344 were arrested by the Detectives as being on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. Mokgwabone said the operations also addressed identified crime generators through Joint Law Enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.

“As a result, 28 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed and large quantities of liquor were confiscated. In addition, the operations led to the confiscation of eight firearms, 84 rounds of ammunition, 17 cell phones, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks, and tobacco products.

“In Sun City, in the Bojanala Sub-District 2, five suspects aged between 25 and 37, were on 27 December 2025, arrested at different addresses in Ledig village, near Sun City, for possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven multidisciplinary operation. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as mandrax, rock, crystal meth, nyaope and khat, with an estimated street value of R10 500,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in addition, the team confiscated R18 000 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all law enforcement agencies members for arresting the suspects as part of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of their communities during the Christmas holidays.

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Bafana Bafana bracing for a tough match

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 December 2025- Bafana Bafana are bracing for a tough match when they face Zimbabwe in a crunch final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B encounter on 29 December 2025. The COSAFA neighbours will face off in a match that will most likely determine who finishes runners-up in the group and also confirm passage to the Last 16 stage of this continental competition.

While the two teams have faced each other several times over the years, this will be the first time that they meet in an AFCON tournament. South African senior men’s national team coach Hugo Broos said they expect a tough match against a team they have played against several times during the four years he has been at the helm.

“It’s not the first time we play against Zimbabwe and in the four years I have been a coach in South Africa, Zimbabwe have been in our group in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. So, we know them very well.

“They know us very well too and they would like to win against us. We felt that already in the previous matches. So again, it will be tough tomorrow, and we have to achieve our best level to get a good result,” said Broos.

Nkosinathi Sibisi further said they know that a victory will also be good motivation going into the next round. Sibisi added that, for them, they are really looking forward to playing the game and hopefully getting a result.

Bafana Bafana beat Angola 2-1 in Marrakech in their opening match of the tournament a week ago and then suffered a 0-1 defeat to Egypt in Agadir in a dramatic second outing that has been the subject of furious debates around the world since Friday.

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A learner dies after being forced into initiation school

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Picture: Grade 12 learner, Onalenna Booi who died at initiation school/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they were shocked and devastated to learn about the death of Onalenna Booi (19), a Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakong East Village, near Mahikeng. Motsumi alleged that Booi died after he was forcefully taken to an initiation school after finishing the writing of his matric examinations in late November 2025.

She further said it is reported that the family did not know about Booi’s whereabouts and they reported it to the police. Motsumi added that it was reported that the family found the deceased’s body on 26 December 2025.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I hereby wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the entire family and the school community of Tiego Tawana Secondary School. It is really sad to receive such news while we, as a country, are waiting for the results of the Class of 2025.

“I am confident that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be able to get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will ensure that the family, learners and teachers are provided with psychosocial support during this difficult period,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Tiego Tawana Secondary School principal, Pogiso Tshipo highlighted that he was expecting a bachelor from this learner. Tshipo said as the school principal for this learner, he is extremely devastated by the sad news.

“I was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner because I know that he was one of the hard-working group of learners. I remember that I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations.

“He was naughty just like all other learners, but when he started Grade 12, his behaviour drastically changed. You could see that this was a learner who was hungry and determined to perform well in his Grade 12 class,” he said.

Tshipo said they had 59 Grade 12 learners, now next year, he will be releasing the results to only 58 learners. He said he does not even know how they are going to handle this process as the school.

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