Picture: A close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 January 2025– A man (46) was arrested for murder. On Thursday evening, 23 January 2025, the police in Mmabatho, were called to the scene at Motlhabeng village, in Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on arrival, a family member allegedly directed the police to the house, where an injured man was found lying on the floor with a stab wound. Myburgh said furthermore, the police allegedly found the body of a woman, Matshidiso Virginia Nqawa (39), inside the bedroom, lying in a pool of blood with numerous stab wounds.
“She was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on the scene. After the initial investigations, it is alleged that a fight ensued between the boyfriend (46) and his girlfriend, Nqawa.
“The boyfriend was ultimately arrested and placed under police guard at a local hospital, but was later discharged and detained at the police station. He is expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s
Court on 27 January 2025 on a charge of murder,” she added.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned the incident and said that the vulnerable groups, such as women and children should at all times be protected, especially by their loved ones. Asaneng encouraged members of the community to solve conflict in a peaceful manner, rather than resorting to violence.
25 January 2025- The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe has pledged her support and commitment to improving SASSA services. Tolashe, who was addressing SASSA senior managers at a strategic planning session in Cape Town on 21 January 2025, congratulated the many social grant beneficiaries who excelled in the 2024 matric exams.
She further said of the 724 156 full time learners, who registered for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), 572 338 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 81% of the registered pupils in the education sector. Tolashe added that these learners achieved a commendable pass rate of 86%.
“This indicates that the investment the government is making in the lives of poor and vulnerable children is yielding positive impacts, in breaking intergenerational poverty.
“Reflecting on recent achievements, we have key milestones and ongoing priorities. We commit to urgently addressing the issue of permanent leadership appointments and the shortage of personnel at most local offices,” she said.
Tolashe said furthermore, there is a need for community-based engagements and outreach activities. She said the community is waiting for their immense intensification of community outreach, where they prioritize underserved areas to bring services closer to the people.
“With regards to SASSA systems, we urged management to prioritize improving and modernizing systems to improve accessibility, queue management and prevent fraud.
“In addition, we have requested SASSA acting CEO, Themba Matlou, to provide a plan that seeks to resolve the challenges of payment channels in rural areas by providing an alternative solution for payments,” said Tolashe.
She said they have committed themselves to work with him and they are available at all times to address the challenges together. Tolashe said they all need to be solution-driven in their course to make changes to the lives of the people through concerted efforts.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango said: “We have called on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to restore the suspended Electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system to allow eligible beneficiaries to verify and receive their grants.
“SASSA has informed all Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients that they are suspending their grant payments to verify and confirm their identity and prevent fraudulent applications. SRD grant beneficiaries are required to re-apply and verify their identity using the eKYC system.”
Masango said, however, SASSA has suspended this system, preventing beneficiaries from verifying their identity. She said they appreciate the effort to combat fraud, but they strongly express concern about the suspended eKYC verification system that leaves thousands of eligible people unable to prove their eligibility.
“According to media reports, SASSA has suspended 100 550 SRD grant payments in the Eastern Cape as part of its ongoing investigation into the weaknesses in the SRD grant payment system. It is not clear what the percentage of those committing fraud is because the verification system is offline.
“The Minister must intervene and ensure that the verification system is brought back online to enable the deserving beneficiaries to receive their grants,” said Masango.
Setshwantsho: Ba lelapa la ga Senyasamore ba tlogetswe ka dikgobalo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
25 Ferikgong 2025- Ba lelapa la ga Senyasamore kwa kgaolong ya Lehatlheng kwa motseng wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung, ba re pula ya matlakadibe e ba tlogetse ba iphotlhere, ga mmogo le dikgobalo tse di masisi. Go begwa fa gape pula e, ile ya tlogela motse otlhe o sena motlakase morago ga go diga dipale tsa Eskom tse di tsamaisang motlakase.
Go ya ka mongwe wa leloko la lelapa, Thabo Senyasamore, go ile ga na pula enngwe fela ya matlakadibe, mme ya phepheula dithulelo tsa ntlo ya bone. Enyasamore are, le ntlo ya baagisani e ile ya amega, morago ga gore dithulelo tsa ntlo ya bone di hokele kwa baagisanying.
“Ke nnete, dithulelo tsa ntlo di ile tsa mumuga, me le ditene le tsone di ile tsa wa. Bana ba le bararo ba ile ba tlogelwa ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, morago ga go welwa ke ditene tsa ntlo. Mo teng ga ntlo gone ga ke bue, re senyegetswe go utlwala.
“Dilwana tsa ntlo jaaka diraka, thebeleishene, setsidifatsi, di oudropo ga mmogo le ditafole di robegile. Dipula tse tsa matlakadibe di re senyeditse, mme ga gona ko re tla tshabelang teng. Ka re le mogwafatshe wa me le one o hokile,” Senyasamore wa tlhalosa.
Senyasamore are mogwafatshe wa gagwe ga se ga ntlha o hoka, mme molekgotlha wa kgorwana ya bone, o mo tshepisitse gore o tla mo tlhaga thuso. Are ba dula ba le bane mo ntlung ya diphaphosi di le pedi.
Kgabagare, molekgotlha yo eleng leloko la komiti ya ga majoro kwa masepaleng o moglolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe, mme ene a ikarabela ka tsa mafaratlhatlha are: “Re tlhaloganya ka botlalo bothata jo bo tlhagetseng ba lelapa la rra Senyasamore. Fela, molekgotlha wa rona wa kwa kgorwaneng eo, o ile a etela lelapa le go dira ditlhotlhomiso tsa gore ba senyegetswe go le go kae.
“Jaanong, re tla itsise ba ba maleba go ka ba tlhaga thuso. Re tlhaloganya gore dipula tse ga di a senya fela kwa Dryharts, mme komiti ya rona e diraga ka tsa matlhotlhapelo, e tsweletse go ka dira ditlhotlhomiso.”
Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 January 2025- The North West University (NWU) is pleased with progress regarding the registration of first-year students for the 2025 academic year. The university said it has received more than 390 000 applications to enrol at the NWU for this academic year.
The NWU Communication Specialist, Bertie Jacobs said they are encouraged and grateful that they remain a university of choice for many prospective students. Jacobs said they are grateful to continue to be recognised for academic excellence, a vibrant student life, and a sound co-curricular environment.
“Registration for first-year students started on 20 January 2025, and to date close to 9 400 have been fully registered. Registration for first-year students closes on 7 February 2025, taking into account qualification capacity.
“We reiterate that walk-ins are strictly not allowed, and late applications for the 2025 academic year will not be considered. We look forward to our returning students starting their registration on 27 January 2025,” he said.
Jacobs further said this process will take place in a staggered approach focusing on specific faculties. He added that detailed step-by-step information is also available to assist students during this journey.
“We acknowledge that some applicants have experienced problems with the registration process. This is partly due to the implementation of a new Student Information System causing a few glitches.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and recommit ourselves to offer the best possible and memorable service. We are attending to the high volume of enquiries and appreciate your patience as we work to respond to each of these as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Jacobs.
He said they have provided several resources to help ensure a smooth registration journey. Jacobs said helpful tools for registration for first-year students are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here).
“Registration and orientation information (Learn more about the registration process and orientation for first-year students). Registration Navigator (Use this interactive tool to guide you through the registration process)
“Let’s Get You Registered infographic (a visual guide to help you complete your registration). Eight steps to registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration),” he said.
Jacobs said registration video can be accessed and students can watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance. He said helpful tools for registration for senior students are also available.
“Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here). Registration Video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance). Step by step registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration).
“We encourage you to use these tools to address any queries you might have and to ensure a smooth start to your academic journey. We cannot wait to welcome all our registered students to our campuses in anticipation of the start of the 2025 academic year which is scheduled to start on 10 February 2025,” said Jacobs.
He said students who experience challenges during the registration process are encouraged to use the following channels such as WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 60 070 2606
25 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he wishes to express his profound gratitude and stand before this important gathering which is primarily aimed at assisting the municipalities to find solutions to a variety of challenges stifling their constitutional mandate and developmental needs.
Mokgosi said he wanted to out rightly state that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and in particular Section 152 of the Constitution implores municipalities to provide democratic and accountable government through sustainable provision of goods and services. He further said moreover, the Constitution induces municipalities to commit to good governance practices such as accountability, transparency as well as responsiveness by being development orientated through working with citizens to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs as well as improving their quality of life.
“All these serve as a Constitutional imperative for the efficient running of municipalities in that this sphere of government is strategically positioned to reverse the injustices of the past, which among others are as a consequence of separate development and Apartheid spatial planning.
“In the past 30 years we have made significant progress in turning the tide against the skewed allocation of resources in our communities by the Apartheid government. To this end we have increased provision of housing by 46 % and from 1996 to date over 85. 1 % of households in our province live in formal dwellings,” said Mokgosi.
He added that, in addition to this, more than 85.6% residents of North West have access to piped or tap water in their dwellings and the General Household Survey shows that access to improved sanitation is standing at 78.3 % since the advent of democracy. Mokgosi said despite these achievements municipalities are inundated with both political and administrative challenges which have fermented an unpleasant environment, which continues to impede on our efforts to render services to our people.
“Announcing audit outcomes of municipalities in the last financial year, Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke, maintained that municipalities in our province have shown little improvement in their audit outcomes, with none of them receiving a clean audit.
“Of concern is a lack of tangible financial management systems which have led to irregular expenditure, unfunded budget and delays in paying service providers among others,” he said.
Mokgosi said compounding these challenges is a lack of oversight and weak leadership. He said municipalities in Ngaka Modiri Molema Region mirror a similar trajectory. He said none of these municipalities received a clean audit outcome with Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities, receiving disclaimers for two consecutive financial years.
“Ditsobotla, Ramotshere Moiloa and Tswaing currently under mandatory intervention in terms of Section 139 (5) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act. However, there is a glimmer of hope in relation to Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa.
“I believe that given the systems that have been put in place through various interventions by North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapsi and North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi, will move from qualified to unqualified audit opinion,” he said.
24 January 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 29 January 2025 for further hearing. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) legal representative placed it on record that he is a suicide risk.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this is informed by his failed bid to avoid extradition to South Africa from the United Kingdom, wherein he engaged the service of a private psychiatrist, who testified that he was not fit for extradition, citing his possible suicidal state. Mamothame said the state further believes the accused is a flight risk based on his suspicious travel out of the country through Namibia, back to the United Kingdom in 2018, while investigations had started in 2017.
“He further failed to voluntarily hand himself over to the South African authorities after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He instead opted to fight his extradition to evade trial,” he said.
Picture: The carcass of the cow seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 January 2025- Two men aged 23 and 35, were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen cow. The accused persons, Tshegofatso Jacob Mekgwe (35) and Mohau Eric Plaatjie (23), briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 21 and 22 January 2025, for possession of a suspected stolen cow carcass.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said they were both granted bail of R1500 each and their case was postponed until 18 March 2025. Myburgh sais Mekgwe and Plaatjie were arrested on Sunday night, 19 January 2025.
“The accused were arrested after police in Tshidilamolomo village, near Mahikeng, received a tip-off and acted upon it. This led them to a house, where the pair was found in possession of a cow carcass. With the assistance of the brand marks on the carcass, it was established that the cow owner is one of the accused’s employer,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, praised the police members for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the carcass and the arrest of the accused. Asaneng encouraged all stock theft owners to brand mark their animals as this will assist the police tremendously with their investigations and bring perpetrators to book.
24 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said they aim to raise awareness regarding bullying and cyberbullying in schools, as learners are commencing their 2025 school calendar year. The police said victims of bullying and or cyberbullying can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said it can lead to emotional and physical harm, loss of self-esteem, feelings of shame and anxiety, concentration and learning difficulties and in some instances, young people committing suicide. Sam said young people therefore need to realise that, depending on the nature of the acts, cyber bullying and bullying are criminal offences and the perpetrator may be criminally charged with crimen injuria, assault and or criminal defamation, accompanied by a criminal record.
“The police request that the safety hints for the prevention of cyberbullying and bullying in schools be adhered to. Do not respond, if someone bullies you. Remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you, so do not retaliate. Responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour.
“Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression. Save the evidence, online messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. Save evidence even if it is minor as cyberbullying can escalate. Block the bully, use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it happens while you are chatting, leave the room or area,” he said.
He further said learners should report any abusive comments to the social media website administrators. Sam added that, they should reach out for help, talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help.
“Parents and teachers need to spot the warning signs of cyberbullying. Check if your child becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the internet or a cellular phone. Note if your child appears anxious when receiving a text, email, or have been on social media websites.
“Take note if your child avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities. Check if your child withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed. Note if your child refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities,” he said.
Sam urges parents to see if their children illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety. He said parents can prevent cyberbullying before it starts by teaching your children to block communication with cyberbullies.
“Not post or share their personal information online, including their full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or their friends’ personal information. Not share their internet passwords with anyone. Not to talk about or share information about their life online. Not put anything online that they would not want their classmates to see. Not send messages when they are angry or upset.
“Always be as polite online as they are in person. The police will continue with campaigns and programmes at schools and communities in the Northern Cape province to address bullying and cyber bullying in order to promote safer schools,” said Sam.
Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 January 2025- Two men were allegedly caught red-handed by the police stealing copper cables at a train line just outside Victoria West. On 23 January 2025, at around 4pm, the police in Victoria West and Transnet Security received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly stealing copper cables and operationalised it.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police allegedly found a group of men stealing copper cables from Transnet lines worth about R150 000. Kock said two of the six suspects were arrested while the other four fled and are still at large.
“The two suspects are foreign nationals aged 35 and 41 years-old, respectively. They will appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s soon for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Victoria West SAPS and Transnet Security for the outstanding arrests. Otola said this displays the excellent collaboration between the police and security sector, together with communities to dismantle crimes related to essential infrastructure and key points.
“The SAPS encourages the community to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: Police seized some metals during arrests/Supplied
24 January 2025- The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminium and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.
In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminium, and other valuable materials.
Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminium and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.
The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.
Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.
“There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.
The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.
“The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.
The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.
“As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
The Guardian 